We recently hosted a webinar as part of our ongoing Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations webinar series. Walkerscott’s expert team explored some of the updates and new features available in the latest October 2024 release. For those who missed this informative session, we have summarised what our team discussed, and we have linked to the webinar recording which you can watch on YouTube anytime.  

There were two major updates to Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management in October 2024: approving purchase orders and requisitions from a mobile device and generating context-aware insights for warehouse workers. These new tools provide the flexibility and insights needed to keep operations running smoothly, no matter where you are. 

Mobile approvals for purchase orders and requisitions in Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management 

One of the most significant updates in Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management is the Dynamics 365 Approvals Management App. Released in version 10.0.40 (and now fully available in version 10.0.41), this feature allows users to approve or reject purchase orders and requisitions directly from their mobile device. No more waiting until you’re back in the office to approve critical supply chain requests—approvals can now be handled on the go. 

Let’s breakdown the key features of the Mobile Approvals for Purchase Orders and Requisitions solution in Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management 

  • User-friendly interface: The app simplifies what was previously a data-heavy interface into a clean, streamlined view. You can switch between purchase orders and requisitions, view relevant attachments, and access detailed line-item information. 
  • Notifications: The app automatically updates every minute and sends notifications for pending approvals, ensuring that nothing is missed. Users can filter and customise their view to only see relevant items. 
  • Detailed approval views: For both purchase orders and requisitions, the app provides a detailed breakdown of each request, including attachments like quotes, images, or documents. The timeline view helps you track the approval process from start to finish. 
  • Workflow Integration: Easily view workflow instructions and status updates, and even delegate approvals to other team members when necessary. 

By moving approvals to a mobile-friendly platform, the app removes the constraints of office-only access, giving businesses the agility to keep workflows moving no matter where their employees are. For many organisations, this shift means faster decision-making and improved efficiency in their procurement process. 

D365 Supply Chain Management + Copilot provides warehouse workers access to context-aware AI-driven insights 

The second major feature introduced in this update is aimed at enhancing warehouse operations through context-aware, AI-powered insights. Using Microsoft’s Copilot AI engine, warehouse workers now have access to real-time insights and recommendations based on their workload, all from their mobile devices. 

Here’s Copilot enables context aware insights in Dynamics Supply Chain Management 

  • Workload Planning: Workers can see their daily workload, broken down by tasks such as receiving, picking, and replenishment. These insights help workers understand what needs to be done and allow them to prioritize their tasks more effectively. 
  • Context-aware insights: The AI analyses available data—such as pick lines, receiving lines, and workforce availability—and generates summaries to guide workers throughout their shifts. These insights can help warehouse workers and managers make data-driven decisions about task allocation and workload distribution. 
  • Real-time Updates: As the day progresses, workers can view real-time updates on what tasks have been completed and what remains, helping them manage their time more effectively. 
  • Customizable Views: Users can customize how they view their workload, whether by entire work orders or by individual line items. This flexibility allows workers to organize their day in the way that makes the most sense for their specific tasks. 

One important thing to note: while the AI provides valuable insights, it’s meant to be used alongside human supervision. Warehouse managers can review the recommendations before workers begin their tasks, ensuring that the AI’s output is aligned with business goals and operational realities. 

Real-world benefits of these updates 

These new features bring several advantages to businesses: 

  • Increased Efficiency: Mobile approvals speed up decision-making processes, reducing bottlenecks in the supply chain. 
  • Enhanced Productivity: By providing real-time, AI-driven insights to warehouse workers, businesses can optimise how tasks are distributed, ultimately improving operational throughput. 
  • Greater Flexibility: Mobile-friendly tools give employees the flexibility to work from anywhere, a crucial benefit in today’s remote-friendly world. 
  • Smarter Operations: AI-based insights help warehouse managers and workers operate more efficiently, reducing downtime and improving task prioritisation. 

Watch a demo of Mobile PO Approvals & AI-Driven warehouse insights in Dynamics 365 Supply Chain 

For a closer look at these exciting new features, watch our webinar recording. Walkerscott’s resident expert and D365 Functional Consultant, Shelley Jacombs, walks you through how to set up mobile approvals for purchase orders and requisitions, and demonstrate how context-aware insights work for warehouse management. These tools will help your organisation stay agile and efficient in managing its supply chain operations.