Migrating from Salesforce to Dynamics 365 – Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Domain	Salesforce (Your Doc Reference)	Dynamics 365 (Competitors Feature Highlights)
Customization	Narrative on rebuild logic and Power Automate	No‑code or .NET scripting, reusable Power Platform tools, faster built-in workflows, less proprietary code.
Integration	Mentions native Microsoft apps	Offices 365, Teams, SharePoint, Power BI native; no connectors needed.
Cost	Case anecdotes on licensing cost escalation	Detailed per-user rate comparison, bundles, storage benefits.
Support and Resources	Change management briefly discussed	Wide partner network, flexible billing by partner, ecosystem support.

Salesforce-to-Dynamics 356 Migration Risk Mitigation Strategy

There is an elephant in the room that needs to be addressed: migration risk. Most Salesforce to Dynamics 365 migrations hit the same four roadblocks. With the right strategy, each one becomes manageable, and often, an opportunity for improvement.

1. Messy, inconsistent data

After years in Salesforce, data tends to become cluttered, containing duplicates, missing fields, and inconsistent formatting.

A structured pre-migration audit and cleanup, using tools like KingswaySoft, Rapidi, and Microsoft FastTrack, ensures that what goes into Dynamics is cleaner and more reliable than what came out.

2. Heavy Salesforce customizations

Custom Apex code and niche workflows can raise concerns about what will be lost in the move.

The answer is to prioritize. High-value processes are rebuilt in Dynamics using Power Automate or custom plug-ins. Often, half the legacy logic can be retired without losing functionality.

3. Resistance to change

User pushback is a top reason CRM projects underperform.

Change management begins early, involving the identification of champions, user involvement in the UAT process, and hands-on coaching. The bonus: Dynamics 365 resembles familiar Microsoft tools, which eases the transition.

4. Complex integrations

Many systems rely on Salesforce connections, including ERPs, billing platforms, and in-house tools.

Upfront integration mapping and scalable design using Azure Logic Apps or Power Platform ensure everything works as expected. Nothing touches production without complete pilot testing.

Our Five‑Stage Salesforce to Dynamics 365 Migration Roadmap

1. Discovery and planning

Our team begins with a thorough audit of your Salesforce environment, including data models, license tiers, integrations, and custom workflows. This sets clear migration goals, such as reducing costs, speeding up reporting, and consolidating systems.

2. Pilot deployment

Test migrations are run in sandbox environments using real, scoped data, typically contacts, leads, and opportunities. The team handles cleansing, mapping, and validation to ensure structure and workflows perform as expected. Issues are addressed before they reach production.

3. Wave-based rollout

The rollout is phased by team or region to avoid disruption. Salesforce remains active where needed until Dynamics 365 is fully configured and adopted. This staged approach maintains steady operations and ensures smooth user transitions.

4. Customization and integration

Your business logic is rebuilt within Dynamics 365—from workflows and automations to UI components. Our team also sets up and tests integrations with Microsoft applications, such as Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint, to ensure seamless productivity.

5. Go-Live and optimization

Production migration is executed with systems running in parallel for a brief period to ensure safety and validation. Post-launch, the team remains engaged, refining dashboards, workflows, and automations based on real-world usage and evolving business needs.

CRM strategy 2025: The platform choice matters more than features

CRM platform decisions are not only about comparing feature lists; they are about strategic alignment with business goals. Dynamics 365 resonates with enterprise teams because it integrates with tools they already use, scales without exponential cost increases, and adapts to business needs without requiring an army of specialists.

When every technology investment faces scrutiny, platforms that deliver multiple capabilities at predictable costs have clear advantages over solutions that charge for essential functionality on a per-use basis. Unlike pay-per-use CRM models that penalize growth, Dynamics 365 offers predictable licensing across CRM, ERP, and field service capabilities.

More importantly, Dynamics 365 grows with businesses, rather than constraining them. The platform’s flexibility enables companies to adapt workflows, add capabilities, and integrate new systems without requiring architectural overhauls or vendor negotiations.

Ready to explore your options?

If you are questioning whether your current CRM investment serves your business goals, you are asking the right questions. A strategic platform assessment can reveal opportunities for cost savings, operational simplification, and better business outcomes.

LevelShift is a certified Microsoft Solutions Partner that helps organizations rethink CRM as a growth enabler. Whether you are dealing with disconnected tools, outdated workflows, or sluggish reporting, our team brings clarity and direction. With our On-Demand Services model, you only pay for the hours you use, with no retainers or long-term contracts.

Let us explore your current challenges and identify the most effective next step, whether that’s migrating, optimizing, or maintaining the status quo.

FAQs

Q1: What are typical Salesforce vs Dynamics 365 licensing costs?

A1: Salesforce Enterprise with analytics add-ons can cost ~$300/user/month. Dynamics 365 Sales Enterprise averages $95 to 115/user/month with more included features and storage.

Q2: What integration tools are used during migration?
 A2: Tools like KingswaySoft, Rapidi, Azure Logic Apps, and Microsoft FastTrack are used for data pipelines and integration mapping.

Q3: How long does a migration typically take?
 A3: Phased migrations, starting with audit and pilot and deploying by wave, usually take 4–6 months (as in your implementation case).

Q4: What frameworks ensure business continuity during migration?
 A4: Proven frameworks like “Success by Design” guide structured discovery, pilot deployment, phased rollout, and post-go-live optimization.

Q5: Will I lose custom Salesforce functionality?
 A5: High-value logic can be rebuilt using Power Automate or plug-ins. Many legacy workflows can be retired or improved upon.