NetSuite is a leading cloud-based ERP solution with over 36,000 customers. Acquired by Oracle in 2016, NetSuite offers a comprehensive ERP suite with 13 integrated modules. These work together to streamline business processes across finance, HR, CRM, inventory and more.
However, with many competitors in the ERP market, businesses like yours must carefully assess their unique needs to determine the best fit. This blog explores how NetSuite measures up against the other top ERP systems and explains why SuiteSparkle opts for NetSuite every time.
NetSuite vs. SAP
Which is better, NetSuite or SAP? Or, more accurately, which is best for you?
SAP provides several ERP products: SAP Business One, SAP Business ByDesign and SAP S/4HANA. Each product targets different business sizes. SAP Business One is for smaller businesses, while S/4HANA is for larger enterprises. While this is a great way to get started, businesses using SAP may face challenges as they grow. For example, you might need to upgrade from Business One to ByDesign or S/4HANA, necessitating an entire system change.
On the other hand, NetSuite offers just one ERP product built entirely on the cloud. This makes implementation faster and easier. All stakeholders use the same system, and NetSuite handles updates automatically. The platform has over 600 partner applications, so businesses can add extra features or expand existing ones without complicated changes.
Both SAP and NetSuite offer strong financial management tools. NetSuite’s OneWorld module includes native financial consolidation and intercompany capabilities, while SAP’s S/4HANA needs extra modules for similar features. For reporting and analytics, SAP Business One requires integration with SAP Crystal Reports for custom reports. At the same time, NetSuite’s SuiteAnalytics offers real-time data analysis and customisable dashboards directly in the system.
In manufacturing and supply chain management, SAP does hold the advantage. S/4HANA supports complex manufacturing processes and advanced supply chain features. NetSuite’s modules are a good choice for smaller or growing businesses because they cover inventory management, demand planning, and so on. Still, you’ll need to utilise its customisations to build a more advanced system.
On the other hand, SAP lacks a native eCommerce module. It relies on integrations with SAP Hybris or C/4HANA, which are better suited for large companies. NetSuite has a native eCommerce solution in SuiteCommerce, with in-built tools for B2B and B2C businesses.
It comes down to integration. NetSuite’s cloud-based system is more integrated, making it easier and more effective to use and maintain. While powerful and an excellent option for large supply chain organisations, SAP’s system is more complex and likely requires extra modules and integrations.
NetSuite vs. Microsoft Dynamics
One of the big-time go-tos is Microsoft Dynamics. Dynamics is a good platform. Currently, Microsoft offers two main products: Dynamics 365 Finance for midsize to large companies, and Dynamics 365 Business Central for smaller businesses.
However, it faces integration challenges because many of its modules come from older systems acquired over time. For example, the payroll module (Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales) runs on a different codebase. The only way around this is to use more software (the Microsoft Dataverse Power App) to integrate the two, increasing cost and complexity.
NetSuite provides a fully integrated ERP suite built on a single platform, where all modules (including finance, HR, inventory and CRM) work together. This reduces the need for third-party integrations and makes it easier for businesses to scale as they grow. NetSuite also stands out among smaller companies because of its advanced financial features. For example, its revenue recognition for subscription-based models is something Dynamics 365 Business Central doesn’t currently offer.
Of course, Dynamics is part of Microsoft 365. It’s expected that you’ll probably deploy it in the cloud (like NetSuite) or as a hybrid solution. Once again, Microsoft’s rich heritage tends to throw a spanner in the works. Microsoft originally designed some parts of its ERP for in-house deployment, potentially leading to complications when it comes to updates. In contrast, NetSuite was designed and built as a cloud solution. Automatic updates keep all users on the same version, so business owners never have to worry about the cost or time this demands.
Let’s also mention customisation. NetSuite offers no-code customisation, allowing users to modify fields and reports without technical skills. Microsoft Dynamics, on the other hand, generally requires more complex customisations. Businesses often need to bring in third-party developers (with extra costs and further complexity).
Of course, that isn’t to say that Microsoft Dynamics isn’t for you. But as always, deciding between NetSuite and Microsoft Dynamics depends on your needs for integration, customisation, and long-term strategies.
NetSuite vs. Sage Intacct
Sage Intacct is another great option for organisations looking for an ERP. It started as a cloud-based financial management solution, mainly focusing on accounting. It’s since expanded into other areas like HR, CRM and manufacturing through third-party integrations. Sage Intacct’s marketplace has about 50 partner applications with over 200 integration partners. In general, these all work pretty well. However, these integrations usually come with additional costs and resources. Over time, the bill can stack up.
The main difference NetSuite brings to the table is its all-in-one integrated modules. While separate systems and integrations are available, the core functions are all part of NetSuite itself. Plus, the SuiteApp marketplace provides over 600 applications designed to align with its core ERP. This integration provides real-time, consolidated data across all business functions, while third-party integrations might lead to delays.
Another key difference is in implementation and support. NetSuite uses its SuiteSuccess methodology for faster setups, often under 100 days. Sage Intacct, however, relies on third-party partners for most implementations. This means Sage lacks the same standardised approach as NetSuite. Instead, it depends on external consultants, which can lead to longer or more variable timelines.
In terms of core functionality, both NetSuite and Sage Intacct come with strong financial management features. There are few differences. However, it’s worth mentioning once again NetSuite’s native revenue recognition tools like subscription-based billing. While Sage Intacct does offer this, it requires an additional module. You’ll also find slightly less limited international capabilities with NetSuite vs. Sage.
Once we move away from finances, though, NetSuite starts to pull ahead. For example, in terms of CRM, Sage Intacct depends on Salesforce integrations. On the other hand, NetSuite provides its own native, fully integrated CRM module. It’s the same in HR, where NetSuite offers a native solution called SuitePeople. Sage Intacct requires separate HR and payroll integrations.
Overall, both systems offer strong financial management capabilities. NetSuite provides a more comprehensive and integrated ERP solution and is probably a better fit for companies wanting an all-in-one system. However, Sage Intacct’s flexible integration options may make it an ERP that suits businesses whose operations focus mainly on financial management.
NetSuite vs. Epicor
Epicor’s ERP offerings target specific industries: manufacturing, building supplies, automotive, retail, and distribution. It offers products like Epicor Kinetic for manufacturers and Epicor Prophet 21 for wholesalers. While NetSuite covers a broader range of industries, Epicor is known for its strengths in manufacturing and supply chain management (SCM).
Epicor’s ERP solutions are based on three deployment options: cloud, hosted and on-premises. However, Epicor built its cloud solutions on previously developed on-premises systems. This leads to challenges during upgrades, causing customisations to break and potentially leaving businesses stuck on older versions. In contrast, NetSuite is 100% cloud-based, offering automatic updates and a seamless user experience without the risk of being version-locked.
Epicor and NetSuite both offer strong financial management capabilities, but Epicor’s solutions require third-party integrations for features like reporting, planning and budgeting. For example, Epicor Kinetic lacks native multi-entity consolidation, a core feature in NetSuite’s financial management module. Epicor users must rely on additional modules or manual processes for consolidation.
When it comes to manufacturing and SCM, Epicor has a slight edge. It offers a range of tools, including cloud-based manufacturing execution systems (MES) through its acquisition of eFlex Systems. These tools allow manufacturers to manage real-time operations, linking machines and sensors to production lines. While NetSuite does have excellent manufacturing capabilities, it may require third-party applications for certain features.
Both companies provide HR and CRM modules, but NetSuite’s solutions are more integrated. NetSuite’s SuitePeople HR module connects payroll and workforce data, while Epicor’s HR system requires separate integrations. Similarly, NetSuite’s CRM is fully integrated, offering real-time reporting and sales force automation. Epicor’s CRM, on the other hand, uses a separate database.
In summary, Epicor is effective in manufacturing and supply chain management (SCM), while NetSuite offers a more visible and integrated ERP solution with a broader range of features and a larger partner ecosystem.
NetSuite vs. Deltek
Like Epicor, Deltek targets service-based industries. Deltek has a long history of serving industries like government contracting and professional services such as engineering. It offers six ERP solutions, including Ajera, VantagePoint and Costpoint. These solutions provide core functionalities like finance and project management but require separate modules for other features like CRM, HR and manufacturing. Deltek also launched Unionpoint, a no-code integration platform, to simplify connecting its different systems. It’s a great approach. However, Deltek still relies on separate modules for key functions. That means your data is scattered across various databases, limiting real-time visibility.
NetSuite’s ERP, in contrast, is built on a unified cloud platform with a single database. This architecture means in-built integration across all modules. Whether it’s finance, CRM or HR, NetSuite customers benefit from a system where all data is consolidated, so you get far better real-time insights vs. Deltek. NetSuite’s SuiteApps marketplace also offers over 600 partner applications, further extending its capabilities.
Deltek’s VantagePoint and Maconomy focus on the project management needs of professional services organisations. For example, Deltek’s VantagePoint offers specialised features like the ArchiSnapper app for architecture firms, simplifying fieldwork processes. However, NetSuite’s SuiteProjects and OpenAir tools offer more extensive integration with finance, HR, and procurement functions, helping you make data-driven decisions from a single source.
For finance, NetSuite offers a comprehensive solution with tools for multi-entity consolidation, revenue recognition, and global financial management. Deltek’s VantagePoint has solid financial features but lacks some advanced capabilities, like tax management, which are included in NetSuite’s solution.
NetSuite leads in manufacturing and supply chain management. It offers features like demand planning, inventory management and work order management. Deltek’s manufacturing capabilities are more limited, mainly focusing on project management for government contractors. However, Deltek recently acquired TIP Technologies, so we expect to see more new manufacturing execution tools soon.
Overall, while Deltek’s ERP solutions cater well to specific industries, NetSuite’s unified platform offers greater flexibility, integration, and scalability, making it a strong choice for businesses seeking a comprehensive, all-in-one solution.
Deploy your NetSuite ERP with SuiteSparkle
As you’ve seen, we at SuiteSparkle believe NetSuite is the option for most organisations because of its flexibility and real-time native functions. In short, NetSuite helps businesses grow. And that’s why all enterprising leaders, managers and owners should take note. It’s adaptable, customisable and supports global operations, making it a long-term tool for scaling up.
So, if you’re ready to get started with your NetSuite deployment, give our experts at SuiteSparkle a call today.