Microsoft readies new Dynamics 365-branded HCM apps, virtual customer service agents
Microsoft is expanding its Dynamics 365 ERP/CRM portfolio with more apps in the human capital management (HCM) space.
Microsoft introduced its first dedicated HCM application in April, called Dynamics 365 for Talent. That application, which became available for purchase in July, integrates with LinkedIn Recruiter and provides a consolidated HR profile, spanning Office 365 Dynamics 365 and LinkedIn profiles.
At the company's Ignite IT pro conference in Orlando this week, Microsoft officials announced plans for two additional HCM apps: Dynamics 365 for Talent: Attract and Dynamics 365 for Talent: Onboard.
Officials described these two new additions, which they said will be available later this year, as more modular software as a service (SaaS) apps. They will be able to take advantage of users' existing data, link to their existing HR systems, and integrate with LinkedIn, Office 365 and Dynamics 365.
Microsoft officials said they see these new apps as a way to transform a single business process, rather than trying to convince users to rip out and replace their core HCM systems that provide everything from payroll to benefits management.
The Attract app will provide a way to "attract the right people," officials said, by allowing them to profile job candidates and get insights into the available pool of candidates. Onboard will help companies personalize the onboarding process, Microsoft said, with new resources and training.
Microsoft officials said to expect the company to introduce more modular business-process-focused SaaS apps in the same vein in the future.
Microsoft also showed off and discussed at the show some new custom virtual support agents that the company has built for use by Microsoft itself, HP and Macy's.
Although Microsoft has named this agent technology "Dynamics 365 AI Solutions," the underlying technology has no connection with Microsoft's Dynamics 365 product line. (I think Microsoft went with the Dynamics 365 branding because Dynamics 365 has customer support/CRM at its core.)
Microsoft engineers will custom build these kinds of agents for enterprise customers using Microsoft's Knowledge Graph, Bing data, Microsoft machine-reading technology, its AI Authoring technology for going beyond scripted dialogues and more. The diagram embedded in this post above shows how Microsoft is assembling the piece parts to create these kinds of solutions.
Customers interested in speaking with Microsoft more about its Dynamics 365 AI Solutions can contact the company here.