Microsoft Dynamics 365’s suite of modern business applications makes it adaptable to various industries. It’s why companies ranging from small start-ups to large enterprises rely on the software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution to deliver valuable business services. Following best practices during Microsoft Dynamics 365 implementation helps organizations maximize the platform’s benefits. In addition, businesses should avoid making the following mistakes to avoid problems that could impact their operating ability.
1. Neglecting User Needs
Sometimes businesses get so caught up in a Microsoft Dynamics implementation project that they get lost in the technical details. Dynamics provides organizations with many options. However, they’re not suited to all users. When that happens, companies can miss the fundamental reason for adopting Microsoft Dynamics 365, which is to make the lives of organizational users easier.
Those tasked with implementation may implement features only suited for some users. For example, suppose an employee working in finance has difficulty with the interface because it has a lot of controls not applicable to their job role. In that case, that could slow their ability to perform essential functions.
Businesses can avoid this mistake by finding an experienced Microsoft Dynamics solutions partner who can help map out user needs. Internet eBusiness Solutions (IES) understands the importance of adapting Dynamics 365 modules to the needs of multiple business users. That way, users expected to use the platform daily have what they need to support their job roles.
2. Too Much Customization
One of Dynamics 365’s biggest selling points is its flexibility and ability to fit the varying needs of business users. While it’s good to have a SaaS solution capable of supporting individuals working in different job areas, companies should be careful about going overboard with modifications. If you customize one of the modules, you must ensure it functions as intended.
When you modify a Dynamics 365 implementation too much, you end up with a framework that presents an upkeep challenge. You might be ok if the original developers who understand what’s happening are there. But what happens when they move on, and someone new comes in and has to figure out what’s happening with the Microsoft Dynamics implementation?
Over-customization hampers your company’s ability to realize the benefits of new Microsoft Dynamics feature releases. In addition, you can get to a point where trying to change an element in one module could potentially cause issues in other parts of the software.
IES can help organizations avoid the trap of too many customizations. We specialize in assisting companies in aligning the framework to help them meet their desired business goals. At every step, we optimize the platform in ways that more than make up for your Microsoft Dynamics 365 implementation costs.
3. Doing Too Much, Too Fast
Dynamics 365 is an exciting platform capable of revolutionizing how companies operate. That can lead some businesses to push Dynamics 365 implementation everywhere at once. As a result, project teams end up overwhelmed, leading to costly mistakes that add to your overall expenses.
Don’t try and solve every business problem in your organization with one massive push on a short timeline. That makes it hard to adjust to changing needs, leading to frustration among users and stakeholders when Dynamics 365 fails to deliver on its potential.
IES helps organizations set up a phased approach to a Microsoft Dynamics implementation. We start by developing a roadmap that accounts for the needs of different business areas and the expected outcomes. From there, we help businesses execute short cycles to gradually expand Dynamics 365 throughout their organization.
Smaller steps can help you achieve your desired outcomes faster than one big project. Users also get more time to adjust to the platform. In addition, implementation teams can learn from mistakes made during a previous phase and avoid them going forward.
4. Putting Too Much on IT Staff
Microsoft Dynamics implementations require the help of experts who understand the platform’s intricacies. While you may have a lot of confidence in your internal IT team, it always helps to bring in a partner who specializes in dealing with the nuances of Dynamics 365.
Configuring the solution to your current systems and applications can quickly eat up a lot of time. That can lead to the neglect of other business platforms because the project consumes so much staff availability. Putting the responsibility for a Microsoft Dynamics 365 implementation in the hands of IES frees your IT staff to focus on other critical aspects of your business’s technology infrastructure.
Your IT team can also benefit from having our technical experts around to help them learn more about the platform setup. Having both teams work together helps ensure a smooth implementation, which benefits the company long-term.
5. Underestimating Data Needs
One of the most complex parts of a Dynamics 365 implementation is migrating data to the new database. With information becoming such a valuable commodity, even small companies can have vast amounts of data to move to Dynamics 365.
Data migration can lead to the collapse of a Dynamics 365 implementation project. You’ve got to consider issues like how much information you want to move to the new system and what framework to use for the migration.
The more information you need to move, the longer it can take to complete a data migration. For that reason, it’s good to have the help of a company like IES experienced at successfully moving information into Dynamics 365. They can help you complete essential tasks like ensuring your data is compatible with the new database and testing the migration before scaling it up.
Get Help with Your Dynamics 365 Implementation
IES helps companies smooth out setting up and deploying Microsoft Dynamics 365. We also help businesses find technology solutions that boost their ability to execute their business goals. Learn how we can help you make your company better by setting up a consultation with one of our solutions experts.
