Onboarding Your Dynamics 365 Implementation Project

Embarking on a Dynamics 365 implementation is an exciting journey toward digital transformation. But navigating the initial onboarding phase, whether through Microsoft’s FastTrack program or via a self-service route, requires clarity and preparation. In this post, I’ll walk through the steps for onboarding your Dynamics 365 project, clarify FastTrack eligibility, and outline how to ensure a successful start to your implementation.

FastTrack Nomination: What You Need to Know

• Mandatory nomination process: To engage with FastTrack for Dynamics 365, customer nominations are required. These can be submitted via your Microsoft account manager or an eligible partner.

• Eligibility criteria:
  

  • An implementation partner must be involved.
    

  • That partner needs to hold either a Cloud Business Applications Silver or Gold competency
    

  • The partner must have completed "Success by Design" training before project initiation

• If your nomination isn’t eligible:
  

  • You may request an exception through your Microsoft contact.
    

  • The decision rests with regional leadership.
    
    

Onboarding Without FastTrack: A Self-Service Guide 

If your project doesn’t participate in FastTrack, there’s still a streamlined path forward: 

• Use Lifecycle Services (LCS):
  
  
  • You can self-service onboarding via LCS - simply create an implementation project workspace.
    
    
• FastTrack monitoring and reminders:
  
  
  • Even self-service projects may be monitored by the FastTrack team.
    
    
  • If onboarding isn’t completed a few weeks after workspace creation, a reminder will be sent.

• Best practices:
  

  • Enter accurate milestone dates in LCS.
    

  • Ensure project email addresses are current and actively monitored.
    
    

Get Started:
Onboard a Dynamics 365 project with or without FastTrack - Dynamics 365 | Microsoft Learn
​​​​​​​Nominate customers: FastTrack Nomination  · Custom Portal

By starting your Dynamics 365 journey with the right onboarding approach, whether supported by FastTrack or managed through Lifecycle Services, you set your project up for success. Clear milestones, engaged partners, and proactive communication are the building blocks of a smooth implementation. The earlier you establish this foundation, the faster you can move toward realizing the real business value of Dynamics 365.