Acclario IT’s Andy Lee on the unseen groundwork behind successful AI adoption
As enterprise interest in AI reaches new heights, many businesses are looking to Microsoft Dynamics 365 and tools like Copilot to help drive transformation.
But according to Acclario IT’s Dynamics 365 Consultant, there’s a common disconnect: the assumption that technology alone will solve business challenges.
“AI is only as good as the data you feed it,” Andy says. “And right now, a lot of organisations still have a long way to go before their data is AI-ready.”
Andy has seen the hype around AI unfold firsthand. But he’s also seen what happens when companies rush into implementation without preparing the foundations – particularly when it comes to data governance, structure, and quality.
“There’s excitement, but also a tendency to underestimate the work involved in making AI effective. You can’t just turn on Copilot and expect magic. You need well-governed, well-understood data that aligns with how your business operates.”
A consultant’s lens: from finance to transformation
Andy’s own journey into consulting reflects the changing nature of digital transformation. Originally trained in finance and accounting, he understood the importance of systems and processes behind the numbers. That pivot eventually led him to the Dynamics 365 ecosystem.
“Understanding financial processes gave me a solid foundation. But what I found more interesting was how business systems enable (or block) decision-making,” he says.
“I’ve always been interested in how businesses work, and I realised early on that without proper systems and processes your data for reporting may be captured inaccurately or inefficiently” he says.
This business-first approach shapes how we at Acclario IT approach every Dynamics 365 project: not just as a technology rollout, but as an opportunity to realign systems with strategy.
Where AI meets operational reality
Andy notes that Microsoft’s integration of AI into Dynamics 365 is promising – but real impact depends on how that AI is applied.
“There’s potential in tools like Copilot, especially for automating tasks, improving customer service, and surfacing insights. But if your data is fragmented or incomplete, the AI can amplify confusion rather than solve it.”
He emphasises that successful adoption hinges on groundwork: defining data models, establishing governance frameworks, and cleaning up legacy records. It’s less glamorous than AI demos, but far more critical to long-term results.
Why the right partner makes the difference
In Andy’s view, the role of a consulting partner has shifted. It’s no longer just about implementing software – it’s about helping clients understand how to make that software truly works for them.
“Our job is to shorten the learning curve. We’ve seen what works, and what doesn’t. That experience helps our clients avoid expensive trial and error – especially when it comes to AI” he says.
One of the biggest misconceptions about AI in Dynamics 365 is that it’s “out of the box.” In reality, success often depends on how well the tool is configured to match your specific workflows, data sources, and compliance requirements.
For organisations exploring Dynamics 365 and AI, Andy advises focusing not just on implementing the technology, but on internal readiness. That includes reviewing data hygiene, aligning teams around goals, and partnering with advisors who bring both technical depth and business context.
Once ready, start small to show fast value which encourages user buy-in, then build on top of that incrementally.
The bigger picture
AI is changing the landscape, but Andy believes the fundamentals haven’t changed: transformation is about people, processes, and information.
“AI won’t fix broken processes or unclear strategy. What it can do – if implemented thoughtfully – is give businesses new ways to operate more intelligently. But it all starts with the basics.”
