What is the supply chain interface module for Microsoft Dynamics AX and what can it do for you?
Armanino’s Supply Chain Interface module for Dynamics AX has been utilized by many companies using sub-contract manufacturers, most notably those in the Life Science and Semiconductor Industry. The module has been available for over 10 years and has followed along with support and upgrades – most recently up to the Dynamics AX R3 release.
Though the module is used frequently, it doesn’t get much attention because it is bundled into our Dynamics AX implementations. With that in mind, we’d like to share some great insights on the module!
Whether this is your first time hearing about the Supply Chain Interface module or you’ve been utilizing it for years, check out these details on the latest version.
What Is the Supply Chain Interface Module?
The SCI module is primarily utilized for importing data into Microsoft Dynamics AX and facilitating integration between your company and sub-contract manufacturers. A variety of transaction types across nearly all modules within Dynamics AX are included in the module. Some of those transaction types are noted below.
The SCI module is set up to give users a head-start with pre-configured default mapping templates. For all the types of data most customers wish to import into Dynamics AX, the SCI module already includes mappings containing those most commonly used fields. To include fields in addition to the standard mapping, each transaction type also includes a selection of optional columns that allow you to choose what to add to your mapping and template.
One of the SCI module’s most useful features is the inclusion of data mapping functionality that allows users to map from your spreadsheet structure (with column headings displayed on the left side of the Mapping form) to the corresponding fields in Dynamics AX fields (displayed on the right side of the Mapping form) so it’s easy to compare the two side-by-side and adjust wherever necessary.
The data files containing the import records can be stored in a few formats: xls, xlsx or csv. Once a file is complete, it can be loaded into the SCI workbench and then processed. Processing actually creates the records in the Dynamics AX tables. If any records result in errors during processing, it is not necessary to fix any issues in the import file and then reload. It’s possible to fix the errors directly in the workbench and reprocess. Another great aspect of the SCI workbench is that it utilizes the same classes as those employed when a user manually enters records in Dynamics AX. Thus, the same checks and controls are in place to verify the validity of the data being imported.
As mentioned, one of the other key features of the Supply Chain Interface module is the facilitation of an integration between a company and the supply chain trading partners. With pre-built integration points and the ability to add customized integration points, the module is perfectly poised to suit your team’s specific needs.
New Features for the Dynamics AX 2012 R3 Release
Even those who have been utilizing the SCI module for a while may not be aware of a one of the most handy new features released. In the past, if you wanted to do an SCI import in more than one environment, it was necessary to make any desired modifications to the mapping (such as adding optional columns, changing column names, etc.) in each environment. With the latest release, this process is much more simplified. We’ve reduced the risk of human error by adding the ability to export and import mappings from one environment to another. It’s only necessary to update your mapping in one environment and you can then export that mapping and import it into any other environments.
Discover more about the Supply Chain Interface module and find more integrations and modules like this one in the Armanino Marketplace.
Learn more about Armanino’s Dynamics AX Practice.
About Armanino, LLP
Armanino is a Gold Certified Microsoft Dynamics AX, GP and CRM Partner with five California locations (San Ramon, San Jose, San Diego, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco) as well as offices in Portland, OR, Bellevue, WA, and Naperville, IL.
Our team understands the unique business processes, common pain points and compliance issues many high-tech manufacturing and life science companies’ face and can assist you with integration to front or back office systems, deployment, data migration, and training.
We encourage you to call us with questions and let us know about your company and business goals. Visit us online at: http://www.armaninollp.com
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