Acumatica vs Microsoft Dynamics SL
Microsoft Dynamics SL, formerly known as Solomon, is an ERP product tailored for mid-market companies, especially those in project- and service-based industries, offering integrated financial management functionalities.
Feature Comparison
Functionality
True cloud* (built for cloud)
Full relational database export
Flexible licensing options based on customer requirements
Multiple deployment options
Scale as you grow
Superior Return on Investment (ROI)
MS Dynamics SL
Acumatica
Background
While Microsoft Dynamics SL remains a solid mid-market ERP solution, there are certain limitations to be aware of:
- Dynamics SL still relies on an older client-server architecture and needs Microsoft SharePoint for cloud deployment.
- To fully leverage its capabilities, additional Microsoft products like CRM, SharePoint, or Project Server may be required.
- The aging system architecture of Dynamics SL can pose challenges in modern scenarios like cloud deployment, customized development, and CRM integration.
- Users may experience slower innovation and updates compared to other solutions like Dynamics 365 Business Central.
- There's no direct migration path from SL to Business Central, requiring a new implementation on a different ERP system.
Acumatica, on the other hand, offers a fully integrated ERP and CRM solution deployable both on-premises and in the cloud. Its pricing is based on system resources rather than user count, providing unlimited user access as your business expands.
We believe Acumatica delivers superior value, performance, functionality, and ease of use for small- and medium-sized businesses. When evaluating ERP systems, consider your business needs for the next few years and ask questions to ensure you choose the right solution.
NOTE: John Howell, the former CEO of Solomon, co-founded Acumatica. Users familiar with Dynamics SL will find similarities in functionality with Acumatica.
Check out the G2 Crowd survey comparing Acumatica with Microsoft Dynamics NAV, GP, and 365 for user insights.
Take the time to explore Acumatica's ERP software selection resources to find the best-fit solution for your company.
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 SL requires Microsoft SharePoint as a frontend for it to run in the cloud. Currently, the only true cloud option offered by Microsoft for SL users today is to give up SL entirely and reimplement (at significant expense) with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (formerly Dynamics NAV).
Technically, both products support cloud, on-premises, and hybrid configurations. However, Acumatica supports all three deployment options natively using a browser to access the system. Dynamics SL, 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 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 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 job function. Dynamics SL, on the other hand, incurs greater costs as your company grows and more employees 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 SL (e.g., payroll, warehouse management, 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 SL charges per user and these costs increase as your company grows. Further, Acumatica works natively in the cloud, while Dynamics SL requires a separate license for SharePoint for it to be cloud-enabled.
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