Merit Matters Blog - Microsoft Dynamics AX

Streamline Project Management with Microsoft Dynamics AX

nospam@example.com (administrator) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 16:07:34 -0400

Microsoft Dynamics AX for project management and accounting helps managers gain increased financial control of both short-term and long-term projects, including long-term time and materials projects, internal projects, and fixed-price projects. ERP project management software also helps streamline information exchange with people working in the field by using the Internet.

Microsoft Dynamics AX also helps your people manage a broad range of other business areas, minimizing the need for multiple systems.

Set up and manage projects effectively. Set up your projects by identifying tasks, establishing start and end dates, and specifying load capacity. Schedule tasks for groups of work centers, administer budgets, and monitor status to anticipate and avoid potential delays.
Work smart and make decisions with greater confidence. Find, use, and share information quickly with RoleTailored access to business intelligence that helps you track your projects, evaluate status, monitor budgets, and analyze performance.
Control project costs and deliverables. Quickly analyze the financial performance of internal and external projects. Compare resources consumed and revenue earned for each project budget in real time.
Plan and administer complex projects with ease. Tight integration with Microsoft Office Project provides the detailed information you need to manage project resources effectively, regardless of project size.
Make your work flow smoothly. Allow employees, customers, vendors, and other business partners to interact directly with your ERP system. Offer access to relevant business information directly, and conduct business transactions through personalized, RoleTailored Web portals.

Streamline your project management and accounting processes with Microsoft Dynamics AX

Extending the Reach of Microsoft Dynamics AX with Limited Users

nospam@example.com (administrator) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:44:19 -0400

Businesses need solutions that reflect the way people really work – the tasks they perform, the information they use, the tools and formats that make sense for their individual jobs and that help them work more productively. The guiding principles behind Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions are designed to meet those needs. They are a foundation for a solution that offers a personalized user experience, and deep interoperability with the applications people use every day.

Microsoft Dynamics AX can fuel the personal impact everyone in an organization can bring to the table in a connected and consistent manner by driving personal productivity, collaboration and enhanced information. Users who only require limited functionality are now able to leverage many options to use the Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions. The introduction of the Light User license and the Employee Self Service User (ESS User) license allows customers to use the Microsoft Dynamics ERP solution, extending the benefits across the organization at a fraction of the full user prices.

You can now extend the reach of Microsoft Dynamics to virtually everyone in your organization. These access rights provide user interface choices when accessing Microsoft Dynamics by means other than the Rich Client User Interface, whether deploying a web-based experience or taking full advantage of the great interoperability with Microsoft® Office, Microsoft SharePoint® technology or any other third party applications. These licenses allow users through multiple client technologies to perform employee self-service processes, operational tasks through multiple devices, and reporting designed for people who are not full ERP users. Using Microsoft Office and Microsoft SharePoint client software to access Microsoft Dynamics means that people can work more productively with a familiar experience.

Demo: MAXLife for Microsoft Dynamics AX

nospam@example.com (administrator) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:53:27 -0400

View a demo of Merit Solutions' MAXLife solution, Life Sciences Software for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009. See how the Quality Control and Management Processes are completely integrated with production and sales order processes to assure product safety and quality throughout your distribution and production environments.

Microsoft Dynamics AX Out-of-the-Box Self Services BI

nospam@example.com (administrator) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:36:31 -0400

Another important factor in business productivity is Business Intelligence. What’s the point of having a business management system if it’s difficult to access, see, and use the data and information it contains? Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 makes Business Intelligence available to everyone in the organization and empowers employees with visibility across departments, real-time access to information, and comprehensive reporting tools. All of this adds up to greater insight and better decision-making.

For example, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 delivers 10 predefined data cubes for all major solution areas such as HRM, AP, AR, and CRM. This makes it easier for employees to do analyses themselves right from Excel or display key performance indicators and business overview in the Role Center. Employees are able to find, visualize, and understand key data with RoleTailored reports, performance dashboards, analytical views, predefined OLAP cubes, and integrated analysis and forecasting tools.

And the integration to Microsoft SharePoint delivers rich, enterprise-level BI capabilities. Reports can be customized more easily with a self-service tool that helps you organize, visualize, and share information. Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 is fully integrated with Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services and includes more than 120 rewritten or newly developed production SSRS reports.

And it’s easier for any user to extract and export data from forms in Microsoft Dynamics AX to Microsoft Excel and into pivot tables. Users can also export data from any list page in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 to Excel making analysis fast and the sharing of information more efficient.

You Want Microsoft Dynamics AX, But Corporate Has SAP?

nospam@example.com (administrator) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 10:40:19 -0400

In a lot of cases where SAP ERP is used at a company's corporate headquarters, we must demonstrate that it is often more cost effective to deploy Microsoft Dynamics AX than SAP All-in-One in the company's subsidiaries and regional offices.

Microsoft has recently made this business case more compelling with a new Microsoft Dynamics two-tier connector for SAP business scenarios. This connector accelerates two-tier enterprise resource planning (ERP) deployments between Microsoft Dynamics AX and SAP Business Suite. The connector enables IT organizations to use Microsoft Dynamics AX across subsidiaries, divisions or branch entities to facilitate cost-effective business process integration and easily connect with SAP installations at the corporate headquarters.

Specifically, the Microsoft Dynamics AX two-tier connector will enable common business process integration scenarios for headquarters and subsidiary locations, including the following:

Financial consolidation. The sharing and consolidation of detailed financial information from subsidiaries using Microsoft Dynamics AX can be automated and exposed through a central SAP installation, increasing visibility of financial performance across the organization.
Intercompany supply-chain integration. The integration of intercompany procurement and supply-chain processes between local and regional distribution with centralized fulfillment organizations helps facilitate automated order processing.
Plant automation. Integration of decentralized manufacturing operation processes into centrally orchestrated planning processes enables more accurate and responsive manufacturing planning across the organization.

According to a recent Software Insider’s Point of View survey of next-generation IT leaders, conducted by Altimeter Group analyst Ray Wang, 32 percent of survey respondents are now considering a two-tier ERP applications strategy over a single application deployment in their organizations. The survey results highlight the key drivers behind moving to a two-tier ERP approach, including the need for purpose-built or industry-focused solutions coupled with the fact that existing systems are too expensive to implement and upgrade at the subsidiary level. Subsequently, companies are deploying Microsoft Dynamics AX for its flexibility in global and vertical customizations and low total cost of ownership through integration with other Microsoft products.

For more information on the two-tier connector, view the press release:
Microsoft Introduces Microsoft Dynamics ERP Two-Tier Connector for SAP Business Scenarios

Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 Demo

nospam@example.com (administrator) — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:32:43 -0400

Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 provides a role-tailored interface that lets users access the data they need to make better decisions to manage and grow the business.

This demonstration of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 provides a look at the role-based interface design that enables users of Dynamics AX 2009 to navigate quickly to the functions that they need. Take a look at features such as the Dynamics Unified Work List, access to Business Analytics tools, and the Global Address Book.

View the demo:
Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 Overview

Staying Competitive in the Multi-Channel Distribution Industry

nospam@example.com (administrator) — Tue, 18 May 2010 14:29:17 -0400

Multi-channel distribution operations are becoming more complex, with ever-changing customer requirements, global and electronic marketplaces, multiple distribution channels, and compliance initiatives adding to the perennial challenges of delivering accurately and on time. Successfully meeting these challenges in ways that provide competitive advantage requires tight synchronization of business processes throughout the supply chain and across the entire enterprise.

True distribution effectiveness means streamlined processes and timely access to the information necessary for moving goods at maximum speeds. Operational efficiency is the key to increasing inventory turns, improving order fulfillment rates, reducing cycle time, and eliminating chargebacks.

This paper addresses business and technical decision-makers facing these issues for ambitious companies in which product distribution and transportation play key roles in daily operations and profitability.

Read the white paper:
Staying Competitive in the Multi-Channel Distribution Industry

Microsoft Dynamics AX for Pharmaceuticals

nospam@example.com (administrator) — Tue, 11 May 2010 10:30:40 -0400

From MAXLife's Life Matters blog:

MAXLife for Microsoft Dynamics AX gives Pharmaceutical manufacturing companies the tools needed to control costs while paying close attention to government regulations and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). MAXLife enables these companies to efficiently manage shelf life constraints, cost pressures, competition from generic and over-the-counter drugs, and strict regulatory requirements around manufacturing and product approvals. With integrate capabilities to meet regulatory requirements such as FDA 21 CFR Part 11, Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Compliance, Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), the Bioterrorism Act, and Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP), MAXLife enables pharma manufacturers to produce and ship the right product, at the right time, in full compliance with regulatory requirements.

Quality Control
Lot Traceability
Recall Procedures
Bin Management
Audit Trails / Electronic Signatures
… and more!

Learn more about MAXLife for Pharmaceuticals.

Is Microsoft Dynamics AX a Good Bet for a Long Term Solution?

nospam@example.com (administrator) — Thu, 06 May 2010 11:29:49 -0400

Selecting an ERP solution for your distribution company can feel like a major gamble. When choosing a software solution that will touch every part of your business operations, you want to make the safest bet for not only your business today but also for your company’s future. If you are considering Advanced Distribution for Microsoft Dynamics AX, you should know what the future holds for the product and what Microsoft is doing to ensure that it fits your needs today and helps you grow tomorrow.

With Microsoft Dynamics AX, you can be assured that you will have:

A product with a 5 year life-cycle plus an additional 5 years of support, with upgrades and updates included as long as you have a current enhancement plan
Influence on product innovation and input into future releases through customer communities and portals
Visibility into the future of the product through regularly released Statements of Direction

The most recent Microsoft Dynamics AX Statement of Direction lays out plans for the next 3 releases of AX which will take place over the next 8 years. Having just released AX 2009 last year, Microsoft is working on the development of AX ‘6’ and planning for a CY 2011 release. As they develop the product, they are focusing on:

Simplifying the entire application lifecycle of Microsoft Dynamics AX from implementation, customization, integration, usability, and maintenance to upgrade and performance to help lower the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Enhancing financial capabilities to support companies who operate in a global economy
Additional industry enabling functionality so that the tools within the system are even more cohesive with the business processes of distribution companies like yours
Providing best practices in areas like Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), Human Resources Management (HRM), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Expense Management, as well as a Compliance Center and Environmental Sustainability Dashboard
Supporting a Software plus Services environment to enhance business processes

Continue reading this post at the Advanced Distribution for Microsoft Dynamics AX site.

The Value of Microsoft Dynamics AX for Manufacturers

nospam@example.com (administrator) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 12:48:47 -0400

Manufacturers are under growing pressure to produce the right products at the right price in the right quantities — while meeting compliance standards and the evolving demands of customers. Traditionally, ERP has been the domain of large manufacturers that could deploy and support complex and rigid systems — beyond the reach of the mid-sized manufacturer. Microsoft and its partners has changed the equation by providing users with industry expertise, flexibility, role-based user interfaces, and functionality to provide greater visibility for decision making across manufacturing and supply chain processes.

Greater visibility enables manufacturers to focus less on the tactical pressures of the marketplace and more on innovation and strategic growth. Organizations moving from disparate or traditional paper-based systems are likely to achieve significant returns from Microsoft Dynamics AX in terms of productivity and visibility alone. Deployed properly, Microsoft Dynamics AX can deliver a positive ROI in fewer than 18 months.

Microsoft Dynamics AX helps manufacturers increase visibility and improve business operations, driving higher margins, greater productivity, and reduced costs.

Read the white paper:
The Value of Microsoft Dynamics AX for Manufacturers

Microsoft Dynamics AX versus SAP All-in-One: Role Tailored Design

nospam@example.com (administrator) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 08:43:30 -0500

Microsoft Dynamics' Role Tailored design enables people to cut through the clutter, delivering just the information they need, where and when they need it. Users can work effectively with an intuitive, RoleTailored user interface and Role Centers that help organize, prioritize, and access tasks and information from within a single window. Microsoft Dynamics AX delivers powerful business intelligence across your organization so that every individual in your organization can turn information into genuine insight, and insight into action. The solution provides quick, Role Tailored access to real-time data and a wide range of analytical and reporting tools—including graphical displays, online analytical processing (OLAP) cubes, and Web-based delivery options.

Here you see an example of a Role Center—one of the most powerful tools for delivering tailored, relevant BI. The Role Center is essentially a preconfigured home page that provides an overview of information and processes for a specific job role, including work lists, activities, frequently used links, and key business intelligence information. People can use their Role Centers to access information and processes and prioritize their work. They also can personalize them to fit their specific requirements. For instance, they can add KPIs or links to reports. This is an example of the Role Center for your CEO, Charlie.

In contrast, SAP has traditionally struggled with usability and is now promising a "Unified Interface" similar to the current interface in its Customer Relationship Management module. It will most likely take several quarters to release the interface for general availability. Meanwhile, SAP currently offers a family of user interfaces that can add extra work for IT to deploy and upgrade. While SAP is planning for the future, we deliver today.

Learn more about Microsoft Dynamics' role tailored design, Microsoft Dynamics Role Tailored Business Productivity, or about Microsoft Dynamics versus SAP.

Microsoft Dynamics AX versus SAP All-in-One: Ease of Customization

nospam@example.com (administrator) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 09:27:39 -0500

Microsoft Dynamics AX provides a layered architecture where partners and customers each have a layer where they can make customizations without disrupting each other‘s work. The independent layers make on-going changes and upgrades more manageable. One of the customization advantages of Microsoft Dynamics AX over All-in-One can be illustrated simply by changing the length of a field 'on the fly' and witnessing how all the related tables adapt to the change automatically. The architecture of Microsoft Dynamics AX allows users to make changes to properties such as field length and generate changes in minutes. Microsoft Dynamics AX customers can also quickly configure and activate out-of-the-box workflow templates without the need for IT/developer assistance. Business analysts can customize workflows with the easy to use workflow configurator and business rules editor.

This is not the case within SAP. SAP All-in-One is still thought to be too big, too expensive, too complex, and too slow. It has the same overhead and underlying complexity of SAP‘s large enterprise solution, SAP ERP 6.0. Managing business process changes is as complex as SAP ERP 6.0, and workflows can be overly complex for non-programmers. And while customers and partners can each have separate object ranges for customizations, they are still on the same layer which can lead to additional testing.

Learn more about Programmability in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009.

Microsoft Dynamics AX versus SAP All-in-One: Works like Office

nospam@example.com (administrator) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:47:52 -0500

This will be the first article in a series, discussing the benefits of Microsoft Dynamics AX versus SAP All-in-One. Today, we will start with our first benefit: Microsoft Dynamics AX works like and with Microsoft Office.

Microsoft Dynamics AX has been designed to provide a seamless user experience for handling both structured (Microsoft Dynamics) and unstructured data (Microsoft Office). With one click, employees can access information from Microsoft Dynamics AX using familiar programs like Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel. This close integration delivers a unique level of affordability and adaptability specifically for the typical jobs that people in mid-size organizations perform. This also helps customers to increase user adoption. And with our intuitive user interface, you can enhance usability while reducing learning curves and training costs. Low adoption rates and the high cost of deployment can leave SAP customers with unused licenses on the shelf.

Learn more about the benefits of combining Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 with Microsoft Office.

Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009: Integrated Collaboration

nospam@example.com (administrator) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:20:16 -0500

Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009's collaboration features can increase the efficiency and productivity of your company. Rather than users having to manually notify each other or look themselves for tasks requiring their attention, they will be notified automatically whenever a certain task requires some sort of action.

Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 enables Collaboration possibilities in a large number of ways:

The Alerts Management system enables users to create alert rules, they can either be data driven (like a record is created, a field value is changed, etc...) or time based (like the date is a number of days from delivery date on a purchase order). The alerts can trigger a pop-up notification on the screen, or an email can be sent to the user that needs to take action.

Emails can also be sent directly to desired users when executing a report. This can save time without needing to first generate the report as a file and then going to the email system to create an email and attach the file.

Unified Communications enables Microsoft Dynamics AX users to communicate directly with other users from inside the system. If a user wants to enter a dialog with a contact person of a particular customer, the user can right click on the contact person directly from inside Microsoft Dynamics AX and start a conversation in Communicator.

By embedding Windows Workflow Foundation in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009, processes of a company can be modeled as workflows in Microsoft Dynamics AX. As previously mentioned, users will be automatically notified every time their attention is required. When defining workflows, users are assigned to the different tasks/approvals within the workflows. It is also possible to create rules when the different activities should be executed or bypassed (like if a purchase order is below a certain amount no approval is required).

Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 combines the power of the Microsoft Office system with enterprise resource planning (ERP) capabilities and takes collaboration to the next level.

Microsoft Dynamics AX Migrations

nospam@example.com (administrator) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:05:19 -0500

We thought we would help out our colleagues over at the Development Matters Blog by linking to one of their current articles, Microsoft Dynamics AX Migrations.

This article discusses a couple of reasons how Merit Solutions can simplify your implementation and migration process to Microsoft Dynamics AX. If your company is using a legacy or outdated business management solution, you face clear challenges as your technology ages and your vendors discontinue support for those applications. You must make the crucial decision whether to upgrade to the next version of your current vendor's product or use this opportunity to migrate to an offering that may better meet your changing business needs.

Microsoft Dynamics AX—familiar, adaptable, and designed to be tailored to your individual requirements—is a powerful alternative if you need to upgrade from a business management solution that is becoming obsolete or has a support plan that is expiring.

Learn more by clicking through to the Microsoft Dynamics AX Migrations article, or check out the article, Be Ready for 2010 with Microsoft Dynamics.