<img src="https://secure.leadforensics.com/133892.png" alt="" style="display:none;">

Regular updating of Dynamics 365 provides many benefits, but can also bring a company to a standstill, if you don’t watch out. Be prepared.

For many years, companies were used to a vast period of time between major updates to business systems like Microsoft NAV and AX. When new code finally arrived, it was so cumbersome and costly to implement that many generally did not bother.

“The philosophy was: If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it! It was not uncommon to work with business solutions that did not change significantly throughout their entire service life,” says Emmi Gesler Durig, Senior Release Manager at Columbus A/S.

That is no longer the case.

Mandatory updates increase the risk of errors

In 2019, Microsoft radically changed course and began to release new updates much more frequently. Currently, there are eight annual updates to the Dynamics 365 solutions and, although there is some freedom of choice, Microsoft has made it mandatory to update at least twice a year so that the solutions do not lag behind technically. This poses various challenges for companies.

The cloud-based Microsoft Dynamics solutions are constantly changing. Errors are corrected quickly, security is updated and solutions are constantly expanded with new functionality. This is a great advantage for companies

“The cloud-based Microsoft Dynamics solutions are constantly changing. Errors are corrected quickly, security is updated and solutions are constantly expanded with new functionality. This is a great advantage for companies,” says Emmi Gesler Durig.

But the frequent changes also increase the risk of crashes or disruptions to business: for example, if an update conflicts with an integration or a 3rd-party solution you opted for.

Nip problems in the bud with testing and validation

“If an update results in complications, it can create major problems. After all, the Dynamics solution is the nervous system of a company. Maybe performance deteriorates drastically. Maybe a key feature suddenly doesn’t work. Maybe, as a result of changes in the underlying application, an optional module doesn’t work properly. All sorts of things can go wrong. Customers frequently call, somewhat desperate because an update has made their business system almost unfit for use,” says Emmi Gesler Durig.

That is why it is crucial to introduce a structured, tried-and-tested, transparent process for testing, validating and implementing updates: both technically and functionally. This includes planning service windows so that business operations are minimally affected.

“It is obviously necessary to identify complications beforehand, so you can either find a solution here and now, or decide to postpone the update,” says Emmi Gesler Durig.

Want to know more about life after go live? Download our e-book with the experts' best advice.

SS_673487857

Thorough research reduces risk and increases value

But you also need to do your homework and keep abreast of Microsoft’s extensive universe of blogs and release notes. That is a not undemanding task.

“This is something we take care of for a number of customers. An ongoing Release Notes Assessment provides secure knowledge of what the next update will contain. What features are in the pipeline that are worth activating for a specific company, and what features should you definitely avoid? You also really need to know about any new bugfixes that will solve a specific problem your company may be suffering from. Then, if necessary, you can make the implementation of that particular update a priority,” says Emmi Gesler Durig.

She emphasises that Microsoft’s Evergreen programme (which features continuous updates) helps make Dynamics 365 platforms stronger, more flexible and more secure than their on-premise-based predecessors.

But there’s no avoiding the fact that frequent, mandatory updating of complex code – cloud-based or not! – can lead to inconveniences, and in the worst case scenario this can hamper an organisation in the short or long term

“But there’s no avoiding the fact that frequent, mandatory updating of complex code – cloud-based or not! – can lead to inconveniences, and in the worst case scenario this can hamper an organisation in the short or long term,” she says.

“That’s why it’s essential to have processes in place for testing and identifying problems, before implementing the updates in the production system. In addition, either the company itself or a partner must keep their eyes and ears open, thereby minimising the actual risk present. You also want to ensure that you take maximum advantage of all the ongoing improvements that are made to the business system,” Emmi Gesler Durig emphasises.

Would you like to find out more? 

If you are interested in other aspects of everyday life at Dynamics 365, then we have collected a number of experts' best advice on how to get your system in the best conditions after go live.

Talk to our experts

Topics

Discuss this post

Recommended posts

As we conclude our series on Columbus' Application Managed Services (AMS), it's important to reflect on how crucial the right support is after launching significant IT initiatives. Columbus stands out not only as a provider but as a strategic partner poised to propel your business into the future of digital innovation. Here's why choosing Columbus isn't just a good decision—it's your best move forward.
Making the right decisions starts with asking the right questions, and that’s especially true when you’re looking for an Application Management Services partners. Before you go all in, it’s good to take a long, close look at not just what a potential partner is offering, but how it differs from what others can provide, and what their track record is for performance, execution, and customer satisfaction.
Of all the kinds of debt your business can fall into, the worst may be the ones that sneak up on you. And technical debt is a prime example of that.
Following Through: The Risks of Overlooking Post-Launch Support in Digital Transformation
Have you ever been to a restaurant whose menu promises an array of dazzling delights, only to be disappointed when the food fails to deliver? It’s proof that an impressive menu doesn’t matter if the execution is lacking. After all, the restaurant still needs to choose the right ingredients, train its cooks well, and make sure enough effort is being put into each dish.
right-arrow share search phone phone-filled menu filter envelope envelope-filled close checkmark caret-down arrow-up arrow-right arrow-left arrow-down