Maximizing Success: The Three Buckets Approach to Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM Projects
Are you tired of projects getting derailed by endless scope creep and unrealistic expectations? Our Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM delivery department learned that setting clear priorities and managing client expectations from the start is key to success. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of the Three Buckets Approach—a simple yet powerful strategy to categorize project requirements. By organizing client needs into MVP (release 1.0) requirements, release 1.1 requirements, and future release requirements, we can ensure smoother implementations, faster user adoption, and improved customer satisfaction.
Organizing project requirements into three distinct buckets offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it prevents clients from feeling overwhelmed by the desire to include every feature in the initial release. By focusing on MVP (minimal viable product) requirements for release 1.0, we can deliver a working solution that meets the core needs while minimizing delays and unnecessary complexity. This approach aligns with the agile philosophy of "get something out there and make it better later," facilitating faster time-to-market.
Getting your software solution into the hands of end users sooner is crucial for successful implementation. With the Three Buckets Approach, we prioritize the features that will have the most immediate impact on user productivity and satisfaction. By deploying a functional MVP in release 1.0, we provide a tangible solution that users can start using and benefiting from, fostering engagement and buy-in from the early stages.
No matter how thorough our planning, it's impossible to anticipate every user need or scenario until the software solution is in the hands of end users. Obtaining feedback from individuals outside the project team is invaluable for uncovering usability issues, identifying missing functionality, and validating assumptions. Similar to how authors rely on editors to review their work, software solutions require external perspectives to spot areas of improvement and ensure the system aligns with user expectations.
It's essential to communicate to clients that release 1.0 is just the beginning and that subsequent releases are part of the journey. By categorizing requirements for future releases, we alleviate the pressure to include everything in release 1.0. This approach gives clients peace of mind, knowing that their evolving needs will be addressed in subsequent iterations. Establishing a target date for release 1.1 further solidifies the roadmap, providing a tangible timeline for future enhancements.
Release 1.1 should not be confused with bug fixes. While bug fixes are essential and should be promptly addressed, release 1.1 focuses on incorporating additional features that couldn't make it into release 1.0. By separating these two categories, we ensure that bug fixes are treated as a priority and that future releases deliver incremental value, expanding the system's capabilities based on evolving requirements.
Happy software engineering everybody!
For close to a decade our Purely CRM team has been laser-like focused on delivering CRM solutions built solely on Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM, combined with Power Apps and the Microsoft Power Platform. We’ve expanded our team immensely in the past years to help better serve our clients and partners. Most recently we merged with Endeavour Solutions, a top Microsoft ERP, CRM, and Cloud consulting firm to further expand our talented team of CRM consultants.
Our core focus is on large mid-market and enterprise CRM Design & Development projects, Staff Augmentation, and CRM Support. When needed we can also tap upon our peers at Endeavour for Dynamics 365 Business Central ERP to provide an All-in-One Cloud ERP-CRM. We provide services to clients Coast to Coast across the United States and Canada. We do not use resources overseas.
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