SureStep:

This is a 'robust' methodology that provides for a full development life-cycle of Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations. It focuses on project management processes, risk / issue managment and best practices.

The main attributes of this approach:

Structured phases; flexibility to adapt to different project sizes and complexities; detailed documentation with extensive guideance and templates.

Advantages

Proven framework, risk mitigation and avoidance focus and very structured approach.

Disadvantages

 Complexity, rigidity that would not be suitable for faced paced Agile approaches.

FastTrack and Success by Design:

Success by Design focuses on producing deliverables via a design-led approach. It centers on the user experience and business critical success factors. This is a data centric and user driven approach that produces deliverables through a design-led initiative. Its basic building blocks are user experience and business flexibility.

The main attributes of this approach:

Design led and prioritizes user-centric design principles; It is more of an agile approach  and is an iterative process so it adapts to changes much more quickly. Collaboration is key with a much stronger emphasis on stakeholder involvement.

Advantages

Flexibility, user centric and innovative.

Disadvantages

Less structured and very resource intensive.

When you might choose each Methodology

SureStep: Ideal for large, complex projects where a structured process is necessarey. Appropriate for companies that prefer more detailed and detailed planning, risk managmenet and project plans.

Success by Design: Preferred for projects that need agility and more innovative solutions. Appropriate for organizations that focus on user experience and continuous improvements.

Remember, as Microsoft advises, think beyond the implementation and beyond the technology.

"The key question as you embark on an implementation of Dynamics 365: why are you doing it? Is it just a rip-and-replace effort, or does the implementation represent an opportunity for digital transformation, advance your business model, allow you to leapfrog over the competition, or something else? In making an investment in business applications, organizations are called upon to clearly identify the value they intend to drive toward. Will the technology get you there? Does the software or the implementation partner have the vision to get you there?

An investment in business applications requires a level of organizational maturity to think about what you and your business are after. It also requires you to think beyond just the implementation of technology. Organizations that understand the power of data and want to harness it so that they can disrupt the market are the business application projects that Microsoft wants to be a part of.

This is where we believe the world is going, and our products reflect that."