Dynamics AX 2012 End of Life: Time to Transition to Dynamics 365 (F&SCM) Now

Here are the criteria that will help you determine whether you need to upgrade or migrate your Dynamics AX system to Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations.

Upgrade:

• If you are currently using Dynamics AX 2012 R2 or R3 versions.
• No or Small Customizations: If your existing system doesn't have many custom changes or modifications. In other words, if you've been using Dynamics AX mostly in its standard form without extensive alterations.
• No or a Single ISV Module: If you haven’t integrated many additional software modules (ISV modules) into your current Dynamics AX system, or if you only have one additional module integrated.
• Small or Medium Database: If the data in your Dynamics AX database is relatively small or medium-sized.
• No Fundamental Configuration Changes Needed: If you don’t need to make significant changes to the basic setup and configuration of your Dynamics AX system.

Migrate:

• AX2009 or AX2012 (before R2): If you are using older versions of Dynamics AX, specifically AX2009 or versions of AX2012 that are earlier than R2.
• Changes in Financial or Inventory Dimensions: If you need to alter how you track financial information (like changing financial dimensions or your chart of accounts) or if you need to change how you manage your inventory (such as site, warehouse, version, owner, license plate, etc.).
• Change in Costing Method: If you need to switch the way you calculate costs for your products or services.
• Large Database (Over 1 TB): If your database size is substantial, exceeding 1 terabyte of data.
• Want to Reduce or Replace Customizations: If you have extensive custom modifications in your current Dynamics AX system and you want to simplify or replace them.
• Multiple ISV Products Installed: If you have integrated multiple additional software modules (ISV products) into your Dynamics AX system.
• Want to Phase in Groups of Legal Entities: If your business operates with multiple legal entities and you want to transition them in stages, rather than all at once.

Dynamics AX 2012 Vs Dynamics 365 F&SCM: Similarities & Differences

Similarities:

• Strong: Business Automation Foundations:
  • AX 2012: Automation of financial, business intelligence, and supply chain processes.
  • D365: Continues the legacy of comprehensive business process automation.
• Strong Microsoft Ecosystem Integration:
  • AX 2012: Operates seamlessly with familiar Microsoft software.
  • D365: Part of the Dynamics 365 family, integrating elements from CRM, AX, and Dynamics NAV.
• Strong User-Focused Dashboarding:
  • AX 2012: Provides intuitive Role Centers for user-centric dashboard customization.
  • D365: Introduces Workspaces, prebuilt queues, links, and lists for streamlined user interactions.
• Strong Customization and Adaptability:
  • AX 2012: Utilizes the over-layering method for custom development.
  • D365: Implements the extensibility model, channeling customization through built-in extension points.
• Strong Upgrade Continuity:
  • AX 2012 to D365: Facilitates upgrades with consideration for existing custom code.
  • D365 Upgrade Model: Monthly updates delivered as parameters, reducing conflicts for customers with custom code.

Distinctive Differences:

• Strong Infrastructure Paradigm Shift:
  • AX 2012: On-premise deployment, offering server hosting flexibility.
  • D365: Cloud-based architecture hosted on Azure, emphasizing cloud-first technology.
• Strong User Interface Evolution:
  • AX 2012: Desktop-centric application.
  • D365: Web-oriented, browser-based interface accessible from desktops and mobile devices, aligning with Microsoft's modern branding.
• Strong Navigation and Search Enhancement:
  • AX 2012: Traditional menu-driven navigation.
  • D365: Introduces a search capability for a more intuitive and efficient navigation experience.
• Strong Development Tools Transformation:
  • AX 2012: Relies on MorphX and a fat AX client for development.
  • D365: Shifts to Visual Studio, web-based development, and introduces deployment packages, extensions, and form patterns.
• Strong Integration Advancements:
  • AX 2012: Relies on WCF services for integrations.
  • D365: Implements data entities, offering a streamlined framework for integrating with restful state APIs using JSON formatted data.
• Strong Mobile Accessibility:
  • AX 2012: Desktop-centric, limiting mobility.
  • D365: Designed to be compatible with mobile devices, enabling real-time access to data and enhancing business flexibility.
• Strong Enhanced Intelligence and Integrations:
  • D365: Boasts advanced integrations with CRM, Office 365, PowerBI, and Cortana, accelerating data retrieval and decision-making.
• Strong Shift to Deployment Packages:
  • D365: Introduces deployment packages, streamlining the movement of code between environments and minimizing dependency on traditional AX layers.
• Strong Introduction of AXPP Files:
  • D365: Replaces XPO files with AXPP files, offering enhanced visibility and comparison during project export and import.

In navigating the upgrade from AX 2012 to D365FO, users encounter a landscape rich in familiar elements with enhanced capabilities. The shift from on-premise to cloud, coupled with the evolution in user interface and development tools, positions Dynamics 365 as not just an upgrade but a transformative journey towards a more agile, integrated, and user-friendly ERP solution.

Key Capabilities and Benefits of Moving AX to Dynamics 365 F&SCM

Simplified Global Transactions:

One of the challenges in managing multinational operations is handling transactions across different legal entities. Different countries have varied tax laws and rates. Handling transactions involves understanding and complying with these diverse tax regulations. For instance, Value Added Tax (VAT) rates can vary significantly from one country to another, impacting the cost and pricing of goods and services. F&O elegantly simplifies this intricate process. It eliminates the cumbersome entity-switching complexities, making invoice creation and journal entries across multiple legal entities a seamless and error-free process. Your financial team can now operate with unprecedented efficiency and accuracy, no matter how complex your organizational structure. .

Automated Currency Management:

Currency handling can be a tedious and error-prone task, especially in the context of international business. F&O takes the reins, automating currency management tasks with precision. From exchange rate calculations to transaction conversions, this automated system ensures that your financial operations are devoid of the errors that often accompany manual currency handling.

Tailored Compliance Solutions:

D365 F&O offers customized financial reporting solutions that align with the diverse regulatory standards across regions (For example, financial reporting standards such as GAAP in the U.S. and IFRS in many other countries). It ensures that your organization remains compliant without the overwhelming administrative burden. With tailored compliance solutions, your financial team can maintain a spotless compliance record, no matter where in the world your operations extend.

Effortless Bank Reconciliation:

Bank reconciliation is a critical aspect of maintaining a clean financial record. However, it often becomes a time-consuming process. F&O simplifies bank reconciliation by automating the matching of bank statement formats. This automation streamlines the reconciliation process and enhances financial accuracy. Your financial team can perform this task with ease, ensuring that your financial records are always in impeccable order.

Robust Auditing Controls:

Preventing duplicate expenses and maintaining financial integrity is a non-negotiable aspect of financial management. Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations (F&O) employs advanced auditing mechanisms, meticulously tracking transactions, monitoring user activities, and detecting data changes. It offers version control, real-time alerts, and customizable audit policies, ensuring comprehensive compliance, security, and accountability in financial operations.

Strategic Budget Management:

Budgeting is at the core of sound financial planning. D365 Finance & Operations empowers organizations to create and manage budgets by offering tools for forecasting based on historical data and predictive analytics. These insights help organizations make data-driven decisions, aligning financial strategies with business goals effectively. Your financial team can navigate budget complexities with confidence, ensuring your financial planning is strategic, precise, and forward-thinking.

Streamlined Customer Account Management:

Managing customer accounts across diverse legal entities can be a logistical nightmare. F&O streamlines this process, facilitating efficient customer relationship management and collections. Automation takes center stage in F&O. Routine tasks, such as invoice generation, payment reminders, and collections, are automated, ensuring timely and consistent communication with customers. Customizable workflows adapt to varying customer needs, ensuring a personalized approach in every interaction.

Flexible Reporting with GER:

Financial reporting shouldn't be a rigid, one-size-fits-all process. F&O offers flexibility through the General Electronic Reporting (GER) feature, allowing adaptable and flexible financial reporting without the need for developer intervention. The GER feature provides the freedom to create, modify, and fine-tune financial reports with ease. It allows you to tailor reports to suit your organization's unique financial processes, goals, and compliance standards.

Accurate Cost Allocations:

Cost allocations, based on percentages or revenue, are simplified with F&O. The system automates this intricate process, reducing manual effort in journal preparation. Whether you're distributing expenses across departments, business units, or cost centers, F&O significantly reduces the manual effort once associated with journal preparation. This means your financial team can trust that cost allocations are accurate and efficient, freeing up time and resources for strategic financial planning.

Explore how a leading British charitable organization revolutionized its finance management using Dynamics 365. Read the case study for insights into enhanced donation management and agile financial operations.