SAP ERP vs Microsoft Dynamics SL

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

SAP ERP Software Tool
Microsoft Dynamics SL Software Tool

Product Basics

SAP ERP is a cloud or on-premise ERP system. It supports financial, order and production management. Centralized data management makes accessing insights and sharing information easy.

Notable features include task automation, data visualization, HR management and budget development. Its powerful functions and scalability make it popular among users. However, some find the initial setup and maintenance costs high.

Pricing varies based on the modules, number of users and deployment choice.

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Microsoft Dynamics SL combines the power of an ERP solution with robust project and financial management features. It helps users deal with fluctuating demand while providing accurate budgeting support to keep financial records organized.

It functions within businesses of any size and can help boost sales, reduce job costs, provide insight into company data and ensure all compliances are met. It comes in two versions, Business Essentials or Advanced Management, that can come as a complete package or users can choose a la carte.

Pros
  • Strong financial management
  • Robust project accounting
  • User-friendly interface
  • Customizable features
  • Reliable support
Cons
  • Limited customization options
  • Potentially complex setup
  • Costly add-ons
  • Reporting could be enhanced
  • Some integration challenges
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$10,000 Annually, Quote-Based
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$1,800/User, Annually
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Product Assistance

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Live Online
Videos
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FAQ
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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
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24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Centralize Data: Get a unified view of multiple business processes. Improve data accuracy, collaboration, reporting and data-driven decision-making.
  • Improve Efficiency: Automate routine tasks so employees can focus on strategic work. Connect workflows like data extraction and customer account management to reduce errors and boost productivity.
  • Ensure Accessibility: Deploy the system on-premise or through the cloud. Track processes and interactions on the go with mobile solutions.
  • Support Globalization: Manage international operations and multiple locations. Adapt to international laws, regulations, languages and currencies.
  • Reduce Bottlenecks: Use advanced analytics to track operations. Take quick action based on identified trends and hindrances.
  • Scale as Required: Access tools for industry-specific needs. Add modules to extend functionality and support growth.
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  • Quick Startup: This system leverages the simplicity of Microsoft Office apps to cut down on training time and get everyone up and running fast. 
  • Stay Mobile: Users can perform all of their necessary data entry, project management, expense entry, setup and approval from desktops, laptops and internet-enabled mobile devices. 
  • Scalable: The system is scalable and can adapt to the changing requirements of a business. Use what you need and expand as the company grows. 
  • Inclusive Project and Accounting Management: Microsoft Dynamics SL combines project management with accounting support for an accessible, end-to-end platform. 
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  • Financial Management: Track accounts receivable and payable. Create financial statements and reports for analysis and regulatory compliance. Analyze profitability and manage costs. Use scenario simulations, deep insights and financial data to create confident financial plans.
  • Manufacturing: Manage manufacturing operations and ensure production quality with built-in quality control. Get real-time shop floor updates and detect issues quickly. Support multiple manufacturing modes like discrete, process, kanban and just-in-time.
  • Production Engineering: Design production workflows based on BOMs, routings and work centers. Manufacture customized products by supporting agile manufacturing.
  • Asset Management: Establish measurement points, record data and manage critical asset information throughout its lifecycle. Schedule regular inspections, servicing and asset upkeep.
  • Sales Management: Use AI-based tools to create, confirm and fulfill orders. Manage customers with automated billing and financial accounting tools. Get sales performance and customer behavior insights to support strategies.
  • Supply Chain Management: Use goods movement control, inventory and warehouse management tools to support global supply chains and mitigate risk. Review stock levels, freight services and multi-modal routes.
  • Procurement: Manage material procurements, approvals, legal standards and supplier relationships. Use forecasted production data and spending records to get better prices.
  • Project Management: Design projects with defined billing plans, resources, price rates and profitability reports. Track work-in-progress and estimate revenues at every step.
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    Financial Management
  • Accounts Payable: Keep track of when payments are due, discounts, predict funding requirements and monitor payments as they process. 
  • General Ledgers: This feature helps users analyze financial data for informed decision-making processes. 
  • Cash Manager: The Microsoft Dynamics SL Cash Manager gives users instant access to current balances and bank reconciliation tools. 
  • Multi-Company Support: Users can monitor and analyze information from multiple companies. Keep track of multiple divisions within companies, run processes and report results based on multiple businesses. 
  • Business Intelligence
  • Business Analyzer: Users can view SQL reports, Excel charts and Management Reporter documents from internet-enabled devices.  
  • Microsoft Forecaster: This feature can be integrated to boost budgeting and planning processes through the creation of accurate and realistic budgets. 
  • Quick Query and Quick Query Web App: Users can leverage over 100 predefined views of financial information. Filter and save custom financial views with Refreshable Excel documents and Pivot tables. 
  • Project Management
  • Communicator: It features automatic alerts that inform users of upcoming deadlines, approvals, rising costs and more. This way project managers can step in before problems spiral out of control. 
  • Contract Management: Gain better control over change orders, subcontractor disbursements and document tracking. 
  • Resource Management: This included web app gives users an accessible visualization of resources to make assigning them easier. Boost profitability, track availability of personnel, billable time and more. 
  • Microsoft Project Connector: Integrate directly with Microsoft Project. Data flows directly from the original Microsoft Dynamics system without being compromised. 
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Product Ranking

#8

among all
ERP Software

#93

among all
ERP Software

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User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 1028 reviews
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83%
of users recommend this product

SAP ERP has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 83% when considering 1028 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

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4.8 (13)
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4.0 (521)
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4.4 (174)
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4.3 (26)
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4.2 (294)
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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Functionality: All reviewers who mentioned the functionality of SAP ERP explained the system as robust enough to manage all of their business processes.
Customization: Though there were some complaints concerning the need for IT assistance to develop customizations, 80% of users were impressed with the range of customization options.
Data Management: With extensive positive reviews mentioning data management, SAP ERP users are impressed with the data management and storage capabilities of the system.
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Familiar Interface: Microsoft interface makes it easy to learn and use for users familiar with other Microsoft products.
Project-Centric Focus: Strong project accounting features cater to industries like construction and engineering.
Financial Management: Robust financial management tools provide accurate insights and control.
Customization Options: While not as extensive as some, it offers flexibility through configuration and add-ons.
Reliable Support: Microsoft and partner support options provide assistance and guidance.
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User Interface: Nearly 70% of reviewers describe the user interface as non-intuitive and difficult to learn how to use.
Cost: 80% of reviewers said that SAP ERP is very expensive, though they also said they saw an impressive ROI before implementation, justifying the cost. The system is typically only affordable for large enterprises.
Performance: Just over 80% of reviewers mentioned that SAP ERP performs slowly and can be unstable.
Implementation: All reviews that mentioned implementation were negative, explaining that the process was long and complex. In addition, users must complete rigorous training throughout implementation to learn how to use the system.
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Limited Customization: May not be as customizable as some other ERP systems, especially for complex needs.
Potential Setup Complexity: Initial setup can be complex, requiring IT expertise or partner assistance.
Costly Add-ons: Additional features and modules can be expensive, increasing overall cost.
Reporting Enhancements Needed: While reporting capabilities exist, some users find them lacking in flexibility and customization.
Integration Challenges: Integrating with other systems can be complex, requiring additional tools or expertise.
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SAP ERP is a powerful enterprise resource planning (ERP) system lauded for its robust functionality, extensive customization options and impressive data management capabilities.However, drawbacks are also evident. Reviewers find the user interface to be unintuitive and difficult to learn. Additionally, the high cost is a major hurdle, with users acknowledging its expensiveness, despite mentioning a strong return on investment (ROI).On the plus side, users appreciate its ability to handle various business tasks. A majority consistently praise configurations and data storage tools.Setting up the system can be long and complex, requiring extensive training. These factors limit SAP ERP’s appeal to large enterprises that have the resources to overcome these challenges. For smaller businesses, exploring alternative ERP systems with a more user-friendly interface and lower cost might be a better fit.

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User reviews for Microsoft Dynamics SL paint a mixed picture. While lauded for its user-friendly interface and familiar Microsoft look-and-feel, especially for existing Office users, its strengths seem geared towards specific needs. "It shines in project-based industries like construction," commented one reviewer, praising its robust project accounting features. However, some find its customization options limited compared to competitors like Acumatica or NetSuite, especially for complex businesses. "Setting it up initially can be a beast," another user shared, highlighting the potential complexity and need for expert assistance. Cost is another key factor in reviews. While praised for its reliable Microsoft support, users raise concerns about additional costs. "Add-ons can get pricey," a reviewer noted, comparing it to more cost-effective options like Dynamics 365 Business Central. Reporting capabilities also drew mixed reactions. Some appreciate the standard reports and Power BI integration, while others wish for more flexibility and customization. "I miss the advanced reporting features I had in [competitive product]," shared one user, emphasizing the importance of reporting for data-driven decisions. Overall, Microsoft Dynamics SL seems like a solid choice for project-centric businesses who value familiarity and appreciate its strengths in financial management and project accounting. However, limitations in customization, setup complexity, and potentially higher costs for add-ons and integrations should be carefully considered against its competitors, especially for businesses with complex needs or strong reporting requirements.

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