Set up Cloud Connect for Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O

This guide explains the process of configuring Experlogix Cloud Connect within Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O. The purpose of this guide is to provide step-by-step instructions for adding parameters, configuring integration APIs, and defining processing entities to streamline the BOM and Route generation process across companies.

As the configurations can involve intercompany operations, this setup ensures that businesses can manage production details, making the process flexible and scalable. The guide includes real-world examples, references to external documentation, and detailed instructions to support successful implementation.

Adding the Configurator URL details to the Experlogix Parameters

1. In Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O, in the left pane, select Modules.

2. From the options displayed in the left pane, select Experlogix Integrator.

   

3. Select Experlogix Parameters. The Experlogix Parameters screen displays.

4. In the Configurator URL field, enter the Configurator URL.

   

5. Select the Save button at the upper-left corner of the screen.

   Your Experlogix parameters are saved in Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O.

Adding Integration API Details

1. Navigate to the Experlogix Parameters screen.

2. At the upper-left corner of the screen, select the Edit button.

3. Select the Integration API tab.

   

4. In the Integration API URL field, enter the Unified Integration API URL.

5. For the remaining Integration API tab fields, fill in the details as described below:

6. At the upper-left corner of the screen, select the Save button.

The Integration API details are added in Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O. Next we'll define the Processing Entities to use in Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O, continue to Adding Processing Entities.

Adding Processing Entities

Adding the processing entities defines which entities within Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O that the Experlogix Configurator and BOM Route Generator can interact with and process work on.

Currently Supported Entities in Cloud Connect

The following entities are available for configuration in Cloud Connect CPQ:

1. In Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O, in the left pane, select Modules.

2. From the options displayed in the left pane, select Experlogix Integrator. The Experlogix Integrator options display.

3. Select Experlogix Processing Entities.

   

4. On the toolbar at the top, select Actions.

5. Select the Initialize action.

   

You've added the processing entities for Cloud Connect Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O. In the list, the default set of processing entities displays.

Connection Type

After adding processing entities, it's important to understand how the Connection Type parameter for each processing entity affects how data is stored and shared across Companies. The connection type defines how the configuration data and process state are stored for a processing entity.

See the table below for Connection Type options: 

User Roles in Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O

The following table provides the descriptions for user roles in Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O.

Set up Number Sequences

Setting up a number sequence in Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O is critical for ensuring consistency and uniqueness across various transactional and operational processes, including sales orders, BOM management, and route generation. This section outlines the configuration of a number sequence and demonstrates how it integrates with the Process Designer and Cloud Connect.

In this guide, you'll learn how to: 

• Access and configure the number sequence in Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O

• Set the scope parameters for number sequences in Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O

• Define the different sequences of your number sequences in Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O to ensure both uniqueness and architectural uniformity

This setup guarantees that each generated number is unique and fits within the structure required by your Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O environment. For guidance on navigating to number sequences in Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O, please refer to, set up number sequences on an individual basis from Microsoft. Use the parameter table below as a guide, as the values will differ depending on your unique setup.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O Number Sequences Parameters Example

BOM Route Generator

The traditional Experlogix database setup includes Series, databases, Categories, Options, and Properties. While this setup allows complete control over the Configurator and the information created in Dynamics 365, it requires changes to be applied and moved across development stages(Test, Stage, Production) which can be cumbersome for larger organizations. The new BOM Route Generator for Cloud Connect Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O addresses this by:

• Defining variables within Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O.

• Using the Experlogix database and Cloud Connect to assign variables and values to configurations.

Linking these variables to active BOM/Route lines in Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O, and creates an ‘over-complete’ or ‘super’ BOM/Route that filters options based on the set variables and values. These changes streamline the process by reducing the need for frequent Configurator publications, facilitating better collaboration.

BOM & Route Generation parameters

To ensure the proper functionality of the Experlogix BOM and Route Generator, it is crucial to complete the parameter setup for each company where the generator will be used. Since BOMs and Routes are stored by company in Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O, you must define a BOM/Route number sequence in the Parameters form for each entity.

Follow these steps to update the parameters for your organization and save the configuration for the BOM/Route Generator.

1. In Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O, in the search box, search for Parameters and select > Experlogix Integrator > Parameters.

   

2. Update the Parameters for your organization.

   

3.Select the Save button.

You've successfully setup the parameters for the BOM Route in this company. Next we'll set up the processing entities for this company for interacting with the BOM and Route Generator, continue to Processing entity setup.

Data Migration

As part of the BOM Route generator , Experlogix supplies the following data entities to support easy import and export of data:

Processing entity setup

This section provides a step-by-step guide for setting up processing entities within the Experlogix Integrator. You will be guided through the selection of data entities and the configuration of the Connector handler.

1. In Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O, in the search box, search for Experlogix Processing and select Experlogix Integrator > Experlogix Processing Entities.

   

2. Select Actions.

3. 

   Select Entity wizard.

4. In the Enter Data entity or Table ID field, search and select XplBrgItemConfigEntity.

   

5. Select Next.

   

6. Select Finish.

7. Repeat steps 2 through Step 7 for XplBrgItemConfigEntity.

8. In the List view, select Experlogix processing entity XplBrgItemConfigEntity.

   

If you do not see the Connector handler field, you must personalize your view to display it on the form. For more information, see the Personalization toolbar.

9. Set the Connector handler to XplBrgConnectorHandler.

You've successfully set up the processing entities for the BOM and Route in this company. Next, we’ll focus on Experlogix Variables, which are crucial for streamlining the BOM and Route generation processes across companies in an intercompany set up. Continue to the Experlogix Variables section to learn how to setup Experlogix global variables for flexible operations.

Experlogix Variables

Experlogix variables streamline the BOM and Route generation processes by providing a global list of variables you can assign to configurations across companies. You manage these variables in the Experlogix Integrator module under BOM & Route Generation > Variables. Since they are stored globally, they are not tied to a specific company, making them more flexible and efficient for intercompany operations.

Accessing the Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O Global Experlogix Variables

In Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O, in the search box, search for Variables and select > Experlogix Integrator > Variables.

You can create and manage Experlogix variables using the actions in the form ribbon.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O Experlogix Integrator BOM & Route Generation Variables Parameters

Field	Description
Variable	Display the ID of the variable.
Description	(Optional)Provides a user-friendly description of the variable.
Data type BOM Route Generator	Sets the data type of the variable with the following options: Text, Integer, Real, Enumerated text, and Boolean
Type of variable	Sets the behavior of the variable with the following options. Selection: Used to include or exclude a line. Quantity/Time: Used to replace a value on a line.
Values	If the Data type Bom Route Generator parameters are enumerated text, the Values button in the ribbon can be accessed. The Values table opens as a new table. Field Description Value Defines the value for the variable. The Configurator usually defines this value unless the Data type Bom Route Generator value is Enumerated text. Description (Optional)Provides a user-friendly description of the variable.

Variables General Tab

The Variables General tab displays additional information based on the selected variable in the Overview tab. Once you select a variable, the General tab auto-populates with relevant data, offering an at-a-glance summary of key variable attributes.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O Experlogix Integrator BOM & Route Generation Variables General Tab Parameters

Setting up the Process Designer for BOM and Route

When using the above setup, you must create a Number Series for the BOM Route Generator in Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O. There are several methods to achieve this, but each configuration must have a unique identifier for each Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O company. Creating the unique Number Series is crucial to enable item configuration in an intercompany setup.

1. Create the default processing maps for Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O in Process Designer, see Process Designer Examples.

2. In Process Maps in Process Designer, add the following entities for BOM and Route, see the Process Map Details Tab for more information on setting up Process Maps.

• XplBrgItemConfigEntity Header Details

• XplBrgItemConfigEntity Lines - mapping

Name	Field	Data type	Mapping type	Value	Option Attribute	Source	Destination
ConfigId	Configuration ID	String	Property	Any text property present on Option			ConfigMas
Description	Description	String	Property	Description
ItemConfigId	Item config id	String	NumberSeries* Prerequisites When using the above setup, you must create a Number Series for the BOM Route Generator in Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O. There are several methods to achieve this, but each configuration must have a unique identifier for each Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O company. Creating the unique Number Series is crucial to enable item configuration in an intercompany setup.	BRG

• XplBrgConfigValueEntity Header Details

• XplBrgConfigValueEntity Lines - mapping

3. Test your setup to see if the setup has been done correctly. If set up is done correctly when you save and close on one of the supported entities, the BOM and Route will generate automatically.

Example Process structure for BOM and Route

The ConfigVar Category is used to write the 1:N variable to the item config table in Experlogix and provides the following data in our example: Data Example File.

Link Experlogix variables to a BOM

In Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O, Experlogix integrates with the Bill of Materials (BOM). Linking Experlogix variables to a BOM enables users to dynamically adjust production details based on defined variables such as quantity, time, or product attributes (e.g., Color).

1. In Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O, in the search box, search for Bills of Materials and select Product information management >Bills of materials and formulas.

2. Select a BOM from the list.

3. Select a BOM line

4. Select the BOM Values button.

5. Select the +New button.

6. Create a BOM Line copy rule.

   1. In the And Or selection dropdown, define whether to use advanced logic.

   2. (Optional) Set your Not selection value if you want to invert the statement's logic so that the value does not equal the value.

   3. In the Variable dropdown, select the variables for the condition. The Type of Variable is automatically populated based on your selected variable.

   4. In the Operator dropdown, select the Operator for the rule.

   5. In the Value dropdown, select the value for the variable when evaluating the rule.

Example BOM Condition on Variable Color

In this process, if the client selects "Blue" as the item color, the system will create a copy of the BOM line. Additionally, the BomQty field, which has a Type of variable value of Quantity/Time, will be dynamically replaced with the value provided by the Experlogix configuration during this action.

7. Select Save.

Once you've set up the condition in the BOM Values form, be sure to approve and activate the BOM. Experlogix relies on the Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O active BOM concept to locate the Overcomplete/Super BOM. For more detailed guidance on activating BOMs in Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O, refer to the official Microsoft documentation.

Link Experlogix variables to a Route

In Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O, Experlogix integrates with the Route functionality to enable dynamic adjustments to production processes based on defined variables. This allows businesses to streamline operations by configuring routes based on specific attributes, similar to the process for BOMs.

1. In Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O, in the search box, search for All routes and select Product information management> Bills of materials and formulas.

2. Select a route.

3. Select Route.

4. Select Route Details.

5. From the Route Details page, select Route.

6. Select the Route Values button.

7. Select the +New button.

8. Set up a Route Operation Copy Rule:

   1. In the And/Or selection dropdown, define whether to use advanced logic.

   2. Set your Not selection value, if needed, to invert the condition.

   3. In the Variable dropdown, select the variable for the condition.

   4. In the Operator dropdown, choose the operator to apply.

   5. In the Value dropdown, select the value for the variable when evaluating the rule.

Example Route Condition on Variable Size:

In this example, if the client selects 1000 as the value for the Size variable, the system will create a copy of the route operation. Additionally, the RunTime field, which has a Type of variable value of Quantity/Time, will be dynamically replaced with the value provided by the Experlogix configuration during this action.

9. Select Save.

Once you have set up the condition in the Route Values form, you must approve and activate the route to finalize the configuration. Like the BOM process, Experlogix relies on the active route concept in Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O. For more details on activating routes, please refer to the official Microsoft documentation.