4 Challenges with Your Dynamics AX Migration to Dynamics 365

Dynamics AX Migration to Dynamics 365 Challenges to Expect and Avoid

By now, most Dynamics AX customers are considering ERP options since Microsoft ended support for their on-premises Dynamics AX software.  These companies are left without ongoing releases and patches to keep their systems up to date. We've helped our Dynamics AX customers successfully migrate to Dynamics 365 in the cloud. This article outlines 4 challenges you should expect and try to avoid. Since most of these challenges can be properly managed, we recommend you consult with a trusted Microsoft Gold Certified partner like Clients First.

Download our “Dynamics AX to Dynamics 365 Feature Comparison” checklist.  In this whitepaper we take a closer look at the new features you'll get with a Dynamics AX to Dynamics 365 migration. Click here: 

4 Challenges You Will Face with a Dynamics AX to Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Migration

1.  New Software Infrastructure

Customers on Dynamics AX already know that this robust system will help your company manage finances, projects, manufacturing, and with some automated processes and reporting. However, upgrading Dynamics AX to a modern solution like Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain (sometimes called Operations) is a huge leap forward. For instance, the underlying technology (or platform) on which the software is built is more flexible and scalable.

Moving to the new platform means the migration from AX to Dynamics 365 Operations isn’t as simple as upgrading from one version to the other or importing existing configurations. The good news is that you have a lot to look forward to with Dynamics 365 and the migration will be well worthwhile.  ) You will finally have access to automated calculations, artificial intelligence, and seamless integrations with other solutions you use. You still have the option to use your maintenance plan and upgrade the software on-premise at no cost, however, choosing to go SaaS you remove  the infrastructure, SQL licenses, and will get 40% off your Dynamics 365 licenses. 

2.  Legacy Customizations and Integrations 

Since every company has unique requirements, Dynamics AX didn't always have the functionality out-of-the-box. Therefore, many companies relied on several (sometimes dozens) of one-off integrations and customizations. As a result, makes them even more tricky to port to your new software.  Unfortunately, companies sometimes have no record of the customizations which can cause issues during the new system installation.

Ask the question of whether or not all those integrations and customizations still support the needs of your business. Are they working optimally? In some cases, you may not need the same customization as you did before. It may be that Dynamics 365 offers what you need with full-fledged integration capabilities and advanced features.  Clients First objective is to use as much of the out of the box functionality as possible even though we have some of the best developers in the community. 

3.  Older Versions of Dynamics AX

Microsoft has a clear path for migration from AX 2012 R2 and R3 using tools within Life Cycle Services or LCS.  However, if your business is running on AX 2009, you will have some additional steps added to your migration plan utilizing the DMT or Data Migration Tool.   Typically in either scenario you will need a Partner such as Clients First to help with your migration.  This assistance can be portions of the AX upgrade such as data conversion or full services, and anything in between.  Our development team works with other software vendors like Cleo and Pacejet to help their customers and other partners to integrate into Dynamics AX, Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain as well as Business Central.  

4. Porting Over Existing Reports

Unfortunately, not all your reports that are built-in AX will be compatible with Dynamics 365, especially some of your custom reports. Here again, you’ll want to assess each report and the data it provides and ask yourself if it still serves your needs.

Dynamics 365 offers advanced reporting options, therefore, many customers choose to rebuild new reports. They get the power to utilize onboard intelligence and automated calculations. This type of visibility and visual reporting can empower your organization to become data-driven in its decision-making.  Power BI and SQL Reports are the tools of choice for Dynamics 365, however, there are other options in the ISV marketplace, AppSource. 

Work with a Trusted and Experienced Microsoft Partner

The easiest way to face any challenges related to your migration from Dynamics AX is to rely on an experienced partner that has walked this road and knows what to anticipate.  Our typical projects are lean, however we can provide any level of service you desire.  At Clients First, we conduct assessment workshops with our clients to help them plan the optimal migration path. We’ll help you define:

• Clear business goals
• Scenario and stakeholder alignment
• Organizational readiness
• Comprehensive project scope

We encourage you to book a consultation so we can understand your unique situation, then we will present a demonstration for your business and address your business gaps.   Our primary industry focus for functional consulting services is within job shops, professional services, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) for heavy equipment and the aviation.   Our technical services can work within any industry.  Ask us about our new ProMRO solution for Dynamics 365.  Please call us at 800.331.8382 or send us an email at info@cfbs-us.com today.

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