Microsoft Dynamics 365 for finance and operations
Regulations and compliance managing Software as a Service environment
Moving to a cloud-based enterprise application provides unique advantages not available in traditional on-premise enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. These include structures, scalability and comparative ease of system consolidation. Successful companies must now learn how to maximize value from a cloud-based implementation and address a different risk profile.
Companies across industries are moving to Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations, to learn how they can extract the maximum value from a cloud-based implementation. Business operations can be streamlined and standardized, which enables companies to make rapid and more insightful decisions.
Key customer considerations for Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations update cycle
Microsoft’s One Version is an update model for Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations SaaS that gives customers the opportunity to update their environment with the latest hotfixes, improvements and new functionality.
To meet compliance requirements for different regulations (e.g., SoX, GxP), customers going through a regular update cycle for their Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations environment should apply a set of considerations to their update cycle. While each customer’s environment is unique, the company should follow defined processes for each update implemented.
- Change policies and procedures
- Impact assessment
- Risk assessment
- Customization/extensions
- Evaluation of functionality
- Evaluation of internal controls
- Evaluation of end-to-end impact
Tools and services to enable compliance for Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations
As a part of the development of the One Version process, Microsoft developed the tools and services to enable customers the flexibility and opportunity to utilize the SaaS model of staying version consistent, while maintaining the compliance requirements that regulated organizations require. These include safe deployment rings, enabling new features, update audit history, impact Analysis Tool, regression Suite Automation Tool (RSAT) and release Validation Program.
How PwC can help
While companies explore the benefits of SaaS solutions within their environment, it is important to keep in mind the responsibility for assessing the changes implemented for impact on regulated data, controls and processes. With a combination of defined processes and procedures for change management and tools that Microsoft provides to its customers, regulated companies can take advantage of SaaS benefits while meeting their compliance obligations.
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