Decisions 2010 - Next week!

Well, now that AXUG Summit is over, as well as Convergence EMEA is wrapping up - its time to look to Nov 1st and Decisions 2010 - Dynamics AX - virtual conference by MSDynamicsWorld.com

This has become a great event, and one of the best things is you can attend right from your desktop. No need to fly, leave. You can develop, or work your job for a couple of hours, then attend specific sessions, and chat with others focused in the Dyanmics AX Ecosystem.

Sunrise Technologies, Inc. is a sponsor once again, and is also well represent by Robert Boone, Senior Technical Architect.



Robert is a peer of my at Sunrise, and also a counted Alabama football fan, here is a little bio about Robert.:
"Robert Boone is a Senior Technical Architect with Sunrise Technologies focused on Microsoft Dynamics AX. Robert has over 15 years of IT experience in Supply Chain Management (SCM), Business Intelligence Systems (BI), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and transactional systems. He has hands-on implementation and customization experience in Software Development, Database Design, and SQL Server. His extensive experience in programming, systems analysis, systems design, and configuration, allows him to interact with people from various business areas and levels. Robert has successfully lead the technical implementation aspects of several Microsoft Dynamics AX implementations."

He will be focusing on deliverying a great session, titled: Microsoft Dynamics AX Batch Processing Deep Dive. (Session Link)

I think this is most likely the least understood technical area with Dynamics AX 2009. This is not just about batch processing in AX 2009, but what all the Batch Processing Framework has to offer. Think worker processes and thread safe processes.

There are also some other big names that will be speaking at Decisions 2010 - AX:

• Dr. Scott Hamilton - Consultant and Author - Session: Managing Process Manufacturing Using AX


• Guy Weismantel, Microsoft, Global Marketing Director, Microsoft Dynamics ERP - Session: Microsoft Dynamics ERP: The Case for Application Overhaul


• Mike Ehrenberg, Microsoft, Dynamics Distinguished Engineer - Session: Microsoft Dynamics: The right choice for today and tomorrow

There are actually some other great sessions, and it's going to be hard to attend them all. To see a full list, you can check them out here.: Decisions Fall 2010 - Speakers

This is really a great event, and a great way to wrap up / extend what was covered in AXUG Summit as well as Convergence EMEA 2010. This is also just two months before the Microsoft Dynamics AX 2011 Technical Conference, in which a lot more information about AX 6 will become public.

That's all for now, check out Decisions 2010 and get registered, as well as Roberts Session. Till next time!

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

Managing Process Manufacturing using Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 by Dr. Scott Hamilton

On Sept. 1st of this year, Dr. Scott Hamilton's new book, Managing Process Manufacturing using Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 came out.



This is the next book, in a line of Dynamics AX focused books that Dr. Hamilton has been writing about for years. The focus for this book is the Process Manufacturing Vertical.

Past books have always gotten high marks, and this one is no exception. Dr. Hamilton once again takes his knowledge of AX, and dives into deep functional dive with Dynamics AX and the Process Vertical.

The Process Vertical is one of the key core verticals that Microsoft now develops for 'out of the box'.

If you are in a process vertical company, using the process vertical solution for Dynamics AX 2009, or thinking about doing so I would recommend this book. It targets the area's specific to process industries like Formula's vs. BOM's, Shelf Life, and many other concepts that such companies need from an ERP package.

I 100% recommend this book for those looking for outside help, and functional knowledge about Dynamics AX 2009 and the Process Vertical Solution it offers. Thanks Dr. Scott for another great title!

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

LCE: Lean and ERP co-exisiting

Keeping with August being "Lean" month, I wanted to share a recent video that posted over at the 'Lean Centre of Excellence' (aka: LCE).:





I think this a great, short video, with Andrew Rummey going into some things that should be considered about Lean.

"Can any company use the lean solutions - do you have to be on a Lean journey?"

Enjoy, and check back soon as more Lean information is on the way, including an interview with Dr. Scott Hamilton about his recent Lean Focused Dynamics AX book, and an interview with Andrew Rummey as well from eBECS, and show in the above video.

See you then!




"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

MSDynamicsWorld.com - AX Decisions 2009

MSDynamicsWorld.com is putting on a virtual conference for the first time this year, called 'AX Decisions 2009'.



The idea behind this conference is best summarized by Adam Berezin, Co-Founder and CEO of MSDynamicsWorld.com.:
"AX Decisions 2009 is a virtual trade show and conference for
Microsoft Dynamics AX professionals who are looking for strategies, thought Leadership, and best practices for maximizing the value and effectiveness of their organization's AX platform and initiatives. The event is entirely online and is free to attend.

Attendees can navigate the event directly from their desktop and see and hear Dynamics AX experts discuss the latest trends, technologies, and strategies for Dynamics AX."
- Adam Berezin

The direct link to AXDecisions 2009 site can be found here.:
AX Decision 2009

Some of the speakers that are already registered to speak is.:

• Ray Wang - Industry Analyst


• Crispin Read - General Manager Microsoft Corp.


• Scott Hamilton - Consultant & Author


• Many more...

Scott Hamilton is also the author of the latest book, 'Managing Lean Manufacturing using Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009'.:



That book is actually due out tomorrow, and you can pre-order it today. I am hoping to actually get Scott Hamilton back on here for an interview about his latest book, seeing how August has been deemed 'Lean' month in the Dynamics AX world.

I recommend taking the time, and going to axdecisions.com, register, it's totally free! You can attend this conference from your own desk, with no travel expense. You can connect with a lot of the Dynamics AX world movers and shakers, and hopefully help you make that next step of going to Dynamics AX.

Also there is benefit for those that are already on Dynamics AX, and looking to get more return on your Dynamics AX investment.

That's all for now, check back soon as I have more great post coming out.




"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

Lean Manufacturing for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009

* PartnerSource Required *

Microsoft, over the weekend, has released the RTM version of the Lean Manufacturing for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009.

I did a post, back in the spring, when the pre-release was done.:
Pre-release of Lean Manufacturing for Microsoft Dynamics AX

You can download the release, from PartnerSource from the following direct link.:
Microsoft Releases, Lean Manufacturing for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009

From the overview.:
"Lean Manufacturing for Microsoft Dynamics® AX 2009 can help manufacturing organizations implement, energize, and sustain lean manufacturing initiatives by delivering the tools and information support needed to streamline processes, reduce waste, enable demand-pull operations, and promote continuous improvement. As part of the Microsoft Dynamics AX solution, robust lean manufacturing functionality complements the solution’s comprehensive customer relationship, financial, collaboration, and supply chain management capabilities to help manufacturers increase efficiency and profitability and gain a competitive advantage."

And it's very important to understand the base modules and requirements to run this.:

• Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 with Service Pack 1


• License keys for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 Production I and Master Planning modules


• Lean Manufacturing for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 installs into the SL1 layer. You should not have any other products installed in the SL1 layer.

So must be SP1, have Prod I and MRP, as well as nothing in SL1 already. Dr. Scott, who's book release in April I did a post about, Managing Your Supply Chain Using Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 - Book Review, is coming out with a new book focusing on this topic for Dynamics AX 2009. (Expect a review and interview here on this blog.)

Well that's all for now, check back soon!




"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

Managing Your Supply Chain Using Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 - Book Review

Recently I had the pleasure to receive a copy of Dr. Scott Hamilton's book, ' Managing Your Supply Chain Using Microsoft Dynamic AX 2009.'



This book is by far the best attempt, to give what could be considered an MBA level of knowledge for actually managing a company's supply chain with the functionality that lives within Dynamics AX 2009.

Several use cases are the vehicle in delivering proven techniquse and strategies throughout the entire book. There is a great deal of looking into vertical add-on's as well.

What first struck me about the layout of this book was its role centered approach, so people could jump right into the roles that they best fit into. This was a great move in how this book was structured, as this is exactly how the user experience is meant to be in Dynamics AX 2009, with the Role Center.

As part of my book review, I emailed Dr. Hamilton some interview questions, about this book, and his experience in creating it. Below is the questions and answers from that interview:

i - Scott, this latest edition of your book of “Managing Your Supply Chain with Dynamics AX 2009” has a wealth of knowledge, focusing on several different roles. Did you find it easier to develop this role focused approach to your book, with Dynamics AX 2009 itself introducing Role Center, and Role Focused Experiences for information workers?

A: A role-centered viewpoint builds on the foundation of well-designed business processes that reflect the conceptual models embedded in the AX software functionality. The book directly addresses these conceptual models for handling common and unique varia tions in business processes, which helps define the tasks for role assignment. Each participant in a business process should have a mental model of “how it all fits together in AX”, as well as in-depth knowledge for using AX to perform tasks for their particular role(s). The book supports a role-centered viewpoint by helping to structure these tasks and highlight relevant information for each role.

ii - Did you find yourself wanting a lot of screen shots and how-to steps for actually setting up Dynamics AX based on the theories and knowledge you are sharing in your book? What kept you from doing that in this book, or even creating a companion document / booklet, etc. that did such things?

A: The book’s objectives and desired book length precluded the use of screen shots and step-by-step instructions. These are best covered in one or more separate training guides. Too much detail can obscure an understanding of “how it all fits together in AX”, especially if you attempt to cover every field/parameter or every step.

The book’s content represents the information covered in my training classes. It also represents many conceptual topics that should be part of the AX user documentation for “application and business processes”. These conceptual topics could then provide the foundation for improvements in field/form help and in training materials.


iii - What big ticket items in this book would you have liked to have spent more time on, or felt driven to spend more time on? Did you find it hard to balance the topics out, spread across so much knowledge?

A: A critical issue in writing this book involved the choice of topics, and the sequence and level of detail for explaining these topics. The topics focus on key software functionality that supports the dominant business practices in manufacturing and distribution environments, based on my observations of use cases across more than a thousand firms. The topics reflect those use cases actually tested and proven to work within AX; not all use cases could be tested or proven. The linear presentation sequence was shaped by what worked most effectively in previous writing, teaching, and consulting efforts for the target audience.

You asked about big ticket items not covered in the book. Lean manufacturing using Dynamics AX will be covered in my forthcoming book. Additional topics about Professional Services using AX, or about Accounting/HR/CRM using AX, would best be served by a separate book, written by a relevant expert.

iv - What your take on the current release of Dynamics AX? Going back over the past several years and versions from AX 2.5 to today, what are some of the greatest improvements that have taken place, that you believe have had the most impact on Dynamics AX as an ERP platform?

A: The biggest changes have been the improved quality of training materials and user documentation, especially in comparing AX 2.5 versus today. We still have a ways to go, but the olden days were a nightmare and prompted me to write the first AX book.
It is difficult to cite a laundry list of the improvements in software functionality. The improved functionality has provided more out-of-the-box solution approaches while minimizing increases in system complexity.

v - What future road map item are you most excited about for the next release of Dynamics AX?

A: Lean manufacturing.

vi - Do you plan on continuing to create / develop the next editions of your book with each release of Dynamics AX, and are you already working on that next version?

A: Yes. I plan to write additional editions for each major AX release with significant functionality enhancements. My forthcoming book covers lean manufacturing using AX.

vii - To give the readers of this post a little bit of personal side to you, what your favorite sports or outdoor activity?

A: Most of my favorite activities involve spending time in wilderness areas, whether it is hiking in the Rockies, kayaking in Alaska, or canoeing through the BWCA.

Also, here is Dr. Hamliton's closing statement:

When reviewing or learning any ERP software package, it is important to understand its underlying conceptual models and how it supports variations in business processes. It is easy to get bogged down in the details. Many of the key design factors that differentiate Microsoft Dynamics AX have been covered in the book. These design factors influence how the system fits together to run a business, especially for managing supply chain activities in manufacturing and distribution.

Given Dr. Hamilton's admitted love for the outdoors, it's not suprising that his books are similar to path finding guides for exploring Dynamics AX.

Just look at some of the objectives that this book covers, listed in the below table:


This was truly a pleasure for me to review, and I recommend anyone looking for some proven, deep functional knowledge of Supply Chain management with Dynamics AX 2009, to consider getting this book.

The price of: $29.95 over at Amazon (Click for direct link) is well worth the knolwedge that you can gain from this book.

I would like to thank Dr. Scott Hamilton for contacting me, and for all the hard work he has poored into sharing this knowledge with the Dynamics Community.

Make sure to check back soon, as I have more great post coming out. See you then!



Dr. Scott Hamilton’s Bio:
Scott Hamilton consults and teaches globally on SCM and ERP issues. He has consulted with more than a thousand companies and conducted several hundred seminars, and also taught SCM/ERP as an MBA professor at several leading universities. He authored Maximizing Your ERP System and several books on Microsoft Dynamics AX and NAV. Scott has won the rarely-given Microsoft MVP Award for Dynamics AX, and Microsoft’s Excellence in Innovation Award. He can be reached at ScottHamiltonPhD@aol.com.





"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"