1. Avoid broken references after deployment
   • Maintain the same GUIDs across environments for records referenced in workflows/views.
   • Use custom actions to parameterize the referenced records instead of directly referencing a record in the workflow.
   

   Figure 1: Referencing records directly in the workflow

   

   Figure 2: Referencing records retrieved dynamically with custom actions in the workflow

2. Import multiple files at once with .zip
   • Individually importing multiple data files is time-consuming and requires the files to be imported in the correct order to resolve inter-file column references.
   • When you zip multiple files together for import, you save time and don’t have to worry about import order; Dynamics 365 takes care of it for you.
3. Include only required fields in data import files to avoid plugin/work
   • Including unnecessary fields in the data import file increases import time and may trigger workflows/plugins registered on those fields.
   • For example, to update a contact address, don’t include unnecessary fields like first and last name in the import file.
4. Deactivate relevant plugins/workflows before bulk updating records to avoid triggers and reduce import time
   • To update data as part of data migration activities without triggering business logic, deactivate plugins/workflows registered on the entities present in import file.
5. Enable admin mode on your target environment during deployment
   • Admin mode locks the environment for all users, meaning only system administrators can access the environment.
   • Enabling admin mode during deployment ensures that data is not compromised by unplanned changes. If an error occurs, data can be restored to previous versions.
   
   

   Note: Admin mode cannot be enabled in the production environment. If you are not permitted to convert the environment to a sandbox, use the global notification method to add a form.

6. Include a user-friendly message while in admin-mode to prevent confusion
   • During deployment, the system may be slow. This is why we recommended locking the system for end users.
   • Messages inform end users that the environment is down due to planned activities and will return after the indicated duration. Clear messages avoid support tickets from confused end users.
   

   Figure 3: Enabling Admin mode from Power Platform admin center

7. Back up the environment before deployment
   • Backups ensure that the system can be restored to its pre-deployment state in case a deployment failure occurs.
   • Backups are faster than creating a copy of the environment.
   
   

   Note: When an environment is restored to an earlier state, the Data Export Service profile needs to be re-established to synchronize the Dynamics 365 data to Azure SQL.

   

   Figure 4: Creating a backup from Power Platform admin center

8. Run a test in a cloned production environment prior to production deployment to identify compatibility issues
   • Tests enable team members to prepare a mitigation plan. Issues can be proactively flagged and resolved, mitigating end-user impact.

References

We compiled our best practices from a mix of experience and research. For a detailed look at some of the points we mention above, we encourage you to review the following documents:

• Copying records with GUID – Kylie Kiser, published January 3, 2019
• Invoke custom actions from a workflow – Microsoft, December 4, 2018