Electronic Reporting (ER) Components Overview in Dynamics 365

Introduction

Electronic Reporting (ER) is a configurable, no‑code framework in Dynamics 365 that enables organizations to design, generate, and maintain electronic documents for regulatory compliance, business reporting, and integrations. ER provides a structured, model‑driven architecture that separates data, logic, and output formats, ensuring long‑term flexibility and maintainability.

What Is Electronic Reporting

ER allows functional users to create electronic documents—such as XML, Excel, JSON, and TXT—without developer involvement. It supports:

• Country‑specific regulatory formats

• Business‑specific reporting needs

• Integration with external systems

• Rapid adaptation to changing requirements

Key ER Components

ER is built on four core components that work together to produce electronic documents.

1. Data Model

A business‑oriented representation of data. It defines concepts such as customer, vendor, tax, invoice, or payment.

2. Model Mapping

Defines how Dynamics 365 data sources (tables, entities, classes, queries) populate the data model.

3. Format

Defines the structure of the output file. Supported formats include:

• XML

• Excel

• JSON

• CSV/TXT

• PDF (via Office templates)

4. Format Mapping

Links the data model to the format elements, determining how data flows into the final output.

Repositories

ER configurations can be stored, shared, and imported using:

• LCS (Lifecycle Services) – primary repository for Microsoft‑provided configurations

• Global repository – shared community configurations

• File system – local storage

• Configuration providers – define ownership and versioning

Step‑by‑Step Breakdown of ER Configuration

Step 1: Define a Data Model

Identify and structure the business concepts required for reporting.

Step 2: Create Model Mapping

Bind Dynamics 365 data sources to the data model.

Step 3: Design the Format

Create the output structure (XML, Excel, JSON, etc.).

Step 4: Bind Format to Data Model

Map model elements to format elements.

Step 5: Test and Validate

Run the report and verify the output.

Step 6: Publish or Share

Upload to LCS or share via repositories.

Key Considerations

• ER is fully configurable without code

• Supports both regulatory and business reporting

• Reusable components reduce maintenance effort

• Model‑driven architecture ensures long‑term flexibility

• Updates can be imported without overwriting customizations

Conclusion

Electronic Reporting (ER) is a foundational reporting and compliance framework in Dynamics 365. Its model‑driven, no‑code design empowers organizations to adapt quickly to regulatory changes, build custom reporting formats, and streamline integrations. By separating data models, mappings, and formats, ER ensures scalability, maintainability, and operational efficiency.

ER Component Flowchart

graph TD
    A[Start] --> B[Define Data Model]
    B --> C[Create Model Mapping]
    C --> D[Design Format]
    D --> E[Bind Format to Model]
    E --> F[Test and Validate]
    F --> G[Publish or Share]
    G --> H[End]