Project Roles in Microsoft Business Applications Implementations

Ever wondered what all those job titles in the world of Microsoft Business Applications actually mean? It can feel like a maze, with different companies calling the same job by different names. Instead of just giving you a list, let's take a journey through a typical project to see who does what, and when!

Imagine a company, let's call them "Acme Inc.," decides they need to implement a new system. They send out a Request for Quotation (RFQ) to a few potential partners. This is where our story begins.

Phase 1: Initiating the Journey (The Sales Team)

The first people on the scene are the Sales team. Their main job is to respond to that RFQ and start the conversation with Acme Inc.

• The Sales team handles the initial contact, while a more technical Pre-Sales person might get involved to give a demo of a product like Dynamics 365 Customer Service and help design a basic architecture for the proposal. They're focused on proving that their team is the right fit.

Once Acme Inc. signs the deal, the project is officially handed off to the implementation team.

Phase 2: Kicking Off the Project (The Project Manager)

With the contract signed, the Project Manager takes the lead. This person is the heart of the project, responsible for making sure everything stays on track.

• The Project Manager sets the timeline, manages the budget, organizes the team, and acts as the main point of communication with the client. They're the ones who keep everyone moving in the right direction.

Phase 3: Bringing the Solution to Life (The Technical and Functional Teams)

This is where the real work happens. The team divides into two key groups: the functional team, who focuses on the business requirements, and the technical team, who builds the solution.

The Functional Team (The What and Why):

• The Consultant is on the front lines, talking to Acme Inc.'s employees to understand their needs. This role is broad, ranging from gathering requirements to configuring the system (like Dynamics 365 Business Central or Dynamics 365 Finance). This role often works closely with a client-side Subject Matter Expert (SME) or Product Owner who provides key business insights.

• The Solution Architect is the visionary, designing the big-picture solution. They make sure the proposed system will actually work for Acme Inc.'s business processes and long-term goals.

The Technical Team (The How):

• The Developer is the builder. They write custom code, build integrations, and create unique components for platforms like the Power Platform or Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations.

• The Technical Architect is the technical leader. They're responsible for the overall infrastructure of the solution, ensuring everything is secure, high-performing, and integrates smoothly with other systems.

Phase 4: Leading the Team (The Director)

Throughout the project, there is a leadership layer overseeing the team and the overall engagement.

• A Director is a senior leader who manages a team of consultants or leads an entire practice (like a Dynamics 365 Sales practice). This person is often the Engagement Lead, ultimately responsible for the overall success of the project from the partner's perspective.

Partner vs. Client Side: Who Does What?

As you can see from our journey, roles often fall on one of two sides:

• Partner Side: Roles like Project Manager, Consultant, and Developer are typically with the consulting company, bringing their expertise to the client.

• Client Side: Roles like Subject Matter Expert and Product Owner are on the client's team. They represent the business and ensure the new system meets their needs.

Your Job Search, Simplified

At biziapps.org, we understand that all these different titles can be confusing. That's why we've done the work to standardize them for you. You don't have to guess or search for every possible job title. Our platform groups all the jobs under these clear, core roles, so you can focus on finding the right position for your skills and experience.

Ready to start your journey? Head over to biziapps.org to find your next career move!