Microsoft Dynamics suite of business solutions gives small and large organizations access to quality customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) capabilities. However, it’s always helpful to have consultants available to provide support from the point of installation to ensure that you have the right modules for your business needs. Internet eBusiness Solutions (IES) understands the intricacies of working with various Dynamics implementations, from AX to the current cloud platform, Microsoft Dynamics 365.
Why is Dynamics 365 Support Necessary?
When implemented correctly, Dynamics 365 solutions help organizations streamline business processes while boosting efficiency and visibility into overall operations. Choosing the wrong options or failing to roll the new platform out to business users properly can slow adoption, leading to wasted resources and frustrated workers.
Many small companies don’t have a large IT department to consult. Partners like IES bring the experience to set up a Dynamics 365 implementation strategy. It’s always good to have consultants available with years of expertise and specialized knowledge of Dynamics 365. That makes them well-equipped to guide your business through the implementation process.
After configuring your Dynamics 365 installation, consultants can help train new users on how to use the platform. Hands-on training from a Dynamics 365 knowledge expert helps employees feel more confident using the product to complete everyday tasks.
With experts on hand, there’s no need to take personnel from other tasks to assist in training. If you have an outdated Dynamics installation, an expert can bring it up to date following industry best practices. Dynamics 365 support can provide tips on optimizing the design of your platform and setting up integrations with other business applications.
Qualities to Look for in a Dynamics 365 Consultant
Now that we understand the importance of having quality Dynamics 365 support, it’s essential that you find the right team for your needs. Dynamics has undergone many changes since the early days of AX and NAV. The cloud is the future, and that’s where Microsoft is focusing its efforts.
Dynamics 365 combines the best qualities of Microsoft’s CRM and ERP platforms. Any consultant you bring in should have the most up-to-date knowledge. For example, Microsoft has introduced an AI assistant called Copilot into Dynamics 365. Your consultant should understand the direction Microsoft is taking with generative AI and natural language processing.
Other questions you should consider when bringing on a Dynamics consultant include:
- Does the consultant understand how to work with different iterations of Dynamics 365?
- Are they capable of helping your organization optimize its Dynamics investment?
- Does the company offer plans that support your organizational goals?
- Has the consultant set up Dynamics 365 products before in your industry?
Below are some qualities your consultant needs to provide your business with optimal Dynamics 365 support.
1. Ability to Implement Tailored Solutions
Your Dynamics 365 solution partner should understand how to set up Dynamics 365 to meet your company’s needs. Each business is unique and has individual objectives, processes, and challenges to overcome. Your consultant should understand how to align Dynamics 365 with your organizational processes.
They should work closely with your IT department and stakeholders to determine requirements. From there, they should find ways to develop a custom implementation aligned to your organizational goals. Dynamics 365 is a complicated task involving different stages, including planning, data migration, and user training.
A lack of proper guidance can bog down the process. The right Dynamics 365 partner can help you avoid those issues and help you achieve a smooth transition. They should provide your business with a roadmap outlining all necessary steps. The plan should include set timelines and those responsible for performing various tasks.
2. Able to Maximize ROI
Companies must commit to a significant financial investment in Dynamics 365. Dynamics support can help organizations maximize their return on investment (ROI) by unlocking the platform’s full potential. They can help you find opportunities for automation, process optimization, and system integrations. Consultants guide your company on best practices for using various Dynamics 365 features, leading to increased efficiency and more effective customer engagement.
3. Offers Ongoing Support
Long-term success with Microsoft Dynamics depends on making sure that it receives regular maintenance and updates. Your Dynamics 365 support should provide ongoing assistance to help you keep your system operating smoothly.
They should make themselves available to help with post-implementation issues. That includes assisting new users to understand how to leverage the platform effectively and offering advice on new upgrades and enhancements. That way, your Dynamics 365 instance continues to grow and evolve with your business needs.
4. Helps Manage Integrations with Existing Systems
Most companies already have legacy software tools and systems in place for operations management. Your Dynamics consultant should be qualified to walk your organization through integrating Dynamics with existing systems. That way, you can ensure a seamless flow of information across your organization.
For example, you might want to connect Dynamics 365 with Salesforce or financial software like QuickBooks. You may already use a marketing platform like HubSpot or Marketo. Your Microsoft partner should understand how to integrate those solutions with Dynamics 365 effectively.
5. Covers Data Security and Compliance Needs
Many companies, especially those in the finance and healthcare industry, must comply with numerous regulations and privacy laws designed to protect sensitive information. Your Dynamics 365 consultant should help you establish robust security measures and make sure your organization complies with relevant industry regulations. That includes putting data encryption in place, setting up access controls, and implementing audit trails and compliance reporting.
6. Navigates Complex Issues
Challenges typically arise in even the smoothest Dynamics 365 implementations. Your consultant should have the experience and knowledge required to resolve those problems and not let them disrupt your project. It could be a technical issue with an integration, a customization issue, or performance bottlenecks. You can save your company from experiencing significant downtime by working with a solutions partner like IES.
Take the Right Approach With IES
Understanding your Dynamics 365 support needs makes it easier to find a partner who can make things flow more seamlessly. Contact an IES representative today and learn how we’re uniquely positioned to help your organization deliver results with Dynamics 365.
