First, let’s briefly answer the question: What are the major differences between AX2012 and D365F&SCM? AX2012, also known as Dynamics AX 2012, is an older version of Microsoft’s ERP software, while D365F&SCM, or Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management, is the newer cloud-based version. The latter offers improved features, scalability, and integration possibilities, making it the go-to choice for many businesses. However, AX2012 still holds its ground, providing a solid foundation for certain organisations.
AX2012 VS D365F&SCM: What Are They?
AX2012
Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 (AX2012) is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that was released in 2011. It is designed for medium to large-sized businesses that require a comprehensive solution to manage their financial processes, human resources, supply chain management, and operations.
AX2012 offers a range of features, including multi-language and multi-currency support, role-based security, and workflow automation. It also includes modules for project management, production, and sales and marketing, among others.
D365F&SCM
Dynamics 365 for Finance and Supply Chain Management (D365F&SCM) is the successor to AX2012, released in 2016. It is a cloud-based ERP system that helps businesses streamline their financial and operational processes, while providing flexibility and scalability.
D365F&SCM offers many of the same features as AX2012, such as multi-language and multi-currency support, role-based security, and workflow automation. However, it also includes new functionalities, such as embedded Power BI analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities.
Overall, both AX2012 and D365F&SCM are powerful ERP systems that can help businesses manage their processes more efficiently. The choice between the two depends on a variety of factors, including business size, industry, and specific needs.
Comparison of Features: AX2012 vs D365F&SCM
With enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, Microsoft has been a major player for many years. However, with the release of D365F&SCM, many businesses are wondering if it’s worth upgrading from the previous version, AX2012. In this article, we’ll compare the features of both solutions to help you make an informed decision.
User Interface
One of the most noticeable differences between AX2012 and D365F&SCM is the user interface. While AX2012 has a more traditional interface, D365F&SCM has a modern and intuitive design that makes it easier for users to navigate.
Data Management
Data management is another area where D365F&SCM has an edge over AX2012. D365F&SCM has more advanced data management capabilities, and also better integration with other Microsoft products, such as Power BI and Excel.
Reporting
Both AX2012 and D365F&SCM have robust reporting capabilities, but D365F&SCM has more advanced features. D365F&SCM has embedded Power BI capabilities, making it easier to create interactive reports and dashboards. It also has a more modern report designer, which allows users to create custom reports quickly and easily.
Security
In security, both AX2012 and D365F&SCM have similar features. However, D365F&SCM has more advanced security capabilities, with better encryption and authentication features to keep your data secure.
Integration
Integration is an essential feature of any ERP solution, and both AX2012 and D365F&SCM have strong integration capabilities. However, D365F&SCM has more advanced integration capabilities, including pre-built integrations with other Microsoft products and third-party applications. It also has better support for web services and APIs.
In conclusion, while AX2012 is still a robust ERP solution, D365F&SCM has more advanced features, a more modern interface, and better integration capabilities. If you’re looking to upgrade your ERP solution, D365F&SCM is definitely worth considering.
Customisations and Upgrades
Customisations play a critical role in ensuring that a company’s ERP system caters to its unique business processes and needs. Microsoft Dynamics AX2012 and D365F&SCM offer many customisation options, but there are significant differences between the two versions.
AX2012 Customisations
AX2012 offers a wide range of customisation options, including creating new modules, tables, and fields, changing existing reports, and developing custom workflows to automate business processes. Customisations can be done using X++ and MorphX, which are specific to AX2012.
One downside of AX2012 customisations is that they can become problematic when upgrading to a newer version of the software. This is because the upgrade process may require significant changes to the codebase, which can cause increased costs and timeline for upgrading.
D365F&SCM Customisations
D365F&SCM offers a more streamlined approach to customisations through the use of extensions. Extensions are separate packages that can be developed and maintained outside of the core codebase, making it easier to upgrade to newer versions of the software without affecting the customisations.
The development of extensions can be done using Visual Studio and the X++ language. D365F&SCM also offers other customisation options, including the ability to create custom entities, modify forms and reports, and create custom workflows.
Upgrading from AX2012 to D365F&SCM
Upgrading from AX2012 to D365F&SCM requires careful consideration of the existing customisation landscape. The upgrade process involves migrating customisations from AX2012 to D365F&SCM, which can be a complex and time-consuming process.
However, upgrading to D365F&SCM offers various benefits, including improved user experience, cloud deployment options, improved analytics and reporting, and enhanced security features. D365F&SCM’s extension-based customisation approach ensures a smoother and more cost-effective upgrade process.
In conclusion, customisations are a crucial aspect of an ERP system, and both AX2012 and D365F&SCM offer robust customisation options. However, D365F&SCM’s extension-based approach to customisations offers significant advantages over AX2012. Upgrading to D365F&SCM may require significant effort, but the benefits of doing so can be significant.
Implementation and Support
For implementing and supporting AX2012 and D365F&SCM, there are a few key differences between the two systems that are worth considering. Let’s inspect each one.
Implementation of AX2012
Since AX2012 is no longer sold as a solution, explaining the implementation of AX2012 has no value.
Implementation of D365F&SCM
People consider implementing D365F&SCM to be a more streamlined process than AX2012. This is thanks to the cloud-based nature of the system, so Microsoft handles many of the technical aspects of the implementation process.
However, this does not mean that implementing D365F&SCM is a completely hands-off process. In order to ensure a successful implementation, it is still important to work closely with a Microsoft partner to configure the system to meet your organisation’s specific needs and to train users on how to use the system effectively.
Overall, implementing D365F&SCM is considered to be faster and less complex than AX2012, making it a good choice for organisations with limited resources or a need for a more agile solution.
Support for AX2012
Official support for AX2012 has ended, but support is still available from partners, or in-house teams. First and foremost, it is important to ensure that your organisation has access to the right expertise and resources to address any issues that may arise.
There are no new updated or patches being provided for AX2012, so this might be a problem as new requirements or standard affect the system. Ensuring the version of AX2012 being used is as up-to-date as possible can be important. Removing the known issue from daily operations, ensure that it is running smoothly and securely.
Finally, it is important to understand clearly the support options available from partners or other services in order to ensure that you can quickly and easily get the help you need when you need it.
Support for D365F&SCM
The support options for D365F&SCM are similar to those for AX2012, with a few key differences. Because D365F&SCM is a cloud-based system, Microsoft handles many of the technical aspects of support, such as updates and patches.
However, it is still important to ensure that your organisation has access to the right expertise and resources to address any issues that may arise with the system. This may involve working closely with a Microsoft partner to troubleshoot issues or to get additional training and support for your users.
Overall, the support options for D365F&SCM are considered to be strong, thanks to Microsoft’s focus on providing a high level of service and support to their customers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both AX2012 and D365F&SCM are ERP software solutions, they have their own unique features and differences. AX2012 is a more traditional and stable software solution, while D365F&SCM is more modern and flexible. It is important for businesses to evaluate their specific needs and goals before deciding whether to remain on AX2012 or upgrade to D365F&SCM. Overall, both AX2012 and D365F&SCM are powerful tools that can greatly improve business operations when utilised to their fullest potential. By taking the time to understand the differences between these two options, businesses can make an informed decision that will benefit their bottom line in the long run.
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