Table of contents
- So what was the need for Microsoft developed Dynamics 365 Project Operations?
- What are the primary differences between Dynamics 365 Project Operations and Dynamics 365 Project Service Automation?
- What about those using Dynamics 365 Project Service Automation?
- What does the transition for PSA users look like?
- So When did Project Operations first become available?
- Is there more information available about Project Operations?
- What will licensing be like for Project Operations?
- Dynamics 365 Project Operations
- Related
In February 2020, Microsoft announced Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations. This new project solution combines capabilities of Project Service Automation, Dynamics Finance, and MS Project/Project Online, and ultimately replaces Project Service Automation (PSA). The result becomes Microsoft’s end-to-end project automation software.
Project Service Automation users most certainly have questions. Many of which we try to address below.
So what was the need for Microsoft developed Dynamics 365 Project Operations?
Microsoft developed Project Operations for a few reasons:
- Project Centric Businesses looking for an complete solution that deals with the entire project lifecycle. From lead and opportunity to win and project execution/project delivery.
- Users found were confused as to which Microsoft project solution was right for them – MS Project, Dynamics 365 Finance, Project Service Automation.
- Though Project Service Automation allows the creation of a Work Breakdown Structure and the assignment of resource, it lacks the detailed planning and management capabilities of Microsoft Project and the project financials of Dynamics Finance.
- Making the decision between solutions even more difficult, there is quite a bit of duplicate functionality between them.
- In order to satisfy all their needs, some organizations are using a combination of Dynamics Project Service Automation, Microsoft Project, and Dynamics 365 Finance.
What are the primary differences between Dynamics 365 Project Operations and Dynamics 365 Project Service Automation?
Lets state first off that both these tools, Project Server Automation and Project Operations, are project automation tools. Project Server Automation is a more project-focused produce while Project Operations pulls in information required by finance and accounting.
One could look at Project Operations being a mixture of Project for the web (tactical project management) and Project Service Automation combined.
The following roles/personas will be able to work with the new module:
- Account Manager
- Project Manager
- Partner Manager
- Project Accountant
- COO/Practice Director
- Resource Manager
- Team Member
Dynamics 365 Project Operations is a complete product bringing together all the following capabilities:
- Project Sales
- Project Planning
- Business Intelligence
- Team Collaboration
- Time and Expenses
- Resource Utilization
- Project Accounting
What about those using Dynamics 365 Project Service Automation?
Microsoft stopped selling PSA from 1 October, 2020. This is when Dynamics Project Operations first became available. As of this date PSA licenses could no longer be purchased. Project Service Automation licenses may be renewed until October 1, 2021.
Updates and Product Support for PSA will continue until October 2024.
Microsoft will make all future investments in Project Operations.
What does the transition for PSA users look like?
PSA users will have between two and four years to migrate to Project Operations.
Microsoft promises an effortless data upgrade from Dynamics Project Service Automation to Project Operations. Public preview started in September 2021, and the product is available now.
So When did Project Operations first become available?
Dynamics 365 Project Operations first became available in October of 2020.
Is there more information available about Project Operations?
You can find more information on our blog: Top 8 Features of Dynamics 365 Project Operations.
What will licensing be like for Project Operations?
Customers with actively licensed and used Project Service
Automation environments will automatically have Dynamics Project Operations
added to their licenses from April 2021 forward.
Dynamics 365 Project Operations
Dynamics 365 Project Operations delivers a powerhouse in project management, resource scheduling, and collaboration. With real-time analytics, automation with the Power Platform and Power Automate, seamless integration with Microsoft Teams Project Operations is sure to be a powerful end-to-end solution for many organizations.
