Picking the Right Dynamics 365 ISV for Your Unique Needs

As an interconnected suite of business applications, Dynamics 365 has all the tools modern organizations need to enhance operational efficiency, streamline processes, and improve customer experiences. Even though it offers core features like financial and supply chain management, and tools for managing sales and customer service, businesses often have unique requirements that standard Dynamics 365 functionality may not fully cover. This is especially true for companies that operate in niche markets – they usually require industry-specific or process-specific features.

For businesses looking to bridge that requirements gap, ISVs can provide the specialized solution they’re looking for while extending the existing capabilities of their Dynamics 365 system. But how do you know which ISV is right for your business? There are a lot of resources out there, and navigating the world of third-party Dynamics 365 software applications can quickly become overwhelming. Here, we’ll highlight the enormous benefits of enhancing your solution with ISV software, some common pitfalls to watch out for, and explain the best practices our consultants utilize when working with ISV partners.

In case you aren’t familiar with the term, independent software vendors (ISVs) develop and provide specialized solutions or applications that complement ERP or CRM systems like Dynamics 365. They typically target specific industries by creating bespoke solutions that address the unique challenges businesses face within those sectors.

It’s easy to think of ISVs as a “separate” product or software. However, a more accurate description is that of the last missing puzzle piece – the one that businesses need to enhance their Dynamics 365 capabilities by providing a more tailored solution for their unique requirements. They offer a wide range of benefits and specialized fixes to obstacles not found directly out of the box.

Industry-based tailored solutions: Creating software that addresses specific industry needs enables ISVs to solve distinct business challenges quickly and easily. By focusing on niche industries, ISV solutions also meet regulatory, compliance, or operational requirements unique to those markets.

Long-term cost efficiency: Rather than spending time and developer resources creating custom applications, you can use a ready-to-go solution and redirect that energy onto more important tasks.

Rapid deployment: ISVs provide pre-built customizations for quick implementation, so you can avoid operational downtime and start taking advantage of the perks sooner than if you were to build your own solution from scratch.

Integration with Dynamics 365: Many ISVs create customized solutions specifically for Dynamics 365 products, allowing businesses to enhance their systems and retain the core benefits of Microsoft’s cloud platform.

Implementing an ISV into your existing solution can definitely be a boon to your organization, especially if you’re looking to solve industry-specific needs. However, it’s highly recommended that businesses work alongside an expert Dynamics 365 partner before jumping headfirst into a solo ISV deployment. There are a lot of things that need to be considered before selecting an ISV. The right partner will not only facilitate the implementation, but also be knowledgeable enough to understand how the ISV works, how it will impact your workflows and processes, and how to select the right one for your needs. By trying to navigate it all on your own you run the risk of incurring problems both now and in the long run.

When it comes to finding the right ISV, there are plenty of factors you need to consider before taking the plunge. Not doing the proper research or truly understanding what your requirements are can result in a poor business fit that leaves you with a solution that doesn’t align with your needs. After all, you’re making an investment into your business, so you want to ensure that whatever decision you make results in a positive outcome. So, while we’ve highlighted the benefits of investing in an ISV, you should also be aware of the potential pitfalls.

Installing the ISV application without your partner’s knowledge
Your Microsoft partner should be your trusted go-to for anything related to your Dynamics 365 solution, whether it’s a support issue, solution upgrade, training, etc. They should understand the ins and outs of your operations, workflows, processes, and more. By not working together with your partner, you run the risk of deploying an ISV that may not actually be the right solution for you and that could potentially cause downtime and disruptions to your existing processes.

Deploying a solution without involvement from the ISV
Similar to the point above, not involving the ISV provider throughout the installation and deployment process can backfire on your business. On top of that, working with an unreliable ISV can expose your organization to security risks, implementation delays, and inadequate customer support when trying to rectify setbacks.

Partner lacking the knowledge to support an ISV implementation
Even though your partner should be able to handle anything related to your Dynamics 365 solution, they may not be knowledgeable enough to recommend and install the right ISV application. Has your partner taken the time to understand your business processes and workflows? Do they understand the ins and outs of how your team is using your Dynamics 365 solution? It’s important that your partner takes the time to not only understand the technology your business uses, but the business itself. If this isn’t the case, then you may end up with a solution that doesn’t actually work like you want it to, leading to more problems down the road, wasted resources, and ongoing interruptions to your daily operations. Take a look at how we work with our clients to learn more about what investing in the success of your business long term looks like.

It’s easier to avoid making a mess than having to clean it up is a concept that also applies to choosing the right ISV provider. As you’ve seen, there are a lot of things that can go wrong without the proper guidance and support of an experienced partner. The right partner takes the time to understand the nitty gritty of your business needs and current workflows. By having a deep knowledge of your organizational processes and future goals, they’ll be able to choose an ISV that actually works for your business. To ensure you’re getting a solution that actually addresses your needs, our team created a process for evaluating the best ISV.

1. Evaluate functionality: Before selecting an ISV, a thorough analysis of business processes is required to fully understand what the functionality gaps are that the ISV solution will address. The results of the analysis will determine which ISV is the right one.
2. Assess costs: There are various costs associated with ISVs, ranging from licensing costs, subscription costs, volume-based costs, and implementation costs. It’s important that all parties understand from the outset which ones apply to your potential solution and the complexity of the implementation.
3. Solution testing: Prior to any official launch, the ISV solution needs to be tested to ensure it works as intended. Our consultants work closely with our partners to develop a plan outlining the testing process, the effort involved, and when it will occur.
4. Collaborative approach: Working together with your partner and the ISV provider is crucial when reviewing functionality and processes. Our team will work alongside yours at every step to ensure alignment and address any specific concerns that arise.

Additionally, we’ve developed a trusted network of ISV partners that we work closely with to provide businesses with solutions they can count on. Knowledge and research will only get you so far. Ultimately, the best way to ensure success with any solution is through the experience gained from working with it and a track record of successful implementations and adoptions. The partnerships we’ve built with our ISV partners coupled with a thorough understanding of your organizational needs allows us to confidently offer solutions we know will benefit your business now and in the future.

Does your business have unique needs that require a customized solution? If the answer is yes then we’re more than ready to help you out. At Catapult, we work with growing companies like yours to build Dynamics 365 solutions that fit a wide range of unique needs. Get in touch with one of our experts today to discover how a more tailored solution can help your business reach its potential.