Introduction
Microsoft Dynamics CRM is a widely-used customer relationship management solution. It has been the go-to tool for many organizations looking to manage their sales, marketing, and customer service operations. Over the years, Microsoft has updated this solution to cater to changing business needs. The most recent update is Dynamics 365, a cloud-based solution that brings together all of Microsoft’s business applications into a single platform. In this article, we will explore the benefits of upgrading from Dynamics CRM on-premise to Dynamics 365.
What is Dynamics 365?
Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based customer relationship management solution that enables organizations to streamline their business operations. It is an all-in-one solution that includes various applications such as sales, marketing, customer service, human resources, finance, and operations. With Dynamics 365, you get a unified platform that provides a 360-degree view of your customers.
Benefits of Upgrading to Dynamics 365
1. Access to New Features
Dynamics 365 comes with several new features that are not available in Dynamics CRM on-premise. For instance, Dynamics 365 includes features such as Power BI, which enables you to visualize your data and gain insights to make informed decisions. Furthermore, Dynamics 365 also offers out-of-the-box integrations with other Microsoft products such as Outlook, Excel, and SharePoint.
2. Lower Cost of Ownership
One of the main benefits of upgrading to Dynamics 365 is the lower cost of ownership. With Dynamics CRM on-premise, you have to manage the server infrastructure, including hardware, software licensing, and maintenance costs. However, with Dynamics 365, Microsoft takes care of all these costs, and you only pay for what you use, making it a cost-effective solution.
3. Increased Flexibility and Scalability
With Dynamics 365, you get a flexible and scalable solution that can adapt to your business needs. You can choose which applications to use, and you can scale up or down depending on your business requirements. Furthermore, Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based solution, making it easy to access your data from anywhere and on any device.
4. Enhanced Security
Dynamics 365 offers enhanced security features that ensure your data is protected at all times. Microsoft invests heavily in security measures to protect its customers’ data. Furthermore, Dynamics 365 is compliant with several industry standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001, ensuring your data meets regulatory requirements.
5. Improved Productivity
Dynamics 365 offers several productivity tools such as Microsoft Flow, which enables you to automate workflows. With Dynamics 365, you can streamline your business operations and reduce manual processes, freeing up time for your team to focus on more strategic initiatives.
Upgrading from Dynamics CRM on-premise to Dynamics 365
If you are considering upgrading from Dynamics CRM on-premise to Dynamics 365, the process involves migrating your data and customizations to the cloud-based solution. The migration process should be planned well in advance to ensure a smooth transition.
1. Evaluate your Data
Before you migrate your data, evaluate it to determine what information is critical and what can be archived or deleted. This will help you determine what data to migrate, and it will also reduce the migration cost.
2. Review Customizations
Review your customizations to determine what can be moved to Dynamics 365. Some customizations may not be compatible with Dynamics 365, and you may need to update them to work on the new platform.
3. Plan the Migration Strategy
Planning is critical when migrating from Dynamics CRM on-premise to Dynamics 365. You should involve all stakeholders and create a project plan that outlines the migration steps.
4. Test and Validate
Before going live, test the migration process and validate that all data has been migrated correctly. This will minimize downtime and ensure a smooth transition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, upgrading from Dynamics CRM on-premise to Dynamics 365 offers several benefits. It provides access to new features, lowers the cost of ownership, increases flexibility and scalability, enhances security, and improves productivity. However, the migration process should be well planned and executed to ensure a smooth transition. With the right planning and execution, upgrading to Dynamics 365 can transform your business operations and improve customer engagement.