AX FAQ’s
What is Microsoft Dynamics AX2009?
It’s the latest release of their Business Management ERP system. More can be found about what it does here. Previous versions were known as Dynamics AX and Axapta.
What is ERP?
ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning – basically it is a business system that can cover most, or all, of the activities you carry out in your business. The benefit being that you don’t have to enter the same data into many different systems therefore time is saved, accuracy is improved and the whole business runs more effectively. It’s a whole lot more complicated than this but it’s a start.
It’s software then - can I install it myself?
You could. However, the software is designed to be very flexible and allows you to use it in many different ways. Expertise is needed to translate the needs of your business into how the system is configured. Generally consultants that have many years of experience in the software, but more importantly business, can help you get the best out of the system by mapping your business processes and configuring the software. More importantly they will train you and your people to use it to get the best value from it.
I heard ERP isn’t very flexible and I have to run my business the way it says – isn’t it a bit like the tail wagging the dog?
The truth is that most ERP systems have business processes that could be interpreted as not being very flexible. However, the thing to remember is that these systems are in many businesses around the world and tend to reflect how they are used – so in many cases this is simply best practice – and is good to use within your business.
But I have special processes and ways of doing business that differentiates me from my competitors – won’t I lose that if I use an ERP system?
It depends on which one you use. Some ERP vendors think that they certainly know best and will only give you the option of implanting a ‘vanilla’ solution (straight out of the box) with no opportunity for change. This can either result in you using the system like other users, maybe your competitors, or working outside of the system for those things that are unique, and special, to you.
Other vendors (and of course this includes Microsoft!) allow you to develop and modify your system so it genuinely reflects the unique way you do business. What’s more, it’s your ideas and software so it won’t be given to your competitors (of course you could sell it to them!).
But doesn’t that mean I then end up having a unique system that can’t be updated because I made loads of changes to it?
With some vendors products this might be true – but with Microsoft Dynamics AX2009 it isn’t. There are several ‘layers’ within the application that allow you to develop your own code without touching the underlying code and functionality of the system This makes upgrading to a later product a great deal easier – meaning that you get the benefit of an improving product release and the retention of your differentiating knowledge.
So, I can write my own software!?
Yes, you can. And, No, you don’t have to (unless you want to). You can find Microsoft Dynamics AX Partners, including us, who will work with you to develop the software that will reflect the way your business is unique. We will work with your people and translate those needs into your implementation so you can do business the way you want.
What is a Microsoft Partner?
It is an organisation that has been recognised by Microsoft as having particular skills and/or products that bring value to the Microsoft world. To be a Certified Partner you have to prove that your people are qualified to support the Microsoft products and demonstrate to Microsoft that you have customers that are satisfied with your services (amongst a few other things).
And a Gold Partner?
That’s a Partner who has reached a level of attainment and commitment that is recognised by Microsoft as being of the highest standards. It isn’t easy to attain, it isn’t easy to keep.
Neustro is a Microsoft Gold Partner!