By Jerker Carlström, Manufacturing Industry Lead, Cepheo.
If you’re a large organization looking to implement a cloud-based business application, the process can be daunting. Whether you’ve chosen a solution or are still exploring options, the impact on your business, organization, and employees will be significant. Modernizing your business processes means many changes, including new roles and responsibilities.
Budget approval is essential, but estimating the total cost is challenging due to many unknowns. You might define business processes, identify data and KPIs, and even hire a specialist to assist. Eventually, you send out RFPs to select implementation partners, each offering unique approaches and estimates, making the process complex.
Accurately estimating large implementation projects is nearly impossible due to varying interpretations, methodologies, and unforeseen requirements. Changes in circumstances, such as shifting priorities or key personnel leaving, can also impact the project.
A successful implementation requires a healthy relationship with an open dialogue between the customer and the partner. Rigidly sticking to a predefined plan often leads to disappointment. Instead, look for a partner who can support your transformation journey, helping you prioritize and unlock business value with minimal disruption.
Start by identifying key capabilities in a partner and consider a platform approach. A single platform can support broader business needs, reducing complexity and costs compared to best-of-breed solutions. This approach simplifies finding a suitable partner and managing your business application landscape.
Eight capabilities to look for when choosing a partner
When choosing a partner for your cloud transformation, it’s important to consider several key capabilities. These eight points will help you identify a partner who can provide the necessary expertise and support throughout the process. From solution expertise and industry knowledge to transparent communication methods and shared values – each of these capabilities plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful implementation and ongoing support.
1. Solution expertise and experience
With a platform approach it becomes even more valuable to have a partner that is capable of delivering full stack - meaning covering all the capabilities of the platform. Being able to guide and advise the customer on how to utilize the full potential of the platform is essential to unlocking the value available.
2. Industry expertise and experience
Every industry is unique to some extent, with different business models, legal requirements, competitive landscape, etc. Choosing a partner with a deep industry knowledge simplifies communication and understanding, but also enables the partner to provide valuable insights based on experiences with other customers in the same industry and with similar challenges.
3. Models and methodologies
Establishing well-defined models and methodologies takes experience and commitment and is crucial for being able to deliver efficiently while at the same time, managing risks and constraints. Process model frameworks and project and delivery methodologies are the foundation that enables the delivery of successful projects.
4. Full lifecycle
Digital transformation and cloud transition involve aligning strategies, identifying business value, and managing operations. It’s a continuous cycle of refining solutions and evaluating new opportunities. A partner supporting the entire lifecycle is crucial for success.
5. Application Management and Support
Transitioning to cloud solutions offloads infrastructure management to the provider, allowing for continuous upgrades and modernization. IT and business must adapt to frequent, incremental updates and manage regression testing. End-user support is crucial, and partnering with a provider for comprehensive application management ensures smooth operations.
6. Transparent communication and open dialogue
Managing glitches is essential in operations or projects. Open dialogue and transparent communication with partners build trust and a collaborative mentality. Success is mutual when both parties understand and foster this relationship.
7. Company Values
Choosing a partner with similar company values makes it easier to align priorities and to have an open dialogue. Nothing happens without people, and when people share the same values, everything becomes easier. The values of the partner that you cooperate with may also reflect on you and your business. Make sure that they are sound.
8. Customer success
Customer success is about enabling the customer to succeed with the help of the services that the partner provides. A committed partner works together with the customer on a strategic level to assist in identifying priorities and developing strategies to enable success. Again, the partner succeeds when the customer succeeds, and the right partner understands this.
By focusing on these eight capabilities, you can ensure a successful implementation and ongoing support.
To conclude, my strong belief is that when embarking on a digital transformation journey, it is better to start by finding a suitable partner then to shop for an implementation project. Building a strong, long-term relationship with a partner that can support you on the journey enables your success. I find this to be the most important common factor for customers that have been truly successful on their cloud transformation journey.
About the writer:
Jerker is a Dynamics 365 Platform Architect and Nordic Manufacturing Industry Lead with extensive experience in implementing Dynamics 365 solutions. He has a background in Supply Chain Management and guides companies in the manufacturing industry on their digital transformation journey, with a strong focus on building long-lasting relationships and realizing business value.
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