Why not just custom? Why XRM?

The concept of starting with the Dynamics XRM  framework for development is sometimes a tough concept for developers to grasp. I mean they have years of experience programming custom solutions in .NET and they know if they write it from scratch "everything will be in their control".

Well let's think about this. Is this really the case? Certainly when programming on a team every line of code is not controlled by a single developer so that "concept" is often broken almost immediately.

So what other barriers arise?

Well the biggest is that without training, focus, reading and experiencing a slightly new "XRM" mindset, there is risk that you really can screw it up. I have seen more than one developer have to eat crow and other developers who just start getting negative and "anti-CRM" when they really just don't get it.

So what to do, what to do, what to do?

If you are new to XRM and you are a developer make every effort to spend a good amount of time with senior experienced Dynamics CRM or Dynamics XRM developers. You know the folks. The ones whose blogs you read, the ones who offer deep dive boot camps and the ones who have rolled out hundreds of successful custom Dynamics CRM projects. Believe me it makes a BIG difference.

IF you don't have the option to surround yourself by these gurus (or perhaps the ego) then you will need to really start diving in and reading, reading, reading and learning. Once you do this master a very small project.  Realize that you can ramp up a project in 24 hours so it is not like this is a totally wasted energy thing.

Learn the difference between how Dynamics CRM uses SQL, tables (entities), database structure and relationships between things. Learn to think CRM. It really is a different way of thinking to a certain extent.

Now this might seem easy, but you would be surprised at how challenging this can be. I am not talking about a side thought. I am talking about really understanding the depth so you can use the depth. The advantages are incredible.

So ask myself how did I get started? One of the best things I did in my first year or two working with Dynamics CRM is to spend three - four hours every Saturday teaching a Dynamics CRM class with Larry Lentz. We tag team taught and we deep dove into a ton of manuals a page or chapter a week for a good six months. We also used the software as we read, trying everything that was explained. This effort established a great base for me to continually learn and believe me I am still learning.

Just consider the tip I posted earlier today. Hey I just didn't know that trick, but I sure as well wanted to share it once I learned it.

So here is a last thought. You never stop learning and Dynamics CRM is so deep that even after years there is more to learn. It also continually changes, so for those of you who have never been to a class or never read a Dynamics CRM book. Well you might be able to "just figure it out", but I can guarentee that there is a lot more for you to experience. So don't be shy - come to the party and jump right in but be ready for being pushed outside your comfort zone and for change!