Implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) can revolutionise and provide immeasurable benefits to any business. However, it also takes a lot of time, planning and resource to be successful. Therefore, once it’s up and running, it’s important to make sure you’re getting the most out of it and maximising your investment. So, what needs to be done and how can you do it?
Ensure your business systems are always running at evergreen.
Evergreen is the process of getting everyone who's using Dynamics 365 on the same version of the software. This means you'll be rolling out smaller updates throughout the year rather than complicated implementations that happen periodically.
User training is essential for the success of your D365 implementation. It’s important to ensure all key users and stakeholders understand the best practices before go-live. You don’t want users reverting to old methods once senior leaders and directors step back from the project.
By prioritising user training, you’ll gain team buy-in as mindsets are aligned and the transformation is embraced.
It’s also important to identify whether an issue is a user error or system error. UAT helps to train users up so you can make sure they are following the correct processes and procedures. Use automated testing alongside this and you can highlight whether something is a system error or user error.
Just because another update has been released doesn’t mean you have to drop everything to roll it out straight away. Know which releases are relevant, how they might impact your processes and implement them at the right moment. Be strategic with your updates to minimise any potential downtime.
It’s important to ensure application security isn’t an afterthought. It should be addressed early and often within the project because once your go-live date arrives, if you haven’t prioritised it then you may experience issues related to compliance, access and auditability.
And don’t forget it’s better to give users bare minimum to begin with as it’s always harder to remove access than it is to grant it.
Using a Managed Services Provider (MSP) will ease the ability to stay both compliant and evergreen whilst saving on time and resources internally. For more information on the benefits an MSP can provide, check out our blog here.
With the need to keep your Software-as-a-Service (Saas) solutions evergreen becoming increasingly necessary, MSPs are now commonplace. At Columbus, we have packaged together a trio of services to help you manage your evergreen process in line with your D365 platform:
To find out more information on how Columbus can keep your business evergreen, download our brochure below: