intacct-vs-microsoft-dynamics-365-business-central

Sage Intacct and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (formerly Dynamics NAV) are both ERP platforms with varying degrees of core accounting capabilities. Both are frequently used by large businesses and enterprises, but cater to slightly different business sizes and use cases.

Sage Intacct is more midsize and large business-focused, and the software places greater emphasis on its accounting capabilities and scalability for growing businesses. In contrast, Dynamics 365 is scaled more for enterprise use, with an ERP-first mindset that also has strong accounting features.  

Features

Sage Intacct and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central both have strong capabilities tailored to their respective audiences. 

Sage Intacct is designed to provide growing businesses with the customizability to scale up as needed. Reviewers frequently highlight the ability to customize their deployments, data models, and reporting. It also has excellent core accounting capabilities, with additional build-in features like timekeeping that create additional efficiencies. 

In contrast, Microsoft Dynamics 365 stands out for its reporting and wide range of ERP capabilities. Microsoft’s flexible reporting capabilities allow users to drill down into the data as needed, granting enterprises enhanced visibility. The platform’s extensive features are enhanced by its robust integrations and add-ons that allow companies to build out the platform to suit their requirements. 

Limitations

While both platforms have strong capabilities, Sage Intacct and Microsoft Dynamics 365 also have some limitations. 

Intacct’s customizability comes with a steeper learning curve than some smaller or new organizations are accustomed to. The customizability also trades off with less out of the box functionality, especially in areas like reporting. This means businesses should be ready to invest time in optimizing their deployment to their specific needs. 

Microsoft’s critiques are less focused on learning curves, and more on the transition and implementation process itself. As companies scale into Dynamics 365, transitioning from a prior accounting or ERP platform is a heavy lift that requires an intense transition process. Some reviewers considered outside consultants or assistance as a must to effectively transition and deploy the platform. This complexity is exacerbated by Dynamics’s reliance on add-ons and integrations to maximize its capabilities. 

Pricing 

Sage Intacct’s pricing varies with each customer. Concrete pricing numbers are available by quote from the vendor. 

Microsoft’s pricing system is extremely complex and variable by use case. Pricing can range from $30/user per month to $1,500/tenant per month.