Level up with Microsoft Dynamics 365 and NTT DATA

It won’t be news to you that technology can greatly improve essential functions like enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) in your organization.  

However, deploying standalone applications in these areas will limit the business-wide progress you can make. Working in silos is no longer an option for an integrated, focused enterprise.

This is why products like Microsoft Dynamics 365 – a suite of ERP and CRM applications that work seamlessly across sales, customer service, operations, finance, marketing and more – are fast gaining popularity.

Over the past three years, Microsoft has reported significant growth for its Dynamics 365 solutions – 43% in 2021, 39% in 2022 and 24% last year. 

The versatility built into Microsoft Dynamics 365 is particularly valuable for organizations in industries like retail, manufacturing and financial services that need robust tools to manage their operations, interact with their customers and streamline their business processes.

And, because it can comprise both cloud-based and on-premises solutions, it is suitable for organizations of varying sizes and needs.

AI is improving Dynamics 365

A major benefit of working with a large technology provider like Microsoft is that you also gain access to innovation in the provider’s wider ecosystem.

Consider, for example, Microsoft’s investment in OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, even as they’ve infused their full Business Applications service with GenAI via Copilot for Microsoft 365.

Now, Copilot for Dynamics 365 offers a variety of AI solutions tools for sales, finance and supply-chain operations – with the promise of more to come.

For example, Copilot can create an email in Outlook by using details from the seller’s CRM, such as product and pricing information, along with insights from a recorded Teams call. 

Or, in supply chain management, it can proactively flag external issues such as weather conditions that may affect key processes. Predictive insights then kick in to identify affected orders so that managers can act in good time.

• ALSO READ → Maximize your teams’ productivity with Copilot for Microsoft 365

A managed service provider can maximize your investment

During the earlier, on-premises days of Microsoft Dynamics, the solution was typically targeted at small to medium-sized enterprises. So, the managed service provider (MSPs) who supported the product had a similar focus.

However, as Microsoft Dynamics has become more prevalent in a wider range of organizations, MSPs have upped their game to work in larger ecosystems with complex corporate governance, stakeholder and technical requirements.

Trusted MSPs like NTT DATA now play a pivotal role in supporting Microsoft Dynamics 365 for larger organizations in the following ways:

1. Expertise and support: They provide continuous specialist support for Dynamics 365 applications and the wider Microsoft ecosystem, including Azure, Power Platform, Data Fabric and Data Lake. This includes troubleshooting, systems optimization and keeping the platform up to date and secure.
2. Operational efficiency: Organizations can focus on their core business activities while MSPs manage their ERP systems – including monitoring processes and addressing user issues.
3. Cost reduction: MSPs can reduce operational costs by streamlining processes, automating workflows and improving overall efficiency. They can also advise on licensing and making best use of your Microsoft ecosystem investments.
4. Risk management: MSPs reduce the risks associated with ERP systems by scheduling regular backups, optimizing configurations and complying with security standards to avoid downtime and data breaches.
5. Scalability and flexibility: MSPs implement solutions that can grow with your organization and adapt to your changing business needs.
6. Innovation and automation: MSPs are increasingly using automation tools like Microsoft Power Automate to streamline Dynamics 365 through the automation of routine tasks, faster query resolution and an improved user experience.

Working with an MSP is therefore essential in helping you maximize the value of your investment in Dynamics 365 and your broader Microsoft ecosystem of solutions.

Experience and global reach make a difference

At NTT DATA, we have a long history of providing critical support for a range of ERP and CRM business applications.

In the Middle East and Africa region, we started providing ERP support more than 20 years ago as Britehouse, then as Dimension Data and now as NTT DATA, gathering manufacturer accolades along the way.

Having this level of experience in our Microsoft Dynamics 365 teams sets us apart as having a mature, proven offering. And, because we’re part of a global IT services powerhouse with Microsoft Solutions Partner designation across all six solution areas, our teams can combine their technical expertise with relevant approaches and methodologies from their local and international peers.

Saving you time and money on regression tests

As a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Business Applications, we are always finding ways of improving the services we offer. Right now, that means implementing the latest AI developments in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and automating repetitive tasks and activities.

If you already use Dynamics 365, you’ll know that Microsoft issues two platform updates each year for Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement, as well as four updates for Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations. Several of these updates are mandatory. 

The regression test cycle for each update requires a team of testers to verify the solution is not affected by the upgrade. Depending on the level of complexity, the testing can take weeks to complete and does not always yield results of the highest quality.

However, NTT DATA’s Automated Regression Testing can be completed within a day or two, depending on the number of test cases. And, once we’ve put in place an automated regression test suite, you can also use it before any release to production to check that your core solution is not adversely affected.

This level of automation by NTT DATA isn’t just a time-saver. It also brings down the total cost of ownership when you’re running solutions like Microsoft Dynamics 365 at scale.

We’re looking forward to connecting with you to show how this will make a clear difference in your organization.