# How do we analyze Dynamics 365 FO Golden Copy configurations across the environments?

In the ever-evolving Dynamics 365 FO ecosystem, maintaining Golden Copy configurations remains one of the most discussed and reimagined aspects of Data migration process. While popular tools robust solutions, there's significant value in understanding how to build your own state data management strategy. This article explores the why and how do we analyze Dynamics 365 FO Golden Copy configurations across the environments, empowering you with knowledge that goes beyond simply using Microsoft Excel Inquire the next trending tool.

In this blog post, I will share my learning on how to compare two Dynamics 365 FO environments config data and prepare dashboard summary out of it and present it to the business users.

# What is Golden Copy Config environment?

Well, In my own words, it refers to a dedicated environment designed to standardize pre-configured parameters or configurations. This serves as a **single source of truth** for all configuration data across multiple implementations, rollouts, legal entities, and shared masters. It is essential for organizations aiming to ensure consistency, minimize manual effort, and speed up rollouts.

# Why is the Golden Copy Important?

1. Global Rollouts: Ensures all subsidiaries follow the same business processes and financial structures.
    
2. Consistency & Data Integrity: Reduces inconsistencies caused by manual setups.
    
3. Faster Deployments: Saves time in implementing Dynamics 365 FO across multiple entities.
    
4. Lower Risk: Helps prevent configuration-related issues during go-lives.
    

# What does this data mismatch issue occur?

1. Manual Configuration Changes
    
2. Incorrect Data Migration
    
3. System Updates and Hotfixes
    
4. Data Synchronization Issues
    
5. Customizations and Extensions
    
6. Security & User Role Differences
    

# How to Identify & Fix Mismatches?

There are multiple approaches to identify and fix the mismatches as mentioned below. However, in this blog post we are going to discuss **How Microsoft Excel can help to identify** and fix this issue of data mismatch.

Some popular options but effective approaches:

1. Export data via DMF and compare with production.
    
2. Run SQL queries or Power BI reports to identify missing/inconsistent records.
    

Use LCS Data Task Automation (DTA) for validation.

# How to use Microsoft Excel Inquire Add-ins?

You may need to activate the Spreadsheet Inquire add-in, which makes the Workbook Analysis command available.

1. Click **File > Options > Add-Ins**.
    
    ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1742215511676/7e85023d-ce28-422f-9632-d14975d31e32.png align="center")
    
2. Make sure **COM Add-ins** is selected in the **Manage** box and click **Go**.
    
    ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1742215527110/0a265d15-be8d-4670-843c-6d254f251bbc.png align="center")
    
3. In the COM Add-Ins dialog, check the box next to Inquire Add-in. This will make the Inquire tab visible in Excel.
    
    ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1742215544582/ea41cc13-82d2-4632-98d4-abb86c0bdc1e.png align="center")
    
    ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1742215603271/548f9961-a6a0-409f-b325-ff1bd775af40.png align="center")
    
4. Export the respective data from Dynamics 365 FO Source and Target environment for the comparison
    

**Golden Copy Configuration – Environment (Specimen Data)**

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1742215627771/8f1271d2-8445-4ec1-b343-5e36e875395b.png align="center")

**System Integration Testing – Environment (Specimen Data)**

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1742215648038/0e75c957-d8ae-440a-8bb4-110ae4f8bcf2.png align="center")

5. Open both the Excel spreadsheet for comparison
    
6. Navigate to **Microsoft** **Excel Inquire** Tab of one of the opened Microsoft Excel spreadsheets
    
    ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1742215673311/f9b09887-a2fb-42cf-9286-aaefabc5a444.png align="center")
    
7. Click on Compare Files option
    
    ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1742215690713/4b32370e-9097-4711-b0eb-23d0a053396c.png align="center")
    
    Select the **Microsoft Excel spreadsheet** that you wish to compare (In my case, I have chosen Golden Copy to System Integration Testing environment) And Click on **Compare.**
    
8. Post Compare option, it will show case below mentioned view with detailed comparison of mismatch records
    
    ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1742215715731/7e3a9d38-ef7c-4041-acce-a3f6eb325e00.png align="center")
    
9. Click on **Export Results** to prepare a summary
    
    ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1742215743788/dd0e5242-cd1c-462e-ae36-bc74d746a5a5.png align="center")
    
10. Provide a meaningful name to the exported file and save the file
    
    ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1742215774333/bda5f274-f94b-44ba-a495-7bf12ae3f536.png align="center")
    
11. A Configuration data mismatch summary report
    
    ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1742215806365/0d2d171f-bd9c-46d7-a90b-6e12c01159f1.png align="center")
    

# Conclusion

With the help of the **Microsoft Excel Inquire Add-in**, you can compare the Dynamics 365 FO Golden Copy Configuration mismatch issue. So when you work on your next Implementation project, try using these steps to improve your data mismatch analysis and troubleshooting experience!

Hope you found this post helpful!

Happy data mismatch analyzing!

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