If you have been following the Microsoft’s Dynamics AX evolution, like many others you are sure to be confused about D365 Finance and Operations ERP solution. First the cloud only offering, then the on-prem that was AX2012 R3 CU8 and now finally D365 on-prem. This had the partners confused too and that showed in how many deals were singed and the quality of these implementations early on.
Now that the dust has settled, we are finally begging to see good implementation results. Though many customers still ask me if D365 Finance and Operations ERP is a good product.
Here is what I tell them. D365 Finance and Operations is a sophisticated world class ERP system with a lot of functionality and multiple levels of configurations and setups. However, you are much more dependent on Microsoft for many of the functions that were available to a local admins in AX2012. Here are some specific examples to consider:
- Access to AOT is no longer an option in Tier 1 environments. You have to create a Dev machines and access AOT that way.
- Data tables – Not all the tables and values are fully represented in the data migration utility.
- Custom code move is much more strictly managed.
- Simple troubleshooting and fixes like locked records now require Microsoft’s help.
- And the continuous Microsoft’s updates.
But D365F&O does offer many improvements:
- A more modern user interface, with many more options for personalization.
- D365F&O offers better out of the box workflow templates.
- Security setup and custom roles are easier to work with.
- You get much more enhanced functionality in several modules.
- Azure AD is better integrated and so is the LCS.
Also it is noteworthy to mention that the tables in D365 have grown considerably going from approximately 8,000 in AX2012 to over 11,000 in D365F&O.
These are just some of the observations I have noted down about D365 and there are many more. Check out the D365FO page for details.