This an exciting and huge step forward with more new code than was in the whole of Ax 2009.
To request a preview fact sheet please contact us. There are also several preview on this blog site.
Microsoft officially launched Dynamics AX 2012 R3 this week at a virtual event hosted by AX General Manager Christian Pedersen. The event served to mark the start of a rapidly changing period for Dynamics AX which adds significant new capabilities and sets the stage for a major architecture and interface update with the next major release.
At the event, officials stressed key improvements in Dynamics AX 2012 R3 like the ability to host it on Azure and the advances in the Azure-based Lifecycle Services platform. The cloud technology is a major step forward for Microsoft, said Mike Ehrenberg, Microsoft Business Solutions Technical Fellow. “This is the first release of AX where we can deploy in our Microsoft Azure cloud,” Ehrenberg.
Customers that are already using the Dynamics AX 2012 R3 solution include: Lotus F1 Team, Delta Airlines, outdoor clothing retailer Kathmandu, US craft brewery New Belgium Brewing and furniture manufacturer Ashley Furniture.
A few snippets:
1. There are no longer extra GL entries generated from the two voucher item posting strategy
This corrects a design issue when the distribution framework was introduced in AX2012. This means fewer entries are made to the GL and the normal effect of posting a receiving to accrued purchases shows in a more sensible way.
2. Additional Inventory Storage Dimensions for Inventory Status and License Plate
3. Inventory statuses can also be tied to blocking features to only allow inventory that is truly available for immediate sale
4. A reservation Hierarchy is introduced that determines how dimensions are used in the warehouse
5. Items must be assigned to a storage dimension that is Warehouse Manageable from the beginning
Items must be associated with the correct storage dimension at creation. Microsoft will be introducing conversion utilities for existing customer installations post release.
6.Advanced transport load planning, rate and route calculations as well as rate shopping across carriers.
7.AX 2012 R3 will be available in the Cloud on Microsoft’s Azure server platform
8.Trade allowance agreement configuration. Include items/groups and customer hierarchies. Off-invoice, bill-back and lump sum calculations. Bill-back and deduction workbench for reconciliation.
9. Generate statistical forecast based on historical analysis with SQL Server Analysis Server cubes and an Excel Addin to generate and update forecast values in AX Master Planning module.
10. Enhancements to pricing and promotion management and loyalty programs.
11.The addition of kits
12. New retail customer call center and service functionality.
13. Completely new modern POS that runs on a windows 8/8.1 device.
14. New Project work breakdown structure using multi-level hierarchies, with MS Project client integration, enhancements in project resource scheduling, project budgeting and time entry.
15. New inter-company project invoicing feature.
16. New Microsoft CRM integration with projects
17. New mobile apps for time, expense and approvals.
18. PowerBI and Business Analyzer are new tools that allow customers to create streamlined business analytics reports against Dynamics AX company data. PowerBI runs in Office 365 and Business Analyzer is available in the Windows 8 Store for download on any Windows 8 Device. Business Analyzer can run in demo mode or can be connected to your AX database via the Windows Azure service bus. All of this requires configuration.
19. PowerQuery is a powerful Microsoft Excel addin to Excel 2013 and 2010 that can integrate directly with an instance of AX2012 company data and is Addin that is available today as a free download. PowerQuery allows an AX user to connect directly with Queries and Services exposed to the document framework of the Excel Addin. This allows easier creation of business intelligence reports on AX data directly connecting to the AX company database. This does not require Office365 and can run standalone.
20. DIEF is enhanced to support SQL Server Master Data Services included in SQL Server Enterprise. This allows for the management of master data across multiple systems and even across different instances of AX.
