RSMUS.comWhen working with applications like Microsoft Dynamics 365, one of the most common concerns we hear is, “how do we keep our data clean?” With any enterprise application this is always a challenge and should be at the forefront of the implementation plan. There can be significant impact to the organization if there are no preventative and remediation measures in place related to data that is being used to manage the business.
When using an application like Microsoft Dynamics 365 there are typically multiple users manipulating data within the various modules. There may also be integrations with other systems that are also feeding data in on a predefined schedule. As a result of these scenarios, there are multiple pieces of data that are constantly changing.
So how do we keep our data clean?
There are two different situations I want to dive into.
- User Input Data
- Integrated Data
User Input Data
Today, many jobs require the input or manipulation of data in some form or fashion. When data quality becomes an issue, many questions from management can arise. Questions like:
- How do we know they are inputting the data correctly?
- How do we review the data that has been updated?
- Can we approve this data before it becomes live in the system?
When utilizing applications like Microsoft Dynamics 365, there are multiple ways that we can check to make sure the data being entered is correct, from simple things like formatting phone numbers to forcing certain records into queues for a higher level review and approval.
Nobody is perfect so minor discrepancies in user input data is to be expected. Adding small checks into the system or approval processes will typically take much less time up front and have significant positive impacts in the long run.
Integrated Data
Integrations and Enterprise systems seem to be synonymous anymore. The days of dumping excel or csv files out to import to other systems seems to be less desirable, given how fast technology is moving. Integrating two disparate systems has multiple advantages but, without diving into the technical part of that conversation, it can be summed up in one phrase: “365.”
Every organization wants to have a 365-degree view of their customers and how they buy. With applications like Dynamics 365, the holistic view of the customer is one of the main focuses Microsoft has been striving toward since day one —a single platform with all the applications you could want to run your business sitting on a common data model so they integrate with each other seamlessly.
Integrations with other systems facilitate the consistency in the data, so if a person in accounting looks at a customer record and a salesperson looks at the same record, they are consuming the same data. This is extremely important at any organization to ensure employees are all on the same page and have access to comparable data. There is also an indirect effect on the customer because they will now have a consistent experience across the organization, regardless if they are trying to get a billing issue resolved or trying to purchase a new product.
So how does all of this effect the overall organization?
Consistency in our data helps provide a consistent experience to our customers, which should lead to a higher customer satisfaction. Satisfied customers are typically inclined to purchase more which directly impacts the bottom line. Using a platform like Microsoft Dynamics 365 helps facilitate this process in an easy to use and collaborate manor within an organization.
Looking to deploy Dynamics 365 or upgrade to Dynamics 365? RSM US LLP offers a full range of services from implementation and optimization to development and support to help guide you through a successful upgrade. Contact our professionals for more information on our services at 855.437.7202 or crm@rsmus.com. Or visit us on the web to learn more about Microsoft Dynamics 365.
by John Annunziato for RSM
