MICROSOFT DYNAMICS

Microsoft Dynamics AX is a multi-language, multi-currency, industry-specific global enterprise resource planning (ERP) software product.

Microsoft Dynamics AX supports operational and administrative processes for organizations in manufacturing, retail, service industries and the public sector. Among its capabilities are financial management, human resource management (HRM), manufacturing, supply chain management (SCM), project management and accounting, retail and business intelligence (BI) reporting.
Microsoft Dynamics AX is part of the Microsoft Dynamics family which also includes:

• Microsoft Dynamics GP (aimed at mid-market companies)
• Microsoft Dynamics NAV (aimed at small companies)
• Microsoft Dynamics SL (aimed at small and medium-sized companies)

Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 makes play for high-end ERP

Analysts say Microsoft is targeting larger businesses with the planned August release of Dynamics AX 2012, a major upgrade for the flagship of the four-product Dynamics ERP family. 

But they also say architectural changes in Dynamics AX 2012 could make upgrading from previous versions anything but a simple update, and that some users are voicing disappointment over the lack of mobility features. 
“This is a really important release for them,” said China Martens, an analyst at Forrester Research Inc., based in Cambridge, Mass. “We kind of see it appealing to companies with $500 million to $2 billion in revenue. I think they [Microsoft] are very interested in occupying that kind of upper midmarket verging on enterprise.”
Dynamics AX 2012 more customizable, model-driven
Analysts confirmed Microsoft’s claims that it has redesigned Dynamics to appeal to global enterprises, with more user-friendly, role-based screens; a customizable, model-driven architecture; and beefed-up core ERP for human resources and financials, among numerous other changes. The upgrade also has pre-built, extensible applications for the manufacturing, distribution, public sector, professional services, and retail industries.
“In two releases, they have basically doubled the functionality,” said Christian Hestermann, research director for ERP at Gartner Inc., a research firm based in Stamford, Conn. “They have actually done a nice job of combining process manufacturing, discrete manufacturing and lean manufacturing in one product. Most other products don’t do that.”