Microsoft Dynamics AX - Why Upgrade?

Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009, AX 2012, and AX 2012 R2 are nearing end of extended support on April 4, 2022 and it’s time to start considering the path to an upgrade. And not far behind, is Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R3 which reaches end of life by 01/10/2023. Mainstream support of these apps has ended. It is time to explore your options and evaluate the benefits and features of moving to Dynamics 365 for Finance & Operations. With the rearchitected Dynamics 365, Microsoft has moved to the Modern Lifecycle Policy to ensure the product is serviced, upgraded, and supported continuously. This modern ERP framework helps move technology forward.

Dynamics 365 Support

Continuous support is not the only reason to consider starting the path to Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations (also known as D365 F&O). D365 F&O introduces hundreds of new features not previously available. To start, a complete infrastructure change was undertaken with the creation of D365 F&O. While still possible to complete an on-premise ERP implementation, Microsoft has made D365 F&O a cloud first application. With cloud and browser-based apps there is greater flexibility in device connectivity, less IT infrastructure, and guaranteed uptimes. The new solution brings a modern look and feel across multiple platforms that users will quickly come to appreciate and expect going forward. We have highlighted some of our favorite new features in the supply chain management module in D365 F&O for you.

Handling Dynamics AX 2012 and 2009 Customizations

If your Microsoft Dynamics AX environment is highly customized it does not mean that you shouldn’t look at upgrading to D365 F&O. While the code upgrade can feel overwhelming, Strabo’s deep technical expertise and experience with upgrades from AX 2009 and AX 2012 to D365 F&O along with our implementation methodology we strive to make migrations and upgrades easier for you. Part of our upgrade project plan includes an initial evaluation of all custom code so that we can do validation and discuss options for moving to the new system. By using the new technical architecture, powered by Azure, future updates to D365 will be easier, faster, and more robust.

While you’ve probably read enhancements are hard to move over, that simply is not true. Automation tools exist with lifecycle services (LCS) to evaluate all custom code and give an idea of the level of effort to complete the upgrade. All of this technical functionality existing within LCS ensures a more smooth transition to the new infrastructure.

Dynamics 365 Data Upgrade Process

While the Dynamics AX Upgrade process may seem overwhelming, Strabo has experience upgrading customers from many versions of dynamics AX, including Dynamics AX 2009, Dynamics AX 2012 R2, and Dynamics AX 2012 R3. You might be worried about what an upgrade means for you data, well there are several options. Some customers may choose to do a full reimplementation and do manual data migration, but going through a whole new implementation project is not necessary. While some customers choose this upgrade path as a way to re-evaluate business needs and business processes, many customers just want an upgrade project to take their existing business apps into the modern era.

If you want to go-live on Dynamics 365 without the headache of a full reimplementation Strabo is here to help. Microsoft has an upgrade tool built right into Dynamics AX 2012 R3 to help get you from AX to Dynamics 365. Not running R3? That’s not a problem, step 1 in the data upgrade process is to get you from your current version of AX to R3 in a sandbox environment to ensure a smooth data upgrade to Dynamics 365. Doing that will also give us a chance to evaluate any custom code and enhancements to look at work will need to be done during the upgrade service.

New Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Features

The new Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations solution offers hundreds of new, exciting features over AX 2012 and AX 2009. Some of these features include:

Direct integration to Microsoft 365 for quick data entry and ad-hoc reporting
Deep integration to other Dynamics 365 products for robust CRM capability
Integration to PowerPlatform for code free integrations
Dozens of new advanced warehouse management features including a completely reengineered mobile device
A new MRP, and Supply Chain planning engine

This is just a small sample of the many functional features continuously being added to D365 F&O.

Dynamics 365 F&O Trade Agreements

Strabo Price Plus, an ISV solution designed to provide D365 F&O greater flexibility and ease of use around pricing management and trade agreements is exclusively available to the product. During the upgrade, be sure to request a demo of all the features available to help streamline your pricing.

Strabo Partners has created a unique project methodology specifically for upgrades. This unique methodology is based on our experience with previous, successful implementations and upgrades. We understand how critical it is to keep your business’ business applications running smoothly To learn more about our methodology and about the next steps on the path to upgrading to Dynamics 356 for Finance and Operations.