Success by Design: Introducing a Framework for Dynamics 365 Implementations

Success by Design is Microsoft's prescriptive framework, distilled from thousands of real-world Dynamics 365 implementation projects, to help teams confidently architect, build, test, and deploy robust, effective solutions. It encapsulates lessons learned, best practices, and a clear structure to guide implementation success.

Designed for system integrators, ISVs, partners, and end customers alike, the framework does not guarantee outcomes; rather, it strengthens your project by proactively addressing risks and aligning the solution with your digital transformation goals.

Why It Matters: The FastTrack Connection

Success by Design emerged from Microsoft’s FastTrack program, which supports Dynamics 365 project delivery. By asking critical questions like:

Microsoft has built a dependable, performant cloud platform - and paired it with a structured implementation approach.

• How can we ensure each feature truly drives customer success?

• Which features add value, and which should be phased out?

A Five-Stage Roadmap (Methodology-Agnostic)

Success by Design structures implementation into five flexible phases - it complements any delivery methodology you adopt, whether Agile, Waterfall, or a hybrid model.

• Strategize: Define your solution vision, business requirements, organizational strategy, and high-level design.

• Initiate: Formalize workstreams, develop a solution blueprint, and kick off the project.

• Implement: Build functionality, run topic-specific reviews - including data models, integrations, security, performance, etc., to identify and address potential risks early.

• Prepare: Conduct a go-live readiness review, finalize training, cutover planning, and user acceptance testing.
  

• Operate: After launch, stabilize operations and plan enhancements or additional functionality.
  

The Power of Success by Design Reviews

At the heart of each phase are structured Success by Design reviews (or workshops) that serve as reflective checkpoints. These include:

• Solution Blueprint Review: The starting point - validates architectural alignment and identifies early risks.

• Implementation Reviews: Dive deep into specifics like ALM, integrations, security, testing strategies, and more.

• Go-Live Readiness Review: Assesses preparedness before launch.

• Post Go-Live Review: Focuses on stability and future improvements.

Each review produces:

• Assertions (What’s working well - aligned with best practices)

• Risks (Potential blockers if unaddressed)

• Issues (Problems already affecting implementation)
  
  These observations ground meaningful recommendations to proactively steer project outcomes.

Getting Started

• Explore the official guidance on Microsoft Learn to get familiar with the Success by Design framework and its phases - 
  ​​​​​​​Introduction to the Success by Design framework - Dynamics 365 | Microsoft Learn
  https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/guidance/implementation-guide/overview
  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/use-success-design/