Discover the benefits of migrating from Dynamics AX to Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations (D365 F&O), comprised of Finance and Supply Chain Management, is a powerful cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) system designed for medium to large organizations with broad or complex needs. Many Dynamics AX (AX) users choose to migrate to Dynamics 365 F&O as it is the next generation of AX, built on the same framework, and supports the same ERP needs. Additionally, the new applications allow businesses to choose only the solutions they need and have the flexibility of working in the cloud.

Microsoft has discontinued Dynamics AX and because of this, no new features will be released for the product. Additionally, Dynamics AX is governed by Microsoft’s Fixed Lifecycle policy which means there are three phases of support and an end-of-life date for each version of AX. Mainstream support includes hotfixes, service packs, and the ability to open a support case with Microsoft to look into an issue with the application. After Mainstream support has ended, the product transitions to Extended support. Support during this phase is limited to updates related to security vulnerabilities. After Extended support has ended, Microsoft will no longer support the product or release any updates.

Extended support ended for Dynamics AX 2012 R3 on January 10, 2023. This was the last version of Dynamics AX still receiving support from Microsoft. This means that for all versions of Dynamics AX, Microsoft will no longer release important updates, hotfixes, regulatory tax updates, or security updates for this system.

There has never been a better time to make the upgrade from Dynamics AX to Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations. Organizations that choose to migrate to Dynamics 365 F&O unlock the following benefits:

• Grow & scale with ease – As your business initiatives evolve, your ERP system will need to grow with it. D365 F&O is designed to scale as your business grows to support your business.
• Support complex business processes – As your business expands, you may need to add new business processes or adjust existing ones to meet your needs. When adding or changing business processes, an upgrade from Dynamics AX to D365 F&O will unlock additional features and support for your growing needs.
• Security and compliance you can trust – Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations is built on Azure, which comes with native, multi-layered security controls and threat detection to help detect and guard against any threats.
• Enhance accessibility – Upgrading to a cloud-based ERP like Dynamics 365 F&O enhances accessibility and empowers users to access your system from any device, anywhere, at any time.
• Leverage subscription licensing models – With a subscription licensing model, you only pay for the applications or users you need. This provides flexibility to add or remove users as needed. Additionally, you can take advantage of reduced attach license pricing when combining two or more Dynamics 365 applications.
• Access to the latest technology – Microsoft is continuously developing new capabilities to enable your digital transformation with two release waves of product updates per year. Your system will always be current allowing you to take advantage of the latest technology while reducing ongoing upgrade costs. Increase your business’s agility, ability to stay current, scale, and roll out new capabilities quickly.
• Eliminate reliance on legacy infrastructure – Reduce costs without the need for on-premise servers and maintenance. With a cloud migration, remove organizational silos with one comprehensive solution that allows you to work wherever your business takes you — even on the go.
• Seamless integration across Microsoft universe – Finance and Supply Chain Management work seamlessly together, and with all other Dynamics 365 applications for a smooth workflow and worker experience. They both have a tight integration with Microsoft Office and the Power Platform to help you bring your organization to the next level.

Dynamics 365 Finance is a robust financial management application that organizations use to manage global operations without adding complexity or risk, predict the future with AI and machine learning, and simplify and automate financial processes. Dynamics 365 Finance is the replacement for the finance and accounting functionality of Dynamics AX.

Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management is an intelligent solution that automates and optimizes all aspects of the supply chain from production to transportation through AI, machine learning, and mixed reality. Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management is the replacement for the planning, production, inventory, warehouse, and transportation functionality of Dynamics AX.

The table to the below provides a brief overview of modules offered by the two powerful solutions, that can either be used separately or together. 

Rand Group offers several cloud migration services to switch from Dynamics AX to a more modern solution to increase your business’s agility, and ability to stay current, scale, and roll out new capabilities quickly with automatic upgrades. With Rand Group as your migration partner, you can confidently move to the cloud with operational speed, performance, and insights needed to make your business vision a reality. With our proven methodology, we can help you identify the best solution for your needs. If you are interested in migrating to Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations, or simply want to learn more about the capabilities of these powerful solutions, contact our team today.