An implementation guide: Retrieving Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations data with Copilot Studio

July 8, 2025

As conversational AI gains traction across enterprise systems, integrating Microsoft Copilot Studio with D365 Finance and Operations can unlock powerful, low-code capabilities for real-time data access.

In our previous blogs, we explored the potential of integrating Microsoft Copilot Studio with Dynamics 365 Finance, along with methods for retrieving data from your Finance and Operations (F&O) environment.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the full setup process, from building a topic in Copilot Studio and creating Power Automate flows to configuring OData queries and testing your implementation in D365 F&O Sidecar.


Let’s explore how to enable natural language interactions with enterprise data using Microsoft Power Automate and Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations.

Why integrate Microsoft Copilot Studio with Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations?

Integrating Microsoft Copilot Studio with Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations provides intelligent, conversational access to enterprise data, eliminating the need for manual code writing. By connecting it through Microsoft Power Automate, organizations can:

  • Enable business users to retrieve data using natural language
  • Reduce IT workload for common data inquiries
  • Enhance user experience in D365 F&O Sidecar
  • Scale automation scenarios across finance, supply chain, HR, and more
  • Lay the foundation for future AI-driven ERP interactions via Microsoft Copilot Studio

 

This integration not only improves efficiency but also aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy to make enterprise apps more user-friendly, intelligent, and extensible.

Read more: How to integrate Microsoft Copilot Studio with Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations?

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Step-by-step guide to configuring Microsoft Copilot Studio for D365 F&O integration

Step 1: Set Up Microsoft Copilot Studio

  • Sign in to Microsoft Copilot Studio.
  • Open the Copilot for Finance and Operations Apps agent.

Step 2: Create a new topic

  • Navigate to the Topics section and create a new topic.
  • Name your topic (e.g., CFZGetCustomerData)

 

Step 3: Set the trigger by agent action

  • Under the Trigger by Agent (Preview) action, specify when this topic should be triggered. Note that this action will only be visible if you select Generative in the Generative AI section of settings.

 

Note: “Trigger by Agent” is in preview and subject to updates by Microsoft.

Step 4: Add a description to the topic

  • Describe what this topic does.
  • For testing purposes, add the following description: “This topic will handle queries related to CFZGetCustomerData.”

 

Step 5: Add Power Automate flow action

  • Click the + icon to add another action.
  • Click Add an action and then select New Power Automate Flow. This will open a new tab for creating a Power Automate flow.

Step 6: Create the flow

  • In Power Automate, click the + icon and select the “List items present in table” action from the Fin & Ops Apps (Dynamics 365).
  • Select the instance and entity name for the data you want to retrieve.
  • Apply filters if needed. For example, in my case, I set the Top Count to 3 and selected the fields dataAreaId, OrganizationName, and CustomerAccount in the Select Query. You can modify these based on your specific data requirements. Ensure that Cross Company is enabled by setting it to ‘Yes’ if necessary.

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Step 7: Test the flow

Click Test and save the output. You will use this in the next step.

 

Step 8: Parse JSON action

  • After the test, click the + icon to add another action and select Parse JSON.
  • In the Content field, add the Body (output) from the previous List Items Present in Table action.
  • In the Schema, click on Use sample payload to generate schema and paste the output you copied from the test. Then, click Done. This will automatically create the schema in the Schema section.

Step 9: Add a select action

  • Click the + icon again to add the Select action.
  • In the From field, add the Body Value (output of the Parse JSON action).
  • In the Map section, add names for the columns in the left column and the corresponding output of the Parse JSON in the right column.

Step 10: Respond to agent action

  • In the last action, select ‘Respond to the Agent’ and click ‘Add an output’.
  • Choose the Text data type.
  • In the left column, add the name for the column (e.g., response), and in the right column, add the output of the Select action.

Step 11: Test and save the flow

  • Test the flow by clicking the Test button.
  • Name the flow (e.g., CFZGettingCustomerData) and publish it so that it will be available in the Microsoft Copilot Studio action you created previously.

Step 12: Refresh and select the flow in Copilot Studio

  • Return to Microsoft Copilot Studio, and click on the Save and Refresh box.
  • After refreshing, locate and select the flow you just created (e.g., CFZGettingCustomerData) from the list.

Step 13: Add ‘send a message’ action

  • Click on the + icon to add a Send a Message action.
  • In this action, click on the {x} icon and select the response variable.

Step 14: Publish the topic

Click on Save, then Publish so that the topic will be published to D365 F&O SideCar.

Step 15: Test in D365 F&O

  • Open D365 F&O and click on the Copilot button to open the Copilot SideCar.
  • Type your prompt, such as CFZGetCustomerData, that relates to customer data. Since this keyword is included in the topic description, it will trigger the topic when the agent matches the intent.

Step 16: Resolve connection issues

  • If you receive the message: “Additional permissions are required to run this action. To proceed, please select ‘Connect’, and review any missing connections,” click on Connect.
  • This will open a new tab to manage your connections. Click on Connect, then Submit.
  • The status will change to Connected (it was previously Not Connected).

 

Step 17: Retry and final testing

  • After successfully connecting, return to D365 F&O and click Retry.
  • Wait for the response, which should be the same as the output from the Power Automate flow. If no response appears after waiting, refresh the Copilot SideCar or page, and then prompt again.

 

Note: Ensure that Power Automate and Microsoft Copilot Studio are set to the correct environment. For both platforms to integrate with Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations (D365 F&O) correctly, they need to be set up to use the same environment.

Why choose Confiz for your Copilot & D365 F&O integration?

When it comes to integrating Microsoft Copilot Studio with Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations, Confiz stands out as a trusted and capable partner:

1. Expertise in Copilot & D365 F&O

Confiz offers proven experience in deploying Copilot for Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations, helping teams “work smarter, innovate faster, and deliver exceptional results.”

Their low-code, AI-powered approach ensures intelligent conversational tools without requiring heavy development investment.

2. Structured & fast implementation

With a clear methodology, from assessment to quick deployment, followed by training and continuous support, Confiz helps businesses become AI-ready in as little as four weeks.

3. Seamless Power Platform integration

Their teams are certified across the Power Platform, Dynamics 365, and Azure ecosystems, ensuring that Microsoft Power Automate and Copilot workflows are robust, secure, and performant.

4. End-to-end support & optimization

Beyond implementation, Confiz provides ongoing optimization, including Copilot topic tuning, license guidance, and change management, to ensure sustained success and adoption.

Conclusion

Integrating Microsoft Copilot Studio with Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations through Power Automate unlocks a more intelligent and conversational approach to accessing enterprise data. This low-code solution enhances the user experience, reduces manual effort, and enables teams to engage with critical business information in a faster and more intuitive way.

At Confiz, we help organizations make the most of Microsoft’s AI-powered capabilities by designing scalable, secure, and business-aligned solutions. From setting up Copilot workflows to optimizing licensing and governance, our experts ensure a seamless implementation that fits your operational goals.

Looking to enable smarter interactions in D365 F&O? Reach out to us at marketing@confiz.com to explore how we can help.

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