What to Consider When Upgrading from Microsoft AX to Dynamics 365 Finance
Is your organization currently using on-premises Microsoft Dynamics AX? Upgrading to Dynamics 365 Finance brings numerous benefits, both in terms of cost savings and productivity. With mainstream support for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R3 ending in October 2021, now is the ideal time to consider your upgrade needs.
Why Upgrade to Dynamics 365 Finance?
Dynamics 365 Finance (formerly Dynamics AX) is a highly customizable, user-friendly business management solution that connects different parts of your organization. It’s designed to optimize productivity and enable seamless integration with other Microsoft apps through PowerApps and Power Automate. As a cloud-based solution, it offers interconnected, modular Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications and services, making it perfect for multinational companies with complex needs.
Key Advantages:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Cloud technology reduces overall costs compared to on-premises solutions.
- Scalability: Easily add users and applications as your business grows.
- Automatic Updates: Always stay up-to-date with the latest features and security updates.
- Flexibility: The platform is highly adaptable, allowing quick modifications and new process creations without IT assistance.
- Continuous Innovation: Microsoft provides biannual updates, ensuring your system remains cutting-edge.
Steps for a Successful Upgrade:
- Define the Scope: Review your current system to determine upgrade requirements. Assess which Dynamics 365 Finance features you need and how much existing data should be migrated.
- Engage a Dynamics Partner: Work with an experienced Microsoft Dynamics AX partner to ensure a smooth upgrade process. Their expertise can help you achieve project goals more efficiently and cost-effectively.
- Build a Cross-Functional Team: Form a team of experts from various business areas to ensure comprehensive planning and execution. This promotes efficient communication and task completion.
- Clean Your Data: Before the upgrade, clean your existing data to eliminate duplicates and outdated information. This step is crucial for improving operational efficiency and reducing the upgrade duration.
- Thorough Testing: Continuous testing is vital to ensure the quality of your application and to identify areas for improvement. Test all functionalities and their impact on other systems.
Conclusion: Upgrading from Microsoft Dynamics AX to Dynamics 365 Finance is not just a necessity for future maintenance but also a strategic move for enhancing business efficiency. By following a structured upgrade process and leveraging expert support, your organization can enjoy the full benefits of a modern, scalable, and integrated ERP solution.
For more detailed guidance and support, consider partnering with experts like Pipol. We offer comprehensive upgrade assessments and services to ensure a smooth transition.
