Create or modify an operating unit
Important
This content is archived and is not being updated. For the latest documentation, see Microsoft Dynamics 365 product documentation. For the latest release plans, see Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Power Platform release plans.
Applies To: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R3, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R2, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Feature Pack, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012
An operating unit is an organization that is used to divide the control of economic resources and operational processes in a business. People in an operating unit have a duty to maximize the use of scarce resources, improve processes, and account for their performance.
In Microsoft Dynamics AX, the types of operating units include cost centers, business units, departments, and value streams. Use the information in this topic to create a new operating unit or modify an existing operating unit.
Organizations that are relevant to other application areas can also be set up in Human resources and General ledger.
Note
For information about fields that are not described in this topic, press F1 in the form that you are using.
Open a form for operating units by using one of the following paths:
Click Organization administration > Setup > Organization > Operating units.
Click General ledger > Setup > Organization > Business units.
Click General ledger > Setup > Organization > Cost centers.
Click General ledger > Setup > Organization > Departments.
Click Production control > Setup > Organization > Value streams.
To create a new operating unit, click New. To modify an existing operating unit, select the operating unit in the list.
In the Name field, enter a name for the operating unit.
Depending on your version of the program, use one of the following methods to change the name of an operating unit:
In Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R3 or AX 2012 R2, in the Name field, update the name of the operating unit.
Otherwise, click Change name, and in the Name field, update the name of the operating unit.
Enter a search name, if a search name is required. A search name is an alternate name that can be used to search for this operating unit by using Enterprise Search.
On the General FastTab, provide general information about the operating unit, such as an identification number, DUNS number, and manager.
On the Addresses FastTab, enter address information, such as the street name and number, postal code, and city. Click New to enter a new address record, or click Edit to modify an existing address record. For more information about the address fields, click F1 in the forms that open when you click New or Edit.
On the Contact information FastTab, enter information about methods of communication, such as email addresses, URLs, and telephone numbers. To enter a new communication record, click New. To modify an existing communication record, click More options > Advanced. For more information about the communication fields, press F1 in the forms that open when you click New or Advanced.
To view the operating unit in the organizational hierarchy, click View in hierarchy.
Information about operating units is saved when you select a different line in the list or close the form.