According to recent Microsoft customer figures, Dynamics GP is leading the growth in the Microsoft Dynamics ERP space, adding new customers at the rate of 9.3%. Meanwhile, in the last year, AX has added new customers at the rate of 5.6%.
Each product has its target markets and areas of strengths. Microsoft has been pushing AX very strongly for large scale deployments, and GP for small to mid-sized organizations.
Microsoft's recommendation on GP vs AX
If you go to Microsoft's ERP Selection page, you are directed to Dynamics GP for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses, and AX for Enterprise Organizations (this exact structure may vary by country). See the next table for a breakdown.
Drilling down further, the recommendations for GP and AX are as following -
Dynamics GP
Dynamics AX
Target Market: Small to Mid-Size ERP (0 to 500 users)
Target Market: Mid to Large Size ERP (50 to 500 +)
Strengths
Deployment
There are, in fact, very large Dynamics GP customers, and some very small AX installations.
However, in my experience of working with Dynamics GP over the last 3-4 years, most Dynamics GP installations are 2-150 core users. Core users are in the system almost all day long. They are often supplemented by a lot more HR/payroll, requisition, reporting, and mobile users who access the system periodically.
Dynamics GP Modules:
Financial Management
General Ledger with AFA Account Level Security Cash Flow Management Fixed Asset Management Intercompany National Accounts Multicurrency Management Analytical Accounting Revenue/Expense Deferrals Bank Reconciliation Electronic Banking Suite Safe Pay Cashbook Bank Management Electronic Bank Management Electronic Reconciliation Management Payables Management Receivables Management Customer/Vendor Consolidations Lockbox Processing Refund Checks Grant Management Encumbrance Management Field Level Security Process Server
Languages
Multiple Language Pricing
Business Intelligence & Reporting
Unlimited Mgmt Reporter Designer User Unlimited Mgmt Reporter Viewer User Analysis Cubes Library Advanced Analysis Cubes Library
Human Resource Management
Human Resources Unlimited Employees Payroll (US) Unlimited Employees Payroll (Canada) Unlimited Employees Payroll Direct Deposit Federal Magnetic Media Payroll Connect Position Control HRM Self Service Suite
Supply Chain Management
Invoicing Sales Order Processing w/ Adv Invoicing Extended Pricing Order Management Inventory Control Bill of Materials Purchase Order Processing/Receivings Landed Cost PO Generator Requisition Management Time and Expense
Workspace Collaboration
Unlimited Business Portal
Configuration and Development
Modifier with Visual Basic for Applications Customization Site License Integration Manager – Conversions Connector for Microsoft Dynamics
Dynamics AX Modules
Below is a list of Microsoft Dynamics AX Modules:
Summary
Both Dynamics GP and AX have extremely strong core functionalities running on the Microsoft platform. GP is intended to do more for its customers out of the box and has a large suite of add-on solutions, some of which have been around for decades. AX is built towards large scale implementations, and often requires customizations based on your business. GP will typically have a shorter implementation time compared to AX.
Ultimately, more important than the product are the capabilities of your implementation partner, and the consultants you will be working with. Great GP partners can handle GP solutions for larger scale needs if required. Conversely, an unprepared AX implementer would struggle with a small scale project. And vice versa. Request references for past implementations in similar industries, and custom demonstrations for the areas your company specializes in. If a partner has done it successfully before, and you like what you see - you increase the chance of a successful implementation significantly.
Please feel free to call us to see if Microsoft Dynamics GP is right for your business!