In a twenty-page review released at the beginning of June, IT research firm Gartner evaluated thirteen different enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for “product-centric midmarket companies” between 100 and 1000 employees.  The review, including many pros and cons of each system, is available here.  The only solution that received the accolade of being in the “magic quadrant” of high “completeness of vision” and “ability to execute” was Microsoft Dynamics AX.  Please refer to the image below to see a graphic layout of where Gartner evaluated each solution in respect to industry trends:

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Dynamics AX was deemed a “leader” due to the product’s functionality, its wide network of partners and resellers around the world that makes global implementation less of a burden, its scalability and customizability to tailor the product to customer needs, and its ease of use, as it resembles the Microsoft Office products that are popular among the mid-market and it readily integrates with these Office programs.

The criteria for evaluating “ability to execute” included the product’s capabilities, the company’s financial viability and capacity to meet its commitments and continue a valuable relationship with a customer, and its ability to execute sales.  The criteria for “completeness of vision” included the understanding of the industry’s needs, the company’s sales, marketing, and product development strategy, and a clear business model that outlined the product’s growth goals.

Notable from the Gartner review is that while many mid-market companies have recently moved towards Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions, their findings indicated that the total cost of ownership of a SaaS option is “not necessarily” lower than that of an on-premise ERP option.

Epicor Vantage also received high marks due to its position as a “visionary” with defined plans of the product’s evolution, updates, and development.  Vantage did, however, lose some points due to its financial viability and its perceived candidacy for being bought out.

GraVoc Associates, located in Greater Boston in Peabody, MA, is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner dedicated to implementing ERP solutions, including Microsoft Dynamics AX, to commercial clients.  The Gartner report indicated a “concern” in the Dynamics AX evaluation is that much of the product’s effectiveness is contingent on the efforts and competence of the partner helping the customer with the system.  A very small number of Microsoft partners have achieved the highest certification level.  GraVoc, however, has reached the highest certification level, maintaining the Gold Certification for several years through competence and rigorous ongoing re-certification efforts.  GraVoc is celebrating fifteen years of business in the fields of information systems, information technology, and technological and professional services.  For more information about the wide range of services offered, as well as more information on whether Dynamics AX might be the right solution for you, please visit GraVoc.com.

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