The PartnerTalks Podcast with Rick McCutcheon

VOICES Conference Launch: A New Virtual Event for Microsoft Partner Marketers | Monica Hoyer, VOICES | Episode 330 03.07.2026 7мин

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Monica Hoyer to discuss the launch of VOICES Conference, a new one-day virtual conference created specifically for marketers in the Microsoft Business Applications Partner ecosystem. Marketers working with Microsoft Business Applications often have limited opportunities to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. Monica shares how VOICES Conference aims to fill that gap with a full day of partner-to-partner learning, practical marketing strategies, and networking opportunities designed exclusively for the Microsoft Partner community. Rick and Monica explore what attendees can expect on November 12, including expert-led tracks covering AI, thought leadership, marketing data, and the evolving Microsoft ecosystem. They also discuss the conference's call for speakers, why first-time presenters are encouraged to apply, and the value of on-demand session recordings after the event. To learn more about the conference and to register, visit: voicesconference.com

Why Specialist ISVs Still Matter in Batch Manufacturing | Randy Smith, Vicinity Software | Episode 304 02.07.2026 26мин

Batch manufacturing presents a unique set of challenges that traditional ERP implementations often fail to address. In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Randy Smith of Vicinity Software to discuss why Microsoft Partners looking to grow their manufacturing practice need to understand the differences between discrete and process manufacturing. Drawing from decades of experience, Randy shares the moment he realized that industry-specific functionality could outperform even the strongest ERP demonstrations. The conversation explores why process manufacturers require software built around formulas, quality management, compliance, traceability, and product development rather than treating those capabilities as customizations layered onto a standard ERP implementation. The discussion also examines how successful Microsoft Partners divide responsibilities with specialist ISVs, allowing Partners to focus on finance, distribution, warehousing, and customer relationships while manufacturing experts handle the complexities of production, quality, compliance, and research and development. For Microsoft Partners pursuing opportunities in manufacturing, this episode highlights why vertical expertise matters and how partnering with specialist ISVs can open the door to larger, more successful Business Central implementations.

Business Central Scheduling Still Breaks In Excel | Hendrik Bulens, Dime Software | Episode 307 01.07.2026 18мин

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Hendrik Bulens, Managing Partner at Dime Software, to explore how AI is reshaping scheduling while still keeping human planners firmly in control. For many growing firms in field service, professional services, and engineering, planning often starts in Excel, Outlook, or informal manual systems. However, as volume increases and operational complexity grows, these tools begin to break down, creating gaps in visibility, billing accuracy, resource allocation, and delivery performance. The conversation highlights why Excel remains one of the most widely used planning tools globally, even as its limitations become more pronounced in scaling organizations. Once scheduling spans multiple jobs, resources, stock, and time entries, fragmented data leads to conflicting versions of the truth and operational inefficiencies.

Partners Can Turn Regression Testing Into Recurring Revenue | Dan Diefendorf, TheTestMart | Episode 305 28.06.2026 21мин

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Dan Diefendorf of TheTestMart to explore how Partners can turn release readiness and testing into a durable, recurring revenue stream. As Microsoft continues its "innovation is constant" approach to business applications, organizations are required to validate that monthly, quarterly, and wave-based updates do not disrupt core business processes. That responsibility spans customers, Microsoft, and Partners, but real-world regression testing ultimately happens in each customer's unique environment, where data, configurations, and extensions all behave differently.

WennSoft Cloud Migration Opens a New Opportunity for Partners | Richard Haus, WennSoft | Episode 306 28.06.2026 19мин

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Richard Haus, CEO of WennSoft, to discuss how the company's cloud strategy is helping field service and construction customers transition to the next generation of Microsoft Business Applications while creating new opportunities for Microsoft Partners. The conversation explores why the move from Dynamics GP to the cloud is about far more than a technical migration. For organizations managing complex project accounting, job costing, field service operations, and construction workflows, modernization creates an opportunity to rethink business processes, improve operational efficiency, and prepare for AI-driven capabilities. The discussion also examines how Partners can build long-term customer relationships through migration assessments, implementation planning, process optimization, user training, testing, and ongoing cloud services. As organizations prepare for a post-Dynamics GP future, cloud migration is becoming more than an infrastructure project. It is creating a foundation for recurring services, AI adoption, and continued business transformation.

Dirty Data and AI: Why Clean Records Are Becoming a Core Partner Service | Ryan Pennett, Paribus 365 | Episode 309 27.06.2026 20мин

As Microsoft Partners accelerate their AI strategies, one long-standing challenge is becoming impossible to ignore: data quality. In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Ryan Pennett of Paribus 365 to discuss why clean, well-governed data has become the foundation for successful AI initiatives within Microsoft Dynamics 365. Their conversation explores how duplicate records, incomplete customer information, and inconsistent data can undermine Copilot, automation, reporting, and business decision-making. They also examine why data quality is evolving from a maintenance task into a strategic service opportunity for Microsoft Partners. As organizations continue investing in AI, this episode highlights why trusted data is becoming one of the most valuable assets in every Business Applications project and why Partners who help customers improve data quality will be well positioned for future growth.

Payroll in Business Central: The Hidden Opportunity for Microsoft Partners | Lee Parent, Sylogist | Episode 329 26.06.2026 9мин

Payroll is often viewed as a back-office function, but as Lee Parent of Sylogist explains, "paying people is a side effect of payroll." In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Lee to explore why payroll plays a much larger role in the success of organizations running Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Their discussion examines how embedded payroll supports finance, HR, compliance, reporting, project accounting, union environments, multi-rate employees, and multi-state operations. They also discuss why payroll is becoming an increasingly strategic part of ERP implementations, particularly as businesses look to simplify operations and gain better visibility across their organizations. For Microsoft Partners serving Business Central customers across Canada and the United States, this episode explores why payroll represents a significant opportunity to deliver greater value while solving increasingly complex business challenges.

Building Scalable ERP Delivery Models for Microsoft Partners | Perry Prescott, Know Modern ERP | Episode 326 19.06.2026 11мин

In this episode of PartnerTalks, Rick McCutcheon speaks with Perry Prescott of Know Modern ERP about how Microsoft Partners are adapting to the growing scale and complexity of Business Central and Dynamics 365 ERP projects. As implementations get larger, Partners are increasingly turning to partner-to-partner delivery models to expand capacity while maintaining control of the client experience. The conversation explores how white-label delivery is helping Partners scale, along with practical approaches to Business Central and Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management projects. Perry also shares insights on repeatable implementation frameworks, AI-powered intake agents, Shop Floor Advisor for Business Central, and how AI is beginning to reshape ERP delivery workflows. This episode is especially relevant for Microsoft Partners looking to manage rising Business Central demand and build scalable, modern ERP delivery models.

Microsoft CSP Operations: Billing, AI, and the Future of Partner Growth | Ebrahim Nalwala, Work 365 | Episode 325 12.06.2026 13мин

In this episode of PartnerTalks, Rick McCutcheon speaks with Ebrahim Nalwala, Co-founder and CRO of Work 365, about the growing complexity of Microsoft CSP operations. The discussion covers billing automation, subscription renewals, Azure usage management, price changes, customer self-service, and how Partners can prepare for usage-based billing and AI-driven business models. Ebrahim shares why clean, connected data is essential for AI success and why visibility across subscriptions, recurring revenue, and customer information is becoming increasingly important for Microsoft Partners. The Infinity Group customer story mentioned in this episode can be viewed here: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7460327265080520704?viewAsMember=true

Why Directions for Enterprise 2026 Is a Must-Attend Event for Microsoft Partners | Torben Kragelund, Directions for Partners | Episode 326 11.06.2026 15мин

In this episode of PartnerTalks, Rick McCutcheon welcomes Torben Kragelund of Directions for Partners to discuss the future of one of the Microsoft ecosystem's most influential Partner communities. The conversation explores the launch of Directions for Enterprise 2026 in Copenhagen, a new event designed for Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management Partners, bringing the proven Directions model beyond Business Central. Torben shares why enterprise ERP Partners need dedicated opportunities to engage directly with Microsoft, collaborate with peers, and navigate the rapid changes driven by AI, cloud transformation, product evolution, and shifting customer expectations. The episode also covers updates on Directions EMEA in Paris and Days of Knowledge ANZ in Melbourne. Whether you're a Dynamics 365 Business Central, Finance, or Supply Chain Management Partner, this episode offers valuable insights into the events, trends, and community conversations shaping the future of the Microsoft Partner ecosystem.

Vibe 2.0: The Future of Microsoft Partner Collaboration | Liz Hallen, PartnerIn | Episode 324 09.06.2026 11мин

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Liz Hallen, co-founder and co-owner of PartnerIn, to discuss the launch of Vibe 2.0 and the evolving role of peer-to-peer engagement within the Microsoft Partner ecosystem. Liz shares insights into what made the original Vibe event successful, why Partner-only roundtable discussions create more meaningful conversations than traditional conference sessions, and what attendees can expect at Vibe 2.0 in Provo, Utah, taking place September 21-23. Whether you're a Microsoft Partner looking to expand your network, learn from industry peers, or gain valuable business insights, this episode offers a preview of one of the community's most collaborative events. PartnerTalks is proud to return as an on-site media sponsor for Vibe 2.0. Learn more about Vibe 2.0 at partnerin.io/vibe.

The Next Wave of ERP Finance Automation Starts with Trust | Kyle Gehrman, BILL | Episode 324 02.06.2026 11мин

Here's an SEO-friendly podcast description version that's a bit tighter, more searchable, and optimized for Microsoft Dynamics / Business Central audiences: In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon speaks with Kyle Gehrman about how finance automation is evolving inside Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and why trusted implementation Partners remain critical as AI adoption grows. If you work with Microsoft Dynamics, ERP automation, AP/AR workflows or Business Central consulting, this episode offers practical insights into the future of finance operations and Partner-led digital transformation.

Directions North America, AI Strategy and the Future of Business Central Partners | Amy Homan, Directions NA | Episode 322 21.05.2026 11мин

In this PartnerTalks episode, Rick McCutcheon speaks with Amy Homan, president of Directions North America, about the biggest conversations shaping this year's Directions NA event and the evolving Microsoft Dynamics ecosystem. The discussion explores the growing involvement of GP Partners in the Business Central community, Microsoft's role in guiding the channel forward, and the questions Partners are now asking about AI, profitability and long-term business models. A must-listen for Microsoft Partners, Business Central consultants and Dynamics community members following the future of ERP, AI and the Microsoft channel ecosystem.

Bridging Excel and Dynamics 365 Business Central Reporting with Exsion365 | Elielma Silva, Exsion365 | Episode 321 19.05.2026 8мин

In this PartnerTalks episode, Rick McCutcheon speaks with Elielma Silva of Exsion365 about how finance teams continue to rely on Excel for Business Central reporting, and how Exsion Reporting bridges that gap with a powerful Excel-based solution connected directly to Dynamics 365 Business Central. The discussion explores why Excel remains the preferred tool for many finance users, how Microsoft Partners can better uncover reporting requirements during implementations, and what this means for delivering more effective customer solutions. A practical conversation for Microsoft Partners working with Dynamics 365 Business Central who want to improve reporting workflows, reduce friction, and better align with real finance team needs.

How Manufacturers Reduce Manual ERP Data Entry with CADTALK Software | John Thomas, CADTALK Software | Episode 320 13.05.2026 15мин

In this episode of PartnerTalks, Rick McCutcheon sits down with John Thomas of CADTALK Software to explore how manufacturers can eliminate manual data entry by connecting CAD, PDM and PLM systems directly with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Finance & Operations. The conversation dives into the real-world challenges discrete, industrial and engineered-to-order manufacturers face, including data accuracy, complex product configurations and the inefficiencies caused by disconnected systems. They also discuss how Microsoft Partners can help customers streamline operations today, and where AI could play a bigger role in manufacturing workflows tomorrow.

Business Central Marketing Automation Gap Draws Touchdown | Lama Khalil, Touchdown | Episode 317 03.05.2026 12мин

In this episode, Rick McCutcheon sits down with Lama Khalil, Channel Manager at Touchdown, to explore how marketing automation is evolving across the Microsoft ecosystem, including Dynamics 365, Power Apps, Dataverse, and Business Central. They discuss how Touchdown's Business Central connector helps Microsoft Partners reduce disconnected customer data by bringing marketing automation closer to ERP and CRM systems. The conversation covers key challenges with standalone marketing platforms, and how Microsoft-native solutions can improve campaign execution, event follow-up, and overall customer engagement. If you're a Microsoft Partner working with Dynamics 365, Business Central, or Dataverse, this episode offers practical strategies for building a more connected, data-driven marketing approach.

CRM, Projects and AI Without the Headache: A Smarter Path for SMBs | Steve Mordue, RapidStart Apps 02.05.2026 20мин

SMB customers do not need enterprise complexity just to get value from CRM, project management, field service or AI. In this PartnerTalks conversation, Steve Mordue explains to Rick McCutcheon how RapidStart Apps has been built for smaller organizations that want simpler business applications, lower costs and faster adoption inside the Microsoft ecosystem. Steve outlines where things are heading next, including Rapid Claw, a new AI approach that lets SMBs deploy agent-based capabilities within the Microsoft stack without a lengthy, technical setup process.

Inside Manufacturing ERP Innovation with Dynalogic: AI, Business Central, and Vertical Depth | Martin Smit, Dynalogic | Episode 319 27.04.2026 15мин

Manufacturing partners don't need broader ERP conversations. They need deeper, more specialized solutions built around how manufacturers actually operate. In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Martin Smit of Dynalogic to explore how the team is extending Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central for real-world manufacturing scenarios. The conversation dives into configure-to-order, engineer-to-order, and project-based manufacturing, along with how Dynalogic is developing AI agents to support practical, day-to-day operational decisions. If you're a Microsoft partner working with manufacturing clients, this episode offers valuable insight into the future of ERP, applied AI in manufacturing, and the growing importance of vertical expertise. Watch the full episode to learn where the biggest opportunities in manufacturing technology are emerging.

The Future of B2B Payments in Business Central | Jeremy Boogaart, PayTrace 26.04.2026 19мин

In this episode of Partner Talks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Jeremy Alexander Boogaart of PayTrace to explore the future of B2B payments within Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. The conversation dives into real-world payment workflows that matter most to distributors, manufacturers, and B2B sellers, including partial shipments, deposits, cards on file, recurring billing, and payment automation. Jeremy shares insights on how businesses are moving toward lower-touch processes that reduce operational costs, improve accuracy, and streamline financial operations. If you're working in Business Central, B2B payments, ISV strategy, or the Microsoft Partner channel, this episode offers valuable insights into where the industry is headed. Watch the full episode and discover what's next for B2B payments and Business Central innovation.

Flywire Pitches Business Central Integration for Partners | Aimee Schumaker, Flywire 24.04.2026 10мин

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Aimee Schumaker from Flywire to explore how Flywire is positioning its integration with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central as a strategic opportunity for partners. The conversation dives into how embedded payments and invoice-to-cash solutions are becoming a critical extension of the Business Central ecosystem. As finance teams face increasing invoice volumes, manual reconciliation, and cross-border payment complexity, Flywire's approach aims to streamline accounts receivable, automate workflows, and simplify global transactions. Rick and Aimee also discuss why partners should view payment integration as more than just an add-on. Instead, it is a key value driver that can improve customer outcomes, accelerate cash flow, and unlock new revenue opportunities within Business Central implementations. If you are a Microsoft partner, ERP consultant, or finance leader, this episode offers practical insight into modernizing accounts receivable, reducing operational friction, and delivering more complete, high-impact Business Central solutions.