Blog: ERP

What is Microsoft Dynamics AX (now Dynamics 365 Finance) and Why Should You Choose it?

Upgrade to Dynamics 365 Finance

November 9, 2021 - by Manoj Nair

Recent Microsoft Update

Dynamics AX has been a robust ERP solution, powering organizations with cutting-edge enterprise-grade capabilities for more than 10 years now. But the platform is no longer capable of meeting the evolving needs of modern enterprises. Since Microsoft understands the repercussions of relying on old technology systems to run the business, it ended mainstream support for Dynamics AX in April 2022 whilst driving continuous efforts towards enhancing the capabilities of cloud-based Dynamics 365 and making it suitable for the digital enterprise of today.

If you have invested in Dynamics AX and want to continue getting the most out of your existing Dynamics AX environment, it is natural to consider upgrading to the latest version of Dynamics 365 and get your hands on innovative, new-age features and benefits.

Synoptek Named as a Major Contender in MS Dynamics 365 Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2023

What is Microsoft Dynamics AX (now Dynamics 365 Finance)?

Microsoft Dynamics AX is a powerful ERP solution that helps global enterprises organize, automate, and optimize their processes. The platform is simple and intuitive to use and delivers quick ROI after implementation.

Microsoft Dynamics AX helps you take full advantage of new business opportunities across the globe through centralized financial management intelligence and embedded analytics. It also provides country-specific localizations in a single solution, helping your business meet regulations for dozens of countries, including high-growth markets such as Brazil, India, China, and Russia.

However, with Microsoft ending AX Support, organizations have started upgrading to Dynamics 365 Finance.

Here are the 5 Best Practices to Follow During a Dynamics AX Upgrade for a smooth and seamless upgrade.

Just in case you are still willing to continue with your traditional AX ERP, here are some key benefits of Microsoft Dynamics AX.

1. The Logistical Benefits of Microsoft Dynamics AX

Boost Customer Satisfaction

Dynamics AX helps optimize the flow of materials and goods through advanced logistics management, getting products into customers’ hands faster. Additionally, improve product quality by using real-time insights to resolve issues early. Microsoft Dynamics AX also offers connected order processes, enabling faster customer response times.

Gain Visibility

Dynamics AX efficiently tracks assets, reducing reporting errors, and automating where necessary. Data collection and predictive analytics give you valuable insights into every area of your supply chain.

2. The Operational Benefits of Microsoft Dynamics AX

Reduce Operational Costs

If you could minimize your company’s operational spending, why wouldn’t you? Dynamics AX offers financial process automation, encumbrance, budget planning control and even 3- way matching. Once you’ve implemented Dynamics AX, you’ll enjoy automation across your supply chain, which helps reduce procurement costs.

Increase Productivity

Dynamics AX helps your employees make smart, proactive decisions through intelligent, targeted systems. Microsoft Dynamics Role Tailored consolidates information- tasks, and insights relevant to specific jobs. Role Tailored includes automation, task prioritization, and integration capabilities. This puts resources at your employees’ fingertips, helping your people work better, faster, and smarter.

3. The Architectural Benefits of Dynamics AX

Scale Smoothly

With Dynamics AX, you can rapidly adapt your system to support your unique business requirements as you expand. Model-driven, layered architecture helps you easily develop and maintain unique business processes and upgrade to new releases.

You can simplify and accelerate deployment with instant-on capabilities to meet ever-changing business requirements. The architecture is flexible, so you can implement Microsoft Dynamics AX all at once or system-by-system. This reduces implementation times and deploys one business scenario at a time.

Take Advantage of Additional Microsoft Software with Dynamics AX

With Dynamics AX, you also gain access to additional Microsoft software. To get the most out of the product, connect with other enterprise offerings like applications and communication platforms, either on-premises or in the Cloud. This connectivity will lead to better communication and collaboration across your organization.

4. The Industry-Specific Benefits of Microsoft Dynamics AX

Dynamics AX has built-in industry capabilities for manufacturing, distribution, services, retail, the public sector, and more. Consider the following examples for retail and manufacturing:

Dynamics AX for Retail and Distribution

Dynamics AX streamlines multichannel management, store operations, merchandising, and financial processing to create a better user experience for you and your customers. With solutions for retail, you can:

Connect with Customers: Reach customers how, when, and where they shop with omnichannel control, no matter where they are.

Provide Excellent Service: Promote customer engagement and productivity through real-time insights and complete order management.

Scale Easily: Grow your E-commerce business seamlessly with Dynamics AX’s agile, omnichannel solution.

Dynamics AX for Manufacturing

Dynamics AX helps you compete in the global manufacturing game, providing operational and customer service solutions. Manufacturing solutions enable you to:

Address Changing Customer Needs: Customers’ needs are constantly evolving, so a flexible, scalable, agile platform like Dynamics AX is vital for growth.

Increase Efficiency: Gain visibility and streamline internal processes to speed up time-to-market and enable responsive customer service.

Empower Your Employees: Help your employees do the best possible job by providing them with an ERP platform tailored to the needs that can grow and scale with them.

Final Thoughts on Microsoft Dynamics AX

Microsoft Dynamics AX helps improve your organization’s financial performance, reduce costs, and increase revenue. By connecting partners, customers, and employees through the Cloud, Microsoft Dynamics AX provides businesses with a competitive edge that enhances security and customer experiences.

But as support for Dynamics AX has ended, you need to plan your migration journey today. Here’s how you can do it.

White Paper: Migrating from Dynamics On-premise to Dynamics Cloud
 

If you still have concerns or if you’re unsure of how you can move from Dynamics AX to Dynamics 365, you can take our 2-Day Envisioning Assessment and get answers to all your questions.