Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP is a powerful platform that can run your entire business. But ERP projects are complex and challenging, whether you’re optimizing your configurations, integrating a new system, or starting from scratch with a new implementation.
ERP consulting services can help. Here’s everything you need to know to get the most out of Dynamics ERP consulting.
Key takeaways:
- You can host Microsoft Dynamics ERP in the cloud or on premises. This article mostly talks about the cloud version, Dynamics 365 ERP.
- A Dynamics 365 ERP consultancy can help with the entire project, from initial planning to support after launch.
- A good consultant will use a well-defined ETL process to migrate data to Dynamics 365 ERP.
What is Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP?
Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP (D365 ERP) is a cloud-based ERP system that centralizes business data and processes across functions like operations, finance, supply chain management, sales, and order fulfillment. Dynamics 365 ERP is usually hosted in Microsoft Azure, which makes it easy to integrate with other Microsoft applications and environments. All in all, D365 ERP is one of the leading platforms on the market.
What is the difference between cloud-based and on-premises Dynamics ERP?
Cloud-based Dynamics ERP is usually hosted in Microsoft Azure. On-premises Dynamics ERP is hosted with the server or hosting services of your choice.
Here’s how the two hosting models compare in detail.
| Feature | Cloud-based Dynamics ERP | On-Premises Dynamics ERP |
| Deployment | Hosted on Microsoft Azure; accessed via internet | Installed on local servers within organization |
| Cost Structure | Subscription-based (OpEx) | Upfront license + hardware costs (CapEx) |
| Maintenance | Managed by Microsoft (automatic updates) and internal IT team or MSP | Managed by internal IT team or MSP |
| Scalability | Highly scalable; resources can be adjusted easily | Limited by on-prem hardware capacity |
| Accessibility | Accessible from anywhere with internet connection | Limited to internal network unless VPN enabled |
| Security | Receives Microsoft-managed security & compliance; also requires security management by internal IT or MSP | Organization’s internal IT or MSP entirely responsible for security measures |
| Customization | Limited deep customizations; extensions via cloud | Full control over customizations |
| Disaster Recovery | Built-in redundancy and backup in Azure | Requires separate DR infrastructure and plan |
What does a Microsoft Dynamics ERP consultant do?
A Microsoft Dynamics ERP consultant helps an organization improve business outcomes through proper implementation, configuration, and integration of Microsoft Dynamics ERP. Consulting can help with every stage of the journey, from initial discovery to ongoing support.
Here are the specific services provided by Dynamics ERP consultancies.
- Initial discovery and auditing. A consultancy can help you build a full picture of your business processes, data environment, and current ERP solution, if you have one. This is essential to decide what specific actions are required to implement, reconfigure, or integrate an ERP system to meet your goals.
- Requirements gathering. A consultancy can look at your current state, where you want to go, and help determine what your ERP requirements are.
- Platform review and selection. A consultancy can take your requirements and align them with the strengths of various platforms, helping you develop a short list to choose from. They can also help you make the final decision.
- ERP implementation. Most Dynamics consultancies can implement your ERP as well. This covers configuration, customization, and integration with other systems.
- ERP support after launch. If your consultancy covers implementation, they should offer support after launch as well. This provides continuity between the team that built your ERP solution and the team that supports your ERP every day.
- ERP user training. Users typically require training to understand a new ERP system and get the most out of it. A good Dynamics consultancy should provide comprehensive training for your end users as well as implementation and support.
Does a Dynamics ERP consultancy help with implementation, or just advisory services?
Most Dynamics ERP consultancies will cover implementation as well as advisory services. This ensures that you get continuity from a single team who manages the project from start to finish.
If a consultancy doesn’t cover implementation, they will typically pass you off to a partner company to build, launch, and integrate your Dynamics ERP solution.
Here at Corsica Technologies, we handle all phases of a Dynamics ERP project. From the initial planning to implementation and ongoing support, we’ve got you covered.
How does a consultancy migrate data to Dynamics ERP?
Microsoft recommends setting up a dedicated environment to store business data during the ERP implementation. A good Dynamics consultancy will create this environment, load historical business data into it, and keep it updated with new business data as your operations continue during the project. They will also make sure not to create any test data or transactions in this environment. This ensures that the data is clean and ready to go on launch day.
How does a consultancy actually load data to Dynamics ERP?
Typically, they use an ETL process (extract, transform, load).
- Extract the data from the original system.
- Transform the data to the required format for the new system.
- Load the data into the new system.
Does a Dynamics ERP consultancy help with support and training after launch?
A Dynamics ERP consultancy should provide support and training after launch. This way, you get one integrated team guiding your organization through the entire process. Support after launch typically comes in the form of ERP managed services, in which the consultancy takes full responsibility for the ongoing maintenance of your Dynamics ERP solution.
The takeaway: Get the consulting you need for Microsoft Dynamics 365
Microsoft’s cloud-based ERP platform is powerful—but it’s also complex. ERP consulting helps you get the most out of this platform while minimizing cost. Here at Corsica Technologies, we’ve helped 1,000+ organizations solve their technology problems. Contact us today, and let’s get started on your Dynamics ERP project.
Ready to take the next step with Microsoft Dynamics ERP?
Reach out to schedule a consultation with our ERP specialists.
