Working with Power Automate Child Flows: Add a Child Flow To a Parent Flow

Ian Grieve3 minute read0 comment

Power AutomateThis article is part of the Working with Power Automate Child Flows series and of the larger Working with Power Automate series I am writing on my experiences working with the Power Automate, which is part of the Power Platform from Microsoft. I also have a related series of articles on Power Automate with Microsoft Dynamics 365 BC.

With the child flow created and the run-only users setting changed, we can add the child flow to parent flows. In this article, I am going to create an example flow which prompts the user for a message which is passed into the child flow and then receives back and emails an output message from the child flow.

The parent calling a child flow, can be any type of flow, but for this example, I am creating an instant cloud flow. Do this by opening your solution and clicking New » Automation » Cloud flow » Instant:

Solution page with the new flow menu open

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New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1: Chat with Copilot

Ian Grieve3 minute read0 comment

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business CentralThis post is part of the New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1 series in which I am taking a look at the new functionality introduced in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1.

The 9th of the new functionality in the Copilot and AI innovation section is chat with Copilot.

For Microsoft’s customers, much of their workday revolves around chatting with coworkers, customers, and vendors to get insights and solve problems. Now, Dynamics 365 Copilot helps them continue the conversation in Business Central with AI-powered chat alongside their data. Copilot in Business Central transforms how people approach business applications by empowering workers to express themselves using their own language.

Enabled for: Users, automatically
Public Preview: Apr 2024
General Availability: –

Feature Details

While in preview, Copilot will be able to assist with the following:

  • Quickly find and go to your data by expressing what you’re looking for in natural language. Locate pages by name or one or more records based on their fields and constraints. For example, tell Copilot: "Show me the latest sales order for Adatum."
  • Explain and guide to learn about Business Central concepts or how to accomplish tasks, based on Business Central’s extensive online documentation. For example, ask Copilot: "How do I save my list filters so that I can use them again later?"

Watch the video

The new chat pane sits alongside your data in Business Central

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New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1: View Incoming Documents in Archived Quotes and Orders

Ian Grieve2 minute read0 comment

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business CentralThis post is part of the New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1 series in which I am taking a look at the new functionality introduced in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1.

The 26th of the new functionality in the Application section is view incoming documents in archived quotes and orders.

The ability to view incoming documents added to sales and purchase quotes and orders, even after they are archived, enhances your document management efficiency, ensures seamless access to critical information, supports informed decisions, and reduces administrative overhead.

Enabled for: Users, automatically
Public Preview: Mar 2024
General Availability: Apr 2024

Feature Details

After you archive purchase and sales quotes and orders, either manually or automatically, the archived version of those documents contains the incoming document you attached before you archived them.

For example, let’s say you attached an incoming document to a purchase order, and then fully received and invoiced the order.

Shows purchase order with No. of Archived Versions field and Incoming Document FactBox highlighted

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Working with Power Automate Child Flows: Change Run Only Users For Child Flow

Ian Grieve2 minute read1 Comment

Power AutomateThis article is part of the Working with Power Automate Child Flows series and of the larger Working with Power Automate series I am writing on my experiences working with the Power Automate, which is part of the Power Platform from Microsoft. I also have a related series of articles on Power Automate with Microsoft Dynamics 365 BC.

After creating a child flow, there is one setting in the flow which needs to be set. This is to change the Run only users setting. Do this, by opening the flow to see the details and clicking the Edit button in the Run only users box in the lower right corner of the page:

Child flow detail page with Run only users section ringed

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New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1: Assign Salesperson to Customer Ship-to Addresses

Ian Grieve2 minute read0 comment

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business CentralThis post is part of the New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1 series in which I am taking a look at the new functionality introduced in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1.

The 25th of the new functionality in the Application section is assign salesperson to customer ship-to addresses.

Assign salespeople to the shipping location rather than the billing address to ensure accurate sales reports by reflecting the true geographical distribution of your sales. Assigning a salesperson to a customer’s ship-to address gives you more precise insights, optimizes resource allocation, and drives strategic growth in your business.

Enabled for: Users, automatically
Public Preview: Mar 2024
General Availability: Apr 2024

Feature Details

You can assign a salesperson on the Customer card page by choosing Customer, and then Ship-To Addresses to open the Ship-to Addresses List page. Choose Manage, and then Edit to open the Ship-to Address card page. Enter or choose a Salesperson Code to select the salesperson who is responsible for the customer’s ship-to address.

Shows Ship-To Address page with Salesperson code field highlighted

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New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1: Inventory Package Numbers Work Like Item Tracking Dimensions

Ian Grieve3 minute read0 comment

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business CentralThis post is part of the New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1 series in which I am taking a look at the new functionality introduced in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1.

The 24th of the new functionality in the Application section is inventory package numbers work like item tracking dimensions.

This update addresses a gap that was present when the feature was originally introduced, and unlocks physical inventory orders for companies that use package-specific tracking.

Enabled for: Users by admins, makers, or analysts
Public Preview: Mar 2024
General Availability: Apr 2024

Feature Details

To start using this feature, you must activate Feature Update: Enable use of package tracking in physical inventory orders on the Feature Management page. Existing physical inventory orders will be updated, however, Business Central can’t populate the Package no. field. You must recreate these lines using the Calculate Lines action on the Phys. Inventory Order page.

You can enter the package number for items where package tracking is needed on the Phys. Inventory Recording Lines page. Choose Finish to finalize recording.

After you choose Finish in the Physical Inventory Order, Business Central will calculate differences with respect to the package and other item tracking details, and will make positive or negative adjustments.

Physical Inventory - Item Tracking

Click to show/hide the New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1 Series Index

New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1
Use Virtual Tables to Expose More Business Central Data in Dataverse
Improve Approval Processes via Power Automate
Add Table and Field Mappings for Existing Integration Tables
Find a Matching Record in a Power Automate Flow
Archive Projects
Usability Improves for Service and Projects
Use Deferral Codes in Purchase and Sales Journals
Define a Service Invoice Posting Policy for Various Users
Define Default Location for Project or Project Phase
Block Item, Item Variant or Service Item from Use in Service Management transactions
Connect Business Central With Shopify B2B
Set Up Financial Consolidation Runs More Efficiently
Simpler Shopify Connection
Use General Ledger Account Revaluation for More Accurate Financial Statements
Get More Productive While Entering Time Sheets
Create Projects That You Can Invoice to Multiple Customers
Assemble to Project
Invoice a Customer for Multiple Projects
Use New Excel Layouts for 35 Selected Reports
Use Standard Terminology for Project Management
Use Currencies When Posting Employee Transactions
Manage Work Orders in Field Service, Invoice Them in Business Central
Manage Document Attachments in Service Items and Documents
Export and Import Multiline Text Using Configuration Packages
Correct Errors in Service Invoices
Prevent Editing Number Series on Service Documents and Cards
Be More Productive When Approving Time Sheets
Inventory Package Numbers Work Like Item Tracking Dimensions
Assign Salesperson to Customer Ship-to Addresses
View Incoming Documents in Archived Quotes and Orders
Specify Dimensions on Posted Entries Applications With Realized Gains or Losses
Allow Lines with Amounts of Zero on Recurring General Journals
Automate the Reminders Process in Collections
See Improved Usability for Warehouse and Inventory
Ensure Accurate Inventory Valuation by Controlling Cost Adjustment
Use a New Role Center for Collection Management
Manage Subscription Billing and Revenue and Expense Recognition
Enable Sustainability Features for Integrations with APIs
Install Field Service Integration with Business Central from AppSource
Introduce Power Automate Copilot Integration with Business Central
Map e-Documents to Purchase Order Lines with Copilot
Create Sales Lines Easily with Copilot
Extend Copilot Using Richer Development Tools
Get to Insights Faster with Copilot-Generated Analysis Tabs
Complete Bank Account Reconciliation Faster With Copilot
Create Product Information Faster with Copilot
Learn More About Fields with Copilot
Chat with Copilot
Simplify collections with Copilot for Finance and Business Central
Automate Tests for your Copilot Extensions with the Business Central Test Toolkit
Automate IRS 1099 Form Submission in US
Enable Additional Countries and Regions
Install UK Localization as an App
Process Czech Bank Statements, Payment Orders More Productively
Improvement of Czech Localization Reports
Report Explorer has Additional Outputs in the Czech Version
Improved Updates of ARES Data in the Czech Version
Allow More Extendability of Advance Payments in the Czech Version
Print QR Codes on Sales Invoices in the Czech Version
Use Excel Layouts for Czech Reports
Handle Multiple File Uploads and File Drop Zones
Debug the System Application
Remove Friction When Working with External App Dependencies
Use In-client Page Scripting Tool for Acceptance Testing
Use AL-controlled Barcode Scanning For All Scenarios
Write flexible and performant code with NumberSequences
Use the OData V4 IN Operator in Web Service Queries
Define Extension Objects in Same App as Their Base Object
Use Cookies in HTTP Calls From Business Central
Define Tooltips on Table Fields
Use Linked Environment in Dataverse Integration
Audit Business Central Operations in Microsoft Purview
Encrypt Data At-Rest with Customer-Managed Encryption Key
Allow Customers to Consent to Microsoft Support Accessing Their Data
Link Business Central Environments to Power Platform Environments
Copy Companies with Dataverse Integration Safely
View and Filter Users With Additional User Details
Control partner access per environment
Analyze Telemetry Events Across Browser and Server for a Session or User
Use Premium License to Sign In to Environment with Essentials Licenses
Experience the New Embedded AppSource Marketplace Page
Migrate Record Links and Notes with Cloud Migration Tooling
See VAT Date in Posting Previews
Automate Country of Origin Listed for Item Tracking Code in Intrastat Reporting
Achieve Sustainable Compliance with Business Central
Discover Report and Data Analysis Content Easily
Use Drag and Drop to Attach Multiple Files
Use Actions to Navigate and Highlight or Fix Platform-Generated Errors
Share Error Details to Get Help from Another User
Access Worksheet Pages from Mobile Phones
Boost Productivity With the Modern Action Bar
Enhancements to the User Experience
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Working with Power Automate Child Flows: Create a Child Flow

Ian Grieve3 minute read3 Comments

Power AutomateThis article is part of the Working with Power Automate Child Flows series and of the larger Working with Power Automate series I am writing on my experiences working with the Power Automate, which is part of the Power Platform from Microsoft. I also have a related series of articles on Power Automate with Microsoft Dynamics 365 BC.

Child flows in Power Automate are quite easy to create and there is actually very little difference between creating a child flow and a normal flow; the main difference is actually in the final step of the child flow. In this example, I’m going to create a simple child flow, including a step to send an email, just to show a complete flow.

Child flows are created as instant cloud flows. To create a child flow, open your solution and click New » Automation » Cloud flow » Instant:

Power Automate Solution page with the menu open to create a new Instant cloud flow

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New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1: Be More Productive When Approving Time Sheets

Ian Grieve3 minute read0 comment

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business CentralThis post is part of the New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1 series in which I am taking a look at the new functionality introduced in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1.

The 23rd of the new functionality in the Application section is be more productive when approving time sheets.

The ability to quickly and easily approve multiple time sheets at the same time makes the approval process more efficient for managers. Reducing the time and effort managers spend on reviewing and approving individual time sheets gives them more time to focus on their core business.

Enabled for: Users, automatically
Public Preview: Mar 2024
General Availability: Apr 2024

Feature Details

You can now set up how Business Central will handle empty lines during submission for approval by choosing Time Submission Policy in the Resource Setup page:

  • Choose Empty Lines Not Submitted to skip lines that don’t contain hours to submit. This is the default setting.
  • Choose Stop and Show Empty Line Error to stop processing the time sheet if one or more lines are missing hours.
Shows Resource Setup with Time Submission Policy field highlighted

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MADIC dynamics Knowledge Hub Webinar on Tuesday 19th March 2024: Extending Business Central with Power Automate

Ian Grieve1 minute read0 comment

MADIC dynamicsHere at MADIC dynamics we will be presenting a Knowledge Hub Webinar at 1400 UK time on Tuesday.

Learn how Business Central can be extended with Power Automate, from approvals to process automation to document distribution and more.

The webinar is open to everyone who wants to sign up and join:

No march-2024 events found.
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Working with Power Automate Child Flows: What are Child Flows?

Ian Grieve6 minute read0 comment

Power AutomateThis article is part of the Working with Power Automate Child Flows series and of the larger Working with Power Automate series I am writing on my experiences working with the Power Automate, which is part of the Power Platform from Microsoft. I also have a related series of articles on Power Automate with Microsoft Dynamics 365 BC.

As I mentioned in the article on managing large flows in Power Automate, there are two ways of managing large flows by breaking them down; the first is using scopes which allow you to segment a large flow into different sections, but this approach keeps the flow as one large flow and does retain some of the problems inherent in doing this.

The second approach is to break the large flow up into a number of child flows. This method forms part of a typical approach to ALM (application lifecycle management). As well as allowing you to break a flow down into multiple smaller flows, making them easier to understand and maintain, the child flowa approach means these smaller child flows become reusable, so you can use them again and again within different flows without needing to create the same set of steps within every flow. This can be very useful when creating a set of flows with similar purpose, such as a suite of approval workflows, where you need to check the users automatic reply settings on their mailbox to see if a delegation is required.

This re-usability is a key reason why child flows should be used wherever a set of steps would otherwise need to be replicated; by creating and calling the child flow each time, instead of replicating the steps, it is easier to maintain if changes are required in future, but also means there can be no variance in the logic which is applied to this set of repeatable steps.

There are some potential issues around using child flows, which it is probably worth mentioning:

  • Child flows are only available within a solution (technically there is a way to use them outside of a solution, but all your flows should be within a solution anyway as part of ALM and deployment to production via a managed solution.
  • Child flows are only accessible from within the solution they were created, so you can;t deploy two solutions and have them access the child flow.
  • Related to the above point, if you want to use the same child flow in a second solution, you need to manually recreate it as a new child flow within the second solution, as it likely won’t work correctly if you import it (the same is true of the parent flow calling the child).
  • Input variables can be passed from the parent flow to the child flow; if you need a lot of parameters passing in, then creating them as an array

As with much else around Power Automate flows, proper planning and design is required before you start building the flows.

Working with Power Automate

Working with Power Automate
What is Power Automate?
What Type of Flow Are Available?
What Type of Cloud Flows Are Available?
Power Automate with Business Central
Working with Power Automate Solutions: What Are Solutions?
Working with Power Automate Solutions: What Types of Solution Are There?
Working with Power Automate Solutions: What is a Solution Publisher?
Working with Power Automate Solutions: Create a Solution Publisher
Working with Power Automate Solutions: Create a Solution
Working with Power Automate Solutions: Publish a Solution
Working with Power Automate Solutions: Version Numbering for Solutions
Working with Power Automate Solutions: Exporting An Unmanaged Solution
Working with Power Automate Solutions: Importing An Unmanaged Solution
Working with Power Automate Solutions: Exporting A Managed Solution
Working with Power Automate Solutions: Importing A Managed Solution
Working with Power Automate Solutions: Change the Managed Properties of a Solution Component
Create a Visio Diagram of a Flow
What Are Environment Variables and Why Should They be Used?
Create an Environment Variable
Create a New Cloud Flow From a Template
Managing Large Flows
What is a Scope?
Example of How to Use a Scope
Best Practice For Using Scopes
Working with Power Automate Child Flows: What are Child Flows?
Working with Power Automate Child Flows: Create a Child Flow
Working with Power Automate Child Flows: Change Run Only Users For Child Flow
Working with Power Automate Child Flows: Add a Child Flow To a Parent Flow
Working with Power Automate Child Flows: Test the Parent/Child Flow Examples
Working with Power Automate Child Flows: Error Encountered Saving a Flow Which Calls a Child Flow
Working with Power Automate Child Flows: Error Encountered With Surprise Extra Parameters for a Child Flow
Calculate 30 Days Ago
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