When most people hear the words ‘Microsoft Power Apps’ and ‘Microsoft Dynamics 365/CRM’ they think that these are two separate systems, meaning that they think they have to decide between one or the other.
The traditional way of looking at this is that Dynamics 365/CRM is specifically designed for larger organisations, who are looking to ramp up their operations and are looking for a major, robust platform that won’t ever need replacing.
On the other hand, many consider Power Apps to be used by smaller businesses for certain actions and workflows that help improve back-office productivity – and which can be added to as their business grows.
Granted there are some elements that may say they are right, it’s not 100% true. There are many ways that Power Apps can be combined with (or used in place of) Dynamics 365/CRM to both drive efficiency and help to bring down costs.
When it comes to costings this has even more significance as the licensing costs associated with Microsoft Power Apps are much lower than Dynamics 365 by almost 19x.
Only get licenses for the features you are going to be using
Here is one way of looking at, it all depends on the type of functionality that is required by the end users of your business.
For example, a large corporation will purchase the full package of Dynamics 365 which includes all of the more advanced functionality. However, some of the businesses that Advantage works with, are nowhere near that level as of yet and so suggesting as such may not be the right option for them.
In this instance, this is where Microsoft Power Apps comes into its own element. If a smaller business is looking for a complete CRM system which requires some customisation, we could look to build this functionality within a custom Power App.
To give you an idea of how all this compares, a full-blown Dynamics 365 Sales Enterprise version will set you back £78.10 a month per seat against £4.10 a month. There is a clear difference between the two types of license.
Does your business have simple needs? If so, Power Apps is the best choice for you
You will find that in the vast majority of cases, businesses don’t necessarily require a full Dynamics 365 system. This is true if the business in question has its own productivity proccesses or is maybe still using Excel spreadsheets, which would work more efficiently if automated so the best choice would be to choose a Power App.
It is important to understand that Power Apps can be very easy to build, the associated costs are much lower and one of the biggest challenges for businesses is highlighting exactly how they work as a business, identifying the main business processes that allow them to improve them. That’s where Advantage can come in to help your business.
Have complicated requirements? Perhaps a combination of the two might work
For businesses that have more complicated needs, Dynamics 365 may not necessarily be the right solution.
To put things into perspective, most of our more complex clients end up using a combination of both systems, with certain users using pre-built Dynamics 365 functionality, while the functionality needed by other employees can be satisfied via a Power App.
Despite the fact that via a hybrid approach not all needs are met by Power Apps, using them where you can, will allow you to reduce some of your costs.
Look both short term and long term
It is worth considering both approaches as a Lego project: Dynamics 365 is like the Star Wars Millenium Falcon whereby you follow everything exactly to get the same picture that accompanies the box, whereas Power Apps are more like the regular bricks you can make use of to create whatever your heart desires.
It is important to understand that Power Apps can be used alongside Dynamics 365/CRM, in most cases it is never usually just one of them.
Before taking the next steps on your journey with the Microsoft stack, we would suggest that you undergo a few workshops with Advantage, assessing exactly what you need, what would work right now and what might be needed in the long term.
This can be the difference between saving money or losing money in the long term.
Next Steps?
If you are a business that wants to discuss either implementing Microsoft Power Apps, Dynamics 365/CRM or wanting to sign up for one of our FREE workshops then please reach out to our team of Microsoft experts today for more information.
Are you wanting to see more comparison articles similar to the above? You can get just that by becoming part of our mailing list.
