In this fast-paced digital world, businesses are increasingly seeking solutions to streamline their operations, improve efficiency, and gain deep insights into their financials. One such solution is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. It is a strong ERP solution that helps companies automate processes, make data-driven decisions, and enables them to scale for future growth.
But the path from choosing Business Central to final deployment and exploitation of its full potential is not one devoid of planning, appropriate expertise, some expense, and a clear understanding of what is required. If you are a Business Central implementation partner or a company with plans to adopt the solution, this guide will go through everything from how to choose the best Dynamics 365 Business Central implementation partners to creating the right implementation checklist, to what the cost of Business Central implementation looks like.
What is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?
Overview of Business Central
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is an end-to-end ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) created for small to midsize businesses. Ranging from financial management to supply chain automation, CRM, sales, inventory management, project management, and so on all in a single cohesive system.
Business Central Summary
With Business Central, businesses can take control of everything from accounting to operations and provide executives and employees the tools they need to improve productivity and income. The only limit is your imagination.
Choosing the Right Business Central Implementation Partner
For any new implementation of Business Central, the very first step is selecting the right implementation partner. A seasoned Business Central implementation partner guides you to make sure that your system is configured, integrated, and customized to your growing business needs.
Reasons to Choose an Experienced Implementation Partner
Designing, Configuring, and Customizing
You see, Business Central is extremely customizable. A good implementation partner will make sure that the system is set up in accordance with your business processes, thus saving you both time and money in the future.
Seamless Integration
Positive interface with existing infrastructure (e.g., CRM, e-commerce, legacy solutions): your Business Central system is probably going to need to integrate with existing software. Your partner will have expertise toward smooth integration on both ends for these solutions.
Post-Implementation Support
A good partner will not only lead you through the initial deployment but will also be on hand to ensure continued development of your system as your business grows.
Training and Organizational Change Management
How well employees can adapt to change is a crucial success factor for any implementation. A good partner will provide training services and help with change management to ensure your team gets the most out of using Business Central.
How to Choose the Right Partner
Sectors You Work In
They should have experience and expertise with businesses in your area. They should have a deep understanding of the specific challenges and needs you face.
Customer Reviews & Case Studies
A solid track record is indicative of dependability.
Communication and Support
Assess the communication style and support system of the partner. You need a partner that is responsive and proactive.
Certifications
Verify that the partner is a Microsoft-certified Dynamics 365 expert, which ensures a baseline of training and competencies.
Business Central Implementation Checklist: Steps for Success
Pre-Implementation Planning
Determine Business Requirements
Evaluate internal processes and determine areas of concern. Create system customization documents based on specific requirements.
Assemble Your Project Team
Forming the project team, bringing together the business stakeholders with IT team members and dedicated project managers. This helps make sure that all departments are aligned and engaged during implementation.
Select an Implementation Partner
As previously stated, having a good Business Central implementation partner will help you navigate the process.
Implementation Process
Hardware Configuration & Customization
With your partner, customize Business Central to your business: the workflows, the user roles, and the access permissions.
Data Migration
Migrate Data from Legacy Systems to Business Central. To be accurate, proper data mapping and validation is required.
Integration with Third-party Systems
Customize Your Business Central Environment. Integrate Business Central with your other tools, like CRM systems, e-commerce platforms, or payroll software, to ensure seamless data flow.
Testing
Once completed, ensure that Business Central is well-tested and operates correctly. Testing workflows, reports, integrations, and data.
Post-Implementation
Training for Users
Make sure that employees are not only trained on the new system but supported through the change. Adoption of users will increase, and productivity will boost with a full-fledged training module.
Support & Optimization On The Go
Post Go Live monitoring of the system. Collaborate with your partner to modify or improve as needed.
Measure Results
Monitor KPIs and evaluate ROI to assess how well the implementation has worked. Create checks and balances to make sure the system adapts to your business requirements.
How Much Does It Cost To Implement Business Central?
It is essential to estimate how much Business Central implementation costs for effective planning and budgeting. Pricing varies depending on the company size, level of customization required, and third-party integrations needed. Here are some general pricing considerations.
Initial Setup Costs
Business Central Licensing Fees
The pricing of Business Central licenses is user-based and depends on the functionality required. Microsoft has several pricing levels for Essentials and Premium licenses.
Implementation Partner Fees
This is what you will pay for your Business Central implementation partner to make it happen. It will cost as above, but the level of work needed determines the partner’s hourly rates.
Costs for Customization & Integration
If you need custom features or system integrations (for instance, with your CRM or e-commerce platform), you will pay extra on top of this for the full implementation. Depending on the complexity, customization and integration could run from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands.
Training & Change Management Costs
Additional costs may be incurred to train employees and get them used to change management. These services also help your team become familiarized with the new system.
Further Developments and Sustaining Maintenance
After implementation, you must budget for ongoing support, updates, and maintenance costs. Your implementation partners often offer a monthly support contract…which only costs in the hundreds, up to thousands of dollars a year.
Business Central Implementation Cost Average
For Small Organizations
The implementation can range from $10,000–$30,000, again dependent upon complexity.
For Mid-Sized Enterprises
Assuming mid-sized enterprises are past the steep licensing fees but have a lot of bespoke needs, expect to pay $30,000–$100,000+ for integration, licensing, and consulting.
Price Range For Enterprise-Level Deployments
You may expect prices above $100,000, which are necessary for large enterprises with complex needs and global operations.
Conclusion: A Partnership for Business Central Pricing Success
With the right experts and partners on your side, the path to Business Central implementation can make for a rewarding journey. As choosing a suitable Business Central implementation partner is one of the initial steps in the successful implementation of the system, it includes configuration, integration, and optimization for your business.
Based on a step-by-step implementation checklist and estimated costs involved for each roadmap item, you can better set your expectations for a successful deployment that returns long-term business impact.
If you want to get started with Dynamics 365 Business Central, get in touch to see how we can work with you to improve your business through an implementation plan that suits you.
