What is the difference between PlanAutomate and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations?

Dynamics 365 Project Operations is a new SKU to be made generally available in October of 2020. It is a minor enhancement and separation of the existing project management and accounting modules inside Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain. Previously, we authored an extensive whitepaper on the differences between PlanAutomate and the project management and accounting module.

Learn More: Download the Whitepaper – PlanAutomate vs Dynamics 365 Project Management and Accounting

For the most part, the whitepaper details still hold true for Project Operations. Project Operations is positioned as an integrated project solution for “services business.” We have even spoken with Microsoft product managers who have indicated that Project Operations is not for complex Project Businesses involving components beyond the simple management of labor resources, which would be required for any construction or manufacturing company.

However, even service-based Project Businesses will find the financial aspects of their needs missing in Project Operations. As the name says, it is wholly focused on the operational side, not the financials. If you want full, real-time financial visibility into your projects and portfolio, you need something more.

Most Project Businesses will find Project Operations wholly inadequate for their company and will wind up managing their processes in several different applications as they have always done. To become truly integrated, you need a complete, end-to-end system built for Project Business.

Learn More: The Project Automation Blueprint