How Pragmatiq Implements Microsoft Dynamics 365

There are two important aspects to any CRM project; Firstly, choosing the right technology. Secondly, identifying the right partner to implement your chosen solution and work with your business in a long-term partnership. As a Microsoft Gold Partner, we understand the difference that working with a trusted partner can make to the overall success of your digital transformation, and we pride ourselves on our approach from the start of your journey, throughout the implementation, and beyond.

We also recognise that every business is individual and requires a bespoke service, therefore we tailor our approach to implementation to suit your needs and requirements. One of the most important aspects of this is that we don’t start the implementation process with any preconceived ideas about your business; instead, we take the time to understand your industry and what you are trying to achieve.

Continue reading to learn more about our implementation process, our delivery model, and frequently asked questions…

Our process – 7 steps to success

We have refined and developed our implementation methodology over time to ensure we can dedicate the resource and care needed to your Dynamics 365 implementation to guarantee success. The below steps provide an outline of our process.

1. Exploratory

We refer to this phase as ‘Scoping’ (Read more about in our blog on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Scoping). During scoping, we aim to learn more about your business and what you are trying to achieve, so we can provide an accurate project outline and cost. Should you choose us as your Partner, we will then have a clear idea of our approach to implementation, which is best suited to your business.

2. Project Kick-Off

This is where your implementation truly begins, we schedule meetings with your project manager(s) and the wider team involved. We will introduce you to our technical team, outline the project scope and discuss the project timeline to ensure we are all clear on the delivery schedule. Additionally, we take the time to introduce you to our methodology so you have a clear understanding of what you can expect on your implementation journey as well as demonstrate the Microsoft Teams channels we use for communications throughout the project to ensure we can collaborate effectively with you.

3. Workstreams

Each project we undertake is divided up into workstreams that are managed independently and consist of the following:

• Design Workshops – We discuss your detailed requirements in order to design your solution
• Configuration Workshops – We build your solution according to your specification
• Configuration Review Meeting – Together we review the configured solution
• User Acceptance Testing – We hand over the solution for your internal testing and approval

After these phases are complete, we compile a punch list of outstanding tasks and alterations that will be completed prior to the end of the workstream sign-off to ensure any tasks left outstanding can be addressed.

4. Design Sign-Off

At this point, we share your captured requirements and allow you to review your solution before we move forward with testing.

5. Testing and Training

During this phase, we extensively review and test the end-to-end solution. Additionally, we can also compile training material and deliver a training package for your users, for example; admin, super-user, end-user etc.

6. Go-Live

Go-Live processes involve configuring the live system, migrating the solution and data migration. There is also a hyper-care period defined, where we will be on-hand to support you with any issues once the system is in use.

7. Managed Service

After the Go-Live, we can provide you with a Managed Service offering. This handles everything from helpdesk requests/traditional helpdesk support, user training, change requests, project management, technical consultancy and development work. One of the huge advantages of a Dynamics 365 solution is its flexibility. As part of our Managed Service offering, we can further customise and develop your solution, for example; if a new department needs to be onboarded or your services/business model changes and the system requires additional functionality to reflect this shift.

Delivery Model

We offer a fully remote delivery model which leverages our trusted implementation model, however, it is delivered via video conferencing tools to conduct workshops and meetings throughout the process. This enables us to gain the detail we require to build your solution, exactly how we would if we were on-site. We are also able to demonstrate your solution remotely ensuring we maintain our high standards of delivery. However, if customers would prefer some of the sessions delivered on-site, we can accommodate this. Our remote delivery is broken down as follows:

• Small Bitesize Sessions – A series of 1-2 hour online workshops; we organise these to ensure individuals are only attending sessions relevant to them
• Calls over video conferencing software i.e. Microsoft Teams
• Demos – We will remotely demo key elements of the system/technology related to the workshop topic