Ever since Microsoft released Dynamics 365 in November last year, we’ve fielded questions from our Dynamics CRM users. What is Dynamics 365? Does the all-in-one CRM and ERP platform offer the same functionality as Dynamics CRM? What is the transition process?
If you’re a current Dynamics CRM customer, or just curious to discover how Dynamics 365 can make customer-facing business functions easier, here’s what you should know.
Dynamics 365 at a glance
For those who aren’t familiar with Dynamics 365, Microsoft claims it’s the next generation in intelligent business applications. As we explained in a recent blog post, Dynamics 365 unifies customer relationship management and enterprise resource planning. The enterprise edition is the reincarnation of Dynamics CRM and Dynamics AX, and is recommended for organisations with more than 250 employees.
With Dynamics 365, customers don’t need standalone products to access functionality like financials and customer service. Its applications work seamlessly across sales, customer service, field service, project service automation, and financials.
Understanding Dynamics 365’s CRM functionality
Like its predecessors, Dynamics 365 has everything organisations need to manage and maintain customer relationships, track sales and uncover actionable data. What’s different is that CRM functionality is now split across five individual applications:
- Dynamics 365 for Sales – formerly Dynamics CRM Professional Edition
- Dynamics 365 for Customer Service – formerly Dynamics CRM Professional User
- Dynamics 365 for Field Service – formerly Dynamics CRM Field Service
- Dynamics 365 for Project Service Automation – formerly Dynamics CRM
These apps work together seamlessly, but you don’t need to buy them all at once. Choose the apps that you need right now, and add more as your needs grow.
It’s important to note that some CRM functionality is spread across Dynamics 365 applications. For example, you used to be able to access sales and customer service features with a Dynamics CRM professional licence. In Dynamics 365, you need both the sales and customer service apps to perform the same tasks.
However, if you only need to read customer service information (compared to editing it), then the sales application should be sufficient. Dynamics 365 for Sales is included in the standard licence, so you don’t need to buy extra apps to begin your Dynamics 365 CRM journey.
How much does Dynamics 365 cost?
Dynamics 365 licensing costs vary depending on factors such as:
- Whether you are a Dynamics CRM customer – transition pricing applies to customers with current licences
- How many light and full users you need
- Whether you prefer an apps-based or plan-based licensing model
- The number of apps you’d like to use
You can mix and match different types of licensing to get maximum value from your investment. Contact us to find out which licensing option is best for you.
How to transition from Dynamics CRM to Dynamics 365
Dynamics CRM On-Premises customers with current licences will be invited to transition to Dynamics 365 on their next renewal date. Dynamics CRM Online customers will seamlessly transition to Dynamics 365 through Microsoft’s customer driven update process, which started rolling out in December last year.
Not yet ready to upgrade? While we always recommend keeping your systems current, Microsoft will continue to support existing Dynamics CRM versions according to its lifecycle support policy.
Book a free consultation
Dynamics 365 represents a significant shift in the way Microsoft delivers ERP and CRM functionality. To unlock Dynamics 365’s full potential, contact us today and book a free consultation.
Register for our FREE Dynamics 365 for Sales webinar on Tuesday, April 4th at 12:30 and discover how Dynamics 365 for Sales works seamlessly with other Microsoft solutions to help increase your Sales Team’s productivity and results.
