Methodology
Learn about key principles, approaches, and why a phased roll-out approach is key.
Principles
Intelligent Order Management allows organizations to gradually implement digital commerce capabilities in a modular fashion. This approach allows organizations to start small and gradually add complexity as needed. The powerful and highly configurable order orchestration system makes the fulfillment process intuitive for business users, without the need for complex application customization.
Intelligent Order Management's flexibility can be used to plan for both simple and complex use cases by enabling the right modules of the application. The fact that the platform is built on Dataverse enables the quick configuration of a minimum viable product (MVP) and once the objective of MVP is achieved, other complex scenarios can be configured by enabling relevant components. Over time, different prefabricated components can also be created to enable end-to-end business processes by bringing the right components together.
Implementation approaches
The Agile approach is well-suited for utilizing the flexibility and user empowerment provided by Intelligent Order Management. However, when end-to-end user stories are clearly defined, organizations can also use a Waterfall approach to consolidate the order process across legacy systems. This approach involves phasing the program to quickly and effectively realize a return on investment in each phase. Unlike other business application solutions, the implementation lifecycle for Intelligent Order Management is expected to be shorter, taking only a few weeks.
The Agile approach involves starting with an MVP and planning sprints to validate and improve it. As the MVP is validated, the scope of the project can be iteratively expanded. This approach is useful for situations where the specific use cases aren't well-defined, but there's potential for growth. By starting small, the return on investment can be realized quickly, which allows for the flexibility to scale and pivot as necessary.
The Waterfall approach is well suited for organizations that maintain various first and third-party applications for tasks such as order entry, fulfillment, pricing, payment, and shipment. By consolidating the order process with Intelligent Order Management, these organizations can quickly benefit from streamlined and optimized processes. Through the development of well-defined user stories, end-to-end order orchestration can be achieved by utilizing the capabilities of Intelligent Order Management to enhance the functionality of existing legacy systems. The phased implementation of this approach should focus on quickly realizing a return on investment in each phase. The implementation lifecycle for Intelligent Order Management is expected to be shorter, taking weeks instead of months for traditional business application solutions.
Why iterate?
Organizations today want to quickly realize value in their fulfillment processes before rolling out. To achieve this, the flexibility of Dynamics 365 Intelligent Order Management can be used in iterations, through a phased rollout approach, starting with a minimum viable product (MVP) and then extending the scope in stages. The implementation lifecycle includes initiation, trying (proof of concept), buying, implementing, preparing, and operating. Business users are empowered to quickly adapt to new order management processes, orchestration, and optimization evolutions.
Organizations can use the flexibility of Intelligent Order Management to start small to control risk and simplify adoption, resulting in a quicker return on investment. They can also learn and enhance their business scenarios in comprehensive and safe steps, building their first orchestration and iterating from there.