Not All D365 Partners Are Equal: 5 Ways to Find the Best Partner

Selecting the right Dynamics 365 partner is crucial for businesses aiming to leverage Microsoft's powerful suite of applications effectively. The right partner ensures a smooth implementation, tailored solutions, and ongoing support, aligning the platform with your business goals. However, not all Dynamics 365 partners are equal. Some bring deep industry expertise and proven methodologies, while others may lack the experience needed to deliver long-term success. This guide will help you identify key factors to consider when selecting a D365 partner, ensuring your business makes the right choice. 

At TrellisPoint, we believe our role goes beyond implementation. As a Microsoft Cloud AI Solutions Partner specializing in Dynamics 365, Power Platform, Copilot and Azure AI, we focus on aligning technology with your business strategy, offering personalized attention, and delivering measurable outcomes. Our clients choose us for our consultative approach, transparent communication, and decades of experience supporting hundreds of growth-focused companies through implementations and other projects. 

Understanding the Role of a Dynamics 365 Partner 

What is a Dynamics 365 Partner? 

A Dynamics 365 partner is a Microsoft-certified organization that helps businesses implement, customize, and manage Microsoft Dynamics 365 applications. These partners offer expertise in configuring D365 to fit your industry-specific needs, integrating it with existing systems, and providing ongoing support and training. 

Why the Right Partner Matters for Your Business 

The success of your Dynamics 365 implementation hinges on the capabilities of your partner. The right partner will: 

• Reduce implementation risks by applying best practices. 

• Customize D365 to align with your business processes. 

• Provide long-term support to optimize and scale your system. 

• Train your team for increased adoption. 

At TrellisPoint, our unique value lies in our ability to step in as both technical implementers and strategic growth consultants. We do not just deploy software, we shape it to support your evolving goals and processes. 

A poor partner choice, however, can lead to failed implementations, cost overruns, and disruptions to your business operations. 

5 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Partner 

Not all D365 partners operate the same way. Consider these factors to find the best fit:

1. Expertise & Experience

Certifications and Credentials 

Look for Microsoft-certified partners with Solutions Partner designations or specialized certifications in Dynamics 365. Partners with industry-specific experience are often better equipped to address unique business challenges. 

Why TrellisPoint: As a Microsoft Solutions Partner with a dedicated focus on Dynamics 365, we specialize in helping companies migrate, modernize, and scale their sales operations using Microsoft technologies. Our team holds certifications across D365, Power Platform, and Copilot, ensuring both breadth and depth of capability. 

Track Record of Successful Implementations 

Review case studies, testimonials, and references from previous clients. A strong portfolio of successful implementations demonstrates a partner’s ability to deliver results. 

Why TrellisPoint: Many of our clients come to us after working with other partners who failed to deliver. We have a proven track record of successful rescues, clean-up projects, and long-term D365 optimization efforts.

2. Industry Knowledge

Importance of Sector-Specific Experience 

Different industries require different solutions. A Dynamics 365 partner experienced in manufacturing, construction, financial services, or IT will understand industry regulations, workflows, and common challenges. 

Why TrellisPoint: We serve growth-oriented companies in construction, manufacturing, IT, and financial services. Our experience in these verticals allows us to recommend solutions that fit both operational complexity and regulatory requirements. 

Case Studies and Client Testimonials 

Ask for real-world examples of how they have helped similar companies. A partner with proven experience in your industry is more likely to deliver a tailored solution. 

Why TrellisPoint: Our client success stories consistently highlight our ability to act as a strategic advisor. We do not just deploy, we coach, optimize, and accelerate results.

3. Support & Maintenance Services

Post-Implementation Support 

The implementation is just the beginning. Your partner should offer ongoing support, troubleshooting, and system optimizations to ensure long-term success. 

Why TrellisPoint: We offer long-term support plans with proactive monitoring, issue resolution, and feature optimization. Our team sticks with you beyond go-live to ensure continued success. 

Training and Knowledge Transfer 

A good partner trains your team to use it effectively. Look for structured training programs and documentation. 

Why TrellisPoint: We deliver hands-on, role-based training programs tailored to your internal teams. Our knowledge transfer approach empowers you to own your system.

4. Communication & Project Management

Implementation Methodology 

Ask about their approach to implementation. Do they follow Agile, Waterfall, or a hybrid approach? Ensure their methodology aligns with your company’s needs. 

Why TrellisPoint: We use a flexible, agile-based approach that adapts to your pace and priorities. Our planning and communication cadence ensures visibility and value at every stage. 

Transparency and Responsiveness 

Choose a partner that values clear, proactive communication. If a partner is slow to respond before signing a contract, expect the same treatment during implementation. 

Why TrellisPoint: Our clients consistently mention our fast response times and proactive status updates. We take pride in being accessible and clear.

5. Cost & Value

Pricing Models 

Partners may offer fixed-price, time-and-materials, or subscription-based pricing. Ensure you understand what is included and avoid vague contracts. 

Balancing Cost with Quality 

A lower upfront cost doesn’t always mean savings. Consider long-term value, potential delays, and support costs before choosing based on price alone. 

Why TrellisPoint: We offer pricing transparency and thoughtful scoping. Our projects are built around business outcomes, not just hours and deliverables. We rely on our time-tested TrellisPoint Success Framework to make sure we are always balancing cost with value while aligning everything back to the business why. 

Questions to Ask Potential Dynamics 365 Partners 

Before signing a contract, ask these critical questions: 

• Can you provide references from similar industries? 

• What is your approach to implementation and customization? 

• How do you handle support and ongoing maintenance? 

• What training programs do you offer for our team? 

• How do you ensure clear and consistent communication during the project? 

TrellisPoint Tip: We welcome these questions. In fact, we suggest adding one more: How do you make sure our technology aligns with our strategic growth plan? That is where we shine. 

Red Flags to Watch Out For 

Be cautious of partners that exhibit these warning signs: 

• Lack of Relevant Experience – If they have no case studies or references in your industry, they may struggle to meet your needs. 

• Poor Communication Practices – Slow responses or vague answers indicate potential project misalignment. 

• Unclear Pricing Structures – Hidden fees and unclear scope of work can lead to budget overruns. 

• Limited Support Capabilities – If post-implementation support is not included, you may face costly system downtimes. 

TrellisPoint Promise: We are built on trust, transparency, and experience. If a prospective client has been burned before, we make it our mission to rebuild confidence and deliver results that speak for themselves. 

Choosing the right Dynamics 365 partner is a strategic decision that impacts your business for years to come. By evaluating a partner’s expertise, industry experience, support capabilities, communication style, and pricing models, you can ensure a smooth implementation and long-term success. 

TrellisPoint is the preferred partner for growth-focused companies that want more than just software. They want a trusted advisor who understands their goals, builds long-term value, and delivers every step of the way. 

Take your time, ask the right questions, and select a partner who aligns with your business goals. Not all D365 partners are equal finding the best fit makes all the difference. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Finding the Right Dynamics 365 Partner

What does a Dynamics 365 partner actually do? 

A Dynamics 365 partner helps implement, customize, and support Microsoft Dynamics 365 applications tailored to your business. Partners provide technical expertise, process consulting, integration with other tools, and training to ensure successful adoption. 

Why can’t I just work with Microsoft directly? 

While Microsoft builds the software, certified partners like TrellisPoint specialize in delivering real-world implementations. Microsoft relies on partners to tailor solutions for specific industries and businesses, especially when customization, integration, or strategic growth alignment is needed. 

What makes TrellisPoint different from other Microsoft partners? 

TrellisPoint combines Microsoft technical expertise with strategic growth consulting. We are a Microsoft Cloud AI Solutions Partner with deep focus on Dynamics 365, Power Platform, Copilot, and Azure AI. We do not just install software we align it with your business goals and stick around to ensure success. 

What types of companies does TrellisPoint typically work with? 

We work with mid-market companies across industries like construction, manufacturing, IT, and financial services. These companies are often growth-focused and already using Microsoft tools like Outlook, Teams, and Excel. 

Can TrellisPoint help if we’ve already started with another partner? 

Yes. Many of our clients come to us after working with another partner who did not deliver. We are known for salvaging underperforming implementations and getting projects back on track. 

What should I look for in a Dynamics 365 partner contract? 

Clarity is key, look for well-defined scope, transparent pricing, and clear communication expectations. TrellisPoint provides these from day one, along with our TrellisPoint Success Framework to guide the engagement from discovery through go-live and beyond.