Conducting Due Diligence When Selecting Your Dynamics 365 Partner

The adoption of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations (F&O) and Business Central (BC) has been steadily gaining momentum in Australia and New Zealand, echoing the global trend toward digital transformation. As organisations seek greater operational efficiency, improved decision-making capabilities, and enhanced customer experiences, D365 F&O and BC emerges as a strategic solution.

The Growth Trajectory

According to a recent report by Mordor Intelligence, the Australian ERP market is projected to grow at an impressive CAGR of 9.76% from 2024 onward1. This continued surge amplifies the importance for organisations implementing and maintaining Dynamics 365 to select their Partners and ISVs wisely.

The Challenge: Scarcity of Experienced Consultants

This growing demand has created a significant, global challenge: shortages of experienced D365 F&O and BC consultants. For organisations embarking on new implementations, this scarcity poses considerable risks such as failed and/or delayed projects which can cost significant time and money. For this reason, due diligence is essential when choosing who to work with.

Key Considerations for Partner Selection

As someone who’s fortunate to collaborate with numerous skilled Microsoft partners and witness the impact of Dynamics 365 projects, I’ve learned valuable lessons. Here are my top tips to ensure successful alignment with the right partner:

1. Understanding Your Organisation’s Needs

To achieve successful outcomes in your organisation, it’s crucial that everyone involved in the project is aligned on the objectives you’re trying to achieve. Before collaborating with potential partners, all internal stakeholders must be aligned on your specific business challenges, as well as any industry-specific business requirements and goals.  Once you have attained an internal alliance, Once your business is aligned and of the existing challenges your unique business requirements, goals, and challenges. Ensure stakeholders agree with your requirements and define your business processes, industry-specific needs and desired outcomes from the Dynamics 365 implementation.

2. Assessing Partner Experience and Expertise

When searching for a Dynamics 365 F&O and BC partner, focus on their track record. Seek out partners who have successfully implemented D365 projects, especially within your industry or with similar-sized organisations. Don’t hesitate to ask about their team’s certifications, project experience, and expertise in D365 customization and integration. Most importantly, ask if the partner could provide a customer reference/testimonial. It’s a valuable way to gauge their track record and get insights from those who’ve already taken the journey with them.

3. Evaluating Resources and Scalability

When evaluating potential partners for your D365 implementation, consider their capacity to support your project effectively. Assess factors such as the size of their consulting team, geographic presence, and ability to scale resources based on project requirements. Additionally, inquire about their outsourcing practices and whether they can meet your required timeline.

4. Ensuring Alignment with Microsoft Standards

Microsoft maintains stringent standards for D365 implementations to ensure quality and consistency. I always recommend verifying that prospective partners adhere to Microsoft’s guidelines and best practices. Partnerships with Microsoft Gold or Silver competency status demonstrate a commitment to maintaining high standards of expertise and service delivery.

5. Communication and Collaboration Capabilities

Successful project outcomes rely on effective communication and collaboration. When assessing a partner, consider their communication practices, documentation processes, and project management methodologies. A valuable partner do not just ‘do as their told’ but engages in open and honest communication, actively addressing potential impacts on other areas. Rather than simply following instructions, they proactively collaborate to ensure alignment with project objectives and timelines, fostering transparency and risk mitigation.

Looking for a recommendation/still need help? SignUp Software has partnered with many successful and certified Microsoft Partners across Australia and New Zealand for over 14 years.

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