We could make endless product and feature comparisons using all available platforms, but NetSuite and Dynamics 365 Business Central stand out among mid-market and enterprise businesses seeking adaptable Software as a Service (SaaS) and cloud solutions.
When selecting between Oracle NetSuite and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, it's essential to take into account your business requirements.
Dynamics 365 Business Central and Oracle NetSuite are two leading cloud-based ERP solutions with similar features and functions. Which one is the better fit for your business?
No simple answer exists to this question. Both systems are robust cloud-based ERP programs that many successful businesses rely on.
This article will help you answer the critical question "Which ERP works best for me?" There are many differences and nuances among solutions. These will help you decide which solution is best for your company.
Which is better, Dynamics 365 Business Central or NetSuite?
Comparing NetSuite to Microsoft Dynamics 365, it is clear that D365 Business Central has the edge in several key areas.
One of the primary advantages of Microsoft Business Central as an ERP and CRM solution is its high scalability. Dynamics 365 Business Central serves as a common application platform and data model to build solutions utilizing Dynamics 365, Office 365, Power BI, Microsoft Flow, and Power Apps.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is an all-in-one business management solution tailored to small and medium-sized organizations. It automates and streamlines processes, giving users control over their businesses. If you require comprehensive business management solutions, Dynamics 365 Business Central's user-friendly interface and ability to adjust partnership settings make it the ideal choice - giving informed decisions with confidence!
The business application integrated and utilized other Microsoft Cloud technologies, such as Office 365, Power BI, Microsoft Flow, and other Power Apps. Dynamic 365 Business Central adapts to changing business requirements by utilizing innovative technologies.
NetSuite and Dynamics 365 Business Central: A discursive analysis
Cost vs. functionality
Business Central and NetSuite both offer digital transformation solutions tailored to small, mid-size, and large organizations.
Business Central offers comprehensive enterprise resource planning capabilities at an attractive price point, making it suitable for small and mid-sized organizations. Due to its robust functionality, Business Central may appeal to some larger enterprises; however, those with deeper pockets may require more specialized ERP software solutions.
The Oracle NetSuite base ERP module price is competitive with Business Central. However, adding Customer Relationship Management, Warehouse Management, or Manufacturing modules can substantially increase the cost. You may have to pay more for all the functionality once you have it.
Subscription price
NetSuite subscription pricing isn't publicly available — they want you to talk to a salesperson before revealing the price, and they may offer a deep discount for a limited time in order to sign a new customer.
One NetSuite partner states that NetSuite full-user licenses are $99/user/month. For NetSuite OneWorld (required for businesses with multiple legal entities), reports of the cost vary, but according to this PCMag review, it's $999 + $99 per user per month.
NetSuite customers also often tell us they need to engage in yearly contract negotiations and see their subscription prices increase by 10% or more annually.
Dynamics 365 Business Central subscription pricing can be more easily and predictably arranged. Business Central Essentials costs $70 per user/month, with an annual commitment. Alternately, "Team Users" are charged $8/user/month USD with full read functionality but limited write access.
Professional services vs. manufacturing and distribution
Which option is ideal for your company will depend on its size, operations, and potential. Oracle NetSuite offers extensive features and premium add-ons specific to certain industries, while Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central specializes in product-based modules designed for manufacturing and distribution across nearly every business and industry worldwide.
Dynamics 365 Business Central's base package includes warehouse and supply chain management capabilities. However, upgrading to Business Central premium, which offers comprehensive inventory management, manufacturing capabilities, as well as field service management, can be highly advantageous for businesses.
Oracle NetSuite's ERP module is ideal for professional services organizations that require robust accounting system capabilities and project management tools. While the module includes inventory management, order management, and purchasing capabilities such as warehouse management, assembly/manufacturing operations, and demand planning require additional fees to purchase.
Integration vs. suite
Oracle NetSuite offers a suite solution designed to cover all areas of your business, so installing one piece of Software and working with one technology partner should be enough. But, since suite software typically covers multiple departments, its functionality may not meet individual needs. In such cases, additional applications may need to be utilized alongside your "all-in-one" suite in order to fill any gaps in capabilities. Furthermore, suite software typically does not offer easy integration with other programs since it's intended as an all-inclusive package and thus not designed with integration in mind; rather, suite solutions tend not to offer total solutions which exclude apps outside their own platform.
Business Central is designed for integration. It can be linked to Microsoft's other solutions or third-party applications based on your requirements and preferences. Through integration, you can custom-build a software suite with just the features required in each area. Expanding capabilities as needed helps guarantee that your cloud-based Software grows along with your business needs.
Design philosophy & platform
NetSuite was designed with an idea that you and your company can use it the same way it was created. There are bundled solutions for many different industries, though you need to carefully check the bundle package to ensure that you're only paying for functionality that adds value.
Business Central and the rest of Dynamics 365 products are designed with the idea that your company, together with a partner, will customize a solution for your business goals and needs. Your Dynamics 365 ERP implementation partner can also continue to work with you as your business grows, bringing in other Dynamics applications and add-ons to expand your solutions and meet your needs.
There's a wide network of business solutions providers who provide implementation and support services. There are also many ISVs that can offer integrated applications to extend your functionality vertically and horizontally.
Furthermore, Microsoft has built Business Central and the rest of its business software on a platform that supports extensibility and interoperability across the whole Microsoft stack.
So overall, if your company's processes are similar to most, or if you want to change your processes to fit a pre-existing standard, NetSuite is a good choice. If it works for you, it'll work great.
You should go with Dynamics 365 Business Central if you have unique processes and want to improve the efficiency of your ERP.
Microsoft shops
Business Central is an ideal business application complement to Microsoft products if you already use them. It features seamless integrations with Microsoft 365 modules, so you can create and send invoices or purchase orders right from Outlook. Plus, Business Central works together with other apps within Dynamics 365, such as Sales and Customer Service, plus Power BI for business analytics and PowerApps for custom applications.
Oracle NetSuite does offer Microsoft product integrations. However, they are not as seamless as those between one Microsoft product and another. If your organization isn't a Microsoft shop or you'd rather work with one solution instead of several integrated solutions, NetSuite may be your better bet.
Reporting
NetSuite comes with basic reporting features that are easy to use, though the templates may not be ideal for basic forecasting needs.
Business Central comes with its own basic reporting, but many companies opt to add Microsoft Power BI for more deep insights and customization. Power BI allows drill-downs, includes external data sources, and provides unrivaled time-to-insight - however, at an additional cost.
Updates
Both Business Central and NetSuite are cloud-based applications. NetSuite initially rolls out updates to a select group of businesses before rolling them out to all customers.
On the contrary, Microsoft allows each customer to choose their own date for significant two-year updates within its Software. That way, if your year-end or another important event coincides with a scheduled update release date, you can postpone it until afterward.
Please be aware that D365 updates are still necessary for security and compatibility with other solutions.
Dynamics 365 Business Central sets the modern standard
ERP has evolved beyond being an administrative aid for financial tasks like accounting and reporting. For multinational organizations and firms that have abandoned complex legacy ERP systems, adoption can extend far beyond finance departments to manufacturing operations, service operations, purchasing operations, HR operations, logistics, and sales - ultimately impacting every aspect of business operations.
Automated testing in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central can improve optimization and eliminate duplication. Its capabilities are further enhanced through its integration with Power BI, Power Apps, and Office 365.
Microsoft business solutions are ideal for any industry and business looking to digitally transform their operations, creating smooth stimulation and creating the conditions for success. Since the platform is user-friendly, your employee productivity won't get affected as they don't need to spend days learning how to use it; rather, they will quickly become adept users.
Sum it up
Oracle NetSuite is a comprehensive suite solution with modules designed to address all aspects of your business. The ERP module features financials and project management functionality, and additional modules can be purchased as needed. However, please note that Oracle NetSuite's modules work best together and may not function optimally when used with third-party applications.
Dynamics 365 Business Central provides full ERP functionality, including manufacturing and distribution capabilities, at an attractive price point. It's designed for integration, so it works seamlessly with other solutions, such as Microsoft products and third-party applications.
At Advaiya, our expert consulting team specializes in Microsoft solutions - including Dynamics 365 Business Central implementation services. If you're uncertain if Business Central is suitable for your business functions, let's connect to discuss what features and functions you need from a software solution.
Kirti Sethiya
Kirti is an Associate Principal at Advaiya and is a technology enthusiast specialized in business applications and analytics. She has been an integral part of Advaiya for over seven years, contributing to myriad deliverables involving business intelligence, technology marketing, and business consulting.
Posted by Advaiya
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