How to plan a Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations implementation & avoid common challenges
Planning is key to a successful Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O implementation. Like any ERP project, there are many important considerations as to how your organisation will implement and use Dynamics 365 F&O. This is a guide to reduce your stress levels and help you avoid common challenges with implementing Dynamics 365.
Remember we do this everyday, we have seen it all.
8 considerations for your D365 implementation plan
1. Select the Right Microsoft Solutions Partner
Did you know that Microsoft Dynamics is not directly sold to customers? Instead, they rely on partners who sell the product and help deploy the solution. There are many partners to choose from and it can be difficult to evaluate and select the right one. Someone who can fully comprehend the problem that you are facing. Ensure that your shortlist of Microsoft Solutions Partners understand your industry, have local consultants, and are a cultural fit for your organisation.
2. There will be Organisational Change
Many organisations looking to deploy a new system may overlook organisational change, viewing it as a technology project. In reality, it’s an opportunity to examine your business models and processes. We recommend you consider the change management aspects of your project as well. Successful adoption requires people to adapt and embrace the change, and we can connect you with trusted change management providers.
3. User Adoption is Critical
According to Forrester’s September 2020 Global State of CRM and ERP Survey, 44% of deployments struggle with poor user adoption as workflows and experiences must be tailored to add value to each back/front-office worker. Proper guidance and support are necessary to nurture user adoption and ensure that the teams know all the benefits of using Dynamics 365.
4. Flexibility
The flexibility of the Dynamics 365 platform is both a blessing and a curse. Walkerscott understand this deeply and have modelled our project implementation approach around this to minimise risk and deliver high ROI, low time to value outcomes for our clients.
5. Customisation Choices
Dynamics 365 offers several customisation options, and it is important to pick the specific ones that suit your complex business needs. Planning well and identifying the customisations to make in the early stages of your project, can save you a lot of time and money. While D365FO can be customised, Walkerscott can provide guidance on whether a customisation will add value to the organisation and provide meaningful ROI.
6. Cloud Deployment
Microsoft Dynamics 365 in the cloud isn’t for everyone. It is less of a challenge and incredibly beneficial to leverage the cloud these days, but we understand that some organisations would prefer to leverage an ERP that is ‘closer to home’, in which case you may have to look at other options.
7. Lack of in-house experience
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a complex application and needs expert guidance for successful implementation. Relying solely on your in-house IT support may not be sufficient, as they may need to figure out the nuances involved in the implementation.
8. Data Migration
The larger the amount of data, the more complex the data migration process is. An unsuccessful data migration could lead to implementation failure.
It may seem a little daunting, but don’t worry. With the right expertise, and a thorough understanding of the software and its capabilities, a trusted Microsoft Dynamics Partner goes a long way to ensure a successful F&O implementation. Check out our other guide on how to choose a Microsoft Solution Partner to implement Dynamics 365 F&O.