The ERP landscape is rapidly evolving, especially within the Dynamics 365 ecosystem. To stay competitive, organizations need tools that streamline operations and embrace advancements like AI integration. This is where ISVs — specialized providers offering solutions that enhance Microsoft’s core ERP capabilities — step in.
ISVs help reduce risk, boost efficiency, and enable enterprises to thrive in a world of intelligent automation. By addressing unique business needs, speeding up implementation, and leveraging AI, ISVs like SignUp Software are unlocking new value within the D365 landscape. This article explores how these innovative players are shaping the future of ERP, helping organizations overcome challenges, and embracing automation.
Why Businesses Turn to ISVs
Many organizations initially attempt to develop custom solutions using Microsoft’s Power Platform. While this approach seems flexible on paper, it often comes with significant hurdles, such as a lack of in-house expertise, budgetary constraints, and overly complex requirements. More specifically, challenges of developing custom solutions include:
- Skills Gap: Finding internal team members who have a deep understanding of ERP systems and niche industry needs can be difficult.
- High Costs: Custom development comes with steep upfront investments, often exceeding initial budgets.
- Limited Scalability: Custom solutions may struggle to handle complex, industry-specific processes or compliance needs.
ISVs address these pain points with tailored, ready-made solutions that are crafted specifically for D365 and its unique business use cases. For example, ExFlow from SignUp Software automates the accounts payable (AP) process, integrating seamlessly into Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management.
With industry-specific expertise, ISVs go beyond generic functionality, offering nuanced features that empower businesses to enhance operational efficiency without reinventing the wheel.
Accelerating Implementation and Reducing Risk
One of the most compelling advantages of working with an ISV is the ability to significantly reduce implementation risk while accelerating time-to-value. Rob Ashe, VP of North America at SignUp Software, explained it best in a recent podcast episode: “Risk is what’s left when you’ve thought of everything.”
Here’s how ISVs reduce risk and expedite ERP projects:
- Proven Expertise: ISVs can foresee and plan for challenges like complex tax regulations or regional compliance.
- Seamless Integration: Purpose-built ISV solutions are natively designed to work within D365, minimizing security risks, reducing integration complexity, and ensuring data consistency.
- Faster Deployments: Out-of-the-box solutions from ISVs, like ExFlow’s AP automation and OCR capabilities, allow businesses to achieve operational efficiency quicker than building a solution from scratch.
For instance, Sikich utilized ExFlow’s automation tools to replace manual processes in distribution. The result? Reduced errors, better accuracy, and overall modernization of vendor management workflows.
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Choosing the Right ISV Partner
Not all ISV’s are created equal, which makes selecting the right partner critical. Here are key factors to consider when evaluating ISVs for your organization:
- Robust Documentation: Comprehensive resources can simplify onboarding and troubleshooting, suggesting the ISV’s commitment to customer success.
- Responsive Support: Look for ISVs that prioritize a partnership approach, where support teams are available to resolve issues quickly and effectively.
- Clear Implementation Roadmap: Reputable ISVs provide detailed steps for integration, ensuring the process is smooth and structured.
- Internal Alignment: If the ISV offers multiple solutions, this ensures teams are well-coordinated, as disconnected product teams can cause delays and inefficiencies.
- Fast Implementation: Out-of-the-box compatibility with an integrated user interface can considerably shorten deployment time while improving ease of use.
An ISV that embodies these traits will not only meet your immediate needs but will also serve as a strategic partner for long-term growth.
The Future of ISVs in an AI-Driven World
AI is reshaping the ERP landscape, and ISVs are at the forefront of this transformation. From AI-enabled optical character recognition to intelligent workflows, ISVs are co-developing tools alongside Microsoft that promise significant disruption and value creation.
Rob Ashe outlined a visionary concept for the future of ISVs, where AI agents become active participants in ERP workflows. This could eventually lead to AI “agents” acting as buyers of software, making value-based decisions autonomously.
Emerging use cases include:
- Advanced OCR for faster document processing in areas like procurement
- Predictive Analytics to optimize manufacturing and supply chain processes
- Intelligent Automation for financial operations, leveraging AI to identify inefficiencies and recommend actionable improvements
ISVs are uniquely positioned to capitalize on these AI advancements, combining their domain expertise with Microsoft’s foundational AI capabilities to create specialized, high-impact solutions.
Final Thoughts
ISVs are no longer just ERP add-ons; they are pivotal partners in driving operational efficiency, reducing risk, and enabling businesses to adopt cutting-edge innovations like AI. By working with ISVs like SignUp Software, organizations can confidently modernize their processes and position themselves for success in a competitive, technology-driven market.
For more insights, tune into the full discussion featuring SignUp Software’s Rob Ashe and Sikich’s Blaine Grzegorek.
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