Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations: Deliver profitable projects with effective project planning and productive operational workflows

The world of Microsoft Dynamics can be daunting at times. Depending on the industry focus, the size of the business, and what software or other technology is in play, there are a lot of potential solutions to choose from. In order to hit the ground running, a solid project team, solution, and repository of information/decisions need to be available. Too often those last two are scattered between a number of different resources. This is where Project Operations excels and could potentially be the difference between a successful project and a mediocre project that limps across the finish line.This new book from Packt does an excellent job of breaking down what D365 Project Operations is, how it ties into the rest of the Dynamics family and framework, and how it leverages Power Platform. It then goes on to explain in sufficient detail how to set up Project Operations depending on individual needs, and how to use it throughout the lifecycle of the project. The way these sections are broken down and expand on each other make it very easy to follow for those that may be new to Dynamics, and also very valuable to those who have been working with Dynamics for quite some time.One of the most appreciated things about this book is the way that it is written. While it may seem to be in long form, the choice to make it more human in language as opposed to a straight technical walkthrough puts it over the edge. It's very much structured how a consultant would lead a workshop during an implementation. That helps it to feel familiar to its audience. The summary and pointed questions at the end of each chapter are an excellent touch to wrap things up and prepare the reader for what comes next.Robert Houdeshell and Packt should be very proud of this addition to the available knowledge bank of Microsoft Dynamics subjects. Really well done.

Dynamics 365 Project Operations is a very complex business application. Books written about Dynamics 365 tend to be written for the technical specialist around the tasks to implement and customize the app, this book is very much aimed at the people who will use Dynamics 365 Project Operations, the practice manager, the salesperson, the project manager, the resource manager, and individual project contributors. The style of writing reflects the intended audience for the book.This book is very much a how to properly make use the Dynamics 365 Project Operations app to get the most out of the app for your organization. Although Dynamics 365 Project Operations can use used by many different types of project orientated organizations, it does tend to focus on professional services organizations rather than on engineering and constructions projects.The book starts with a general introduction to projects and Project Operations functionality, what is involved in selling and running projects, and the challenges faced coordinating projects within organizations across different systems.The book then provides an understanding how Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, and the Power Platform fit together to allow users to collaborate in an end-to-end solution for managing projects.There is a lot involved in setting up Dynamics 365 Project Operations, and the book explains the different deployment models, and the steps involved.The book then switches to explain how project sales are made with opportunities, quotes, and contracts. It explains the how you can include both project-based lines and product-based lines on opportunities and quotes. I think I would have liked more explanation on different contract types, and when the bills are generated as this is quite a complex area but what is provided is a good introduction to this topic.We then explore how project managers use the Dynamics 365 Projects Operations app. This is probably the most valuable chapters in the book as they explain how projects are resourced and revenues forecasted. It shows how the resource manager allocates resources to multiple projects balancing across all project resource requests. This is where Dynamics 365 Projects Operations can really make a difference for organizations that run multiple parallel projects.Capturing time and expenses on projects are essential for managing projects. The book shows how project team members can record their time and expenses against project items. The book then shows how approvals turn into actuals that are applied and billed against the project.I like there is a link to a series of short videos that demonstrate some of the functionality as it takes a lot to setup Project Operations for yourself to be able to see how the applications actually works. So, if you are interested in adopting Dynamics 365 Project Operations within your organization this is a good resource to help you understand what is involved and what it might look like.The book finishes off with using the billing functionality in Dynamics 365 Project Operations and then producing reports and analysis of project profitability.One bit of advice if you are starting with Project Operations is to read this book from start to finish before starting your deployment. There are lots of little nuggets of information spread around the chapters and if you simply follow the book as you are creating and managing your project, then, for instance, when you get to the final chapter on billing you will realize there are some settings you should have probably set on your project contract beforehand.This book is a good reference for setting and managing projects using Dynamics 365 Project Operations and provides much needed guidance for users with the key roles on projects.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations provides just the right amount of depth to get up and running with Project Operations quickly. I used it as guidance in setting up a new environment and found the explanations easy to understand and follow. The chapters are broken down so that you can focus in on exactly what you need. I would recommend this book for anyone just getting started with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations.

Nice nuggets about Dynamics 365 Project Operations and what to consider when implementing this solution. Well written and with good insights.

Great insight, based on exceptional experience and a easy-to-read style