Microsoft shook up the ERP and CRM worlds when it announced the impending arrival of Dynamics 365, a powerful, cloud-deployed platform that offers an effective mixture of ERP and CRM functionality for growing businesses. The introduction of this new solution for managing finance and operations addresses a variety of common, critical business needs and leads to a number of positive changes for many organizations. Microsoft’s official launch is Nov. 1, which means companies should start considering a move to the new system sooner rather than later. It is offered in two editions: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Edition for organizations with 10 – 250 employees and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Enterprise Edition.
New business software covers a lot of ground
One of the biggest advantages of Microsoft Dynamics 365 is its integration of many elements of ERP and CRM functions. The typical division between the two types of software meant companies frequently had to implement two separate platforms to manage all of their related concerns in the past. CRM solutions addressed sales and marketing considerations but didn’t provide much in the way of support for intrinsic business functions, while ERP involved financials and accounting but didn’t touch many customer-related elements. While using just one or the other worked for some organizations, plenty of others wanted a more holistic solution.
To that point, Takeshi Numoto, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Cloud and Enterprise, said in a statement that Dynamics 365 offers a stronger connection to the way many companies function in a host of different markets, according to eWeek.
” … Dynamics 365 will offer subscriptions per app [or] per user and introduce industry-first plans that embrace the cross-functional way organizations and employees need to work today,” Numoto said.
The use of a common data model to bring elements of both CRM and ERP platforms together in a single solution is a major change, as is the incorporation of Microsoft’s most recent analytical tools and systems. Additionally, eWeek noted the power of integrated business productivity software, specifically Microsoft Office 365, with Dynamics 365 creates a very strong and useful foundation for the solution.
Configured for more efficient processes and effective results
Every business is different, and there’s no solution that offers all a company’s business requirements out of the box. The best way to get more out of your ERP and CRM solution is working with a qualified partner and implementing additional modules and add-ons from independent software vendors. Now, Microsoft is offering companies an app store for Dynamics 365 that can be used to seamlessly add additional functions to client’s systems. This approach has some significant advantages, including the ability to only purchase options that are needed. That pays off, both in terms of customizability and budget considerations, allowing organizations to avoid spending too much money at once on apps. Businesses can learn more about offerings in the Dynamics 365 app store and discuss potential purchases beforehand, giving them an edge throughout their time using the solution. Being new, there isn’t much in the app store today, but its selection is guaranteed to grow.