AX 2012 - Going Mobile!

Everyone is talking mobile these days. It's not new really, but if you think about the amount of devices that someone interacts with on a daily basis, it's easy to understand why mobile has such a huge focus. This includes having mobile ERP & BI needs for companies of all sizes. With this topic in mind, fellow blogger & peer Dilip wrote about the release of a new white paper.: Configure Dynamics AX 2012 Mobile Connector - Dilip's Blog.

Now, I do believe that Dilip will give us some great insight as he is able to play with what the new white paper talks about. You can download the white paper, from the following location.: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 White Paper: Configure Microsoft Dynamics AX Connector for Mobile Applications. I would like to highlight this a bit more myself, and so this is the point and goal of my post today. First lets look at the summary of this white paper.:

"This paper describes how to configure an environment that is running Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, so that users can connect the Microsoft Dynamics AX mobile phone application. The initial version of the Microsoft Dynamics AX mobile phone application enables mobile expense capture."

Now we can see that initial scope is to enable the mobile expense capture for travel & expense focused needs. It's clear that this is a framework and that Microsoft will continue to invest into this framework for enabling more mobility through this approach. That stated, there is a good bit that needs to be configured, and technical assets managed.



The above is a diagram that shows the specific elements involved in this framework. Further it shows the flows of message and authentication. This represents: Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS), Mobile phone application, Microsoft Windows Azure Service Bus and Access Control Service (ACS), Microsoft Dynamics AX Connector for Mobile Applications & Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012.

It's also important to understand the functional scope that is needed to be configured within Dynamics AX 2012 for this to be properly enabled and add value. It's listed out as.: Users, Expense Management and finally Human Resources. Now that is a possibly a wide & deep functional foot print, specifically when you mention the term human resources. This I believe is the most important part really to understand and what needs coverage. This is actually missing from the white paper. What specific configuration and modeling is completed within expense management & human resources to truly enable this. Further, I can image that workflow and other types of focus are needed as well.



Beyond this, the white paper has very detailed specifics on how to configure the needed technical aspects for enabling this expense capture mobile application. It is a great example of a hybrid cloud scenario that makes use of phone device end points, cloud assets and on-prim instance of Dynamics AX 2012. This is a great step in the right direction for seeing true value for such hybrid cloud scenario's with AX 2012 today, however there is plenty more to do in order to drive real value from such scenario's.

I would like to see the functional depth, the minimal functional depth, that is really required to achieve this setup. Having that paired with this very technical document, would help give and understanding to the functional & technical footprint needed, in order for a company to weight the true cost for the value this can bring.

That's all for this post, check back soon as we continue our Dynamics Journey including Convergence 2013 starting this coming Sunday! Till Next Time!
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RF-SMART Leading the way in Role Based Dynamics User Experiences

One of the things I like to do with my blog from time-to-time, is a spot light or feature post. With that, I virtually sat down with RF-SMART’S own Sherry Paul to pick her brain a bit. My goal with talking with Sherry was to find out, what RF-SMART was doing, to help enable Role Based user experiences for Dynamics AX customers. The following is the result of that interview.


Sherry Paul, Business Solutions Advisor – RF-SMART

1.) How does RF-SMART help create a role based, system of engagement for Dynamics AX Customers?

"RF-SMART provides the ability to setup roles for workers so they can clearly see their daily tasks on mobile devices. The worker can clearly determine which tasks need to be performed and in which order. These roles can be setup narrowly for specific business processes or roles can be defined more broadly to be use by managers in the warehouse and manufacturing plant."

2.) What are some of the unique workflows that RF-SMART helps enable "RF-SMART customers mobilize their workers to do important tasks such as receiving incoming goods, inventory management, recording progress for production order operation and completing product which can be paperless picked with RF-SMART.



RF-SMART provides dashboards, designed with modern tablets and smartphones in mind. The dashboards allow managers, regardless of where they are, to take action on current picking activity in their warehouse.



With the RF-SMART Production Activity billboard, plant production can be monitored at a glance while being displayed on a large monitor, potentially hanging on a wall in the production area."



3.) For these workflow's, what kind of ROI, with time saving, and efficient processes do customer's see when making the choice of RF-SMART?

"When choosing RF-SMART, customers will have increased visibility and tighter control, measurable gains and easy ownership. Having visibility into their inventory levels, picking, people/activity, deliveries and much more, this therefore enables them to reduce physical inventory counts, labor costs and provides them with superior operational and financial performance. Some examples of our customer successes’ include:

• Automated process for receiving and transfers has reduced CMC’s manual inventory movement processes by 97 percent - saving CMC 173 labor hours per month!

• Physical inventory counts have dropped from twice a year to once a year and only half the amount of staff is needed!

• Increased receiving accuracy to 99.97%"

4.) Looking into the future, what can you tell the readers about exciting, upcoming offers that will continue to make RF-SMART a great value add for Microsoft Dynamics AX customers?

"It’s an exciting time for the RF-SMART team. We’re wrapping up our best year ever and 2013 looks even brighter.

From a product perspective, we’re going well beyond supporting core AX 2012 functionality while, true to our mantra, make it easier and easier for people to manage and execute critical inventory functions throughout the warehouse, shop floor and retail store. That’s really what we do: make inventory execution easy by delivering the right information, at the right time, on the right device to prompt the right action.

What helps us identify new functional opportunities is our unique level of industry and Dynamics AX experience. Our people are the best at developing easy-to-use software that solves real problems by taking into account AX, business requirements, mobile UI capabilities and knowledge of how people actually work. As a result, RF-SMART helps companies be more efficient and responsive by helping their people do their jobs better.

Looking forward to 2013!"

I would like to thank Sherry for taking the time to answer’s my questions. One of the major focuses of mine is around Role Based user experiences, specifically in how that can foster the creation of a System of Engagement for Dynamics AX Customers. I know RF-SMART, a sponsor of this blog, is doing the right things focusing their efforts on this goal as well!

To find out more, visit the following resource, fill out the form and download RF-SMART’S AX 2012 Role Base Brochure.

Till next time!

About Sherry Paul: “I have been working with ERP software for my entire career which started in 1984. Spanning my career I have worked with many manufacturing companies to implement ERP and Mobile application, for their discreet, process and lean manufacturing environments. An MBA and years of experience in the industry enable me to offer unique solutions to help clients develop best in class business processes for their organization.”


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Microsoft Surface RT & Dynamics AX - Real World Use Case

Well as I eluded to earlier this week, today I wanted to talk a bit about a real world use case I've come across of Microsoft Surface RT & Dynamics AX. This use case focuses around the power of Microsoft's entry level tablet device, a scanner and warehouse needs for Dynamics AX.



Let me set the stage for this use case. The customer was running into issues with some of their more costly symbol wedge scanners. This customer is making use of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009, and using Dynamics Anywhere for their mobile warehouse process needs.

In trying to help reduce errors, and issues with connectivity, a Microsoft Surface RT table was purchased, for $499.00 along with a connected scanner. This then was tested, and found that the power that comes with the Surface Tablet, helped reduce errors, save money, and save time!

With that said, here is a link to the surface specification's.: Surface Specifications.

Now I have to state the obvious, in that this form factor represented in the Surface RT tablet does not always fit into the need of rugged warehouse needs. However in this case it did. Obvious the symbol scanners can be handled a bit rougher, and it's form factor of handheld usage is usually great for such needs.

That stated, if your looking for a great form factor, to help out with warehouse scanning needs, why would you not consider the Microsoft Surface RT tablet, and a connected scanner? Security comes to mind without a doubt, as well as form factor for rugged use. I suspect however that OtterBox and other such companies will be releasing rugged protection for the surface devices.

I really thought this was a great use case, seeing it in action, with Microsoft Dynamics AX & the Microsoft Surface RT tablet. It's all about value, and without a doubt, value was received in this case.

That's all for this post, but check back soon as I get back into BI, BI Basic's with AX 2012, and more! Till Next Time!

P.S.: On a small milestone side note, I have just surpassed my 900th blog post about Microsoft Dynamics AX, and this year represents my eight year of posting! Thanks to everyone who continues to push me on creating good, value added content for the community!
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Goodbye Stephen Elop... whats next?

I sat back this morning, a little shocked as the news rolled in about Microsoft Business Divsion - President, Stephen Elop, let the world know he was leaving Microsoft, to become CEO of Nokia.



While at Microsoft, for the past four years, he has helped oversee Office 2010 rollout, and the Dynamics ERP and CRM business increase at great rates. He was always great to listen too at Convergence every year.

Now he will no longer be with Microsoft, and as of Sept. 21 he will be the CEO of Nokia.

ZDNet has covered this well, including asking some tough questions if Stephen is the right man for the Nokia Chief position. That article can be found here.: Can a Microsoft man fix Nokia? Here are 6 things that have to happen

I don't personally know Stephen, however the past four years working in the Dynamics Ecosystem, through a tough recession, and through new major releases, all-in-all, has been a great four years for Microsoft.

Being the leader of the Business Divison, Stephen has to be given credit, in part, to this success. There are of course many different reasons for the success, including great partners like Sunrise Technologies, Inc., the amazing VAR I am a part of.

So for Stephen and Nokia, I think we all wish him the best and hope he does well while at Nokia.

Now taking a step back, and looking at the bigger moving parts going on in the enterprise and Nokia's current position world wide and in the U.S. They have the top market share in Mobile OS actually, yet hardly exist in the U.S.

Now, lets take my blog post from yesterday.: Tech execs betting on enterprise mobility and look at what Stephen Elop was for Microsoft and is now going to be for Nokia.

For me at least, it has me thinking. Nokia is a big partner of Microsoft actually, believe it or not, and is fast losing share to iOS and Andriod for world wide marketshare.

There is a huge shift to the computing device most people use is a smart phone or tablet / slate based device. This will only continue to grow, and even more so in the Enterprise.

Now take the big focus for next year, Mobile Line of Business Applications. That is, stand alone, and connecting Mobile solutions that extend a customers enterprise investments to the mobile devices, smart phones, slates, tablets, etc.

Could Stephen Elop take Nokia, and revive it, bringing the giant into the U.S. Markets, continue to grow in developing markets, and offer a platform that enterprise swarm to for Mobile LOB applications?

Right now, hard to say. However do I think this will be a top priority for Stephen Elop, bringing Nokia into the US and a focus on the Enterprise? I do!

It will not be his only focus, but a big one. How big of a success he is, will be determined by how Nokia engages the market, if they beef up Mobile LOB app creation ability on their platform (either with Symbian OS or another one), and how he involves Partners.

If Stephen believed anything about what he preached, around the Microsoft Partner Ecosystem, to help drive Dynamics, then I would be willing to bet that this will be an early on project to enable Nokia's push for being a viable mobile LOB platform for enterprise in the U.S. and the world.

So, that's my two cents... trying to tie a bigger picture together here. For me, still will be focusing on Dynamics AX, as well as Windows Phone, Apple iOS and Andriod for devices. If Nokia has a valid push, and it's a great value to enterprises, and can bring value to my customers... then it will be added to the list. Time will tell!

That's all for now, check back soon and have a blessed and wonderful weekend!

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Interview with DynamicsAnywhere Executives

Back at the start of this year, I did an interview with DynamicsAnywhere' - Joop van Voorthuijsen. In that interview, we talked about what Exactly DynamicsAnywhere was, what is offered, it's plans etc.

The full interview can be viewed here.: An interview with DynamicsAnywhere - Joop van Voorthuijsen

Now I have had another (virtual) sit down with Joop, to talk about the progress that has been made by DynamicsAnywhere, where things stand, how things are going, and the future.

The following is the result of that interview.:


Joop's LinkedIn Profile

1. Joop, Dynamics Anywhere seems to be in full swing since it's launch and are last interview. Can you give some highlights about recent developments for DynamicsAnywhere? How do these apply to customers and partners?

"The first half of 2010 has been used to put us ‘’on the radar’’ of the Microsoft Dynamics AX and NAV partners. We started by having a booth at Convergence Europe in November last year, Convergence US in April, Decisions in June and of course WPC 2010 in July. It has been going much faster than we could have imagined. Together with other activities like Newsletters and Live-meeting webinars, we generated contacts with over 100 partners and already more than 100 customers.

Our team has doubled in growth since October last year and we now have a full R&D team focusing on developing our frameworks and pre-configured apps for AX and NAV. Through the opening of our subs in the US covering North America and in Denmark covering the Nordic region we now have teams dedicated to EMEA, Nordics and North America. Our next goal is to establish a sub covering Asia Pacific so that we can service all continents. Although we focused the first half year mainly on partner recruitment, we also closed a number of deals and now have over 500 users ordered for our AX Anywhere solutions.

At this moment, more than 20 partners have been trained in our AX solution; their feedback and evaluations have been great. As an example, read the following statement from one of our trained partners about our AX solution : ''Excellent performance, sophistication and simplicity. The framework provides easy-to-use functionality, while taking care of very complicated functions''

Also in the last months we have enhanced our solution to support more browsers. Since June we support also Safari and Firefox besides of course Internet Explorer. Many Dynamics customers are having devices with the Safari and Firefox browser. From now on we can also deploy on devices like iPhone and iPad!

Bjarne Schøn (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland), Mike Wijas (USA and Canada) and Eddy van de Lagemaat (All other countries) are mainly responsible for recruitment of new partners and partner account management. and Bjarne Schøn has been in charge of Dynamics Mobile at Microsoft"

2. What has been some of the biggest challanges that DynamicsAnywhere has faced in getting traction for taking off, and how did DynamicsAnywhere overcome those challanges?

"For ISV’s, one of the biggest challenges is building a channel. We have overcome this challenge by hiring experienced people like Eddy van de Lagemaat who used to be Partner Account Manager at Microsoft in the Netherlands for many years. Together with my background as co-founder and former CEO of To-Increase, we have a great network within the Dynamics community. This helped us a lot in building our channel."

3. It's been publicly released that Bjarne Schon, formely a Microsoft employee and responsible for Microsoft Dynamics Mobile joined DynamicsAnywhere. Can you tell us a little bit about what Bjarne has brought to DynamicsAnywhere so far, and what you expect is role and leadership will do for DynamicsAnywhere in the future?

"We are very happy having Bjarne in our team. He has a lot of expertise in the mobility area (R&D, Go-To-Market, Channel, etc), and a great network both within Microsoft and the Dynamics Channel. These things will help a lot in getting extra traction. It is also a great confirmation of our strategy that Bjarne decided to join Dynamics Anywhere."

4. From an implementation point of view, can you give us some insight into current or recently deployed DynamicsAnywhere solutions for Microsoft Dynamics AX? Can you tell us about the partner and customer experience in these referenced implementations?

"Over the past months, we have sold our solutions to more than 10 customers. From these customers, about 50% are already live with our software. An average implementation takes 5 to 10 days. The fact that our solutions are written in Microsoft Dynamics AX and NAV makes it a super easy for both partners and customers to implement the solution.

We have developed something we call an “ROI Calculator” – This tool partners enable partners to work with their customers to assess the benefits they will get from implementing our mobile solutions and so far our assessments show that customers typically get an ROI after 6-9 months which is extremely short in the IT-industry!"

5. In regard to Microsoft Dynamics AX 6.0, current due '2011', what to you feel will change in the base, that will alter DynamicsAnywhere solution? Will it allow DynamicsAnywhere to be more flexible and offer more functionality?

"The way we have developed our Framework makes it easy to migrate to new releases of Dynamics AX. As the Framework does not depend much on AX functionality, we will have our new Framework soon available after Microsoft Dynamics AX 6.0 is launched."

6. Tell us a little bit about DynamicsAnywhere plans as a company? Will you be expanding to an office in the U.S., or other parts of the world? Do you plan on targeting the APAC region?

"For an ISV, building a channel is one of the most important investments. Based on my experience as co-founder and CEO of To-Increase, we have developed a strategy where we go worldwide as quickly as possible. We already opened offices in the US (Chicago) covering North America and Denmark, because I believe in local presence to get the business going.

The Danish office covers the Nordic region and is led by Bjarne Schon, formerly responsible for Dynamics Mobile in Microsoft. At this moment we have a lot of interest from the APAC area also. We plan to open an office in APAC beginning 2011. In this way, we have coverage in the world’s biggest and most important areas. "

I also asked Joop and Bjarne to give closing statements, below are those statement.:
Joop:
"’Looking at the most recent reports from Gartner, IDC and AMR we see Mobility becoming more and more important to companies and consumers. It is the fastest growing topic on the top-10 list of IT directors. We also see many partners using our mobile solutions as a differentiator to position themselves better for both existing but also new customers.

Many competitors don’t have an integrated solution. So, for our Microsoft Dynamics partners we offer a great opportunity to strengthen their offering to their existing and new customers!

Let me leave you with these 3 quick facts that can make your “head spin”:

a) By 2013 more than 1/3 (1.2 Billion) of the global workforce will be so-called “mobile workers” – i.e. spending a significant amount of time away from their desk!

b) Today on average only 15% of the employees in a company use the ERP system. The remaining 85% are often found in Manufacturing, Warehousing, Sales, Service and Distribution!

c) In December 2010 there will be more than 5.1 Billion mobile devices in use on a global scale – more than ANY other technology or solution EVER in history!

Now imagine the benefits and opportunities companies will get when their mobile workforce starts to connect their mobile devices to the ERP-system and begins reporting in real-time from the shop floor, the dock-door, at customers and on the road!

The technology is mature, our solutions are here and the need is there!"

Bjarne:
"’Looking back at almost 9 fantastic years at Microsoft’s R&D center in Copenhagen where I had the privilege of starting up Dynamics Mobile and 4 other business areas (2 funded directly by Steve Ballmer) I realize that somewhere on the way I got stung by the “Mobile Bee”.

I find everything that has to do with mobility and mobile solutions super interesting and inspiring – the tremendous impact mobility will have on people, processes and companies has only just started and it is only the imagination that will set the limits to what it can be used for.

When I met Joop for the first time 8 years ago I was deeply inspired by his entrepreneurship and business acumen. Now 8 years later being asked to work with him and the great team at Dynamics Anywhere to build a company in the area that I am so passionate about was a fantastic opportunity. Topping it off with the fact that I would remain connected to Microsoft, working with the AX & NAV product lines and the Dynamics channel was a dream come true. The opportunities with mobile solutions are growing every day – I think the “3 quick facts that can make your head spin” above are a good testament of exactly that."

I would like to thank DynamicsAnywhere, Joop and Bjarne for taking the time to virtuall sit down and complete this interview.

I think what DynamicsAnywhere brings, is exactly what Microsoft wanted the partner community to bring, when they canceled the Mobile Dynamics Solutions.

DynamicsAnywhere enables web based publihsed interactions, that can be consumed on most any mobile device, and wokr directly with AX data and business logic. I am very excited about the work they are doing, and look forward to hearing more and more from them in the future.

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

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An interview with DynamicsAnywhere - Joop van Voorthuijsen

Back in Nov. of last year, I posted breaking news about DynamicsAnywhere, a new ISV focused on the delivery of Mobile solutions for the Dynamics ERP line.

The full link to that post can be viewed here.: Dynamics Anywhere - A new mobile focus for Dynamics AX

After doing this, their VP of Business Development, and someone that has been involved with AX and NAV for a long time, Joop van Voorthuijsen contacted me about reviewing what they are offering for Dynamics AX, and possibly doing an interview.

After taking a look at their published documentation, I decided to take Joop up on the interview. The following is that interview.:


Joop's LinkedIn Profile

1.) Joop, recently DynamicsAnywhere was formed, can you give in your words the goals and focus of what DynamicsAnywhere is trying to achieve, and what all they offer?

Dynamics Anywhere enables companies to reduce costs and increase user productivity by using state of the art Mobile Business Solutions. The team of Dynamics Anywhere has a long history in mobile business solutions and is focused on creating and distributing powerful mobile business solutions for Microsoft Dynamics AX and NAV.

Our mobile solutions are available wordwide via the global network of Microsoft Dynamics partners. Our goal is to become one of the leading ISV’s for Mobile Business Solutions for Microsoft Dynamics.

Dynamics Anywhere’s Mobile Solutions for Microsoft Dynamics NAV and AX have several properties that make those solutions really unique:

1) Fully integrated in Dynamics NAV and AX. This assures that our Mobile Solutions will work perfectly within a existing Microsoft Dynamics environment.

2) Completely based on Microsoft technology. Our mobile solutions are based on familiar Microsoft products like Windows Server and IIS and do not use any (3rd party) middleware. This makes implementation and support very easy.

3) Extremely flexible. Each solution can be tailored to specific customer needs with a range of available settings in Dynamics. And if necessary, it is also possible to enhance or modify our solutions in the same way as you can modify Dynamics
processes; simply by adding or changing the business logic of Dynamics.

4) Our software is fully device independent, the client (device) only needs a browser!



2.) With Dynamics Anywhere Framework, DAW, from a technical perspective what all does this offer a customer / partner?

With help of the Dynamics Anywhere Framework basically every (customized) role or function could be supported by a mobile solution. On top of our Dynamics Anywhere Framework we deliver also pre-configured role’s of functions like for example Order Picking. With mainly only configuring and when needed small pieces of coding partners are able to make all kinds of role’s and functions ready for mobile use! See our Whitepaper on our download-page for more info.

3.) What all phone platforms are supported with DAW?

As I mentioned earlier the only requirement for the device is a browser! So, almost any Windows Mobile/CE device with a browser is supported. Also other platforms with a browser like Android and iPhone will work. We also support keyboards, function-keys, barcode scanning and RFID reading!



4.) Is there a full version 1.0 for Dynamics AX?

We started with our AX Anywhere solutions last year and we just started also with our NAV Anywhere solutions. The architecture of both solutions are similar.

On our website you’ll find a factsheet about the Dynamics Anywhere Framework which is ready for the market and already implemented a couple of times. On top of this Dynamics Anywhere Framework we also deliver predefined and preconfigured functions like AX Anywhere Logistics I which is available now and supports already processes like Goods Receipt and Order Picking. We also have already a first version of AX Anywhere Field Sales available end of this month.

5.) What is the roadmap for DAW, for Dynamics AX, and do you plan on publishing it?

During the coming months we’ll launch more pre-configured roles and functions but don’t forget that partners are already able to make almost every process ready for mobile use themselves with help of our Dynamics Anywhere Framework. We’ll publish this roadmap roughly on our website and with our partners we’ll define priorities about the roadmap as well.

6.) Does the DAW offer full flexibility for custom code in AX, and also offering technical consultants and their customers ability to customize and work with the DAW other than standard offerings?

Yes that is one of the important elements we already defined in the beginning. The Dynamics partners are able to add customer specific functions or change our standard functions. That’s one of the disadvantages of many other solutions using middleware, for their partners it is very difficult and expensive to make customizations.

7.) What is the current install base for DAW, and what all industries is this already in use, or planned for use?

Dalosy, one of the mother companies from Dynamics Anywhere, is already active with mobile solutions since 1976! They were one of the first companies starting with barcode solutions. Their installed base is huge and in many lines of business you find their customers. Last year the middleware solution has been replaced by the Dynamics Anywhere Framework. The first customers are implemented already and are already live. Of course there is a focus on trade, retail, manufacturing and distribution, but we expect a strong growth in lines of business where mobile business solutions will be introduced. That’s also the prediction of many analysts around the world.

8.) Is the DAW and the total DynamicsAnywhere solution offered through the Microsoft Partner channel? Do you train partners, and allow them to control their customers, or do you require partners to allow DynamicsAnywhere and your consultants to run and control DAW part of a given implentation?

Our solutions are indeed offered through the Microsoft Partner channel! We’ll train our partners in a couple of days and they are able to implement the solution for their customers. In order to guarantee good projects we will be assisting the partners in their first implementations. We also offer our partners a sales training focusing on making customers aware of the possibilities. On our website you will find the upcoming trainings under Events!

9.) Does the DAW offer any disconnected state ability? Meaning, does the device have to have internet or network connectivity in order to make use of the DAW, or is there any local store that takes place so devices can go offline for a while, and to use DAW based solutions?

More than 90% of our prospects need a online solution. In order to ensure a stable solution we have developed ‘state persistence’ which means that the status in kept in the Dynamics database. When a device is temporary out of range, empty or damaged, you can continue the job as soon as the device is ready again from the point where the job stopped. End of 2010 we’ll come up with several options for offline possibilities.

I also asked that Joop provide a closing statement and few paragraphs, below is his closing statement.:

Why companies invest in Mobile Business Solutions?

The 4 main reasons why companies invest in a Mobile Business Solution are:

1. The most important reason is cost reduction. By deploying a mobile solution, significant cost reductions can easily be achieved as data is directly entered into Microsoft Dynamics. This makes a range of activities obsolete and reduces errors which immediately results in savings.

2. The second reason is a higher user productivity of the employees on the shop floor and in the field. As those employees get real-time access to Microsoft Dynamics, they can respond much quicker and more adequate to actual developments.

3. The third reason is increased admin staff productivity. Thank to the mobile solution, they always have access to real-time information about the status of the business processes. This enables them to take quicker and better decisions.

4. The final reason is additional revenue. In fact, this is a result of the first three reasons. Thanks to the deployment of a mobile business solution, companies
are able to react quicker and better to the customer’s demands, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and higher revenues.

Return On Investment

On average, deployment of a mobile business solution yields has a very high Return On Investment. In most of the cases the investments are earned back in less than one year!

What Analysts are saying about the mobile market worldwide

Well known analysts are predicting that 75% of all companies will invest in Mobile Solutions (Forrester) and 70% of those Mobile Solutions will be in combination with ERP and CRM (IDC).

Dynamics Anywhere well received by customers and partners!

Since our press-release last October, many partners and also customers are approaching us to get more information about our solution. They’re all very enthusiastic about our solutions and recognize the advantages. On this moment we’re building our channel. Because of the network I have from the time being CEO of To-Increase we’re in touch with many partners already. In a short term we’ll also have a distributor in the US. We’re a Bronze Sponsor for Convergence Atlanta 2010 and are expecting a lot of interest in April! Meet us over there!


I would like to thank Joop, and DynamicsAnywhere Solution team for taking the time to have this interview with me. Since Microsoft left the space of offering a platform based solution for Mobile Dynamics ERP brands, DynamicsAnywhere is stepping in and trying to offer Microsoft Partners and Customers a Framwork, in which they can build upon to offer mobile solution to their clients.

This is a build vs. buy, like all software, and so like all software the needs of the given project at hand will drive if the DynamicsAnywhere Framework (DAW), is a good fit.

I do recommend checking them out though, and keeping the information handy. It would also most likely be well worth the Sales Training, in order for Sales teams to be able to understand what customers would get with going with the DAW, from DynamicsAnywhere.

To find out more, please visit the DynamicsAnywhere website, located here.: DynamicswAnywhere Website.

Also Sunrise Technologies, Inc. the VAR I am a part of will be at Convergence along with DynamicsAnywhere. Feel free to stop by and talk to us, and see how Sunrise and DynamicsAnywhere might be able to help you with your Dynamics Investments.

That's all for now, but check back soon as I have more great post coming out, with more interviews, Sunrise News, Book reviews, and much much more!




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Dynamics Anywhere - A new mobile focus for Dynamics AX

Last week a press release caught my eye. It was from a new company called 'Dynamics Anywhere'. A direct link to their website can be found here.: DynamicsAnywhere Website

This company was started to focus on Mobile based solutions for Dynamics brand ERP, and a big focus of that is Dynamics AX.

This comes at a time, when Microsoft stopped it's development of it's mobile framework. The reason Microsoft did this, was told in the ZDNet Blog entry that Mary Jo did, and this blog was featured in.

The news of that was first broke by MSDynamicsWorld.com.

Microsoft saw that most solutions are either custom or based on ISV based frameworks and solutions. And with that, has tipped it's hat and is depending on VAR's and ISV's to provide this need to customers.

That is where DynamicsAnywhere fits in. I am going to be digging deeper into what they actually will be offering, but this is some very interesting news. Mobile need for business data is growing in leaps and bounds, and when it comes to a build vs. buy, well the actual compare is build vs. buy+customize.

From the Press release.:
"On 15 October 2009 Dalosy, a well known and innovative Dutch company specialized in mobile solutions, has founded a new company: Dynamics Anywhere. Microsoft’s international Partner Development Center (PDC) program, in which Dalosy participated this year, resulted in the strategy to start a company fully dedicated to mobile business solutions . This is Dalosy’s answer to the market’s growing demand for flexible mobile solutions. Dynamics Anywhere will focus on the development and distribution of software for mobile applications for companies that use Microsoft Dynamics AX and NAV.

Dalosy has asked Mr. Joop van Voorthuijsen, director of the Dutch Partner Development Center and also founder and former CEO of To-Increase, to head Business Development. Joop has extensive experience in the field of development and distribution of software in the Microsoft Dynamics world. Combined with Dalosy’s broad knowledge of mobile solutions, this gives Dynamics Anywhere a very strong position.

Optimization
Dynamics Anywhere is an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) with focus on the development and distribution of software for mobile solutions for Microsoft Dynamics AX and NAV. These solutions, which will be sold globally through the Microsoft Dynamics partner channel, offer users of Dynamics AX and NAV the opportunity to optimize their business processes. Well known analysts, like IDC and Forrester, expect a lot of companies to invest in mobile solutions to be able to work more efficient and effective.

Improve productivity and save costs
Almost every business process can be improved by deployment of a mobile solution. Examples of this are management of order pickers in warehouses, sales order entry while visiting the customer, optimization of a distribution route or the execution of quality inspections. With Dynamics Anywhere’s innovative mobile solutions, the user can count on improvements in productivity and lower costs. The Return On Investment of these kinds of solutions is often less than one year."



The link to the full Press release can be found here.: DynamicsAnywhere Press Release

Check them out, as I will be, and seeing how this can possible help out customer needs in the mobile area.

That's all for now, back check back soon. See you next time!




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Featured on 'All About Microsoft'

Recently, my blog, Sunrise and Myself were featured and quoted on Mary Jo's 'All About Microsoft' blog.

The direct link to that entry can be found here.:
Microsoft offers no reasons for discontinuation of two Dynamics mobile products

Here is where I was quoted, and talked about.:
"Brandon George, Senior Technical Architect with Microsoft partner Sunrise Technologies (and author of a blog that covers Microsoft’s Dynamics moves), had some educated guesses of his own as to why the Softies may have decided to pull the plug. His list:

“1.) Most mobile applications for Dynamics AX are either running third party developed solutions or fully customized to the customer needs Mobile UI to DAX processes and business logic.

“2.) There is a purchase a foot, that will lead to easier development of mobile applications for accessing and working with X++ busienss logic, and the DAX controlled data model.

“3.) Microsoft is wanting their partners to continue to be the source for such developments and vertical offerings, and they want to provide, as usual the platform in which those vertical offerings are developed and delivered on.”"


And futhermore.:
"Update: It’s sounding like George’s suggested Reason No. 3 might be behind Microsoft’s plan to discontinue its two mobile ERP products. The aforementioned spokesperson just sent the following update:

“Microsoft believes the most effective mobile solutions will be those that meet specific business and industry needs and can be constantly developed to keep up with changing market conditions. The close contact of Microsoft partners to the market and their unique area of expertise allow them to tailor mobile solutions to the specific needs of their customers. With partner-built mobile solutions, businesses can benefit from the core functionality in Microsoft Dynamics, enhanced by the mobile expertise of local partners. Due to the broad availability of such partner-developed mobile solutions, Microsoft made a strategic decision to discontinue the current development of Microsoft Dynamics Mobile.”

In other (fewer) words: Microsoft decided to drop the products to alleviate conflict with its channel. If I get any more from the company on this, I’ll update this post again."

This is in reference to the post I did, from the article by MSDynamicsWorld.com, found here.: MSDW: What’s Behind Microsoft’s Discontinuation of Dynamics Mobile for AX and NAV?

So it seems that what Microsoft's reasoning behind this, turns out to be part of what myself and others were thinking. Still, from what I understand, there is a purchase that is related to this in the works.

So I am waiting to hear more details about that. Still I do think this is the correct and right move by Microsoft.

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




"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

MSDW: What’s Behind Microsoft’s Discontinuation of Dynamics Mobile for AX and NAV?

Over at MSDynamicsWorld.com a recent article on Microsoft decision to discontinue development of the Microsoft Dynamics Mobile was published.

Reading this article, by Erik Herman, really can get you thinking about what is going on with this decision.

Erik brings up some thought provoking points.:
"Companies today certainly remain concerned with using technology to maximizing employee productivity. Mobile applications and architectures will continue to evolve and become more pervasive in general business technology terms and in the context of enterprise wide systems and environments. So it begs the question, what's Microsoft's thinking and impetus behind this course of action?

The discontinuation could mean several things both within Microsoft and for the larger Dynamics partner community. It could mean that Microsoft is choosing to focus on things they do best with their Dynamics product line, which is the development of the existing backend infrastructure tools, while allowing their client partners to handle the front end development of applications working against their Dynamics systems. Or, perhaps there's a forthcoming acquisition that will offer Microsoft a fully developed mobile product line (speculation alert)."

As Erik points out, that last option is a specilation alert, which should be noted, is a real possibility.

From what I understand on this point, there is a hybrid set of reason's for this decision.

1.) Most mobile applications for Dynamics AX are either running third party developed solutions or fully customized to the customer needs Mobile UI to DAX processes and business logic.

2.) There is a purchase a foot, that will lead to easier development of mobile applications for accessing and working with X++ busienss logic, and the DAX controlled data model.

3.) Microsoft is wanting their partners to continue to be the source for such developments and vertical offerings, and they want to provide, as usual the platform in which those vertical offerings are developed and delivered on.

So that is my understanding, from what I know, about this topic.

Thanks Erik for taking the time and adding such great value. This is a topic that we should all keep our eyes on, as the mobile front will only demand more and more applications, and need to access DAX business logic and data.




"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"