Innovation through MS Dynamics

Eric Frank, CEO, NexTec Group

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Eric Frank, CEO, NexTec Group

Recent Trends in MS Dynamics Landscape

Microsoft Dynamics is a suite of business software products that helps companies run the front- and back-end of their businesses. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, such as Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Dynamics SL, help manage accounting, finance, supply chain, and operations. While Customer Relationship Management (CRM) products, such as Microsoft Dynamics CRM, help marketing, sales and service manage customer and prospect data – tracking information such as contact information, sales pipeline, product orders, marketing activities, issue resolution, and history.

“Needs and technologies drive organizations to innovate which in turn creates efficiency, transparency and scalability”

The biggest trend we see is the move to the Cloud. ERP and CRM buyers are increasingly evaluating the pros and cons of having their ERP and CRM software hosted and managed on-premise at their company or managed in the Cloud by a service provider. The Cloud is gaining particular favor with small- to mid-sized companies because they can outsource the staff needed, stay focused on their core competency, and quickly scale as the business grows. This should lead to efficiencies all around. We are excited to see the new solutions for Cloud that Microsoft has coming this year.

Challenges in Implementing MS Dynamics

Any company, whether a first-time buyer of ERP and CRM (moving up from QuickBooks), struggling with a mishmash of current software that doesn’t work together, or updating an old legacy ERP or CRM system faces several challenges. Such as:

o How do you look for and select from the various software available? There are more options in ERP and CRM than ever before.
o How do you get finance, accounting, operations, marketing, and sales on the same page to decide what’s needed, what’s the priority, and how it all should work together?
o How do you get the new software to work with your other software that you are keeping?

A good experienced consulting firm can be your Sherpa – guiding you through the selection process and working with your staff to design the right solution and implement it successfully. Look for a company with a long history with ERP and CRM. They will know the options, can watch out for pitfalls, and lead you down the path to success. An ERP / CRM specialized consulting firm that’s been in business for long time is also your best bet for a partner that will be there for you in the future.

Need for Technological Advancements

Needs and technologies drive organizations to innovate which in turn creates efficiency, transparency and scalability. In order to keep up with the competition, a business must constantly reinvent itself and challenge the status quo by investing in people, technology, and process improvement. ERP and CRM is perfect example of the harmonizing of needs and technologies because they automate processes that allow the company to work together. Finance can see operational data and costs in an instant. Marketing, Sales and Service can work together to track a lead from the moment the website is visited to the first sale to a long-term loyal customer.

Advice to CIOs

Microsoft Dynamics is slated to have new innovations coming soon. Our advice is to keep tabs on Microsoft as well as other software providers, like Sage and Acumatica, to learn more what they have in store, especially for Cloud releases. In addition, find and follow industry leaders on social media, join groups like GPUG or CRMUG and read news sites like Dynamics World to keep up to date on the conversation and experiences others are having.