This article outlines the basics of aggregation, a functionality of Microsoft Dynamics CRM, that we have integrated in our Template Designer.

The functionality is very useful when you want to create an overview to certain data and sum or calculate the average of revenues or sales. It can also be used to create quaterly, yearly, monthly or daily reports. Please find an example on how to use aggregation properly here.

Aggregation fetches enable you to calculate sum(s), average minimum & maximum and count items. All aggregation methods supported by Microsoft Dynamics CRM can be easily applied to any template, although the selection depends on the fields to be inserted.

The following aggregate functions are supported by Microsoft Dynamics CRM:

1) AVG 
    This functionality computes the average values for all entities or relationships used
    for the template.
    Please note: 0 is not considered when the average is calculated. However, the result of 
    a calculation including 0 is replaced by zero (0).

2) COUNT (Subfunctionalities: COUNTCOLUMN, COUNT DISTINCT COLUMNS)
    This functionality provides you with a count of all entities or relationship used for the 
    template.

3) MAX 
    This functionality provides you with the maximum value of a certain selection of entites.
    Please note: 0 is not considered when the maximum value is calculated. However, the
    result of a calculation including 0 is replaced by zero (0). 

4) MIN
    This functionality provides you with the minimum value of a certain selection of entites.
    Please note: 0 is not considered when the minimum value is calculated. However, the
    result of a calculation including 0 is replaced by zero (0). 

5) SUM
    This functionality provides you with a sum of all entities or relationships used for the
    templates.

6) MULTIPLE AGGREGATES
    This functionality enables you to use multiple aggregate attributes to set a minimum
    and a maximum.

7) GROUP BY
    This functionality enables you to use multiple aggregate attributes and a linked 
    group by attribute.

    7 a) GROUP BY WITH LINKED ENTITY
           This subfunctionality enables you to use the sum aggregate attribute to sum
           linked entity values.  

    7 b) GROUP BY YEAR, QUARTER, MONTH, WEEK or DAY
           These subfunctionalities enable you to group results by year, quarter, month, week 
           or day.

    7 c) MULTIPLE GROUP BY
           This functionality enables you to use multiple group by clauses.

8) ORDER BY 
    This functionality enables you to use multiple order by clauses.

Please click here to get an example on how to use aggregation fetches properly. 

That’s it! We appreciate your feedback! Please share your thoughts by sending an email to support@mscrm-addons.com.