Microsoft Dynamics AX Retail

In this post we will highlight components of Dynamics AX Retail. Dynamics AX Retail architecture are divided into two main categories named as Headquarters and Store as shown below.

Let's discuss these categories and their components in details.

Headquarters

Besides having AX essentials components such as Client, AOS, Enterprise Portal and AX Database we have Real-time service and Async Server with message database. The Retail Headquarters component installs runtime components that are required to enable key aspects of Retail functionality, such as the screen layout designer. This component must be installed on the Application Object Server (AOS) computer and on Microsoft Dynamics AX client computers.

Real-time Service

Real-time Service is an integrated service that provides real-time communication between Microsoft Dynamics AX and retail channels. Real-time Service enables individual point of sale (POS) computers and online stores to retrieve specific data from Microsoft Dynamics AX in real time.

Async Server or Commerce Data Exchange Server

Async Server is part of the asynchronous system that shares data between the Microsoft Dynamics AX database and channel databases such as Product prices, discounts etc. Async Server is installed at headquarters and communicates with Microsoft Dynamics AX. In addition to Async Server, Commerce Data Exchange includes Commerce Data Exchange: Async Client, which is installed at channels and communicates with the channel database.

When you install Async Server, the Retail Salt Utility is also installed. The Retail Salt Utility provides extra encryption for the passwords and credentials that are associated with the Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 for Retail system.

Store

Async Client or Commerce Data Exchange Client

Async Client is part of the asynchronous system that shares data between the Microsoft Dynamics AX database and channel databases. Async Client is installed at the channel and communicates with the channel database.

The Async Client Configuration Tool is also installed together with Async Client. This tool lets you test connections and specify whether to use streaming. The streaming option is ideal for initial high-speed data synchronization. However, for ongoing synchronization, the non-streaming option is more reliable.

To deploy Async Client on multiple computers in an environment, you can use the Retail mass deployment toolkit to deploy Async Client from a central location.

Retail Channel Database

Channel databases hold retail data for one or more retail channels, such as online stores or brick-and-mortar stores. Typically, there is one channel database per retail store location that uses Retail POS or Modern POS, or per e-commerce installation.

Retail POS

Retail POS is a component that is required for the day-to-day operation of Retail at a store which includes daily sales, return transactions etc. Retail POS is directly connected to Channel Database where all sales and daily transactions related data are stored and Async Client carries that data back to Async server and then to AX.