Historically, Microsoft’s ERP product, Dynamics AX, had very little functionality focused in the retail space.During the annual Microsoft Convergence event in Atlanta 2011, this all changed and it became clear that Microsoft was becoming far more au fait with the retail industry, with brand new functionality being pushed with the release of AX2012. From the first release of AX2012 it was clear they had done some major modifications on the product, specifically focusing within retail.
The release of AX2012 R2 was a big turning point for the product. This is when the functionality was finally seen as truly valuable for retailers. It became compatible with scanners in store and for the first time retailers could see their full transactional history across all channels, including eCommerce and retail stores, in a single commerce run-time engine.
With the release of new functionality, big name retailers saw the real benefits Microsoft Dynamics AX could bring to their business and early adopters included Crew Clothing, Fortnum & Mason and Mole Valley Farmers.
It was with the release of AX2012 R3 in May 2013 that it became evident that Microsoft now has a deeper understanding of the industry, more types of payment systems were included with the realisation that there are many channels that customers use to purchase goods other than the web and till systems and this made it a much more viable platform.
AX2012 R3 also offers much better capability for handling the challenges of product lifecycle associated with the fashion industry. The large range of enhancements included functionality for customers to buy online and collect in-store, retail channel integration to allow more customer interaction and feedback and the ability to implement promotional discounts and coupons.
Now big name brands like Ted Baker and Hunter Boots are adopting the Microsoft solution. The next big challenge for Microsoft Dynamics AX is the breadth and depth of retail-specific functionality to match growing retailer demand brought on by the raising of consumer expectations.
Peter Ward, AX Retail Solution Architect at Microsoft suggested that they are addressing these challenges: “Today’s retailer needs to know its consumer and engage with them personally. They need to differentiate and offer a seamless, complete experience in an omni-channel environment. Microsoft Dynamics AX is focusing on today’s retailer demands to offer true omni-channel retail, innovative marketing and end-to-end customer care with advanced supply chain and financials – offering real-time, actionable insight across all channels of the business. Continued investment in global, deep industry SCM and Retail functionality, modern apps and private and public cloud make being part of the delivery team at Microsoft Dynamics AX very exciting and energizing”.
Sarah is a shopper in the Generation Y/Z demographic. She likes to be connected at all time, and opts in to share her location and to receive notifications. This video shows how Microsoft solutions based on Microsoft Dynamics help the retailer to engage their customer consistently, enjoyably, and profitably.
Products facilitating this scenario are: Microsoft Dynamics AX, Dynamics CRM, Dynamics Marketing, Dynamics Partner Solutions, Dynamics AX Modern Point of Sale, and Microsoft Social Engagement
