5 Steps to Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM Implementation Success

A lot of factors play a role in CRM (Customer Relationship Management) implementation success. Starting with research and going all the way through training, adoption, and ongoing support. If you are considering a new or updated CRM solution, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365/CRM,  choosing the right solution, the right partner, and the right approach will set you on the path to a successful implementation.

Here are five tips from our expert implementation team at BroadPoint:

1. Manage your resources

Your resources include not only the supplies needed for your Microsoft Dynamics 365/CRM project. They also involve personnel involved in the project: system developers, project managers, business analysts, stakeholders, and end-users. The efficient and effective use of resources will spell success for your Microsoft Dynamics 365/CRM project.

2. Define specific roles

All team members must understand and commit to their respective roles and responsibilities. A successful implementation will take effort from all.

A defined formal project team structure will give all stakeholders a clear picture of their authority and their responsibilities. Accountability will make sure the job gets done on time and on budget.

3. Create a workplace for project collaboration

When your team works well together, their efforts will contribute to a successful outcome. Collaboration and cooperation are essential. Microsoft Teams is an ideal collaboration tool for Dynamics 365 implementation. Microsoft Teams allows project managers to hold meetings and present important information in an easy to access format. Project team members will have access to shared documents and artifacts and draw from a shared library of resources. Additionally, Microsoft Teams acts as the project’s home base and gives access to useful built-in Microsoft applications.

4. Fill key positions

Most project teams involve representation from executives, project team members, and other stakeholders. You’ll need to designate a project manager, subject matter experts, functional specialists, technical specialists, software developers, and end-users.

Filling these roles and ensuring everyone understands their responsibilities is critical for project success.

5. Keep communication channels open

It is impossible to overstate the importance of good communication. A project without communication and cooperation will be fraught with pitfalls and subject to failure. Every project, regardless of size, requires formal project communication guidelines to ensure smooth process execution.

Set communication expectations proactively for your Dynamics 365 CRM implementation. When developing a project communication plan, your team should agree on some fundamental issues such as:

• • How often and when your team will meet formally to discuss the project’s status
  • The optimal methods of communication

• • How project team members can best communicate accomplishments, obstacles, and project concerns?

• • How the communication structure will align with project roles and responsibilities
  • Who will be included in various communications (such as budgeting, task completion, and troubleshooting.)
  • What information will be included in status reports

A comprehensive project communication plan will ensure that everyone with a stake in the project is kept up to date and on track. Finding consensus around communication expectations early in the project will establish a strong foundation for overall success.

CRM implementation requires hard work, but hard work alone will not ensure project success. By prioritizing these best practices, your team can avoid many common Dynamics 365 CRM implementation pitfalls, including scope creep, team conflict, excessive additional expenses, and implementation delays.

If you need assistance with a Dynamics 365 CRM implementation, our team of project management-certified experts is here to help. We have successfully led clients across the U.S. through hundreds of technology implementations. Contact our team at BroadPoint and let us show you how to succeed with your software project.

By BroadPoint, www.broadpoint.net