Why You Should Work with a Dynamics 365 Partner

Your finance director has approved the budget for Microsoft Dynamics 365. Your board wants better reporting. Your operations team is tired of juggling multiple systems that don't talk to each other. Finally, you're moving forward. 

This is where most businesses make their mistake. You'll spend three months evaluating features and modules. You'll create comparison spreadsheets. You'll sit through vendor demonstrations. Then you'll choose your Dynamics 365 partner based purely on price because "the software's the same anyway." 

What Microsoft Dynamics 365 Does 

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based platform combining ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) capabilities. It supports core business processes, including finance, operations, sales, customer service, supply chain, and project management across a connected set of applications. 

Built for the cloud with continuous updates, AI-driven automation, and deep integration across the Microsoft ecosystem, including Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and Azure. 

That's what the software does. But here's where most businesses go wrong. 

What Most Businesses Get Wrong About Microsoft Dynamics 365 Software 

The most common mistake is treating Dynamics 365 selection as a software decision, rather than a delivery and implementation decision. 

What This Mistake Costs You 

You're over budget and behind schedule. Your internal team is spending evenings and weekends fixing what should have worked. Business-critical processes break at month-end because nobody tested properly. A partner who typically quotes £50,000 can leave you £120,000 in, and you're still not live. Every change request costs extra because they under-scoped initially. 

Your finance team is still maintaining spreadsheets because they don't trust the data. Your sales team isn't using the CRM properly. You've got expensive software capability that nobody uses because the training was insufficient, and the workflows don't make sense. 

You're in another board meeting explaining why this project that was supposed to solve problems has created new ones. You're considering other options because "Dynamics 365 didn't work for us." 

The software was fine. Your partner wasn't. 

Common Misconceptions About Working With a Dynamics 365 Partner 

"All partners deliver the same quality because Microsoft certifies them" 

Microsoft certification proves baseline capability. It doesn't mean all partners are equally good. Some scrape through the minimum requirements. Others exceed standards significantly. The certification gets them in the game - their track record shows if they can play. 

"The cheapest partner saves money" 

Choosing based purely on price rarely saves money. Partners who quote significantly lower often under-scope projects, then introduce change requests once you're committed. Or they compress timelines, reduce training, and leave you with a system that doesn't deliver what you need. 

"We can specify everything upfront, then leave them to it" 

Software projects require collaboration. Your team needs to be involved throughout - making decisions, testing functionality, and providing feedback. Partners who promise to handle everything while you focus on your day job are setting you up for failure. 

What a Certified Dynamics 365 Partner Does 

Microsoft provides the Dynamics 365 platform, while certified partners provide licensing, implementation, and ongoing support. According to Microsoft's Partner Program framework, certified Dynamics 365 partners typically demonstrate stronger performance in deployment speed and user adoption, driven by advanced skilling, proven customer success, and access to Microsoft tools and resources. 

Your partner should challenge your assumptions based on hundreds of implementations they've seen. They know which customisations you think you need but don't. They spot integration problems before they become expensive mistakes. 

If your prospective partner just agrees with everything you say, that's a warning sign. 

Partners configure Dynamics 365 properly, handle data migration without disasters, and build integrations that work. But most importantly, they manage the human side. Software doesn't fail - people fail to adopt software. Your partner needs to train your team properly and help ensure people use what you've paid for. 

So how do you tell a capable partner from one who'll let you down? 

How to Choose the Right Dynamics 365 Partner 

The selection process matters more than most businesses realise. Here's what to focus on. 

Ask for Evidence 

Every partner will tell you they're excellent. Ask for specifics instead. How many Dynamics 365 deployments have they completed in the last 12 months? What's their average project duration? Can you speak to three customers who went live in the past six months? 

If they hesitate on references, that tells you something. 

Check Microsoft Certifications Properly 

Microsoft Solutions Partner designations aren't automatic. Partners must demonstrate capability across three areas: customer success through quantifiable deployments, technical skills validated by certifications, and solution performance measured by Microsoft. 

Look for Solutions Partner for Business Applications. Check they hold relevant Advanced Specialisations - these require additional proof of capability in specific areas like Small and Midsize Business Management. 

Don't just take their word for it. Verify their partnership status directly with Microsoft. 

Meet the Actual Team 

The salesperson won't implement your system. Insist on meeting your project manager, lead consultant, and the person who'll provide ongoing support. Do they work well together? Are they asking intelligent questions about your business? Can they explain technical concepts clearly? 

If the people in the room don't feel right, trust that instinct. 

Understand Their Support Model 

Implementation is just the start. You need ongoing support for updates, user questions, and system evolution as your business changes. 

Ask about their support structure. How many people on their service desk know Dynamics 365? What's their average response time? Do they offer proactive monitoring or just reactive fixes? 

Get their Net Promoter Score if they'll share it. It's a useful indicator of service quality and long-term client satisfaction. 

Test Their Response to Pushback 

Tell them about a customisation you want. A good partner will challenge you if it's unnecessary. They'll suggest standard functionality that achieves the same goal. They'll explain why your requested customisation will create problems down the line. 

If they agree to everything without question, they're more interested in winning the work than delivering results. 

What Microsoft Dynamics 365 Partner Capabilities Matter Most 

Beyond the initial selection criteria, specific capabilities separate partners who deliver from those who disappoint. 

Assess Their Broader Microsoft Capability 

Dynamics 365 works best as part of the wider Microsoft ecosystem. Whether you're implementing Sales, Customer Service, Finance, or Supply Chain modules, integration with Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and Azure delivers far more value than Dynamics 365 alone. 

Your partner should understand this stack comprehensively. Ask how they'd integrate Dynamics 365 with your Microsoft 365 environment. How would they use Power BI for reporting? What about Power Automate for workflows? 

They should also understand where Microsoft is heading. According to Microsoft's 2025 IDC MarketScape recognition, 44% of organisations plan to invest in AI-powered ERP, and 22% say they'll replace their current systems if generative AI isn't included in the next release. Your partner needs to help you future-proof your investment, not just implement what exists today. 

If they're only experts in one product, you're limiting your options. 

Why TSG as Your Dynamics 365 Partner 

We're a Microsoft Solutions Partner with multiple designations and Advanced Specialisations. We've implemented Dynamics 365 solutions across UK businesses, helping them get the most from their Microsoft investment. 

Our Net Promoter Score is 87. For context, the industry average is 64 and world-class is considered 80+. We provide ongoing support through our service desk, regular training via TSG Academy, and strategic advice as your business grows. 

We understand the full Microsoft stack - Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and Azure infrastructure. This means we can help you integrate properly across your entire Microsoft environment rather than treating Dynamics 365 as an isolated system. 

International House London needed to replace their old on-premises finance system, which couldn't handle their growth. We migrated them to Business Central with thorough planning, data cleansing, and on-site support. Their Head of Finance said, "Moving to Business Central and having TSG as our partners was a great decision." 

We'll challenge you when we think you're heading in the wrong direction. If your plan won't work based on our experience, we'll tell you. If you're over-customising, we'll explain why that creates problems. We're focused on your long-term success, not just completing the project. 

Come meet our team. See if we're the right fit for your business. 

The Bottom Line 

Choosing Microsoft Dynamics 365 software is straightforward - the products work well. Your success depends on your Dynamics 365 partner. 

Don't choose based on price alone. Meet the implementation team. Check their Microsoft certifications properly. Ask their existing customers what challenges they faced, not just what went well. 

A capable partner transforms good software into a system that improves your business. Choosing the wrong partner creates expensive problems that take time and resources to resolve. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What's the difference between a Dynamics 365 partner and buying directly from Microsoft? 

Dynamics 365 licences can be purchased directly from Microsoft or through a certified partner. Most organisations work with partners to handle implementation, configuration, and ongoing support, while Microsoft focuses on providing and operating the underlying platform. 

How much does it cost to work with a Dynamics 365 partner? 

Costs vary significantly based on business complexity, number of users, required customisation, and integration needs. Implementation includes licensing, configuration, data migration, and training. Ongoing support is charged monthly based on service level. Be wary of unusually low quotes - they often indicate under-scoped projects that become expensive once change requests start. 

How long does a Dynamics 365 implementation take with a partner? 

Implementation timelines vary depending on which Dynamics 365 applications you're deploying and your business complexity. Straightforward projects may be completed in a few months, while complex implementations involving multiple modules, integrations, and significant customisation can take considerably longer. Partners who promise unrealistic timeframes often compress testing and training phases. 

Do I need a partner if I have in-house IT staff? 

Yes. Dynamics 365 implementation typically requires specialist expertise that your IT team likely doesn't have. Even businesses with strong technical teams benefit from partner experience across multiple implementations. Your IT team focuses on running your existing systems - they don't have time to become Dynamics 365 experts while maintaining business operations. 

What Microsoft certifications should a Dynamics 365 partner have? 

Look for a Solutions Partner for Business Applications as a minimum requirement. Advanced Specialisations in relevant areas demonstrate proven capability for specific implementations. Partners should also show breadth across Microsoft technologies - Dynamics 365 alone isn't enough if you want proper integration with Microsoft 365, Power Platform and Azure. 

Can we switch partners if our current one isn't working out? 

Yes, but it's disruptive and expensive. Switching mid-project means the new partner must understand what's been done, fix what's broken, and complete what's unfinished. You'll lose time and momentum. Budget several weeks for transition, even with good documentation. This is why choosing the right partner initially matters so much.