What is Dynamics 365 Project Operations?

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations is a module of Microsoft’s suite of cloud business apps. It is the successor to its previous project management app, Dynamics 365 Project Service Automation (PSA).

Dynamics 365 Project Operations launched in October 2020 and is described by Microsoft as an end-to-end project management app that empowers service-based businesses to “win more deals, accelerate project delivery, and maximise profitability.

Microsoft’s Suite of Project Management Applications

Microsoft already has a suite of project management applications. Microsoft Project, Dynamics 365 Finance (previously Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations) and – prior to 1st October 2020 – Dynamics 365 Project Service Automation (PSA), which has now been replaced by Project Operations

These applications offer a variety of complexity; Planner offers basic task management, whilst Project Operations offers an end to end project management solution and Finance & Operations enables a comprehensive analysis of project financials. With all these applications there is an element of crossover.

Who is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations designed to be used by?

Conversely, Project Operations is billed as an end-to-end project management app which handles projects from quoting to project financials. Crucially, the product utilises the planning and scheduling capabilities of Microsoft Project, which previously weren’t available within its predecessor Dynamics 365 Project Service Automation. Additionally, it includes some of the project management accounting and expense management capabilities of Dynamics 365 Finance.

Whereas previous offerings may have only been relevant to a few business roles, the features and functionality within Project Operations can be utilised by all employees, including the following:

• Account Manager
• Project Manager
• Partner Manager
• Resource Managers
• Team Members
• Project Accountant
• COO/Practice Director

Can you still buy Dynamics 365 Project Service Automation?

Since 1^st October 2020, you can no longer purchase Project Service Automation licenses. Existing PSA users will continue to be supported by Microsoft until October 2024, however, no new capabilities will be introduced. To encourage take-up of Project Operations, Microsoft has provided data migration tooling within PSA to help customers seamlessly make the switch.

The core functionality of Microsoft Project Operations

Project Operations follows the principals of other Dynamics 365 applications such as Sales and Customer Service by encouraging the standardisation of processes at all levels.  It is built to be cloud-native and to integrate seamlessly with other Dynamics apps. For example, project quotes can be produced within Project Operations which can then be integrated with Dynamics 365 Sales to increase visibility amongst sales and project teams. These integrations are a great advantage to businesses who may have struggled with disjointed systems in the past.

Project Operations Resource Utilisation Feature

One of our favourite features of Project Operations is resource utilisation, where users can easily manage resource skills and availability to ensuring project teams have the skills they require to efficiently complete a job.

Project Analytics within Project Operations

You can easily track project statuses using familiar project management charts such as Kanban Boards for agile project management and traditional GANTT Charts as well as customised project dashboards.

Project Operations Mobile Application

Microsoft has strived to make Dynamics 365 Project Operations mobile-friendly, allowing time and expenses to be logged anywhere from any mobile device as well as using the user-friendly desktop application.

Microsoft Teams integration with Project Operations

Microsoft has also ensured that Project Operations integrates with Microsoft Teams to improve team collaboration and seamless integration if you are using Microsoft Teams as your business telephony solution.

Project Operations is built on Common Data Service (CDS)

As with other Dynamics 365 apps, Project Operations is built on the Common Data Service, which allows it to be customised and extended across the Power Platform.

If you are interested in finding out more about Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations, licensing options or looking to migrate from Project Service Automation to Project Operations please get in touch. Infinity Group are Microsoft Gold partners and have already migrated several off or PSA customers over to Project Operations.