Dynamics AX Revisits Retail

With Dynamics AX for Retail, Microsoft has delivered its first product that combines retail point-of-sale, store management, and enterprise resource planning (ERP). Integration of these functions can aid customer service and cross-selling in stores while simplifying processes such as supply chain management and inventory control. AX for Retail, which shipped in Aug. 2010, will be Microsoft’s primary product for multistore retailers, but the company will be supporting other retail products for some time.

End-to-End Retail Solution

Dynamics AX for Retail extends the LS Retail AX solution that Microsoft acquired from LS Retail in 2009. It became available in 16 countries in Aug. 2010, with more countries in the works. Major components include the following:

A headquarters component extends existing Dynamics AX ERP capabilities (such as warehouse management) to aid management of retail stores, including pricing and promotions, store inventory management and replenishment (targeted restocking), and loyalty programs (which reward customers for past purchases).