The Best Techniques for Handling Multisite Operations with Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009

How do users best go about modeling multisite operations in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009? The solution approach depends on the need for transfers between sites, the grouping of sites into companies, and the number of AX instances.  Differences in the use of AX sites and AX  warehouses also affect the solution approach. With these factors in mind, the wide variety of multisite operations can  be distilled into several basic variations. This article draws on a recently published book, Managing Your Supply Chain using Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009.

There are many variations in multisite operations, where firms using Dynamics AX have  inventory at multiple physical sites. 

The simplest variation involves autonomous sites within a single company and AX  instance, and no need for transfers between sites. 

Other variations require transfers between sites or companies within a single AX instance, which can be handled by transfer orders and intercompany orders respectively.  A distribution network,for example, may involve a vertically integrated supply chain with transfers between manufacturing plants and distribution centers. 

The term distribution network refers to the need for transfers.   Other distribution network examples include replenishment of a remote warehouse, space within a contract warehouse, a  customer location (for stocking material prior to customer usage), asubcontract vendor location (for stocking supplied components or the completed parent), a customer service center and delivery vans.  In some cases, transfers may involve a sister company using a different AX instance or ERP system, which can be supported by the intercompany trade capabilities of the Application Integration Framework (AIF) withinDynamics AX.  

When modeling physical sites in a multisite operation, you can use AX sites or AX warehouses or both.  I use the terms AX site ...