Helpful tips to properly vet and select a long-term partner that fits your business, people, and goals.
The average business does not possess the technical skills or know-how to properly implement ERP software on their own. That’s why every ERP implementation requires the assistance of an experienced solutions partner. But when every partner has a different approach to planning, configuring, customizing, and supporting ERP software, how do you choose the one that best fits your industry, business processes, people, and goals?
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a popular ERP solution with an extensive talent pool of partners in every city and country across the globe. There are thousands of Dynamics 365 partners with different expertise and resources to choose from. If you don’t put the time and effort into evaluating your needs and choosing a partner, it can lead to major delays and devastating business interruptions. Here are some of the risks of selecting the wrong partner:
- Slow software adoption and unfulfilled expectations
- Missed deadlines and business disruption
- Excess costs due to out-of-scope items or additional customizations
- Limited functionality or features you pay for but don’t need
- Data accuracy and workflow issues
- Little to no return on your investment
We’re happy you’ve decided to transform your business with Dynamics 365, but there is still work to be done. During ERP software selection, you often meet with a few partners along the way who show you product demos and provide answers to any questions you have. Although it’s easy to just go with the company you’ve been dealing with, it’s better to take the necessary time to assess company fit and ensure they are the partner who will help you get the most out of your Dynamics 365 system.
The Microsoft consultants you choose to partner with are going to be responsible for guiding you through the entire project implementation process and supporting you for years to come. To make sure you select the partner best suited for your journey, take the time to ask the following questions before committing.
7 Questions to Ask a Dynamics 365 Partner
Before you start interviewing potential partners, it’s beneficial to meet with your internal team and identify what criteria matter most in a software partner. If your priorities are close proximity and fast support response times, then you will be able to quickly determine who fits and who doesn’t. Once you’ve narrowed down your list, it’s time to formalize the process with an interview.
Interviewing individual partners will give you an opportunity to ask questions and learn about their project methodology, communication approach, and overall operations. It helps to have a standard set of interview questions during these meetings to help guide you through the process and then compare each partner honestly when it comes time to choose.
Download our tip sheet to discover the 7 questions to get you started!
Why Partner with OnActuate?
From planning and customization to installation, testing, and training, you want to choose an experienced partner for the long haul. As a Microsoft Certified Partner, OnActuate has spent the last nearly 10 years building a highly qualified and dedicated team of technical developers and talented consultants who follow a proven project methodology. We have worked with companies of all sizes, industries, and complexities to help them achieve rapid growth and solve their unique business challenges through Dynamics 365. As a full-stack Microsoft solutions partner, we provide:
- Controlled ERP implementation project delivery and established methodology
- Trusted and transparent technology advisory consulting
- Local team with a global presence
- Responsive technical support and training
- Tailored industry solutions for organizations in retail, manufacturing, distribution, and the public sector
Learn more about who we are and how we approach every Dynamics 365 implementation. Set up our first meeting to determine if we are the right Dynamics 365 partner for your business.
