Dynamics 365 vs. Salesforce Feature Comparison: Advanced Search

There are different types of features in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Salesforce that allow users to search for records efficiently. There are, however, stark contrasts between the features and the end user experience within both platforms. To determine whether Dynamics 365 or Salesforce is right for your organization, we highlighted some of the key differences between the search and query functionality within each.

In related blogs, we’ve also written about a comparison of Connections  and comparison of CRM Integration features between Dynamics 365 and Salesforce.

Dynamics 365 – Global Search and Advanced Find

Microsoft revamped global search functionality in the 2021 Dynamics 365 wave 2 release. With the improved global search features, users can easily query records across multiple entities within the Dataverse. The powerful search feature also lets users leverage boolean operators and customizable facets and filters that best serve their organization’s needs. The supported boolean operators included in Dynamics 365’s global search are AND, OR, and NOT. Additionally, as users enter terms in their global search box, the system will suggest results before the search is committed. Afterwards, users can apply filters, which located on the right-hand side of the screen, to drill-down their results.

The advanced find functionality in Dynamics 365 gives users the ability to execute complex queries on the fly, including exporting results and saving searches for later use. Instead of running reports, users can initiate an advanced find and specify the entity they would like to perform a search against. Additionally, users can add criteria (based on the fields within the entity and its related entities) to filter their results further. For example, users can utilize advanced find to return only Accounts that have won Opportunities within the last month, or Contacts whose email address fields do not contain data. The complexity of each advanced find will vary based on the data your organization is looking for. Once advanced finds are configured, users can export the results as a .CSV file and save their advanced find as personal views if they need to run the query again in the future.

Salesforce – Global Search and Einstein Search

Salesforce also offers global search functionality across multiple objects. System administrators can enable global search for specific objects and they can also configure autocomplete results. Additionally, record previews are available before committing searches. Although boolean operators are not supported, question marks can be used to match only one character in the middle or end of search terms. For example, a search for “ja?e” returns records with the term “jake”, “jace” or “jade”, but not “jae”, “jackie”, or “jacque”.

Einstein Search enhances the global search experience in Salesforce through machine learning techniques to provide personal search results. Einstein is Salesforce’s artificial intelligence (AI) technology. With Einstein Search, you can use “human” phrases, also known as natural language search, that the system can interpret and execute. For example, a user can type “my open opportunities in New Jersey” in the global search box and Einstein Search will return matching results. This feature increases productivity and provides users with a personized experience.

Reach out to Beringer today!

Does your organization need tips for configuring and using global search and advanced find features in Dynamics 365? At Beringer, we love to implement Microsoft Dynamics 365 solutions and related technologies. We’ve been working with Microsoft Dynamics since its inception, and we’re always finding innovative ways to implement the latest tools and help automate business processes.

Beringer Technology Group, a leading Microsoft Gold Certified Partner specializing in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and CRM for Distribution also provides expert Managed IT Services, Backup and Disaster Recovery, Cloud Based Computing, Email Security Implementation and Training, Unified Communication Solutions, and Cybersecurity Risk Assessment.