Enterprise Resource Planning Solution - Integrating Hubs and Spokes
Enterprise Resource Planning Solution
By Dave Eggert
This Web page offers highlights from the Microsoft Dynamics AX white paper on hub-and-spoke integration. The white paper introduces three common hub-and-spoke scenarios and briefly describes the tools and infrastructure available with Microsoft Dynamics AX 3.0 for this integration. You’ll also get an overview of additional Microsoft integration solutions that work well with Microsoft Dynamics AX as well as insight into the enhanced hub-and-spoke functionality planned for future versions of the application.
In a hub-and-spoke business computing network, a central managing enterprise system at the organization (the “hub”) connects to—and shares enterprise resources with—multiple departmental or business units (the "spokes") that run their own software implementation.
Although Microsoft Dynamics AX is an excellent all-in-one business management solution for midsize and large companies, all-in-one solutions may not be practical for some organizations. In these cases, Microsoft Dynamics AX makes an excellent team solution. For example, the application can be integrated as departmental spokes to extend an existing enterprise hub system. Such scenarios are common when a company needs to bring new offices or departments online quickly but is hindered by massive investments in their existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) infrastructure. These existing systems often can be difficult, time-consuming, and expensive to customize or extend, or sometimes they just might be out of capacity.
Microsoft Dynamics AX also functions well as the hub in hub-and-spoke deployments. In geographically dispersed companies, for example, these deployments are often motivated by challenges with network bandwidth or reliability, time zones, language, or other considerations. By using Microsoft Dynamics AX as the hub, however, companies can build networks that provide users with rich, reliable local services while still providing the centralized control they need to effectively manage their business.
This white paper focuses on hub-and-spoke integration for three common scenarios:
| • | Centralized financials |
| • | Centralized procurement |
| • | Distributed fulfillment |
The white paper describes each scenario in general terms first. This includes a basic description of the business process, master data that is shared between the hub and spokes, transactions that must be passed between them, and software features and functionality required at the hub and spokes.
Next, the white paper discusses how Microsoft Dynamics AX 3.0 can be used as the hub and as the spokes in each of these three scenarios. In areas where Microsoft Dynamics AX does not provide a comprehensive out-of-the-box solution, the white paper suggests customizations and software extensions. Finally, the white paper describes possible future enhancements to Microsoft Dynamics AX that would make it better suited to support these scenarios.
Dave Eggert has worked in the computer field for more than 25 years, in various development, architecture, consulting, and management roles. Specializing in ERP applications for the distribution and manufacturing industries, Dave has an in-depth understanding of the challenges of managing complex multisite deployments. He has designed and implemented a number of real-world hub-and-spoke solutions, including a centralized purchasing system for a specialty grocery chain with more than 250 spokes. He lives in Orange County, Calif., and spends his free time enjoying music, cars, and his grandchildren.
