14 DAY TRIAL // This week’s National Retail Federation (NRF) Annual Convention & Expo provided an opportunity for Microsoft to unveil a new enterprise resource planning that has been added to its line-up of ERP offerings. Designed as an end-to-end solution, Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail is set up to connect point of sale, store management, supply chain, merchandising and financials, with the software giant promising increased productivity and reduced costs for businesses. With Dynamics AX for Retail Microsoft is looking to attract a consumer segment made up of midsize specialty retailers which have been flirting with Dynamics AX, but so far remained unconvinced to adopt the ERP solution.
“Our goal is to realize the Dynamic Business vision in the retail industry. Because we have enabled a truly connected retailer experience through a single, end-to-end Microsoft-provided solution, customers can lower the total cost of ownership, reduce complexity and improve the accuracy of information, all of which is vital in today’s evolving retail environment,” revealed Crispin Read, general manager, Microsoft Dynamics ERP.
The promise from the Redmond company is that Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail delivers a high degree of interoperability, especially when it comes down to Microsoft’s own technologies. In this regard, the solution will play nice with products such as Windows 7, Office, SharePoint Server and SQL Server. Vadim Motlik, CFO, HDS Retail, applauded the availability of Dynamics AX for Retail.
“A big advantage of Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail is that we’re getting the pieces we need right out of the box, and those pieces work seamlessly with Microsoft SharePoint and other products like Microsoft Office in an interface that’s familiar to our users. This eliminates the need for back-end customizations, eliminates duplication of data and effort, and reduces training times,” Motlik stated.
Microsoft is planning to launch Dynamics AX for Retail in no less than 16 countries, including the United States. The initial GA wave is scheduled to take place in mid-2010, the company revealed. However, midsize business customers in additional markets will also be able to enjoy the new ERP solution in the future, although Microsoft did not detail its plans to expand Dynamics AX for Retail availability.
“Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail is a comprehensive solution because it provides a solid, scalable foundation to build the specific vertical functionality our retail customers need, while focusing on the low total cost of ownership for the retailer with measurable ROI,” added Michael Merfeld, senior business development director, Avanade.