Comparing CE Modules and Model-driven Apps Which Solution Should You Choose
Deciding what options to choose between Dynamics 365 CE modules and model-driven apps can be challenging. Many companies rely on CRM applications to support their customer relationships, with over 70% of users trusting these tools for sales and support. With new features and AI updates released every month, it becomes even more important to decide what options will best suit your needs. To ensure your solution fits your business, stay updated on the latest trends and decide what options work best for your team.
Key Takeaways
Pick Dynamics 365 CE modules for fast setup and basic features. These modules work well for sales, service, and marketing tasks.
Use model-driven apps in PowerApps if you want a custom solution. These apps give you more choices and can match your business needs.
Think about your team's skills and how much time you have. CE modules let you begin quickly. Model-driven apps need more setup but let you change more things.
Look at how complex your data is and what users need. Model-driven apps are good for lots of data and a steady user look.
Make sure your choice matches your business goals. Check your needs closely to pick the best solution for you.
Decide What Options Are Best
Quick Recommendation
You want to pick the best options for your business. If you need something ready for sales, customer service, or marketing, pick a Dynamics 365 CE module. These modules are good for common business needs and have built-in features. If your business is different or you want to make your own solution, model-driven apps in power apps give you more choices. You can use power apps to make apps that fit your process.
Think about your team’s skills and how much time you have. CE modules help you start fast. Model-driven apps in power apps let you make your own workflows and add special features. Both options work with Microsoft’s cloud tools. Look at what you need and how much you want to change things to pick the best option.
💡 Tip: If you want quick results and standard features, use a CE module. If you want to make something special, use model-driven apps in power apps.
Key Decision Factors
You need to pick what works best for your business. Check the main things that help you choose between CE modules and model-driven apps in power apps. The table below shows the most important points:
You should also think about these things when you pick your option:
Too many changes can make it hard to use new features later.
Copying old systems can stop your business from growing.
Getting your team to use the app is most important. If your team does not use it, your choice will not help.
With power apps, you can make solutions that fit your business. You can pick what to use based on how much you want to change and how your team works. Power apps let you make apps for many business needs, from simple tracking to hard workflows. You can use power apps to connect data, automate jobs, and help your team work better.
Pick your option by looking at your goals, your users, and your budget. Power apps let you build what you need. CE modules help you start fast with features that work. Both options help you solve business problems, but you must pick what fits your needs.
What Are CE Modules?
Definition
CE modules help you manage customer relationships at work. CE means Customer Engagement. These modules are part of Microsoft Dynamics 365. Each module is an app that is ready to use. You can use them for sales, marketing, customer service, field service, or project work. They give you tools to track customer data and manage contacts. You can also follow up on leads. CE modules make working with customers easier and more organized. You do not have to build your own app. You can start using these modules right away. They connect with other Microsoft tools. CE modules have built-in features for common business needs. Model-driven apps do not come with these features.
Use Cases
CE modules work in many real-life business situations. Here is a table that shows how each app helps your business:
Each app helps with a different business job. You get tools to collect and use data for better choices. These modules keep all your customer data in one place.
Features
CE modules have many features to make your work easier. You get:
Integration with other systems, so you can move data between apps.
Easy-to-use design, so your team can learn fast.
Special tools for customer relationship management, like tracking data and managing cases.
The Customer Service module lets agents talk to experts for quick help.
The Marketing module helps sales and marketing teams work together.
Both modules help give your customers a smooth and personal experience.
You can use CE modules to collect, store, and use data better. These modules help you give better service and keep your business running well. CE modules give you a fast start with built-in features. Model-driven apps let you build your own solution. CE modules already have many tools you need. You can use data from CE modules in model-driven apps if you want to add more later.
What Are Model-driven Apps in PowerApps?
Definition
Model-driven apps are mostly no-code or low-code. You build apps by focusing on data and business rules. You can add more features with scripts and commands. You can change forms, views, dashboards, charts, and ribbons.
Model-driven apps in powerapps help you make business solutions fast. You do not need to write much code. You start by setting up your data and rules. The app makes screens and menus for you. You can add more features with scripts or commands. This way is good for teams who want to build apps quickly and keep things neat.
Use Cases
Model-driven apps in powerapps help with many business problems. You can use them in lots of industries and for different jobs. Here is a table with some examples:
You use model-driven apps when you need to manage lots of data. You can link records together. These apps are good for automating business steps and keeping data safe.
Features
Model-driven apps in powerapps have many helpful features. The app builds itself around your data. This helps you handle hard data and workflows. Here are some main features:
Data Entities: You pick what data to track.
Relationships: You link data, like customers and orders.
Business Processes: You set up steps for your team.
Automation Tools: Power Automate helps you do tasks automatically.
Consistent User Interface: The app makes screens and dashboards for you.
You can use process flows, business rules, and background workflows. These tools help your team and keep data right. You can grow your app as your business gets bigger. You can connect model-driven apps with canvas apps in powerapps for custom solutions. Licensing for model-driven apps is not the same as CE modules. Some features need a higher license, so check before you start.
CE Modules vs. Model-driven Apps: Comparison
Benefits of CE Modules
CE modules help your business in many ways. They make it easier to manage customer relationships. These modules also help you do your daily work better. The table below lists the main benefits and how they help:
With CE modules, you see everything about your customers in one place. This helps you make smart choices and build strong relationships. You do not have to switch between different tools. Your sales, marketing, and service teams can work together easily.
CE modules come with features for marketing, sales, and service. You do not need to build these yourself. You can start quickly and help your team do their jobs better. If you want a solution that covers many business needs, CE modules are a good choice.
Benefits of Model-driven Apps
Model-driven apps help you make business solutions that fit your needs. You can use them to build apps that follow your business rules and data. The table below shows the main advantages:
Model-driven apps help you handle hard data and workflows. They keep your data safe with strong security. You can grow your solution as your business gets bigger. These apps look the same everywhere, so users do not get confused.
If you want a solution that matches your business steps, model-driven apps let you do this. You can connect data, automate steps, and make sure your team follows the right process. You can also use a canvas app with a model-driven app for custom screens and workflows.
Limitations of CE Modules
There are some things to watch out for with CE modules. The table below lists the most common problems and how to fix them:
If you change CE modules too much, you might have problems later. Try to use what is already there first. Plan how you will connect other systems early. Keep your project goals simple to avoid delays and extra costs.
You can use a canvas app with CE modules for special screens or workflows. This helps you meet special needs without making things too hard. You can also use a canvas app to connect to other data.
Limitations of Model-driven Apps
Model-driven apps give you many choices, but there are limits. You need to plan your data model well. If you do not, your app might be hard to use. It can take more time to set up if your business is complex.
Your team may need training to use a model-driven app. The look stays the same, but some people may want more custom screens. You can use a canvas app with a model-driven app to give users special screens.
You should check what licenses you need. Some features may need a higher license. Always look at your needs before you start building.
Note: You can use both a canvas app and a model-driven app together. This gives you the best of both. You get custom screens from a canvas app and strong data management from a model-driven app.
When you compare CE modules and model-driven apps, you see big differences. CE modules help you start fast with built-in features. Model-driven apps let you build what fits your business. You can use a canvas app to add custom screens to both. This helps you make a solution that works for your team.
Decision Guidelines for Microsoft PowerApps
Data Complexity
First, look at your data model. If your business has many record types, you need a strong solution. Model-driven apps are good for structured data and clear business rules. You can use Dataverse to build a strong data model. This helps you manage links between records. CE modules also use structured data models. You can track customer details and activities. Both options help you stay organized as your data grows.
User Experience
User experience is important for your team. Model-driven apps look the same everywhere. You get forms, views, and dashboards with one design. This makes it easy to learn. CE modules give you ready-made screens for sales, service, and marketing. If you want more control, use canvas apps. Canvas apps take more time to build. Think about how your team works and what they need to see.
Scalability
Your solution should grow with your business. Model-driven apps handle lots of data and complex needs. The table below shows how model-driven apps and canvas apps compare:
Model-driven apps can support your business as you grow.
Integration
Most businesses need to connect to other systems. Both CE modules and model-driven apps have strong integration options. You can use connectors, virtual tables, and webhooks. The table below lists some ways to connect:
You can bring in data from other places and keep your business connected.
Cost
Cost is important when you choose. CE modules have built-in features, so you can start fast. Model-driven apps let you build custom solutions, but may take more time. Your costs depend on how you build your app. If you need a flexible data model or special screens, plan for more resources. Always check your licenses before you start.
Tip: Look at your data, user experience, growth, connections, and cost before you choose. The right choice will help your business grow.
Final Choice: Model-driven App or CE Module?
Decision Framework
You want to pick the best option for your business. First, think about what you need. If you want something that works fast for sales, service, or marketing, a CE module is a good choice. If your business has special steps or needs strong data rules, a model-driven app gives you more control. You can use a model-driven app to make custom workflows, connect data, and set up business rules.
A model-driven app is good for important business systems. It helps when you need to manage many user roles or handle hard workflows. A model-driven app also helps keep your data safe and lets you check changes. If you want your solution to grow with your business, a model-driven app can handle lots of data and users.
The table below shows how the options compare:
💡 Tip: Pick a model-driven app if you need strong business rules, security, and room to grow. Choose a CE module if you want a ready-made solution for common needs.
Selection Checklist
Before you choose, look at these important items to make sure your model-driven app or CE module fits your goals:
Set clear limits for your model-driven app or CE module.
Keep different development spaces for each model-driven app project.
Manage what your app depends on and know how your solution is split up.
Use Solution Packager to open and automate builds for your model-driven app.
Track test cases and set up automatic testing for your model-driven app.
Only deploy managed solutions for your model-driven app or CE module.
Use Package Deployer for safe deployment of your model-driven app.
Do not make unmanaged changes in your model-driven app to keep things stable.
This checklist helps you make your final choice. A model-driven app gives you more control and flexibility. A CE module gives you speed and built-in features. Think about your team, your data, and your plans for the future. The right choice will help your business grow and do well.
You now know the main differences between CE modules and model-driven apps. CE modules give you ready-made features for common business needs. Model-driven apps let you build custom solutions for unique processes. To choose the best option, list your goals, review your data needs, and check your team's skills.
Tip: Always match your choice to your business needs. Take time to review your requirements before you decide.
FAQ
What is the main difference between a CE module and a model-driven app?
You get ready-made features with a CE module. You build your own features with a model-driven app. CE modules work well for common business needs. Model-driven apps fit unique business processes.
Can you use both CE modules and model-driven apps together?
Yes, you can use both. You can start with a CE module and add a model-driven app for special needs. This helps you cover more business scenarios.
Do you need coding skills to build a model-driven app?
You do not need to know how to code. You use simple tools to set up data and rules. You can add more features with scripts if you want.
How do you decide which option costs less?
Look at your needs. CE modules save time with built-in features. Model-driven apps may cost more if you need many custom changes. Always check your licenses before you start.
Can you switch from a CE module to a model-driven app later?
You can add a model-driven app to your system at any time. Your data stays safe. You do not lose your work. This gives you flexibility as your business grows.