Through the use of Web services and other enhancements, the release is said to deliver a complete ERP package to automate and streamline processes across a companys financials, customer relationships, business services, human resources and the supply chain. 
 
As highlighted by Ray Ozzie, chief software architect at microsoft, in his keynote address at Tech Ed 2006 in May, Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0 is a composite application, designed to using Web services to span the boundaries between structured and unstructured data from different sources and tying together formal processes with ad hoc workflows.

This capability aims to enable Microsoft Dynamics AX to work across multiple systems to show a complete view of a customers business processes, enabling more confident and informed decision-making by users.
 
The new features in Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0, including radio frequency identification (RFID) and Web services, are intended to allow users to create a seamless path from initial trading partner compliance to an RFID-enabled supply chain, as well as to facilitate trading controls and automate subcontracting. A service-management functionality is designed to automate manufacturing service processes, and to enable efficient scheduling of servicing of complex machines and equipment on a periodic or call-initiated basis.

Web services provide many opportunities for customers and partners to customise the solution to meet individual business needs, including the ability to create RSS feeds that push time-sensitive information to decision-makers within an organisation, the company says.