News

Microsoft announces Dynamics AX 2012 for Retail

January 15, 2012

At the National Retail Federation's annual conference today, Microsoft Corp. announced the upcoming release of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 for Retail, which the company says will provide midsize and enterprise retailers with an end-to-end solution that includes cross-channel capabilities, social and mobile commerce, enriched point of sale (POS), and powerful enhancements for merchandising. These capabilities are designed to help retailers deliver uniquely consistent, convenient and personalized experiences for shoppers.

Mattress Firm is the largest mattress retailer in the U.S. and an early adopter of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 for Retail. The company needed a solution to support aggressive growth plans while empowering store and company associates who are passionate about offering best-in-class customer shopping experiences.

"We chose Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 for Retail because it provides us with a scalable platform to support our future growth and a differentiated customer and sales associate experience at the point of sale," said Patty Wade, chief information officer and vice president of Strategy and Technology, Mattress Firm. "Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 for Retail gives us what other solutions could not — ease of use and simplicity in operations, coupled with the ability to scale and reliably deliver on our brand promise."

According to the company, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 for Retail helps retailers do the following:

• Connect to customers. Multichannel capabilities enable customers to buy, pick up, return or replace items on their terms. Support for social and mobile commerce means retailers can offer promotions, discounts or coupons targeted to marketplaces or social networks — creating critical new opportunities for customer engagement.
• Empower employees. Orders can be created and managed at the POS, offering the sales associate increasing amounts of valuable face-to-face time with customers. Employees can also make highly accurate, timely and consistent decisions because they are armed with relevant details delivered through enhanced Role Centers, dashboards that deliver a succinct set of information relevant to each individual user.
• Execute with insight. Integrated multichannel management allows complete insight to help retailers be proactive in anticipating trends. In addition, powerful merchandising functionality puts control into the retailers' hands with unlimited categories and hierarchies possible for assortment and replenishment to best meet customer demand accurately and efficiently.

Retailers worldwide, including AkzoNobel Decorative Paints, Ashley Furniture Industries, DavidsTea, Kwit-Fit Nederland Groep B.V., Malabar Gold, Mattress Firm, P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc., Simon Pearce and Turisme de Barcelona, have chosen Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail during the past year.

Read more about customer experience.