Project Services in Dynamics CRM vs. Dynamics AX: Which Microsoft Project Management Solution Is Right For You?

by Andy Yeomans, U.S. Director of Business Development, SAGlobal
published April 20, 2016

This is the second of a two-part article exploring the new Microsoft Dynamics CRM Project Service solution. In the first article, we explored Microsoft's strategy for enabling transformative customer service experiences across service domains, and discussed how the new CRM Project Service solution supports this vision.

We will now compare and contrast this new solution to the Microsoft Dynamics AX Service Industries solution, since there is sure to be some confusion in the marketplace around which offering may be best for a given organization.

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About Andy Yeomans

Andy Yeomans is U.S. Director of Business Development for SAGlobal, a global Microsoft Dynamics AX and CRM consultancy dedicated to the Service Industries. Andy has over 20 years of experience in the IT industry in various sales, marketing, and corporate development roles, including 14 years of experience directly working with Microsoft Dynamics AX and CRM.  Andy joined SAGlobal in 2008 to help the organization build out its Service Industries practice, and has been instrumental in helping SAGlobal win multiple Microsoft Dynamics Service Industries Partner of the Year awards.    

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CRM Project Server Pricing

On April 21st, 2016 bluebossa said:

Does anyone know how it will be priced?

Project Service pricing

On May 5th, 2016 riqpaq said:

Hi, for now Project Service is only available as an online service. Therefore the name Project Server is not correct/applicable. The naming convention is Project Service (no -s!)

Since it is only online available, there is a pricing per user for Project Service as an add-on to Dynamics CRM. The price is set at $ 35,= add on, where you need at the minimum a CRM Basic license (total comes to $ 65,=).

However, if you need to use the SFA functionality of CRM or other features, you will need to use the Professional license and the price will be $ 65,= for CRM Professional + $ 35,= for the Project Service add-on, totaling $ 100,=.

Total price therefore depends on the functionality...

Another quesition about Pricing

On May 25th, 2016 leemay said:

Hi Andy,
Very useful article!

We are using Dynamics CRM online for sales, and MS Project Server to manage services delivery (most are 5-30 days professional services engagement). I personally think the Project Server is overkill for business like us, it is rather complicated and not very suitable for managing client billing projects. Dynamics CRM Project Service looks like a good fit for us.

This add-on is not yet made available in Australia yet, may I ask if the Project Service is included in CRM online professional license? or we need to pay $35/user to use it as well?

If they charge $35/user/m to use this functionality, many companies like us might be worry about the cost. Although it is cheaper than MS Project Online ($46.2/user/m), companies only need to purchase a small number of MS Project Online licenses for Project Managers and Administrators, and only pay $10/u/m for team members who do their time sheet and view tasks. Not sure if Project Service in Dynamics CRM charges different prices for full user and team members with limited access?

thanks

Answer to pricing question

On May 31st, 2016 andyyeomans said:

Users of Time & Expense in the CRM Project Service Automation solution only need the CRM Online Basic license which is $30/month. That license type includes basic CRM functionality like managing contacts and leads as well.

More sophisticated users that need to set up or manage projects, schedule resources, and perform other project and resource management capabilities need the Project Service add-on license on top of the CRM Online Basic license. That adds $35/user on top of it, so those users are $65/user/month. There are really only those two types of licenses.

Hope this helps.

Thanks,
Andy

Dynamics 365 CRM and Operations (AX) integration

On January 24th, 2017 cornalld said:

I am currently part of a project implementing Dynamics 365 for Operations (AX7) we also have parts of the business using Dynmics 365 CRM

I am interested in any insight you have into the roadmap for integration of these two products? (perhaps using the common data model)

I want to put forward a case for implementation of a "best in class" solution where we use both AX and CRM and integrate the two.

I am also interested if Microsoft will further develop the CRM in AX or if it will be limited with focus on CRM development within Dynamics CRM.

Some of the licencing options certainly seem to give access to both products.

Regards

Dave

D365 Sales/Operations Integration

On January 30th, 2017 andyyeomans said:

Hi Dave:
Microsoft is working on an integration framework using the CDS that should be available in the Spring timeframe. They will also be starting to roll out starting scenarios of pre-built data and process integrations that cross Sales (CRM), PSA, and Operations (AX). The first scenario under development is a Quote to Cash scenario between Sales and Operations. So it's coming...

Feel free to email me at andyy@saglobal.com and I can explain further.

Thanks,
Andy

Hi Andy, Sorry for my slow

On April 11th, 2017 cornalld said:

Hi Andy,

Sorry for my slow response. I am keeping an eye on the integration framework.

I will get in touch if I have any specific queries.

Regards

Dave