Review of Implementing Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 with Sure Step 2012

First and foremost; this is a very good book! I had the pleasure of reading through Implementing Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 with Sure Step this weekend, and while I initially planned to just read the chapters and topics related to my focus in Dynamics AX projects, it was quite interesting to read the other chapters as well. It is clear that the authors have a lot of experience with Dynamics AX as a product, in addition to delivering implementation of this huge enterprise solution.

The book covers a lot of ground, and contains a bunch of great tips for a successful project deliverance. Sure there are a lot of topics that you would think were common knowledge (or sense), but anyone who has participated in implementing AX 2012 knows there are a lot of pitfalls compared to previous versions of AX. The book covers them very well. The width of the content makes it an excellent book for all roles and participants in an implementation of AX 2012. It is not too technical, but still have a fair amount of valuable details.

I would highly recommend this book for all team members, not just the decision makers or project leaders. You could even argue the customer should have a copy. ;-)

My favorite chapters were Planning the Infrastructure (3), Installing the AX Environment (4), Integration (7), Designing and Developing the Solution and Reports (10). So that is almost half the book already. But again, chapters like AX Setup (6), Harnessing the Power of Standard AX Features (8) and Designing and Developing the Solution (9) couldn't be left unread.

The book does contains content on good project methodology, but I read it more like good advice and valuable experience for a successful implementation. Some sections could easily be found in books like Inside Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, like explanations on application code layer and deployment on modelstores vs models. Actually, even if your company uses a different implementation methodology, this book is a great asset. That is also why I found it easy to read and very interesting.

So to wrap it up, if you are a part of a team implementing Dynamics AX 2012, have someone get a copy of this book. Read the chapters covering your part of the delivery, and before you know it, you have read the other chapters as well.

At the time of writing, the eBook is sold for just £15. Affordable, if you ask me.

Good job, Keith Dunkinson and Andrew Birch.