Microsoft Dynamics 365 will be available from 1 November

Microsoft has announced the culmination of its ERP and CRM platforms - Microsoft Dynamics 365 - will be available from 1 November.

The solution integrates AI and machine learning to help those in manufacturing and supply chains run their businesses more effectively, offering a better customer experience.

It analyses Microsoft documents and customer data stored in CRM and ERP records, plus social media platforms to generate sales leads and better insights for marketing campaigns.

"Designed to help improve manufacturing and supply chain execution, make field service operations more efficient, sell more effectively and ultimately deliver exceptional customer experiences, built-in intelligence capabilities are infused throughout Dynamics 365 apps including: sentiment and intent analysis, pre-emptive service, relationship insights, lead and opportunity scoring, product recommendations and up-sell/cross-sell, and many more," Takeshi Numoto, corporate vice president of Microsoft Cloud + Enterprise, said.

The news comes just as Salesforce also announced details of its Einstein-based AI software, which Microsoft claims is not as advanced as its solution.

"With so much attention on artificial intelligence and the promise it holds, it can be hard to tell what’s real and what’s not," Numoto said. "When it comes to business process – and your business – Dynamics 365 delivers the intelligence you need to transform, now, backed by decades of research and investment."

Microsoft Dynamics 365 will be offered in both Enterprise and Business Editions to suit different business sizes, and will be charged on a per app/per user subscription model, ensuring they only have to pay for the most relevant functions for their business, rather than having to pay for everything at once.