Best Practices: Managing the unique challenges of implementing Microsoft Dynamics AX for process manufacturing

The implementation of Microsoft Dynamics AX in the process manufacturing industry requires some unique tactics and basic best practices, different from any of the other vertical industries (Services, Discrete Manufacturing, Distribution, Retail, etc.).  In the purest sense of the term, process manufacturing deals primarily with manufacturing a product based on a formula or a recipe as opposed to manufacturing a product based on a bill of materials that frequently use routes to accommodate for the assembly of the product.

A special focus on Quality

A primary focus of any Dynamics AX process manufacturing implementation must be how to track, measure, report on, and act on issues related to quality, since it is such a critical part of the process manufacturing world.  This is not to say that quality in a discrete manufacturing world is not important, but quality issues can be more challenging for process manufacturers when you consider the complexities associated with adhering to the recipe of a constantly moving product with multiple ingredients being added.

The tight integration between Dynamics AX and the MES (Manufacturing Execution System) or various shop floor systems becomes the challenge of the implementation partner's project team, the organization's subject matter experts, and potentially the organization's automation partner.  Working with these three possibly disparate groups of individuals to not only identify the quality measures but also ensure that all of the systems have the necessary linkages to quantify and augment the quality of the product is a crucial factor in an implementation.  Indeed, the organization must be very clear on what those quality measures are and work with the various groups to ensure that quality will be maintained as the product moves through each stage in the process. 

Another necessary ...