Choosing an enterprise resource planning system can help your business increase efficiency and decision-making. With the retirement of Microsoft’s Dynamics AX platform, migrating to the new Dynamics 365 can preserve your current data and access the application’s innovative features.
Performing a Microsoft Dynamics AX migration takes some technical abilities and time, but allows you to reap the benefits of a more advanced program.
Dynamics AX was an on-premises ERP system that aided organizations with administrative processes like finance and supply chain management. Microsoft officially ended mainstream support for most Dynamics AX platforms in 2018, with a support period through January 2023. Though businesses can technically still use this legacy program, there are a few reasons to migrate from AX to D365.
Instead of using an outdated system, we recommend transitioning to Dynamics 365 to save money and time.
Dynamics 365 builds upon Dynamics AX’s capabilities for a more robust ERP system. Some of the new features include cloud-based functionality and AI.
Dynamics AX‘s on-premises system ran on an organization’s servers, incurring increased upfront costs and maintenance responsibilities. As a cloud-based system, Dynamics 365 provides flexibility, cost savings and these additional benefits.
Dynamics 365 integrates Windows’ Copilot AI into its system, boosting productivity and efficiency.
Within Dynamics 365 Finance, AI can provide summaries of accounts, invoices and payment history. Save time by automating tedious administrative tasks, gathering data and creating manual reports. In Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, Copilot can proactively spot issues that can impact your processes. It can also perform inventory management and advise users on large-scale purchases.
Dynamics 365 integrates with other programs in the Microsoft 365 Suite. You can seamlessly connect Excel, Outlook and Word to D365, maintaining organization-wide consistency and access.
In addition, Dynamics 365 operates on a modular structure. Where Dynamics AX acted as a siloed system, D365 is a collection of apps that work together. You can customize these offerings, only paying for the services you need.
Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management are the direct successors to Dynamics AX, performing similar tasks and meeting the same overall needs. Additional apps include:
By pairing these apps, businesses can better view their product or service cycle with seamless integration between ERP and CRM platforms.
A strong ERP can benefit your business by decreasing costs, improving security and boosting productivity. Dynamics 365’s features provide several advantages over Dynamics AX.
Dynamics 365 is more cost-effective than Dynamics AX. The previous system required a hefty initial licensing fee and the continued maintenance of hardware infrastructure. With a subscription-based payment system, Dynamics 365 spreads the cost out per month and eliminates the need to spend on infrastructure. Microsoft now manages the physical technology, saving you ongoing maintenance costs.
Whereas Dynamics AX had a challenging learning curve, Dynamics 365 has increased its UX and UI capabilities, making it easy for anyone to use. This system makes compiling data and reports easier than before with streamlined processes, AI integration and additional tools.
Since D365 is cloud-based, Microsoft installs updates automatically, giving you immediate access to the latest security features and innovations. Microsoft continues improving this ERP’s offerings alongside new advances.
Additionally, these updates are now free with Dynamics 365, while Dynamics AX historically required an additional cost to upgrade.
Switching from an on-premises system to a cloud-based system may raise security concerns. Cloud storage prevents file loss through regular backups, and it can protect your data with the proper security measures. Dynamics 365 has multiple security features, including data encryption and access control.
Microsoft also has a layer of protection on a larger scale, with its Azure system and Cyber Defense Operations Center providing secure networks and protecting the cloud’s infrastructure.
Additionally, Dynamics 365 can support your compliance under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.
There are a few steps to migrating to D365 from AX.
In this stage, you’ll assess your processes and determine your future goals.
Here, you will transition your data to the new system according to your budget and timeline. There are two options for logistically handling this migration stage:
Be sure to troubleshoot and run continual tests during this stage to address issues as they arise.
Once your data has migrated, you must learn the ins and outs of the Dynamics 365 system and set up customizations for your business.
Performing a Dynamics AX to Dynamics 365 migration requires knowledge and expertise to properly move your data. Partnering with a consultation provider like Winfosoft brings our 30 years of experience to your fingertips. With specific knowledge of the metal, manufacturing and distribution industries, we understand your business’s ERP needs with Dynamics 365.
Contact us today to start your Microsoft Dynamics 365 migration.
