How to Create a Custom Data Entity in Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations

 

Creating a Data Entity in Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations (D365FO) is essential for enabling data import/export, integrations, and public APIs. In this blog, we’ll walk through both the basic shortcut method and the advanced method for creating a custom Data Entity, using a table named MZNFRCustomTable as our example.

🧩 Step 1: Create a Custom Table

Start by creating a new table in your project.

• Go to Solution Explorer → Right-click your project → Add New Item
• Select Table under FinanceOperations > Data Model
• Name it MZNFRCustomTable

🧱 Step 2: Add Fields to Your Table

Define the fields you need in your table. For example:

• CustomerAccount
• CustomerName
• Currency
• PaymentNote
• Balance

 Step 3: Shortcut Method – Create Data Entity via Addins

Right-click on your table → Addins → Create Data Entity

This method is quick but limited in customization.

❗ Common Error

If you haven’t created an index, you’ll get this error:

"The natural key for the table MZNFRCustomTable was not found."

🔧 Step 3.1: Fix – Create an Index

To resolve the error:

• Right-click Indexes → Add a new index (e.g., CustomerAccountIdx)
• Add the CustomerAccount field
• Set:

• Allow Duplicates = No
• Alternate Key = Yes

✅ Step 3.2: Retry Add-ins Method

Once the index is configured, retry the Add-ins shortcut to create the Data Entity.

🧠 Step 4: Advanced Method – Full Control Over Data Entity

For better flexibility and control, use the advanced method.

• Go to Solution Explorer → Right-click your project → Add New Item
• Select Data Entity under FinanceOperations > Data Model
• Name it MZNFRCustomTableEntity

🔗 Step 5: Specify Primary Datasource

In the wizard:

• Set Primary Datasource to MZNFRCustomTable
• Choose Entity Category (e.g., Master)
• Enable:

• Public API (optional)
• Data Management capabilities

📋 Step 6: Select Fields

Choose which fields to include in your Data Entity.

✅ Step 7: Set Mandatory Fields

Use the IsMandatory checkbox to mark required fields.

🎉 Step 8: Finish and Verify

Click Next to complete the wizard. Open your Data Entity object and verify:

• All selected fields are present
• Mappings and metadata are correct

🔄 Step 9: Regenerate Staging Table (Important!)

If you make changes to your table or Data Entity later:

• Right-click the Data Entity → Regenerate staging table

This ensures your changes are reflected in data import/export operations.

🏁 Conclusion

Creating a Data Entity in D365FO can be done quickly via Add-ins or more robustly through the advanced method. Always ensure your table has a proper index and remember to regenerate the staging table after changes.

This guide should help you streamline your development workflow and avoid common pitfalls. Happy coding!