Review: "Dynamics AX Performance Optimization Guide"

I hope everyone is doing well this fine Friday! I wanted to spend time today, giving you my insights into a recently published book. That being the title of "Dynamics AX Performance Optimization Guide."



First let me say that the depth on the database & query optimization that is given within the pages of this book is worth the purchase. The focus around optimizing the database, for sure is the right focus. I would say, in the field, 80% of the performance issues I've ran across relate directly to a Dynamics AX instance SQL Server. Further, 60-70% of these performance issues identified, usually relate back to indexes. This could be anything from missing indexes, or not having indexes properly configured and covering for where clauses of select statements.

This book goes into good detail around specific settings, how to trace down resource bottlenecks for a Dynamics AX database and more. It goes into the most commonly used Dynamic Managed Views (DMVs). Further it makes a solid attempt actually on trying to address the virutalization side of performance as it relates to Dynamics AX. Wait types, addressing blocking and other such common performance issues are well addressed in this book.



Now that being stated, like all reviews it can't all be good. You can tell that both Martin Zhen & Daniel Liao have spent time in the trenches chasing down resource vampires. Still even with my recommendation of buying this book already, it lacks in several area's.

First, section 3.11 on page 102 titled "Offload Reporting (SSRS)" is a mere nod at the point of reporting and it's impact around performance. It's a single paragraph, that honestly should have just been left off. There is no depth to this point, and it adds little value to the reader wanting to understand this very important topic.

Finally, it lacks in the focus of performance making use of SQL Server 2012 can bring, and further with it's Always On technology. I would also like to have seen mention around InformationSource. I realize however you can't cover every topic around performance or the book would be about 10 times the size that it currently represents.

Final verdict on this book, 3 out of 5 stars. It's for sure got some really great nuggets of information. It's not just for administrator / DBA / consultant types either. It would benefit well that a Dynamics AX developer, read and understand the contents of this book. It would help them in being able to grasp what their code is doing to the actual underlying data layer from X++ code. Further, helping put forth the practice of using the trace parser when developing anything for Dynamics AX.

Well that is all for this review, many thanks to Martin Zhen & Daniel Liao for completing a very nice book, that helps address and give insight on the majority of where performance issues live - The Dynamics AX Database!Til Next Time!
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Microsoft Dynamics AX Diagnostic Framework (Beta)

I hope everyone is having a great and productive Dynamics week thus far! I wanted to write about something brand new Microsoft just released on InformatioSource.



What I'm talking about is the recently released Diagnostic Framework for Microsoft Dynamics AX. This new framework, targets Dynamics AX 2009 & Dynamics AX 2012. You can find more about this framework, from the following resource.: Diagnostic Framework for Microsoft Dynamics AX User Guide [AX 2012].



From the User's guide.:
"The Diagnostic Framework for Microsoft Dynamics AX, beta version, helps administrators diagnose the health of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 and Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009. The framework assesses the health of Microsoft Dynamics AX and its components, such as Application Object Server (AOS), Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS), Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services, and Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services."



I'm actually in the process of looking into this today, and getting use from it already for a client. Keep in mind, this is a pre-release, so expect some issues. However Microsoft talked this framework up a good bit for the past few months, and I expect it to be a great tool. After working with it, I will review the process for setting this up, and talk to it's use cases.



I really think this shows that Microsoft is serious about its commitment to the Dynamics Ecosystem. Providing needed tool sets for customers & partners alike. For this framework, beyond the referenced user guide, there is a nice video that walks through the setup and use of this tool on InformationSource.

Well that's all for today's post, check back soon as more to come! Till Next Time!
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Freaky Tech Friday - Attack of the Resource Vampires

Welcome back Ghouls & Ghost, for this year's Shock-tober final fray into Freaky Tech Friday's! For those are still with us, you are the lucky souls who have traveled along the dark and twisted path. I end this years haunting season with a tale that strikes at the heart of many Microsoft Dynamics AX implementations. What I speak too is Attack of the Resource Vampires!



These resource sucking entities creep into existence, sometimes slowly, and sometimes right away in an instance of AX. They start with a focus around performance degrading as more and more processes are spun up for a customer. Those unknowing, slowly loose their ability to respond fast to process needs. Reports start to creep with on-set of early aging - as it would appear at least.

The major attack for these creepy creatures is typically a customers Microsoft SQL Server Database. This is the heart of performance, and like any good vampire, resource vampires always go for the heart. It's where the life blood flows...



Fear not though, young AX travelers as there is remedy for this lifeless state one might find their instance of AX in. There is hope for battling back the waves and waves of complaints from end users, as the processes & reports they so dearly need, dwindle into performance nightmares.

In order to fight back the unholy horde of resource sucking vampires, one must be armed with the right knowledge and correct tools. The sacred text tells us that the focus must first be on your SQL Server for getting the most out of your AX Investment from a performance perspective. There is a guide to this, once that applies to AX 2009 as well as AX 2012. You may find access to this guide, to the first step into performance enlightenment here.: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 White Paper: Planning Database Configuration. Keep in mind this applies, the same level of needs, no matter virtual or physical.

The idea is to attack the resource vampires foothold, with correct TempDB file settings, having create Disk I/O for Transaction Log commits, and enough RAM to load your entire DB - if possible. Further and beyond that is a focus on indexes. After having your SQL Server set in order, ready to fight, the next level the resource vampires move into is the indexes. They latch onto queries that execute and cause either full table scans or Clustered Index Scans. Both are costly and both can be addressed with equal levels of success. The focus here is around having the concept of "coverage indexes", that is an index that covers the where clause of your queries for the business logic and reports that execute them.

After this the resource vampires start to feel the pressure as your performance story starts to take a turn for the better, instead of one for the worse. Here is where those ugly resource sucking creatures dig in, and latch themselves onto poorly wrote code. We all have sinned in such ways, creating nested while selects that make multiple trips to the database.

The way out from this painful plight is to endure an analysis of the processes being reported as slow, and trace through the code that represents said processes. Find the resource vampires hiding in those nested while selects, or where clauses that have no coverage index. Then address them head on! Take them out, by changing the nested while selects to more complex joins, that reduce the result set being sent from the SQL Server to the end user.

There are other area's that one can look to totally eradicate the evil entities, but the above should be the majority focus for gaining ground and taking control of your instance of AX. Beyond the Server, Database, Indexes and code - sometimes the process has to be reconsidered for desired speed.

Well Ghouls & Ghost, take this warning about resource vampires to heart, and arm yourself's with the knowledge found above to fight back! Further you can download from InformationSource the IDMF tool, that helps with the on-going fight of battling these monters. Further a final warning on this, always stay vigilent in your efforts as performance tuning is a dynamic, on-going process. Let it slip, and before long your knee deep back into resource sucking vampires everywhere you turn!

I hop you have enjoyed this season's gruesome tales of Freaky Tech Friday's! I will leave you with what I looked like after have falling, and becoming a conference zombie. Be warned, the following picture shows the shadow of the man I once was, just before departing for Seattle.




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InformationSource: A wealth of Management Reporter Knowledge

I hope everyone is doing great today! I wanted to kick this morning off with a highlight around InformationSource and how it has a wealth of knowledge around Management Reporter 2012!



You can access InformationSource, with your CustomerSource or PartnerSource access, from the following location.: InformationSource.Dynamics.com

As you can see from the image above, there is a number of topics covered around Management reporter. Each with video's, walk through's and more to help you truly get the most out of your Dynamics investment around this area.



Management Reporter 2012 comes with a great new user interface, several updates, including the ability to connect it's output of reports to Microsoft Office SharePoint 2010.



InformationSource truly is becoming a most useful tool for learning, understanding best practices as well as the delivery vehicle for such value added services as the previously covered Data Migration Framework.

InformationSource is still listed as being in beta at this time, however since it's launch, and admitted improved UX I would say the term beta is long over due to be removed from the description of this service. Further, you can see Microsoft is committed to this approach, in that they are adding more and more content topics, including Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, Microsoft Dynamics CRM & Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009.

That's all for this morning's highlight, I hope you find it useful and get some time to learn a little bit more about Management Reporter 2012, as well as other topics, with your morning cup of Joe! Till Next Time!

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Upgrading Reports for AX 2012 - Resources

I wanted to take the time today, to point to two resources on Microsoft TechNet. This is related to upgrading reports from AX 2009, to AX 2012. The very first thing that must be clear, is that No Reports will be upgraded to the new SSRS Reporting Model for AX 2012.

With that said, MorphX reports as well as ReportLibraries can still live within AX 2012. There is actually a process in which you have to execute that will take the metadata for the AX 2009 ReportLibraries and update them, so they can live and execute within an AX 2012 instance. That resource can be found here.: Report Project Upgrade [AX 2012]

Further, there is a guide: Guidance when Upgrading Reports [AX 2012].
"Reports are not upgraded automatically during the upgrade process. Microsoft Dynamics AX provides hundreds of default, out-of-the-box reports that you can deploy and customize. To upgrade MorphX reports, we recommend that you customize a default report. The default reports run on SQL Server Reporting Services. Reporting Services is a server-based reporting platform that provides comprehensive reporting functionality for a variety of data sources.

When upgrading to Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, existing Reporting Services reports and reports based on the MorphX reporting framework are copied to the Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012system. However, they will not be upgraded."

The reporting model, metadata, as well as data structure changes, all within AX 2012 make it impossible really, and not a lot of value, for trying to upgrade, say an MorphX report, or even a ReportingLibrary to the new report model. This is an area of an Upgrade that will need attention for sure. Doing this, also means that you can take advantage of a lot of great new reporting tools, around Microsoft Excel PowerPivot as well as the new Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 - Excel Add-in.

I will be covering this topic, in the class I'm leading next Tues at AXUG summit. I'm doing my final preps for sessions now, and looking forward to seeing everyone out there. You can follow me, as I will also be covering the event live from my twitter account: twitter.com/DynamicsERP.

That's all for now. Look for some updates while at AXUG, as well as my tweets. Also regular postings will pick back up after AXUG Summit next week.

Till Next Time! Cool Beans? ;-)

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SQL Server - The heart of performance for Dynamics AX

With all the wonderful excitement surrounding the release of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, I thought it was time to take a step back and focus on something that can benefit those running on AX 2009, as well as AX 2012. What I'm talking about here is performance!

Before I get into some of the really good resources, to share with you on this topic, performance for SQL Server comes down to three area's: 1. Having enough RAM, 2. Right amount of Cores and 3. A great disk I/O Sub-system.

The last one, 3. A great disk I/O Sub-system, is usually always the issue when it comes to performance related problems in an AX solution. I can't stress this enough! Therefore, we have some good resources now, published by Microsoft, that everyone using AX, no matter what version, needs to understand. Make sure to work with your partner to get the following information, applied correctly to your instance of AX.

First off, we have the newly updated checklist / whitepaper for things to make sure you have set on your SQL Server. Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 White Paper: Planning Database Configuration

Now don't be fooled you AX 2012-ers, this is also for you. The title has not been updated, but the content still applies. There is some great points in here, around RADI 1+0 over RAID 5, splitting your TempDB into as many physical files as you have Cores, etc. Read it, understand it, and make sure for your instance this is applied.

Next up, we have two trace flags. The first I covered last year, but still needs focus for this area. That is: Important SQL Server Change! - Parameter Sniffing and Query Plan Caching

Based on research by the Microsoft perf team, some great benefits have come from applying the above trace flag to a SQL Server. Next, we have a new trace flag, that works in conjunction with the TempDB split advice. This next trace flag, will make sure that all TempDB files grow at the same time, and with the same size increase. This too, has been proven, when you have your TempDB split out, to increase performance. Consider Enabling Trace Flag 1117 on Dynamics AX SQL Server

With this arming you as weapons, you can slay the nasty performance dragons, with ease! Of course, there is still nothing that can be done for bad Query design, or coding that forces huge resultsets, or many trips to the database. That must be addressed, and using the Trace Parser in AX 2012 is just a wonderful thing. Microsoft did a great job of making that tool, very useful, and very, very easy to use.

That's all for now, but check back soon as more to come. Till next time!

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Spotlight: AX Retail POS Development & AX 2012 Dive into .Net Assembly Deployment

I hope everyone is doing well this fine Wed morning! It's middle of the week, and there is some great things to learn about today. I wanted to direct your attention this morning to some recent great articles, about Microsoft Dynamics AX, posted by some fellow peers of mine. First, there is a new article covering AX Retial POS Development and configuration.



In this article Rahul does a great job in covering a topic, that really has not gotten a lot of technical attention within the Dynamics Community. Since AX for Retail is in full swing with many customers now using it, this is a great time to start covering real world examples of this great offering from Microsoft. There are some Prerequisite knowledge requirements for getting the most out of Rahul's article, that includes knowledge of C#, SQL Queries and X++.

Moving on, another recent article by my fellow peer and Dynamics Community Thought Leader, Joris, over at Dynamics Ax Musings, has posted a must read for anyone doing any developent work in AX 2012, and wanted to have a really good understanding of how .Net assemblies are deployed with an AX 2012 instance. His recent article, AX 2012 .NET Assembly Deployment is spot on and a needed resource.

Joris takes us through the correct understanding of where assemblies are deployed for the client and server, helping us realize the need for bin deployments, or manual GAC needs are a thing of the past. Joris takes up through the workings of the server side as well, with pointing us to the correct locations for the bin/XppIL location and VSAssemblies.

These are both great articles, and I recommend you read and bookmark both. That's guys for taking the time, and helping shape and grow our Dynamics Community. Well that's all for this morning, hope you have a great productive day, and check back soon as you know... a whole lot more to come. Till next time!

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Modeling Business Processes with AX 2012 and Workflow - Part II - What's new

Recently, I started series for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, focused on Modeling Business Processes with AX 2012 and Workflow. In the first part of that series, I covered past post, that talked to and relayed the vision behind the desired use of workflows in AX 2012 to design and configure business processes with. In this post I continue this series, with Part II, whats new.

A lot has changed with workflows, when comparing AX 2012 to AX 2009, and so in order to help facilitate our dive into workflows, we need to understand what is new, and what the new abilities bring to the game.



To help jump start our understanding of what is new in AX 2012 for Workflows, Microsoft has done a bang up job of providing us some nice information, specifically on this topic. I recommend going to the following resource, for a look at what's new in AX 2012 and workflows: MSDN: What's New: Workflow [AX 2012]

Some of the more interesting highlights of what's new in workflows are:

• Simplified installation - Workflow server components no longer must be installed on a web server that is running Internet Information Services (IIS). Workflow server components are now automatically installed when you install Microsoft Dynamics AX Application Object Server (AOS).



• Workflow editor - The workflow editor is a graphical user interface (GUI) that you can use to create Microsoft Dynamics AX workflows by arranging workflow elements on a design surface. The process resembles the process for graphically modeling a business process by using Microsoft Visio. You can add, delete, and reposition elements that represent the tasks and approvals that make up the workflow. You can also add flow-control elements, such as manual and automated decisions. As a result, you can create complex workflows that exactly model the business processes that you want to automate. For more information, see About the workflow editor.



• Parallel activity – A workflow element that includes two or more branches that run at the same time. Note:This is a huge improvement, and shows the flexibility and power of using the .Net Workflow engine, hosted within AOS.

There are a number of other great improvements, that AX 2012 workflows bring, that just did not exists out of the box with AX 2009. The only low light, that I think is well worth pointing out, is the following.:
"Workflows that were created in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 are not upgraded. Before you upgrade to Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, we recommend that you either process or recall all business documents that have been submitted for processing."

This is actually very understandable, as the workflow engine in AX 2009 was not the .Net hosted workflow engine really. It was a tack on, very limited offering, that can't compare to what AX 2012 workflows now offer. To try and enable a direct upgrade for these elements, just does not drive value, for the cost. The better value is to recreate, and take advantage of the new workflow elements, and possibilities that now exists in AX 2012.

I want to finish this part II of this series, with understanding what's new in AX 2012 for workflows is key to helping see, and know the possibilities and therefore benefits with using workflows. This is not the same workflow possibilities that were limited in AX 2009.

I plan on trying to keep each post in this series very focused, in building up to the point to where we are building custom workflows, and enabling them all throughout an AX 2012 instance. It think it's important we spend time through the different existing documentation Microsoft provides, we can build a solid base of knowledge, in which to use and extend with. To that end, that's all for now, check back soon though as a whole lot more to come. Till next time!



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Adeaca Announces the Release of Advanced Projects 4.0 for Microsoft Dynamics AX

Adeaca recently launched it's Advanced Projects 4.0 for Microsoft Dynamics AX.

The full press release, on this can be found here.: Adeaca Announces Advanced Projects 4.0 Release for Microsoft Dynamics AX.

From the Press Release.:
"Advanced Projects with Dynamics AX is a one‐stop solution that is capable of replacing a host of specialized best of breed solutions like project; estimation, scheduling, resourcing, costing and reporting applications. Migrating to a single integrated project management system not only reduces IT costs it also greatly improves project visibility, automation and collaboration."



Daniel Bevort, President & CEO of Adeaca describes Advanced Projects 4.0, as the following.:
“The release of Advanced Projects V4.0 represents a clear continuation of our mission to deliver best in class fully integrated solutions to project driven companies"

The following list, is a set of links and a bit of information, for the different types of verticals that Advanced Projects focusing it's feature set for.:

• Project Manufacturing and Engineering - Advanced Projects PME is designed for project driven; manufacturing, service and engineering companies, that are faced with the challenging task of managing large and complex projects, often with a low degree of project repeatability.


• Civil Engineering and Construction - Advanced Projects CEC for Civil Engineering and Construction provides a single consolidated solution that enables you to effectively manage all critical project components, and provides a holistic and project centric approach to efficiently managing all parts of your projects life cycle, operational as well as administrative.


• Professional Services - Advanced Projects PSO™ delivers mission critical capabilities specifically designed for the industry, with focusing on increasing project profitability and resource utilization by effectively managing all critical business processes within a single integrated application.

If your a company, or partner, that focuses in on these vertical area's, I would recommend checking Adeaca, a sponsor of this site, out. Let them show you how Advanced Projects can help your company, or your clients.

You can signup to see a recorded demo of Advanced Projects in action, with the following link.:


That's all for now. I hope everyone enjoys their 4th of July week! I will be gone, but might sneak in a post, closer to the end of next week, and will be back in full force the week after.

Till next time!



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