Modern CRM software tools are bursting with features to help the workforce be more productive, efficient and accurate. Still, without appropriate training, the benefits of any new tool will be massively underutilised as users won’t know they exist or know how to use them. And Microsoft Dynamics 365 is no different from any other CRM software application. Training is an essential component from the moment the CRM is launched and plays a crucial part in the system’s shelf life.
From the get-go, users need to fully understand the software’s capabilities, familiarise themselves with the platform, and learn best practices to reap the rewards on both a personal and company-wide level. And top-up training ensures that your users and the wider organisation continue to get maximum value from the platform months and years down the line.
If you’re considering Microsoft Dynamics 365 as a CRM contender, you’ll want to understand how it will hit your wallet, which means factoring in training costs, too. So, in this article, we answer a popular question: Is Microsoft Dynamics 365 training expensive? And is it worth the investment? Read on to explore the types of Dynamics 365 training, their costs, and the value that can be achieved by investing in your system and your users.
Types of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Training Available
Training comes in many different forms, and most Dynamics 365 specialists will tailor their services to your needs, or they should do! System training must be a critical element of your CRM project, not an afterthought.
As part of your CRM implementation project, you’ll require standard user training as part of your system roll-out to ensure your teams are familiar with your new system when it goes live. Even if you move from a legacy Dynamics 365 system, a lot will have changed, and you’ll need users to be trained on the newer, more powerful version.
One of the most effective types of training is instructor-led, which offers a hands-on approach to learning and is usually delivered in live training sessions by Microsoft-certified partners or training providers in person or remotely.
You’ll also want to ensure that each of your employees has Dynamics 365 training designed to their exact job role and how you intend them to use the new CRM platform. Again, a good partner will offer Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales, Marketing or Customer Service training modules.
In addition, and essential if it’s your first foray into a true CRM, is data management training alongside system training. Having a good understanding and appreciation for good data management practices is vital for scale-ups and growing SMBs and charities transitioning from reliance on spreadsheets. Data management and GDPR knowledge are a must for users and system administrators, where data security is a top priority.
And on the topic of administrators, anther worthwhile investment is system administrator training. This type of training is often overlooked but is wise, as the system administrator will be responsible for the administration and deployment of Dynamics 365 across the organisation. You are also essentially ‘training the trainer’, which can help keep consultancy fees to a minimum, as they can be the first point of call for most user queries.
Is Dynamics 365 training expensive?
Quality training will cost money, and we’ll be honest and say that compared to other software training programs, it does sit in the mid-to-high bracket. However, that is because you are paying for skilled and knowledgeable software experts delivering a tailored approach. If you’re investing in Dynamics 365, expect to put aside a healthy training budget.
You can also access free training through Microsoft Learn, and we also advise checking out the numerous Microsoft community forums, as they can be ideal for troubleshooting and plugging small knowledge gaps or exploring new features. That said, a good Dynamics 365 training partner will keep you updated with any new features.
Is Dynamics 365 training worth the investment?
For organisations, training for Dynamics 365 software ensures that teams can leverage the CMR platform effectively. This results in a more rapid implementation software adoption, a higher likelihood of implementation success, and a faster time to deliver value from the initial investment. Crucially, it results in happier users, improved efficiency of operations and better customer experiences.
As we said at the beginning, software training is a critical component of CRM implementation. Yet, the sad reality is that, on average, 70 % of CRM projects fail due to poor user adoption.
A new CRM is redundant and a wasted investment unless your employees or volunteers know how to use it or have a desire to use it. While rolling out a comprehensive Dynamics 365 training plan can be a costly investment, it is vital and absolutely worth the investment and goes hand in hand with any CRM implementation and is vital element of your user adoption plan. We expand on the topic better user adoption in this article 10 tips for good CRM user adoption.
In the long-term the initial CRM software training will seem insignificant, as over time the operational benefits will inevitably result in commercial gain. The real question should be; Can you really afford not to invest in Dynamics 365 training?
If you’re looking for the right training path based on your goals or budget, contact us for a free 30-minute consultation.
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Rocket CRM is a Microsoft Dynamics 365, and a platinum Click accredited partner, helping small to medium-sized businesses and charities harness the power of scalable CRM technology. Our mission is to make powerful CRM software simple with custom-built, user-focused solutions.
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