Compare Dynamics AX to Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations

Dynamics AX customers have a choice to make, either to continue with their legacy platform or migrate to Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations (Supply Chain is another name).  Comparisons help customers see the value in a migration or upgrade.  Comparing AX 2009 to Dynamics 365 is like comparing a Ford Pinto to a Cadillac.  A Dynamics AX 2012 R3 comparison to Dynamics 365 is more like a Camry to a Cadillac, much nicer, but still not the best.  Another option could also include evaluating other ERP solutions.  The only reason to look at other solutions would be due to a decrease in company size, because Dynamics 365 can handle any line of business at one time.  Dynamics 365 is now a more complete ERP solution for the enterprise organization.  The reason?  They have added Asset Management (plant maintenance), a more robust Product Information Management (PIM), and Planning Optimization to the suite of modules.  Those missing pieces used to be obstacles when selling to the manufacturing enterprise.  

Comparing AX 2009 to Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations

Times have changed, and technology has changed tremendously along with them.  TechNet states that 2009 was the year that technology changed us, rather than the release of big technology improvements.  Smartphones were a must, Facebook went global, and we began reading on Kindles.  That seems like a long time ago, and it really was.  The improvements from AX 2009 to Dynamics 365 are numerous.  You can read about the differences here:  Whitepaper Download

Comparing AX 2012 R3 to Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations

AX 2012 R3 was an exciting release for us and our customers.  Many new features and fixes were released, and it was a happy time.  As a sales and marketing person, the main issue I had was the name.  Why didn't they release it under a new name?  After all, it was released in 2015!  Microsoft seems to love to mess with names.  For example, it stands to reason that Dynamics 365 should be named Dynamics 365 Enterprise Edition.  Of course, I am not Satya Nadella, so I do not have a say in the matter!  However, the last iteration, which we all argue over, is the current name--is it Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain or is it Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations?

Best Improvements  

One of the biggest benefits for moving from AX 2012 R3 to Dynamics 365 is the fact that now the solution is modernized in an Internet-based user interface.  Remote workers rejoice!  No more RDP.  It can be installed on the Microsoft Cloud as a subscription, or you can complete the upgrade on-premise.  The Common Data Service, or CDS, has truly made integrations so much easier than the old platform.  Master Planning, which seemed to never live up to its name, has been replaced with Planning and Optimization, which runs in another SQL database, so as not to bog down your processing.  Keep in mind that this is for the SaaS instance only.   This document provides a detailed view of the comparisons: Whitepaper Download Dynamics AX Comparison to Dynamics 365

If you are ready to speak with a knowledgeable partner, please reach out to Clients First Business Solutions.  You can reach us at 800.331.8382, or email info@cfbs-us.com.