In this small article we will only concentrate on Microsoft Dynamics Axapta (and will not consider Microsoft Dynamics GP and NAV) in comparison to Oracle Financials/E-Business Suite/Applications and the localization and implementation in Latin America and Brazil.

Architecture & Lifecycle. In our opinion each ERP/MRP package should be first considered from its architectural fundamentals and the step in its lifecycle. Oracle E-Business Suite should be considered as very matured product and it has traditionally strong positions among corporate clientele. Oracle Applications design is in transition to Oracle Fusion project, however you should probably consider it as rather traditional. Microsoft Axapta/Microsoft Dynamics AX has modern design (very end of XXth century and very beginning of XXI). Axapta is targeted to upper mid-market and it also serves as high-end ERP for large corporations. Having modern design Axapta has potential to be sold and increase its market share just based on the fact of modern architecture.

LATAM localization. The challenge of localization is not in the translation to Spanish or Portuguese (both Axapta and Oracle Financials are there), but rather in tax code adoption this is the biggest question in Brazil, in Spanish speaking part of Southern and Central America tax localization is not that complicated.

Availability. Oracle E-Business Suite is traditionally available (due to Oracle campaign in 1990th) in LATAM and Brazil, Axapta is spreading across Spanish speaking countries, such as Colombia, Venezuela, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Mexico and now it is available in Brazil (April 2006)

Offshore Manufacturing ERP. In the case of both Oracle and Axapta you can consider it to be installed and hosted at your headquarters, while local implementation and user training should be done by local consultants in LATAM/Brazil. If you are spread across multiple countries in South America consider regional partner (in Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro for example), who could serve your regional needs through dedicated call and support center with traveling consultants as needed. In some cases you can find LATAM consulting rates as reasonable and switch headquarters support to your LATAM Axapta or Oracle E-Business Suite partner.

Please do not hesitate to call or email us USA 1-866-528-0577, 1-630-961-5918, Brazil: +55-11-3444 4949, Mexico: 52-55-535-04027, Europe: +44 20 8123 2580, +45 36 96 55 20 help@albaspectrum.com