Organizational Data in Microsoft 365 is a robust platform that streamlines how admins and data custodians bring HR data into Microsoft 365, Copilot, and Viva. With a single, secure ingestion point, Organizational Data in Microsoft 365 validates data integrity, enables access to shared data services, and governs data usage — empowering organizations to unlock business-critical scenarios with confidence.
This new update to organizational data ingestion in Microsoft 365 marks a significant leap forward for admins seeking to streamline, secure, and maximize the value of their HR data within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. With new capabilities for attribute access and mapping, expanded connector support, and a unified ingestion experience across Microsoft Viva applications, this update is designed to empower administrators and deliver more personalized, relevant experiences for end users.
What’s New in MODIS?
- Enhanced Attribute Access and Mapping
One of the standout features of this release is the introduction of advanced attribute access and mapping. Administrators now have granular control over which data attributes are ingested and how they are mapped from source systems to Microsoft 365 and Viva destinations. This means organizations can:
- Selectively share specific attributes with individual apps, protecting sensitive or custom data.
- Expedite the mapping process, reducing manual effort and potential errors.
- Ensure that only the right data reaches the right destinations, supporting compliance and privacy needs.
- Expanded Connector Availability
MODIS now supports direct connectors to leading HRIS systems such as Workday and SAP SuccessFactors, as well as a generic Azure Blob Storage connector. This flexibility allows organizations to:
- Ingest data from multiple, distinct sources in parallel, supporting complex environments with diverse data needs.
- Automate workflows to align with unique organizational processes.
- Upload and map custom attributes, ensuring that even non-standard data can be leveraged across Microsoft 365 and Viva.
- Unified Ingestion for Viva Scenarios
A major highlight of this release is the unification of data ingestion across Viva Insights and Viva Glint, in addition to existing support for Viva Profile, Viva Amplify, and Viva Engage. With a single ingestion point, organizations can:
- Streamline data flows across all Viva experiences.
- Reduce administrative overhead by managing ingestion from one place.
- Unlock new scenarios where clean, high-quality data powers advanced analytics and personalized insights.
- New Admin Role: Organizational Data Source Admin
To support these new capabilities, a dedicated Organizational Data Source Admin role has been introduced. This role is designed for those responsible for managing data ingestion and ensures that only authorized personnel can configure and oversee these critical processes.
Why Does This Matter?
Organizations are increasingly seeking seamless, automated ways to ingest high-quality HR and organizational data into Microsoft 365, Copilot, and Viva. The demand is for flexibility, control, and security—especially as data privacy regulations tighten and the need for personalized digital experiences grows.
This MODIS release directly addresses these needs by:
- Allowing flexible, automated ingestion tailored to each organization’s workflow.
- Enabling parallel data ingestion from multiple sources, reducing bottlenecks.
- Providing fine-grained control over which attributes are shared with which apps, enhancing both security and relevance.
- Unifying ingestion for all Viva scenarios, making it easier to deliver consistent, high-impact experiences across the Microsoft ecosystem.
Practical Implications for Organizations
Admins:
- Assign the new Organizational Data Source Admin role as needed to ensure proper oversight.
- Review the updated documentation to understand all new features and best practices.
- Confirm that your organization holds the necessary Viva Insights and Viva Glint licenses to access extended ingestion features.
Compliance:
- No new compliance considerations have been identified, but organizations should review their own policies to ensure alignment with internal standards.
Licensing:
- No new licenses are required to access the core platform. However, a Viva Insights and Viva Glint license is necessary for extended features.
Key Scenarios Unlocked
With these enhancements, organizations can now:
- Seamlessly ingest and map HR data from multiple systems.
- Control which apps and services can access imported data, down to the attribute level.
- Map external attributes directly to internal reserved fields, ensuring data consistency.
- Deliver clean, actionable data to Viva Insights and Viva Glint, powering advanced analytics and employee engagement initiatives.
Supported apps
- Microsoft 365 (powering Viva Amplify and Viva Engage)
- People Skills
- Viva Insights and Copilot Dashboard
- Viva Glint
This update delivers unprecedented flexibility, control, and integration capabilities, setting a new standard for organizational data management and paving the way for richer, more personalized digital experiences. If you have questions or need help preparing your organization for these changes, consult the official documentation or reach out to your Microsoft representative for guidance.