November 14, 2022
Are you planning to migrate from Microsoft Dynamics CRM to Microsoft Dynamics 365? Here's what you need to know about Microsoft Dynamics 365 implementations to make the migration smooth and successful.
The process of planning data migration can be complicated. However, it's crucial to stay current with the most recent updates to CRM software to increase the efficiency of your staff. Making sure your team's workflows align with the latest software is vital to moving the data. There are, however, numerous risks that can be highly stress-inducing if you're unprepared. However, cleansing the data and mapping the functions are as crucial as using a test system before you deploy the software.
If you're planning a Dynamics 365 migration, we've listed the most crucial steps you need to take to help you make the transition smooth.
What Is Microsoft Dynamics 365?
Microsoft Dynamics 365 implementation helps mid-market firms build relations with prospects, customers, and team members. It comes with various cloud-based applications that can help manage different business functions, from selling operations.
Dynamics 365 gives employees the tools to become more productive and improve customer relations to gain more business. It also gives executives essential insights into the business's performance and opportunities with their business intelligence software.
Since Dynamics 365 combines CRM and ERP capabilities, companies can quickly streamline their communication internally and with their customers.
How to Migrate from Microsoft Dynamics CRM to Dynamics 365?
Preparing Dynamics 365 environments
Point 0 of the migration process is the creation of two virtual environments: one isolated test area (Sandbox) and the immediate environment, which is the final destination for our CRM. This process is carried out solely through the partner who implements it once the migration decision is made at the level of the client.
Evaluation Phase
The initial phase of any migration is assessing in-house Dynamics CRM software. This evaluation should be conducted regarding technical aspects and business procedures.
From a technical point and evaluation point of view, the assessment of the application is done to ensure that the functions will perform the same when migrated to the online environment. This ensures that, at the user level, the User Experience is the same.
Select Features
Partner with your vendor and essential stakeholders to decide on the features you'll use for your new software. There are many things to think about, mainly if the move originates from an earlier CRM that has yet to have certain modern cloud-based features.
During a Dynamics 365 data migration, it is essential to be aware of the inter-departmental workflows. If you are introducing automated features or other ones that streamline your workflow, your marketing, sales, and customer service teams must all think about making changes to workflows to make the most of the platform's capabilities and increase the efficiency of their work.
Clean and Map the Data
It's tempting to delete old data onto the new system. Still, it's better to check the accuracy of the data to keep it from becoming "garbage into/garbage away." It's the perfect time to review the data source and assess whether the fields you're currently using are, in fact, necessary or practical. Do you have leads that were last used a long time ago? Which tables or entities need to be transferred along with specific fields? Which format should the information appear in after it is transferred? Is the process automatic or manual? Map all these steps and steps in a document of data mapping.
The data and mapping will allow you to identify the necessary modules to integrate into your CRM. It could assist you in determining the software you'll use to move the data.
Solving the Problems Identified in the Evaluation
Problems of technical nature can be resolved either in the physical environment or via the internet. The choice of the environment is based on the specific situation.
Troubleshooting plugins and rewriting not supported JavaScript methods should be implemented within the source Dynamics CRM environment before moving the CRM environment to Dynamics 365. This reduces the chance of any additional issues occurring when your final transition. To ensure a smooth and efficient transfer, make sure that the CRM aligns with all the requirements of Dynamics 365.
There is always the chance that we'll run into issues that the source environment cannot resolve and will need to be addressed in the online environment. These issues will become evident following the first DRY RUN.
Select Your Migration Tool
Transferring data directly into your Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM is not recommended. The easiest way to transfer data is to use Microsoft's Import Wizard. It will help you in moving data in smaller increments. The data in the source CRM needs to be converted into a flattened file, and then it can be mapped to the fields in Dynamics 365.
Other tools could be used, such as Microsoft's Dynamics to CRM Adapter, Scribe, SSIS, or other tools. These tools are all provided by Microsoft and can make the difficult task of data migration somewhat easier.
Create Migration Integration Scripts
Finish the integration of migration scripts using an environment for testing as your next stage. Understanding the type of data source and format will increase the speed of scripts. Write queries and index all tables to improve speed and efficiency. Create unique identifiers for every data source and store them in the target data for migration. This will assist in the troubleshooting process if there's a problem.
Test The Data Transfer
Check the integration scripting for migration. However, check the transfer of data processors to ensure that all data will be included and in the proper format. A test environment can help determine how long the data transfer will take. A test data transfer will eliminate any issues with data quality, like partially filled records and any other problems that can prove devastating in a live environment. Be sure to conduct tests to verify that the user is comfortable and that the live migration goes smoothly. Repairing issues right now in a test set is much more effective than fixing the issues in real-time.
Finalize and Deploy
If the test team has approved the Dynamics 365 data migration, you're all set to go for the live streaming. We recommend that you go live at night or on the weekend to have time to resolve any unexpected problems. Once the go-live date is established, determine when users are locked out of the previous platform. It is common for the migration to take a long time to be able to permit read-only access to the old platform still.
The Key Takeaway
Moving an existing Dynamics CRM system to the cloud is a challenging task. It takes many months of preparation, testing, and optimization to ensure that the Dynamics 365 app works properly and is more valuable than the existing version.
The majority of innovations are being developed using Microsoft's cloud-based version. If you're looking at a possible migration to the cloud, you are in the right spot.
