If you have decided that Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is the right ERP system for your business, the next challenge is choosing the right implementation partner.
The software matters, but the success of your project often depends just as much on the people delivering it. A good partner will help you improve processes, avoid costly mistakes and implement a solution that supports your long-term goals. A poor choice can lead to delays, budget overruns and frustrated users.
Before committing to a Business Central project, here are ten questions worth asking any potential partner.
1. What Microsoft accreditations and certifications do you hold?
Not all Business Central partners are the same. Microsoft’s partner ecosystem includes accreditations that help demonstrate a partner’s expertise, customer success and commitment to maintaining relevant skills.
When evaluating a potential partner, ask whether they are a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Business Applications, whether they hold any relevant specialist designations, and how they keep their consultants’ knowledge up to date.
For example, Synergy Technology is a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Business Applications and holds the Microsoft Small and Midsize Business Management Specialisation. These accreditations are relevant because Business Central projects are not just technical implementations. They need a clear understanding of finance, operations, reporting, integrations, support and the realities of running a growing SME business.
Accreditations alone do not guarantee a successful project, but they are a useful indicator that a partner has invested in the skills, systems and experience needed to deliver Business Central effectively.
- Are they a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Business Applications?
- Do they hold relevant specialist designations for SME business management?
- How many Microsoft-certified consultants will be involved in your project?
- How do they keep their team current as Business Central changes?
2. How much experience do you have with Business Central?
Experience matters. Business Central is a powerful ERP system, but the quality of the implementation depends on how well the partner understands both the software and the business processes it needs to support.
Ask how long the partner has worked with Business Central and whether they also have experience with related Microsoft ERP products such as Dynamics NAV. A partner with practical experience across multiple implementations is often better equipped to handle unexpected challenges.
- How many Business Central projects have they delivered?
- What types of organisations do they usually work with?
- Do they have experience with both new implementations and upgrades from older systems?
3. Have you worked with businesses like ours before?
Every sector has its own requirements. A manufacturer may need production planning and shop floor visibility. A wholesaler may focus on inventory management, stock control and warehouse operations. Professional services firms often prioritise project accounting, resource planning and reporting.
Ask for examples of customers in similar industries and look for relevant case studies. Industry experience can reduce implementation risk because the partner is already familiar with common challenges and practical ways to solve them.
4. Who will actually be working on our project?
The people you meet during the sales process are not always the people who deliver the implementation. Before making a decision, ask who your project manager, consultants, developers and support contacts will be.
You should also understand whether the work will be delivered by an in-house team or outsourced to subcontractors. Clear accountability is important, particularly when your finance and operational systems are involved.
5. What does your implementation methodology look like?
A well-structured implementation approach helps keep projects on track and avoids surprises. A good partner should be able to explain each stage of the project in plain English, including what they will do and what your team will need to contribute.
- Requirements gathering and process review
- System configuration
- Data migration
- User acceptance testing
- Training
- Go-live planning
- Post go-live support
6. How do you handle data migration?
For many organisations, data migration is one of the most important parts of an ERP project. Poor data can slow a project down, create confusion for users and undermine confidence in the new system.
Ask what data can be migrated, what should be cleaned beforehand and how the partner validates the results. It is also worth asking how many test migrations will take place before go-live.
- Can historical transactions be migrated?
- How are duplicate records handled?
- What checks are carried out before the data is signed off?
- Who is responsible for cleansing the data before migration?
- 7. What happens after the system goes live?
ERP implementation is not the end of the journey. Most businesses continue to refine processes, add functionality and train users after go-live.
Understanding the support model should be part of your buying decision. Ask how support requests are logged, who handles them, what response times are available and how ongoing consultancy is managed.
- Support contracts and service levels
- Helpdesk availability
- User training
- Ongoing consultancy
- Microsoft release management
- System reviews and future improvements
8. How do you approach integrations?
Very few organisations operate with ERP software alone. Your Business Central system may need to connect with CRM, e-commerce, warehouse, payroll, reporting or other operational systems.
Ask about previous integration projects and whether the partner has experience with the systems you already use. The aim should be to reduce manual work, improve visibility and avoid duplicate data entry.
9. What is included in your pricing?
ERP projects vary significantly in scope and cost. Rather than focusing only on the headline figure, ask for a clear breakdown of what is included and what is not.
A lower initial price may not represent better value if key items such as training, data migration, reporting or post go-live support are excluded. Make sure the proposal sets out the assumptions clearly.
- Are licences included?
- Is training included?
- Does the project include data migration?
- Are reports, integrations or customisations included?
- What would incur additional consultancy charges?
10. Can you provide customer references?
Case studies are useful, but it can also help to speak directly with existing customers. Ask whether the partner can introduce you to organisations that have recently completed a similar project.
A short conversation with another customer can give you a better sense of how the project was managed, whether issues were handled properly and what support was like after go-live.
Beyond the 10 questions: will the partner support your long-term growth?
Business Central should support your organisation not only today, but for years to come. As you compare partners, think about whether they can help you develop the system over time as your business changes.
That might include additional users, new business locations, improved reporting, automation, CRM integration, manufacturing capabilities or e-commerce expansion. The right partner should understand your strategic goals and help you plan beyond the initial implementation.
Beyond price: why credentials matter
Many ERP projects are evaluated primarily on cost. Cost is important, but the cheapest proposal is not always the best value.
Experience, industry knowledge, Microsoft accreditations, customer references and long-term support capabilities can have a greater impact on project success than the initial implementation fee.
When comparing Business Central partners, look for evidence that they have both the technical expertise and the business experience required to support your organisation over the long term.
Final thoughts
Choosing a Business Central partner is one of the most important decisions you will make during an ERP project.
Technical expertise matters, but so do industry knowledge, communication, support capability and a genuine understanding of your business objectives.
By asking these questions at the start, you will be in a stronger position to choose a partner that can deliver more than just software. The best implementations are built on collaboration, clear expectations and a shared understanding of what success looks like.
Taking the time to evaluate potential partners properly can save cost, reduce risk and help ensure Business Central delivers the improvements your business needs.
Want more information on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?
If you are considering Business Central and would like to discuss your options with a UK Microsoft Solutions Partner, speak to Synergy Technology. Our team can help you understand what a realistic project could look like for your business, including implementation, data migration, integrations, training and ongoing support.
Synergy Technology is proud to be a Microsoft Solution Specialist and to offer Microsoft 365 Business Central solutions across the UK. We offer implementation, migration, support and integration with a number of other platforms. We have offices in Manchester, Preston, Leeds and Cambridge in the UK, as well as Melbourne in Australia.
Find out more by calling us today on 0345 456 0050 or visit our contact page to send us an email.
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