Introduction

Every Microsoft Dynamics 365 application, such as Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Field Service, and Project Operations, along with specific PowerApps applications, relies on Dataverse. Dataverse is a Microsoft Power Platform service that enables you to store and manage data from your business applications securely. You can also customize the data structure to align with your business requirements. If you intend to create a table in Dataverse, here are the general steps to perform this using Power Apps.

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Prerequisites

  • It applies to any Microsoft product utilizing Dataverse.
  • To produce a table in Dataverse, you require a role like System Administrator or System Customizer.

Step-by-step Instructions

Option A: In the new (modern) interface

 

1. Open https://make.powerapps.com/ and select the appropriate environment.   

2. a) For beginners: If you do not work with solutions, just make a table from the corresponding section:  

  • Select 'Tables' -> 'New table' -> Set 'Advanced Properties'.    
  • Set the mandatory fields like “Table name” and save.   

Note! As an alternative, you can try using 'Add columns and data' for a simplified user experience in one window.

 

A new Microsoft feature, Copilot, in the "Describe the new table" option, will enable you to describe a table and then prompt AI to overcome the next steps.  

b) For advanced users: Optionally, if you plan to deploy these changes to other environments, it is worthwhile to consider working with the solutions concept:    

  • Open the solution where you are making changes (or create a new one).    
  • Navigate to 'All Components' and press 'New' -> 'Table' -> 'Table'.   
  • Set the table name and primary columns.    

Note! Remember that some properties cannot be changed after saving. 

Note! Expanded table properties allow you to edit more parameters in the Advanced options. Besides, you can define additional properties that will determine the table's behavior. You can specify whether this table will include particular activities, auditing, duplicate detection rules, etc.

3. In "Type," in most cases, it is necessary to select "Standard."   

Note! To make the process even more optimized, you can additionally perform the following actions:  

  • Enable “Attachments” to provide the possibility to add notes to the records with attached files.   
  • Activate “Record Ownership” to define who has control over the records within the table. For "Organization," there is no differentiation; all individuals will either have or not have access to some table’s records. For "User" or "Team," each record is owned by an individual user or a team. You can manage its availability across the organization.   
  • Enable audits to view the history of record changes.
  • Set parameters to apply duplicate detection rules in the future.
  • Add knowledge articles connected with the records of the current table.
  • Configure SharePoint document management here.   

     

 ! According to your aims, many other parameters can be managed.

 

4. After setting the mandatory fields and saving the table, begin configuring it by adding columns, editing forms, views, and other table components.

5. Save your changes before publishing the table (Advanced -> Publish).

6. To see the newly created table in the application, add it to the sitemap.  

 

Option B: In the old (classic) interface 

 

1. Open “Advanced Settings”.

2. Proceed to “Customizations” or the corresponding “Solution”.

 

3. Open the "Entities" section and click on "New."

4. You will encounter a similar set of fields as in the new interface. Configure the naming, Ownership type, and other properties.

5. After creating and saving the table, publish it.

Summary

As you can see from the above, the process of creating a new table in your Microsoft Dynamics 365 or PowerApps application is not complicated and does not take much time. And the practical advice given above will help you optimize this process as much as possible.  

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the UDS Systems representatives to receive an expert consultation.