Overcoming the Most Common Microsoft Dynamics Implementation Challenges
Regardless of their size and types, businesses prefer customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions. These solutions help them improve productivity via digital transformation mode. For such enterprises, Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a unique platform that offers them a 360-degree view of their business insights and processes. With an open architecture and the .NET framework, Microsoft Dynamics is customized, flexible, and easy to integrate with 3rd party solutions. Before you enjoy the benefits of Microsoft Dynamics, you need to implement MS software apps. There are some challenges that enterprises may face while implementing Microsoft Dynamics. Let’s discuss these challenges.
3-Stage Microsoft Dynamics Implementation Challenges
With Microsoft Dynamics 365, organizations easily streamline processes in a unified way. These processes are streamlined across marketing and sales, customer service, field service, and project service automation. When we talk about Dynamics 365 implementation issues, customers face challenges of Achieving user adoption; finding the right CRM solution provider; planning the right integration approach; managing schedule and cost overruns, and setting success criteria and clear objectives. Typically, there are three most common Dynamics 365 implementation challenges: Pre-implementation, during-implementation, and post-implementation.
Pre-Implementation Challenges
Unclear Scope and Budget Constraints – Lower investment for time and budget for requirements discovery; miscalculating customization, infrastructure, and implementation costs; undermining quantity and data quality before migrating; miscalculating integration efforts, resistance, and training costs
Inexperienced Solution Provider – Lack of adequate experience, process maturity, or technology with Dynamics 365 and unable to deal with implementation challenges confidently
Complexities in Management Approval – Unable to get management approval for implementing Dynamics 365 project; plan managed without the active participation of management; users not sure about Dynamics 365 project benefits; management delaying Dynamics 365 adoption
Unrealistic Expectations – Not deploying and completing projects in a fixed time frame; targeting all project objectives during the initial launch; not focusing on the ‘Agile’ methodology, and underestimating end-user transition
During Implementation Challenges
Changes in Key Stakeholders – Sudden changes in core Dynamics 365 deployment team; internal Dynamics 365 resources changing their roles; new experts joining the organization; Dynamics 365 provider makes changes in the core team
Changes in Business Priorities – Restructuring the budget of project; regulatory environment; and focus on acquisitions and mergers
Post-Implementation Challenges
Lack of User Adoption – Miscalculation about the use of the software after implementation; organizations don’t possess a proper strategy
Lack of Actionable Insights – Dynamics 365 tool fetches the data, not draw assumptions; a connected team can’t think out-of-the-box; the team needs data to make balanced and timely decisions
Complications in Information Security – Industrial surveillance in some regions; conflicting encryption standards; and government access and control over data
Ways to Avoid Challenges Faced While Implementing CRM
Set a budget with proper planning as the cost is significant challenge businesses face while implementing. Know why you need Dynamics 365. Get a clear picture before implementing CRM.
Define your objectives and functionalities and work toward making them measurable metrics. Work on features that give you an edge for a smooth Dynamics 365 implementation.
Before you compare all deployment costs and budget, including infrastructure, resources, upgrades, and maintenance, don’t jump to any conclusion.
Provide proper support and training for increased user adoption to maximize the system functionality and usability and increase the ROI.
Make a Dynamics 365 integration plan with other business solutions and avoid information and implementation overload.
Partner with a Dynamics 365 expert or hire an experienced CRM solution provider who can help you with all three stages of implementation with adequate strategies. Also, list down all implementation risks before you sign the contract.
Also Read : Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Businesses.
Dynamics 365 Implementation Services
There is no shortage of Dynamics 365 experts who offer software implementation services across different industries. All you need to do in these conditions is to choose the best resources to achieve seamless connectivity, enhance social engagement, improve customer service, increase return on investment, realize valuable insights from data, shorten the sales cycle, and deploy and scale efficiently. Such experts make a difference to your software implementation needs with the following services types. These include:
- Full cycle implementation of ERP and CRM
- On-premise, cloud, and hybrid models
- Project recovery or re-implementation
- Rapid deployment “Jump-start”
- Version upgrades
Microsoft Dynamics 365 implementation can bring drastic changes if you address and deal with different implementation challenges and issues. A smooth and hassle-free implementation process can improve the process of marketing, sales, and customer service.
