Overcoming ROI Fears About Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009

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...