The Microsoft Dynamics AX Consultant's Role in BI Planning: Building Data Sources from the Ground Up

In previous articles I have explored the implementation planning challenges that Microsoft Dynamics AX project teams face, the roles of implementation team members, and the reporting needs at different levels of the enterprise. In this article I will explore the information sources that ultimately determine the strategic value of business intelligence (BI) reporting and analytics. 

At its roots, BI relies on capturing accurate transactional data from business processes at a fine level of detail, transforming processes into a daily flow of meaningful entries in an ERP solution like Dynamics AX. Application consultants should take into consideration the reports required by a client and ensure that the needed data points are captured through the daily transactions recording process. Whenever possible, the application consultant has a responsibility to also challenge the business processes owners about the process as it relates to using the data to make changes to optimize the business.

Most consultants are splitting their attention between business process workshops during business requirements gathering in the Analysis phase and the establishment of the data structure in forms during the Design phase. It is vital to document the business process - the start point, end point, detailed steps of the process (if needed), data path in each step, and the exception cases for each process. On the other hand, the forms are a translation of the business processes into the real work activities of employees (grid, fields, multiple selection, buttons...).

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