Dynamics 365 for Operations once known as AX-7 gets a new name starting 07/01/2017; the software will be called Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations to better reflect its capabilities.

Whatever the name of Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations, I am excited to share the functionality of the software to help manufacturing and distribution businesses solve business issues through the use of ERP software that is customized and implemented  for your unique business conditions.

Task Guides Make Defining Key Business Processes Globally Easier 

Are you a manager or director of human resources, engineering, production, purchasing, or transportation and you are constantly taken away from your job to explain how to do business procedure "X"?  A feature called Task Recorder in Dynamics AX and Dynamics 365, can make your job more satisfying by being able to EASILY record and share the steps needed to perform a task. By using task recorder in Dynamics 365 or Dynamics AX, you are free to answer more pertinent questions; complete the actual functions required of your role instead of directing and training employees on how to perform day-to-day tasks.

This happens often to a purchasing manager I just met.  He is swamped with calls asking if he can add a vendor that costs 6K less than what is quoted in the approved vendor list?   When he replies no, a barrage of emails ensues, regarding Canada’s budget and bonus potential, nevermind why the vendor list exists in the first place.

IoT is made easier for manufacturer's with Dynamics 365; The Internet of Things, People, and Services enables manufacturers to go beyond improving existing products to adding predictive maintenance to their product portfolios. By using Dynamics 365 Azure IoT Suite, manufacturers can expand their business models to deliver service-based products: solutions that encompass both the product and the related complementary services instead of offering products only. This added benefit of Dynamics 365 with Azure IoT suite can help manufacturers take full advantage of opportunities available in the market today.

In spite of some ERP promises, companies still struggle with obtaining precise numbers and with knowing the real cost of producing finished goods because of indirect costs involved with production. Our sales team hears this business problem almost daily from manufacturers whether they are in process, discreet, or mixed mode manufacturing. Dynamics 365 for Operations or Dynamics AX On Premise can solve this issue through proper setups.  

Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations supports absorption costing by enabling indirect costs to be absorbed into the product cost. Examples of indirect costing or overhead expenses include:

Today, I do not find it a coincidence that on International Women’s Day, I first glimpsed bluebonnets in bloom on my drive into work. Just like the bluebonnets in Texas, the women I work with supply a glimpse of raw beauty and an opportunity to witness professional and personal growth.  

AXUG Dallas Chapter Meeting Featuring Dynamics 365 for Operations Overview: Showcasing the Path to Cloud ERP 

Dynamics 365 for Operations to Be Generally Available On-Premise in June 2017

In one of our last blog posts, "Dynamics 365 for Operations On-Premise Questions," Clients First speculated that Dynamics 365 for Operations would be available on premise.  Today is the day we can finally, announce that Dynamics 365 for Operations (AX 7) will be available on premise keeping your business data local.  As shown in the graphic above published by Sri Srinivasan on the week of 2/20/2017, Dynamics 365 for Operations will be generally available on premise in June 2017.

Dynamics 365 for Operations Integrates with EDI through Data Mason's Vantage Point software. 

Clients First is excited to partner with Data Masons, an Independent Software Vendor (ISV), who supplies electronic data interchange (EDI) between Dynamics 365 for Operations customers and their vendors with no customizations.   EDI allows the transfer of data from one computer system to another by using standardized message formatting, without the need for human intervention. EDI permits multiple companies -- possibly in different countries -- to exchange documents electronically.  The data can be exchanged through serial links and peer-to-peer networks.  The downside is that most exchanges  rely on the Internet for the exchange. The tight EDI integration between Dynamics 365 and Dynamics AX improves transaction speed and visibility while decreasing the amount of money you spend on manual processes. But cost savings is far from the only benefit of using EDI.

Are you a manager or director of human resources, engineering, production, purchasing, or transportation and you are constantly taken away from your job to explain business procedures?  A feature called Task Recorder in Dynamics AX and Dynamics 365, can make your job more satisfying by being able to EASILY record and share the steps needed to perform a task. By using task recorder in Dynamics 365 or Dynamics AX, you are free to answer more pertinent questions; complete the actual functions required of your role instead of directing and training employees on how to perform day-to-day tasks.

If you have purchased Dynamics 365, task Recorder comes pre-installed with Dynamics 365 for Operations meaning common tasks are already included and recorded.  If a particular function is not available, you can create your own task recording right after go-live.

 If you are on AX,  a new Chrome extension must be installed to easily create a task recording.