What is Microsoft Dynamics 365?

Dynamics 365 is Microsoft’s combined CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) cloud service. An update of the original Dynamics platform, it offers businesses a more modular approach to the use of business applications.

Originally developed through a number of Microsoft’s acquisitions of established software companies, Dynamics 365 has gone on to become one of the world’s most popular business solutions.

The platform is made up of seven different modules including sales, marketing, field service, project service, customer service, operations and finance. This means businesses no longer need to navigate in and out of several different programs to collate data and users only need to access the modules specific to their roles. This model ensures that the customer journey is central to companies’ business plans and reduces duplications, errors and time wasting.

In its latest guise Dynamics 365 is available in two different versions, Business Edition and Enterprise Edition, both specifically developed with certain types of businesses in mind.

Microsoft Dynamics 365, Business Edition:

Microsoft officially recommends Dynamics 365, Business Edition for companies with 10-250 employees. It is the more cost effective of the two solutions and is a streamlined version of Microsoft’s most popular Dynamics products. The platform is made up of three core modules: sales; finance and operations; and marketing. However, you can add extra modules should you need them, as they are all fully integrated with one another.

Microsoft Dynamics 365, Enterprise Edition:

Dynamics 365, Enterprise Edition, is the more comprehensive and high-powered version of the pair. Microsoft recommends that companies with over 250 employees opt to use Dynamics 365, Enterprise Edition. More robust than its counterpart it comprises six core modules:

• Sales
• Finance and Operations
• Marketing
• Customer Service
• Project Service
• Field Service

Like the Business Edition you can add further modules should your business wish to.

What are the business benefits of Dynamics 365?

Dynamics 365 offers a user-friendly interface that provides all the tools needed for employees to do their job. There is no longer a need to move between applications or transfer data from one platform to another. With its familiar Microsoft interface, it means user-adoption across the business can be a lot more straightforward than implementing a completely new solution.

Microsoft has introduced a modular licensing model which makes Dynamics 365 a more flexible and cheaper solution than most. It gives businesses the flexibility to build a tailored system to fit their requirements. With its own dedicated app store and fully integrated plugins Dynamics 365 allows users to add further extensions whenever they may be needed.

Businesses can also use the platform to utilise a multitude of customer data, giving them a complete 360-degree view of their journey and receive real time updates. Dynamics 365 also allows companies to personalise the customer relationship and measure the value of it.

As Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based solution it offers greater ease of access. All that is needed is an internet connection and the entire interface can be accessed, meaning employees can log on in the office, at home or even when abroad.

Which industries would benefit from using Dynamics 365?

Dynamics 365 is used by organisations of all shapes and sizes to help organise, manage and collate their customers data. However, it can be particularly beneficial to the charitable sector as it’s a bespoke solution that can be tailored to fit each specific charity’s needs.

Dynamics 365 has the power to identify trends and opportunities across a charity’s database as well as improving the quality and relevance of interactions it has with supporters. The system also allows charities to set up workflows which means they can automatically respond to supporters making communications more targeted, personal and engaging.

It can also help when it comes to processing donations as this can often be a complex area. The software can recognise the source of the revenue, which campaign, appeal or event it came from and can automatically allocate it to specified funds, helping with income management.

The platform can also support with things such as capturing Gift Aid, grant applications, events and when it comes to managing volunteers.

Where can I learn more about Dynamics 365?

Microsoft has a dedicated resource section on its website which provides information on how to use Dynamics 365, a roadmap of the product, customer stories, a blog and tutorials teaching users how best to utilise the platform.

To discuss Microsoft Dynamics 365 implementation for your organisation, call the team on 01625 44310 or email us at info@fabric-it.com