It is not every day that your company goes through an ERP implementation. But how you plan for your Microsoft Dynamics 365 implementation will be a major factor contributing to the success of your business. The implementation of Dynamics 365 requires input from all departments and functions in your company to ensure the project goes smoothly. 60% of ERP projects fail because businesses do not know what steps to follow. Still, one thing is to take on board the right implementation partner for Microsoft Dynamics 365 CE or Finance and Operations will make the process easier.
Statistics show 80% of organizations are unhappy with their current ERP. The main reason is not because of the ERP itself, but it is because of the disparities that come with a lack of planning, management, and support.
So, without further ado let’s go through the tips and tricks to ensure a successful implementation.
- Know what and why you want to achieve
Your plan and investment should be in line with your company’s goals and strategic vision and mission. It is important to develop goals that are measurable. Once the overall goals have been set, individually move to each function of your organization and see how everyone will contribute. This will also tell everyone what is required from them and how they can achieve it.
- Set up your project structure
Just like you can’t move forward without a plan, you can’t move forward without a structure to your plan. After you have established the different departments, your next step is assigning responsibilities. You have to create the right team of employees to make sure there is a successful execution of your plan. Team players of each task should have knowledge and expertise in that respective business unit. Once everyone knows what they have to do, and how they have to do it everyone will be running in no time.
- Understand Microsoft Dynamics 365 capabilities
Dynamics 365 has a lot to offer, providing you with hundreds of different solutions. Therefore, it is important to review the solution’s capabilities before you undergo the implementation part.
- Conduct a process review
It is important to sit back and look at the current processes and procedures being used in your organization. Understanding how things are currently being done, and how they will change in the future is important. You need to see where change is needed the most and implementation will improve this particular area.
- Assess current systems and tools
A lot of Dynamics 365 implementation fail because businesses are using old and outdated systems. Take note of your current systems, tools, databases, etc, and look at how these need to be updated for implementation. Implementing Dynamics 365 is an opportunity where your business can migrate data and get new system upgrades.
- Test and train
Once you have your plan figured out, you need to make sure it is the right one. Understand all aspects of the plan and your own testing capabilities. What is your organization’s testing process? How will you go about things? You will need to create a team who will help you test your plan. This will also give them a hands-on opportunity to learn D365 prior to it going live. You will also have to consider how your workforce will be trained and pulled on board for the new implementation.
- Rollout and evaluate
You should be on the lookout for any possible disruptions or bumps on the day of going live. All teams should know what they have to do and have technical knowledge of their tasks. Your IT team should be on go, providing support and technical help where needed.
Once implemented, the process does not just stop there. You need to track performance, results, and effects after you go live incorporating user feedback along the way. Always make sure to plan for continuous improvement and change.