Microsoft Dynamics AX Services
Microsoft Dynamics AX was originally developed by IBM and Damgaard Data as IBM Axapta. Axapta was initially released in March 1998. IBM returned all rights to the product to Damgaard Data shortly after the release of Version 1.5. Damgaard Data merged with Navision Software A/S in 2000 to form NavisionDamgaard, later named Navision A/S.
Microsoft acquired the combined company in July 2002. In September 2011, Microsoft released AX 2012. In February 2016, the product was renamed to Dynamics AX (also known as AX7). Microsoft Dynamics AX was renamed Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations, On-Premises in October 2016.
Microsoft Dynamics AX 2023 introduced several noteworthy updates that enhance its functionality and improves user experience. These updates include a modern and intuitive user interface, improved performance and scalability, and integration with Microsoft 365. The new user interface has a more contemporary and user-friendly design, making it easier for users to navigate and complete tasks quickly. With improved performance and scalability, Dynamics AX 2023 enables faster and more responsive operations, even for large complex organizations. In addition, the integration with Microsoft 365 and other cloud-based services allows seamless connectivity between Dynamics AX's data repository and other systems, enabling collaborative data sharing and analysis. These updates contribute to a highly functional ERP solution that empowers businesses to optimize their operations and achieve greater efficiency and productivity.
Manufacturing System Implementation
Much time and effort go into implementing the Manufacturing module in Microsoft Dynamics AX. The key is to utilize resources efficiently and effectively. The Manufacturing module is especially challenging since there are lots of moving parts and integrations to other modules in the system. Our clients benefit from our Microsoft Dynamics AX Consulting expertise in:
• Discovery and business process analysis
• Business process re-engineering
• Requirements definition
• Software development
• Training
Financial and Operational Reporting
Microsoft Dynamics AX comes with many build-in reports. However, our clients often ask us to develope reports that streamline their processes or provide information in a specific format that management can readily use for decision-making. Presentation, using a Business Intelligence (BI) tool, of key metrics allows you to quickly see when issues arise in your business. Our clients benefit from our expertise in:
• Developing reports within the application
• Creating SSRS reports from within the Microsoft SQL database
• Online Analytical Processing (OLAP)
• Deploying dashboards Microsoft Power BI
Master Planning
The Master Planning functionality in Microsoft Dynamics AX provides manufacturing and distribution companies with the ability to transform sales forecasts into planned production and purchase orders. Using this functionality, your company can purchase and make the right parts on time, minimizing inventory carrying costs. We assist our clients with
• Sales Forecasting
• Master Production Scheduling (MPS)
• Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
• Capacity Requirements Planning (CRP)
Business Processes
The key to a successful implementation of any ERP system, including Dynamics AX, is fit with your company's business processes. However, the system often does not fit business processes well "out of the box". We've helped, our clients tailor the system to fit their business processes or changed their business processes to fit the system or both. We add value to our clients' operations with:
• Requirements definition
• System customization
• Business process analysis
• Business process re-engineering
Software Development
Software development is often not included in a Microsoft Dynamics AX implementation as it's perceived to make the process of installing future upgrades significantly more time-consuming. In some cases, where lots of software development has been done, the upgrade process can be as expensive and lengthy as a full implementation. We recommend custom software development in situations where data is frequently transferred between systems or your business process is uniquely efficient. Further, the benefits of software development (i.e., eliminating manual data entry) must be significantly greater than the cost. We assist our clients with:
• System customization
• X++ software development
• Visual Studio software development
• API integration with cloud-based systems
Version Upgrades / Cloud Migration
Careful consideration must be given to upgrading a Microsoft Dynamics AX installation, in terms of choosing Microsoft Dynamics AX Consulting Firms. This is especially true if the application has been modified or if there are integrations to numerous third-party applications. In many situations, an upgrade could be as costly or more costly than migrating to a new system. Our clients often ask us to help them with their Microsoft Dynamics AX Migration:
• Assess the trade-offs of upgrading versus migrating to a new system.
• Compare cost and level of effort for cloud versus on-premises implementation.
• Navigate the timing for extended support or end of support for Microsoft Dynamics AX.
Migration/ Moving to the Cloud
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain is a comprehensive ERP solution that can be delivered both on-premises and in the cloud. Many businesses migrate to the cloud as it offers several advantages over on-premises deployments. If you want to determine whether this is the right move, you’ll need to understand the economic impact of your current Dynamics AX solution and how it compares to Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain in the cloud.
Based on our experience working with clients, we typically see the economic impact in three critical areas:
1. Total Cost Of Ownership
When migrating to the cloud, you need to consider the up-front costs of the new solution and the ongoing total cost of ownership. Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain in the cloud is a subscription service, so your monthly costs will be predictable and manageable. In contrast, on-premises deployments require significant investments in hardware and software licenses upfront and ongoing maintenance and support contracts.
2. Business Performance Improvement
In many cases, businesses see a significant improvement in business performance once they move to Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain in the cloud. This is because the cloud offers many advantages over on-premises deployments, including faster time to value, scalability, and lower total cost of ownership.
3. Accelerated Time-To-Value
Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain in the cloud can be up and running in a matter of months, compared to years for an on-premises deployment. This means you can start using the solution quickly and realize a return on investment sooner.
In conclusion, if you’re considering a move from Dynamics AX to Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain, the cloud should be your top choice. The advantages in terms of total cost of ownership, business performance, and accelerated time-to-value are too significant to ignore.
To learn more, please call (310) 539-4645 or click here to schedule a time to speak with one of our experienced consultants.