Business Central or NetSuite: Which Is Right for You?

When considering the differences between Business Central and NetSuite, there are a few things that must be mentioned. Though both are ERP solutions, both serve different purposes, and are appropriate for different businesses depending on their size and industry.

With the age of digital transformation currently in progress, this comparison is bound to pop up more often than not. As more and more companies turn to ERP software as means for streamlining processes, the comparison will become even more relevant.

Though these are just general points about both ERP systems, you might be able to deduce which solution may be more applicable for your business overall. When choosing an ERP solution, it is important to keep in mind what your specific business needs and determine which boxes each solution can potentially check off.

Let’s start with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. As you’ve probably read by now, this ERP solution is available both for on-premise and the cloud. The product has undergone a bit of an identity change in recent years. It was previously referred to as Microsoft Dynamics NAV before landing on the current Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central name. Obviously, with the digital age upon us, the current corporate landscape is pushing businesses in the direction of the cloud-based ERP system. With D365 Business Central, you can streamline operational processes and fit your business’ specific needs without going through the expensive hassle of manually implementing lofty customizations. It’s also important to note that Business Central is designed specifically with small and midsized businesses in mind. Another thing that BC stresses is its user-friendly operability and implementation which is always something businesses hold in high regard.

On the other side of the coin you have NetSuite, which in its own right is a highly respectable ERP solution. One difference with NetSuite is, unlike Business Central, this solution is designed with medium and large companies in mind. However, the most notable difference between NetSuite and Business central is NetSuite is only available on the cloud. Moreover, it was also intended for industries including retail, manufacturing, healthcare, media and finance.

In this section, we will compare the two systems back to back, examining costs, implementation and customization capabilities. There are some noticeable differences when it comes to what each ERP solution offers.

Monthly Cost:

NetSuite-

NetSuite’s base license pricing starts at $999 per month, with each additional monthly users at $99 per month.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central-

The pricing for Business Central is mapped out very simply.

• Full user Essentials starts at $70 per month, per user (Standard package for finance, supply chain, CRM, HR, etc.)
• Full user Premium starts at $100 per month, per user (All featured included with Essential version with the addition of service management and production)

 Implementation:

NetSuite-

The process of fully implementing NetSuite is quite a lengthy prospect. On average, the process takes about two to six months. This of course varies depending on the needs and complexity of the company. Information offered from NetSuite’s team emphasizing the customer’s hand in implementation as it is not always dependent on NetSuite solely.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central –

Business Central spells out their implementation options with several packages offered at varied prices. Each plan is tailored to a company’s goals.

Business Central Base: 2-Day Implementation

The basic implementation is designed for organizations that are looking to handle the majority of the implementation themselves, preferably having retained some experience with configuring financial solutions.

Business Central Standard: 2-Week Implementation

Geared more for organizations with an experienced controller who has a fair amount of experience in implementing financial systems in the past and requires minimal assistance and training.

Business Central Preferred: 6-Week Implementation

This package is advertised as the full-service treatment from BC which is most appropriate for companies with an experienced bookkeeper or controller who requires core financial processing.

Customization

NetSuite-

NetSuite offers the ability to add customized features for businesses, but it must be added manually by NetSuite or an experienced consultant with a fair amount of technical experience. Often the standard package of NetSuite offerings does not fulfill the requirements for a particular organization, thus the need for the additional features. From our research, it seems like a pretty complicated process that requires a

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central-

The best thing about Business Central is that the need for customizations is fairly rare. However, there are a few ways to customize the application in order to give a business access to features, functionality and data that they need. Customizations with Business Central are as easy as adding an extension that can add functionality, change behavior and provide access to new online services. In addition, you can download new features via the Microsoft AppSource.

So, Which Is Better?

The experts have spoken, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central offers more features for a more diverse set of businesses. It also is an easy transition for companies that are using QuickBooks and are looking to make an upgrade to a system with similar features and modules. For those users who intend to implement the on-site version of Business Central, developers will have an easier time accessing the system’s source codes. Business Central is also a bit more appealing for small and medium-sized businesses that are looking for an unintimidating, essential ERP system.

As we’ve learned, one of NetSuite’s main drawbacks is the fact that its customization abilities and reporting engine are relatively complex. Another major con for NetSuite is the fact that it is a hosted solution, meaning it will have a disadvantage when it comes to evolving to match the current business environment. As we mentioned a bit before, NetSuite is also incapable of servicing an on-premise model due to cloud-exclusive operability.

As you can see, there is a clear divide when it comes to D365 Business Central and NetSuite. Businesses can make the choice between the two by comparing what each solution has, and what each solution lacks to make an educated decision.