With a broad drive towards increasing the efficiency of operations, many organisations are looking at their business systems as a way of improving performance. CRM and ERP systems are common investments. Microsoft offers two of the leading solutions in this regard. But when it comes to Dynamics 365 vs Business Central, which is the right choice to fill your organisation’s requirements at the moment?
With overlapping functionalities, it’s easy to misunderstand the scope of each solution. As such we’ve highlighted the variations between Microsoft Dynamics 365 vs Business Central to help you navigate the complexities of choosing the right software.
Understanding Dynamics 365
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a suite of cloud-based applications that encompasses a wide range of functionalities, ranging from Customer Relationship Management (CRM) to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). All of the applications are geared towards breaking down data silos within an organisation’s operations, though they’re applicable to different aspects of operations.
The Customer Engagement suite of applications (as they’re known) covers common customer relations requirements. Dynamics 365 Sales, Dynamics 365 Customer Service, Dynamics 365 Customer Insights and Dynamics 365 Field Service each cater to a specific business function and help to optimise the processes relating to each area.
Microsoft Business Central, in contrast, focuses on holistic business management. Core modules within Business Central take care of functions relating to financial management, replacing finance systems such as Sage Xero and QuickBooks.
This is then supported by wider functionality to cover the additional aspects of business, such as manufacturing management, service management, inventory, warehousing, dispatch and more. Having all of these areas of data – often managed by separate systems – leads to a more complete performance picture and simplifies operations management.
So If I Get Business Central I’ll Still Need A CRM System?
This is where it can be confusing: within Business Central there is functionality for managing sales leads and contacts. It’s part of the concept of going ‘from quote to cash’ in a single, joined-up system.
However, Business Central’s sales functionality is limited. As such many organisations will use Business Central to track operations but deploy Dynamics 365 to manage specific areas in more depth; whether marketing or customer service.
The benefit is that data flows effortlessly between these applications.
Implementation Complexity
As the broader suite, Microsoft Dynamics 365 can involve more complex implementations due to its diverse applications and potential integration points. Enterprises may require tailored configurations and integrations to align the software with their existing systems and processes. This complexity can lead to longer implementation timelines and potentially higher costs.
In contrast, Microsoft Business Central offers a more streamlined implementation process, particularly well-suited for SMBs. Its predefined templates and user-friendly interfaces contribute to faster setup times, making for a simpler and quicker-to-use solution.
Scalability And Customisation
One key consideration when choosing between Microsoft Dynamics 365 vs Business Central is scalability. Microsoft Dynamics 365 is built to accommodate the growth trajectories of large enterprises. Its modular architecture allows businesses to add or remove applications as needed, ensuring that the software scales alongside their expanding needs.
For SMBs, Microsoft Business Central offers a strong foundation for growth. While it may not possess the extensive breadth of applications found in Dynamics 365, it provides the flexibility to customise processes, reports, and workflows to align with changing business requirements.
Cost Considerations
Cost is often a critical factor in software selection. Microsoft Dynamics 365’s pricing can vary significantly depending on the specific applications chosen, the number of users, and the required customisations. This reflects the platform’s adaptability to different business scenarios but can lead to higher costs for some organisations.
Microsoft Business Central, with its more focused scope, tends to offer more predictable pricing structures that are better suited for SMB budgets. This transparency can be advantageous for small businesses looking for cost-effective solutions without compromising essential functionality.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 vs Business Central: Which Works Better For Your Organisation?
When it comes to Microsoft Dynamics 365 vs Business Central, which is right for your business? The answer could arguably be both.
Your organisation’s size, growth trajectory, specific requirements, and budget considerations will determine which applications you adopt at this moment. It may be that sales management is your main operational pain point at the moment. If so, then Dynamics 365 Sales is the logical solution to deploy.
But if you’re looking at a wider transformation – particularly relating to your accounting system and tracking operations – then Business Central would be a more appropriate choice.
The best part is that the argument doesn’t have to be Microsoft Dynamics 365 vs Business Central: applications integrate effortlessly with each other. So you can choose one route now, and modify your choice at a later date when requirements change.
Akita is an experienced provider of both Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Business Central solutions. Find out more:
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