Microsoft Dynamics GP (formerly Great Plains) is a mid-market ERP product that integrates financial management, manufacturing, distribution, and CRM.
Feature Comparison
Functionality
Acumatica
Microsoft Dynamics GP
True cloud* (built for cloud)
Full function ERP
Full relational database export
Customization using industry standard tools
Upgrade on your schedule
Flexible licensing options based on customer requirements
Multiple deployment options
Scale as you grow
Superior Return on Investment (ROI)
What are our customers saying after replacing their Microsoft Dynamics Product with Acumatica?
"As CFO I wanted to know what the outcome was going to be and I wanted to know the path that we would follow to get there, the cost, and the time. SVA Consulting laid that path out for us and managed everything and held everyone accountable so that we were able to achieve this project on-time and under budget."
Marla Meyer Frank
Chief Financial Officer
Frank Productions
Background
Microsoft Dynamics GP is an ERP product built using a much older system architecture, which becomes an issue in scenarios designed for the latest technologies, including cloud deployment options, customizations using current development tools, and integration with CRM.
But there are other drawbacks, for example:
Dynamics GP still uses the same proprietary programming language (Dexterity) that it used back in 1992.
Dynamics GP still uses the same client-server architecture and requires Microsoft SharePoint to move it to the cloud.
Integration between Dynamics GP and Dynamics CRM requires the use of separate databases.
GP users can expect less innovation for their maintenance dollar. Microsoft has said, “Dynamics GP and Dynamics SL will continue to receive product improvements and updates, but the most benefit to these customers comes from upgrading to Dynamics 365 Business Central”
GP has no direct migration path to Business Central, Microsoft’s only true-cloud mid-market ERP product. Moving to Business Central will be a new implementation on a different ERP.
Acumatica offers a completely integrated ERP and CRM solution and can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud. And with Acumatica, you enjoy unlimited users. If you are looking for the best price/value, performance, functionality, and ease of use of any ERP product available for your business, then make sure you consider Acumatica.
In the end, the ERP solution you choose will be an integral part of your company for several years. We encourage you to perform due diligence when considering the purchase of any ERP system, not just ours. Ask questions. Look seriously at your business requirements over the next three to five years.
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 solution that is right for you.
Does Microsoft Dynamics Ever Beat Acumatica?
Similarities
For many businesses, the decision comes down to deciding between Acumatica and Microsoft Dynamics GP. Which one do you choose?
Strong feature set out-of-the-box
Third-party software support
Support for vertical industries
Differentiators
“True cloud” means all functionality is accessible through the internet using a standard browser without the need for additional software installation on the user’s device or additional software licensing. Acumatica can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud without additional equipment or software. Dynamics GP is a traditional client-server product and was NOT built for the cloud. GP can be HOSTED on a remote server but is not a true cloud ERP product. Currently, the only true cloud option offered by Microsoft for GP users today is to give up GP entirely and reimplement (at significant expense) with Dynamics 365 Business Central (formerly Dynamics NAV).
Acumatica is highly configurable and is built using industry-standard C# and .NET. Dynamics GP offers limited customizability and uses a proprietary development language, making customizations more difficult and expensive.
Technically, both products support cloud, on-premises, and hybrid configurations. However, Acumatica supports all three deployment options natively using a web browser to access the system. Dynamics GP, on the other hand, requires SharePoint as a front-end to enable a cloud configuration. In addition, SharePoint requires user licensing, increasing TCO.
When choosing an ERP solution, you must consider your future requirements, not just your company’s current needs. Both products allow you to scale resources to support a growing company, but because Acumatica only charges by the by computing power required and not by users, you can scale your equipment as you grow, allowing an unlimited number of users to access the system regardless of their job function. Dynamics GP, on the other hand, is licensed per user and incurs greater costs as your company grows and more employees, customers, and suppliers need access to the system. Be aware of these costs and consider them in your final evaluation.
Acumatica has a much broader feature set than GP (e.g., payroll, warehouse management, deeper industry-specific capabilities, document management, field service management, and more), which minimizes licensing, integration, and maintenance fees for 3rd party applications. Acumatica also charges by computing power used, not by user. Dynamics GP charges per user and these costs increase as your company grows. Further, Acumatica works natively in the cloud, while Dynamics GP requires a separate license for SharePoint for it to be cloud-enabled.
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