Introduction
Microsoft released Dynamics 365 for operations in 2016, its cloud-based ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solution, against its older AX 2012 version. In 2017, Microsoft renamed it as Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations. Changing the software your business operates on is a big decision, and a risky one. Thus, we bring you the top 10 reasons to Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O from D365 AX 2012. Microsoft withdrew support from the Dynamics AX version with the release of its new ERP software. So, if you are still using the previous version of Dynamics AX, you might be able to purchase some additional licenses. These licenses, however, will be subject to the new licensing model of Microsoft Dynamics 365. Furthermore, the primary reason you should upgrade to Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O is that the version is completely cloud-based. It is this reason that made the updated version popular among developers and users. When you compare the new, cloud-based version with the desktop-based AX versions that comes with some add-on web and mobile components; it’s exactly not what most customers are looking for.
Difference between Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations and D365 AX 2012:
Microsoft introduced several new features in Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations. Let’s find out how the two versions compare:
- Users get access to various aspects of Finance and Operations through a customizable dashboard with the replacement of Role Centers by Workplaces.
- The Global Search feature comes with the ability to find information from wherever it is in the system and deliver enhanced user experiences.
- Businesses can automatically update the inventory every 24 hours. Inventory can also be updated manually.
- Businesses can create and embed business intelligence reports in the Finance and Operations interface.
The features listed above are just a few of the many improvements that the Microsoft Dynamics 365 version has to offer. Furthermore, Microsoft D365 offers all the previous functionalities of Dynamics AX, including HR, procurement, supply chain management, production, retail, and more. Thus, you would not be missing any important feature.
Top 11 reasons to upgrade to Microsoft D365 F&O from D365 AX 2012
Listed below are the top 11 reasons to upgrade to Microsoft D365 F&O from D365 AX 2012:
1. Web-based and cloud-based solutions
The primary reason for upgrading AX 2012 to Dynamics 365 is the architecture. Dynamics AX is an on-premises platform. It implies that businesses should host the application on their physical onsite servers. On the other hand, Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based integrated solution hosted by the cloud service of Microsoft Azure.
2. Regular software updates
The continuous enhancement and regular updates are another reason for upgrading to a newer version. With an upgrade to D365 F&O the software updates regularly. It makes the software more feature-rich and powerful. Furthermore, the choice of enabling or disabling the new features and upgrades is completely up to you.
3. Extensive advanced features
With an upgrade to Dynamics 365, businesses get an extensive range of innovative features. Furthermore, D365 has around 3700 features that are accompanied by vertical solutions specifically tailored to meet industry requirements. The features include finance management, manufacturing management, human resource management, purchasing management, inventory management, sales management, quality management, and product technology.
4. Responsive & intuitive user interface
The intuitive user interface is undoubtedly the most noticeable as the differences when you migrate from Dynamics AX 2012 to D365 F&O is glaringly obvious. Dynamics AX features a standard ERP user interface that requires its users to access the application from their desktop. On the other hand, Dynamics 365 has a user-friendly interface. Furthermore, users can access it via web and mobile browsers, unlike Dynamics AX.
5. Scalability
Since Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based ERP solution, it enables effective scalability. As compared to Dynamics AX 2012, Dynamics 365 F&O allows you to adjust the scale of your business’s operations with growth and time. Furthermore, you would not have to make large investments upfront. You can start your operations with minimum services and gradually increase your resources as your business grows.
6. High-level security
When you upgrade from Dynamics AX 2012 to Dynamics 365 F&O, your business can enjoy robust enterprise-level security. The latest version can prevent all types of malicious attacks and data breaches. Furthermore, the security architecture of Microsoft Dynamics 365 for finance and operations guarantees that only verified users have access to relevant data while simultaneously execute the actions that they are authorized to perform.
7. Multiple integration support
Dynamics 365 finance and operations combine one of the best CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and ERP solutions in the market. It can be integrated with a range of Microsoft products, including the Office 365 suite. Dynamics 365 F&O can also integrate with the latest Dynamics 365 CRM, PowerApps, Power BI, Power Automate, and Cortana. You can also integrate it with non-Microsoft products and third-party applications, including Oracle, SAP, Service Now, Marketing Automation Tools, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, OneNote, and 300+ connectors.
8. Enhanced customer experience
Upgrade to Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O allows you to improve business operations and offer better customer support. Moreover, it enables you to properly analyze your customers and develop a customer-centric strategy that further improves the customer experience.
9. Cost-effective
Though the initial cost of migrating to a newer version might be higher, the benefits in the long term will significantly outweigh the cost of a one-time investment. Furthermore, you would only have to pay for the features you think you need for your business.
10. Combined benefits of both versions
You get the combined benefits of Microsoft Power Platform, Dynamics 365 apps, and the cloud computing services of Azure by upgrading from AX 2012 to Dynamics 365 F&O.
11. Built-in Power BI
Microsoft comes with a built-in Power BI which enables businesses to make better decisions by gathering data from multiple sources, integrating that data, and transforming it into actionable reports. Moreover, these reports are in-depth and insightful and help measure KPI performance. Power BI is also great for building long-lasting customer relationships. It extracts customer data from different touchpoints and offers insightful customer reports, Businesses can later use these reports to create marketing and sales strategies.
Benefits of upgrading to Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations from Dynamics AX
The primary benefits of migrating from Dynamics AX 2012 to Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations are listed below:
- Lower cost of ownership: Dynamics AX provides data to several systems that your employees spend time on, including Office and BI, which costs you money. These applications in Microsoft D365 are all connected, which increases efficiency and saves you money.
- Flexibility and accessibility: The cloud-based solution boasts flexibility and accessibility by providing you with real-time data on all devices, wherever and whenever you want.
- Continued Support: As mentioned above, Microsoft will end the extended support period for four versions of Dynamics AX in 2022. As a result, you will not be able to request support from Microsoft anymore. However, upgrading to Dynamics 365 F&O will eliminate the issue.
- Work from anywhere, anytime: The native HTML 5 browser-based interface powers Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations. If you use the application, you get access to your business data and back-office functions from any place on any device and browser. The only pre-requisite is a proper internet connection.
- 95% of manufacturing processes supported: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations supports 95% of manufacturing requirements. Eventually, it is a perfect fit for core manufacturing businesses. It also includes other core functions, including advanced warehousing with mobile solutions, ATP, and transportation management. Retailers also get huge help from advanced features, including omni-channel management, merchandising, cloud POS, catalog management options, multi-site warehouse management, rebates, vendor self-service portal, trade allowance management, and more.
- Advanced data intelligence tools: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations gets you top-notch intuitive business data analytics tools and endless visualization built-in opportunities. Your employees also get real-time visibility into the shared data to make more informed decisions with Power BI.
Conclusion
We are the Microsoft-certified cloud solution provider you were looking for to accelerate your enterprise-level business. We design, build and support Microsoft Dynamics solutions for businesses with high-performance requirements and complex international operations. Our distinctive support models for Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations and AX make us a cut above other consulting partner.