The benefits of implementing a best-of-breed Microsoft Dynamics solution is largely understood by most organisations, but why does it remain a challenge for organisations looking to modernise?
Let’s take property as an example: when you embark upon buying a new build, you visualise the end-state and you get excited about what it “could” look like – software is no different! We often come across customers who share these views, but by doing so, the ‘how’ is often neglected.
We want to provide some focus on the building blocks, the principles and values that underpin a successful Dynamics implementation. While there is no “one size fits all” approach, we believe there are several themes to look out for to ensure a successful Microsoft Dynamics journey:
1. Understand the customer
Common sense, right? You’ll be surprised to find out that one of the main reasons Microsoft Dynamics implementations fail is because the partner doesn’t fully understand the customer and what they are looking to achieve as a business. Dynamics should be an enabler for the customers growth strategy.
Here at Inciper, we have an open dialogue with our customers from day one and maintain it throughout the lifecycle of the project. Utilising our RAPID methodology, we allocate time to getting to know your business, understanding your pain points, challenges and mid-to-long term objectives. We assess your people organisation and culture and ensure we buy-into your vision. We have a motivated team to enable the realisation of these goals using technology as an enabler.
2. Setting up the foundations for success
Too often you see partners rush into delivering a Microsoft Dynamics solution to hit an aggressive timeline, without laying down the foundations and underlying principles for delivery. Afterall, you wouldn’t start building the roof before digging the hole.
At Inciper, we allocate time to ensure we assign experienced resources suited to your needs and requirements. We invest upfront effort in defining our strategies which include; Application Lifecyle Management, Data Migration, Integrations, Reporting, Testing, Training & Change Management. We also adopt a tried and tested governance model to ensure key stakeholders receive good visibility of the project health with clear definitions of success.
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3. Skilled resources willing to challenge
Historically, one of the biggest challenges in any software implementation is dealing with change. Often you will come across experienced users who have been adopting the same process for 10 years because “it’s what they know” – it’s easy to get caught up in your day-to-day, you become reluctant to start challenging the norm and thinking about “how we can do things differently”.
Not only are our consultant’s industry experts, they also don’t shy away from challenging a process when they see flaws. We encourage them to look for opportunities to enhance and improve our customers processes, resulting in added efficiencies.
4. Communication
Anyone in a relationship understands that communication holds the key to success, the same applies to software delivery! The more you maintain open and transparent dialogue with the customer, the tighter control you have over the project.
Using our RAPID approach to project delivery, we run iterative sprints throughout the build phase which allows for enhancement and review of the solution. This ensures that we’ve understood the requirements and minimises time for rework during the later phases of the project. Additionally, we have regular checkpoint meetings and steering groups to engage the project sponsors. In these, we ensure decisions are made in a timely fashion and escalate risks, issues and blockers.
5. Business buy-in, collaboration and engagement
Any software implementation is ultimately measured by the adoption of the new solution. To achieve this, it is imperative that your whole business is heavily involved throughout the transformation journey. You need to secure buy-in and you will need to ensure collaboration and engagement is at a high level throughout.
Inciper ensures that roles and responsibilities are defined and assigned to the appropriate people, so expectations are clearly set from the start. Additionally, the RAPID delivery model ensures the business get value from the solution from the very first workshop. We also push for the customer to get hands on exposure to Microsoft Dynamics straight away to start that familiarisation process.
6. Process-oriented, not functionality driven
Ever heard the saying trying to fit a square peg into a round hole? This is what happens when your engagement is functionality driven. Everyone is keen to see the shiny product, so it is easy to build the solution based on its functional offerings. Neglecting business processes and functional fit will result in a poor user experience.
Utilising our process taxonomy, our workshops are driven around the customers processes to really grasp an understanding of ALL scenarios. Based on our findings, we carry out a FIT/GAP analysis to map the processes against the standard product to ensure alignment. We configure the solution to fit to your business needs. We also document your processes which can then be maintained and enhanced as your transition into the new world.
7. Avoid steering away from standard product
Microsoft have evolved the Dynamics product and continue to make functional enhancements. Dynamics is a full featured product suite covering Finance, Operations, Sales and Service.
Our advice to any organisation looking to engage in an ERP implementation is to avoid or minimise any customisation. We provide guidance around improving and simplifying complex processes through Dynamics before considering developments. It is also worth noting that Microsoft won’t be able to support an overly customised product which poses its own challenges and risks.
8. Thinking ”2 steps ahead”
There are many moving parts when delivering Microsoft Dynamics: solution design & configuration, data migration, training & change management, testing, just to name a few.
We pride ourselves in being a proactive, forward thinking organisation, focussed on helping companies solve business problems through Microsoft Dynamics solutions. We have a clear mechanism for escalating risks and issues, while providing timely mitigating strategies to overcome obstacles. We continually look at ways to improve, provide additional support and enhance the customers Dynamics journey. We leverage other ISV solutions to help fulfil any gaps and consider the full Microsoft technology stack to help overcome business challenges. We act as an advisory and an implementation partner to ensure the needs of our customers are met.
Ready to find out how we implement Dynamics 365? Download our eBook below.
