Licensing for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations (D365 FO)
Types of Licenses
Team Member – Allows users to view records with limited interaction.
Activity – Allows users to view and create records.
Operations – Full license that includes both Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Finance.
SCM – Full license for Supply Chain Management only.
Finance – Full license for Finance only.
Other Licenses – Additional modules such as Commerce, Human Resources (HR), and Project Operations and so on.
D365 FO License Types, Roles and Examples
| License Type | Access Level | Typical Users | Key Capabilities | Example Roles/Scenarios |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Member | Light | Casual users across departments | View data, run reports, approve workflows, update personal info | - Approve timesheets, purchase requisitions - View invoices - Submit expense reports |
| Activity | Medium | Supervisors, shop floor users, warehouse workers | Add/update records within specific modules (limited write access) | - Create purchase requisitions - Post journals (if assigned via role) - Enter time & expenses |
| Operations (Full SCM + Finance) |
Full | Functional users | Full access to core modules (SCM and Finance) | - Maintain customers, vendors, items - Post journals - Configure workflows |
| Finance (Attach or Base) |
Full (Finance modules only) | Accountants, Finance Managers | All financial features including GL, AR, AP, FA, Cash, Budgeting | - Perform ledger closings - Post invoices - Manage budgeting and fixed assets |
| Supply Chain Management (SCM) (Attach or Base) |
Full (SCM modules only) | Logistics Managers, Production planners | Access to inventory, WMS, production, procurement, sales | - Run MRP - Pick/pack/ship - Post production journals |
Licensing References
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Microsoft Licensing Guidelines You may refer to Microsoft’s official licensing documentation for default role-based licensing. (For reference only; actual license requirements may vary.)
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Security Configuration – Most Accurate Reference To determine the most accurate licensing requirements: Navigate to System Administration > Security > Security Configuration. Select a role and click View Permissions.
The View Permissions header will display the required license for that role.
The header reflects the required base license, while the details below may show licenses associated with individual duties or privileges. These details are for reference only—the header determines the necessary license.
Base License Requirements
All users require a base license. The type of base license depends on the user’s responsibilities:
- Team Member or Activity licenses are sufficient for users with limited roles.
- Full Users (Operations, SCM, Finance) require broader access.
System Administration
According to Microsoft:
This means:
- Global Admins and Power Platform Admins can perform administrative tasks without requiring a specific Dynamics 365 license.
- However, to access and manage modules like Finance and SCM, a full license is still required.
Integrations
Licensing requirements for integrations depend on their level of interaction:
- Basic Data Transfers (e.g.: only transfer data from handheld applications to D365 FO) may not require a license.
- Advanced Interactions (e.g., a handheld app that performs real-time updates, triggers workflows, or accesses D365 FO modules) will require a license. Example: If a third-party tool does more than just transfer data—for instance, it modifies records or initiates processes inside D365 FO—a full or appropriate license is needed.