The Secret Sauce: How Top D365 Partners Drive Successful Adoption?



Selecting the right implementation partner is key for a smooth and effective Dynamics 365 rollout. 

Beyond just deploying the technology, the top D365 implementation partner also drive critical organizational change management to ensure user adoption. 

Let's explore some strategies used by seasoned D365 partners to enable transformation.

Defining Clear Rollout Objectives

The first step is to define clear objectives for the D365 implementation - increased productivity, improved customer insights, lower operational costs etc. The partner needs to understand these objectives and how they tie to business outcomes.

Some key considerations around rollout objectives include:

Gathering Executive Buy-In

The D365 partner should conduct workshops with key executive sponsors to align on objectives like increased revenue, reduced costs, improved agility etc. This buy-in from the top is crucial.

Setting Measurable Targets

The objectives need measurable targets - e.g. reduce operational costs by 20% in 18 months. This enables tracking success quantitatively.

Linking to Business Priorities

The rollout must clearly link back to critical business priorities. This could relate to customer growth, entering new markets, competitive differentiation etc.

Factoring in Timelines

The partner should define staged rollout objectives keeping realistic timelines in mind. Big bang implementations tend to carry risk.

With clear objectives defined upfront, the rollout is much better positioned for success.

Assessing Organizational Readiness

The partner next assesses the organization's overall readiness for the D365 rollout. This includes evaluating:

Current Processes and Workflows

The partner must analyze current processes, pain points, workaround workflows etc. This identifies optimization areas and change impacts.

User Skills and Training Needs

Assessing the current skill levels and training needs of users who will be accessing D365 is important to plan training.

Resistance Points

Potential areas of resistance like changes in roles, job functions etc. need to be anticipated. Targeted change management helps counter resistance.

Leadership Alignment

Misalignment among leadership teams can undermine the rollout. The partner ensures executives are aligned on objectives, approach etc.

IT Infrastructure Readiness

Existing IT infrastructure like network, hardware, security etc. must be evaluated for readiness to support D365 rollout.

This assessment provides a realistic picture of the overall organizational readiness and identifies potential risk areas.

Planning the Rollout Communication

Clear and consistent communication is absolutely vital for organizational change management. The partner develops a strong communication plan covering:

Winning Hearts and Minds

Communication highlights the "WIFM" - what's in it for me? This focuses on user benefits - easier access to data, improved collaboration etc.

Leveraging Multiple Channels

Emails, newsletters, intranet posts, town halls, FAQs - a variety of channels are used for broad reach.

Creating Buzz and Excitement

Contests, gamification, competitions, events etc. help create positive buzz and excitement around the rollout.

Being Transparent on Impacts

The communication is upfront about process changes, training needs etc. so rumors don't fill the vacuum.

Reinforcing Progress

As milestones are hit, communication reinforces momentum and positive impact realized so far.

This strategic communication reduces uncertainty and builds enthusiasm.

Driving Training and Adoption

The partner works closely with internal teams to drive training and sustained end user adoption of D365. Tactics include:

Getting Input on Training Needs

Surveys, focus groups and discussions with frontline staff provide critical input on training priorities and delivery preferences.

Layered Training Approach

Training combines different modalities - videos, online courses, job aids, quick reference guides, workshops, on-the-floor mentoring etc. based on learner profiles.

Continuous Adoption Tracking

Usage metrics, proficiency assessments, surveys etc. provide insight into adoption levels. Additional training is provided to address any gaps.

Gathering Ongoing Feedback

Continuous feedback channels like helpdesk, user groups etc. help address issues in real-time to smooth out the learning curve.

This focus on tailored training and adoption support unlocks the business value from D365.

Establishing Oversight Early

The partner works closely with internal teams to establish strong governance and oversight processes early in the rollout. This includes:

Defining Success Metrics

Relevant metrics are established to track success - e.g. adoption rates, productivity improvements, cost reductions etc. based on the original objectives.

Creating a Rollout Dashboard

Key metrics are consolidated in a single dashboard for real-time visibility into rollout progress. Automated reporting provides updates.

Managing Risks Proactively

A risk management plan identifies issues like inadequate training, change resistance etc. proactively to develop mitigation steps.

Conducting Milestone Reviews

Reviews at major milestones provide check-ins to assess progress, results achieved, lessons learned, and any course correction needed.

This governance rigour helps maintain rollout momentum and benefits realization.

Sustaining Engagement Post-Launch

The partner continues to work closely with internal teams even after the launch to sustain engagement and drive adoption. Some best practices include:

Transitioning to Ongoing Support

Dedicated partner support teams take over once implementation teams transition off. This provides trusted expertise on tap.

Conducting Refresher Training

Periodic refresher training keeps users up to date on additional features, navigation changes etc.

Developing Superusers

Select power users within business units are developed into D365 superusers who promote adoption and provide peer support.

Showcasing Quick Wins

Early quick wins are highlighted to showcase actual benefits realized for the business from D365 adoption.

This sustained engagement ensures that over time D365 becomes truly embedded into the organization's DNA.

Key Takeaways

Successful D365 implementations require as much focus on organizational change management as technology deployment.

Experienced implementation partners like Hitachi Solutions use proven strategies to drive adoption and benefits realization.

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