Roles Explained – Dynamics 365 Functional Consultant vs. Technical Developer vs. Solution Architect

Anay Shah
Jun 25
3 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Unlocking the Potential of Microsoft Dynamics 365: Key Roles You Need

Introduction

Microsoft Dynamics 365 offers a powerful suite of business applications. It can transform how your organization operates, enhancing areas like sales, customer service, finance, and supply chain management. However, to fully harness its potential, you must have the right talent on your team. Dynamics 365 projects typically involve three critical roles: Functional Consultants, Technical Developers, and Solution Architects. Understanding the distinctions between these roles can help you build a winning team and ensure your project’s success.

In this blog, we will dive deep into what each role entails, what their responsibilities are, and how they collaborate to deliver seamless Dynamics 365 implementations.

Functional Consultant: The Business Translator and Process Expert

Functional Consultants serve as a vital link between your business and technology. They specialize in understanding your business processes and configuring Dynamics 365 modules to meet your unique needs.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct detailed analyses by engaging with stakeholders across departments.
Translate business requirements into system configurations using Dynamics 365’s native tools.
Customize workflows, forms, and dashboards without needing to write code.
Provide end-user training and create documentation for smooth adoption.
Test system functionality to ensure it aligns with your business goals.

Example Scenario:

Suppose your sales team wants to automate lead qualification and pipeline management. The Functional Consultant will analyze the existing sales process, configure Dynamics 365 Sales to support it, and train the team on how to effectively use the new features.

Why You Need One:

If your project’s focus is on aligning Dynamics 365 with existing business processes and requires minimal custom coding, a Functional Consultant is your go-to expert.

Technical Developer: The Customization and Integration Specialist

When off-the-shelf Dynamics 365 features aren’t sufficient, Technical Developers step in to create custom solutions. They possess deep coding skills and are adept at extending the platform’s capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop custom plugins, workflows, and extensions using languages like C#, .NET, and JavaScript.
Integrate Dynamics 365 with other enterprise systems like ERP and HR, or third-party applications.
Automate complex business processes using Power Automate and custom APIs.
Troubleshoot and optimize system performance.
Collaborate closely with Functional Consultants to implement technical solutions that meet business needs.

Example Scenario:

Your company requires a custom approval workflow that routes documents based on complex business rules not supported natively. A Technical Developer will write the necessary code and ensure the workflow operates flawlessly within Dynamics 365.

Why You Need One:

If your project demands custom features, complex integrations, or automation beyond standard configurations, a Technical Developer is essential.

Solution Architect: The Strategic Visionary and Team Leader

Solution Architects oversee the entire Dynamics 365 implementation from a high-level perspective. They ensure that the solution is scalable, secure, and aligned with your business strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

Design the overall system architecture, including integrations, data flow, and security.
Conduct fit-gap analysis to identify where out-of-the-box features suffice and where customization is necessary.
Lead and coordinate Functional Consultants, Technical Developers, and other stakeholders.
Make key technology decisions, including the stack, deployment models, and best practices.
Ensure compliance with industry standards and governance policies.
Provide ongoing strategic guidance post-implementation.

Example Scenario:

For a multinational rollout involving multiple Dynamics 365 modules, the Solution Architect will design a cohesive architecture that supports regional variations while maintaining centralized control and data integrity.

Why You Need One:

For complex, large-scale projects, or when multiple teams are involved, a Solution Architect ensures all pieces fit together smoothly and the project stays on track.

How These Roles Collaborate

Successful Dynamics 365 projects hinge on close collaboration:

Functional Consultants define what the business needs.
Technical Developers determine how to build or customize solutions.
Solution Architects ensure why the chosen approach aligns with long-term strategies.

The Business Case for Hiring Dynamics 365 Experts

Each of these roles contributes uniquely to your Dynamics 365 journey. Hiring the right blend of Functional Consultants, Technical Developers, and Solution Architects can greatly enhance your project outcomes. This approach will help reduce risks and accelerate your time to value.

If you’re searching for certified, experienced Dynamics 365 professionals, consider LiveD365. They offer a curated talent pool ready to set your team up for success.

Contact us today to build your dream team!

Quick Comparison Table

|----------------------|----------------------------------|-------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|

Role	Focus Area	Key Skills	When to Hire
Functional Consultant	Business processes & configuration	Business analysis, configuration	Aligning system to business
Technical Developer	Customization & integration	Coding, integration, automation	Custom features & integrations
Solution Architect	Overall solution design & strategy	Architecture, leadership, planning	Complex/enterprise projects