A Guide to Dynamics 365 Project Operations

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What Is Dynamics 365 Project Operations

Dynamics 365 Project Operations is a relatively new player in the world of 365. It represents an advancement in previous project management and accounting capabilities offered in Dynamics 365 Finance and Microsoft’s Project Service Automation platform. Dynamics 365 for Operations addresses the gaps felt by many project-focused companies. Those who work in industries like energy and professional services will find that the updated platform covers many critical factors necessary to help them manage their projects and other essential business functions.

Why Use Dynamics 365 Project Operations for Project-Based Businesses?

Released in December 2020, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations provides organizations with an all-in-one project management and business process solution. Companies can use the platform to manage resources, handle accounting functions, and produce accurate reports.

Dynamics 365 for Operations creates a centralized platform where companies can gain more transparency into what’s happening with projects and business workflows. The platform integrates with other Dynamics 365 applications, meaning you can modify operations as needed to create the optimal business and project management platform. You can expand Microsoft Dynamics 365 Operations to handle functions associated with:

  • Marketing
  • Customer Service
  • Human Resources
  • Operations
WHY USE DYNAMICS 365 PROJECT OPERATIONS FOR PROJECT-BASED BUSINESSES?

Top Features of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations

Dynamics 365 for Operations accelerates project delivery through the interconnected modules within the platform. The goal is to help companies thrive in a constantly changing digital landscape. Thanks to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations, organizations can position themselves to adapt to any changes in the business environment.

Let’s look at some of the features provided by Dynamics 365 Project Operations that facilitate a higher rate of project success.

Project Management

Use the embedded Gantt charts, scheduling tools, and dashboards to track what’s happening at every project stage. The added transparency makes it easier to spot when there may be issues that could impact project deliverables. You can connect the platform directly to Microsoft Project to improve the end-to-end project planning process. Teams can coordinate by sharing documentation, data, and applications throughout a project’s lifespan.

Unified Task and Milestone Tracking

Project Operations enables teams to break down large projects into manageable tasks with clear deadlines and dependencies. Using embedded Gantt charts and milestone tracking, users can visualize critical paths and keep teams focused on delivery. Managers can assign tasks based on resource availability and skills, helping to optimize performance without overloading any team member.

Deal Management

Give the deal management experience a boost by improving your team’s ability to close deals. You can customize resources based on geographical costs to ensure you’re offering the most competitive prices for a region. It’s also possible to adapt billing models that meet your customer’s requirements. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations provides templates that make it easier for your team to draw up estimates.

Accounting

Tap into your financial data from all business areas to improve business efficiency and company performance. The user-friendly interface makes updating invoice details quick and easy. Your finance team can set up accounting rules to retrieve project costs and revenue profiles for fixed prices and time and materials.

Businesses can invoice clients more quickly to improve cash flows. You can expand Dynamics 365 Project Operations to become a more service-centered enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Companies can ensure they adhere to all required accounting practices, including ensuring they comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Resource Utilization

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations gives you visibility into all available company resources. You can ensure that you have what you need for timely project delivery. The platform lets you look at employees and evaluate their skills, current company role, and availability. Understanding what’s available makes it easier to align your resources to improve the quality of a delivered project.

Time Tracking and Expense Management

Professional organizations can use Dynamics 365 for Operations to overcome the difficulties of tracking time and expenses. Companies can ensure they don’t forget essential items like recording billable hours. The platform makes it possible to use a browser or mobile app to submit time and expenses. Managers can also set up workflow automation with rules that ensure the accuracy of any reported data.

Project Dashboards

Business areas can set up custom dashboards containing visualizations of crucial insights. Having the information available in an easy-to-understand format helps drive more informed business decisions. You can make the information available throughout an organization to remove informational silos. Companies can track KPIs to determine whether changes are needed to adapt to evolving business conditions.

Benefits of Adopting Dynamics 365 Project Operations

Dynamics 365 Project Operations is ideal for companies looking to connect their current finance and operations capabilities with project and resource scheduling. It’s also beneficial to companies interested in moving on from other project management or sales platforms. Let’s look at what you can gain by adopting the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations solution within your organization.

Project Stability

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations helps companies set up a consistent process for executing projects. Predictability is key to assisting project managers in delivering by the expected deadlines, which builds on customer satisfaction and keeps them loyal. Companies can also integrate other Microsoft products like Power BI to enhance reporting and set up alerts around project issues, making it easier to intervene before things go off-track.

BENEFITS OF ADOPTING DYNAMICS 365 PROJECT OPERATIONS
MORE BUSINESS AGILITY

More Business Agility

Setting up configurable dashboards and real-time analytics puts vital information at team members’ fingertips. You can eliminate blind spots caused by a lack of data that could impact your company’s ability to manage critical project details. Your workers feel empowered to make necessary decisions that ensure the success of a project.

Improved Collaboration

Microsoft Dynamics for Operations makes it easier for members of different teams to collaborate on a project. Integrating the platform with Microsoft teams expands the visibility of business areas and makes for more accessible communication. Project members can use the shared workspace to submit worked project hours and expenses from their devices.

Dynamics 365 CRM IMPROVED COLLABORATION
INTEGRATED MICROSOFT ECOSYSTEM SUPPORT

Integrated Microsoft Ecosystem Support

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations integrates with tools like Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and Power Platform. This allows for automated workflows, stronger internal communication, and real-time collaboration. Whether you're using Power BI for reporting or Microsoft Project for scheduling, the platform becomes a seamless part of your business operations.

Get Started with Microsoft Dynamics Project Management Solutions

Internet eBusiness Solutions (IES) helps organizations find business solutions that help them achieve their company goals. Find out how you can leverage our experience with Dynamics 365 and other Microsoft business solutions. Contact us here to set up a one-on-one consultation.

GET STARTED WITH MICROSOFT DYNAMICS PROJECT MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS
DYNAMICS 365 FOR PROJECT SERVICE AUTOMATION VS. PROJECT OPERATIONS

Dynamics 365 for Project Service Automation vs. Project Operations

If you're currently using Dynamics 365 for Project Service Automation (PSA), you may be wondering how Dynamics 365 Project Operations compares. Microsoft has phased out PSA in favor of a more integrated, comprehensive platform — Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations.

Key differences include:

  • Unified platform: Project Operations brings together sales, project management, resource scheduling, and accounting in one interface.
  • Improved financial visibility: Advanced invoicing, revenue recognition, and forecasting support complex business models.
  • Enhanced scalability: Built for large-scale and global project-driven businesses, Project Operations offers stronger performance compared to PSA.

Upgrading to Dynamics Project Operations can improve transparency, eliminate workflow silos, and reduce time spent managing multiple disconnected tools.

Why Choose Microsoft Dynamics Project Management

Companies across professional services, IT consulting, and engineering turn to Microsoft Dynamics project management solutions for several reasons:

  • All-in-one platform for managing sales, delivery, and finance
  • AI-driven insights to improve forecasting and resourcing
  • Cross-functional collaboration through integrated tools like Teams and Excel

Whether you're transitioning from PSA or starting with Microsoft Project Operations, this solution is built to support growth and adaptability.

WHY CHOOSE MICROSOFT DYNAMICS PROJECT MANAGEMENT
GREATER CUSTOMIZATION WITH D365 PROJECT OPERATIONS

Greater Customization with D365 Project Operations

With D365 Project Operations, companies can tailor project templates, billing methods, and approval workflows to fit their industry needs. This flexibility helps ensure consistency across teams while streamlining adoption. Pre-built templates and configurable dashboards reduce ramp-up time and improve operational efficiency.

Real-Time Project Visibility and Analytics

One of the standout benefits of Dynamics 365 Project Operations is its ability to surface real-time data across your entire organization. Executives, project managers, and finance teams can view dashboards tailored to their roles, enabling faster decision-making. With unified reporting, stakeholders can monitor project health, identify bottlenecks, and adjust resources proactively.

Built-in KPIs and forecasting tools make it easier to align teams with strategic goals. From profit margins and resource utilization to revenue trends and project timelines, everything is presented in a user-friendly format. Teams no longer need to toggle between multiple platforms to understand performance.

REAL-TIME PROJECT VISIBILITY AND ANALYTICS
A SCALABLE PLATFORM FOR GROWING BUSINESSES

A Scalable Platform for Growing Businesses

As your business expands, your project management needs become more complex. Microsoft Project Operations scales with you, supporting everything from small internal initiatives to global project portfolios. You can easily add modules or integrate third-party tools as needed, without disrupting existing workflows.

Whether you're a startup managing your first client engagement or a multinational enterprise coordinating global delivery teams, Dynamics Project Operations gives you the tools to grow with confidence.

Dynamics Project Operations FAQs

What are project operations in Dynamics 365?
Project operations in Dynamics 365 refer to the capabilities provided by Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations, a platform designed to unify project sales, planning, resourcing, delivery, and financials. It helps organizations manage the entire project lifecycle — from quote to invoice — in one integrated solution.
Does Dynamics 365 include project management tools?
Yes, Dynamics 365 includes project management tools through the Project Operations application. Users can access scheduling features, task tracking, timeline visualization, Gantt charts, and collaboration tools that support efficient execution of project-based work. These tools are built to align with real-world workflows and allow project teams to stay on top of deadlines, budgets, and deliverables.
What is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations used for?

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations is used to manage end-to-end project operations. It’s ideal for companies in professional services, IT, consulting, and engineering — any industry that relies on project delivery for revenue.

The platform supports:

  • Project planning and scheduling
  • Resource allocation and forecasting
  • Time and expense tracking
  • Budget and cost control
  • Revenue recognition and billing

Its integration with the wider Microsoft Dynamics 365 ecosystem makes it easy to scale and customize.

What is D365 Project Operations compared to standalone project tools?

D365 Project Operations combines project management with sales, finance, and resource management in one solution. While traditional tools like Microsoft Project focus on planning and scheduling, Dynamics 365 Project Operations adds the ability to manage billing, margins, and project profitability — all within a unified business system.

How does Microsoft Dynamics 365 Operations differ from Project Operations?
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Operations typically refers to capabilities within Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management — such as inventory, procurement, and manufacturing. Project Operations, by contrast, is specifically built for project-driven organizations, focusing on time tracking, resourcing, and financials tied to project delivery.
What’s the difference between “project operations” and just a “project”?
“Project” generally refers to the plan and execution of a single initiative or task. “Project operations,” as supported in Dynamics 365, refers to the broader management of multiple projects, processes, and people — from the business systems perspective. It includes the financial, operational, and strategic functions needed to keep projects profitable and on track.

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