When deciding how to modernise or streamline your business processes, a key question often arises: should I buy a pre-built solution or build something more tailored to my needs? In the Microsoft ecosystem, two standout options are Dynamics 365 and the Microsoft Power Platform. Both are powerful in their own right, but the choice between them comes down to your specific goals. So, let’s break it down in a way that makes sense for your business.
Buy It: Dynamics 365 for Pre-Built Solutions
Sometimes, you just need a proven solution that works right out of the box. This is where Dynamics 365 comes in. Think of it as Microsoft’s all-in-one toolkit for managing just about every aspect of your business—whether it’s sales, customer service, finance, or operations. One of the primary benefits of using Dynamics 365 is the immediate availability of feature-rich modules that can be quickly developed. If your business requires a solid CRM or ERP solution, Dynamics 365 offers proven frameworks.
Additionally, these applications are integrated by design, meaning that data flows smoothly between them. This creates a unified business ecosystem where your sales, marketing, and operations teams can work off the same data in real time. Built on Microsoft Dataverse, it also connects seamlessly with other Microsoft services, like Office 365 and Azure, offering a centralised data hub.
While Dynamics 365 offers some customisation options, its strength lies in its out-of-the-box functionality. For businesses that need standard solutions without extensive development efforts, buying into Dynamics 365 ensures a smooth, cost-effective route to digital transformation.
Build It: Microsoft Power Platform for Tailored Solutions
On the flip side, let’s say your business has some really unique processes that a pre-built solution just can’t handle. This is where the Microsoft Power Platform comes in, offering the flexibility to build custom applications tailored specifically to your needs. The Power Platform—comprising Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, and Power Virtual Agents—allows you to create apps, automate workflows, and dig into data insights, all without needing to be a coding wizard. (But if you do, Ingentive can create your custom code solutions too).
We believe that one of the key benefits of the Power Platform is that it allows even non-developers to build applications. This is a game-changer for companies with unique needs that aren’t fully addressed by standard packages. You can create custom applications, automate workflows, and build sophisticated analytics dashboards—all without needing to write extensive code. The platform also integrates smoothly with other Microsoft services, so you can pull in data from Dynamics 365, Office 365, or external systems through a wide array of connectors. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses that need to extend existing capabilities rather than starting from scratch.
When it comes to scalability, solutions built on Power Platform can grow with your business. Whether you’re automating internal processes or creating new customer-facing apps, you can adapt and expand these solutions as your business evolves. The ability to prototype, test, and iterate quickly is particularly valuable in today’s fast-paced environment.
Buy vs. Build: When to Choose
So, when should you buy with Dynamics 365 or build with Power Platform?
If your business needs a solution for standard operations—like managing customer relationships, tracking finances, or automating supply chain processes—buying a pre-built application from Dynamics 365 is a smart choice. It’s a fast and cost-effective way to get up and running, leveraging Microsoft’s decades of expertise in enterprise solutions.
However, if your organisation has unique processes that don’t fit into standard modules, or if you need a specific app that isn’t readily available, building with Power Platform gives you the flexibility to create exactly what you need. This is particularly useful when your business model is highly customised or you’re looking to drive innovation with unique internal tools. Both platforms benefit from Microsoft’s robust security, global infrastructure, and compliance with industry regulations. So, whether you buy or build, you can be confident that your data is secure and your solution will scale as your business grows.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Dynamics 365 and Power Platform offer two distinct paths to digital transformation. Choosing to buy pre-built solutions with Dynamics 365 provides robust, out-of-the-box functionality that can support the core operations of your business. Meanwhile, building with Power Platform and Ingentive, enables businesses to create custom applications that cater to specific needs, giving them the flexibility to innovate and scale.
The decision ultimately comes down to your organisation’s requirements: if you need a fast, reliable solution, buy with Dynamics 365. If you need a highly customised application, build with Power Platform. Either way, you’re investing in a future-proof ecosystem that will evolve with your business.
Want to learn more?
We are uniquely placed as a Microsoft FastTrack Ready Partner that are able to diagnose your organisation’s digital processes, using your use cases. From this understanding, we create tailor-made solutions that suit your business needs.
Want to learn more about how Ingentive can help you stay ahead of the curve? Join our Power BI workshops and get in touch to learn more about how we can help your business digitally evolve.
