It might sound a bit intimidating when it comes to AX to D365 finance & operation Upgrade. However, when you get to experience the state-of-the-art features and functionalities, updated user experience, integrated business operations, and enhanced business intelligence, you will realize it is worth it. Dynamics Ax Implementation, cannot match the flexibility of D365 F&O.
Finance and Operations provide an upgraded path for the customers still running on Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 to move their code and data to Finance and Operations applications. The upgrade process consists of the following elements:
- Features to bring up current custom application code from AX 2012.
- An upgrade where the user can bring their database forward, and hence upgrade their entire transaction history.
It is important to note that those Dynamics AX features currently running some depreciated features are not eligible for the upgrade. For instance, systems running either virtual companies or data partitions cannot avail themselves of the upgrade. However, if you are not sure if your system can be upgraded, you may as well run the Upgrader Analyzer Tool.
What is the Difference Between Microsoft Dynamics AX and Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O?
One of the major differences between the two is their infrastructure. Dynamics 365 For Finance & Operation is a cloud-based ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) whereas AX is a desktop-based application having some web and mobile add-on components. This concludes to Dynamics 365 F&O being used in any device as long as it is connected to the internet.
Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations can also be integrated with Power BI, CRM (Customer Relationship Manager), Office 365 apps, and other D365 brands and allows the business to get an end-to-end business solution. However, Dynamics AX could not integrate with other products thus leading to the need of using them separately.
The licensing model for both is poles apart. F&O offers a more flexible pricing model as compared to Dynamics AX. Therefore, allowing users to save money on user and licensing. In addition, it should be noted that Dynamics AX will soon become outdated as Microsoft is completely focusing on Dynamics 365’s development.
Why Should You Upgrade from Microsoft Dynamics AX to Dynamics 365 F&O?
One of the major reasons for the shift is that support on Dynamics AX 2012 R3 ended on October 12, 2021, whereas Dynamics AX 2012 R2 support was extended from October 12, 2021, to April 12, 2022. Anyone using these versions will soon be on their own in terms of dealing with patching, updates, and customizations. In addition, Dynamics Finance and Operations is more flexible and potent to hold more features as compared to Dynamics AX. Being a cloud-based solution, it delivers a smoother way to more frequent fixes and developments while saving the user’s time. Apart from this, Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations delivers the following benefits:
Cost of Ownership: With Microsoft Dynamics Finance and Operations, the businesses only have to pay for the licensing fees while reducing the cost spent on IT infrastructure, maintenance, and additional benefits. As a part of the package, Microsoft cleans up the redundant resources and puts complete focus on the value-adding projects. Hence, it carries out disaster management by taking regular back-ups.
Cloud Security: F&O is a cloud-based solution that is scalable and provides security by regular monitoring and threat management, allowing you to put your complete attention on other potential departments. It protects your data with cloud service infrastructure and robust built-in security features. Furthermore, it allows collaboration and enough data access with privacy and data integrity built into cloud services, including service hosting platforms, physical data centers, user, and administration access, and so on.
User-Friendly Experience: F&O allows you to manage tasks anytime and anywhere. With its user-friendly interface, you can also cut training time and manage processes faster.
Everything on the Same Platform: Unlike AX, Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations brings different business aspects under the same platform simply due to its ability to integrate with CRM, Office365, and other Microsoft products and third-party tools.
Business Insights: One of the most key features Dynamics F&O offers is Power BI. It extracts the essential data and creates insightful reports in the blink of an eye. Power BI helps you to securely connect all your applications and have all the data under the same roof.
Bottom Line
Many organizations using Dynamics AX have already embraced AX to D365 finance & operation Upgrade, while others are still considering it. After learning the immense benefits of Microsoft Finance and Operations, if you too are looking for an upgrade, we recommend contacting a Microsoft Dynamics implementation partner such as Trident. We will guide you through the process. Contact us for more information.
