Microsoft Dynamics AX

Microsoft mainstream support for Dynamics AX 2012 R3 ended on October 12, 2021. while the support for earlier versions of Dynamics AX ended before this date.

Does that mean that you can't get support for your Dynamics AX? No, we are still here to support you, and we have multiple customers who still operate their business with a Dynamics AX.

The short answer: Yes.

Depending on your needs, and the version of your Dynamics AX, we can either offer you a standardized solution, 9A Smart Insights, or we can help you build a custom reporting setup based on your needs.

Reach out and let us guide you.

Microsoft Dynamics AX has been split into Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management:
In 2017, Microsoft transformed Dynamics AX into the cloud-based Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations. This marked a significant step toward flexibility and scalability, offering a solution that works seamlessly in the cloud. Later, in 2020, Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations was further split into Dynamics 365 Finance and Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management.

This new structure allows businesses to utilize specific functionalities tailored to the unique needs of finance and supply chain processes while benefiting from the power of Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure.

Cloud versus on-premise: Microsoft has been heavily investing in cloud technology and moved the Dynamics products to the cloud years ago. The main difference between Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Dynamics AX is that Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based solution, accessible via a browser, while Dynamics AX is a desktop app primarily managed on-premise. This means AX is hosted locally on physical servers rather than in the cloud. Today, the cloud is everywhere in the modern workplace, which makes sense as it avoids costly investments in hardware, server rooms, local networks, management, and maintenance like with an on-premise solution.

Flexibility and mobility: With Dynamics 365, you have real-time data access anytime, anywhere. This modern, mobile experience ensures your team is always connected. Since Dynamics 365 runs in the cloud, it offers unmatched flexibility: you can easily enable or disable functionalities and seamlessly integrate with other Microsoft services like Office 365, BI, and CRM.

Look and feel: Dynamics AX feels like an outdated financial system. Microsoft Dynamics 365, on the other hand, is intuitive and user-friendly, fully focused on your user experience. You can completely tailor the design, such as color schemes and homepages, to meet your preferences.

Customization and reporting: Dynamics 365 allows you to fully customize workflows and reports to fit your unique business needs.

Regular updates: With Dynamics 365, you always have access to continuous updates and improvements without needing major migrations. Twice a year, Microsoft releases a major update, known as release waves, introducing all new features and improvements.

Maintaining a well-functioning ERP solution is crucial for any company. Although Dynamics AX is not the latest solution on the market, it can still be a robust and reliable option for your business. When deciding whether to invest further in Dynamics AX, consider the following factors:

• Duration of use: How long do you intend to stay on this ERP solution?
• Current performance: How well is the solution supporting your organization today?
• Implementation size: How extensive is your current implementation?
• Investment scale: How significant is the investment you are considering?
• Future costs: Will the investment be considered sunk costs if/when you shift to another ERP solution?

If you have a large implementation that is running fairly well and you plan to stay on this solution for several more years, it is advisable to continue investing in Dynamics AX to ensure it provides adequate support for your employees during this period.

Conversely, if you intend to switch to a new solution within the next few years, carefully evaluate the types of investments you are willing to make. Some improvements may be worthwhile due to their substantial impact on the business relative to the effort required, while others might facilitate the upcoming migration.

We always take the time to listen and understand your unique situation, ensuring we are equipped to guide you in the right direction.