Dynamics 365 is Microsoft’s next generation of business intelligence applications in the cloud. It’s a cloud-based financial management solution that is highly integrated with Microsoft CRM and Office 365 with powerful capabilities for sales and operations. But is it a good solution for project-based industries?
The short answer to that question is "Maybe, if your company is small" and "Probably not, if your company is more than 30 employees."
For project-based organizations and government contractors, continues to be Microsoft’s top solution with its powerful flexibility and phenomenal project accounting capabilities, including easily handling DCAA compliance. And, it can be hosted in the Cloud if companies want to get out of the IT business. Microsoft will continue to release new enhancements and fixes to Dynamics SL. It has a planned development timeline as do all of Microsoft’s Dynamics product lines. The latest Cumulative Update (CU2) for Dynamics SL 2015 came out in December 2016 and a new major release is planned for 2018.
So, what about small project-based companies? For those without the need of complex project accounting or federal or state compliance requirements, the could be a great option (The Enterprise edition of Dynamics 365 is designed for large, enterprise level companies). These companies should consider Dynamics 365 if they desire the benefits of the cloud and if their core need is merely more robust financials that integrate with sales and operations. Moreover, Dynamics 365 Business Edition does have some light project functionality. It could be an option for those who only need a single level task structure with no allocation capabilities. Visit to see all its capabilities.
Will Dynamics 365 ever be a good fit for project-based companies and government contractors? Microsoft and a third party vendor named Progressus is working on developing Dynamics 365 Business Edition to ultimately compete with the powerful flexibility and functionality of Dynamics SL. It is unknown when that time will come. When it does, Synergy Business Solutions will help companies evaluate whether a cloud or on-premise solution is the right fit for their project-centric organization.
