Train users and increase adoption overview
Applies to: Dynamics 365, Viva Learn
This article explains why training your users is key to getting them to adopt your Dynamics 365 solutions and what tools can help you.
When you implement a technology project like Dynamics 365, you need more than just great software. You also need users who can use it well and embrace it. That's where training and adoption come in.
Training helps users unlock the full potential of Dynamics 365. It gives them the skills and confidence they need to work smarter and faster.
Adoption connects technology implementation to business outcomes. It makes sure that the new tools become part of the daily work, not just extra features.
You can use various tools to train your users and increase adoption of Dynamics 365.
Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Learn is a rich source of training resources. It has modules, tutorials, and hands-on labs for Dynamics 365. Users can follow a structured learning path and learn at their own pace. Find training at Dynamics 365 on Microsoft Learn.
Viva Learn: Viva Learn focuses on learning and development. It works well with Dynamics 365 implementation. It offers an interactive and personalized learning experience that helps users stay engaged and motivated throughout the learning process. Learn more at Overview of Microsoft Viva Learning.
Product documentation: Product documentation is a useful reference tool. It has detailed information about the features and functions of Dynamics 365. Users can find answers to their questions quickly and easily. Find product documentation at Dynamics 365 documentation.
Change management and adoption tools: Besides learning platforms, you also need strong change management and adoption tools. These tools help you make a smooth transition to the new system. They address any resistance to change and ensure that the new processes fit well with the existing workflow. Find adoption resources at Get ready to adopt Dynamics 365 apps.
Guidance from the Dynamics 365 Implementation Guide and Success by Design: The Dynamics 365 Implementation Guide gives you valuable tips on how to plan and deliver effective training programs and manage change successfully. The Success by Design framework, part of the guide, shows you how to align your technology solutions with your business goals. Find the Dynamics 365 Implementation guide at Dynamics 365 implementation guidance.
Continuous training and evolution: Training, change management, and adoption aren't one-time events. They're ongoing processes that support your organizational growth. As Dynamics 365 evolves, so should your users' skills and practices. Review your training plans and change management strategies regularly to keep up with the latest technology updates. See the roadmap at Release plans for Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and Cloud for Industry or use the Release Planner to get ready for upcoming software releases.
Training and adoption aren't just steps in a project plan. They're the key to realizing the true potential of Dynamics 365. You can achieve successful technology adoption by using tools like Microsoft Learn, Viva Learn, and product documentation. You can also adopt new features quickly and confidently with the guidance of the Dynamics 365 Implementation Guide and the Success by Design framework.
Stakeholders
Many people in your organization should be involved in the decision-making and design of the train users and increase adoption business process area. Here are some examples of such stakeholders:
Learning and development stakeholders include learning and development managers, training specialists, and instructional designers. They create comprehensive training programs, design learning materials, and run workshops to make sure that users are proficient in Dynamics 365.
IT stakeholders include IT managers, system administrators, and technical support specialists. They make sure the technical infrastructure supports the training initiatives, provide technical support during implementation, and work with the learning and development team on technical training needs.
Change management stakeholders include change management consultants, change analysts, and organizational change leads. They develop change management strategies, communicate changes effectively, and assess the impact on user behavior. They also address any resistance to new processes.
Human resources stakeholders include HR managers, talent development specialists, and employee relations coordinators. They align training with organizational goals, facilitate communication, and monitor employee feedback and performance after implementation.
End users. They provide insights on training needs, participate in pilot programs, and promote the benefits of Dynamics 365 within their teams.
Executive leadership includes the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Information Officer (CIO), and Chief Operations Officer (COO). They provide strategic direction, allocate resources and budget, and reinforce the importance of adoption. They also ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
Train users and increase adoption process flow
The following diagram illustrates the train users and increase adoption business process area.
Each solid gray rectangle on the diagram represents an end-to-end business process. The solid blue rectangle represents the business process area. The diagram shows the subprocesses for the business process area. The arrows on the diagram show the flow of the business process in an organization. If a subprocess can lead to more than one other subprocess, the parallel subprocesses are shown as branches.
Start
Parallel branches from Start include:
- Forecast to plan and Hire to retire shown on the left side of the graphic
- Below Forecast to plan is a connection to Define strategic and operational plan process area, which connects to Identify training needs
- Below Hire to retire is a connection to Onboard and manage the employee lifecycle, which connects to Manage employee performance and growth process area
- Onboard and manage the employee lifecycle has a parallel connection to Conduct training
- Manage employee performance and growth has parallel connections to Conduct training and Provide ongoing (training) support
Administer to operate
Manage system access and security
A parallel branch connects to Uptake software releases and Support systems process areas. Each of these process areas connect to Identify training needs
Train users and increase adoption
Identify training needs
Develop training materials
Plan training delivery
Conduct training
A parallel branch connects to the downstream process for Onboard and manage the employee lifecycle shown under the Hire to retire end-to-end process
Provide ongoing (training) support
Measure training and adoption success
A parallel branch connects to the downstream process for Manage employee performance and growth, which is shown below the Hire to retire end-to-end process and the Onboard and manage the employee lifecycle process area.
Refine training programs
Parallel branches connect to Monitor systems, environments, and capacity, Manage system compliance, and Support systems, which are connected sequentially under the Administer to operate downstream end-to-end process. Additionally, parallel branches connect to Onboard and manage the employee lifecycle and Manage employee performance and growth, which are shown under the Hire to retire end-to-end process.
End
The following business process areas shown on the right side of the graphic include parallel connections to End: Monitor systems, environments, and capacity, Manage system compliance, Support systems, Onboard and manage the employee lifecycle, and Manage employee performance and growth.
Train users and increase adoption benefits
Training users and increasing adoption of Dynamics 365 can bring many benefits to your organization. You can monitor and measure these benefits to evaluate your success. Here are some key benefits of effective training strategies:
Optimized system application
When you invest in comprehensive training and adoption strategies for Dynamics 365, you make sure that users fully use the features and capabilities of the system. This optimization leads to increased efficiency and productivity across various business processes. When you use the FastTrack for Dynamics 365 Success by Design framework to help implement your solutions, you get many tools and tips to help ensure successful training and adoption.
Faster time-to-value
Effective training and adoption speed up the integration of Dynamics 365 into daily operations, resulting in a faster time-to-value for your organization. Users become proficient quickly, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of the technology sooner.
Adaptability to evolving business needs
Continuous training and adoption efforts make your organization more adaptable to changing business needs. As Dynamics 365 evolves, well-trained users can easily embrace new features and functionalities, ensuring the system remains aligned with your organizational goals. With in-application help features, copilots, and online documentation of new features and business processes, you can adopt new features and train users with confidence.
Streamlined change management
When you choose Dynamics 365, you benefit from a streamlined change management process. Our roadmap and feature management capabilities make it easier for you to adopt change and new releases. When you use these tools together with proactive training and adoption strategies, you ease the transition, minimize resistance to change, and ensure a smoother integration into existing workflows.
In summary, investing in training users and increasing adoption when you implement Dynamics 365 brings many benefits, from optimized system application to a competitive edge in the market. These benefits contribute to the long-term success of your technology strategy.
Next steps
Manage licensing and entitlements
Administer system features
Train users and increase adoption (the article you're currently reading)
Monitor systems, environments, and capacity
Manage background jobs
Manage notifications alerts
Uptake software releases
Related information
Contributors
This article is maintained by Microsoft. It was originally written by the following contributors.
Principal author:
- Rachel Profitt | Principal Program Manager
Other contributors:
- Dan Ogren | Sr. Director Dynamics 365 FastTrack