Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Financials is a new cloud-deployed solution that offers a mix of ERP and CRM functionality and a high degree of customizability. For businesses currently using a mix of CRM and ERP solutions and those considering such platforms for the first time, Dynamics 365 is an intriguing proposition to say the least. Advantages like a high degree of customizability and useful licensing options mean the solution is flexible from the start, and Microsoft will add more choices as time goes on. Those are far from the only reasons to make a change, however. Let’s consider some major reasons why Dynamics 365 For Financials is a smart decision for many companies.

Addressing common desires
A software solution developed with a specific group or demographic in mind can be far more effective and easy to use than one that isn’t. The targeted nature of Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Financials is a major benefit, as the solution is scaled to successfully mesh with a certain type of business – specifically small and midsize businesses with approximately 10 to 100 employees. With this target audience firmly in mind, Microsoft built an integrated business solution offering in the form of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Edition, along with the Dynamics 365 Enterprise Edition offering pointed toward large enterprises.

This dual structure means options, software updates, apps and other improvements only or mostly relevant to larger businesses won’t be shoehorned into Dynamics 365 Business Edition or it’s associated Dynamics 365 for Financials offering. Instead, additions and changes for each edition will be crafted to fill specific roles, increasing the usefulness of the solution while avoiding bloat and less-applicable updates. For smaller businesses, that means the elements Microsoft offers will more strongly tie into their common needs.

The ability to start only with what’s needed, as Microsoft has described the implementation process of Dynamics 365, is another major consideration. Small and midsize businesses don’t have to worry about making sure they cover every possible eventuality when selecting a new integrated business solution and working through the implementation process with their chosen partner. Instead, organizations can focus on having the indisputably necessary elements in place at first – along with any other options they may want immediate access to – and build their version of Dynamics 365 Business Edition as time goes on.

As budgets allow and Microsoft releases more apps through its dedicated Dynamics 365 app store, organizations can make purchasing decisions based on current needs and future projections. A survey from the software developer found that small- and midsize-business leaders needed a modern solution that could change and grow with them without the large price tag of other options.

With a three-part focus on financials, sales and marketing, Dynamics 365 Business Edition addresses some of the most common concerns of small and midsize companies. That’s also true of other elements of the solution. The same Microsoft survey found ease of use for all involved staff members was a major consideration among business leaders, as was easy reporting and associated visibility of data. Clarity in design, integration with additional technology and real-time tracking also ranked highly in the survey’s results. Microsoft took those feelings into consideration during development, giving its target customers a number of benefits in terms of functionality and process design.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Financials offering is a powerful and targeted solution, one that was developed specifically for small and midsize organizations. Companies looking to make the move to an effective integrated business solution need to consider the flexibility, intent and power of Dynamics 365 for Financials.