Dynamics 365: a complete guide to implementation

The ultimate goal of digital transformation is not just implementing digital technologies. Still, they play a crucial role, and you should choose wisely which ones to implement. In our complete guide on how to migrate to Dynamics 365, you’ll learn all about the applications themselves, about the costs of working with a Microsoft partner along with licensing costs, and about the ideal strategy when it comes to implementing Microsoft’s suite of business apps.

Overview: Microsoft Dynamics 365 business applications

Microsoft’s business suite Dynamics 365 is a comprehensive, modular and cloud-based solution for businesses. It unites various models for enterprise resource planning (ERP) as well as customer relationship management (CRM).

Dynamics 365 provides one or several modules for each important aspect of your business. All applications are compatible with each other and can be easily adjusted – this is what makes Dynamics 365 special and a comprehensive, unique solution.

Dynamics 365 ERP modules

 Dynamics 365 Finance

For medium to large businesses, Dynamics 365 Finance is the perfect choice. It will help companies automate and optimize their finance processes, plan budgets and much more – all in multiple languages and with country-specific options.

 Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management

A well-run assembly line will make you more efficient and productive. With Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, you can optimize your processes with modern technologies such as IoT, machine-based learning and more.

  Dynamics 365 Project Operations

Microsoft’s star when it comes to cloud-based project management is Dynamics 365 Project Operations. Whether you’d like to manage contracts, plan and allocate resources, manage working times and tasks or optimize your project financials: Dynamics 365 Project Operations will help you out.

  Dynamics 365 Commerce

With Dynamics 365 Commerce, Microsoft’s retail application, you can maintain your online and offline shops as well as offer excellent customer service and in doing so, turn your customers into fans.

  Dynamics 365 Human Resources

Well-organized and -maintained recruiting and onboarding processes are not only essential, but what potential employees expect. Dynamics 365 Human Resources lets you automate recurring tasks, manage your employee’s learning pursuits and more.

  Dynamics 365 Business Central

Whether you own a small to medium-sized company or run a large global business – enterprise resource planning (ERP) is important for organizations of all sizes. If you’d like a comprehensive overview of your organization, efficient processes and supply chains as well as the possibility of managing your finances, Dynamics 365 Business Central is the right fit for you.

Dynamics 365 CRM modules

  Dynamics 365 Sales

Dynamics 365 Sales is a module that can be combined perfectly with the CRM module Dynamics 365 Customer Service and/or the ERP module Dynamics 365 Project Operations while at the same time holding its own. It creates more transparency with dashboards and analyses, speeds up scoring leads and opportunities and lets you make prognoses to plan ahead.

  Dynamics 365 Customer Service

Self-service portals, chat bots, omnichannel service: these are three of many, many aspects that make for an excellent customer service experience. The Dynamics 365 application of the same name uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help you offer excellent service and take preventive care of potential problems.

  Dynamics 365 Field Service

Scheduling and coordinating the appointments of field technicians pose several challenges: the optimal route needs to be calculated, and there should be a constant flow of information between companies, technicians and customers to make on-site visits more productive. Dynamics 365 Field Service helps you solve all of those challenges by utilizing interactive maps, AI assistance and other useful features.

  Dynamics 365 Marketing

If you’re looking for a marketing allrounder tool, look no further: with Dynamics 365 Marketing, you can create interactive customer journeys, oversee your e-mail marketing, manage events and social media, create landing pages and forms, and forward all relevant information to your sales team.

How does Dynamics 365 work?

All business and customer data stored in just one solution for efficient process planning, a comprehensive understanding of your customers and for making data-driven decisions: that is the idea behind Dynamics 365. Another goal is to push digital transformation: the transformation of processes in order to achieve higher efficiency and productivity – solely made possible by new technologies.

Modularity: Dynamics 365 unites your many business areas in one software solution that grows with your company: Mix and match the exact modules you need and prevent constant switching between systems, simplify processes and increase overall efficiency.

Flexibility: Extend all available Dynamics 365 modules with additional apps and customize your module to meet the challenges of your company and industry. Use Power Apps based on the Microsoft Power Platform to develop the apps you need.

Common data base: Microsoft Dataverse is a service that stores, secures and synchronizes your business’s core data from all Dynamics 365 modules and apps while also preventing data silos.

Implementation strategy for Dynamics 365

Step 1: Define your goals

There are many reasons for why you may need new software: you haven’t yet professionalized a certain part of your business, your business has outgrown your current software, your current software has been outdated for a while now – you name it. Define your goals and know what you want.

Step 2: Find technologies

Find technologies and compare them, whether via recommendation by business colleagues or via the search engine of your choice.

Step 3: Involve a Microsoft Partner

Once you’ve decided that Dynamics 365 is indeed the right software for you, contact a Microsoft Partner. They will not only help you install the software, but also customize it if needed, offer you great licensing deals, help train your employees, provide tech support and much, much more.

Step 4: Involve your employees

There’s no change without your colleagues having your back. So, never forget to involve them in that change. People are creatures of habit, after all, and nobody likes having their cage rattled.

Step 5: Implement the software

Technically, it is your Microsoft Partner that implements your brand-new CRM or ERP software. But the day will come.

Dynamics 365 implementation timeline

What? Planning, design

How long? 1 to 2 weeks

• Any implementation, of Dynamics 365 or else, takes careful consideration and planning. Working with a Microsoft partner will place experienced consultants right at your side that will take you through the process of planning your implementation and designing a satisfying user experience.

What? Implementation, training

How long? 4 to 8 weeks

• Based on the scope, the second phase is all about the installation. Tasks and work breakdown structures need to be validated, the user acceptance and user interface/experience tested and more. Essential are also the trainings of different user types such as regular users, superusers and admins to ensure the highest level of user adoption.

What? Go live, support

How long? 1 to 2 weeks

• Once the implementation and the final trainings are completed, it’s time for the go live. With the help of a support model, we provide you with any and all questions that may arise with your Dynamics 365 implementation.

How much does Dynamics 365 cost?

Dynamics 365 is a cloud-computing service (Software as a Service, or SaaS). Thus, the cost for one or more modules is comprised of the implementation costs plus monthly subscription costs, which depend on the type and number of licenses you need. As is true for all SaaS models: there are no purchasing costs for the software.

Professional service

Working with a professional services provider will take a great amount of work off your IT department’s shoulders. The price for working with a Microsoft partner depends, of course, on the size and scope of the project.

Licensing costs

Most of the Dynamics 365 modules follow a base-attach model:

• For using any of the Dynamics 365 modules, you require a base license which must be purchased at full price.
• Additional licenses are called Attach Licenses which can be purchased for a reduced price.
• There are team member licenses that entail basic Dynamics 365 functions which can be purchased for a lower price, too.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a small, medium-sized or large business: the Dynamics 365 business suite offers you a great variety of CRM and ERP modules you can choose from, combine and customize. It will change and grow with your business, comes with constant updates and support, and will definitely be worth your while checking out. We give it a 10/10.

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