The time has arrived for Microsoft Dynamics NAV users to make a rational decision for a new ERP implementation to access distinctive capabilities and thrive in the digital economy. While this ERP product made several enhancements over the years, it still uses the same proprietary code, the same client-server architecture, and the same data structures.
Its obsolete architecture could be a big issue for the newest technologies, such as cloud deployment options, CRM integration, and customisation using development tools. Microsoft has redesigned NAV to ensure cloud compatibility and rebranded it as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. However, it still utilises the old software, and upgrading to Business Central will require rewriting customisation which is an expensive affair.
Comparing Acumatica vs Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (formerly Dynamics NAV) is a mid-market ERP product that offers:
- Customizability
- Third-party software support
- Support for vertical industries
- Cloud and on-premises deployment options
However, there are drawbacks to Business Central:
- NAV users must rewrite many of their customizations before moving to Business Central after the Spring 2019 release.
- Business Central users can’t request a copy of their production database.
- Many of the third-party solutions available for NAV are not available yet for Business Central.
Acumatica offers significant features and capabilities over Business Central.
Take a look at how Acumatica compares with Dynamics 365 Business Central:
Are you looking for the right business management software? Thousands of companies are moving to the Acumatica Cloud ERP system to gain a competitive edge, reduce upfront costs, and streamline business operations.
Microsoft Dynamics NAV offers several benefits listed as:
- Flexibility and customisation
- Extensive support for different industries
- Third-party software support
Acumatica ERP provides these same capabilities, but it comes with significant features and functionality that MS NAV doesn’t.
Further, we will do a comparison between Acumatica ERP and Microsoft Dynamics NAV to show you how they differ.
- True Cloud
Acumatica was built in the cloud right from the beginning and it works with both on-premises or in the cloud without any additional software or equipment. On the contrary, MS Dynamics NAV is an old client-server product and wasn’t designed for the cloud. It can be hosted on a remote server that needs a web server add-up for web support. - Customisations with Industry-Standard Tools
Both software products are configurable, however, Acumatica ERP is developed using industry-specific C# and .NET. Since MS Dynamics NAV utilises the old proprietary code, customisations may become daunting and costly. - Flexibility
Acumatica ERP is a complete, multi-site system that can be accessed using web-enabled devices, from any location at any time. Every screen gives the same data and flows, no matter whether it’s a PC, mobile phone, or tablet. On the other hand, MS NAV needs coding to resize pages for different screens, sizes, and resolutions. - Deployment Options
Acumatica ERP supports multiple deployment options, including cloud, on-premises, and hybrid. However, as MS Dynamics NAV is built on old technology, it cannot run in the public cloud. The only choice NAV users have is to run it on-premises or use a private hosting vendor.Moreover, because NAV needs additional web servers to permit cloud configuration and custom pages are resized to support tablet and phone access, the total cost of ownership (TCO) also increases for cloud options. - Adapt to Business Growth
Companies should choose an ERP solution for both current needs and the future. Acumatica ERP doesn’t charge by users, just for computing power required which gives unlimited user accessibility. On the other side, Dynamics NAV is licensed by a user and as your firm grows, you will have more employees, suppliers, and customers so costs will increase fast.
How Acumatica Cloud ERP Software Beats Microsoft Dynamics NAV?
As we have discussed above, Microsoft Dynamics NAV still uses old technology at its core and on-premises NAV users need to pay a huge amount to meet its new Business Central requirements.
[On the contrary, Acumatica ERP was designed to be accessible through the cloud, using scalable and modern web technology to completely integrate CRM and ERP solution on a budget, whether deployed in the cloud or on-premises.
Acumatica ERP offers best-in-class functionality, superior performance, ease of use, and best value to small and mid-sized enterprises. It provides a consistent environment across the organisation with no downtime, which enhances productivity and gives one database that you can access anywhere.
With the potential changes Microsoft has announced for NAV users, Acumatica ERP is a great alternative to meet or exceed your business requirements today and in the future.
About Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
Business Central is based on Dynamics NAV. Dynamics NAV was originally developed in the 1980s. Although many improvements have been made to NAV to run in the cloud as Business Central, at its core it still relies on old software techniques and architectures.
Conversely, Acumatica was designed from the start to be accessible through the cloud using current technology. This lets Acumatica offer more features and functions than Business Central. In addition, Acumatica offers a completely integrated ERP and CRM solution for the price of resources consumed. And with Acumatica, you enjoy unlimited users for a single annual fee.
We believe Acumatica provides the best price/value, performance, functionality, and ease of use of any ERP product available for small- and medium-sized businesses.
See the G2 Crowd survey showing how users compared Acumatica against Microsoft Dynamics NAV, GP, and 365.
Make sure you take some time to review Acumatica’s ERP software selection resources to help you find the ERP solution that is right for you.
Watch this quick (3 minute) demonstration of Acumatica in action.
