Unlocking Success: The Vital Role of Dynamics 365 BC Health Checks
Working with clients, we frequently observe systems that cease to evolve after implementation, primarily when Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC) Health Checks aren’t performed and issues aren’t resolved.
It’s possible to overlook the rationale behind acquiring an ERP system and the extent to which it delivers the numerous advantages it promises, such as improved customer relationships, increased sales, and streamlined business processes.
Your Dynamics 365 BC solution is more than just a tool – it's the backbone of your business operations and a key enabler of your strategic goals. However, to fully realize its potential, you must treat it as a dynamic, evolving asset rather than a static solution.
That’s why we recommend regular Dynamics 365 BC Health Checks. They’re not just an option – they're essential to ensuring your system delivers measurable results aligned with your ever-changing business needs.
A Dynamics Health Check is a comprehensive assessment of your ERP system's utilization, performance, security, and compliance. It enables you to explore effective methods for realizing the benefits of your solution and develop strategies for the system's future growth and expansion.
Succeeding with Dynamics 365 Business Central requires you to be aware of the overall health of your environment. Troubleshooting issues in a timely and proactive manner is also essential to optimizing your system’s performance.
At Liberty Grove Software, we understand that no two Dynamics 365 BC implementations are the same. That's why our tailored Health Checks go beyond the basics, digging deep into your system's unique configuration, utilization patterns, and performance metrics.
We identify areas for improvement and uncover new opportunities to streamline processes, enhance security, and maximize value.
Why Monitor Your System?
You may wonder why it is necessary to monitor your system, given that Microsoft conducts rigorous testing of Dynamics 365 BC and the Power Platform. The reason is that each implementation has distinctive utilization patterns and customizations that can impact the system's security, performance, cost, and supportability.
For instance, you possibly:
- Implemented new fields, forms, logic, or integrations that impact performance.
- Experience increased storage and operational costs due to the rise in the number of concurrent users or data volume.
- Encounter regulatory or compliance obligations that influence how you manage customer data.
- Have business intelligence requirements that necessitate examining usage patterns and enhancing processes.
Microsoft offers a range of tools to help monitor your system's health and notify you of any issues or malfunctions. The Liberty Grove Software team are experts in using these tools to help ensure the health and effectiveness of your system.
In this article, we will examine the primary components of your solution that require monitoring.
Performance Monitoring
Understanding your system's response rate to user actions, known as its performance, is crucial. Identifying and addressing performance deficiencies can significantly enhance user adoption and business efficiency, providing reassurance about the effectiveness of your system.
Testing the efficacy of your system before deployment is a crucial step. By using performance testing to establish a baseline for comparison and evaluate the effects of your customizations, you can feel prepared and confident about your system's performance.
It is also advisable to monitor the efficacy of your system in production. Numerous variables that are not directly associated with the Dynamics 365 application's functionality may affect its effectiveness in live production environments:
- Network traffic can fluctuate throughout the day, and remote workers who depend on individual Internet connections may experience varying response times.
- Response times may differ from those in your test environment due to integrations with other systems.
- The system may be under duress due to the operation of workflows and back-office tasks.
To evaluate performance, you must accumulate and analyze data from various sources.
Configuring notifications to advise you when your system's performance levels decline below a predetermined threshold is possible. This approach enables you to address and resolve problems more efficiently.
Licensing and Operational Cost Monitoring
Monitoring the cost of licensing and operations is a key aspect of financial responsibility and control. By maintaining a record of the licenses you possess and utilize, you can plan for future purchases and necessary adjustments, ensuring you remain in control of your system's costs.
Also, you can evaluate how your users need to work with the data; there is a Team Member license that may be appropriate for your organization.
Storage Allocation and Usage Monitoring
Storage allocation and utilization refer to the amount of space available and utilized for data storage. You commence with a limited quantity of storage space for your environment. As your business expands, you have the option to incorporate additional data.
You must be aware of the remaining storage space and the rate at which it fills up. You can allocate funds for additional storage or clear up space by archiving or deleting data. It is also possible to schedule data cleaning and updates on a routine basis.
Oversee Privacy and Security
Establishing a security policy specifying the appropriate users and their capabilities for accessing the system is imperative. You should also have a compliance policy that meets the regulatory and legal requirements of your industry or region.
It's important to restrict user access to data, oversee system activity, and track how individuals interact with your data.
For example, when an employee changes roles or leaves the organization, you should adjust or remove their security roles and permissions accordingly.
Similarly, when a vendor or consultant contract ends, you must revoke their access to any previously handled data to maintain security and protect sensitive information.
Monitor User Access and Resource Usage
It’s valuable to understand your users' behavior and expectations. The way they interact and leverage the system is a key indicator of its adoption. Telemetry in Dynamics 365 BC provides insights into user’s experiences and system performance.
Once you have a better understanding be sure to follow up with your users if a capability is underused.
Keep An Eye On The Application Logs And Errors
You must conduct routine system log reviews to identify any potential issues that could compromise the system's functionality. It’s also advisable to set up notifications to alert you when an error occurs, allowing you to react quickly and resolve the issue. Take advantage of notifications on the Job Queues.
Treat Your System’s Health Like You Would Your Own
Just as we visit the doctor for annual check-ups to protect our health, a Dynamics 365 Business Central Health Check helps identify any issues before they escalate.
The Liberty Grove Software team has extensive experience helping companies maximize the benefits of their Dynamics 365 Business Central solution, and we’re here to support you.
We're not just here to run assessments but to partner with you in driving long-term success. By leveraging our expertise, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how your system supports your business today – and a strategic roadmap for the future.
Let us help you transform challenges into opportunities and ensure your Dynamics 365 environment remains a competitive advantage.
Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how our team of experts can guide your organization through regular Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Health Checks. Together, we'll unlock the full potential of your Dynamics 365 solution, enabling you to focus on what matters most – growing your business.
About Andrew Good
Andrew Good, CEO of Liberty Grove Software, a leader in digital transformation, directs the company with strategic insights that deliver impactful results. With over two decades of expertise in Microsoft technologies, Andrew has guided businesses through digital transformation across manufacturing, finance, and healthcare.
Andrew's extensive knowledge comes from personal experiences with various companies. His hands-on operational knowledge comes from Engineering, Maintenance, and operational roles at Unilever and Sony Music. Fourteen years of working with Microsoft Dynamics BC/NAV follows successful projects in ERP, Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (EAM), and quality systems.
His passion for technology is matched by his love for sailing, which inspires his leadership. Andrew parallels the precision of navigating the seas and the challenges of steering a successful company. Under his leadership, Liberty Grove Software thrives, offering tailored solutions to empower clients and optimize operations with innovative Microsoft-based systems.
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