RSMUS.comAs the digital retail landscape evolves, new challenges and opportunities are emerging. Microsoft Dynamics 365 e-Commerce is a powerful application to connect key elements of your retail strategy, track customer behavior and generate a seamless customer experience. However, organizations have voiced some common questions about Dynamics 365 e-Commerce, and below we provide answers and insights into how the platform can become part of your digital journey.
What comes with Dynamics 365 e-Commerce, and do I already have it with Commerce, Finance or Supply Chain Management?
e-Commerce is not included by default with Dynamics 365 Commerce or with the base installs of Finance or Supply Chain Management. When e-Commerce became generally available, Microsoft announced it as an add-on to its already prominent Commerce product, aimed at providing native digital retail capability.
In other words, you could now have a native (no integration required) omnichannel experience with Commerce, giving you a full 360-degree view of customers, orders and items. In practical terms, this means that whether a customer calls in via the call center, buys online or takes advantage of the ever-popular buy online, pick up in store option, they’re talking to the same system.
In Dynamics 365 e-Commerce, you will find everything needed to get a world-class digital experience up and running. In addition to the back-office functionality, a fully featured content management system is included, offering a modular approach to design and development, along with a collection of ready-to-use components for a modern site look and feel. Digital asset management is also part of the solution, with native support for automated image scaling, video hosting and many other features your marketing team will love. Several other capabilities arrive as part of the system, with support for ratings and reviews, advanced search, and an accessibility compliance checker among the most notable.
What about B2B—is that extra?
Everything mentioned above applies to selling business to business. When Microsoft initially shipped Dynamics 365 e-Commerce, the primary focus was on B2C; however, early in the product rollout, Microsoft made clear that B2B features would be part of the same platform and included in the product road map. This of course is important for middle market businesses, with many conducting both B2B and B2C sales. Dynamics 365 e-Commerce can mix and match features of both B2B and B2C, whether incorporating them within the same website or standing up differentiated experiences for consumers and business buyers.
How much does D365 e-Commerce cost?
When a new project is scoped out, price certainly must make sense. With Dynamics 365 Commerce, there is an additional cost to access the digital selling channel via the e-Commerce capability. In a recent pricing guide, e-Commerce starts at $4,000 per month, based on both minimum order volume and average order value. Order volume comes in several tiers as described in the licensing guide, with a yearly true-up that reflects actual sales numbers. Taking average order value into account means you’re not getting penalized for large order volume but rather for small order value—for example, when selling boxes of chocolate or electronic components.
How Dynamics 365 e-Commerce can work for you
Without a doubt, these questions only begin to scratch the surface when evaluating if Dynamics 365 e-Commerce is a fit for your digital transformation initiatives. RSM can assist with implementation, platform selection and evaluation of e-Commerce solutions. In 2021 RSM was named the Microsoft Partner of the Year for Commerce, in recognition of our engagement in the Dynamics community and leadership in launching new Dynamics projects and initiatives.
Contact us at ecommerce@rsmus.com or by phone at +1 800 274 3978 to learn more about how we can help.
Oleg Glubochansky
Leading Commerce and Digital Marketing practice at RSM US ·Over 18 years of experience in technology and software development ·Specializes in delivering strategic guidance and implementation of Omni-Channel commerce experiences ·SEO and SEM strategy and marketing analytics