Smooth Transition, Big Impact: Implementing Dynamics 365 Business Central with Minimal Disruption
Discover how to implement Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central with minimal disruption and learn key strategies for smooth integration.
Implementing a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is a challenging process for any organization. One of the biggest challenges is often the disruption to normal business operations. Project leaders must implement various strategies to limit these disruptions so daily work can continue as smoothly as possible.
This blog aims to dispel the myth that implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is complex and time-consuming. It provides insights and strategies for a smooth transition, including the benefits of phased implementation, leveraging the familiarity of Microsoft 365, minimizing customization needs, and utilizing resources like Power Apps and AppSource for niche applications.
Dispelling the Myth: Implementing Dynamics 365 Business Central is Complex and Time-Consuming
Many businesses worry that implementing a new ERP system like Dynamics 365 Business Central will disrupt their operations. But the reality is quite different.
Dynamics 365 Business Central is designed for smooth integration, minimizing disruption. Its intuitive interface and familiar Microsoft environment make it easy for users to learn. Plus, with the help of experienced partners like Velosio, the implementation process can be efficient and streamlined.
Consider a Phased Implementation
To minimize disruption, organizations should consider a phased implementation. One of the primary advantages of a phased ERP implementation is enhanced risk management. By breaking down the implementation into manageable stages, businesses can mitigate the risks associated with a full-scale rollout. This approach allows for the identification and resolution of issues on a smaller scale before they escalate, ensuring a smoother transition overall.
A phased approach also supports better change management. It provides employees with the necessary time to adapt to the new system, which can lead to higher user adoption rates and less resistance to change. Gradual implementation helps staff become familiar with the system’s features and functionalities in stages rather than overwhelming them with a completely new system all at once.
Microsoft 365 Familiarity Helps
Microsoft 365‘s suite of productivity applications has become a staple in the modern workplace, offering tools such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint that many users are already proficient in. This familiarity is a significant asset when implementing Dynamics 365 Business Central. The seamless integration between the two platforms enables organizations to capitalize on their existing knowledge base, facilitating a smoother transition and faster adoption of Dynamics 365 solutions.
Minimizing Customization Needs
One of the key advantages of Dynamics 365 Business Central is its out-of-the-box functionality, designed to meet a variety of business needs without extensive customizations. This reduces both implementation time and costs, making it an attractive option for businesses. For niche customizations, Dynamics 365 Business Central integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Power Apps and AppSource, allowing businesses to create custom extensions and workflows that won’t hinder upgrades. AppSource is a valuable resource for finding niche applications that can further enhance the capabilities of Dynamics 365 Business Central, ensuring that specific business needs are met without extensive development.
Project Management Framework
Implementing Dynamics 365 Business Central requires a structured project management framework, and experienced Microsoft partners will have a turnkey process. Once the project is approved and contracts are signed, the project team should begin work on a detailed schedule. The schedule will help guide the project and ensure key deadlines are met while also providing project team members with information about their time commitments. Many project team members will likely maintain some or all their normal workload, so they should receive as much information as possible about their implementation workload in advance so they can plan accordingly.
The schedule will also help managers with employees who are working on the project since project team members may be working on other projects simultaneously with the implementation. For example, IT staff may work on the ERP implementation and projects in Human Resources or Finance.
Allocate Sufficient Resources
To avoid overloading project team members, the project leader should carefully calculate how many project members the implementation will require. Doing so will help ensure that employees aren’t neglecting ongoing business needs.
How Werk-Brau Boosted Customer Service and Streamlined Operations with a Phased Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Rollout
For many years, Werk-Brau relied on a manufacturing-focused ERP solution that delivered solid functionality but lacked cloud capabilities, robust financial tools, and Salesforce integration. This limited their ability to provide the exceptional customer service they are known for in the heavy equipment industry.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central: A Modern Solution
Microsoft partner, Velosio, recommended that Werk-Brau implement Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. This switch offered significant advantages, including cloud access, improved financial tools, and seamless Salesforce integration.
Nate Heintzelman, Director of Operations, attributes implementation and training success to Microsoft familiarity, ease of use, and a phased implementation. “Our familiarity with Excel greatly simplified data upload to Dynamics 365 Business Central and data management. It was a game-changer for us. Likewise, for training–the familiar Microsoft experience makes it feel like you’ve been in the system before. User adoption has been high, and I attribute that to the familiar Microsoft look and feel,” adds Heintzelman. Werk-Brau rolled out train-the-trainer sessions, creating PowerPoint presentations with screenshots and how-to’s that users could later reference.
For Phase 2, Werk-Brau recently kicked off a Phase 2 Dynamics 365 Sales project to replace Salesforce. Werk-Brau is also implementing Dynamics eShop, an eCommerce addition to the Dynamics 365 Business Central solution in Phase 2. “I’m very excited that it will give our customers and dealerships an ‘Amazon’ experience where they can obtain a quote, view open orders, search order history, and improve access overall,” says Heintzelman. “We are very happy with where we are at with the system and the potential to build upon it. Implementations are difficult, but Microsoft familiarity makes it easy to get over that hurdle,” concludes Heintzelman.
Access the full Werk-Brau case study here.
Conclusion
The implementation of Dynamics 365 Business Central is a strategic move for businesses aiming to modernize their operations with minimal disruption. By leveraging the system’s ready-to-go functionality and the ability to accommodate niche customizations, companies can realize significant productivity gains and operational efficiency. With the right project management framework and guidance, businesses can navigate this transition smoothly while ensuring a significant impact. Schedule a free consultation to see how the implementation will look like for your business.