Dynamics 365 Business Central vs Dynamics 365 Finance

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Our analysts compared Dynamics 365 Business Central vs Dynamics 365 Finance based on data from our 400+ point analysis of ERP Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Dynamics 365 Business Central Software Tool
Dynamics 365 Finance Software Tool

Product Basics

Dynamics 365 Business Central, formerly known as Dynamics NAV, is a widely used ERP platform that benefits businesses of small and medium sizes. It’s a multi-faceted ERP product that assists in the streamlining of aspects such as accounting, contact management and inventory management. This program has high integration capabilities due to its status as a Microsoft product and is currently used by more than 100,000 companies.

Personalization is a key benefit of this tool that is expressed throughout the program’s different modules. For example, you can customize dashboards and reports to ensure that your employees are obtaining useful insights quickly and easily. The program is also highly automated and can reduce human error through its connected systems.

Pros
  • User-friendly interface
  • Seamless integrations
  • Flexible customization
  • Robust financial management
  • Strong reporting capabilities
Cons
  • Limited industry-specific features
  • Potential customization complexity
  • Scalability concerns for large enterprises
  • Reliance on third-party add-ons
  • Potentially high ownership costs
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Dynamics 365 Finance, a cloud-based Accounting ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software, streamlines financial operations for mid-sized to large organizations. It automates core accounting tasks like general ledger, payables, receivables, and project accounting, providing real-time financial insights. Its strengths lie in scalability, integration with other Microsoft products, and industry-specific features. Users praise its ease of use, reporting capabilities, and workflow automation. However, some find the initial setup complex and customization options limited. Pricing is subscription-based, tiered by modules and user count. It's pricier than basic accounting software but cost-effective compared to comprehensive on-premise solutions.

Pros
  • Real-time insights
  • Scalable & flexible
  • Integrates with MS tools
  • Automates workflows
  • Easy to use (reported)
Cons
  • Complex setup (initial)
  • Limited customization
  • Pricier than basic options
  • Reporting can be complex
  • Subscription-based
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$70/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
$480/User, Monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
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Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Centralized Data: Dynamics 365 Business Central leans in to the essence of ERP software — data centralization. For example, the system’s contract management program maintains a shared database of customers and prospects that can be customized and filtered. The program also removes any duplicates found in the system, which is especially helpful when you have multiple people entering prospect information or liaising with customers. Customized dashboards and visualizations are also available for insights developed across your company. 
  • Accessibility: This software is available either on-premise or as a cloud-based ERP. If you opt to go with a cloud deployment, the solution will be accessible to your employees anytime and anywhere as long as an internet connection is available. This broadly increases the scope of where your employees can complete their duties and access pertinent information. 
  • Forecasting: Dynamics 365 Business Central contains forecasting tools that include the use of historical demand to estimate future demand. This is helpful because it can improve efficiency, reduce spoilage and improve the likelihood that you will be able to fulfill orders from customers. 
  • Simple Integration: As a Microsoft product, Dynamics 365 Business Central is well poised for integration. The software can work with programs such as Word and Excel and is also available across iOS, Android and Windows devices. Microsoft offers a wide variety of software solutions that can be connected to Dynamics 365 Business Central, such as Dynamics 365 for Sales. 
  • Collaboration: Dynamics 365 Business Central provides visibility and control over multiple production sites. This allows you to collaborate with employees located in that facility to determine benchmarks such as optimal inventory level. Additionally, because of Dynamics 365 Business Central’s availability as a cloud-based solution, it is easy for employees to collaborate on and access materials whether they are in a corporate office or at a production facility. 
  • Security: With this program, you can configure user access to different components of the software. For example, if you don’t want an account representative to have visualization of the payroll, you can limit the scope of a user’s access to the application. Disaster recovery tools also assist with security measures. 
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  • Artificial Intelligence Data: Utilize Dynamics 365 Finance's AI-powered data tools to evaluate business health as well as boost financial controls, maximize cash flows, and develop and execute better business decisions. 
  • Budget Planning: Dwindle operation expenses and increase spending for businesses throughout various regions with the budget planning apparatus. 
  • Reduce Risks: Swiftly adjust to global and local financial regulations with a pliable standards-based chart of accounts and dimensions that permit users to effortlessly and properly superintend their financial operations. 
  • Power BI-Applicable: Initiate wiser, quicker actions and choices through the role-based workspaces that are embedded with Power BI's synergistic data visualization capabilities so users may examine KPIs with more depth as well as dive into transactions to overview the health of their business. 
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  • Sales Order Management: Dynamics 365 Business Central’s sales order management module allows you to alter quantity available amounts based on posted invoices. You can also use the program to create prepayment invoices and to manage partial shipments. 
  • Analysis Reports: The analysis reports tool is based on helping decisionmakers within your company gain meaningful insights that will positively influence daily decisions. With this customizable tool, you can use factors such as customers, items and vendors to view information such as inventory turnover and customer behavior. You can also use this tool to more accurately pinpoint problems across your business that are creating bottlenecks or inefficiencies. 
  • General Ledger: Accounting and financial reporting tools are a commonly requested feature in ERP software. Dynamics 365 Business Central offers a general ledger in its base package that includes internal and external reporting tools, ability to export data in various formats, employee ledger entries, linking to external documents and reporting in your company’s preferred currency format. 
  • Requisition Management: Dynamics 365 Business Central’s Requisition Worksheet allows you to optimize your inventory based on factors such as predicted demand and material availability. You can also set minimum and maximum quantity levels to determine a reordering point in your manufacturing center. 
  • Multi-Site Functionality: With this software, you can track inventory levels across multiple distribution centers, warehouses, production plants, showrooms and more. You can also track inventory as it moves from different locations while accounting for its value during transit. 
  • Contact Management: The contact management feature allows you to input and maintain a list of your business contacts and prospects. The tool lets you know when duplicate contact information is entered, enables you to issue quotes or sales documents, allows for the categorization of people associated with a specific contact and segments people based on profiling questions. 
  • Optical Character Recognition (OCR): Dynamics 365 Business Central includes support for Kofax Invoice Capture Service (ICS) out of the box. This tool can take information from unstructured PDFs, extract it, and turn it into structured data. 
  • Currency Exchange Rates: This system allows you to update currency exchange rates as they shift. This can be done either manually or automatically. Dynamics 365 Business Central supports Yahoo and European Central Bank (ECB) currency feeds out of the box, but you can add other currencies to the tool using the currency exchange rates setup. 
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  • Elaborate Reporting: Balance and close books quicker with in-depth reporting and real-time analytics appliances. Users may enable pliable financial reports that showcase numerous currencies and legal entities to administer foreign exchanges and expedite end-of-month bookkeeping procedures. 
  • Grow Revenue: Work with machine learning capabilities that come with reporting, financial intelligence and analytics that compile forecasted recommendations and provide guidance for opportune customer expenditures. 
  • Role-Based Workspaces: Personalize crucial documents and reports such as invoices and statements that align with ever-changing business necessities with the role-based workspaces and modules. Users may also activate automatic recurring bills that seamlessly adapt to new revenue recognition rules, dwindle audit costs and cipher financial statements with precision.  
  • Compliances: Ensure that businesses align with local and global standards to reduce risks with the compliance attribute that guarantees compliance in approximately 37 countries and 42 languages. 
  • Financial Planning: Keep organizations running smoothly whether they're local, abroad or both with the financial process automation, financial planning and analysis, encumbrance and budget control modules. 
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Product Ranking

#18

among all
ERP Software

#116

among all
ERP Software

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User Sentiment Summary

Good User Sentiment 366 reviews
Great User Sentiment 3543 reviews
75%
of users recommend this product

Dynamics 365 Business Central has a 'good' User Satisfaction Rating of 75% when considering 366 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

89%
of users recommend this product

Dynamics 365 Finance has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 89% when considering 3543 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

n/a
4.0 (19)
3.6 (142)
3.6 (90)
3.7 (85)
n/a
n/a
4.5 (3273)
4.3 (9)
4.0 (40)
3.9 (130)
3.6 (121)

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Easy to Learn: Precisely 53% of users say the system has a simple implementation process and helpful training materials.
Extensive Features: Features include BOM management, finance management, document management, reporting, search filters, accounting and other modules, according to 79% of users.
Intuitive Interface: Familiar layout and guided workflows simplify data entry and task completion for non-technical users.
Automated Processes: Reduce manual tasks and errors with automated workflows for finance, inventory, sales, and customer service.
Actionable Insights: Gain real-time visibility into business performance through comprehensive dashboards and reporting tools.
Powerful Integrations: Connect seamlessly with Microsoft 365, Power BI, and other popular business applications for a unified data ecosystem.
Cloud-based Scalability: Adapt to growth with a flexible cloud infrastructure that supports diverse user needs and data volumes.
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Streamlined Workflow: Automates tasks like payables, receivables, and GL, saving time and reducing errors. Users highlight improved efficiency and fewer manual processes.
Real-Time Insights: Provides instant access to financial data through dashboards and reports, enabling data-driven decisions. Users appreciate the ability to quickly track performance and make informed choices.
Seamless Integration: Connects seamlessly with other Microsoft products like Office 365 and Power BI for a unified user experience and enhanced data sharing. Users value the convenience and improved collaboration across departments.
Industry-Specific Solutions: Pre-built templates and industry-focused features cater to specific needs in sectors like retail, manufacturing, and non-profits. Users benefit from faster implementation and reduced customization costs.
Scalability and Flexibility: Adapts to your growing needs with cloud-based architecture and modular functionality. Users praise the ability to easily add users and modules as their business expands.
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User Interface: Of the users who discussed the interface, 46% said it was not intuitive and the layout is old-fashioned.
Glitchy Performance: Approximately 67% of users said the program's overall performance is slow and glitchy.
Industry Gaps: While strong for core ERP functions, may require additional add-ons or integrations for complex industry-specific needs like manufacturing or healthcare.
Customization Curve: While offering customization options, extensive modifications might require developer expertise, increasing costs and implementation time.
Large Enterprise Scalability: While cloud-based and scalable, very large enterprises with intricate operations might encounter limitations or require additional configuration.
Add-on Dependence: Fulfilling specific needs may rely on third-party add-ons, introducing potential compatibility and support challenges.
Cost Considerations: While offering subscription plans, total cost of ownership can be influenced by user licenses, customization needs, and add-on integrations.
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Complex Setup: Initial configuration and data migration can be complex, requiring professional assistance for larger organizations, leading to higher implementation costs.
Limited Customization: While offering flexibility, extensive customization can be expensive and require developer resources, potentially negating cost savings and increasing maintenance needs.
Subscription-Based Cost: Ongoing subscription fees can be higher than upfront costs of on-premise solutions, especially for smaller businesses with limited usage, raising concerns about long-term affordability.
Reporting Complexity: Advanced reporting features can have a learning curve for non-technical users, requiring training or dedicated personnel, impacting user adoption and efficiency.
Mobile App Limitations: Some users report occasional glitches and lack of full feature parity with the desktop version, hindering on-the-go access and real-time updates.
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Users appreciated Dynamics 365 Business Central's user-friendly interface and automation capabilities, highlighting its ease of use even for non-technical personnel. The streamlined workflows and intuitive layout simplified data entry and task completion, especially compared to competitor solutions with steeper learning curves. The automated processes proved beneficial in eliminating manual work and errors, boosting efficiency in areas like finance, inventory, and customer service. However, some users pointed to limitations in industry-specific features compared to more specialized competitors like SAP Business One or Acumatica. While Business Central excels in core ERP functions, complex needs in manufacturing or healthcare might require additional add-ons or integrations, increasing complexity and potentially cost. Customization, while available, also presented a potential hurdle. While offering flexibility, extensive modifications could necessitate developer expertise, raising implementation time and costs compared to competitors with more drag-and-drop customization options. Business Central's cloud-based scalability was praised, accommodating growth and diverse user needs effectively. This stood out compared to some on-premise competitors with less flexibility. However, very large enterprises with intricate operations might encounter limitations or require additional configuration compared to solutions like Oracle NetSuite designed for such complexity. Overall, user reviews suggest Dynamics 365 Business Central shines for its user-friendliness, automation, and cloud-based scalability. However, limitations in industry-specific features and potential customization complexity compared to some competitors are important considerations, especially for niche businesses or large enterprises.

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Dynamics 365 Finance users offer a mixed bag of opinions, with praise for its robust functionality and cloud-based accessibility countered by criticisms of its complexity and implementation hurdles. Compared to competitors like SAP Business One and Sage Intacct, Dynamics 365 shines in its tight integration with other Microsoft products and its advanced business intelligence capabilities. However, its steeper learning curve and higher upfront costs can be deterrents. Users laud the software's comprehensive financial management features, from core accounting to project accounting and budgeting. One reviewer, a finance manager at a mid-sized manufacturing firm, highlighted the ease of generating real-time financial reports, enabling them to make data-driven decisions. Another user, the CFO of a growing tech startup, appreciated the seamless integration with Dynamics 365 Sales, streamlining order-to-cash processes. However, the complexity of the software is a recurring pain point. Users report a significant learning curve, requiring extensive training and support, especially for non-technical users. A controller at a non-profit organization mentioned the difficulty in customizing workflows, making it less adaptable to their specific needs compared to more user-friendly competitors like Sage Intacct. Implementation challenges also surface in reviews, with users citing lengthy setup times and integration issues. One reviewer, an accountant at a construction company, emphasized the need for experienced consultants to navigate the initial setup, adding to the overall cost. This can be a disadvantage for smaller businesses or those with limited IT resources. Despite these drawbacks, Dynamics 365 Finance's strengths in functionality, scalability, and future-proof cloud technology make it a compelling choice for larger organizations with complex financial needs and the resources to invest in its implementation. For smaller businesses or those seeking a more user-friendly option, other alternatives might be a better fit.

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