Implementation methodology

The Microsoft Dynamics AX implementation methodology, SureStep, describes implementation and process best practices for partners working with Microsoft Dynamics AX. Toolkits are available for download from PartnerSource.

The SureStep methodology is divided into the following phases:

Phase	Tasks during phase
Diagnostics	Evaluate a customer's business processes and infrastructure Prepare a proposal
Analysis	Analyze the current business model Produce a gap/fit analysis Create the requirements documentation
Design	Create documents: Feature design Data migration design Test criteria Technical design
Development	Develop the features Test the features and functions Create and test the user documentation
Deployment	Set up the production environment Configure the system Migrate data Test the system Train the end-users Bring the system live
Operation	Resolve pending issues Finalize the user documentation and knowledge transfer Conduct a post-mortem of the project Provide on-going support These are on-going activities that continue after project close and throughout any future involvement with the client.
Optimization	Analyze the system to determine how it can be optimized for the best performance based on customer's needs Perform the optimization Carry out testing The purpose of this phase is to help the customer optimize the benefit they get from the business solution.
Upgrade	Review the customer's business processes Align the business processes with new functionality Put the systems in place to support the upgrade