Microsoft AX is an ERP solution designed to assist companies in organizing and automating business processes. However, with Microsoft ending support for Dynamics AX in 2021, you may be looking to transition your ERP services over to Dynamics 365.
How you go about upgrading Microsoft AX to Dynamics 365 depends on the version you use and the kind of assistance you bring in to help you with the process. Internet eBusiness Solutions can help you move your operations from Microsoft AX to Dynamics 365.
Can I Upgrade AX 2012 to Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations?
You would need to download the latest update before proceeding to your new instance of Dynamics 365. To start, you can run the Upgrade Analyzer tool to identify any tasks you must complete to prepare your AX 2012 environment. That makes the make the upgrade smoother and less costly.
- Data cleanup — Looks for data you can remove without losing critical business functions.
- SQL configuration review — Goes over the current SQL configuration to identify potential optimizations.
- Identify downgrade features — Looks for any features you may use in Dynamics AX that aren’t available in Dynamics 365.
It also helps to develop a pre-upgrade checklist for your AX 2012 environment. Use the list to enter any data needed to support an AX 2012 to Dynamics 365 upgrade. After that, run your Code upgrade estimation tools. That converts your code from AX 2012 to the new format. In addition, it provides feedback that your IES consultants can work through later. Use this step to figure out an estimate for the cost of your AX 2012 upgrade.
After completing your analysis, you’ll need to:
- Set up and deploy a demo environment
- Create your project plan
- Execute the preparation tasks identified by the Upgrade Analyzer
- Develop any new code necessary for your new Dynamics 365 instance
- Upgrade your data in the sandbox environment
- Test your setup
- Prepare for go-live
- Deploy your new Dynamics 365 instance
What if I Have Customizations in Dynamics AX 2009 or Dynamics AX 2012?
IES can look at the customizations you have in your current instance of Dynamics AX. If they’re essential to your core processes, our team can look into ways to reuse the functions and integration components in Dynamics 365.
However, keep in mind that there’s a lot of functionality within Dynamics 365 designed to fit the needs of various industries. So, there may be no need to try and bring those customizations forward. Instead, IES can show you how to use Dynamics 365 to accomplish the same business tasks. In addition, we may be able to help find a faster and more efficient method of completing the work within Dynamics 365.
How Do I Start Transitioning from Dynamics AX to Dynamics 365?
It’s one thing to understand the steps needed to upgrade AX 2012 to Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations. It’s another thing to complete them successfully. That’s where it helps to have IES as your partner and technical consultant in the effort. We can help you make the execution of the project more seamless.
Planning and Analysis
We start by helping you solidify your vision of what you want to accomplish by upgrading from Dynamics AX to Dynamics 365. That starts with asking your team about the specific reasons why you chose Dynamics 365 as your next ERP. For example, are you looking to achieve more mobility, become more efficient, or start the transition to the cloud?
In addition, you should lay out the criteria you’ll use to indicate whether you’re successful at achieving your goals. That includes covering any manual business process you’re looking to automate or adding functionality you can’t get done in Dynamics AX.
Going Over the Code
Many companies have various Dynamics AX customizations that run in the background. Because of Dynamics 365’s extension model, you’ll need to review how your current Dynamics AX customizations fit into your new instance.
Reviewing the Data
The integrity of your data is essential to a successful Dynamics AX to Dynamics 365 upgrade. Check for issues with the data that you need to address before the transition. For example, can you confirm that the information within Dynamics is accurate and consistent? Are you using any manual or automatic processes to deal with inaccurate data? Is there a need to move over historical information?
Remember, you may not be able to use the same data structures within Dynamics 365. That could lead to a need to add new tables or make changes to current objects. Because of that, there could be impacts to the historical information currently fed into your Dynamics AX instance.
Data issues can make or break a successful Microsoft Dynamics AX to Dynamics Finance and Operations upgrade. IES can help your organization ensure that you’re bringing the correct information forward.
Finding the Best Path Forward
In addition to getting your data to the proper format, IES helps your company figure out the best path forward to the cloud. There are several upgrade paths available for companies moving from Dynamix AX 2012 R2 or Dynamix AX 2012 R3, including:
- Classic upgrade — Moving all current Dynamics AX customizations and data over to the cloud.
- Hybrid upgrade — Only bringing specific code customizations and information to your new Dynamics 365 instance.
- New implementation — Your company decides what data they wish to bring over to Dynamics 365 while cutting back on unnecessary customizations from Dynamics AX. Choosing this path gives you the chance to start fresh with your systems and processes.
Can I Upgrade AX 2009 to Dynamics 365?
If your organization runs an older version with depreciated features, it’s not going to be possible for your company to upgrade that solution. Instead, you’ll need to look into moving to a Cloud deployment of Dynamics 365, so your only path forward is option 3. Regardless of the path you choose, IES can assist you in getting your solution ready for use within your enterprise.
Start Working on Your Microsoft AX to Dynamics 365 Upgrade
Get expert help with your cloud ERP upgrade. Contact IES today to start going over plans for your transition from Dynamics AX to Dynamics 365.
