Hello Everyone,
If you’ve been in this field for a while, you know that working with clients isn’t just about writing AL code or fixing issues—it’s about understanding their business, solving problems, and making sure they get the most out of Business Central.
From my experience, here are 10 key things to keep in mind when working with clients, and I hope this can help people who have moved from Developer to Consultants. :)
1. Understand the Business First
Before diving into code, take time to understand the client’s processes, challenges, and goals. A well-informed solution is always better than a quick fix.
2. Speak in Business Terms, Not Just Tech
Clients care about results, not technical jargon. Explain how your solution helps their business in simple, relatable terms.
3. Always Clarify Requirements
Don’t assume—ask detailed questions before starting development. Misunderstandings lead to wasted time and rework.
4. Optimize for Performance
Avoid system slowdowns by using efficient coding practices, like bulk updates instead of Modify(True) in loops. Performance issues frustrate users and hurt adoption.
5. Keep Customizations Upgrade-Friendly
Use event-based coding and extensions to avoid breaking changes in future BC updates. A well-designed solution should last beyond the current version.
6. Document Everything
Write down key details like customization logic, setup steps, and dependencies. Good documentation saves time for you and your client in the long run.
7. Test Before Deployment
Test across different scenarios, data sizes, and user roles before going live. Fixing bugs after release is always more painful than catching them early.
8. Train the End Users
Even the best system is useless if users don’t know how to use it. Provide training, guides, and answer their questions to ensure smooth adoption.
9. Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Monitor system performance, anticipate potential issues, and suggest improvements. Clients appreciate consultants who think ahead rather than just fixing problems.
10. Set Clear Expectations
Be upfront about timelines, challenges, and what’s possible within the budget. Clear communication builds trust and avoids last-minute surprises.
I tried to keep it short and sweet, and would love to know your thoughts and experience.
Reach out to me if you have any questions or suggestions.
Check out other blogs, if you haven't already.
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