Three keys to keeping CRM projects on time (and within budget)

Are you responsible for delivering Microsoft Dynamics 365 projects on time – and frustrated by how often they go over time or / and over budget?

Perhaps you wonder why overruns happen?

Maybe you’d like to prevent budget explosions happening.

If so, you're not alone. After two decades of assisting organisations with CRM implementations, I've witnessed these challenges far too frequently. But fear not, there are ways to mitigate these issues and ensure your project's success.

Firstly, alignment is key.

Ensuring that project scope, timeline, and stakeholder expectations are in harmony can significantly reduce the risk of timeline and budget overruns. Many projects suffer when scope is poorly defined or exceeds the allotted time, especially those originating from rigid tender processes.

Secondly, simplicity often reigns supreme. Keeping requirements as close to out-of-the-box functionality as possible can streamline development and minimize the risk of over-complex and unnecessary customizations. Recently, I've been involved in projects where rolling back customizations to default features significantly enhanced functionality and reduced errors.

Thirdly, communication is paramount. Ensuring that all members of the project team, both internal and external, are well-informed and cohesive can prevent misunderstandings and delays, particularly in remote work environments

So, what are the three keys to success in delivering Microsoft Dynamics 365 projects on time and within budget?

1. Honest and realistic scoping: Define project scope thoroughly and accurately before seeking quotes.
2. Maximize standard functionality: Use out-of-the-box features whenever possible, resorting to customization only when necessary.  Of course, this means that the people making the decisions about your design, need to know what is out of the box - and in this world of frequent (several times per year) updates, this may be harder than it sounds
3. Maintain robust communication: Foster a collaborative environment where all team members are informed and engaged.

Now, let's talk about #agile. While often misunderstood and abused, agile methodology can be a powerful tool for delivering functionality in a timely manner. However, when used improperly - especially when misused as a means of avoiding project design, documentation and training, it can lead to fragility rather than flexibility, resulting in significant project delays and potentially huge budget overruns.

To conclude, by adopting a strategic approach to your project, you can ensure the success of your Microsoft Dynamics 365 projects. So, let's transform frustration into triumph and deliver the gold at the end of the rainbow together