In October 2020, Microsoft will launch their latest project management offering: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations; we take a look at its features and how it will affect businesses already using Dynamics 365 Project Service Automation.
Microsoft’s aim with this new product is to bring together the functionality of Dynamics 365 Project Service Automation, Microsoft Project for the web, and the project management, accounting and expenses aspects of Dynamics 365 Finance into a single offering and on a common platform. Furthermore, it can be expanded upon with the functionality of other Dynamics 365 components, including Sales, Customer Service, Human Resources and Marketing.
What are the benefits of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations?
Detailed specifications have yet to be released, but here is a brief rundown of the product’s key benefits:
- Increased visibility across teams, data, and processes.
- AI capabilities for better, faster business decisions.
- Win more deals with faster, accurate quotes, flexible pricing, and seamless transitions from start to finish. Additionally, connect with Dynamics 365 Sales for complete customer relationship management.
- Optimise resource utilisation by aligning the right people with the right skills to the right projects.
- Accelerate project delivery using familiar, easy-to-use Microsoft Project capabilities.
- Improve productivity, collaboration, and visibility with Microsoft Teams integration.
- Submit time and expenses from anywhere.
- Simplified project accounting with time and expense tracking, project cost, budgeting, invoicing, revenue recognition and compliance. Additionally, connect with Dynamics 365 Finance for complete financial management.
Our business is currently using Dynamics 365 Project Service Automation. Is it still going to be supported? Can I migrate to Dynamics 365 Project Operations?
Microsoft have stated that Project Service Automation (PSA) will be supported until October 1st, 2024; however, no new capabilities will be added, so although there is a large time window for obtaining support, it’s clear that PSA is not a priority and that Microsoft’s focus will be on the new Project Operations offering instead.
For migration, Microsoft will be providing scripts that will automate the migration process from PSA to Project Operations which should ease the transition between products. However, your existing agreement for PSA will continue to run until its expiry, so you may wish to consider timing the migration to coincide with your licence expiry date. Microsoft recommend that your business transitions from PSA to Project Operations before October 1st, 2024 or your current contract end date, whichever is sooner.
Summary
We’re excited to see what functionality that Project Operations will bring to the Dynamics 365 suite, but we are also acutely aware that companies may be very accustomed to Project Service Automation. The transition from PSA to Project Operations will require thought and detailed planning to avoid disruption and to ensure that users are prepared for the changeover. Existing Strategy 365 clients that are currently using PSA and want to discuss the options for migrating to Project Operations are encouraged to get in touch.
