ERP Software Comparison: Sage 300 vs Microsoft Dynamics GP
When shopping for a new accounting system, the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) market is very large and complex. What was once a market dominated by a handful of vendors, now hundreds of options are competing. Every vendor claims to offer best-of-breed applications. For small businesses looking to leverage ERP technology, Microsoft Dynamics GP (formerly Microsoft Great Plains and part of Microsoft’s Dynamics Business solution set) and Sage 300 (formerly known as Sage Accpac) may be on their evaluation list. The following accounting software comparison may provide some insight on the differences between the two products.
Microsoft Dynamics GP
MS Dynamics GP is a mid-market business accounting ERP software package for small to midsize businesses. It is marketed in specific regions: North and South America, UK and Ireland, the Middle East, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. MS Dynamics GP sells its solution through a reseller channel and its direct sales team. Microsoft offers both a hosted and on-premise solution. Pricing is based on an annual subscription model or perpetual licensing.
Sage 300 ERP
Sage 300 ERP technology and processes have evolved to create a streamlined and efficient solution for small to mid-market companies with up to several hundred users. Sage 300 offers local and international support through an extensive business partner network. With choices of modules, deployment methods and editions, companies can add and adopt greater functionality as their business grows. Total cost of ownership can be kept as low as possible with flexible solutions that allows companies to select the best edition, modules, deployment method and payment options to meet business needs.
Comparison Points:
- Global/Multinational — An international presence is not only important for modern enterprises, it is essential. While Microsoft Dynamics GP has presence in a number of regions, Sage 300 includes 5 languages right out of the box, and has more coverage across more countries. Sage 300 ERP allow you to capitalize on the global economy—giving you the power you need to easily support multiple entities (intercompany and consolidations), languages (by user) and currencies (Recognized Gain/Loss or the Unrealized Gain/Loss Accounting Method. Consolidating multi-subsidiary and multi-national financials with Microsoft Dynamics GP is time-consuming and expensive. Organizations must either conduct the exercise across a multitude of spreadsheets or invest in separate Great Plains accounts for every subsidiary.
- System Performance — Microsoft Dynamics GP does not have a 64 bit version despite 64 bit technology having been out for quite some time. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit system.
- Support — In 2015, Kirill Tatarinov left Microsoft after having led the development and direction of Dynamics GP since 2007. Since then, the direction of Microsoft Dynamics GP has been in question. Some believe it will be fine and that Microsoft’s direction, while unclear, is still solid.
- Customization — Microsoft Dynamics GP allows for customization options. While those customization options come at a price, are not always straight forward, and can be very expensive to develop and maintain, Sage 300 provides much easier customization capabilities within its optional fields and users especially like the ability to personalize the way they see their information without development.
- User Interface — Microsoft Dynamics GP’s user interface is dated and usability is not well received. The outdated user interface results in a challenging workflow, which also results in increased training needs.
All systems have their strengths and weaknesses. However, depending on the size and scope of the business needs and the means by which your organization aims to engage and grow, either Microsoft Dynamics GP or Sage 300 ERP might have the right combination of price and features to work for you.
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