In the competitive-driven ecosystem, managing customer relationships is paramount to success. To achieve this, many organizations turn to Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solutions like Microsoft Dynamics 365. While Dynamics 365 offers a powerful platform for managing customer interactions, it often requires specialized expertise to fully harness its potential. This is where Microsoft Dynamics 365 managed services come into play.

In this article, we will explore how Dynamics 365 managed services can maximize CRM productivity by addressing challenges in hiring internal experts, showcasing the advantages of a managed service team, discussing key components, and providing considerations for selecting the right Microsoft Dynamics 365 managed services provider.

Barriers to Employing Internal MS Dynamics Experts

Implementing and managing a robust CRM system like Microsoft Dynamics 365 can be a complex and resource-intensive endeavor. One of the primary challenges organizations face is hiring and retaining skilled internal MS Dynamics experts. Several factors contribute to this challenge:

  • Talent Shortage - Finding individuals with the required expertise in Microsoft Dynamics 365 can be a daunting task. The demand for skilled professionals often outpaces the supply, leading to a talent shortage in the job market.
  • High Cost - Hiring and retaining full-time in-house Dynamics 365 experts can be expensive. The projected total pay for an in-house D365 CRM consultant is 13.5 lakhs per annum in the US area. Not only are salaries and benefits a considerable cost but ongoing training and certification are also necessary to keep these experts up-to-date with the rapidly evolving platform.
  • Resource Scalability - Business needs are dynamic, and the demand for CRM expertise may fluctuate. Maintaining an in-house team for this purpose can be challenging when scalability is required.
  • Knowledge Transfer - In-house experts may leave the organization, taking their valuable knowledge with them. This knowledge loss can be detrimental to the organization's CRM operations.

Dynamics 365 Managed Service Team - A Perfect Choice to Catalyze Productivity

Dynamics 365 managed services providers are highly skilled and dedicated teams of professionals with a deep understanding of Microsoft Dynamics 365, a comprehensive suite of business applications that empower organizations to modernize operations, refine customer experiences, and accelerate growth. These providers are not just consultants or technical support; they are strategic partners committed to optimizing the Dynamics 365 ecosystem for maximum efficiency and productivity.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 managed services providers offer an effective solution to overcome the challenges of hiring internal experts. These managed service teams are professionals who specialize in Dynamics 365 CRM and ERP services. Here's how they can boost productivity:

Expertise and Specialization

One of the primary reasons to hire a Dynamics 365 managed services provider is the depth of expertise they bring to the table. These providers specialize in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and possess extensive knowledge of its intricacies. They stay up-to-date with the latest updates, features, and best practices, ensuring that your organization benefits from the platform's full potential.

In-house teams often struggle to match this level of specialization, as they may have a broader range of responsibilities. With a Managed services provider, you gain access to a dedicated team of experts who can navigate the complexities of Dynamics 365 with ease.

Cost-effectiveness

Maintaining an in-house team of Dynamics 365 experts can be a costly affair. Not only do you need to pay competitive salaries, but you also incur expenses for training, certifications, and employee benefits. Furthermore, there's the risk of turnover, which can disrupt your operations and result in knowledge loss.

Hiring a managed services provider offers a cost-effective alternative. You pay for services only when you need them, eliminating the need for full-time salaries and ongoing training expenses. This flexibility allows you to allocate your budget more efficiently and focus on core business activities.

24/7 Remote Support

Dynamics 365 managed services providers understand that technical issues can arise at any time. Many of them offer round-the-clock virtual support, ensuring that the CRM system remains operational even during off-hours or in different time zones. This level of availability can be challenging to replicate with an in-house team, especially without incurring significant overtime costs.

With continuous support, organizations can address critical issues promptly, minimizing downtime and ensuring a seamless user experience. Remote support can be a game-changer, particularly for organizations with global operations or those heavily reliant on their CRM system.

Address Core Business Requirements

Outsourcing Dynamics 365 management allows organizations to concentrate on core business activities. Instead of dedicating valuable time and resources to managing technical intricacies, enterprises can redirect their efforts toward strategic initiatives, customer engagement, and revenue generation.

By entrusting the management of CRM systems to experts, firms can relieve their teams to focus on areas that directly impact their bottom line, ultimately driving growth and innovation.

Knowledge Management

Employee turnover is a common challenge in today's job market. When in-house Dynamics 365 experts leave an organization, they take their knowledge and expertise with them. This can lead to significant disruptions and challenges in maintaining the system effectively.

With a dedicated Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP services team, continuity is assured. Providers invest in knowledge sharing, documentation, and training to ensure that institutional knowledge remains intact. Even if a team member changes, the provider can seamlessly transition responsibilities, minimizing disruptions and maintaining the high level of service you expect.

Scalability

Business needs are dynamic, and your CRM requirements may evolve over time. Whether you're expanding your operations, launching new products, or adapting to market changes, your Dynamics 365 solution must be scalable to accommodate these shifts.

Managed services providers offer scalability on demand. Enterprises can easily adjust the level of service and resources to match their changing requirements. This agility ensures that the CRM system aligns with business objectives, both now and in the future.

9 Key Areas Covered by Dynamics 365 Managed Services Team

To understand how Microsoft Dynamics 365 managed services can augment CRM productiveness, it's essential to grasp the key components that such services typically encompass:

  • System Monitoring - Continuous monitoring of the Dynamics 365 environment to detect and address issues promptly, ensuring system uptime and performance
  • Maintenance and Updates - Regularly applying updates, patches, and fixes to keep the CRM system secure and up-to-date
  • Customization and Configuration - Tailoring Dynamics 365 to meet the unique needs of the organization, including creating custom entities, workflows, and reports
  • Data Management - Ensuring data integrity, accuracy, and compliance through data cleansing, migration, and archival processes.
  • User Training and Support - Providing training to users and offering ongoing support to address questions and issues effectively
  • Integration - Integrating Dynamics 365 with other business-critical systems to streamline processes and data flow.
  • Security and Compliance - Implementing security measures and ensuring compliance with industry regulations to protect sensitive data
  • Performance Optimization - Proactively optimizing the CRM system for speed and efficiency to enhance user experience
  • Disaster Recovery and Backup - Implementing robust disaster recovery and backup solutions to safeguard data in case of unforeseen events

What to Look into Preferred Microsoft Dynamics 365 Managed Services

Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

Review the Service Level Agreements (SLAs) offered by the provider carefully. SLAs define the terms and commitments regarding system uptime, response times, issue resolution, and support availability. Ensure that the agreement meets your enterprise’s requirements and expectations. A reliable provider should have transparent and reasonable SLAs.

Cost Transparency

Understand the pricing structure of the managed services provider. Ensure that it is transparent and well-documented, with no hidden costs. The provider should offer clear pricing models that align with your budget and objectives. Be cautious of providers that do not provide detailed cost breakdowns.

References and Testimonials

Seek references and testimonials from the managed services provider's previous clients. This firsthand feedback can provide valuable insights into the provider's performance, customer satisfaction, and the quality of their services. Positive references and testimonials are indicative of a reputable provider.

Communication and Reporting

Effective communication is important when collaborating with a preferred service provider. Understand how they communicate with clients, including their communication channels, reporting mechanisms, and frequency of updates. Transparent and consistent interaction is key to a lasting partnership.

Wrapping Up

In a world where digital transformation and customer-centric strategies are vital, Microsoft Dynamics 365 serves as a valuable tool for businesses of all sizes. However, managing this platform effectively can be a complex and resource-intensive task. By hiring a Dynamics 365 managed services provider, organizations can tap into specialized expertise, reduce costs, ensure 24/7 support, focus on core activities, maintain continuity, and scale their CRM operations as needed.

Author's Bio: 

Alice Gray is a seasoned web developer having over 8+ years of experience in developing tailor-made web applications. In her free time, she loves to educate aspiring developers by developing insightful content on trending tech topics.