Leveraging Configuration Tools for Your Dynamics ERP Implementation

ERP systems have transformed the way businesses operate. By automating several back office functions, they offer a unified system of integrated applications, benefiting you in a multitude of ways.  Traditionally, ERP systems were designed to cater to the collective needs of organizations across several business segments and geographies. As globalization became rampant, the latest ERP systems like Dynamics evolved to start incorporating a myriad of functionalities, which allows enterprises to choose relevant components and align them with their business strategy.

In order to get the most out of an ERP investment, it is essential the systems are flexible – as every organization is unique, having their own processes, strategies, and goals. ERP systems have to be flexible enough so as to suit the needs and requirements of each enterprise that implements them. As you decide to take the ERP plunge, you will hear the words configuration and customization over and over again. So what do these words mean? While configuration revolves around system components, which are common across organizations (and not unique to your organization), customization is when you develop custom code, to specifically meet the unique needs of your business (and enable your ERP to do just about anything!)

Make the Most of Your ERP Configuration Tools

Configuring your Dynamics ERP system is one of the most important steps of an implementation. By configuring the necessary ERP components, you enable the system to work within a given environment, which includes language, currencies, time zones, and workflows, among others. By adopting or changing system parameters, you make sure the system meets your business' financial, language, vendor, partner, and customer-facing needs. Let's see how you can take full advantage of your Dynamics system by adopting the right configuration tools and features:

1. Start Simple: When setting up your Dynamics ERP, it is essential to begin by laying the foundation of a basic system which you can build on later. Although Microsoft offers a host of pre-configured modules, you can start by creating database(s) that will be used for actual business transactions and activities. Next, set up calendars through which you can track information vital to all business aspects. Ensure proper recording of time periods that can be utilized for financials, payroll, statistics, billing, and other similar time-based tasks. You can then pre-define and configure country codes, currencies, and tax codes based on the countries you and your vendors, partners, and customers operate from.
2. Integrate: Since the ERP will most likely not be the only system in your business, getting different software applications and platforms to work in conjunction with Dynamics AX will result in a more efficient and effective output. Using configuration tools, you can integrate your ERP with your CRM, data warehousing, BI, and other business applications and enable them to share information automatically and in real time.
3. Enhance: With configuration tools, you can decide how various aspects of your ERP will work: How do you want your databases to interact? Do you want automated updates that will allow data to be shared, or do you want it to be backed up in the cloud or any offsite location? By configuring your Dynamics solution according to your business needs (industry and vertical), you can see how your system behaves with other integrated modules and ensure it helps in managing and running your business better.

Reach Your Long-Term Goals

As you decide to implement a Dynamics solution, you will need to configure or/and customize the ERP so as to allow the system to adapt to your business environment and needs. By leveraging the available configuration tools, you can opt for the required features and capabilities and configure the ERP system in a way that it helps reach your long-term goals.

Successful ERP implementations are a combination of careful in-house planning and controls, expert and accountable consultants, and technology processes that meets business needs. Read this ebook that provides insight into the major financial commitment that an ERP implementation requires, how to avoid ERP implementation failure, and how to ensure an attractive ROI of an ERP implementation.

by Indusa