Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Microsoft Dynamics Snap brings AX Data to the Extended Enterprise

Written By Jeff Onesto, Director of Business Development, ASi (Originally released on MSDynamicsWorld.com)

According to a recent report released by AMR Research entitled “The Enterprise Resource Planning” as much as 85% of an organization’s users do not have access to the corporate ERP system. Microsoft’s Office Business Applications (OBAs) is working hard to change this paradigm. The Microsoft Line-Of-Business-Interoperability (LOBi) strategy positions Microsoft Office as the front-end for accessing back-end ERP functionality.

For those not aware, Microsoft has already begun delivering some very interesting solutions around the Microsoft Dynamics AX solution via an OBA offering called Microsoft Dynamics Snap. These new snap-in programs are packaged as part of the Microsoft Dynamics Client for Office. Microsoft Dynamics Client for Office is available in either standard version using Windows SharePoint Services (WSS) or the premium version using Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS). The premium version adds a license of Office SharePoint Server 2007 which provides an integrated suite of server capabilities with comprehensive content management, search, business process management and information sharing.

The Microsoft Dynamics Client for Office allows AX data to be viewed by the extended enterprise (non AX users) via rich client Office Business Applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word. Theses snap-in programs are distributed on the Codeplex website (www.codeplex.com) under the Microsoft Public License Agreement. This license agreement is the least restrictive Microsoft source code license that allows partners and/or customers to view, modify and redistribute source code for either commercial or non-commercial purposes. The following AX snap-in programs are currently available for download:

• Business Data Search-Delivers powerful search capabilities that allow an information worker to search for information across Microsoft business systems including Microsoft Dynamics AX and SharePoint Server portals from within Microsoft Office Outlook as simple as searching email.

• Business Data Lookup - Allows business workers to use the Microsoft Dynamics AX task pane to search and browse Microsoft Dynamics AX data using Microsoft Office Word, Microsoft Office Excel or Outlook, and to copy selected data into Office 2007 documents or attach the Office documents to Microsoft Dynamics AX records.

• Timesheet Management - Allows users to use Microsoft Outlook to view or submit time entries for tasks that are performed on a periodic basis. This solution links Microsoft Dynamics AX time entries with Outlook appointments and meetings, automatically filling in the data and helping track changes the user makes to linked appointments or meetings.

• Vacation Management - Allows users to submit vacation requests using Microsoft Outlook. This triggers an e-mail to the approver, who can view details of the request along with the requestor’s vacation history, and approve or reject the request. The vacation time entry is then automatically updated into the Microsoft Dynamics AX time and attendance module.

• Expense Management-Allows an information worker to easily create, submit and approve or reject expense reports in SharePoint, without having to log into Microsoft Dynamics AX directly.

• Customer Journal -Enables a salesperson to take an offline InfoPath record of all pertinent customer information to a sales meeting, access that information from their desktop, revise that information as needed then synchronize their changes in the Microsoft Dynamics AX system once they are back online.

Lastly and in keeping with many companies ‘green’ directives, the latest AX snap-in program in development aims to help companies measure their carbon footprint as defined by the Global Reporting Institute (GRI). For those not familiar with GRI, this not-for profit governing body, made up of both corporate and individual members, is responsible for creating the Sustainability Reporting Framework (G3 Guidelines). These guidelines which includes, industry indicators, reporting guidance and required country-level disclosures have become the de-factor standards for environmental sustainability reporting. The new Microsoft Dynamics Environmental Sustainability Snap program will provide organizations visibility via dashboard to Core Environmental Performance Indicators (CEPI) such as Direct and Indirect Energy Consumption, and Direct, Indirect and Other Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Microsoft is doing some great things around connecting information workers to Microsoft Dynamics AX (Axapta). For more information regarding Microsoft Dynamics Snap solutions or other Microsoft Dynamics AX solutions, I always recommend starting with your partner. For more information about ASi, please see our website at www.advancedsystemsintegration.com.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Advanced Systems Integration (ASi) Grows Operations with Additional Microsoft Dynamics AX Master

Simon Sadri Joins ASi as Vice President of Operations


LAKE FOREST, CA – May 6, 2008 – Advanced Systems Integration (ASi) a Microsoft Dynamics AX Gold Certified Business Solutions and Learning Solutions Partner is pleased to announce the addition of certified Microsoft Dynamics AX Master, Simon Sadri, as Vice President of Operations.

Simon maintains a long lineage to Microsoft Dynamics AX (formerly Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta and Damgaard Axapta) having worked most recently for several key Microsoft Dynamics AX partners as well as beginning his career with Damgaard. Simon maintains multiple Microsoft Dynamics AX certifications including Microsoft Master, Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) and Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP).

Effective immediately, Simon will bring his years of Axapta experience and set of credentials to the ASi team and customer base. Simon will be responsible for the day-to-day inner workings of the company as well as many customer facing aspects such as service, delivery and customer satisfaction. Simon is dedicated to providing all ASi clients with superior customer service and value returned on each dollar invested in the Microsoft Dynamics AX platform. Simon noted, “My years of global company experience and managing complex projects has prepared me for my new role at ASi. I am very pleased to be working with such a dedicated team of AX professionals, developers and trainers.” Simon continues, “In my new role, I hope to bring an added vision for enabling ASi to up-the-anti for providing superior software service and training.”

“Simon comes to ASi with incredible credentials and superior industry knowledge,” says Jeff Onesto, Director of Business Development, ASi. “Simon’s addition will be instrumental as ASi expands its leadership position in the marketplace through on-going services and performance tuning of many of the most complex installations of Microsoft Dynamics AX in the U.S.”

Simon has earned his B.S. degree from University College of Gavle/Sandviken, Sweden in Software Engineering and a Masters degree in IT Management and Finance from the University of La Verne, California.

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 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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