自定义连接实体crm 2013

Question

My current client has added a number of custom fields to the connection entity in dynamics CCRM 2013. They are trying to model a hierarchical relationship between companies, contacts and some custom entities. I've recommended they abandon this approach and use a custom "intersection" or "associative" entity. A sort of "roll your own" many to many. Is anyone aware of any formal Microsoft documentation advising against customization of the connection object? I have recommended they read this article which suggests connections should be used to model informal relationships. Thanks!

Answer 1

I think your advice is correct.

The Connection entity was designed to easily create "low profile" relationships between various records giving users the ability to freely associate data. Formal database relationships (1:n, n:m) are a different story.

I am not aware of limitations regarding the customization of the Connection entity. Microsoft made it customizable for a reason, so I think adding attributes and relationships to it is in itself a sound idea.

Of course, a customizer can extend the CRM data model to the point that it becomes way too complex and inefficient, but that's a risk that is applicable for any information system.