Look in the box first

Should We Reuse Standard Dynamics 365 / Dataverse Tables for Our In‑House Apps? 1) Why We’re Talking About This We’re starting an important conversation: when we build apps internally, should we lean on the standard tables already in Dynamics 365 / Dataverse (like Account, Contact, Opportunity, Project), or should we keep spinning up new SharePoint … Read more

Playbook: DataMart & Reporting Development Process

This process explains how Data Engineering (DE) and Analytics Reporting (A) work together to turn a business need into a trusted, production-ready report. It’s designed for non-technical managers: no jargon, just what happens, who’s responsible, and what the outcomes are. Phase 0: Definition – Ground Zero PurposeLay the foundation before vision-shaping begins. Ensure clarity on … Read more

Release 76

This release delivers the first CDM-compliant Customer Satisfaction view, bringing together legacy CSMS and Customer Thermometer data, with extensions for Dynamics data planned next. Work has also begun to align General Ledger reporting to CDM standards, focusing only on the two views required for finance. In addition, improvements have been made to Customer Orderline reporting, … Read more

Level 5 Competency Self-Assessment Matrix

Competency Area Element Indicative Score (1–5) Target (6 mo) Evidence / Example Activities Priority Data Management Devise & implement MDM processes (classification, security, quality, ethics, retrieval & retention) 4 5 Introduced soft/hard delete strategy; implemented RPV & last-seen frameworks; designed employee / project / customer domain MDM structures; strong data security awareness (container-level). M Derive … Read more

Roadmap: to Level 5 Readiness

Month Theme / Focus Area Key Actions Tangible Evidence / Deliverables Success Indicators Month 1 Baseline review & planning • Confirm current Level 5 competency scores and priorities• Align with manager/mentor on fellowship expectations• Map your influence across Data Engineering + Analytics disciplines Updated self-assessment & evidence tracker Clear alignment between Data Engineering objectives and … Read more

Personal Playbook: Shiny Keys Mindset 

I thrive where challenge, novelty, and passion meet. I learn visually and by doing things myself. Engagement is key for me – if my brain isn’t bought in, it can’t focus on the task. Guide me with clarity of purpose, insight, novelty and challenge and I’ll deliver energy, creativity, and continuous improvement.  🧩 How I Work Best  … Read more

Personal Playbook: Shiny Keys Mindset

I thrive at the intersection of curiosity, novelty, and real-world value, but I also perform best when work is structured, collaborative, and purposeful.Exploration and improvement energise me, yet clarity of expectations and harmony in the team keep me focused.Guide me with clarity of purpose, and I’ll deliver energy, creativity, and continuous improvement. 🧩 How I … Read more

12 Monthly Themes for Digital Transformation

October – Foundations of DigitalHow do we define digital transformation across our teams, and what does “digital first” mean in practice? November – Collaboration & ConnectionExploring tools, practices, and mindsets that make hybrid and cross-team collaboration work. December – Data as a Shared AssetWhat does “data is for everyone” look like, and how do we … Read more

Perspective: Julian

A Personal Wiring Profile — Series Analysis Every individual brings a unique blend of tendencies, motivations, and working patterns to their role. This personalised perspective explores your natural wiring based on the Shiny Keys Playbook you wrote — a remarkably candid and revealing expression of how you think, create, collaborate, and deliver. Your pattern blends … Read more