Looking to compare NetSuite VS Microsoft Dynamics? Read our guide below for the full comparison.

With forced upgrades, Microsoft is attempting to simplify from four independent platforms down to two with Dynamics 365 for Finance and 365 Business Central.  Moving from a legacy Dynamics solution to any of the 365 options can be problematic because every application and customization needs to be reviewed through rewriting code, data conversion, rebuilding reporting, etc. These platforms are incompatible, and the software’s complexity is not being addressed to customers. Even though Microsoft markets it’s software migration between versions a simple process, it’s actually more difficult that users expect. According to Microsoft, it is a 12-step complex process requiring significant IT resources.

As a matter of fact, it is more difficult to migrate to Dynamics 365 (taking 24 weeks) than it is to implement NetSuite (100 days).  

Dynamics 365 Finance was not built for the Cloud. It is a rearchitected version of Dynamics AX (Axapta), which is a legacy on-premise solution hosted on Azure. It is also not written on a unified data model with one line of code. It was only launched in October 2016, a contrast to the over 22 years of NetSuite cloud experience.

Dynamics 365 Finance does not offer commissions, subscription billing or have much experience rolling out their recently acquired revenue recognition solution to customers. It is also moving away from its native payroll module. Microsoft partner add-ons or third-party solutions tend to fill these gaps.

Dynamics 365 Finance has a Fast Track program designed for 200 users and above only. It is done remote and still implemented by partners. Furthermore, frontline support is done via partners and an online community. 

Dynamics 365 requires coding for elements such as custom fields and reports, items simple to configure in NetSuite. While Dynamics 365 can be extended by Power Apps, it is a new and yet to be fully proven platform. Historically, Dynamics 365/AX users have had problems with bolt-ons that were no longer being supported or updated by Microsoft’s ISV partners.

Dynamics 365 Finance is not designed with out-of- the-box functionality in mind. Deployments require significant technical build out and typically last 12 months or longer. It needs more human resources, including administrators, developers, and support personnel regardless of deployment approach or partner chosen.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central was not built for the Cloud. It is rearchitected Dynamics NAV, which is a legacy on-premise solution hosted on Azure. It was not written on a unified data model with one line of code making upgrades, customizations and getting a unified view of your business difficult. As the product was launched in April 2018 and was truly available only towards the end of that year, it is still new, immature and evolving.

Dynamics 365 Business Central has many gaps compared to the NetSuite suite specifically around CRM, Rev Rec, Commissions, POS and PBCS. Like its legacy NAV days, Business Central requires many additional add-on solutions where we excel.

Business Central’s reporting tools leave very little room for formatting, customizations or flexibility, even within the Excel templates. Many choose to use Excel (doesn’t automate process) or PowerBI as there is no easy way to change report formats without a developer. In addition, customizations in BC will require coding and will cost more money as it is T&M based. 

Business Central is not designed to be a multi-country solution,  so it lacks a native financial consolidation capability. In addition, as Business Central is an extremely siloed solution, a separate database is needed for each country a company has a subsidiary in. This means maintaining vendors, customers, static lists, chart of accounts, etc. across multiple databases

Microsoft only provides support through online community and the rest of the support is done via a partner. NetSuite is with you as a customer every step of the way. From the initial purchase, to implementation, through renewal you will have a dedicated NetSuite Account Manager who is responsible for your success. 

Discover NetSuite-The World's Most Deployed ERP System

With all of the options available today as far as ERP systems, it's easy to get caught in analysis paralysis. What systems should you (or shouldn't you) choose? Before you decide on an ERP, there are a few things to keep in mind about the current ERP software industry.

Why? Well, the software itself is transitioning. Many vendors are now doubling down on the cloud and moving their solutions from on-premise to the cloud and SaaS models. While this can be great, it also leads to a lot of inconsistency In how mature the products are and how far along these companies are in their digital transformations. That's why at Cloud Genius, we are exclusive providers of NetSuite. NetSuite was built natively in the cloud, before cloud and Saas were cool. Therefore, it is the most mature cloud solution on the market.

This suggests that there is likely to be changes in direction and strategy.

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Here at Cloud Genius Advisors, we are passionate about providing your advertising or digital media agency with the #1 Cloud ERP software on the market. Our team provides ongoing support for existing clients-from coaching to consulting to customizing solutions. Together with NetSuite, we are with you every step of the way to simplify your software, so you can focus on your business.