You’ve done your research. You’ve evaluated the options. And you’ve made the smart decision to go with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (previously Dynamics NAV) to transform your business operations. Congratulations!
But choosing the right ERP system is only step one. The real success or failure of your implementation hinges on the partner guiding the journey.
Here’s why that matters: nearly 50% of ERP projects fail. And it’s rarely the software’s fault. Most failures can be traced back to poor partner performance, including missed milestones, overblown budgets, and implementations that fail to deliver.
At Tigunia, 99% of our ERP clients come to us as “rescues,” which are companies who chose Dynamics 365 Business Central but struggled with an unfit partner and had to start over.
Their challenges didn’t stem from Business Central itself, but from the partner they chose. In ERP implementation, that single decision can mean the difference between success and costly setbacks.
In a crowded market of ERP solution providers (each with different processes, priorities, and price structures), choosing the right one isn’t easy. Some are strategic allies. Others prioritize upsells over outcomes.
This post will help you spot the difference. You’ll learn how to identify partner red flags, recognize early signs of project risk, and make a smarter, more confident selection.
The High Stakes of Partner Selection
An ERP implementation failure carries several major risks: wasted time, wasted resources, and negative long-term business consequences. When you implement or upgrade Business Central, you entrust a partner with your business’s operations, processes, people, and finances. Your business future is at stake.
Similar to choosing a doctor, this partnership relies on trust. Scrutinize your ERP partner as you would with any pivotal decision.
What Partner Failure Really Costs
When you choose the wrong partner, here’s what you’re risking:
- Delays and Lost Opportunity
During business transformation, time is critical. You implement or upgrade ERP for urgent reasons: lost opportunities, need to streamline, or rapid growth. The longer it takes to reach a fully optimized solution, the less value it has.
- Misaligned Expectations
A shiny new ERP system won’t do much good if it doesn’t actually do what’s required. Many failures stem from partners who don’t have a clear understanding of their clients’ goals or business processes and deliver a solution the client can’t use. This is heartbreaking because as Business Central experts, we know the transformative benefits it can bring to a business.
- Poor User Adoption
An ERP system is useless if employees don’t know how (or why) to use it. Training is vital, but adoption demands involvement throughout the process. Employees need to be involved in the entire process and feel part of the change.
- Employee Turnover
Complex IT projects, especially those that are over budget and long past their due date, are incredibly stressful. They stress the management team, the IT team, as all employees are expected to change how they do their jobs and learn a new system. If your ERP project reaches this point, you’ll likely lose valuable team members who jump ship.
- Sunk Costs and Vendor Lock-In
Ultimately, all these delays, miscommunications, and frustrated employees add up. You’re left with a solution that doesn’t meet your expectations. You’ve spent the money with no results, but you’re trapped trying to make it work.
Signs Your Dynamics 365 Business Central Partner Is Setting You Up for Success
The best way to avoid needing a rescue is through thorough due diligence upfront. Based on our experience with hundreds of implementations and rescues, here are the essential qualities to look for in a tech partner:
- Demonstrated Industry Experience
They should understand your specific industry challenges and have relevant case studies to share.
- Focus on Independence, Not Dependence
Look for partners committed to training your team and achieving user independence rather than creating ongoing dependencies.
- Transparent Pricing and Communication
They should provide clear, detailed estimates and proactively communicate about any potential scope changes.
- Long-term Planning Orientation
The best partners optimize your processes for long-term productivity and enablement, not just the immediate go-live.
- Proven Track Record with Complex Projects
Ask about their experience with rescues and how they’ve handled challenging situations.
- Willingness to Share Knowledge
They should be educators who empower your team, not gatekeepers who hoard knowledge.
- Strong Change Management Approach
Successful implementations require managing people and process changes, not just technology.
Don’t Just Implement Software. Build a Partnership.
A successful Dynamics 365 Business Central implementation depends on the partner you choose.
At Tigunia, we’ve rescued more Dynamics NAV and Business Central implementations than we can count. And in every case the common thread was, you guessed it, the wrong partner.
That’s why careful evaluation is critical during the partner selection phase. This single choice shapes your ROI, user adoption, scalability, and long-term success.
To help guide your decision, we created a detailed whitepaper: How to Select the Right Software Solutions Partner for Microsoft Dynamics NAV and 365 Business Central.
You’ll learn:
- How to assess your internal readiness
- What to ask potential partners
- Red flags to watch for during the selection phase
The right partner won’t trap you in dependency. They’ll work with your goals, empower your team, and deliver lasting value.
Learn How to Select the Right Software Solutions Partner for Microsoft Dynamics NAV and 365 Business Central
Download Whitpaper
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