Description
Microsoft Dynamics AX is an ERP system for mid-size to large enterprises. It is the most robust, scalable, and functionally rich enterprise resource planning system in the Microsoft Dynamics family of products. The system was originally known as Axapta, owned by the Danish software company Damgaard. Damgaard later merged with Navision before Microsoft acquired Navision in 2002. At the same time, Microsoft purchased Great Plains Software and obtained two more ERP packages, Great Plains and Solomon. Microsoft subsequently rebranded the four systems as Microsoft Dynamics.
Microsoft Dyanmics AX competes aggressively with other Tier 1 ERP software companies. It has particular strengths in manufacturing and distribution but is a functionally broad system, capable of serving buyers in most industries. Multi-language and multi-currency features make the system a popular option for companies looking to centralize operations in multiple locations across the world.
In addition to core accounting, Microsoft Dynamics AX offers complete functionality for inventory control, warehouse management, transportation management, demand and supply chain planning, material requirements planning, production management, quality assurance, product lifecycle management, asset management, and business intelligence. It relies entirely on Microsoft’s .Net technology. It is often installed on-premise, but can be hosted remotely if the customer would prefer an on-demand system accessible over the web.
Microsoft Dynamics AX can serve a wide range of markets, but has particular strength in manufacturing and distribution. Its industry-specific functionality meets the needs of discrete manufacturers in the high tech, electronics, metals, industrial machinery, aerospace, consumer products, and medical devices industries. It supports repetitive, make-to-order, make-to-stock, light assembly, and engineer-to-order manufacturing. Process manufacturers requiring automation of batches, formulas, and recipes also adopt Microsoft Dynamics AX. As a result, we recommend it very often to pharmaceutical, chemical, food, and beverage companies. It is a truly configurable and flexible system able to address the needs of just about any type of manufacturing firm.
Microsoft Dynamics AX is suitable for the companies whose size and functional requirements can justify it. We typically see it used by companies with at least $50 million in annual revenue (although occasionally a little less in unusual scenarios), 20 employees, 20 concurrent users, and expectations of an enterprise purchase.