10 Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a Dynamics 365 BC Integration Partner for AP Automation

Automating accounts payable (AP) processes is essential for businesses aiming to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and streamline financial workflows. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC) serves as a powerful ERP solution, but successful implementation hinges on choosing the right integration partner. This decision can make the difference between a smooth transition and costly setbacks.

Understanding the Importance of AP Automation with Dynamics 365 BC

Automating AP workflows is no longer a luxury but a necessity for organizations aiming to stay competitive. Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC) offers a comprehensive ERP solution that simplifies AP processes, minimizes errors, and maximizes efficiency.

The 10 Key Questions to Ask Potential Integration Partners

Selecting the right Dynamics 365 BC integration partner for AP automation is a critical decision that can significantly impact the success of your project. By asking the right questions, you can evaluate their expertise, compatibility with your business, and ability to deliver a solution that aligns with your goals.

What Is Your Experience with Dynamics 365 BC AP Automation?

Why It's Important: A partner with proven expertise in Dynamics 365 BC and AP automation can offer insights and best practices that streamline implementation and maximize efficiency.
What to Ask For: Request case studies, testimonials, and detailed examples of similar projects they’ve completed.
Example: A partner might highlight a case where they implemented AP automation for a mid-sized manufacturing company, reducing invoice processing time by 40% while eliminating duplicate payments.

How Do You Ensure Seamless Integration with Existing Systems?

Why It's Important: Your integration partner must ensure that Dynamics 365 BC integrates smoothly with your current IT infrastructure, avoiding disruptions.
What to Ask: Understand their methodology for integration, including tools they use and steps to minimize downtime.
Example: A partner might explain how they ensured seamless integration with a client’s legacy CRM system by building a custom API, avoiding workflow disruptions during the transition.

Can You Customize the Solution to Fit Your Specific Business Needs?

Why It's Important: A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. Tailored solutions maximize the benefits of AP automation.
What to Ask: Discuss examples where the partner has tailored solutions to address unique challenges for their clients. Advanced workflow tools, such as those highlighted in our DocStar Advanced Workflows Overview, demonstrate how customizable workflows can streamline processes and address specific business requirements.
Example: A retail client required invoice approvals based on complex regional tax laws. The partner developed a tailored approval workflow that automatically routed invoices to appropriate managers based on location.

What Is Your Approach to Data Security and Compliance?

Why It's Important: AP processes involve sensitive financial data that must be protected to avoid breaches and ensure compliance with regulations.
What to Ask: Confirm their compliance with standards like GDPR or SOX and inquire about their security protocols.
Example: A partner might share how they implemented multi-factor authentication and encryption for a financial services client, ensuring secure invoice processing and meeting industry standards.

How Scalable Is Your AP Automation Solution?

Why It's Important: As your business grows, your AP automation solution should adapt to handle increased transaction volumes and support multi-entity or multi-currency operations.
What to Ask: Verify scalability features and ask for examples of growth scenarios they’ve supported.
Example: A global logistics company required a scalable solution to manage a tenfold increase in invoices during peak seasons. The partner implemented a system capable of processing large volumes without compromising accuracy.

What Training and Support Services Do You Offer?

Why It's Important: Proper training and ongoing support are essential for user adoption and system efficiency.
What to Ask: Inquire about their training programs, documentation, and availability of technical support.
Example: A partner might provide hands-on training sessions for a healthcare organization’s finance team, paired with prompt support to address issues during the initial rollout.

How Do You Measure and Report on Performance Metrics and ROI?

Why It's Important: Tracking performance ensures the solution is meeting its objectives and delivering value.
What to Ask: Ask about the metrics they use to measure efficiency gains and ROI, and how they report these metrics.
Example: A client reduced processing costs by 30% within six months of implementation, tracked through the partner’s reporting dashboard that monitored invoice cycle times and error rates.

What Is Your Implementation Timeline and Process?

Why It's Important: Clear timelines and milestones ensure the project stays on track.
What to Ask: Request a detailed project plan and discuss their approach to managing delays.
Example: A partner might describe how they delivered a complex integration for a retail chain within eight weeks, using an agile implementation process to adapt to changing requirements.

Can You Integrate Other ERP Modules or Third-Party Applications?

Why It's Important: Many businesses rely on multiple systems, so the ability to integrate other modules or third-party applications is crucial.
What to Ask: Confirm their experience with API integrations and future compatibility with additional systems.
Example: A partner integrated Dynamics 365 BC with a third-party HR management system, enabling seamless tracking of employee-related expenses and approvals.

What Are the Total Costs Involved, Including Hidden Expenses?

Why It's Important: Transparency in costs ensures there are no surprises and helps evaluate the total cost of ownership (TCO).
What to Ask: Ask for a full breakdown of costs, including licensing, maintenance, and customizations.
Example: A partner might explain how they helped a manufacturing company reduce long-term costs by choosing scalable cloud-based licensing over on-premise solutions with higher maintenance fees.

Benefits of Choosing the Right Integration Partner

Choosing the right integration partner for Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC) AP automation can significantly impact the success of your automation initiative. The right partner not only ensures a smooth implementation but also unlocks long-term operational, financial, and strategic benefits for your business. Below, we delve into the key advantages of making the right choice.

Enhanced Operational Efficiency

Streamlined AP Processes:
The right integration partner will design and implement workflows that eliminate bottlenecks and redundancies in your AP process. This results in faster invoice approvals, reduced cycle times, and overall improved efficiency.
Cost Savings Through Automation:
Automating AP processes minimizes human errors that could lead to costly mistakes such as duplicate payments or missed deadlines. An experienced partner ensures these risks are mitigated by implementing robust checks and automated reconciliation processes.
Improved Accuracy and Reduced Manual Workloads:
By automating manual data entry and validation tasks, your team can focus on value-added activities. A reliable partner ensures that your automated system processes data with precision, enhancing overall financial accuracy and compliance.

Scalable Solutions Supporting Business Growth

Flexibility for Future Expansion:
As your business grows, so do the complexities of your AP processes. The right partner will implement scalable solutions that can adapt to increased transaction volumes, additional business locations, and multi-entity or multi-currency operations.
Future-Proof Technology:
An experienced partner ensures that your integration is built on a future-proof foundation, incorporating the latest technologies and best practices. This adaptability allows your system to integrate seamlessly with new tools, ERP modules, or evolving business needs, providing lasting value.

Maximized ROI on Dynamics 365 BC Investment

Faster Payback Periods:
With the right integration partner, you’ll see the benefits of AP automation sooner. A well-implemented system reduces operational inefficiencies and costs from day one, enabling your organization to recoup its investment more quickly.
Long-Term Value Through Optimization:
Beyond implementation, a skilled partner continues to optimize your system, identifying opportunities for improvement and ensuring your business derives maximum value from Dynamics 365 BC. This ongoing support ensures the solution remains aligned with your goals, providing sustained benefits over time.

How Mosaic Corp Can Help

With extensive expertise in Dynamics 365 BC integrations, Mosaic Corp is uniquely positioned to help businesses transform their AP processes. Our tailored, scalable solutions and commitment to customer success ensure a smooth transition to automation. From initial consultation to post-implementation support, Mosaic Corp offers the guidance and resources you need to achieve your automation goals.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore how our solutions can transform your AP processes and drive your business forward.