Why Choose Dynamics 365 Field Service Over Leading Competitors

Our experts here at Velosio frequently get questions from potential clients about why they should choose Microsoft Dynamics 365 Field Service instead of other top competitors. There are many options on the market today for organizations in every sector—public or private—and options for every sized operation, from small and medium businesses (SMBs) to major enterprises. It has probably never been a better time to be a business looking to transform its field service operations with new CRM and ERP software.

So why should you choose Microsoft Dynamics 365 Field Service over the competition? There are many reasons, and we lay out the ten most compelling in this article.

1. Access to cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Several field service applications have recently been promoting their Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities, but Microsoft was an early backer of OpenAI, the R&D company behind ChatGPT, DALL*E, and other generative AI tools. That has given them and their users a significant head start in the race to leverage commercial applications for AI. For example, Microsoft has jumped in front of the competition with the release of Copilot for Dynamics 365.

2. You can leverage the Azure cloud platform

Cloud-based field service software offers significant benefits such as cost savings on data storage, seamless scalability to handle growth demands, heightened data security, improved collaboration, and superior performance. Microsoft offers one of the most powerful cloud platforms there is with Azure.

Azure provides global secure access to applications and data and enhanced mobile access. Copilot takes advantage of this secure environment by analyzing your organization’s data and using it to tailor its generative AI services. That is done fully compliant, so business and customer data are always protected according to all relevant industry regulations.

3. Flexible & fully integrated field service operations

Dynamics 365 offers field service teams a solution to efficiently manage their operations. From sales and customer service to finance, scheduling and routing, and job management, Dynamics provides tailored modules that cater to the unique needs of field services. Your team can select the relevant modules and pay accordingly. As you transform your operations—hopefully moving from a cost center to a profit center—you can add modules to accommodate changing needs.

4. Integration with the wider Microsoft ecosystem

Many field service teams already rely on other Microsoft apps, like Outlook 365, the Office suite, and SharePoint. As another cloud-based Microsoft service, Dynamics 365 integrates with those applications without additional plug-ins. This native integration offers several advantages.

For example, service staff can capture customer information from Outlook emails and use them to generate work orders in Dynamics 365. Users can easily export data from Dynamics 365 to Excel or vice versa. And PowerBI can run analyses on your work orders, finances, or technician schedules to generate new, actionable insights.

5. Easy customization

Dynamics 365 Field Service was designed as an open platform, not only accessible to Microsoft developers. You can customize many features, like adding or removing fields, without any coding. For more intricate customizations, the Microsoft Power Platform also offers low-code and no-code options for designing workflows, integrating applications, building virtual agents, and other functionalities.

6. Mature app marketplace

You do not need to rely on your own in-house expertise to customize Dynamics 365 either. The Microsoft AppSource marketplace offers a wide range of specialized apps that can integrate seamlessly into your existing platform. Yes, some of Dynamics 365’s competitors have their own marketplaces, but none are as robust or mature as what Microsoft offers.

7. Lower total cost of ownership (TCO)

Compared to its competitors, Dynamics 365 provides similar functionalities at a more affordable price. Your field service team gains access to all the resources it needs at a lower TCO. And predictable monthly billing allows organizations to allocate tight budgets more effectively. And opting for the Microsoft solution over competitors has the advantage of more cost-effective support and customizations from providers like Velosio.

8. Realistic and transparent licensing fees

Some field service software vendors advertise low prices, but their low-cost options only offer barebones features. Customers must pay for more expensive plans and obtain essential reporting and data analysis tools to access any useful, advanced functionality. They must opt for the highest-tier option. In contrast, Microsoft is transparent about fees and functionality. This upfront clarity ensures that customers know exactly what they will pay and receive from the outset.

9. Powerful reporting capabilities

According to our field service customers, reporting and analytics consistently top the list of most valuable features. In fact, one of the primary reasons for using field service software is to generate reports based on the unified data set it creates across all business operations. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Field Service stands out from its competitors by offering unparalleled robust reporting capabilities. Not only does Microsoft Dynamics 365 CE provide numerous standard reports and the ability to create a broad range of customized reports, but it also harnesses PowerBI to offer a whole new level of analytics capabilities.

10. Valuable partnerships improve ROI

Many companies first opt to deploy field service software on their own. We know this because we frequently work with them to reimplement Dynamics 365. Dynamics 365 is user-friendly and valuable out of the box. Still, you can significantly improve your ROI by working with a Microsoft partner who knows all the ins and outs, so it is implemented correctly the first time.

The good news is that an extensive, worldwide Microsoft Partner Network is available. Regardless of your location, industry, or organization’s size and growth expectations, a Microsoft partner is ready to offer personalized support, services, and strategic guidance. Partnering with experts can significantly enhance the efficiency and success of your field service software implementation.

Velosio can help transform your field service operations with Dynamics 365

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Field Service has a definitive edge over competing CRM and ERP applications. If you are looking to invest in a long-term field service software solution, one built on world-class, industry-leading technology that delivers the integration capabilities, robust feature set, fair pricing, and analytics that drive efficiency and performance, look no further than Dynamics 365.

As a Gold Microsoft partner, Velosio works with companies across industries, helping them implement effective field service operations solutions that set their organization, create value and boost their bottom line.

How can Copilot affect your company’s workflow and goals? Contact us to learn the benefits of Copilot and how it can impact your company’s workflow for the better.