By Hans Jørgen Skovgaard

Microsoft Dynamics AX is a product that is very flexible and allows for an incredible array of setups and customizations. It is a powerful tool but also a frightening one in the hands of the novice. To be honest we have seen customizations which purpose was to implement a feature set that already existed in the product! This was surely an alarming experience as this was probably as low as partner productivity could go. 

To enable new partners to be efficient, we must provide tools that allow them to make good decisions and solid estimations around the scoping of each implementation project, whether that is an upgrade or a new implementation. The Sure Step Methodology is one of the biggest partner productivity investments we’ve done and there is an enormous benefit for partners, especially the ones which don’t already have a structured implementation methodology. Following this methodology helps to ensure that the implementation of Microsoft Dynamics AX will give you the superior capabilities that you seek in enterprise resource planning (ERP).

We’ve seen two different customization strategies from which our customers typically choose. The first approach is to do a full implementation from the beginning and the second is to implement the standard system with only mission critical customizations and then go live with this system. Subsequently, analyzing what business processes the features of standard Microsoft Dynamics AX will cover to meet user needs and in which scenarios further customizations are needed to meet the user’s needs. Both customization approaches are supported by the Sure Step Methodology.

To ease the implementation effort we have created additional tools. The Rapid Configuration Tool (RCT) for Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0 is a tool that supports both partners and customers in the implementation and configuration process. It does this by providing and linking project management features, easier configuration access, communication support and documentation on how to configure Microsoft Dynamics AX.

The Sure Step Task Recorder provides a tool to automate and simplify the creation of documents and how Microsoft Dynamics AX works in relation to the customer requirements. As a result, the task of documenting and identifying business processes is dramatically reduced. The resulting documentation can be used to reduce the ramp-up time for new users of the system and used as documentation for the customer’s approval during implementation and future business processes.

So, we are constantly looking for new and better ways of helping partners and customers with tools and information. Additionally, the book “Inside Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0” (which you can purchase online at Amazon.com) is another great implementation resource. The book has been well received and most partners that I have visited have copies.  As we go forward, we will look into how Microsoft can provide more resources for partner and customer productivity.