Written By Jeff Onesto, Director of Business Development, ASi (Originally released on MSDynamicsWorld.com)
The new release of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 is an exciting development in DAX ERP sophistication and advancement. So it is not surprising that much is being said about all the new features and functions of Microsoft Dynamics AX2009. But it is important for businesses to remember that an organization’s competitive advantage includes both people and business processes and NOT ONLY the number of available ERP features and functions.
I have personally been involved in situations where both customers and partners have cited the lack of ERP functionality as a primary cause for implementation troubles. However, the key to successful implementations is knowing how to leverage available features with desired process automation – this is where true value is created.
Interestingly, Microsoft, like both SAP and Oracle, has signed an agreement with Business Process Management (BPM) leader, IDS Sheer, and publisher of the ARIS BPM Platform. The next generation of model-driven architecture codenamed ‘Oslo’ will leverage the work done by IDS Sheer via BizTalk server. I see many companies struggling with non-key business processes such as financial close, material requirements planning and order-allocation which are necessary building blocks for competitive advantages such as new product development, customer service and supply chain planning.
• If you can’t close your books – how do you know what products to produce?
• If you can’t accurately forecast demand and maintain acceptable inventory accuracy levels – how are you going to satisfy customer orders?
• If you can’t provide raw material inventory visibility or transmit the necessary EDI documents to supply chain partners – how are you going to lower inventory carrying costs and increase overall profitability?
This model driven architectural concept is great news for Microsoft Dynamics AX customers but what do companies do about improving their existing systems? It is critical for companies to continually ‘invest’ in their business process as they upgrade or improve their systems. If you are on DAX 4.0 or earlier there is much you can begin doing now before upgrading to Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009. First, begin with an honest self-assessment regarding how your organization compares with other mid-market ‘best in class’ organizations in basic areas of Use of Technology and Business Process Automation. The following metrics were taken from the 2007 Aberdeen Group Sector Insights Report:
Mid-Market Direct Access to ERP Data by Business Role:
• C-Level: 85% have direct access
• VP-Level: 50%
• Director-Level: 64%
• Manager-Level: 82%
• Other-Level: 55%
Mid-Market Automated (Workflow) Enabled Communication:
• Intra-Company Communication (Between departments/function) 27%
• External Communication (Between customers/partners) 23%
(Note: Mid-Market is defined at organizations with sales revenue between $50.0M -$1.0B)
Depending upon how you score you might consider reviewing the Dynamics Client for Office solution to improve direct access to ERP data (see my May article, Microsoft Dynamics Snap brings AX Data to the Extended Enterprise). In the area of automated communication, I would suggest you become familiar with Windows Workflow Foundation (WWF). True market leaders are constantly seeking the best talent and identifying and optimizing their key business processes/competitive advantages. Many of these organizations have created Centers-Of-Excellence (COE) on how to apply business processes and when to modify them and leverage technology to quickly deploy them. Becoming ‘best in class’ takes a serious investment in human resources both in time and effort. For ‘best in class’ organizations, new features and functionality are really ‘just icing on the cake’.
For more information on Microsoft Model-Driven Architecture see http://www.microsoft.com/soa/products/oslo.aspx and for more information on Advanced Systems Integration (ASi) see our website at http://www.advancedsystemsintegration.com.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Advanced Systems Integration (ASi) Partners with the AXUG (Dynamics AX User Group)
ASi selected as an AXUG implementation partner and sponsors upcoming 2008 AXUG User Summit
LAKE FOREST, CA – June 10, 2008 – Advanced Systems Integration (ASi) a Microsoft Dynamics AX Gold Certified Business Solutions and Learning Solutions Partner has announced it has been selected to join the AXUG (Dynamics AX User Group) as an implementation partner and will also be a gold sponsor at the upcoming AXUG User Summit in Las Vegas, NV from September 17-19, 2008. The AXUG is a Microsoft Dynamics AX (formerly Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta) user-based forum that was created to offer insight, support and knowledge exchange for organizations sharing a common interest of optimizing their Microsoft Dynamics AX usage.
As a partner of the AXUG, ASi seeks to support its existing clients already AXUG members as well as serve as a product or subject-matter expert when needed for such matters as training, system optimization, and upgrade and data migration. ASi has built its reputation and customer base through its commitment to service and knowledge. ASi has implemented and helped optimize some of the largest AX projects in the U.S. ASi specializes in mid-to-large sized manufacturing and distribution companies. ASi maintains a deep expertise in the manufacturing and consumer goods vertical which includes apparel and footwear, life sciences, and action sports. Also, ASi is one of the only Microsoft Business Solutions AX partners to have earned the Learning Solutions training designation. This additional distinction ensures the Microsoft Dynamics AX user that the training and courses offered by ASi are Microsoft Certified which includes the use of certified courseware and trainers (MCT).
Simon Sadri, Vice President of Operations at ASi, is particularly encouraged about the timing of ASi’s involvement with the AXUG as Microsoft is set to launch its newest version Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009. Simon commented, “This is an especially important time for DAX users as Microsoft launches its newest version, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009, this summer. Users running DAX 3.0 will now have the option to skip a product version and move directly to the latest release. But, determining the ‘should we upgrade’ and the ‘when/how to upgrade’ will be a critical element for most companies when reviewing the new product version.” Simon continues, “ASi has always offered its clients superior service and ‘true Axapta expertise’ dating back to the original Damgaard days, and with the new AXUG partnership, ASi plans to maintain its role as a product expert and a source for Axapta knowledge.”
About ASi: Advanced Systems Integration, Inc. is a Gold Certified Microsoft Dynamics™ AX and Learning Solutions partner founded in 1991 that delivers comprehensive enterprise class applications that improve customer relations, enhance partner collaboration and create efficiencies across supply chains and business operations. ASi also offers industry specific extensions integrated with Microsoft Dynamics AX platform (formerly Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta). ASi uses its industry focus, enterprise software domain expertise and transparent agile implementation methodology to provide its clients an enterprise class solution that is implemented properly the first time. ASi is based in Lake Forest, CA and has sales offices strategically located throughout the United States. Please visit the company’s web site at www.advancedsystemsintegration.com.
About AXUG: The Dynamics AX User Group (AXUG) is an association of companies sharing the common interest of optimizing their usage of Microsoft Dynamics AX. AXUG is independent of Microsoft. This independent community of users gets together (remotely and face-to-face) via conferences, virtual tools, and programs to exchange knowledge and best practices. The AXUG is under Dynamics Communities. Dynamics Communities is the administrative organization behind other professional associations and software user groups including the Dynamics AX User Group (AXUG), the Dynamics GP User Group (GPUG), the Dynamics CRM User Group (CRMUG), and the Dynamics NAV User Group (NAVUG). Learn more at: http://axug.com/
About Microsoft Dynamics AX: Microsoft Dynamics AX is an adaptable business management solution that enables companies and their workers to make business decisions with greater confidence. Microsoft Dynamics AX works like and with familiar Microsoft Office software, with comprehensive features that help automate and streamline business processes, and connect users with global customers, business partners and subsidiaries in a way that helps drive business success.
http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/ax/default.mspx.
About Microsoft: Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. www.microsoft.com
For more information on this release, please contact:
Lisa Aschenbrenner
Marketing Manager
Advanced Systems Integration, Inc.
(949) 597-2170
lisaa@advancedsystemsintegration.com
###
LAKE FOREST, CA – June 10, 2008 – Advanced Systems Integration (ASi) a Microsoft Dynamics AX Gold Certified Business Solutions and Learning Solutions Partner has announced it has been selected to join the AXUG (Dynamics AX User Group) as an implementation partner and will also be a gold sponsor at the upcoming AXUG User Summit in Las Vegas, NV from September 17-19, 2008. The AXUG is a Microsoft Dynamics AX (formerly Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta) user-based forum that was created to offer insight, support and knowledge exchange for organizations sharing a common interest of optimizing their Microsoft Dynamics AX usage.
As a partner of the AXUG, ASi seeks to support its existing clients already AXUG members as well as serve as a product or subject-matter expert when needed for such matters as training, system optimization, and upgrade and data migration. ASi has built its reputation and customer base through its commitment to service and knowledge. ASi has implemented and helped optimize some of the largest AX projects in the U.S. ASi specializes in mid-to-large sized manufacturing and distribution companies. ASi maintains a deep expertise in the manufacturing and consumer goods vertical which includes apparel and footwear, life sciences, and action sports. Also, ASi is one of the only Microsoft Business Solutions AX partners to have earned the Learning Solutions training designation. This additional distinction ensures the Microsoft Dynamics AX user that the training and courses offered by ASi are Microsoft Certified which includes the use of certified courseware and trainers (MCT).
Simon Sadri, Vice President of Operations at ASi, is particularly encouraged about the timing of ASi’s involvement with the AXUG as Microsoft is set to launch its newest version Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009. Simon commented, “This is an especially important time for DAX users as Microsoft launches its newest version, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009, this summer. Users running DAX 3.0 will now have the option to skip a product version and move directly to the latest release. But, determining the ‘should we upgrade’ and the ‘when/how to upgrade’ will be a critical element for most companies when reviewing the new product version.” Simon continues, “ASi has always offered its clients superior service and ‘true Axapta expertise’ dating back to the original Damgaard days, and with the new AXUG partnership, ASi plans to maintain its role as a product expert and a source for Axapta knowledge.”
About ASi: Advanced Systems Integration, Inc. is a Gold Certified Microsoft Dynamics™ AX and Learning Solutions partner founded in 1991 that delivers comprehensive enterprise class applications that improve customer relations, enhance partner collaboration and create efficiencies across supply chains and business operations. ASi also offers industry specific extensions integrated with Microsoft Dynamics AX platform (formerly Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta). ASi uses its industry focus, enterprise software domain expertise and transparent agile implementation methodology to provide its clients an enterprise class solution that is implemented properly the first time. ASi is based in Lake Forest, CA and has sales offices strategically located throughout the United States. Please visit the company’s web site at www.advancedsystemsintegration.com.
About AXUG: The Dynamics AX User Group (AXUG) is an association of companies sharing the common interest of optimizing their usage of Microsoft Dynamics AX. AXUG is independent of Microsoft. This independent community of users gets together (remotely and face-to-face) via conferences, virtual tools, and programs to exchange knowledge and best practices. The AXUG is under Dynamics Communities. Dynamics Communities is the administrative organization behind other professional associations and software user groups including the Dynamics AX User Group (AXUG), the Dynamics GP User Group (GPUG), the Dynamics CRM User Group (CRMUG), and the Dynamics NAV User Group (NAVUG). Learn more at: http://axug.com/
About Microsoft Dynamics AX: Microsoft Dynamics AX is an adaptable business management solution that enables companies and their workers to make business decisions with greater confidence. Microsoft Dynamics AX works like and with familiar Microsoft Office software, with comprehensive features that help automate and streamline business processes, and connect users with global customers, business partners and subsidiaries in a way that helps drive business success.
http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/ax/default.mspx.
About Microsoft: Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. www.microsoft.com
For more information on this release, please contact:
Lisa Aschenbrenner
Marketing Manager
Advanced Systems Integration, Inc.
(949) 597-2170
lisaa@advancedsystemsintegration.com
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