Dynamics AX associate article: What you need to install Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009

As mentioned in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 Components, Dynamics AX 2009 is a lot more than just AX Application, AOS and client. It has also expanded externally with integration to various other technologies to achieve its objectives.

As a result, installing Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 requires more than the installation DVD. This post will provide you with an overview of the software components and their download sources to get you better prepared for the installation.

Some of the components presented below do come in the form of DVD if your company subscribe for them. If you have such luxury, browse through your DVD set to secure them before you set off to install Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009. Otherwise, you might have to spend a day or more to get all of them downloaded.

Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 Release DVD ISO

The most important part is of course the installation DVD itself. You may download the Microsoft Dynamics 2009 Release May Edition DVD ISO file (1.7 GB in size) from PartnerSource as discussed earlier. As far as I am concerned, no physical media should be expected until mid July 2008 when the translation of help topics is scheduled to complete. The DVD ISO file seems to be the only option at the moment.

Since it is in ISO format, you may use any Virtual DVD software to mount it as a DVD disc to use it directly or to extract the files to a physical location. On top of that, you may also burn it into a physical DVD. If you are installing on virtual machines instead, you could load it to the optical drive with ease. All virtual machine platforms I know supports ISO image, be it Microsoft Virtual PC, Virtual Server, VMWare or VirtualBox.

Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5

Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 utilized the latest features from Windows Presentation Foundation, etc. You need to install Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 before you are able to install Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009. The table bellow shows the options you have to get the .NET Framework 3.5 installed. Pick one that suits your need best.

Component
File name
File size

Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Live Installer
dotNetFx35setup.exe
2.7 MB

Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Full Package
dotnetfx35.exe
197.11 MB

The Live Installer (bootstrapper) is meant for installation with Internet connection. It will evaluate your system to identify further download required. The installation will requires additional file download of 50 - 200 MB depending on how up to date your system is. This is the better choice for single installation. You will usually end up downloading less than the full package.

The Full Package on the other hand is meant for mass deployment. The download consists of all the files necessary to install the .NET Framework 3.5. You may also want to pick this option if you would like to share the file with other associates.

Service Pack 2 for Microsoft SQL Server 2005

If you are hosting your Dynamics AX 2009 data with Microsoft SQL Server 2005, you will need Service Pack 2 or later. This service pack has been released for over a year. In case you have not updated your Microsoft SQL Server 2005 to SP2, you may download the update at Microsoft Download: SQL Server 2005 SP2.

This package contains update for all the components of Microsoft SQL Server 2005 including the database server, Analysis Services, Reporting Services, etc. They are all required for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 installation.

Dynamics AX 2009 Demo Data

There is no official demo data available for Dynamics AX 2009 Release yet. The closest we could find is the demo data for AX 2009 CTP3 VPC version 2. This download is in the form of Microsoft SQL Server database backup instead of the usual Dynamics AX data import file we are familiar with. In order to use this data, you will not have to install the database option in the setup. You should restore this backup as a Microsoft SQL Server database and install the application and AOS to connect to it.

I notice a lot of associates are searching for Dynamics AX 2009 license. If you install with this demo database, you will have the demo license which last until August 31, 2008. This could be a good option in case you have not got the partner license file.

Component
File name
File size

Demo data AX 2009 CTP3 VPC Ver02
Demo data AX 2009 CTP3 VPC Ver02.zip
129 MB

Microsoft Windows Sharepoint Services 3.0 with Service Pack 1

Sharepoint Services 3.0 SP1 is required to host the Role Centers and Enterprise Portal. It is not included in the Dynamics AX 2009 Installation DVD. You have an option to use Microsoft Office Sharepoint Server 2007 or Microsoft Windows Sharepoint Services 3.0.

If Windows Sharepoint is your choice and your machine does not have it installed, you would have to download it first. It is available for download at Microsoft Download.

Component
File name
File size

Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 with Service Pack 1
SharePoint.exe
104.1 MB

Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 x64 with Service Pack 1
SharePoint.exe
115.4 MB

Windows SDK for Windows Server 2008 and .NET Framework 3.5

Windows SDK is required for Reporting Extension to work. You may get the Windows SDK for your operating system. Windows SDK for Windows Server 2008 and .NET Framework 3.5 is the latest at the time of writing. It could be used for Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista and Windows XP.

Like Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, you have an option to get it installed through web setup or the complete package. The complete package for Windows SDK for Windows Server 2008 is in DVD ISO format.

Component
File name
File size

Windows SDK for Windows Server 2008 and .NET Framework 3.5 Web Setup
Setup.exe
418.59 KB

Windows SDK for Windows Server 2008 and .NET Framework 3.5 DVD ISO
6.0.6001.18000.367-KRMSDK_EN.iso
1330 MB

Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Shell (isolated mode) Redistributable Package

This package is required for the Reporting Extension to work. There are two Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Shell redistributable package; isolated and integrated. Make sure you are having the isolated package.

When you install this package, please note that the executable vs_AppEnvRedist.exe extracts the installation files to a location. You should execute the actual installation file found at the location where you extracted the files.

Component
File name
File size

Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Shell (isolated mode) Redistributable Package
vs_AppEnvRedist.exe
384.4 MB

Conclusion

The software prerequisite for getting Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 installed is more than those we have listed here. The rest of the software is included in the installation DVD.

Happy installing Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009.

Dynamics AX associate: What you need to install Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009

Project Accounting cycle in Dynamics AX 2009

1. Estimation
   
   1. Quotation - Project Quotation
      
   2. Quotation Status - Transfer to Project
      
   3. Create Activity - (Action, Appointment, Task, Event)
      
   4. Attach Document
      
2. Forecasting & Budgeting (Det. Transaction type)
   
   1. Forecast setup model
      
3. Create Customer
   
4. Create Contract
   
5. Create Project
   
6. Hierarchy & Activities
   
7. Project Scheduling
   
8. Transaction (Journals)
   
9. Invoicing
   
10. Reporting
    

     
     

Overcoming ROI Fears About Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009

BY Dan Gangai, Director of Product Management, Create!form Bottomline Technologies

Email

PUBLISHED: December 21, 2008

• Dynamics AX
• Financial Management

Whenever the conversation turns to changing or upgrading ERP systems, the question seemingly on the tip of everyone's tongue has to do with ROI: "How am I going to get a return on my investment and how soon can I expect it?" I think it's safe to say that since its introduction over the summer, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 has been well received. But interest and buzz aren't enough to quell those persistent fears that attaining ROI from an ERP system just isn't a reality.

As a provider of document process automation solutions, we've had the opportunity to work with a number of Microsoft Business Solutions Partners in an effort to help their clients extend the value of a Dynamics AX investment. So this month, I thought we'd take a different approach to this column, and share an interview my colleague Jon Rivers recently conducted on the topic of ROI as it relates to AX 2009  with Dave Weiner, Dynamics AX Division President of New York City-based Cole Systems Associates.

Q: Dave, given your experience with Microsoft Dynamics AX, what would you estimate to be the length of time required for an organization to realize a return on their investment? 

With the right approach, I believe companies using Microsoft Dynamics AX can attain a return on their investment in 12 months or less. Our organization, for example, has successfully applied a pre- and post-implementation process that enables us to develop and track specific metrics with our customers that we ultimately use to measure ROI.

For instance, at the beginning of the process we work closely with our clients to create a business case around Microsoft Dynamics AX, taking into consideration the client-identified value opportunities (i.e. re-allocation of headcount, improvement of the cash-to-cash cycle, etc.) and comparing those goals to benchmarks we've established with other clients. This type of approach allows us to calculate an anticipated ROI from which we can measure results at the conclusion of the implementation. It also allows stake holders on both sides to fully understand the project's success metrics. 

Q: Reducing costs and improving performance continue to be business priorities. For organizations implementing AX 2009, how do you think new features such as Role Centers and the BI framework will impact return on investment?

The beauty of the role-tailored client is that it's available straight out of the box. Plus the use of 32 different ‘personas' featured in the Role Centers ensures that everyone within an organization will be able to identify with at least one of the roles from day one. In the past, it would take weeks, and even months in some cases, to build a similar environment in which you could put relevant information at a user's fingertips so quickly.

The workflow component of the Role Centers also has a positive impact on ROI because it helps to bring tasks forward, enabling users to create a work-ready list of activities, for them to better understand what tasks need to be addressed next and which tasks have fallen behind the intended completion date.

Q: How critical is the new role-tailored client in supporting an organization's goal of ensuring that core business units are as productive as possible? 

For many organizations today, having the ability to view business-critical information in real-time is a top priority. With the role-tailored client, AX 2009 users are able to make better, more informed decisions because the data most relevant to their roles is at their fingertips. This enables users to become more productive and proactive in their job functions.

Q: What do you think are some best practice approaches businesses should be adopting in order to maximize success with AX?

Implementing an ERP is no small task. It requires expertise and dedicated resources, which is why most companies chose to work with a consulting firm. When it comes to choosing a consulting firm, I can't stress enough the importance of identifying one that can demonstrate their knowledge of not only AX but of the customer's specific industry, and provide multiple reference customers.

I also recommend to our clients that they explore the use of certified third-party products. For all of the business benefits associated with AX, there are functionality gaps where a proven third-party product can help accelerate implementation time, improve existing business processes and reduce risk. A perfect example is using a document process automation solution to enhance reporting.

Typically, improving the look and feel of a document such as an invoice or account statement requires extensive custom programming. But solutions such as Create!form from Bottomline, allow users to bypass that customization, and quickly design and distribute documents through different electronic channels. In some cases, the use of document process automation solutions have shown to reduce forms-related costs by a 2-to-1 margin. It's a win-win for the partner as well because we can focus our resources on more pressing issues associated with the implementation.

Q: Are there other specific benefits of AX 2009 that will be major contributors in generating a return on investment?

In addition to the Role Centers and BI framework, another highlight of AX 2009 is the Compliance Center. Companies that have been through any type of compliance audit can attest to the time and resources required to gather the necessary data. With this feature, users gain the ability to create a full audit trail, which will allow them to more quickly comply with different regulatory mandates, such as Sarbanes-Oxley. Incidentally, compliance is also an area where third-party document process automation solutions can provide additional capabilities. Being able to transition away from paper-based documents opens the door for greater visibility into historical business information.

Achieving a return on investment from an ERP implementation is perhaps one of the most difficult business challenges any IT/IS team faces. But as Dave has outlined, the new features and functionality inherent in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 are creating exciting new possibilities. When combined with an experienced consulting firm and third-party solutions that can further extend the Dynamics investment, reaching that ROI summit is getting a whole lot easier.

Jon Rivers is a Microsoft Channel Solutions Engineer Manager for Bottomline Technologies. Dave Weiner, Dynamics AX Division President for Cole Systems, has been working with Dynamics AX since 2001, consulting on and managing more than 20 implementations worldwide. In addition, Dave co-authored Dynamics AX: A Guide to Microsoft Axapta, a book providing an introduction to Dynamics AX.

How to decide license purchase in Dynamics AX, Project I or Project II

Module	Heading	Features
Project I	Cost & Internal Projects	Access to cost projects and internal projects hours, items, and expenses can be registered to cost projects and internal projects. Cost and internal project check boxes in all Project, Category, and Employee/Item reports.(Project > Reports > Project, Category, Employee/Item) Fixed-price check boxes in all Validation reports (Project > Reports > Setup > Validation). Cost hours can only be applied to Profit & loss accounts. Internal hours can be posted to Profit & loss, Balance, and No ledger accounts and can be moved between them.
Project I	Expense	The Journals section and all related forms beneath it. Forms: Expense transaction forms (Projects > Transactions > Expense) (Inquiries > Transactions > Expense) (Inquiries > Forecast > Expense) (Setup > Journals > Default offset accounts) (Setup > Prices > Cost price - Expense) Check Boxes: Create adjustment transactions (Projects > Functions > Adjustment > Select) Create invoice proposals Add lines (Projects > Invoice > Invoice proposal) Post costs (Projects > Inquiry) Accrue revenue (Periodic > Time and material) (Periodic > Budget) Project reports Category reports Employee/Item reports Validation reports (Reports > Project > Category > Employee/Item > Validation) (Setup > Prices > Sales price - Expense) Invoice proposal (Projects > Invoice)   Tabs: General tab in Journals section in the General ledger section (General ledger > Journals > General journal) Project tab in Journal voucher in the Accounts payable section (Accounts payable > Journals > Invoices > Invoice journal > Line) Invoice proposal Invoice Journal   Report: (Reports > Base data > Prices)   Account types and journal types: Project account and Offset account in the General ledger section   (General ledger > Journals > General journal > Journal voucher > Overview tab) Project - Expenses journal in the General ledger section (General ledger > Setup > Journals > Journal names)
Project I	Fees	Forms: Fee transaction forms (Projects > Transactions > Fee) (Inquiries > Report > Fee) (Journals> Fee) Reports: Sales price - Fee (Reports > Base data > Prices) Check boxes: Fee check boxes in the following dialog boxes and reports: Create adjustment transactions (Functions > Adjustment > Select) Create invoice proposals Create on-account proposals Add lines (Projects > Invoice > Invoice proposal) Accrue revenue (Periodic > Time and material) Time and material Project Category Employee/Item Validation (Reports > Project > Category > ID > Validation) Copy budget Delete budget (Periodic > Budget)
Project I	Forecast	Forms: Forecast models (Setup > Forecast models) (Inquiries > Forecast)   Buttons: Forecast (Projects) (Project contracts) (Estimate projects) (Setup > Category > Categories) (Projects > Inquiry > Statistics) (Estimate projects > Functions > Estimate > Cost Estimate)   Menu Items: Forecast (Inquiries > Forecast) (Periodic > Budget and all forms underneath Budget) (Inquiries > Forecast)   Reports Project - Actual vs. budget and all reports under that folder. (Reports > Project > Project - Actual vs. budget) (Reports > Category > Category - Actual vs. Budget) (Reports > Employee/Item > Actual vs. Budget) Project - Budget transactions (Reports > Project > Miscellaneous > Project - Budget transactions) Category - Budget transactions (Reports > Category > Miscellaneous > Category - Budget transactions) Employee/Item - Budget transactions (Reports > Employee/Item > Miscellaneous > Employee/Item - Budget transactions)
Project I	Hours	Forms: Journals and all related forms that are beneath it. (Journals > Hours) Journal approval (Setup > Journals > Journal approval) Cost price Sales price (Setup > Prices) Activities (Projects > Activities) Hours transaction forms (Projects > Transactions > Hours) (Inquiries > Forecast > Hours)   Reports: Ledger reconciliation - Payroll allocation Ledger updates - Payroll allocation (Employee - Hour rate > Employee - Hour rate > Employee - Hour rate > Employee - Hour rate) Project - Payroll allocation (Reports > Project) (Reports > Project > Project - 2 periods) (Reports > Project > Project - Actual vs. budget) Project - Hour rate (Reports > Project > Miscellaneous) Category - Payroll allocation (Reports > Category) (Reports > Category > Category - 2 periods) (Reports > Category > Category - Actual vs. Budget) Category - Hour rate (Reports > Category > Miscellaneous) Employee - Payroll allocation Employee - Hour rate (Reports > Employee/Item) (Reports > Employee/Item > Employee/Item - 2 periods) (Reports > Employee/Item > Actual vs. Budget) Cost price - Hour Sales price - Hour (Reports > Base data > Setup > Prices) Transactions - Hour (Reports > Transactions) Time sheet missing Journal approval (Reports > Hour) Invoice journal On-account invoice schedule (Reports > Invoice)   Fields and check boxes: Show start/end times field (Setup > Parameters > Journals > Default journal names group) Hour field (Setup > Parameters > Journals > Default journal names) Period code field (Employee > Setup) Statistics Invoice Control (Projects > Inquiry) Hour check boxes in the following dialog boxes and reports: Create adjustment transactions dialog box (Projects > Functions > Adjustment > Select) Create invoice proposals dialog box Create on-account proposals dialog box Add lines dialog box (Projects > Invoice > Invoice proposal) Post costs dialog box Accrue revenue dialog box (Periodic > Time and material) Copy budget Delete budget (Periodic > Budget) Project report Category report Employee/Item report Validation report (Reports > Project > Category > Employee/Item > Validation) Time check boxes in the following reports under: Project Category Employee/Item (Reports > Project > Category > Employee/Item) Project - Consumption (Reports > Project) Category - Consumption Create and update package appearances (Reports > Category) Employee/Item - Consumption (Reports > Employee/Item)   Field contents: Hours transaction (Setup > Category > Categories > Transactions)
Project I	On Account	Form: On account (Projects > Invoice > On account) (Inquiries > Transactions > On account) (Inquiries > Forecast > On account)   Dialog box: Create on-account proposals (Projects > Invoice > Invoice proposal > Create on-account) Check boxes: On account check boxes in all Project, Category and Employee/Item reports (Reports, Project) (Reports, Category) (Reports, Employee/Item) Copy budget Delete budget (Periodic, Budget) Reports Reports (Projects, Inquiry)   Reports: Ledger updates - On account (General ledger > Reports > Reconciliation > Project > Transaction) Project - On account (Reports > Project)   Account type: The following account that is set up in the Ledger posting form is controlled by this configuration key: About WIP invoice on-account accounts About on-account invoiced revenue
Project I	Project Server Integration	This configuration key allows you to integrate the Project section of Microsoft Dynamics AX with Microsoft Office Project Server. With this key enabled, you can integrate projects, employees, and tasks from Microsoft Dynamics AX into Office Project. You can also integrate projects, tasks, and resources in Office Project into Microsoft Dynamics AX. The two systems can be synchronized so that changes made in one system will be reflected in the other system.
Project I	Time & Material	Forms Journal (Journals > Fee) Post costs and Accrue revenue (Periodic > Time and material) Statistics Invoice Control (Projects > Inquiry WIP on time and material project (Setup > Forecast models > Project) The fee journal is used only for fee transactions that are entered on time and material projects.   Tabs: Tax fields under the Setup tab. (Journals > Expense, Fee, Item)   Fields and field groups: Item sales tax group method (Setup > Parameters > Financial tab) Fee journal names option (Setup > Parameters > Journals tab) Sales currency fields (Journals > Expense, Fee, Item) Time and material field group (Project group form) The time and material fields control accrued revenue on transaction posting.   Check boxes: Time and material check boxes in the following reports: Project, Category and Employee/Item reports (Reports > Project, Category, Employee/Item) Validation reports (Reports > Base data > Setup > Validation)   Buttons: Create invoice (Invoice proposal form)
Project II	Cash flow	The cash flow configuration key enables you to monitor both the forecasted and actual cash flow of a project. With this key enabled, you can monitor the forecasted and actual cash flow of a project as it is progressing or as soon as it has been completed. You can select to evaluate a single project or use the reporting functionality to view multiple projects. This configuration key also enables you to transfer the cash flow to the cash flow forecasts in Microsoft Dynamics AX General ledger.
Project II	Cost control	This configuration key enables the cost control feature in the Project section. With the cost control configuration key enabled, you can use the cost control feature to monitor the costs that your company incurs during projects.
Project II	Estimate Projects	The estimate feature is applied to: Calculate cost estimates on fixed-price projects. Calculate the percentage of completion on fixed-price projects. Features enabled by the Estimate Projects key Areas affected   Forms: Cost template (Setup > Category > Cost template) The cost template is the basis for calculating cost estimates and a percentage of completion.   Dialog box: Estimate dialog boxes (Periodic > Estimate > Create, Calculate, Delete, Post, Reverse, Eliminate, and Reverse elimination). Jobs for creating and maintaining estimates.   Tab page: Estimate (Setup > Posting > Project group).   Button: Estimate button and the features accessed from this button. (Estimate projects > Functions). Process estimates on fixed-price projects.   Reports: Estimate list Estimate list (Reports > Estimate).
Project II	Fixed-Price	The fixed-price project type can be applied. Fixed-price projects are set up with a fixed contract amount and can be posted according to the completed percentage principle or according to the completed contract principle.   Forms Estimate (Projects > Functions > Estimate)     Check boxes: Fixed-price check boxes in all Project, Category, and Employee/Item reports Fixed-price check boxes in all Validation reports (Reports > Project > Category > Employee/Item > Validation)     Reports: Closing profile (Reports > Estimate > Fixed-price) Backlog - Profit & loss Backlog - On account   Estimate > Backlog Won projects - Profit & loss Estimate - Hour rate (Reports > Estimate > Fixed-price) Remarks
Project II	Investment	Investment projects are projects with no immediate earnings. Only cost of items, hours, and expenses can be registered on an investment project. The estimate feature is applied to track and control costs. The costs can then be posted to the WIP accounts in the balance sheet during the project. When the project is eliminated, the value is transferred to a fixed asset, a ledger account, or to a new project as an expense transaction.   Features enabled by the Investment configuration key Areas affected Comments   Check boxes: All Investment check boxes in Project, Category, and Employee/Item reports. Drop down lists for project-type fields also include an Investment option for selection.   Remarks To allow the use of investment projects with provisions for foreseeable losses, the Expense configuration key must be enabled. If the total estimate costs on an investment project exceed the maximum capitalization limit, the loss is taken immediately, and an expense transaction is created.
Project II	WIP	That cost and revenue that are entered on external projects, time and material, and fixed-price, is recognized within the same account period on the profit and loss account.   The Work in Progress (WIP) feature is irrelevant to a company if costs and revenue that are entered on external projects are recognized at the same time. If all fixed-price projects are processed on a short-time basis, and invoicing of time and material projects follows the account periods, then the WIP feature does not have to be enabled.   Features enabled by the Work in Progress key Areas affected Comments Post costs and Accrue revenue (Periodic > Time and material) Estimate projects All transaction inquiry forms (Inquiries, Transactions) When these two forms, Post costs and Accrue revenue, have been enabled by the WIP configuration key, then Time and material projects are also enabled because they are a part of Post costs and Accrue revenue.   Reports: Ledger reconciliation - WIP Reconciliation - WIP accounts (General ledger, Reports, Reconciliation, Project) Ledger updates - WIP (General ledger, Reports, Reconciliation, Project, Transaction) Project - WIP(Reports, Project) Category - WIP (Reports, Category) Employee/Item - WIP (Reports, Employee/Item)     Account types: The major parts of the accounts, listed below, are set up in the Ledger posting form. They are controlled by this configuration key: About WIP cost value accounts About WIP cost value item accounts About accrued loss About accrued revenue through production About WIP production accounts About accrued revenue through profit About WIP profit accounts About WIP accrued loss accounts About on-account accrued revenue About sales value and accrued revenue About WIP sales value accounts About item cost These accounts are used for handling WIP.   Remarks The WIP accounts are balance sheet accounts in General ledger.