Acumatica vs Microsoft Dynamics NAV
Microsoft Dynamics NAV (formerly Navision) is a mid-market ERP product offering: flexibility and customizability, third-party software support, support for vertical industries
Feature Comparison
Functionality
True cloud* (built for cloud)
True mobility (supports all devices with no special apps)
Full relational database export
Customisation 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)
MS Dynamics NAV
Acumatica
Background
Microsoft Dynamics NAV, originally developed in the 1980s as Navision, has evolved significantly over the years while retaining its core architecture, including proprietary code, data structures, and client-server setup. Despite improvements, this legacy system architecture can pose challenges in modern scenarios such as cloud deployments, current development tools for customizations, and CRM integrations.
Microsoft has rebranded and rearchitected NAV as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central to align with cloud compatibility. However, Business Central still relies on older software foundations, necessitating costly customizations for legacy NAV users transitioning to Business Central. To compare Acumatica with Business Central, see our comparison.
In contrast, Acumatica was designed from inception for cloud accessibility using modern web technologies. This enables Acumatica to offer a broader range of features and capabilities compared to Dynamics NAV, all at a more competitive price point. Additionally, Acumatica provides a fully integrated ERP and CRM solution based on system resource usage, whether deployed on-premises or in the cloud. With Acumatica, you benefit from unlimited users without additional costs. We believe Acumatica delivers superior value, performance, functionality, and user experience for small- and medium-sized businesses.
When selecting an ERP system, it's crucial to conduct thorough due diligence. Test the functionality, ask pertinent questions, and assess your business needs over the coming years to ensure you choose the right ERP solution for both current and future requirements.
Refer to the G2 Crowd survey comparing Acumatica with Microsoft Dynamics NAV, GP, and 365 for user insights.
Explore Acumatica’s ERP software selection resources to find the ideal solution for your business.
Similarities
For many businesses, the decision comes down to deciding between Acumatica and Microsoft Dynamics NAV. Which one do you choose?
- Flexibility and customizability
- 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 any additional software installation on the user’s device or additional software licensing. Acumatica works on-premises or in the cloud without additional equipment or software. Dynamics NAV is a traditional client-server product and was NOT built for the cloud. NAV can be HOSTED on a remote server, but requires the addition of a web server (IIS) to provide web support.
Out-of-the-box, the entire Acumatica suite can be accessed using a standard web browser. Acumatica’s web pages are built to resize to whatever device you are using for every page and every screen. Moreover, every screen has the same information and flow, whether it is on a PC, tablet, or phone. In contrast, Dynamics NAV requires coding to support resizing custom pages for phone and tablet access.
Both products are highly configurable, but Acumatica is built using industry-standard C# and .NET. Dynamics NAV uses a proprietary development language, making customizations more difficult and expensive. Plus, there are additional costs for development privileges.
Both products have licensing options for customers to choose from, depending on each customer’s needs. But NAV charges per user, while Acumatica employs a consumption-based pricing model (unlimited users) so you’re not penalized for growth by having to add users.
When choosing an ERP solution, you must consider not just your company’s current needs, but the future needs as well. 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 resources as you grow, allowing an unlimited number of users to access the system regardless of their role. Dynamics NAV, on the other hand, is licensed by user. As your company grows and more employees, customers, and suppliers need access to the system, the costs rise quickly. Be aware of these costs and consider them in your final evaluation.
Acumatica charges by computing power used, not by user. Dynamics NAV charges per user, and these costs increase as your company grows. In addition, Dynamics NAV requires a license for SQL Server to run, where Acumatica can work not only with SQL Server, but also with less expensive databases, such as MySQL. Moreover, Acumatica works natively in the cloud; Dynamics NAV requires a separate license for IIS for it to work in the cloud.
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