Data entity in Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O is used to integrate data between Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O and external systems. For example you need to send Purchase orders to another System after creation or posting, you can use a data entity for it.
It is majorly used in 3 types of cases :
- Integration: It is used for the import and export of data.
- Data Migration: They help in the migration of data from legacy ERP to Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O.
- Reporting and Analytics: We have a Data management framework through which we can Export Data to Excel, CSV, etc.
How to Create a Data Entity:
Right-click on the project area in Visual Studio, explorer will open that will show the items to create AOT elements. Now select Data Entity and give a name to Data Entity.
![Add Data entity](https://dynamicscommunity101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-19-142348.png)
A new pop-up will show, in which you will select the primary datasource.
![Select datasource in Data entity](https://dynamicscommunity101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-19-142517.png)
Now click next, now you will see the fields that you want to be added to the data entity, just tick them and click next.
![Select fields in Data entity](https://dynamicscommunity101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-19-142807.png)
Now 4 things will be created. Data entity, Staging table, View privilege and maintain privilege.
![Elements in Data entity](https://dynamicscommunity101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-19-142909.png)
Please Note: The table needs to have a primary key to uniquely identify each record in the table.
How to Use a Data Entity:
- Data Import/Export Framework (DIXF): Data entities can be used to import and export data.
- OData Services: Expose data entities via OData to exchange data to an external systems in real time.
Types of Data Entity:
- Regular Entities: These are the most common types of entities. They facilitate basic CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete).
- Composite Entities: Composite entities are used by adding 2 or more regular entities into one. They are used when data from multiple sources needs to be combined and processed as one.
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