Nadeem N. Bagban
Joel T. Johnson
Foreword
We live in amazing times; the barriers to entry of markets are lower than they have ever been and innovation is rich, leveraging the reach of the Internet and the mobile wave to capture new routes to the customers. The only real challenge is realization, the process of connecting a vision with the right technology and bringing along the users. And here is where so many programs, projects, and ultimately ideas fail. Companies, governments, and entrepreneurs that can convert structure to realization can change the world today, disrupt monopolies, and bring about a social change.
Industrializing and simplifying the process of realization and making it accessible are the goals of the Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step methodology. Business processes are the key to the transformation, and CRM and ERP technologies are the framework for enabling a customer-driven enterprise.
The opportunity is clear, the capabilities are there, and they are connectedsolution selling and transforming the vision of a customer, through discovery, into a realizable program with low risk and a strong financial return, making the board's decision simple.
Customer Success with Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step is an excellent book to help the reader understand the multiple offerings, content, and theories supported by the methodology. This book is rich in the theories of solution selling that originated with Michael Bosworth and other stalwarts as well as the deep project management philosophies and disciplines that are followed across the industry. The book really excels in explaining how the theories are applied within Sure Step, from the application of the Microsoft Solution Selling Process (MSSP) in the Diagnostic/Envisioning stage through the Waterfall and Agile project types to deliver and upgrade the customer's Microsoft Dynamics solutions.
Having known Chandru Shankar as a key member of my team, I appreciate the thoroughness that he has brought to this book in the same way that he works with our customers. Chandru and his co-authors also bring a wealth of experience in ERP and CRM solution selling and delivery to the readers of this book. I believe that you will benefit from this, whether you are a new or existing Microsoft Dynamics customer or partner. Reading this book is mandatory for my team.
Happy Reading!
Julian Johnson
Vice President EMEA, Microsoft Business Solutions
About the Author
Chandru Shankar is the Manufacturing Industry Director, EMEA, MBS. He is responsible for Microsoft Dynamics AX and CRM solutions sales to manufacturing businesses as well as the ongoing success of these customers. Prior to his current role, Chandru was the Dynamics Solutions Director for Microsoft Services, responsible for AX and CRM Dynamics solutions and offerings for WW MCS. Chandru is also the architect of the Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step methodology for solution envisioning and delivery. He has previously co-authored the book, Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step 2010 , Packt Publishing , January 2011.
Chandru has several years of consulting experience in Supply Chain and business solutions, as well as manufacturing industry experience. Chandru has also functioned as adjunct faculty for a major university in the U.S., where he has covered topics including supply chain/e-business design and strategy and architecture for MBA students and company executives. He has spoken at multiple internal and external conferences over the years as well as conducted training programs around the world.
Chandru has a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical-Production Engineering, a Master's degree in Industrial Management, and a Master's in Business Administration (MBA).
Acknowledgments
The second edition of the Sure Step book has been a long time coming, and I want to start by thanking the Packt Publishing team of editors and reviewers for their patience throughout this process. Authoring a book of this magnitude takes time and a lot of personal sacrifice, and it also requires an understanding family for which I am grateful. To my wife, Veena Shankar, and my daughters, Maya and Tara Shankar, who continue to be my pillars of strength and motivation.
My involvement with Sure Step dates back to 2007, beginning with my consulting role where I leveraged the methodology for solution delivery as well as on sales pursuits. Sure Step was a passion of mine, because I saw the impact it had on customer organizations as well as the solution delivery teams that were involved in making the customer successful. Last year, I changed roles and moved to a role focused on solution sales to our Microsoft Business Solutions customers. I continue to see the importance of the methodology, and it has also highlighted the importance of starting early with a structured process to clearly establish a tight linkage between the customer needs and their solution design.
Our Microsoft Dynamics suite of solutions continues to evolve into world-leading products, including the recent releases of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, CRM 2013, GP 2013, and NAV 2013. Our R&D teams are also investing their efforts in a wide range of tools, such as the Lifecycle Services tools, to help the customer's journey to a successful deployment of the solution. As the Sure Step methodology evolves, it takes on the role of the orchestrator, where it brings together these tools and other artifacts in a coherent manner that can be understood by the customer and delivery teams.