# Methods

aka Treatments

Treatment plans vary — some require daily doses, others work best as a single injection. Choose the right therapy to keep your Dynamics 365 rollout on track.

#### List of Methods

- [Microsoft Learn](/content/d365-training-clinic/methods/#elementor-toc__heading-anchor-0/index.html)
- [Subscription-Based Online Training](/content/d365-training-clinic/methods/#elementor-toc__heading-anchor-1/index.html)
- [Consultant-Led Training](/content/d365-training-clinic/methods/#elementor-toc__heading-anchor-2/index.html)
- [Hybrid Approach](/content/d365-training-clinic/methods/#elementor-toc__heading-anchor-3/index.html)
- [Comparison of Methods](/content/d365-training-clinic/methods/#elementor-toc__heading-anchor-4/index.html)

## Microsoft Learn

aka Over-the-Counter Therapy

**Free and flexible online learning**

[Microsoft Learn](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/?products=dynamics-365) offers self-paced learning paths that act like over-the-counter remedies—widely available and useful for general education.

**Pros:**

- Free and accessible to anyone
- Tracks individual progress
- Covers a broad range of D365 apps

**Limitations:**

- Focuses heavily on configuration, not end-user tasks
- Primarily text-based—limited videos or interactivity
- No visibility for managers into team progress
- Can be difficult to navigate and determine which learning paths apply to specific roles or job functions

**Prescription:** A good first step, best for independent learners and certification prep.

## Subscription-Based Online Training

aka Self-Directed Rehab

**Scalable, role-based training platforms**

Platforms like [Item by Item](/content/site-root.html) deliver structured, role-specific training that functions like a personalized treatment plan. It’s designed for long-term learning health—complete with diagnostics, guided routines, and progress tracking.

**Pros:**

- Built for end-users—teaching them how to do their jobs within D365
- Includes videos, walkthroughs, and assessments
- Allows managers to monitor team progress and assign training
- Scales easily across departments and new hires
- Supports uploading custom materials to enhance or localize training content
- Clear role-based learning paths eliminate guesswork about who should complete what

**Prescription:** Ideal as a foundational regimen—especially for organizations seeking structured, repeatable training with managerial oversight.

## Consultant-Led Training

aka Specialist Care

**Personalized, in-person, or virtual instruction**

Hiring a D365 consultant or training partner offers a white-glove approach — like bringing in a specialist for a targeted intervention. These sessions are tailored to your environment, users, and business processes.

**Pros:**

- Fully customized to your organization
- High-impact for go-lives, upgrades, or onboarding large teams
- Interactive and allows for Q&A

**Considerations:**

- Higher cost compared to other methods
- Often involves creating all training materials from scratch
- Materials are typically delivered as static documents, which are hard to update or reuse
- Difficult to scale or replicate without repeated investment

**Prescription:** Best used for pre-go-live readiness or change management scenarios requiring hands-on attention.

## Hybrid Approach

aka Multimodal Therapy

**Combine multiple methods for maximum impact**

The most effective training regimen often blends approaches—like a well-rounded treatment plan. Use a **subscription-based platform** for baseline education, **Microsoft Learn** for those pursuing certification, and **consultant-led or internal training** before go-live to reinforce key workflows.

**Pros:**

- Combines the strengths of each method—scalable and convenient platform for day-to-day roles, in-depth resources for certification-level learning, and expert-led sessions for high-impact moments
- Adapts to diverse learning needs—supports different roles, departments, and skill levels within the same organization
- Creates a complete learning journey—from onboarding and continuous learning to certification and go-live readiness
- Ensures appropriate support—sometimes online, sometimes in person—is available during critical phases like testing, user acceptance, and go-live
- Internal team members can also deliver training—allowing them to grow into internal experts as the implementation progresses

**Prescription:** A holistic, preventative approach—ideal for ensuring continuity, adoption, and user confidence from kickoff through go-live.

## Comparison of Methods

aka Preventive Care Protocol

| **Feature / Criteria**      | **Microsoft Learn** | **Subscription-Based** | **Consultant-Led** | **Hybrid Approach**   |
|------------------------------|---------------------|-----------------------|---------------------|------------------------|
| **Cost**                    | Free                | Paid subscription      | High, one-time or hourly fees | Mixed (some free, some paid) |
| **Content Format**           | Primarily articles and step-by-step docs | Video lessons, walkthroughs, assessments | Usually slide decks, handouts, live sessions | Combination of all formats |
| **End-User Focus**           | Limited—mainly configuration-based | Strong—teaches users how to do their jobs | Varies—can be customized for users | Strong—baseline platform plus tailored additions |
| **Manager Oversight**        | Not available        | Full tracking and assignment features | Manual follow-up required | Available via platform; enhanced by team coordination |
| **Customizability**          | Low                  | High—can upload internal materials | High—but usually built from scratch | Very High—blend of internal and external inputs |
| **Scalability**             | Good for individuals  | Excellent for teams and departments | Low—requires repeat engagements | Excellent—platform + reusable internal efforts |
| **Certification Support**    | Yes—but hard to align with roles | Yes—optional, structured support | Not usually focused on certification | Yes—Microsoft Learn used for cert prep |
| **Best Use Case**           | Individual learning and certification prep | Ongoing training across departments | Pre-go-live or onboarding workshops | Full project lifecycle training |
| **Support Delivery**         | Self-guided          | Online and asynchronous | Live, virtual or on-site | Both—online and in-person, with internal or external facilitators |