Investing in Microsoft solutions should be a growth driver, not a headache. Yet many businesses find that the Microsoft projects they start don’t deliver the results they expected. Maybe the system doesn’t align with how teams actually work, maybe the project stalled halfway through, or maybe the solution is so generic that employees simply don’t adopt it.
The truth is, not all Microsoft developers are the same. Some take the time to understand your workflows and design custom business solutions.
If you’re considering Microsoft developers, here’s how to avoid common pitfalls, recognize red flags, and choose the right partner who can leverage Microsoft’s powerful tools to create a competitive advantage for your business.
The Common Challenges Businesses Face with Microsoft Developers
Business leaders often come to Proven IT after working with developers who didn’t quite hit the mark. The most common challenges include:
- Solutions that don’t fit unique workflows
A developer might know Microsoft tools but fail to tailor them to your processes. The result is clunky workarounds, frustrated employees, and tools that gather dust. - Poor communication and collaboration
Some developers build in a silo, handing off a solution that doesn’t reflect your needs because they never asked the right questions in the first place. - Slow or inconsistent delivery
Without clear milestones and accountability, projects stretch out for months, draining resources and eroding trust. - Missed opportunities for ROI
Instead of automating repetitive work or surfacing actionable insights, you’re left with a system that adds complexity instead of reducing it.
These challenges aren’t just frustrating; they’re also costly. Every inefficient workflow, every delayed approval, and every missed insight adds up to lost time and slower decision-making.
What to Look for in the Right Microsoft Developer
The best developers are more than technical experts. You want problem-solvers who understand your workflows and your long-term goals. By asking the right questions and looking for specific qualities, you can find a partner who builds systems that deliver.
1. Certified Microsoft Expertise
A skilled Microsoft developer should be able to demonstrate certifications that validate their expertise. Certification shows they’ve been tested against Microsoft’s standards and are equipped to implement solutions correctly and efficiently.
This isn’t just about having a credential on paper — it’s about ensuring your developer has the depth of knowledge to configure tools in ways that drive real business value. Key Microsoft developer certifications to ask about include:
- SharePoint → For content management and collaboration
- Azure → For scalable, secure cloud solutions
- Power Automate → For automating repetitive workflows
- Power BI → For creating real-time dashboards and actionable insights
- Copilot → For AI-powered productivity inside Microsoft 365
2. A Focus on Custom Business Solutions
Your workflows are unique. A good Microsoft developer takes the time to understand how your teams operate day-to-day. Then, they design solutions that fit naturally into those workflows, rather than forcing employees to adapt to rigid templates.
That means moving beyond “out-of-the-box” features and creating custom business solutions that reflect the way your company actually works. For example:
- Automating HR onboarding so new employees get set up faster.
- Streamlining sales reporting so reps spend less time in spreadsheets.
- Building dashboards that give executives real-time visibility into operations.
3. Industry-Specific Experience
Every industry has its nuances. A healthcare provider must ensure HIPAA compliance. A manufacturer may need supply chain visibility. A financial firm may prioritize data security and audit trails
A developer with industry-specific experience brings context. This means they can anticipate regulatory requirements, understand operational priorities, and design systems that align with the realities of your sector.
4. Strong Communication and Collaboration Skills
Technology projects succeed or fail not only on code, but on communication. A great Microsoft developer knows how to bridge the gap between technical execution and business goals. They should:
- Explain technical details in plain, everyday language so non-technical leaders stay informed.
- Provide regular project updates and clear timelines to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Align milestones with your business priorities so progress feels meaningful.
This collaborative approach minimizes misunderstandings and ensures your teams are engaged at every stage of the process.
5. A Proven Discovery and Planning Process
Strong developers know that the best solutions start with listening. Before any coding begins, they should guide you through a structured discovery phase to understand your pain points and map your workflows. The right developer will ask questions like:
- Which tasks consume the most time in your team?
- Where do approvals get stuck?
- Which reports are hardest to generate?
This discovery process ensures that the solutions are tailored to your business needs and that you see results where they matter most.
6. A Track Record of Measurable ROI
It’s easy for a developer to talk about features, but you need to see results. Ask for case studies or references that show real-world results. Did the developer reduce reporting time from hours to minutes? Did they cut approval delays by 50%?
The right Microsoft developer should provide case studies, references, or measurable outcomes from past projects. Remember, ROI isn’t just about saving money. It’s about enabling smarter, faster decisions and freeing up your people to focus on high-value work.
7. Commitment to Long-Term Partnership
Technology evolves, and as your business grows, your workflows and systems will change too. The right Microsoft developer understands this and acts as a long-term partner, not just a one-time contractor. While it’s challenging to determine upfront how a developer will perform in the long term, there are signs that reveal whether they take partnership seriously.
Look for developers who emphasize ongoing support and optimization rather than one-off projects, who offer training to ensure your teams actually adopt the tools they build, and who stay proactive in discussing new Microsoft capabilities (from AI integrations to cloud enhancements).
Choosing a developer with this mindset means you’re not just paying for a single project; you’re building a relationship that helps your Microsoft ecosystem grow and adapt alongside your business
Discover Our Custom Microsoft Development Services Now!
Schedule a 30-minute consultation today to explore how our custom Microsoft Development Services can streamline your operations, improve collaboration, and eliminate system silos. With our expert Microsoft developers, you get custom integrations that work uniquely for you.
Red Flags to Watch for When Evaluating Microsoft Developers
Not all warning signs are obvious, but being aware of potential issues can help you choose the right developer. Some red flags to watch out for are:
- Skipping the discovery process and jumping straight into implementation
- Relying heavily on generic templates that produce basic systems not tailored to your workflows
- Limited knowledge of Microsoft tools such as SharePoint, Power BI, Power Automate, Copilot, and Azure, which can prevent the delivery of a holistic solution
- Failing to ask detailed questions about how your teams actually work
- Promising quick results without providing a clear roadmap or references
Why Proven IT Developers Stand Out
At Proven IT, we’ve seen firsthand how the wrong developer can cost businesses valuable time and resources. That’s why we take a different approach.
Unlike developers who skip discovery or rely on one-size-fits-all templates, we take the time to map your processes and design custom Microsoft solutions around the way you work. Our certified team brings cross-platform expertise in SharePoint, Power Automate, Power BI, Copilot, and Azure, so you get connected systems — not fragmented tools.
We back every project with a clear roadmap, strong communication, and a long-term mindset, ensuring your solutions continue to evolve as your business grows. With Proven IT, you’re not just hiring a Microsoft developer; you’re gaining a partner who makes technology work for your business today and in the future.
Build Smarter Microsoft Solutions with Proven IT
Microsoft’s platform is powerful, but only if it’s tailored to your business and in the hands of the right developer. Proven IT helps you move beyond out-of-the-box setups with solutions that drive efficiency, uncover insights, and give your teams an edge in a competitive marketplace.
