At our company, we often hear the concern that Microsoft Dynamics may be too big for SMBs. Historically, this was often the case because you would have needed to install the system on several servers in order to get the most benefit on your own site. It previously required a lot of configuration to get the system to work properly, along with all the training that accompanies the implementation of a big system. A couple of servers with the relevant hardware might have been a £20,000 outlay. But the good news is that all of this has changed – it’s much less complex now.

Microsoft now offers a subscription service to Microsoft Dynamics 365, making it more affordable than ever for small teams. You don’t need the hardware or your own servers anymore. You can host the program in Microsoft’s cloud, and get access via an annual or monthly payment.

If you already use Microsoft 365 (was Office 365), such as Outlook, Word, or other Microsoft Office applications, then Microsoft Dynamics will feel familiar. It uses the same cloud infrastructure as Office 365. This means that instead of focusing on configuring an out-of-the-box system to fit your needs, Microsoft has already configured their system to a standard that works very well for SMBs.

Intuitive process flows guide users from one form to the next, with stripped-down fields that limit user display and highlight the specific task at hand. Many interactive tools enable the system to work more efficiently and effectively for users. Our company’s job is to take our small business expertise and apply it to Microsoft Dynamics.

We have several versions of the system that are already equipped for different types of SMBs. This means that your system implementation will be faster and more tailored to the needs of your business. In addition, you get all of the benefits of Microsoft Dynamics, which can grow with your business to support a bigger business, as well. Your business can use the system at an affordable SMB price, with the confidence of knowing that as your business grows, the system will expand with you.

If this happens, and your small business becomes a big business, you won’t have to go through the pain of changing systems. You can stay with the same system because you invested in the right product from the start.

What makes Dynamics feel complex (and how to avoid it)

Too many fields and screens shown on day one
Trying to automate everything before the basics work
Mixing custom code with simple configuration
No clear owner for process and data

Fix it by keeping phase one lean, using role‑based apps to hide noise, and agreeing a simple workflow before you touch automation.

What small teams actually use in month one

Contacts and Accounts in one place
Products/Services catalogue with standard prices
Quotes generated from a single branded template
A basic pipeline: New → Sent → Follow‑up → Won/Lost
Email tracking via Outlook/Teams

How we keep Dynamics simple (configuration, not code)

Role‑based apps: show each role only what they need
Clean forms: hide non‑essential fields; make a few key fields required
Business rules, not custom code: simple logic for defaults and validation
One proposal template and standard product names to cut errors
Version history on quotes so changes are clear
Light reporting: a dashboard with five key tiles (open quotes, value sent this week, ageing quotes, win rate, tasks due)

So, is Microsoft Dynamics too big for a SMB? No! Dynamics 365 is perfect for small teams. It is an affordable, cloud-based software, which you can start using quite quickly. We would be happy to help you on that journey.

Read our buyer’s guides to help find out about whether Microsoft Dynamics is right for you