Microsoft Dynamics AX 2010

 

Microsoft ERP Release Streamlines Retailing

http://informationweek.com/news/software/enterprise_apps/232600107?queryText=e-commerce

By: Doug Henschen

            Microsoft released Dynamics AX 2012 on February 1, 2012, an industry-specific version of the vendor's flagship ERP system that's designed to eliminate barriers that are holding many retailers back. Enterprise resource planning or ERP systems are integrate internal and external management information across an entire organization, embracing finance/accounting, manufacturing, sales and service, customer relationship management, etc. ERP systems automate this activity with an integrated software application. Their purpose is to facilitate the flow of information between all business functions inside the boundaries of the organization and manage the connections to outside stakeholders. This software eliminates data silos by combining point-of-sale (POS), inventory, supply chain, and financials in one application. “AX 2012 for Retail eliminates the back-end silo problem and provides built-in business intelligence capabilities so you can analyze inventory trends and easily move stock among distribution centers and stores,” Microsoft said. “The ERP system also delivers a consistent customer experience,” says Michael Griffiths the global director of retail and distribution for Microsoft Dynamics. “For example, many customers would expect to be able to order items online and pick them up in a local store, yet many retailers can't offer this option because their systems lack visibility and recognition of sales orders across multiple channels," Griffiths added. Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 is a global software, as of now it is available in 25 countries, so retailers can support stores and e-commerce activities with support for 23 local languages, local currencies, local tax codes and local measurement standards. "Dynamics does the heavy lifting behind the scenes to apply those changes, so you can move into new markets or add new store formats much more quickly and at a lower cost," Griffiths said. Dynamics AX 2012 the core ERP platform behind the retail edition is based on a model-driven architecture that all but eliminates coding, according to Microsoft. Dynamics “AX 2012 also has embedded business intelligence and analytics capabilities that can be used to deliver dashboards and reports with the aid of Microsoft's SQL Server Reporting Services. The application is Windows-based and runs exclusively on the Microsoft SQL Server database. The vendor does not offer Apple iOS or Android-native apps, but Web-based access is supported on a variety of tablets,” Griffiths said.