What Are Fundamental Elements of MS Dynamics AX? (2024)

Microsoft Dynamics AX

Microsoft Dynamics AX is a powerful ERP System developed to deliver powerful, agile and easy to use solutions that add value to organizations thereby providing more business value through a continued emphasis on simplicity.

Microsoft Dynamics AX – An Introduction

Microsoft Dynamics AX released in 1998 brought forward a new object oriented technology within the reach of midsize companies that needed scalable, powerful, business management suite to run their operations. The Microsoft dynamics ax features include more than 1000 new features and enhancements across the core enterprise resource planning (ERP) and industry capabilities. Microsoft Dynamics AX ERP software with its latest version of 2016 has been introduced with a completely new user experience and Azure native architecture.

Features of Microsoft Dynamics AX – A Summary

Microsoft Dynamics AX is now a cloud first application that will be updated and maintained continuously without the necessity of companywide downtime for cumulative updates or the necessity of waiting out for the next version for upgrading to the latest versions. Microsoft Dynamics AX is also known as Dynamics AX7 with simple, transparent and flexible per user licensing on monthly AX subscriptions. The Microsoft Dynamics AX allows companies to have analytical tools to see a holistic view of their business to make faster and more accurate decisions.

The combination of intelligence tools such as Excel, Power BI, and scalable computing through the cloud enables finance professionals in uncovering the deeper insights effectively to make an impact on the bottom line. The BI or Business Intelligence features in Microsoft Dynamics AX brings with it standard visualizations that are specific for target roles. The newer features of Microsoft Dynamics AX include :-

1. Updated user experience – The focus is now on mobile –‘first’ strategy with users no longer required to tie up to the Windows computer. The flexibility of the new dynamics ax allows the users to access it from a variety of devices that include Windows, Android, iOS and even Xbox. As microsoft dynamics erp software is written in HTML5 is now accessible through the web based client.

2. Cloud Model – Microsoft is firm on releasing the Dynamics AX first as a cloud-based model with an improved sign up experience and near instant provisioning.

3. Pricing and Licensing – The other feature of dynamics ax is the subscription model, which is of two types – user based and device based. Organization are no longer required to pay for unused licenses

4. Additional Features – Some of the additional features include ‘task guides’ that allows users to record steps done in the ERP as well as training new people or employees with an easy to follow guide. The use of Cortana to manage the dynamics ax by voice is another new feature.

Microsoft dynamics is equipped with diverse ERP solutions. The solutions offered have great features that are hardly available on any other software packages. They are highly customizable, supports multi-language and currencies used around the world. Microsoft business solutions packages have high specific functionalities that assure compliance with regional requirements.

The two latest offerings of the Microsoft dynamics are in the form of NAV and AX with both having some major functionalities for providing impeccable business solutions. While some organizations prefer NAV and some others prefers AX. They both even though are apart having certain basic features in common.

Differences between AX and NAV- What are they?

1. The Type of Clients/Business Entities

AX is developed for large sector organizations that face multiple challenges every day. The challenges are decentralized over multiple locations of the organization that is solved through AX.

NAV is basically designed for medium to small-scale business, where the departments are centralized. The sectors use this solution as they look out for powerful technology to help them compete with larger business to expand.

2. Global activities

Microsoft Dynamics AX supports Master Data Management and a range of services. It allows various financial standards of the business as well. Microsoft NAV supports global companies that have lesser complex structure.

3. Industry Adaption

The Microsoft AX is specifically designed to handle six specific industries; finance, public, retail, service, manufacturing, distribution. Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018 is flexible and highly adaptable to ERP solution that can be used by all types of industries.

4. Manufacturing Processes

AX is designed to give a complete Microsoft business solutions for the manufacturing companies. Microsoft NAV is an integrated ERP solution specially created for all types of the manufacturing process. The solution is perfect to solve the problems of all types of manufacturing companies with its executive functions.

5. Implementation

Microsoft AX combats lots of features that need great decision-making power before deciding the implementation. This results in a bigger team of decision makers, huge implementation processing time, more cost and longer processing.
Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018 implementation cost is moderately lower than the implementation cost of AX.

6. Launching

Both Microsoft Dynamics AX and Nav can be installed on your private servers hosted by the user. However, NAV 2018 is combat with great additional features that need special installation.

The ERP solution that you prefer is completely dependent on the type of organization you deal with. It is advisable to choose the best Microsoft business solution that will give positive results for 10 years consecutive down the line.

Microsoft Dynamics Axapta offers features to manage various aspects of Trade and Commerce.

1. Modern Point of Sale (MPOS)

i. The premier Microsoft Dynamics ERP helps consolidate customer purchase information such as sales history, transaction details and wish lists
ii. It helps provide the right information at the right time on any device to enable sales personnel to assist customers in a far more convincing manner
iii. There are other features as well such as transactions, gifts and loyalty processing; cash and drawer management; customer data capture and purchase history and wish lists
iv.Other stuff related to MPOS that AX helps manage include inventory receipts, reporting and stock counts

2. E-Commerce

i. Once customized to perfection by a Microsoft Dynamics Partner Fiji, the ERP helps take e-commerce strategy to an altogether different level by supporting third-party storefronts which includes features such as Rich Consumer API, Authentication Integration to Any Third-Party Open ID Provider, Payment Integration and Search-based Technology that offers accurate and consistent performances.
ii. Other E-Commerce related things Microsoft Dynamics Axapta facilitates and helps out with include:

a) Web Content and Site Development
b) Destination-based Taxation
c) Dynamics Refiners and Recommendations
d) Real-Time Inventory Updates & Catalogue Management
e) Shopping Carts & Payments
f) Rich Consumer API for Connecting with Third Party Providers
g) Payment Integration & Authentication Integration to Any Third-Party Open ID Providers

3. Order Management & Payment Processing

i. The high profile Microsoft Dynamics ERP facilitates Order Creation and Quotes through POS Order Management
ii. It helps track standard and special orders with a 360 degree business view
iii. It also helps manage and apply required tax schemas, inventory reservations, inventory checks and perform price
iv. After an appropriate customization by a Microsoft Dynamics Partner Fiji, companies can retrieve orders at any store including both online and call centers

4. Merchandising

i. Category Management features in AX can be used to centrally manage assortment that includes creation, scheduling, tracking and in-level deep item hierarchies
ii. The ERP ensures you get to fully optimize for profitability support options and for this, facilitates flexible and configurable promotions

AX helps achieve all this and more for Commerce and Trade.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM is a premier customer relationship management software suite that offers dedicated capabilities for Marketing, Sales and Service. These are flexible, fast and familiar to use and ensure companies of all sizes find it easy to work on them.

What does the CRM Management System help achieve? It helps develop profitable customer relationships. It helps address every query customers come up with, ensuring they are always given a convincing answer which puts all their worries to rest. It helps sell better ensuring that the cash coffers of the business always remain tight and leave no room for air to come in. Most importantly, this dynamic and decorated CRM for Small Businesses makes work seem less stressful which ensures employees of any organization have the time of their lives coming to work every day.

Australian companies can contact their nearest Microsoft Dynamics Partner in Australia for inquiries and perhaps, a possible implementation.

Meanwhile, given below are the modules the CRM Management System offers along with their benefits.

1. Marketing: This module provides Marketing professionals with data cleansing and segmentation tools along with campaign management features and insightful marketing analytics in order to help them increase the efficacy of their marketing programs and generate greater demand for their company’s products and services. This module also offers Key Performance Indicators to track everything right down to the minutest of details.

2. Sales: This module helps close deals faster. It also enables Sales Personnel to get a single view of the customer through advanced tools, ones that also help streamline and automate everyday sales processes which results in shorter sales cycles, higher close rates and higher customer retention. The tool helps get faster access to customer data so that the employee has more chances of succeeding than failing.

3. Service: Arguably the Best CRM for Small Businesses, MS Dynamics CRM helps set new benchmarks in delivering customer service. It delivers customer data, service history and support knowledge and case management within no time to customer service personnel in order to empower them to deliver efficient service. Through these, service personnel are always prepared to tackle customers and respond to their concerns and queries with greater confidence.

Australian Companies looking forward to keeping happy customers should immediately contact their nearest Microsoft Dynamics Partner in Australia for more on this.

Companies cannot help but write eulogies about Microsoft Dynamics Axapta. One of the most versatile ERP Software with diverse functionalities, Axapta:

1. Integrates seamlessly all front as well as back-end business activities
2. Helps connect and interact freely with vendors, partners, customers and employees
3. Delivers functionalities that help cut down on setbacks that one often might suffer in business, besides enhancing abilities that help take full advantage of available opportunities

MS Dynamics Axapta also helps:

1. Raise productivity by automating most business processes
2. Get most relevant insights which can be used further in business
3. Create fantastic user experiences with an easy to work on interface similar to Office and Outlook
4. Cut down on costs besides helping enhance performance and also increase revenue

Having a Microsoft Dynamics Implementation of the Axapta done would mean:

1. Necessary support for almost every administrative and operational process within the organization
2. Access to multiple capabilities which include Finance, Human Resources, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, Accounting, Project Management, Retail, Reporting & Business Intelligence

A Microsoft Dynamics Solution Provider in Australia will install and customize the Axapta such that it begins to suit the needs and requirements of a business to perfection. He will also account for regular and consistent Microsoft Dynamics Support.

For Manufacturing,

1. The Axapta can be tailored to suit business needs by delivering a low total cost of ownership
2. The Supply-Chain Models supported by the Axapta are build-to-order, engineer-to-order and build-to-forecast
3. The Manufacturing environment it suits best is the mixed-mode environment

MS Dynamics Axapta also helps make most out of global opportunities. The solution does this by:

1. Supporting High Transaction Rates and Thousands of Users across Multiple Sites.
2. Offering multi-language and multi-currency capabilities for more than 30 countries that help make most of whatever business opportunities that come along, both nationally and internationally.
3. Axapta offers capabilities in Financial Management, that help a Finance based organization consolidate accounts with subsidiaries as well as distribution centers globally.
4. Besides, employees of any Finance based organization can have full access to detailed analysis, accounting and reporting in accordance to their job positions.

Getting a Microsoft Dynamics Implementation of the Axapta done would also mean that:

1. The solution can accordingly be scaled up depending on how your business grows so that partners, customers, suppliers and employees can be better collaborated with.
2. Developers will be able to make all possible changes on one screen, accomplishing tasks such as designing, editing, compiling and debugging.
3. The solution being scalable means more functions can be added as the business grows along with additional business related capabilities.

The Axapta is suggested for those companies with more than $50 million in annual revenue and at least 20 employees on board. It should be implemented by a Microsoft Dynamics Solution Provider in Australia, who will also deliver Microsoft Dynamics Support post implementation.

Companies in need of the capabilities and benefits mentioned above should opt for the Axapta above everything. The benefits are maximum, the use incredible.

Microsoft Dynamics AX 7 is available on Microsoft Azure. It is also available on hybrid and on-premises. The localization portal helps channel partners and customers find country-specific information as far as localization features are concerned. Microsoft has also added a data migration toolkit to it.

Surprised? Well, Microsoft has left no stone unturned to make sure the AX 7 is the biggest and grandest so far among all AX upgrades given its reputation of being a premium ERP for enterprise-segment companies.

AX 2012 R3 featured altogether new capabilities for warehouse and transportation, retail and more importantly, tablet-based point of sale. Then AX 2012 Cumulative Update 9 had hotfixes, regulatory requirements, platform capabilities all in all offering a new user experience and the extended use of the Microsoft Dynamics Lifecycle Services.

So, AX 7 being bigger and better than its previous versions comes as no surprise as the Microsoft Dynamics ERP happens to be Microsoft’s premier enterprise resource planning solution offering always promoted as the answer to the woes nursed by big-wig organizations.

AX for Procurement and Sourcing and for Project Managers and Accountants and for Sales & Marketing and for Expense Management are testament to its multi-utility facet.

What are the key highlights of AX 7 on Azure?

1. AX 7 on Azure means that end users have the option of using as much or as less as they want to. The solution will also run on the Azure pack, which means that data will be identically packaged on both cloud as well as on-premises subsequently resulting in greater symmetry and lesser friction.

2. AX 7 features a new dashboard, which means that the workspace has been re-imagined as a panorama of colorful and pictured titles quickly allowing users to view to-do tasks, urgent actions and other work-related activities. Also, users will be able to share common activities with other end-users. The LCS Task Recorder will help record and explain tasks and keep other end-users informed. Besides, two browsers can be linked enabling users to collaborate side-by-side on a double screen.

3. AX 7 communicates with other Microsoft products by offering better interoperability with Visual Studio, Office 365, Power BI, SharePoint and Yammer.

If you happen to use MS Axapta, there could not be a better time than now to approach a MS Dynamics Partner for up gradation.

Most organizations across the world have startedmigrating from Microsoft Dynamics AX to MicrosoftDynamics 365 for Operations. This being the newest avatar of the premierenterprise-segment Microsoft Dynamics ERP, it is obvious that organizationswere bound to be curious going forward. Some though, still continue to work onthe most recent MS Axapta upgrade. Microsoft has made it pretty clear thatcompanies already using the most recent Microsoft AX upgrade can continue doingso and the moment they feel that Dynamics 365 for Operations beckons, they canplan a migration.

What all options are there for organizations interms of hosting the enterprise resourceplanning solution?

Companies that continue to use the currentversion of the premier enterprise segment ERP can consult with their nearest Microsoft Dynamics Partner in Australiaand will most likely be suggested 2 options.

1. Private Cloud: Hosting AXon Private Cloud means that companies get to enjoy higher levels of securityand customizations. They get access to greater resources at comparatively lowercosts. Private Cloud accounts for a better performance as the infrastructure isdedicated completely to the business and is not a shared service. Moreover,there are automatic and managed backups and upgrades. Also facilitated, isoffsite data storage to support business recovery and emergency contingencyplans. Some service providers also offer a hybrid option which can be combinedwith lower-cost solutions for greater flexibility.

2. Azure: Microsoft’s premierhosting option is another way of hosting AX, and just for the record, this canalso be used with Data Resolution. Compatibility or Configuration will not bean issue since Azure happens to be a Microsoft product and the nearest Microsoft Dynamics Partner can becontacted in case issues do arise. Some of the tools and services availablethrough Azure include the IoT Suite, Cognitive API, Bots, Machine Learning andseveral compliance offerings. When Azure is used alongside Data Resolution, companiescan increase data storage, keep adding users, have a single bill coming in forboth software and infrastructure, seek support 24/7 and store data acrossmultiple locations through robust Microsoft backbone server architecture.

Ultimately it is for you to decide whicharrangement suits you best. Whatever the case be, proceed accordingly.

The Power of the Cloud has been felt across the world. Organizations have realized the importance of having a powerful application or software crucial to the fortunes of their businesses hosted on cloud.The Microsoft CRM Application is one such application which has of late found takers on cloud.Implemented best by a Microsoft Dynamics Partner in Australia, CRM on Cloud offers a wide array of benefits companies will find hard to give a blind eye to.

1. It powers productivity in business to greater heights through feature-rich productivity tools.
2. It helps relieve the burden often endured by IT Departments that comes with managing and maintaining business systems.
3. Getting the Microsoft Dynamics Implementation done on Cloud ensures companies get to focus more on initiatives that help drive true competitive advantage.
4. The Cloud Version helps companies save the workload of a lengthy deployment and maintenance thereafter.
5. Customer Relationship Management Services can be delivered better than ever by companies as post implementation there will be strong support to help resolve whatever issues may arise to negate work disruptions.

The Cloud version of the Microsoft CRM Application helps get access to customer information through a highly familiar Microsoft Outlook type user interface. It helps out with other tasks as well, all possible through core modules.

1. The Marketing Module offers flexible segmentation tools along with insightful analytics, intuitive response tracking and simplified campaign management capabilities.
2. The Sales Module offers lead & opportunity tracking capabilities, streamlined approvals, real-time sales forecasts and full lead to cash visibility.
3. The Customer Service Module offers tools that help ease out on Case Management, Streamline Escalations, Improve on Knowledge Sharing and enable better Account Management.
4. There is Extended CRM as well, a functionality that accounts for a flexible framework to help organizations create custom business applications.

Microsoft Dynamics AX7 has the Retail Team at Microsoft introducing the Cloud POS, primarily an HTML5 Browser based Point of Sale Client. Cloud POS ushers in a new trend as far as Retail Systems are concerned operated across mobile and fixed devices.

The initial release of Cloud POS on MS Dynamics Axapta allows the device to act as a Clinteling station as far as retail sales and customer assisted sales are concerned. It is important to know that MS Axapta 7 web client is supported on Safari and Cloud POS will initially not be supported on the Apple iOS platform. But since the browser client is HTML 5, it does work in several scenarios. Microsoft has streamlined the activation process for one of the most successful Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta in order to extend support to IT Retail Administrators for self-service configuration.

The hardware station is in charge of running the rich modern POS application and gets configured with all peripherals and devices to bolster sales of receipt printers and card devices. In times to come, Microsoft is predicted to enhance Cloud POS by offering support to local devices that include mobile workstations and Pin Pads.

As far as activating pre-configuration is concerned, the nearest Microsoft Dynamics Partner in Fiji will get the job done. The steps for Cloud POS Activation have been enhanced in the latest upgrade of Microsoft Dynamics Axapta. The very first thing to do on MS Axapta is to setup a register. The very first step is to navigate to the Registers list page using Retail and Commerce, Channel Setup, POS Setup and Registers. The list page is then to be used to select and create a new register for further use of activation of a new device. The Configuration Status is a new feature altogether and selecting it will make a checklist pop up in the right window pane and this ought to be used for mentioning required configuration. It must be completed before the register is officially considered okay for use.

Graphs on the configuration status window of one of the most widely used Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta will show the completed steps in blue and the incomplete ones in green. The circles should be solid blue to be considered as 100 per cent complete. The moment the register is fully configured and approved users can navigate to Retail and Commerce, Channel Setup, POS Setup and Devices. As far as the device application type is concerned, the options available are Modern POS and Cloud POS.

As far as device activation is concerned, the routine distribution jobs have to be run to push configurations down to the channel database and once the steps have been completed, the Cloud POS Device can be activated. The very first time it is run on a device with the help of a Microsoft Dynamics Partner Fiji it automatically steps through the device activation wizard. Cloud POS can be launched from the Life Cycle Services project, Cloud Hosted Environments deployment generating Azure instance. The URL for the Retail Server gets automatically populated from the LCS launch URL. As soon as the “Get Started” button is clicked on, the Cloud POS Login Screen is presented.

As mentioned earlier, it is imperative that a Cloud POS Device be paired with a Hardware Station so that the transaction is fully completed. If the transaction is processed without any such pairing, proceedings will be halted through errors flashed on the screen.

Cloud POS is the epitome of the most exciting enhancement as far as MS DynamicsAX Retail is concerned. It installs with zero footprint and puts no additional installation burden on Retail IT Teams.

Is your business set to take on the world? Then, you need several sophisticated technologies in your arson to face the tough battle. For a business to grow and expand its operation, it is necessary to use tools like Microsoft Dynamics NAV. It provides your business with an easy ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solution to connect with the operations, accounting, purchase, sales, and stock management.

How do you know what is good for your business? The assistance of a partner is significant when choosing the right solutions for your business. Therefore, with the assistance of a Microsoft Dynamics NAV partner, you can automate your small or mid-size business with ease.

The Significance of Microsoft Dynamics NAV Partner- An Outlook

The success or failure of a project depends upon your choice of the partner. With an expert Microsoft Dynamics NAV partner, you can accomplish your business goals. The expert team understands your requirements and provides the right solution. So, the Microsoft Dynamics NAV partner in Liverpool offers you a highly flexible and business-critical solution to run your business smoothly. It is highly advantageous with the following merits-

1. The experts understand your specific business needs and develop a solution that is suited for you. The deep understanding can help find the right tools and process for a smooth functioning.

2. The experience and expertise of the team can provides an exceptional service that is cost-effective.

3. The dedicated team can work with you to clearly understand the Microsoft Dynamics NAV upgrade needed for your business. With an established agile project methodology, your business gets the successful upgrades to meet the demands of the market.

4. It also ensures quality assurance of high standards, continued technical support/advice, and enhancements.

By choosing the Microsoft Dynamics NAV partner in Liverpool, your business can grow profitably. The complete solution provided by the experts will simplify your operations, provide greater financial control, and enhance the visibility of your business and processes.

You also get the assistance for the Microsoft Dynamics NAV upgrade that aids you to stay in compliance with all the necessary business regulations. You can identify the business challenges and identify all the risks associated with the change. So, you need not feel overwhelmed with the implementation of ERP software for your business.

The perfect partner provides you the much-needed customized assistance to overcome challenges and register growth. With their help, you can apply the advanced software technology in your business to increase productivity and increase security as well as protection of your data. Therefore, you get ample opportunities to expand and grow your business in this highly competitive market.