Dual-write vs. Virtual Entities in Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O – Which One Should You Use?
When integrating Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations with Dataverse, two key options stand out: Dual-write and Virtual Entities. Both provide a way to bridge F&O with other Dynamics 365 apps, but they function differently and serve different business needs. There is no single perfect solution that fits all scenarios, which is why both options continue to exist. Each has its strengths and trade-offs, making the right choice dependent on factors like data requirements, performance, and business processes. Let’s break it down.
What is Dual-write?
Dual-write is a framework that enables near real-time, bidirectional synchronization between Dataverse and F&O. This means that when data is updated in one system, the changes are reflected in the other almost instantly.
Key Benefits of Dual-write
Seamless Syncing – Ensures data consistency across platforms
Pre-built Templates – Microsoft provides ready-to-use integration scenarios
Two-way Data Flow – Changes made in either system sync automatically
Data Integrity – Validations apply in both environments to maintain data integrity
When to Use Dual-write
You need synchronized master data across F&O and other Dynamics 365 apps
You want to use pre-configured templates for easier setup
You require real-time updates between systems to support business processes
Things to consider: While Dual-write is a powerful integration tool, it requires additional storage and can impact performance, especially for high-volume data scenarios.
What are Virtual Entities?
Virtual Entities allow you to access F&O data in Dataverse without storing it there. Instead of synchronizing and duplicating records, Virtual Entities retrieve data directly from F&O in real time whenever it is needed.
Key Benefits of Virtual Entities
No Data Duplication – Data is stored only in F&O, saving storage costs
Real-time Access – Always displays the latest data without syncing delays
Lightweight and Efficient – No background sync processes running
Easier Maintenance – No complex integration mappings or replication issues
When to Use Virtual Entities
You need real-time access to F&O data without duplication
You want to avoid extra storage costs associated with Dual-write
Your primary use case is reporting and analytics, not syncing master data
Virtual Entities allow full CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete) on F&O data directly within Dataverse, just like native Dataverse tables. However, proper setup of data entities and relationships in F&O is essential for a smooth experience.
Key Differences: Dual-write vs. Virtual Entities
The Best of Both Worlds: A Hybrid Approach
In some cases, a hybrid approach may be the best choice:
Use Dual-write for master data (customers, vendors, products) to ensure synchronization across applications.
Use Virtual Entities for transactional data (invoices, orders, inventory) where real-time access is needed but duplication is unnecessary.
Here’s the Real Win
Both Dual-write and Virtual Entities have their strengths, and the right choice depends on your business needs. Dual-write is ideal for organizations that need real-time synchronization, while Virtual Entities work best for on-demand access without data replication.
What’s your experience with Dual-write and Virtual Entities? Drop a comment below and let’s discuss!