Microsoft Dynamics AX, Dynamics GP and Dynamics CRM Product Demos

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Once you have determined that a Microsoft Dynamics product is a good candidate solution for your company, it's time to setup an initial needs assessment and plan your demo.


Preparing for An Effective Dynamics Product Demo

ERP is one of those topics you can talk about for two hours or two days and still not cover everything. To make effective use of your time, follow these steps in preparing for your product demo(s):

1. What are the Top 10 must see type capabilities of interest to your organization? What are the things you like about your current solution that you want to see reflected somehow in the new solution? What are the things you don't like about your current system that you want to see done more easily and effectively in your new solution? To some extent all the major business management software solutions can address the basics (though you shouldn't take that for granted if you have any doubts), so what are the unique things about your business that you want to be sure can be supported? Give that list to your solution provider and ask them to show you those things.
2. Provide some sample data to your solution provider that they can use to populate in their demo system. A sample invoice, sales order, purchase order, bill of materials, etc. will allow them to use data that you recognize and brings the demo to life with relevant context for you.
3. Ask your solution providers to demo to you in-person. There's no substitute for face-to-face interactions when you are evaluating both the product and the provider you will be working with.
4. When delivered in person, most vendors use a hosted demo environment that requires an Internet connection to access. Work with your IT organization to ensure there is an unrestricted Internet access port from your relevant demo/conference room.

Evaluating Each Product Demo and Comparing Solutions

First and foremost your new solution needs to meet your current and known future functional needs. It's a non-starter if you can't check that box. Beyond that, we advocate that your CRM and/or ERP solution decision criteria include the four cornerstones of any good software evaluation. With those top-of-mind, we recommend further refining the underlying criteria and weighting them aligned with what is most important to your company. Use this pre-defined list as your scorecard during the demo for each solution option under consideration. By the time you near the end of the solution decision process your documented analysis will greatly help simplify your decision.

When reviewing different solutions, you're sure to hear conflicting sales messages from each vendor you meet with. And, when one vendor presents it may trigger questions you wish you would have asked a previous presenter. Our humble suggestion here is to record your list of follow-up questions and do give your short-list vendors the opportunity to respond to each. Yes it will add some additional time to the process but that small amount of extra time spent is well worth it to ensure you make the best decision for your company. After all, you'll be living with your new solution for several years.