Microsoft highlights Dynamics 365 for Retail on-premises, distribution management updates at Retail Realm 2018

Microsoft addressed Dynamics 365 retail partners this week with new guidance on a cloud-centric, modular future. The product roadmap is set to deliver more sector-specific needs and architectural enhancements, along with more flexible distribution capabilities and sales and service tie-ins.

"You think of every industry that is changing due to cloud technology. (For example) you don't need to buy or own a car. You don't even need to pick up your wallet," Microsoft program manager for Dynamics 365 for Retail Balaji Balasubramanian said in the keynote presentation at this week's Retail Realm Conference in Las Vegas. "(Cloud technology) is everywhere, in healthcare, in the public sector and in retail."

Among the biggest selling points of Dynamics 365 in retail is its ability to be modular, unified in its capabilities, along with insight and intelligence, and adaptability, Balasubramanian explained.

"You can take the platform and build on it," he told the audience. "Microsoft has a tremendous amount of other assets - Azure, Office. Office 365 and Dynamics 365 are key business (tools)."

Dynamics 365 allows retailers to work with together their existing (perhaps on-premises) retail systems while running their businesses in the cloud, he said.

The newest version of Dynamics 365 for Retail, to be rolled out next year, will allow customizing for various retail sectors -- such as fashion or jewelry - and different types of stores, Balasubramanian noted. The solution will also focus on helping retailers handle customer service issues such as shipping, inventory distribution and service calls for repairs.

Brion Reusche, who has spent 12 years working for Microsoft as a partner and as an employee, co-presented ...