Upgrading Dynamics CRM on Premise to Dynamics 365 – Everything You Need to Know
Dynamics 365 is the latest offering from Microsoft that combines the power of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). The platform provides businesses with a complete solution for managing their sales, marketing, customer service, finance, and operations. Dynamics 365 is designed to be flexible, scalable, and customizable.
If you’re currently using Dynamics CRM on-premise, it’s time to consider upgrading to Dynamics 365. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about upgrading Dynamics CRM on premise to Dynamics 365.
1. Why Upgrade to Dynamics 365?
There are several compelling reasons to upgrade your Dynamics CRM on-premise to Dynamics 365. Here are some of the key benefits:
a. Enhanced Functionality: Dynamics 365 offers enhanced functionality compared to the older version of Dynamics CRM. You can use Dynamics 365 to manage your entire end-to-end business processes, including sales, marketing, customer service, finance, and operations.
b. Scalability: Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based solution that can easily scale up or down to meet your business needs. You can add or remove users as needed, without worrying about infrastructure costs.
c. Improved Security: Dynamics 365 has built-in security features that protect your data from cyber threats. The platform is compliant with various industry standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI.
d. Cost Savings: By moving to the cloud, you can save money on hardware, maintenance, and IT staff. You also get access to the latest updates and features without any additional cost.
2. What’s Involved in Upgrading to Dynamics 365?
Upgrading from Dynamics CRM on-premise to Dynamics 365 involves several steps. Here’s an overview of the process:
a. Assessment: The first step is to assess your current system, including hardware, software, and customizations. You’ll also need to review your data and licensing requirements.
b. Migration: Once you’ve assessed your system, you can start migrating your data to Dynamics 365. This involves exporting your data from Dynamics CRM on-premise and importing it into Dynamics 365.
c. Customization: After migrating your data, you’ll need to customize Dynamics 365 to meet your business needs. This can include configuring forms, workflows, dashboards, and reports.
d. Integration: If you’re using third-party applications, you’ll need to integrate them with Dynamics 365. This can involve setting up connectors, APIs, or custom integration points.
e. Testing: Before going live, you’ll need to test your system to ensure everything is working correctly. This can include testing data accuracy, functionality, performance, and security.
f. Go-Live: Once you’ve completed testing, you can go live with Dynamics 365. You’ll need to train your users on the new system and ensure they have access to the necessary resources.
3. Tips for a Successful Upgrade
Upgrading to Dynamics 365 can be a complex process, but there are several things you can do to ensure a successful upgrade:
a. Plan Ahead: Make sure you have a detailed plan in place that outlines the migration path, customizations, integrations, testing, and training. Set realistic timelines and communicate them to your stakeholders.
b. Involve Stakeholders: Involve your key stakeholders, including business users, IT staff, and management in the planning and rollout process. This will help ensure buy-in and adoption of the new system.
c. Minimize Customizations: Try to reduce the number of customizations during the migration process. This will help streamline the process and reduce the risk of errors.
d. Test Thoroughly: Test your new system thoroughly before going live. This can include testing data accuracy, functionality, performance, and security.
e. Train Users: Ensure your users are trained on the new system and have access to the necessary resources. This will help ensure a smooth transition and adoption of the new system.
4. Conclusion
Upgrading Dynamics CRM on-premise to Dynamics 365 can provide significant benefits for your business. The new platform offers enhanced functionality, scalability, improved security, and cost savings. While the process can be complex, careful planning, involvement of stakeholders, and thorough testing can help ensure a successful upgrade. With Dynamics 365, you can take your business to the next level.