Lessons Learned from
Complex Dynamics Projects

Embarking on complex Dynamics projects can be a daunting task, as they often present unique challenges and complexities. As a Senior Dynamics 365 Developer, Nick Swart has encountered numerous obstacles throughout his career and gained valuable insights along the way. In this article, we delve into the challenges faced during these intricate projects and explore the lessons Nick has learned first-hand. By sharing real-life examples and offering practical advice, Nick aims to guide on effectively tackling similar challenges in the world of Dynamics 365 implementation.

Drawing from his extensive tenure at one of South Africa’s premier financial institutions, Nick offers a candid account of his professional journey and the insights gained from working with the bank.

Nick’s experience as a seasoned professional has exposed him to a wide range of difficulties, particularly in the realm of integration. Dynamics 365 implementations frequently involve the integration of various systems and data sources, which can introduce complexities that demand careful navigation. Nick shares specific instances where he faced integration challenges head-on and reveals the strategies, he used to overcome them.

“In a specific project involving a Dynamics 365 implementation, we faced integration challenges that required creative problem-solving. One significant hurdle was establishing effective communication between our system and the internal systems of the bank. Initially, we encountered rejections during direct calls to the services. To overcome this obstacle, we developed a customized solution that enabled successful communication with the bank’s backend systems.

 

Additionally, we encountered complexities during the integration process with certain third-party systems. Our objective was to seamlessly retrieve and send questionnaire data, ensuring smooth interactions and prompt responses. Through innovative approaches, we successfully addressed these challenges and achieved efficient communication and handling of the data.” Swart explains.

Nick Swart reflected on the experience and highlighted an important lesson learned. He emphasised the crucial role of technical expertise in overcoming integration challenges. Before this project, Nick had limited knowledge of integrating with other systems. However, as the team confronted and resolved the technical obstacles, he recognised the significance of exposure to diverse environments and experiences. He emphasised that a developer’s proficiency is not solely determined by academic degrees but rather by practical knowledge gained through real-world encounters.

Working on such a large-scale corporate project taught valuable lessons to the Senior Dynamics 365 Developer. The foremost lesson was understanding the pace of change within a massive organisation. Large-scale projects often require extensive time and effort before noticeable progress is achieved. Patience, persistence, and a long-term vision are essential qualities for success.

Additionally, collaboration and effective communication played a vital role. Learning how to work with a diverse team, including technical leads, testers, and various internal departments, was critical. Bridging the gap between technical and business aspects required active engagement and effective collaboration with stakeholders. Adapting to the corporate culture, building relationships, and understanding the internal dynamics facilitated smoother progress and more productive outcomes.

In complex Dynamics 365 projects, the involvement of multiple stakeholders with diverse priorities and requirements is another common challenge usually encountered. These stakeholders can include business executives, department heads, end users, IT personnel, and other relevant parties. Each stakeholder group brings their own set of expectations, goals, and concerns to the project, which can sometimes conflict with one another. For example, business executives might prioritise cost reduction and efficiency, while end users may prioritise user-friendliness and functionality. IT personnel, on the other hand, may prioritise system stability and security. Balancing these diverse priorities and requirements can be complex and requires a strategic approach to stakeholder management.

Nick Swart mentioned how stakeholder interactions were structured during his time as a Dynamics 365 Developer at the bank. As a developer, Nick’s primary focus was on getting the work done and delivering the required deliverables. He didn’t directly engage with business stakeholders and wasn’t allowed to interact with them to avoid potential issues. The communication channels followed a specific path. Any business-related matters or stakeholder inputs had to go through the product owner and the scrum master. If it involved support, it needed to be directed to the scrum master as well. This structured approach ensured that developers were shielded from direct interactions with stakeholders, allowing them to concentrate on their development tasks.

One significant advantage of this approach was that developers could maintain their focus and productivity. Excessive meetings and interruptions were minimised to maximise their ability to deliver results. There were limits set on the number of meetings developers were expected to attend.

Nick highlighted the importance of reducing interruptions and maintaining focus during the development process. Constantly switching between meetings and coding can hinder productivity, as it takes time to regain one’s rhythm and concentration after interruptions.

Quality assurance and testing play a crucial role in ensuring the success of Dynamics 365 projects. They help identify and address potential issues, validate the functionality of the system, and ensure that it meets the stakeholders’ expectations. In the context of complex projects, testing can present unique challenges that require careful consideration and effective strategies.

“I recall a situation in which I encountered significant testing challenges during a complex project. As per the golden rule, developers should never solely rely on their testing for sign-off.  I remember an instance when we as developers had to follow a well-structured process. After completing the development phase, we handed over the work to the dedicated test team. They rigorously tested the system based on the defined acceptance criteria and user stories. This approach allowed for an independent evaluation of the system’s functionality and identified any deviations or issues. Additionally, the test team employed automated testing using their scripts to validate new features and receive immediate notifications if something broke. By involving a dedicated test team and leveraging automated testing, we ensured thorough and reliable testing, addressing the challenges associated with quality assurance in complex Dynamics 365 projects. This experience taught me the significance of unbiased testing by individuals who are not involved in the system’s development, as they can uncover issues that the developer might overlook,” Nick elaborates.

In conclusion, embarking on complex Dynamics 365 projects requires a deep understanding of the challenges and complexities involved. Through his extensive experience as a Senior Dynamics 365 Developer, Nick Swart has gained valuable insights and practical knowledge that can guide others in tackling similar obstacles. From integration challenges to stakeholder management and quality assurance, Nick’s real-life examples and lessons learned to provide a roadmap for success in the world of Dynamics 365 implementation.

Mariana Becerra’s Journey: From Delivery Manager to Head of Operations
at The CRM Team

In a recent interview, Mariana Becerra, the newly appointed Head of Operations at The CRM Team, shared her thoughts and emotions about her promotion from Delivery Manager. Mariana expressed her immense honour and excitement, considering this new role as a significant milestone in her career. Although it was not a planned move on her career path, Mariana believes in seizing opportunities that come her way and making the most out of them.

Transitioning from the delivery department to heading operations, Mariana acknowledges the change and challenges that lie ahead. However, she exudes confidence in her abilities to effectively lead the operations team and drive the desired outcomes for the organisation. Mariana recognises the shoes she must fill, as the previous Head of Operations, had left a strong impact and was someone she admired within the organisation.

As the youngest member of the management team, Mariana sees her youthfulness as an advantage that brings fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. She believes that having a different viewpoint and a fresh pair of eyes can contribute significantly to problem-solving and driving positive change within the organisation. Mariana aims to combine her adaptability, enthusiasm, and drive to create a more dynamic and forward-thinking environment.

When asked about her goals and plans as the new Head of Operations, Mariana emphasised the importance of ensuring operational excellence and efficiency throughout the organisation. Building upon the legacy of her predecessor, she aims to streamline processes, optimise resource allocation, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Mariana also highlights the significance of cross-functional collaboration and communication to drive constructive collaboration among different departments and align operations with the company’s strategic goals.

In terms of introducing changes and innovative ideas to the management team, Mariana believes in adopting automation and AI solutions to enhance efficiency and productivity. Leveraging tools like Viva sales and Co-pilot can aid in effective communication, especially for team members who may excel in problem-solving but struggle with conveying information to clients. Mariana also emphasises the importance of encouraging an Agile and flexible approach to decision-making and problem-solving, empowering team members to contribute their ideas and drive innovation at all levels.

Reflecting on her transition from Delivery Manager to Head of Operations, Mariana acknowledges that she will miss the direct involvement in day-to-day delivery operations and the close relationships she built with her delivery team. However, she sees this promotion as an opportunity to have a broader impact, shape strategic initiatives, and contribute to the long-term growth of the company. While the challenges and responsibilities may be different, Mariana is eager to embrace them and looks forward to the journey ahead.

Mariana’s promotion to Head of Operations marks an exciting chapter in her career. With her determination, fresh perspectives, and commitment to excellence, she is poised to make a significant contribution to The CRM Team’s success. The entire organisation eagerly awaits the positive changes and achievements Mariana will bring in her new role.

From Passion to Action:
Celebrating Youth Day

Youth Day serves as a reminder of the importance of young people in this country. The impact of today’s young South Africans will be even more pronounced as they become the decision-makers of tomorrow. With the right guidance and support, they can shape our nation’s future and create a brighter tomorrow.

At The CRM Team, we greatly believe in our young people and strive to give them the tools and resources they need to succeed.

The latest youngster to join our team is Jordan Masters, a Junior Dynamics 365 Developer

To celebrate Youth Day, we chatted to Jordan to discuss his career thus far, in hopes to inspire the young people of South Africa to work towards their dreams.

Where it all started, a young boy with a dream.

From an early age, Jordan had already figured out which path he wanted to follow.

“As a top IT student in high school, I knew IT was a career I wanted to pursue.” Jordan began by developing games to play with his friends.

“I would take on passion projects whenever I found something interesting. One of the things I was particularly interested in was crypto. However, I did not have the funds to invest in it, so I created an app that pulled figures throughout the day of how much crypto was worth.” Proving how tech savvy Jordan is, this app would perform as a simulation without investing a cent.

Everyone who has accomplished something worthwhile was once a beginner.

Growing up in a gaming generation had a significant impact on Jordan. He would create bots that could help him level up in a game while at school. “As an example, we got into a game called Hearthstone. The bot I created would constantly take screenshots during the game, and I built an engine that could recognize these images, regardless of whether it was text or pictures. Then I would cut up the images and match them using colours. The bot would then take the images provided and I would instruct it on how to play how to play the game and move the mouse.”

“Those passion projects got me interested in coding and made me want to pursue it further,” states Masters.

After finishing matric, Jordan already had a plan for what he wanted to do and how he would do it. After watching the movie, The Intern, his desire was to be part of a bigger team where they could work on software development projects together. However, that dream was placed on hold as he had to embark on a solo journey. “I reached out to companies in small towns to develop software solutions for them at a very small fee.”

Masters describes how he could only charge these companies a few thousand rands for systems that would have cost them hundreds of thousands. Jordan merely wanted to improve his skills and become independent while navigating life outside of school.

“I wanted to make money to spend on myself instead of asking my parents,” he states.

It is Jordan’s ethics and drive that opened doors for him. Now that he is part of The CRM Team, Jordan’s next goal is to get a Bachelor of Computer Sciences qualification, so that one day he can rank up as a Senior Developer.

The choice is yours to modify your dreams or magnify your skills.

Jordan’s journey is evidence of where commitment, hard work and determination can take you. Here is a man who had a dream at an early age and worked faithfully to achieve his dream. From teaching himself coding and pursuing it at a young age, to actively seeking opportunities to execute his skill and help small companies with software development – Jordan is what every young person should strive to be like.

“The one thing I would suggest for a young person in South Africa is to find something in demand and see if you enjoy it. While it may be difficult for some to find something that they love, it is worthwhile to learn a skill that is in demand and learn to love it.

I would also advise the youth to not be afraid to get themselves out there. They must reach out to companies or individuals and offer their services to help those companies reach their goal while acquiring experience to help them in the future. Also remember, the most important thing is do not stress yourself out, life always works itself out.”

The youth of South Africa can learn a lot from this young man.

Introducing Talhah Jeewa: Senior Solution Sales Professional at The CRM Team

Meet Talhah, a young, passionate individual hailing from the vibrant city of Johannesburg, South Africa. Born with an adventurous spirit, Talhah embraces life with enthusiasm and energy. Whether casting a line on a serene fishing trip, cheering for his favorite football team, or indulging in the sizzling delights of a traditional braai, he finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. Armed with an Honours degree in Bcom Marketing Management from the University of Johannesburg, Talhah channels his creativity into every endeavor he pursues. Balancing professionalism with a touch of artistic flair, he effortlessly expresses his innovative ideas in all aspects of life. With a strong focus on family and friends, he cherishes the moments spent together, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Talhah Jeewa, is a Senior Solution Sales Professional at The CRM Team, specialising in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and the Microsoft Power Platform. With his expertise and passion for customer-centricity, Talhah has been instrumental in transforming industries such as manufacturing, tertiary education, corporate training, real estate, non-profits, and transportation.

At the heart of Talhah’s work lies the powerful Microsoft Dynamics 365 business applications suite. This comprehensive platform offers a wide range of solutions to meet the unique needs of businesses, enabling them to manage and optimise their operations effectively.

His background in marketing management, with a BCom Honours degree, has fuelled his passion for Dynamics 365 Marketing, Customer Insights, Sales, and Customer Service. He understands that these components are the key drivers of customer centricity and play a crucial role in building long-lasting relationships.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Microsoft Dynamics 365 is its ability to automate manual and time-consuming processes with just a click of a button. This automation not only saves organisations countless hours but also aligns efforts towards a common goal. Imagine the impact of eliminating tedious administrative tasks and redirecting resources towards value-added activities that truly benefit customers. With Dynamics 365, businesses can achieve this efficiency while significantly reducing costs from an IT perspective.

The transition to the cloud has been a game-changer for many organisations, and Talhah has witnessed first-hand the transformative power it brings. Customers who have migrated to the cloud using Dynamics 365 have experienced remarkable cost reductions, freeing up thousands of hours and millions of rands. The elimination of hardware costs and the reduced security risks associated with cloud-based solutions have made the platform even more appealing to businesses of all sizes.

In an industry that constantly evolves, Talhah stays ahead of the curve by embracing every release wave of Microsoft Dynamics 365. With each update comes a host of new and revolutionary features that customers love. The power of the platform knows no bounds, and Talhah’s expertise lies in helping businesses leverage these capabilities to their fullest potential.

However, the question remains: Can we keep up? The rapidly evolving nature of the Power Platform presents a challenge for businesses to stay up to date with the latest advancements. Talhah’s commitment to continuous learning and innovation ensures that he remains at the forefront of industry trends and can guide his clients towards sustainable growth.

Beyond his expertise, Talhah’s true passion lies in the people he meets and the diverse challenges he encounters on a daily basis. Every day brings new opportunities to connect with individuals from different walks of life and find exciting ways to solve their unique business problems. It’s a career that he finds fulfilling, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

With his deep knowledge of the platform and its potential to revolutionise industries, Talhah has helped businesses achieve remarkable results. His dedication to customer-centricity, automation, and continuous learning ensures that he stays ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Talhah’s commitment to solving complex business challenges and his passion for helping organisations succeed make him an invaluable asset to any team.