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How can we decide when we might need additional support?
Crestwood Associates provides support services to clients to ensure they are fully leveraging their Microsoft solutions. Our in-house, dedicated technical Support Team works with clients to address issues that may arise with their Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) and solutions. In a similar fashion, our Client Education Team works with clients to ensure they are knowledgeable about all of the capabilities and benefits available from their Microsoft solutions.
Many clients often ask us: ‘how involved will Crestwood be after Microsoft Dynamics GP is deployed?’ The answer to this question varies greatly, but obviously the implications are significant for all users of Dynamics GP. There are no concrete answers, but there are at least several considerations.
Depth and skills of internal resources. Review closely your current team of professionals, both in IT and Operations. Do members of your team have sufficient Dynamics GP experience? If so, is it current? Do they understand your business? Have they been with your organization for an extended period of time? Do they know your needs and how Dynamics GP might be applied to solve your business challenges?
Competing Priorities. What internal initiatives are underway that will prevent you from fully realizing the benefits of your Dynamics GP application? Are there other IT projects to consider and if so, what are their platforms? Are there broader organizational initiatives that will distract team members, such as new product introductions or acquisitions?
End User Requirements and Skills. How adept are your operations team members in ‘owning’ Dynamics GP business applications? Do they have a true power user? Are they interested in coming to learn the system or do they focus on final process results only?
Technical Evolution. Consider both developing technologies and those in use today. On closer review, you may find that some technologies are simply not worth continuing to invest time and effort in. Others applications should be carefully reviewed, developed and expanded.
New Technologies. To the extent the users and organization benefit, if IT professionals can be introduce new and interesting technologies within the context of Dynamics GP, your IT team will feel energized and committed to improving efficiencies and services.
Available Budget. Understanding fully your internal budget and how you wish to allocate these funds will help to determine when to engage your Dynamics GP Partner and it might be more appropriate when to manage efforts internally.
Given the state of constant change in the world of IT, it is important to recognize that some level of engagement with your outside service provider(s) is essential. The depth to which you involve 3rd parties however is highly dependent on your team, their skills and priorities, and the way in which you allocate your budget.
Want to discuss your specific IT situation? Contact Crestwood Associates, your Chicago, Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana source for consulting, training and complete Dynamics support.
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