Project and Resource Management? It's what you CRAVE!

Microsoft is releasing their "Spring Wave" update for Dynamics CRM starting June 1, and one of its primary new capabilities is Project Service.  With Project Service, Microsoft is aiming on giving you a complete end-to-end system inside Microsoft CRM to manage the entire Quote-To-Cash process for project-focused companies.

With it, you can turn a Quote into an Order, then generate a Project Plan based on that order.  Resource allocation can be scheduled based on availability and individual skills matrix.  Time and Expenses can be captured by resources in real-time utilizing the mobile application.  And finally invoicing and ROI can be generated using either T&M or Fixed Fee schedules.

Working directly inside CRM means your entire team - from Sales to Operations to Finance - collaborate seamlessly in real-time as project conditions change.  Working with the CRM Workflow engine, Sales staff can be immediately informed on major milestone completion and progress.  Change Orders that are "yet to be approved" can be reviewed by project managers to make them aware of potential upcoming scheduling changes.  Pretty much anything you can dream of from a "project communication" standpoint can now be realized within a single tool.

As I've told many of my clients - we moved our entire ERP system over to Microsoft CRM back in 2010.  CRM is more than just a "Sales Tool".  Now, with integrated project management and invoicing, it can support many more organizations as well - right out of the box.