Organizational projects usually fail because of poor planning, employee buy-in and management support. Planning is the first stage, but it is required during every step of the project because there will always be IT delays, unexpected roadblocks and uncontrollable variables. Below are some of the most useful tips for successful Dynamics 365 implementation that we can pass along to you:
Choose the Right Project Leader
A qualified project manager is any experienced employee who knows how to leverage their skills and knowledge to achieve the project’s goals. Anyone who leads a software development project will need solid time, communication and organizational skills to track data, follow-up with staff and deal with HR issues. Knowledge of risk management and strategic planning is ideal. Project managers from operations will likely have excellent budgeting, supervisory and scheduling skills, but they will probably lack IT acumen and Dynamics 365 training. Similarly, IT managers who spearhead the software implementation project may lack knowledge of operational procedures and business processes. This is why many organizations use multiple leaders to contribute their specific skills to collectively manage the project.
Create Cross-functional Teams
Software implementation teams also need to be made up of experts with unique abilities and talents. Teams should include staff who excel at identifying and understanding inefficiencies, bottlenecks, time gaps and quality control issues. While they focus on specific process improvements and recommendations for unexpected issues, the hyper-detailed micro-managers will ensure that every task is completed on time and within budget. The interpersonal experts will elicit and encourage buy-in and support from vendors, employees and management along the way. IT specialists will focus on migrating and modifying existing systems to Dynamics 365. IT staff should minimize downtime, support frontline staff and provide management with technical assistance.
Technical Inventory and Assessment
It’s important to take an inventory of all current software, databases and information systems. This should include control, switch and panels in manufacturing companies. It could outdated partially integrated application suites and in-house programs built on extinct programming languages. A Dynamics 365 implementation project provides the best opportunity to standardize and centralize IT solutions, but this may require data migrations, system upgrades and new peripheral equipment technology. In order to minimize delays, waste and the chances of failure, begin test Dynamics 365 implementation projects within specific departments and controlled environments. This helps to maintain operational functionality, gain project momentum and benchmark important milestones.
Companies that use in-house programmers for their Dynamics 365 implementation project should spend more time planning and standardizing things like syntax rules, system structure and documentation guidelines. Companies that outsource their Dynamics 365 implementation project to a qualified service provider will enjoy quicker results, optimal processes and streamlined solutions.
