Segregation of Roles

 This topic may seem like a report or process in D365, actually, I wold like to mention the differences between the roles of to become a consultant, team leader, project manager and solution architect. Why I would like to have this topic to discuss is that I see lots of job opening that requires functionalities of a consultant from a solution architect or via versa.

Solution Architect: 

"A Solution Architect is responsible for the successful design, implementation, deployment, and adoption of an overall solution. A Solution Architect ensures that the solution meets the customer’s needs now and in the future. While the Solution Architect may not “click the buttons” during a deployment, they are ultimately responsible for the solution and work closely with the deployment team."

So a solution architect is placed in the meeting to have a fit gap, need to know the overall solution and project details, is aware of all the D365 solutions to propose and decide when to go for a development or to use low code/no code solutions, control the design documentations, decides the migration strategies. But a solution architect is not responsible for data migration activities, to do documentations, control the project.

A solution architect is the person who does the decision making.

To become a Microsoft Certified Solution Architect, you need to pass the exam MB-700. MB-700 certification also has pre-certificates.  

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/paths/become-solution-architect/

Consultant:

"A Dynamics 365 Functional Consultant is responsible for performing discovery, capturing requirements, engaging subject matter experts and stakeholders, translating requirements, and configuring the solution and applications." 

A consultant do help a solution architect on the operation wise. Attend the meetings and once the design is clear by the solution architect , consultant do the documentation, do the training sessions, migrations etc.

To become a Microsoft Certified Consultant, you can have different documentations , depending on your expertise. Like MB-310: Finance, MB-330: SCM etc. To become a Associate consultant, you need MB-300 certification.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/d365-functional-consultant-sales/

Team Leader:

Team leaders tend to manage a group or team consisting of people.  Team leaders focus more on managing people. Solution architect tend to manage the process. They need different skill sets.

Project Manager:

To be a project manager it is advised to have some certain certifications and have skills and expertise. It is never easy to manage a project. 

Project managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and directing projects while ensuring projects are on time, budget and scope.

So before the start of the project you must segregate the duties and also train your employees to understand what is required from them in the project.