Selecting the right Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central partner to ensure a successful ERP implementation can be tricky! It’s difficult to know what to look for to help you achieve your long-term business goals. An effective software development partner can facilitate a smooth transition to your new system and can also provide the ongoing support and customization you need to maximize the software’s benefits. Given the critical role a software partner plays, it’s essential to weigh up potential candidates thoroughly.
We’ve compiled the six qualities we have seen as key indicators you should look for in your search for a strong Business Central partner. We hope these tips will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your business needs and objectives.
1. Experience & Expertise
Your software development partner’s experience is perhaps the most critical factor to analyze. Look for companies with extensive experience in deploying Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, ideally with a portfolio of successful projects across various industries. Having previous experience with implementing Dynamics NAV systems can also be an asset, as described in this blog.
Your software partner’s specific technical expertise means they can handle complex scenarios, anticipate potential system issues, and provide solutions that align with best practices. If they have extensive experience, this not only helps with configuring your system efficiently but also ensuring that it can scale with your business as it grows.
2. Industry Knowledge
A solid understanding of your specific industry can be a game-changer. Does the software partner know about common technical challenges your industry faces? Have they been involved in working through difficult system issues that are possible in your organization? Can they provide guidance to you about the tools you need because they’ve seen similar scenarios?
Partners who have worked with businesses like yours are better positioned to offer relevant solutions and insights. They can identify common industry challenges and tailor Business Central’s features to address these effectively. This specialized knowledge means that you’ll benefit from solutions that are already tried and tested in your sector, making the implementation process smoother and more aligned with industry standards.
3. Customization Abilities
The potential for system customization ensures that your software can be designed to support your specific business needs and boost your operational efficiency. Dynamics 365 Business Central is a flexible platform designed to accommodate multiple business processes and business growth over time.
The software development partner you select must understand and guide you on how to seamlessly integrate the new software into your existing day-to-day processes. They will also need to have a strong understanding of and capability to customize the system to fit your unique business requirements. This includes configuring workflows, creating bespoke reports, and integrating with other apps and systems your organization uses.
4. Customer Support
It’s important to find out what the relationship will look like long-term. The last thing you want is a software partner who ghosts you once your new software has been implemented. Post-implementation support is essential for maintaining system performance and addressing any technical or setup issues that might arise.
Be sure to evaluate your software partner’s commitment to customer service (now and into the future), including the availability of support channels, their typical response times, and the quality of assistance provided. A software partner who offers robust support services will help ensure that your team can quickly resolve problems and continue using Business Central effectively. Look for a partner who offers ongoing maintenance, regular updates, and access to a knowledgeable support team!
5. Training & Resources
Effective and ongoing access to training is key to maximizing the benefits of Dynamics 365 Business Central. A good software partner should offer comprehensive training programs, whether online or in person, tailored to different user roles within your organization.
The training they offer should cover not just the basics of system operation but also how to use and apply advanced features and best practices. Additionally, your software partner should provide ongoing access to resources, such as user manuals, online tutorials, and FAQs, to help your team stay informed and proficient as they use the system.
6. Reputation & References
Before committing to a new software development partner, be sure to conduct thorough research into their public reputation and seek out stories and references from others’ experiences. Positive feedback from previous clients can offer valuable insights into the partner’s reliability, professionalism, and the quality of their work.
A good way to learn specifics on how the software partner operates is to request case studies or testimonials that demonstrate their ability to deliver successful projects and support clients effectively. It’s a good sign if you can find these testimonials directly on the partner’s website. Additionally, you can contact past clients directly to ask them about their implementation experiences and satisfaction levels with the software partner you’re considering.
By focusing on these six key qualities — experience, industry knowledge, customization abilities, customer support, training and resources, and reputation — you will find a Dynamics 365 Business Central partner who will significantly enhance the success of your ERP implementation. A software partner who excels in these areas will not only guide you through the complexities of setting up and optimizing Business Central, but will also provide you with the necessary support and resources to ensure that your team can use the system effectively going forward.
Ultimately, the right software development partner will help you navigate the challenges of an ERP implementation, tailor the system to fit your unique business processes, and deliver ongoing value through exceptional support and training. We believe that investing the time to research and choose the right partner is an investment in your company’s future success, as they will play a crucial role in helping you realize the full potential of Dynamics 365 Business Central and drive your business forward.
If you’re interested in learning more about how we operate as a software partner and what Business Central support and services we offer, please contact us today! We’d love to chat and find out more about your business needs. We’re here to provide expert guidance, custom development, and system optimization whenever you need it.
