The concept of "Managed Services" is not new. As a matter of fact, many companies have come to the stark reality that creating and maintaining an internal Center of Excellence (COE) is a bit like chasing your tail.
And just when you think you have a handle on the application, out comes a new version and back to square one -- or maybe square two if you are lucky. Also, don't forget about employee turnover and the fierce competition with larger companies and deeper pockets for attracting and holding any A-Grade talent. Is this really the best use of company time and resources? Yet on the flip side, ERP should be the backbone of you company and outsourcing that knowledge can't be good, right?
Having been on both the delivery side and the operational side throughout my career, I have become a strong believer in managed services. True sustainable competitive advantages, in my opinion, are only achieved in the areas of domain expertise, intellectual property, product innovation, people, speed-to-market, integrated supply chains, customer service, and not necessarily from ERP maintenance. The more difficult the business process is to copy, the more significant the advantage.
The X++ code, in the case of Microsoft Dynamics AX (formerly Microsoft Business Solutions, Axapta), and application settings are easily duplicated and, therefore, will not solely keep out your competition. In fact, many of the mid-market solutions from SAP/Oracle are nothing more than copies of larger enterprise deployments that have been allegedly certified by the publisher. The reason why this works in some situations is that the product supply chain for a $1.0B consumer products distributor can and often may look very similar to the product supply chain of a $250M consumer products distributor.
A key challenge for many companies is freeing up resources to use ERP to build on existing competitive advantages. What follows are key considerations in using managed services to free up resources or costs:
1. Does the partner offer flexible packages (remote application support, infrastructure support and/or total support)?
2. Does the partner support one ERP solution or many solutions?
3. Does the partner have relevant industry expertise?
4. Does the partner use outside contractors or can they demonstrate continuity of service and employee tenure?
5. Does the partner have experience servicing publically traded companies subject to SAS70 and Sarbanes Oxley 404/302?
6. Does the partner have a history of doing the right thing?
The value of managed service offering is having access to a team of subject matter experts that have years of relevant, proven experience delivering tangible return on investment for your specific business application. As the US economy contracts at unprecedented levels, many companies are rethinking their competitive advantages. Outsourcing some or all of your Microsoft Dynamics AX support needs just may free up additional time and resources necessary to rethink your distribution strategy, lean out your global supply chain, or increase your level of customer service allowing your business to gain a true competitive advantage.
About Advanced Systems Integration Inc.
Advanced Systems Integration, Inc.(ASi) is a Gold Certified Microsoft Dynamics AX and Learning Solutions partner founded in 1991. ASi 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 solution. Based in Orange County, California, ASi serves the Southern California greater area including the counties of San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside and San Bernardino. Please visit the company’s web site at www.advancedsystemsintegration.com.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
For Microsoft Dynamics AX Partners, Certification Requirements Are Good, But Giving the Power to the Customer May Prove Better….
In a heated conversation with analysts this week, SAP's co-CEO said, in effect, "SAP will step over system integrators to save a project. I find it shocking that people are walking around talking to customers who have little certification and little to no experience on the application."
Recent consolidation and alignment within the enterprise software industry almost assuredly guarantees that topics such as these are not isolated within one software channel. However, I can't imagine Microsoft stepping in to save a failing implementation, but I would not be surprised to find Steve Ballmer (CEO, Microsoft) soon addressing the same type of issues within its customer base. After all, most Microsoft Dynamics AX (formerly Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta) customers have migrated from or evaluated at least one of the enterprise business applications from SAP or Oracle in the past.
For starters let's review the base level partner requirements for the Microsoft Business Solutions Dynamics AX competency.
Employ (or contract) with 1 or more individuals who, combined, must complete and pass the following 5 exams:
Microsoft Dynamics AX Development Introduction
Microsoft Dynamics AX Financials
Microsoft Dynamics AX Installation and Configuration
Microsoft Dynamics AX Trade and Logistics
Microsoft Exam 70-431-TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 - Implementation and Maintenance or Microsoft Exam 70-432-TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008
Customer Reference Requirement:
Submit at least 3 customer references, each featuring the implementation, deployment, customization, or maintenance of Microsoft Dynamics AX.
These requirements are not terribly difficult to achieve, so many partners, including Advanced Systems Integration (ASI),have also met the additional qualifications necessary to earn the Gold Certification designation. The qualifications or points can come from a variety of sources, such as additional references, sales revenue, additional exams (not necessarily Microsoft Dynamics AX), tested and certified products such as our Apparel & Footwear Solution (AFS) for Microsoft Dynamics AX, or even additional Microsoft competencies such as our Independent Software Vendor (ISV), SOA & Business Process and Certified Partner for Learning Solutions (CPLS).
The Microsoft Partner program's flexibility creates diversity among partners, and hence, not all Gold partners are equal. Yet, the current partner search engine and program have been criticized for not providing better key engagement metrics about the partner and customer references such as:
Transaction Volume
Customization Type
Deployment Scope
Transaction Types
Customization Complexity
Utilization of 3rd Party Resources (Partner)
# of Concurrent Users
Interface Complexity
Deployment Environment
Industry Experience (Partner)
Length of Experience (Partner)
Related References (Partner)
Essentially, potential customers want to know more and real information about a partner. So it is not too surprising that behind the scenes, Microsoft is gettingready to put the power into the hands of the people with a new Web 2.0marketplace called Pinpoint. Pinpoint attempts to close the gap between customers and finding the right partner. It is scheduled to go live sometime in early 2009.This new and dynamic partner search portal will offer a clean inviting interface, intuitive search, customer reviews and the ability to rate the partners pricing, responsiveness, customer service, product quality and level of expertise. The social media tools such as Facebook and Twitter are rapidly becoming a very popular way to quickly and informally disseminate customer experiences - both good and bad. For partners like Advanced Systems Integration (ASi) who have always operated in an "open kimono" fashion, this new approach should be powerful. For partners who are not as accustom to operating as such, the winds of change are coming and it's time for the people to be heard.
About Advanced Systems Integration Inc.
Advanced Systems Integration, Inc.(ASi) is a Gold Certified Microsoft Dynamics AX and Learning Solutions partner founded in 1991. ASi 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 solution. Based in Orange County, California, ASi serves the Southern California greater area including the counties of San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside and San Bernardino. Please visit the company’s web site at www.advancedsystemsintegration.com.
Recent consolidation and alignment within the enterprise software industry almost assuredly guarantees that topics such as these are not isolated within one software channel. However, I can't imagine Microsoft stepping in to save a failing implementation, but I would not be surprised to find Steve Ballmer (CEO, Microsoft) soon addressing the same type of issues within its customer base. After all, most Microsoft Dynamics AX (formerly Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta) customers have migrated from or evaluated at least one of the enterprise business applications from SAP or Oracle in the past.
For starters let's review the base level partner requirements for the Microsoft Business Solutions Dynamics AX competency.
Employ (or contract) with 1 or more individuals who, combined, must complete and pass the following 5 exams:
Microsoft Dynamics AX Development Introduction
Microsoft Dynamics AX Financials
Microsoft Dynamics AX Installation and Configuration
Microsoft Dynamics AX Trade and Logistics
Microsoft Exam 70-431-TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 - Implementation and Maintenance or Microsoft Exam 70-432-TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008
Customer Reference Requirement:
Submit at least 3 customer references, each featuring the implementation, deployment, customization, or maintenance of Microsoft Dynamics AX.
These requirements are not terribly difficult to achieve, so many partners, including Advanced Systems Integration (ASI),have also met the additional qualifications necessary to earn the Gold Certification designation. The qualifications or points can come from a variety of sources, such as additional references, sales revenue, additional exams (not necessarily Microsoft Dynamics AX), tested and certified products such as our Apparel & Footwear Solution (AFS) for Microsoft Dynamics AX, or even additional Microsoft competencies such as our Independent Software Vendor (ISV), SOA & Business Process and Certified Partner for Learning Solutions (CPLS).
The Microsoft Partner program's flexibility creates diversity among partners, and hence, not all Gold partners are equal. Yet, the current partner search engine and program have been criticized for not providing better key engagement metrics about the partner and customer references such as:
Transaction Volume
Customization Type
Deployment Scope
Transaction Types
Customization Complexity
Utilization of 3rd Party Resources (Partner)
# of Concurrent Users
Interface Complexity
Deployment Environment
Industry Experience (Partner)
Length of Experience (Partner)
Related References (Partner)
Essentially, potential customers want to know more and real information about a partner. So it is not too surprising that behind the scenes, Microsoft is gettingready to put the power into the hands of the people with a new Web 2.0marketplace called Pinpoint. Pinpoint attempts to close the gap between customers and finding the right partner. It is scheduled to go live sometime in early 2009.This new and dynamic partner search portal will offer a clean inviting interface, intuitive search, customer reviews and the ability to rate the partners pricing, responsiveness, customer service, product quality and level of expertise. The social media tools such as Facebook and Twitter are rapidly becoming a very popular way to quickly and informally disseminate customer experiences - both good and bad. For partners like Advanced Systems Integration (ASi) who have always operated in an "open kimono" fashion, this new approach should be powerful. For partners who are not as accustom to operating as such, the winds of change are coming and it's time for the people to be heard.
About Advanced Systems Integration Inc.
Advanced Systems Integration, Inc.(ASi) is a Gold Certified Microsoft Dynamics AX and Learning Solutions partner founded in 1991. ASi 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 solution. Based in Orange County, California, ASi serves the Southern California greater area including the counties of San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside and San Bernardino. Please visit the company’s web site at www.advancedsystemsintegration.com.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Solar Power, Inc. and Advanced Systems Integration Use Microsoft Dynamics AX to Connect Overseas Supply Chain
Vertically Integrated Solar Power Solutions Provider, Solar Power, Inc. Manages Global Operations with Microsoft Dynamics AX
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LAKE FOREST, CA – February 3, 2009 – Advanced Systems Integration (ASi) is pleased to announce the selection of Microsoft Dynamics AX (formerly Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta) by Solar Power, Inc. (“SPI”) (OTCBB: SOPW). Microsoft Dynamics AX was selected by Solar Power, Inc. to better power its worldwide operations.
Solar Power, Inc., headquartered in Roseville, California, is a vertically integrated manufacturer, designer, and installer of Photovoltaic (PV) solar electric energy solutions and related components. The company sells and installs commercial and residential photovoltaic solar electricity systems within the United States. Residential customers are served by a growing franchise network of Yes! Solar SolutionsTM retail stores. Large commercial systems, like the one the company recently installed at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, are sold by Solar Power, Inc. SPI also sells its products throughout Asia and Europe to a network of turnkey distributors.
Chief Information Officer (CIO), Bob Wood, at SPI commented, “We needed a business application that was easy to use. It needed to be very scalable, highly configurable and provide the necessary tools to automate our entire global operations from design to build. After rigorous evaluations we selected Microsoft Dynamics AX.”
Microsoft Dynamics AX is multi-language, multi-currency, enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform built entirely on Microsoft technology. With native customer relationship management (CRM) and supply chain management (SCM) functionality, Microsoft Dynamics AX provides manufacturers, distributors or service-based organizations the necessary tools to profitably manage their business. Solar Power foresees the following benefits from its implementation of Microsoft Dynamics AX:
Support for growth. One of the primary objectives of the implementation is to provide Solar Power, Inc. with a technology that will allow management considerable growth.
Improved reporting. Microsoft Dynamics AX will enable the company to produce statutory accounting and management information more rapidly than before, allowing management to make business decisions that are more timely and effective.
Accuracy of data. Instead of relying on spreadsheets and multiple systems and processes, Solar Power, Inc. will take advantage of the Microsoft Dynamics AX capability to integrate many routines into one, eliminating repetitive data entry and thereby increasing accuracy.
Better planning. Both business planning and resources planning are expected to improve with Solar Power, Inc.’s new Microsoft technology.
More efficient supply chain management. Now it will be automated to a large extent, providing the company with the capability to support the larger and more complex manufacturing processes that it anticipates.
Solar Power, Inc. reviewed several channel partners before selecting Advanced Systems Integration. The company’s Controller, Peggy Jett, added, “We evaluated multiple partners and selected Advanced Systems Integration (ASi) because of their deep understanding of Microsoft Dynamics AX including project accounting and their familiarity with construction industry standards.”
Jeff Onesto, Director of Business Development at ASi, concluded, “We are extremely proud to have been chosen by Solar Power as their implementation partner in North America. As one of the original Damgaard Partners in the U.S. and supporting an estimated 1,500 concurrent users across North America, our team’s reputation for deployment success and doing the right thing without excuses the first time, has created on-going demand for our services and has enabled our customer base to expand even during this tough financial slowdown.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About Solar Power, Inc
Founded in 2005, Solar Power, Inc. (OTCBB: SOPW) is a vertically integrated solar energy solution provider offering the North American residential, commercial and public sector building markets a complete solution through a single brand. Solar Power, Inc. provides turn-key, design-build solutions through its Roseville, CA headquarters. Yes! Solar, Inc., DBA Yes! Solar Solutions, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Solar Power, Inc. Yes! Solar Solutions offers the U.S. residential and medium-to-small-sized business market segments turnkey solutions through a single brand. The Yes! Solar website can be visited at www.yessolarsolutions.com.
About Advanced Systems Integration Inc.
Advanced Systems Integration, Inc.(ASi) is a Gold Certified Microsoft Dynamics AX and Learning Solutions partner founded in 1991. ASi 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 solution. Based in Orange County, California, ASi serves the Southern California greater area including the counties of San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside and San Bernardino. Please visit the company’s web site at www.advancedsystemsintegration.com.
About Microsoft Dynamics
Microsoft Dynamics is a line of financial, customer relationship and supply-chain management solutions that helps businesses work more effectively. Delivered through a network of channel partners providing specialized services, these integrated, adaptable business management solutions work like and with familiar Microsoft software to streamline processes across an entire business. 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
####
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LAKE FOREST, CA – February 3, 2009 – Advanced Systems Integration (ASi) is pleased to announce the selection of Microsoft Dynamics AX (formerly Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta) by Solar Power, Inc. (“SPI”) (OTCBB: SOPW). Microsoft Dynamics AX was selected by Solar Power, Inc. to better power its worldwide operations.
Solar Power, Inc., headquartered in Roseville, California, is a vertically integrated manufacturer, designer, and installer of Photovoltaic (PV) solar electric energy solutions and related components. The company sells and installs commercial and residential photovoltaic solar electricity systems within the United States. Residential customers are served by a growing franchise network of Yes! Solar SolutionsTM retail stores. Large commercial systems, like the one the company recently installed at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, are sold by Solar Power, Inc. SPI also sells its products throughout Asia and Europe to a network of turnkey distributors.
Chief Information Officer (CIO), Bob Wood, at SPI commented, “We needed a business application that was easy to use. It needed to be very scalable, highly configurable and provide the necessary tools to automate our entire global operations from design to build. After rigorous evaluations we selected Microsoft Dynamics AX.”
Microsoft Dynamics AX is multi-language, multi-currency, enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform built entirely on Microsoft technology. With native customer relationship management (CRM) and supply chain management (SCM) functionality, Microsoft Dynamics AX provides manufacturers, distributors or service-based organizations the necessary tools to profitably manage their business. Solar Power foresees the following benefits from its implementation of Microsoft Dynamics AX:
Support for growth. One of the primary objectives of the implementation is to provide Solar Power, Inc. with a technology that will allow management considerable growth.
Improved reporting. Microsoft Dynamics AX will enable the company to produce statutory accounting and management information more rapidly than before, allowing management to make business decisions that are more timely and effective.
Accuracy of data. Instead of relying on spreadsheets and multiple systems and processes, Solar Power, Inc. will take advantage of the Microsoft Dynamics AX capability to integrate many routines into one, eliminating repetitive data entry and thereby increasing accuracy.
Better planning. Both business planning and resources planning are expected to improve with Solar Power, Inc.’s new Microsoft technology.
More efficient supply chain management. Now it will be automated to a large extent, providing the company with the capability to support the larger and more complex manufacturing processes that it anticipates.
Solar Power, Inc. reviewed several channel partners before selecting Advanced Systems Integration. The company’s Controller, Peggy Jett, added, “We evaluated multiple partners and selected Advanced Systems Integration (ASi) because of their deep understanding of Microsoft Dynamics AX including project accounting and their familiarity with construction industry standards.”
Jeff Onesto, Director of Business Development at ASi, concluded, “We are extremely proud to have been chosen by Solar Power as their implementation partner in North America. As one of the original Damgaard Partners in the U.S. and supporting an estimated 1,500 concurrent users across North America, our team’s reputation for deployment success and doing the right thing without excuses the first time, has created on-going demand for our services and has enabled our customer base to expand even during this tough financial slowdown.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About Solar Power, Inc
Founded in 2005, Solar Power, Inc. (OTCBB: SOPW) is a vertically integrated solar energy solution provider offering the North American residential, commercial and public sector building markets a complete solution through a single brand. Solar Power, Inc. provides turn-key, design-build solutions through its Roseville, CA headquarters. Yes! Solar, Inc., DBA Yes! Solar Solutions, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Solar Power, Inc. Yes! Solar Solutions offers the U.S. residential and medium-to-small-sized business market segments turnkey solutions through a single brand. The Yes! Solar website can be visited at www.yessolarsolutions.com.
About Advanced Systems Integration Inc.
Advanced Systems Integration, Inc.(ASi) is a Gold Certified Microsoft Dynamics AX and Learning Solutions partner founded in 1991. ASi 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 solution. Based in Orange County, California, ASi serves the Southern California greater area including the counties of San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside and San Bernardino. Please visit the company’s web site at www.advancedsystemsintegration.com.
About Microsoft Dynamics
Microsoft Dynamics is a line of financial, customer relationship and supply-chain management solutions that helps businesses work more effectively. Delivered through a network of channel partners providing specialized services, these integrated, adaptable business management solutions work like and with familiar Microsoft software to streamline processes across an entire business. 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
####
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
New American President and Microsoft Dynamics AX Customers May Have More in Common Than You Think.
Now that Barack Obama has been sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America. I don’t think anybody doubts he is inheriting major challenges on the domestic front, including a national unemployment rate approaching 7.0%, a failing domestic auto industry, and a national debt expected to reach $13 Trillion (USD) by the end of this year. Hence, President Obama and his newly appointed cabinet will be very busy fine-tuning the economy. Interesting enough, many Microsoft customers are looking for ways to fine tune their Microsoft Dynamics AX (formerly Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta) environments.
As one of the original Damgaard Partners in the United States, the architects at ASi are often involved in optimizing Microsoft Dynamics AX environments. Our team recently added a new and very interesting piece of software to our arsenal called Inventory II to provide some added improvements to the standard Inventory module and just may offer AX users a bit of help tuning their system.
Inventory II is written by FSB Development , founded by three of the four original software developers involved in creating the original Damgaard inventory module now known as Microsoft Dynamics AX. Interestingly enough, the product was inspired by a database principle called watermarking. For those not familiar with watermarking, a database uses a mark, normally a “high” watermark to represent the largest amount of space encountered within a particular segment. This watermark moves only one way, upward and represents a boundary between used and unused space and has a major impact on database resources.
Inventory II, with only 10 form changes, uses this watermark technology to dramatically improve the efficiency of the Microsoft Dynamics AX application—specifically, any process involving inventory such as master planning and the time consuming process of computing an items average cost. This is done not by altering the standard business logic, but instead by separating relevant and non-relevant data and the constant calculating of item specific watermarks, thereby, eliminating the need to perform time-consuming end-of-period inventory procedures, resulting in real-time inventory values.
Although performance improvements can vary by Microsoft Dynamics AX environment, Inventory II customers have reported CPU load reductions of up to 75% combined with similar reductions in time necessary to re-generate full master plans. Many of ASi’s customers enjoy routinely pushing the limit of Microsoft Dynamics AX by processing hundreds-of-thousands of inventory transactions from multiple sites (located in different time zones) using the maximum allowable item and storage dimensions. For companies that live/die by MRP, Inventory II allows them to run this resource intensive process 24/7 providing timely and relevant data in which to make better business decisions.
About Advanced Systems Integration Inc.
Advanced Systems Integration, Inc.(ASi) is a Gold Certified Microsoft Dynamics AX and Learning Solutions partner founded in 1991. ASi 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 solution. Based in Orange County, California, ASi serves the Southern California greater area including the counties of San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside and San Bernardino. Please visit the company’s web site at www.advancedsystemsintegration.com.
As one of the original Damgaard Partners in the United States, the architects at ASi are often involved in optimizing Microsoft Dynamics AX environments. Our team recently added a new and very interesting piece of software to our arsenal called Inventory II to provide some added improvements to the standard Inventory module and just may offer AX users a bit of help tuning their system.
Inventory II is written by FSB Development , founded by three of the four original software developers involved in creating the original Damgaard inventory module now known as Microsoft Dynamics AX. Interestingly enough, the product was inspired by a database principle called watermarking. For those not familiar with watermarking, a database uses a mark, normally a “high” watermark to represent the largest amount of space encountered within a particular segment. This watermark moves only one way, upward and represents a boundary between used and unused space and has a major impact on database resources.
Inventory II, with only 10 form changes, uses this watermark technology to dramatically improve the efficiency of the Microsoft Dynamics AX application—specifically, any process involving inventory such as master planning and the time consuming process of computing an items average cost. This is done not by altering the standard business logic, but instead by separating relevant and non-relevant data and the constant calculating of item specific watermarks, thereby, eliminating the need to perform time-consuming end-of-period inventory procedures, resulting in real-time inventory values.
Although performance improvements can vary by Microsoft Dynamics AX environment, Inventory II customers have reported CPU load reductions of up to 75% combined with similar reductions in time necessary to re-generate full master plans. Many of ASi’s customers enjoy routinely pushing the limit of Microsoft Dynamics AX by processing hundreds-of-thousands of inventory transactions from multiple sites (located in different time zones) using the maximum allowable item and storage dimensions. For companies that live/die by MRP, Inventory II allows them to run this resource intensive process 24/7 providing timely and relevant data in which to make better business decisions.
About Advanced Systems Integration Inc.
Advanced Systems Integration, Inc.(ASi) is a Gold Certified Microsoft Dynamics AX and Learning Solutions partner founded in 1991. ASi 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 solution. Based in Orange County, California, ASi serves the Southern California greater area including the counties of San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside and San Bernardino. Please visit the company’s web site at www.advancedsystemsintegration.com.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Why some organizations might be slow in planning an upgrade to Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009
Written By Jeff Onesto, Director of Business Development, ASi (Originally released on MSDynamicsWorld.com)
At ASi, we are fortunate to have many years of experience with working with Microsoft Dynamics AX (formerly Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta). So, after returning from the AXUG User summit, I wondered, with mainstream support ending for Microsoft Dynamics AX version 3.0 in January of 2009 why does it seem so many customers have delayed planning their upgrade?
In looking back and talking to other colleagues, in many situations, the reasons are a combination of the following:
1. Organizational viability (Going Concern)
2. The processes supported by Microsoft Dynamics AX (Axapta) are not mission critical
3. The business benefits (new features and functionality) are not clearly understood
4. New hardware and operating/database requirements
5. Optimism that Microsoft will extend this mainstream support date for older versions
6. Number of customizations in system increase the difficulty of estimating upgrade cost
For brevity, let’s take a closer look at four of the above considerations that might be delaying some customer’s plans for upgrading to Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009.
Organizational Viability
We all know what is currently happening on “Wall Street” and the spill-over affect to “Main Street”, particularly sectors such as industrial equipment, automobiles, building suppliers, aerospace, and the list goes on and on. When a decision needs to be made between payroll and keeping the lights on or upgrading the ERP system, I am somewhat certain the former come first. This probably explains the relationship between fast growing companies and their likelihood of upgrading. Growth companies require flexibility and scalability which are core attributes of Microsoft Dynamics AX. It is not uncommon to see 200%, 300% year-over-year growth in many of the consumer package goods (CPG) segments served by ASi such as “soft goods; apparel” and “hard goods; action sport equipment”. In our experience, these fast growing companies often understand that utilizing the latest software version gains them some competitive advantage and ultimately, helps them ride the growth curve longer.
Mission Critical Processes or Not
Microsoft Dynamics AX in certain situations has been implemented as a “hub and spoke” solution. Large enterprises may run other ERP applications at the corporate level yet use Microsoft Dynamics AX at the plant/division level. I have seen this “point solution” concept taken much further than originally intended where companies have actually only implemented GL or AP (trade) and nothing more. These smaller implementations of Microsoft Dynamics AX often highlight a direct relationship between the size of the Microsoft Dynamics AX footprint and likelihood of upgrading. Bottom line, companies with a larger footprint of AX that supports many mission critical processes tend to upgrade sooner and with greater frequency than those without.
Mainstream Support
At the AXUG Summit, Microsoft briefly mentioned that they are considering the extension of the mainstream support date for Version 3.0. This may entice some companies to wait longer to upgrade. For those not familiar with the Microsoft Product Lifecycle Support Policy, please see the following Microsoft site: http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?p1=6212. As of today Microsoft Dynamics AX Version 3.0 mainstream support is scheduled to end Jan 13th 2009. I have attached the following diagram that provides information on what support is offered by Microsoft.
Number of Customizations
The flexible platform characteristics of Microsoft Dynamics AX and the available X++ source code layers creates an interesting relationship between the number of customizations and the likelihood of upgrading. The more customizations an organization has implemented may make it increasingly difficult to estimate the actual cost of upgrading and therefore, creating a delay in the decision to upgrade. At ASi, several of our customers will be moving from 3.0 to 2009, we are optimistic that the improved tools in 2009’s upgrade cockpit including comparative tools, estimation reports and the element usage log will help reduce future decision delays on on-going Microsoft Dynamics AX releases.
ASi has been using Microsoft Dynamics AX internally for almost 10 years , hence, we run our entire professional services organization on the solution. We are in the middle of performing our own internal upgrade to AX 2009 utilizing our Upgrade, Migration & Optimization Services (UMOS) methodology and tools. For help understanding how many of the new features in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 can benefit your organization, contact your partner. For more information on Advanced Systems Integration upgrade expertise and tools, see our website www.advancedsystemsintegration.com.
At ASi, we are fortunate to have many years of experience with working with Microsoft Dynamics AX (formerly Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta). So, after returning from the AXUG User summit, I wondered, with mainstream support ending for Microsoft Dynamics AX version 3.0 in January of 2009 why does it seem so many customers have delayed planning their upgrade?
In looking back and talking to other colleagues, in many situations, the reasons are a combination of the following:
1. Organizational viability (Going Concern)
2. The processes supported by Microsoft Dynamics AX (Axapta) are not mission critical
3. The business benefits (new features and functionality) are not clearly understood
4. New hardware and operating/database requirements
5. Optimism that Microsoft will extend this mainstream support date for older versions
6. Number of customizations in system increase the difficulty of estimating upgrade cost
For brevity, let’s take a closer look at four of the above considerations that might be delaying some customer’s plans for upgrading to Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009.
Organizational Viability
We all know what is currently happening on “Wall Street” and the spill-over affect to “Main Street”, particularly sectors such as industrial equipment, automobiles, building suppliers, aerospace, and the list goes on and on. When a decision needs to be made between payroll and keeping the lights on or upgrading the ERP system, I am somewhat certain the former come first. This probably explains the relationship between fast growing companies and their likelihood of upgrading. Growth companies require flexibility and scalability which are core attributes of Microsoft Dynamics AX. It is not uncommon to see 200%, 300% year-over-year growth in many of the consumer package goods (CPG) segments served by ASi such as “soft goods; apparel” and “hard goods; action sport equipment”. In our experience, these fast growing companies often understand that utilizing the latest software version gains them some competitive advantage and ultimately, helps them ride the growth curve longer.
Mission Critical Processes or Not
Microsoft Dynamics AX in certain situations has been implemented as a “hub and spoke” solution. Large enterprises may run other ERP applications at the corporate level yet use Microsoft Dynamics AX at the plant/division level. I have seen this “point solution” concept taken much further than originally intended where companies have actually only implemented GL or AP (trade) and nothing more. These smaller implementations of Microsoft Dynamics AX often highlight a direct relationship between the size of the Microsoft Dynamics AX footprint and likelihood of upgrading. Bottom line, companies with a larger footprint of AX that supports many mission critical processes tend to upgrade sooner and with greater frequency than those without.
Mainstream Support
At the AXUG Summit, Microsoft briefly mentioned that they are considering the extension of the mainstream support date for Version 3.0. This may entice some companies to wait longer to upgrade. For those not familiar with the Microsoft Product Lifecycle Support Policy, please see the following Microsoft site: http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?p1=6212. As of today Microsoft Dynamics AX Version 3.0 mainstream support is scheduled to end Jan 13th 2009. I have attached the following diagram that provides information on what support is offered by Microsoft.
Number of Customizations
The flexible platform characteristics of Microsoft Dynamics AX and the available X++ source code layers creates an interesting relationship between the number of customizations and the likelihood of upgrading. The more customizations an organization has implemented may make it increasingly difficult to estimate the actual cost of upgrading and therefore, creating a delay in the decision to upgrade. At ASi, several of our customers will be moving from 3.0 to 2009, we are optimistic that the improved tools in 2009’s upgrade cockpit including comparative tools, estimation reports and the element usage log will help reduce future decision delays on on-going Microsoft Dynamics AX releases.
ASi has been using Microsoft Dynamics AX internally for almost 10 years , hence, we run our entire professional services organization on the solution. We are in the middle of performing our own internal upgrade to AX 2009 utilizing our Upgrade, Migration & Optimization Services (UMOS) methodology and tools. For help understanding how many of the new features in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 can benefit your organization, contact your partner. For more information on Advanced Systems Integration upgrade expertise and tools, see our website www.advancedsystemsintegration.com.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Felt Bicycles SPEEDS through implementation of Microsoft Dynamics AX with Advanced Systems Integration
Global Bicycle Manufacturer/Distributor selects Microsoft Dynamics AX over competitors for its ease of use, scalability and manufacturing capabilities.
Lake Forest, CA — October 9, 2008 — Advanced Systems Integration (ASi) is pleased to announce Felt Bicycles is live with Microsoft Dynamics AX (formerly known as Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta). Felt Bicycles selected Microsoft Dynamics AX over SAP and other ERP solutions to standardize business processes and offer real-time visibility into their supply chain. Microsoft Dynamics AX is an advanced comprehensive business-management solution for fast growing, midsize-to-large companies that offers a high-degree of scalability, adaptability, and industry-specific functionality.
Felt Bicycles, with U.S. headquarters in Irvine, CA, designs a complete spectrum of bicycles including road, triathlon, mountain, lifestyle and BMX. The company is widely known for its performance level products including bicycles that have been successfully raced at the highest level including the Olympic Games, World Championships and Tour de France. Felt distributes its own proprietary products through a network of globally authorized distributors and dealers. With a mission of ‘designing, developing and delivering the best bicycles in the world’, Felt knew it needed a scalable, adaptable integrated business-management solution that would help them quickly implement standard processes, collaborate with a network of global suppliers and dealers, and provide immediate and real-time insight to help them with sales and operational planning.
The company evaluated a number of enterprise resource planning solutions to support its U.S. operations before selecting Microsoft Dynamics AX and Advanced Systems Integration (ASi). “We chose Microsoft Dynamics AX for multiple reasons,” said Bill Duehring, President, Felt Bicycles U.S.A., “including ease of use, the Microsoft look and feel that employees are accustomed to, the ability for the solution to adapt to our business processes, and the fact that it was an integrated and complete solution with native warehouse management (WMS), customer relationship management (CRM) and business intelligence (BI) capabilities.” Bill Duehring continues, “When it came to finding a partner we needed an organization that understood and could support the needs of a fast growing consumer product company like Felt. We needed a partner with proven abilities to help us manage the risk associated with implementing Microsoft Dynamics AX, and we knew we had found that partnership with Advanced Systems Integration.”
Advanced Systems Integration is honored to have been selected by Felt Bicycles. Jeff Onesto, Director of Business Development states, “Many of our branded consumer packaged customers are experiencing tremendous return on investment with Microsoft Dynamics AX. All joking aside, it looks like both Felt Bicycles and ASi (utilizing Microsoft Dynamics AX) have a very bright future designing products to make people go faster.“
About Felt Bicycles
Felt Bicycles is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of its own proprietary branded premium quality bicycles, framesets, components and accessories. The company U.S. office is located in Irvine, CA and its European office is in Edewecht, Germany. Felt Bicycles is an internationally recognized brand whose bicycles and products are currently sold in over 30 countries, worldwide. Athletes on Felt products have won numerous National and International events including World Championships, Olympic Games, ESPN X-Games, and other major national and international competitions. For more information on Felt Bicycles call (949) 452-9050 in the U.S. or (49) 4405-928015 in Europe, or visit Felt online at www.feltbicycles.com or www.feltbmx.com.
About Advanced Systems Integration Inc.
Advanced Systems Integration (ASi) 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
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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 — October 9, 2008 — Advanced Systems Integration (ASi) is pleased to announce Felt Bicycles is live with Microsoft Dynamics AX (formerly known as Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta). Felt Bicycles selected Microsoft Dynamics AX over SAP and other ERP solutions to standardize business processes and offer real-time visibility into their supply chain. Microsoft Dynamics AX is an advanced comprehensive business-management solution for fast growing, midsize-to-large companies that offers a high-degree of scalability, adaptability, and industry-specific functionality.
Felt Bicycles, with U.S. headquarters in Irvine, CA, designs a complete spectrum of bicycles including road, triathlon, mountain, lifestyle and BMX. The company is widely known for its performance level products including bicycles that have been successfully raced at the highest level including the Olympic Games, World Championships and Tour de France. Felt distributes its own proprietary products through a network of globally authorized distributors and dealers. With a mission of ‘designing, developing and delivering the best bicycles in the world’, Felt knew it needed a scalable, adaptable integrated business-management solution that would help them quickly implement standard processes, collaborate with a network of global suppliers and dealers, and provide immediate and real-time insight to help them with sales and operational planning.
The company evaluated a number of enterprise resource planning solutions to support its U.S. operations before selecting Microsoft Dynamics AX and Advanced Systems Integration (ASi). “We chose Microsoft Dynamics AX for multiple reasons,” said Bill Duehring, President, Felt Bicycles U.S.A., “including ease of use, the Microsoft look and feel that employees are accustomed to, the ability for the solution to adapt to our business processes, and the fact that it was an integrated and complete solution with native warehouse management (WMS), customer relationship management (CRM) and business intelligence (BI) capabilities.” Bill Duehring continues, “When it came to finding a partner we needed an organization that understood and could support the needs of a fast growing consumer product company like Felt. We needed a partner with proven abilities to help us manage the risk associated with implementing Microsoft Dynamics AX, and we knew we had found that partnership with Advanced Systems Integration.”
Advanced Systems Integration is honored to have been selected by Felt Bicycles. Jeff Onesto, Director of Business Development states, “Many of our branded consumer packaged customers are experiencing tremendous return on investment with Microsoft Dynamics AX. All joking aside, it looks like both Felt Bicycles and ASi (utilizing Microsoft Dynamics AX) have a very bright future designing products to make people go faster.“
About Felt Bicycles
Felt Bicycles is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of its own proprietary branded premium quality bicycles, framesets, components and accessories. The company U.S. office is located in Irvine, CA and its European office is in Edewecht, Germany. Felt Bicycles is an internationally recognized brand whose bicycles and products are currently sold in over 30 countries, worldwide. Athletes on Felt products have won numerous National and International events including World Championships, Olympic Games, ESPN X-Games, and other major national and international competitions. For more information on Felt Bicycles call (949) 452-9050 in the U.S. or (49) 4405-928015 in Europe, or visit Felt online at www.feltbicycles.com or www.feltbmx.com.
About Advanced Systems Integration Inc.
Advanced Systems Integration (ASi) 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
Monday, September 29, 2008
UMOS (Upgrade, Data Migration & Optimization Services)
Advanced Systems Integration (ASi) Upgrade, Migration & Optimization Services for Microsoft Dynamics AX provide the perfect balance of cost, risk and quality.
Microsoft Dynamics AX (formerly known as Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta) like any Enterprise-wide Resource Planning (ERP) application must be periodically upgraded to new publisher supported versions and/or service packs. Many companies view these upgrades as being “technical” in nature and attempt to by-pass necessary project management and end-user testing. Many “Best in Class” companies tend to spend the majority of their time understanding the benefits, risk and flexibility before determining whether to upgrade the application or not.
As one of the original Damgaard Axapta Partners in the United States, ASi has over 10years of proven AX development, deployment and upgrade expertise. The ASi advantage is based upon a deep understanding of prior versions of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2.5/3.0/4.0 and how each line of custom code (business process) and custom data (business history) map into the latest version of Microsoft Dynamics AX.
ASi has proven and on-going experience upgrading the following versions of Microsoft Dynamics AX:
Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta V2.5
2.5 Service Pack 1
2.5 Service Pack 2
2.5 Service Pack 3
2.5 Service Pack 4
2.5 Service Pack 5
Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta V3.0
3.0 Service Pack 1
3.0 Service Pack 2
3.0 Service Pack 3
3.0 Service Pack 4
3.0 Service Pack 5
3.0 Service Pack 6
Microsoft Dynamics AX V4.04.0 Service Pack 1
4.0 Service Pack 2
The ASi approach, unlike the traditional approach to upgrading Microsoft Dynamics AX (Axapta) requires custom code review and optimization. When companies customize Microsoft Dynamics AX, the processes they support are often always critical.
Traditional Approach:
• Custom Code compiles
• Custom Code NOT optimized
Traditional Result:
• Code conflicts with new AX Logic
• Code deletes new/old records
• Code deletes new/old links
• Code locks/blocks records
ASi Approach:
• Custom Code compiles
• Custom Code optimized
ASi Result:
• NO code conflicts with new AX Logic
• NO missing records
• NO missing links
• NO locking & blocking of records
Learn More at www.advancedsystemsintegration.com
Microsoft Dynamics AX (formerly known as Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta) like any Enterprise-wide Resource Planning (ERP) application must be periodically upgraded to new publisher supported versions and/or service packs. Many companies view these upgrades as being “technical” in nature and attempt to by-pass necessary project management and end-user testing. Many “Best in Class” companies tend to spend the majority of their time understanding the benefits, risk and flexibility before determining whether to upgrade the application or not.
As one of the original Damgaard Axapta Partners in the United States, ASi has over 10years of proven AX development, deployment and upgrade expertise. The ASi advantage is based upon a deep understanding of prior versions of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2.5/3.0/4.0 and how each line of custom code (business process) and custom data (business history) map into the latest version of Microsoft Dynamics AX.
ASi has proven and on-going experience upgrading the following versions of Microsoft Dynamics AX:
Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta V2.5
2.5 Service Pack 1
2.5 Service Pack 2
2.5 Service Pack 3
2.5 Service Pack 4
2.5 Service Pack 5
Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta V3.0
3.0 Service Pack 1
3.0 Service Pack 2
3.0 Service Pack 3
3.0 Service Pack 4
3.0 Service Pack 5
3.0 Service Pack 6
Microsoft Dynamics AX V4.04.0 Service Pack 1
4.0 Service Pack 2
The ASi approach, unlike the traditional approach to upgrading Microsoft Dynamics AX (Axapta) requires custom code review and optimization. When companies customize Microsoft Dynamics AX, the processes they support are often always critical.
Traditional Approach:
• Custom Code compiles
• Custom Code NOT optimized
Traditional Result:
• Code conflicts with new AX Logic
• Code deletes new/old records
• Code deletes new/old links
• Code locks/blocks records
ASi Approach:
• Custom Code compiles
• Custom Code optimized
ASi Result:
• NO code conflicts with new AX Logic
• NO missing records
• NO missing links
• NO locking & blocking of records
Learn More at www.advancedsystemsintegration.com
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