Introduction

As Dynamics 365 continues to evolve, businesses look for ways to run complex business logic without relying on C# plugins. Fortunately, Custom Actions offer a powerful no-code and low-code route to extend system behavior. Even better, they allow admins and consultants to design flexible processes with less development, fewer errors, and faster deployment.

In this guide, you’ll master Custom Actions, explore real-world use cases, and see how you can invoke them using flows, workflows, or API calls—without writing a line of C#.

What Are Custom Actions in Dynamics 365?

Custom Actions are customizable operations created within the Dynamics 365 process designer. They allow you to bundle logic into a single callable operation.

Why They Matter

• Reduce dependency on developers
• Improve maintainability
• Extend business logic beyond default workflows
• Trigger logic from outside apps (Power Apps, Power Automate, Portals)

Why Use Custom Actions Instead of C# Plugins?

Custom Actions can replace many plugin-style triggers while offering easier management. Moreover, they help teams work faster and reduce technical debt.

Custom Actions vs. Plugins (Comparison Table)

Feature	Custom Actions	C# Plugins
Coding Required	❌ None	✔ Yes
Ease of Maintenance	Easy for admins	Requires developer
Deployment	Smooth	Needs solution import
Flexibility	High	High but technical
Trigger From Flow/API	✔ Yes	✔ Yes

When to Use Custom Actions

Although Custom Actions cannot replace plugins entirely, they work perfectly for many business tasks.

Best Use Cases

• Updating related records
• Sending automated emails
• Generating approval steps
• Running multi-step calculations
• Triggering operations from Power Apps
• Simplifying long workflows

How to Create a Custom Action (Step-by-Step)

Below is a simple and clear process that follows Dynamics 365 best practices:

1. Open Processes

Go to:
Settings → Processes → New

2. Select Process Type

Choose:
➡ Category: Action
➡ Entity: Select an entity or keep it global

3. Add Input and Output Parameters

These help pass values in and out of your action.

Common Parameter Types:

• String
• Decimal
• Boolean
• Entity reference

4. Add Business Logic

You can insert steps like:

• Update record
• Assign record
• Set value
• Send email
• Start child workflow

Transitions make your process smoother, and therefore easier to maintain.

5. Activate the Action

Once activated, your action becomes available to other tools and APIs.

How to Invoke Custom Actions Without C#

You can trigger Custom Actions from several places—no coding needed.

1. Power Automate (Most Popular)

• Use the Dataverse → Perform Action step
• Select your created Custom Action
• Pass parameters easily

2. Power Apps

Canvas and model-driven apps can call actions using:

• PowerFx
• Command bars
• Custom buttons

3. JavaScript in Forms

While you avoid C#, a small JS snippet can still invoke an action using the Web API.

4. Dynamics 365 Workflows

Legacy but still supported, workflows can execute Custom Actions.

Benefits of Using Custom Actions for Your Team

1. Faster Delivery

You eliminate development cycles, testing environments, and code reviews.

2. Better Collaboration

Admins, functional consultants, and citizen developers can all contribute.

3. Reduced Errors

With fewer code dependencies, you minimize long-term maintenance issues.

4. Reusable Logic

One Custom Action can serve multiple apps, flows, and automations.

How Skysoft Connections Helps You Master Custom Actions

Skysoft Connections specializes in building advanced Dynamics 365 and Power Platform solutions. With 40,000+ hours of certified work and a 100% success record, the team supports organizations looking to modernize their business workflows.

Our Services Include:

• Custom Action design and optimization
• Replacing C# plugins with scalable low-code solutions
• Building Power Automate flows to invoke Custom Actions
• Complex business logic modeling
• Dataverse API configuration
• End-to-end CRM customization
• Training for your teams

Whether you’re upgrading your CRM or starting fresh, Skysoft Connections ensures your system is fast, flexible, and future-proof.

Real-World Example: Replacing a Plugin With a Custom Action

Scenario:

A company wants to update a related account record every time an opportunity reaches a specific stage.

Traditional Solution:

C# plugin with deployment, debugging, and versioning.

Custom Action Solution:

• Create Custom Action with an input parameter (Opportunity ID)
• Update account fields inside the action
• Trigger it via Power Automate when the stage matches

Result: Faster setup, easier updates, no code needed.

Best Practices for Using Custom Actions

• Keep names clean and meaningful
• Use parameters to make logic reusable
• Document your steps
• Test with multiple caller apps
• Keep actions lightweight; heavy logic still belongs in plugins

Conclusion

Dynamics 365 Custom Actions allow you to run powerful business logic without writing C# plugins, making them ideal for teams embracing low-code automation. When combined with Power Automate, Power Apps, or API integrations, they can completely transform how your system operates.

As companies continue shifting toward simpler, scalable processes, Custom Actions remain one of the best tools for rapid automation.

If you need help implementing them, Skysoft Connections is ready to support you with expert automation and CRM services.

Readmore : customizing dynamics 365 sales accelerator for smart automation

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