Dynamics AX EDI embedding, when is the right time?

The schools of thought on when to embed a Dynamics AX EDI solution vary widely.  Let’s start by defining what embedding actually means.  A solution embedding can be deeply integrated.  Solutions that are deeply integrated  might have their own screens in Dynamics AX, a unique AX Object Tree (AOT) schema, unique integrated AX Workflows, even customizations to core AX objects.  At the other end of the embedded solution spectrum you may find an EDI solution that simply stores more data in AX tables or even just integrates data over AIF Web Services or the AX.NET Business Connector.  So the dilemma arises, how much embedding is too much.

Pros of Embedding

Data Availability – Much of the time EDI data comes with critical data that might be without a place for storage in AX.  When you embed the EDI adaptor’s data into the AX Object Tree, it can be added much more easily to screens, grids, searches, reports, etc.

Customization – Despite how hard many AX sites try, the easily customizable nature of AX lends itself to making the ERP solution experience more streamlined, more robust.  Embedded EDI adaptor technology delivers a wide variety of opportunities for internal integration with other customizations.  This can provide numerous synergies with existing systems, customizations and business processes that would be impossible to achieve with an arms-length approach.

Cons of Embedding

Difficult Upgrades – The argument is made that AX upgrades might be more involved.  In prior AX revisions, XPO technology arguably made upgrading solutions much more involved and troublesome.  With AX 2012, the model and model-store technology has alleviated much of the headache.

Fully Off-Premise EDI Solution – You will often hear it argued that you can get to a point where all EDI components are in the cloud without having your AX system in the cloud.  While this is in theory a solution that is available, it requires opening AIF Web Service endpoints directly into your AX system from the Internet.  This puts great risk on your security, and amounts to a direct threat to the lifeblood of your company – your data.

Bottom-line: A Stable, Available Solution

Whether embedding or not, completely vetting AX upgrades is best practice.  Therefore, even abbreviated re-testing between revisions is beneficial to avoiding any surprises.  With each AX major release, new, earth-shattering technologies have been released by Microsoft – model stores in AX 2012, partitioning in 2012 R2, etc.  Best practices would always, always, always dictate retesting inputs and outputs – your EDI transactions flows with AX regardless of embedding or not.  With BSI EDI, you have the ability to embed from a little to a lot, letting you find a balance between system security, data availability and EDI efficiency.

About Business Systems Integrators

Business Systems Integrators, LLC is a Microsoft-Certified software and service provider. We have been involved in ERP and EDI for nearly 25 years. BSI provides on-premise EDI as well as SaaS EDI in conjunction with SPS Commerce. BSI, LLC prides itself on quality solutions and service that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations - whether it's implementing one of our software products or using us for custom integration development.

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