Microsoft Dynamics AX

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Microsoft Dynamics AX
Basic data

developer Microsoft Corporation
Current  version Dynamics AX 2012
operating system Windows
category ERP , business software
License Proprietary
German speaking Yes
Dynamics AX

Microsoft Dynamics AX (formerly Axapta ) is an object-oriented ERP system. It is used in particular in medium-sized and larger companies.

history

Axapta was originally developed by the Damgaard company. Then the Damgaard and Navision companies merged and have been called Navision-Damgaard ever since. Since Microsoft bought the new Navision-Damgaard for 1.4 billion dollars in 2002, the Axapta ERP solution is now part of the Microsoft Business Solutions product range . In the course of a rebranding of Microsoft ERP products, which were to be transferred to a uniform Microsoft ERP system as part of the so-called Project Green , Axapta will be marketed under the name Microsoft Dynamics AX until it is completely replaced by the new product. The Axapta 3.0 version was replaced in July 2006 by the Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0 version. In addition to many additions to the functionality, the client has been revised and adapted to the MS Office 2003 interface. At first glance, the profound changes in the system architecture (increased focus on security ( Trusted Computing ), only a three-layer architecture ), the development environment (including the integration of .NET ) and the underlying product philosophy (away from the integrating software to an integrated part of a so-called Microsoft stack ). The AX 2009 version was the first clearly visible evidence of this philosophy in 2008. The current version, Dynamics AX 2012, has been on the market since the end of 2011, and the role-based interface has been adapted even more closely to the interface of the Office product range. The web interface (Enterprise Portal) was also adapted to the Office environment via SharePoint 2010.

OS basis

From the beginning, the Axapta server ran exclusively on Windows 2000 and Windows 2003 - at least that applies to productive systems. In the development or test area, Windows 2000 or XP Professional can also be used for version 3.0. Since version 4.0, the use of Windows Server (2003 or 2008) is mandatory. This is u. a. Also remember that user authentication is carried out via Active Directory . The associated Axapta client runs on all common Windows systems .

Axapta offers with the Enterprise Portal Server using the IIS and - from version 4.0 - Sharepoint Portal Services also a connection via the Internet Explorer .

Database support

Either a Microsoft SQL Server or an Oracle system are used as the underlying databases . With an Oracle connection, the utilization statistics and the data throughput evaluation cannot be used, but can be determined with the Oracle Enterprise Manager. Support for Oracle databases was discontinued with version 2012.

Software development

The ERP system can be adapted and expanded using the Axapta programming language X ++. The programming language X ++ is a mixture of the programming languages Java , BASIC , C ++ and SQL . The tables, objects and methods are mostly open source and can therefore be adapted. An object adapted by the customer can still be released through a layer structure. There are a total of 16 layers, of which two layers logically belong together. The first four layers ( SYS, SYP, GLS, GLP) are reserved for Microsoft. The fifth and sixth layers ( DIS, DIP) are used to deliver country-specific functionalities. There is a layer version for several countries. The seventh and eighth layers ( LOS, LOP) contain local functionalities that relate exclusively to the requirements of a country. In the ninth and tenth layers ( BUS, BUP), certified solutions are delivered by partners, for example. The eleventh and twelfth ( VAR, VAP) layers are used by consulting firms to deliver adjustments and extensions for their customers. Layer 13 to 16 ( CUS, CUP, USR, USP) are reserved for the customer. Layers that end with "P" are generally used to deliver updates and service packs for the underlying layer. Are z. If changes are SYSnecessary in the layer for a service pack, for example , these are SYPdelivered in the layer. The layers are based on one another, i.e. H. a change to an object in a higher layer hides the object in the layer below.

Except for USR / USP, the layers are protected by passwords so that they can only be read.

In version 4.0, the previous layers SYS, GLS and DIS were combined into a common SYS layer, country-specific functionalities can be installed in a GLS layer. The LOS layer was (at least for the time being) deleted without replacement. Furthermore Microsoft Visual SourceSafe was integrated, which enables a version management of the source code.

In version 2012 the layer structure was revised (SYS / SYP, GLS / GLP, FPK / FPP, SLN / SLP, ISV / ISP, VAR / VAP, CUS / CUP, USR / USP) and expanded with models. Models are collections of application objects within a layer that are suitable for partner solutions and industry modules in order to integrate them better and with less migration effort into an existing installation.

Industry solutions

The functional scope of Dynamics AX is often expanded by the sales partners in the form of industry solutions. On the one hand, this completely or partially closes the functional gaps in the standard installation; The current version, AX 2012, has been expanded significantly in the standard with the purchase of selected partner solutions, including functions such as lean production (KANBAN) and retail (POS).

System adjustments

System adjustments can partly be made in Dynamics AX by customizing. However, it is also common practice to change (modify) a standard system. The system behavior is influenced by changes in the source code. Layer technology provides valuable services here, as only the top modified layer is ever executed. Often only the effort of the current adaptation is used to assess a modification. This is wrong, however, as a modification also leads to additional work with every future update of the component. However, if a lower layer (e.g. updates for country-specific versions) is exchanged and updated, these updates are also covered by the modification.

Updates

Updates for the Dynamics AX standard system are delivered directly from Microsoft via the sales partners. Since almost all Dynamics AX installations have extensive modifications to the source code, the update cannot simply be installed. Rather, for every code change in the source code, it must be checked whether modifications still trigger the desired effect. Update projects are therefore not trivial and, in extreme cases, can result in a high development effort that is comparable to a new implementation. This is especially true if the additional programming was not carried out properly by the partner. In some cases, Microsoft partners also deliver updates for your industry solutions. Here, too, every code adjustment and modification must be checked again.

documentation

Axapta X ++ and the logics are not sufficiently documented in version 3. However, thanks to the layer structure and the open source code, you can quickly familiarize yourself with the Axapta functions.

The built-in development manual provides an overview of the syntax and selected constructs, the actual business logic is largely undocumented. This will change fundamentally after announcements in the current version Dynamics AX 4.0; Among other things, comprehensive documentation of the basic classes is planned, which will also be available via MSDN. However, almost a year after the 4.0 was released, Microsoft does not seem to have kept this promise.

There are many Dynamics AX books out there.

As for other Microsoft products, training is also offered as a series of MOC courses from so-called CPLS ( Certified Partners for Learning Solutions ). These training courses, which deal with the different modules of the software and enable certification at different levels, are offered by partners across Germany (current information can be obtained from the respective Microsoft country representative). In order to ensure thorough familiarization, thorough knowledge of the X ++ programming language is essential, which can also be acquired in various training courses.

Distribution system

Axapta cannot be purchased directly from Microsoft. Instead, it is sold by external consultants who also carry out the implementation and any necessary adjustments. Support and training are also provided or arranged by partners. These consulting firms must have acquired various Axapta certificates and thus prove that they have the necessary expertise.

literature

  • Andreas Luszczak: Basic course Microsoft Dynamics AX; The business solution from Microsoft for medium-sized companies: Axapta basics and new functions in version AX 2009 . Vieweg, Wiesbaden 2009, ISBN 978-3-8348-0716-8 (application-related presentation of fundamentals and process management in Microsoft Dynamics AX - 2nd, updated and expanded edition).
  • Luis XB Mourão, David Weiner: Axapta: Microsoft ERP Solutions . Apress, Berkeley 2005, ISBN 1-59059-489-4 (Provides an initial overview of Axapta, including setup and development. It is therefore ideal for people who are new to Axapta).
  • Scott Hamilton: Managing Your Supply Chain Using Microsoft Axapta . McGraw-Hill, New York et al. a. 2004, ISBN 0-07-144485-8 (This book deals specifically with business process mapping in Axapta; it is also available for Microsoft Navision .).
  • Steen Andreasen: MORPHX IT . Books On Demand, 2006.
  • Hans Skovgaard, Michael Pontoppidan, Lars Olsen, Arthur Greef: Inside Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0 . Microsoft Press, 2006, ISBN 0-7356-2257-4 (This book is from the architects of Axapta and Dynamics AX and was published in September 2006).
  • Lars Dragheim Olsen, Michael Fruergaard Pontoppidan, and Hans J. Skovgaard: Inside Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 . Microsoft Press, 2009, ISBN 978-0-7356-2645-4 (This book was written by the architects and program managers of Dynamics AX. It is the updated edition and contains many new topics specific to the 2009 version).

Web links