Steve Jobs once said, “Great things in business are never done by one person; they’re done by a team of people.”
Hence, having the right partner beside you matters the most to your business; together, you can sail through the storms, or you might sink the ship! Choosing the right Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central partner is fundamental to the success of your ERP implementation.
This is because even though you’re choosing Business Central for the first time or upgrading from another solution, the partner you select will impact everything from implementation speed to long-term system success.
Business Central can organize and simplify your financials, sales, operations, and project management. Still, its full potential can only be milked upon if you have a partner who understands your business needs and can personalize accordingly.
With so many choices available, how do you know which is best for your business? Moreover, choosing the best partner is the first step towards success. It’s not just about finding someone who will install the software; it’s actually about partnering with an advisor who will help you gain the maximum benefits from your investment.
Let’s review some factors you must consider when choosing the right Dynamics 365 Business Central partner.
Tips to Choose the Right Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Partner
Selecting the right Dynamics 365 Business Central partner requires a systematic approach to maximize your ERP investment. While searching for a Microsoft Dynamics Business Central partner, you must analyze various aspects, such as their industry expertise, track record, customer service, and ability to provide ongoing support. These factors are essential in determining whether your project succeeds or faces bottlenecks.
1. Knowing Your Business Needs
Before you consider potential partners, it’s essential to know of your business’s requirements. Are you looking for a partner experienced in a specific industry or someone who can handle a large-scale Business Central implementation?
For example, a retail company may need strong supply chain management and sales tracking, but a manufacturing business might need strong inventory management.
Clearly defining your needs will help you select a partner perfect for your current and future targets. Consider documenting your areas of concern, growth plans, and technical requirements before contacting partners. This will help you match the partner’s strengths with your goals.
2. Assessing Industry Knowledge
An important factor in selecting the right Dynamics 365 Business Central partner is assessing their knowledge of your industry. A partner well acquainted with your industry’s unique needs will offer customizations and clear insights for your business.
For example, if you’re in the agriculture sector, a partner with experience in that industry will understand the seasonal nature of your business and how ERP can help manage inventory, crop cycles, and cash flow. This can reduce the learning curve during the implementation process and result in an effective ERP system.
3. Evaluating Expertise and Experience
It is essential to have a partner who is a certified Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central partner and has an excellent past track record of successful implementations. This will warrant that the partner has met Microsoft’s requirements and can handle the software’s complexities.
You must also evaluate the number and scale of projects they have completed. Inquire the partner about their experience working with businesses of your size and complexity and in your industry. A partner with expertise in a more complex implementation will be better able to handle any issues that may arise.
4. Reviewing References and Reviews
Client recommendations and testimonials are valuable when assessing a business central implementation partner. Ask potential partners to provide references from clients related to your business in terms of size and industry. Contact these references and ask about their experience with a particular partner.
Online reviews and case studies can also offer important information. Search for reviews that mention responsiveness, problem-solving skills, and the ability to meet a partner’s deadlines. If a partner has good reviews but needs more experience in your industry, look for another partner with more relevant expertise.
5. Evaluating Support and Maintenance Services
The right partner must provide long-term support and maintenance to keep your system running smoothly. An excellent Business Central implementation partner will provide post-implementation services such as troubleshooting, system updates, and optimization.
Ask the partner under consideration about the types of support they provide after deployment. Will they offer continuous support to maximize your system performance as your business grows? Can they provide fast issue resolution and support to meet your budget?
A reliable support structure can prevent costly downtime and enable your team to maximize the ERP system’s potential.
6. Analyzing Cost and Value
Although cost is a top priority, it’s also essential to consider the value the partner brings. Rather than opting for the cheapest option, you must consider the ROI regarding the expertise, support, and customization the partner can provide.
Some partners offer a lower initial cost, but you might face additional costs if they lack experience or provide no support. A partner that will be valuable in the long run will guarantee that your project stays within budget, and their expertise will help you reap the benefits of the implementation.
7. Considering the Partner’s Approach to Implementation
Every partner has a different implementation strategy. Some use agile methodologies for fast and flexible deployments, while others follow a phased approach. Agile methodologies enable quicker adjustments, especially for companies that need to respond quickly to changing business needs. A good partner will always modify their approach to meet your needs.
8. Ensuring Scalability and Futureproofing
When shortlisting partners, you must ensure that the solutions they implement are scalable and future-proof. Your business will grow and change in the future, so your partner must provide solutions that can quickly adapt to changing demands.
Ask your partner about their experience in scaling systems. They should provide examples of how they’ve helped businesses expand their ERP systems as they grew.
9. Effective Communication and Collaboration
Clear communication is mandatory when collaborating with a Business Central partner. Your partner must hear your concerns, keep you in the loop throughout the project, and take constant feedback. A collaborative approach can prevent possible misunderstandings.
Ask your potential partners how they communicate during the implementation process. Do they give regular updates and status reports? Will you have a dedicated project manager or point of contact person to handle concerns? These factors can impact the project’s overall success.
10. Evaluating Training and Knowledge Transfer
A successful Business Central implementation must ensure your team can use it effectively. Many ERP projects fail because the end-users don’t understand how to use the system.
When considering possible Microsoft Dynamics Business Central partners, consider the training they provide. This will guarantee that your team is well-prepared to use the system’s features. In-depth training will empower your team to use the system efficiently through on-site training sessions, detailed user manuals, or webinars.
11. Making the Final Decision
After meticulously analyzing the potential partners, it’s time to decide. Your chosen partner must match your business needs, have the right experience, and offer value beyond the initial implementation. You must ask for a detailed proposal outlining their implementation plan, support services, and timelines.
Always remember that a strong partner will continue to support you long after the software is deployed.
12. Considering Cultural Fit
Lastly, consider the partner’s cultural fit. Do their values match with yours? A solid working relationship is built on trust, and for that, it is a must that both companies share the same work ethics and values for a smoother collaboration. This element is highly prone to being overlooked, but cultural fit can pave the way for the future of your partnership.
Conclusion
Opting for the best Dynamics 365 Business Central partner is a make-or-break step that can determine the long-term success of your ERP. At Folio3, we proudly present ourselves as being a certified Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central solution partner. We have many years of experience in rendering successful implementations in various industries.
Our team work in close collaboration guarantee a smooth installation that meets your business goals. Moreover, we provide unwavering support and training, we are always there for you!
Thus, are you braced to revamp your business with Business Central? Get in touch with our Team today for a flawless experience.
