Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central vs Microsoft Dynamics AX comparison

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Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Microsoft Dynamics AX based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out in this report how the two ERP solutions compare in terms of features, pricing, service and support, easy of deployment, and ROI.
To learn more, read our detailed Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central vs. Microsoft Dynamics AX Report (Updated: March 2024).
768,740 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Featured Review
Quotes From Members
We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use.
Here are some excerpts of what they said:
Pros
"The initial setup is pretty straightforward.""We use Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central as CRM.""The solution's integration between Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online is really helpful.""The solution can scale.""The selling feature is the most valuable.""Microsoft Dynamics NAV is brilliant and it's a different segment when comparing it with Dynamics AX. Dynamics AX is a larger product with much more features and it's aimed at a different segment of the market.""The solution makes everything organized for my organization or enterprise. It makes workflows more than clear.""Has good integration with Power BI."

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"Supply Chain Management is an excellent feature.""AX is nearly a Tier One product, so implementations are long, but there's a lot of flexibility. Also, the ability to handle different issues found in larger organizations.""I like that it's a complete ERP solution from production level to branch level.""In terms of features, GP offers a wide range of strong capabilities, particularly in the financial module.""One of the valuable features of the solution is how easy it is to use.""We're using the solution for financial modules, specifically focusing on consolidation, financial configuration, management reporting for warehousing, sales. Most of the features of Microsoft Dynamics AX are good. The overall structure and functions are great. The solution is stable. The initial setup is straightforward.""The tool's most valuable feature is reporting.""The most valuable feature of Microsoft Dynamics AX is that it fulfills our requirements. We haven't had any issues with performance."

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Cons
"It could be more stable.""Microsoft Dynamics NAV could be improved in terms of exporting income statements and balance sheets. Currently, there is a feature, but you can only have the last three years. I spent some time trying to improve the KPI portion that exports the data, that already calculates the sub forms or subtotals, but they weren't able to break that up into different dimensions. They've now managed to crowd the separate table and you can export that, but it's only for the last three years. So, they could improve this solution by getting the chart of accounts or the account schedules to be exported, where you can go further than just three years with it.""The UI is not particularly user-friendly and the CRM could do with some enhancements.""There is room for improvement in terms of compatibility.""There is room for improvement in the ability to reverse or correct transactions more easily.""Microsoft Dynamics NAV will be replaced with Office 365 in the future.""One aspect that could be improved in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is the visibility and accessibility of communication-related features, such as email integration.""We need to customize more often than we would like."

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"There should be the capability for users to enhance the application by using a low-code or no-code product from the Microsoft family.""The product takes some training to get up to speed on all functionality and modules in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 ERP system.""It needs better financials and reporting from the system, not through Excel.""The product must be made accessible online.""I sometimes put in wrong data that needs correction, but I cannot change it or approve it without withdrawing it. It will then take time for me to go back in and edit it.""Microsoft needs more presence in our region to help with management and maintenance.""Microsoft Dynamics AX can improve system performance and security. The security is basic and needs a lot of improvement.""There is room for improvement in the licensing model and associated costs of this solution."

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Pricing and Cost Advice
  • "The first time we tried to buy the newest version, it was expensive."
  • "I have some subscription-based customer and a few customers who have perpetual licenses that hosted the application on the cloud."
  • "The price of the solution is reasonable."
  • "The price of the solution is reasonable."
  • "I think the pricing is the best; it's cost effective for sure."
  • "Microsoft Dynamics NAV has a pay-as-you-use payment model."
  • "NAV might be a little pricey for a small or medium-sized company, but all the solutions out there are."
  • "The cost is one of the benefits. If you don't want to go for the full-blown finance and operations, the pricing model is a lot cheaper and has now switched to being based on a per-user subscription. So, if it's on cloud, you now have an expense instead of a large CapEx. If it's on-prem, you obviously still have to continue with the licensing model that they have, but if you compare the features and functionality, in terms of the price that you pay, I find it's better than other products. My answer on the pricing would be slightly different, depending on the country you're in and the return on investment, based on the size of the company. It's well-priced internationally. I think the new model is priced even better because it's now subscription-based and, if you go for cloud, the return on investment is a lot quicker and if it's expense, you can cap it. If you do take the on-prem version, the licensing is still priced as what it used to be, so that would depend on what country you are in."
  • More Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "Go for cloud implementation, if cost is critical."
  • "One client was looking at a $5M SAP proposal and we got AX in just under $2M, and they were very happy with it as they have several sister companies that face $500K SAP upgrades/maintenance seemingly annually."
  • "The pricing is expensive."
  • "It's too expensive for customers to take this on themselves. As partners, we will buy this on behalf of the customers and then charge this value for each project."
  • "It is $180 to $200 per user per month with a minimum of 20 users, which makes selling the product a bit difficult."
  • "I don't know how much this solution costs off the top of my head, but I know that the cloud and SaaS solutions are cheaper."
  • "It has a pay-as-you-go subscription."
  • "The initial investment cost goes up due to the hidden cost."
  • More Microsoft Dynamics AX Pricing and Cost Advice →

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    Questions from the Community
    Top Answer:The most valuable features of Business Central for me are its seamless integration with Power BI and the ability to create customized reports.
    Top Answer:I would rate the pricing of Business Central as a six or seven out of ten in terms of costliness. We have yearly licensing costs, and the biggest additional expense is for external consultants.
    Top Answer:There is room for improvement in the ability to reverse or correct transactions more easily. Currently, if we make mistakes or need to undo something, it can be challenging and time-consuming… more »
    Top Answer:The general speed of the solution needs improvement.
    Top Answer:The use case includes pretty much everything from finance to warehouse to production.
    Ranking
    3rd
    out of 68 in ERP
    Views
    8,723
    Comparisons
    6,050
    Reviews
    33
    Average Words per Review
    376
    Rating
    8.3
    6th
    out of 68 in ERP
    Views
    6,688
    Comparisons
    5,315
    Reviews
    26
    Average Words per Review
    414
    Rating
    7.5
    Comparisons
    Also Known As
    Dynamics NAV, MS Dynamics NAV
    Dynamics AX, Axapta, MS Dynamics AX
    Learn More
    Overview

    Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution developed by Microsoft. It is designed to help small and mid-sized organizations streamline and automate their financial, supply chain, and project management processes. Business Central offers a range of tools and features to support collaboration and communication and provides real-time visibility into business performance.

    With Business Central, organizations can manage their financials, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash management. It also offers supply chain management capabilities, including inventory management, purchase order management, and sales order management. In addition, Business Central supports project management, including project tracking, project billing, and resource management.

    Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Features

    Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central has many valuable key features. Some of the most useful ones include:

    • Mobility: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central provides mobile access, allowing users to access information and perform tasks from anywhere, at any time.
    • Reporting and analytics: The solution includes business intelligence and reporting capabilities to help organizations gain insight into their operations and make data-driven decisions.
    • Security: With its secure platform, the solution protects sensitive data and ensures the integrity of business operations.
    • Customization: It offers a highly customizable solution that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of a wide range of industries and organizations.


    Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Benefits

    There are many benefits to implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Some of the biggest advantages the solution offers include:

    • Adapt as your business grows: With full capabilities on desktop, tablet, or mobile, on-premises or in the cloud, across Windows, Android, and iOS devices, the solution allows you to work wherever your business takes you.
    • Rapid deployment: The solution can be rapidly deployed either in the cloud or on-premises.
    • Scalability: With the solution, you can scale as you grow using modern technologies built on the Microsoft cloud, such as machine learning, IoT, and mixed reality to help you adapt to market dynamics.
    • Drive continuous process optimization: When you implement Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, you can Improve outcomes and productivity with real-time system suggestions, based on historical data, to guide employees through workflows.

    Reviews from Real Users

    Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a solution that stands out when compared to many of its competitors. Some of its major advantages are that it is user-friendly, has good integrations, and is flexible.

    Sasinath V., Project Consultant ( Scale Up) at a tech vendor, says, "For me, the main strengths of Microsoft Dynamics NAV are that it's user-friendly and light. These are its major wins. I have used other ERPs and their architecture was a little more complex when compared to the Microsoft Dynamics NAV architecture."

    "The solution's integrations and interface are very good,” mentions Alonso R., Director de Servicios at Kc ERP group.

    Another PeerSpot reviewer, Kamesh G., Vice President - Information Systems at a media company shares what he likes most about the solution: "I have found the flexibility to be very valuable. It's highly flexible, and at least for us, it has been effective. It is also highly functional."

    Microsoft Dynamics AX is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution designed to support the business processes of organizations in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, retail, and professional services. The solution offers a comprehensive set of tools and features to support financial management, supply chain management, human resources management, and project management, among others.

    With Dynamics AX, organizations can manage their financial operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash management. It also offers tools for managing the supply chain, including inventory management, purchase order management, and sales order management. Dynamics AX also supports human resources management, including employee self-service, benefits administration, and payroll. Overall, it is a flexible and scalable platform for organizations of all sizes.

    Microsoft Dynamics AX Features

    Microsoft Dynamics AX has many valuable key features. Some of the most useful ones include:

    • Financial management: Microsoft Dynamics AX offers tools for managing financial operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash management.
    • Supply chain management: It supports the management of supply chain operations, including inventory management, purchase order management, and sales order management.
    • Human resources management: The human resources management feature includes tools for managing human resources operations, including employee self-service, benefits administration, and payroll.
    • Project management: Microsoft Dynamics AX has tools for managing projects, including project tracking, project billing, and resource management.
    • Manufacturing: The solution supports the management of manufacturing operations, including product configuration, production planning, and quality management.
    • Retail: Microsoft Dynamics AX offers tools for managing retail operations, including point of sale (POS), merchandising, and customer management.
    • Professional services: The solution’s professional services include project management, time and expense tracking, and billing.
    • Reporting and analytics: With Microsoft Dynamics AX, business intelligence and reporting capabilities help organizations gain insight into their operations and make data-driven decisions.


    Microsoft Dynamics AX Benefits

    There are many benefits to implementing Microsoft Dynamics AX. Some of the biggest advantages the solution offers include:

    • Comprehensive: Microsoft Dynamics AX integrates with other Microsoft solutions, such as Office 365 and Power Platform, to provide a comprehensive and integrated solution for business management.
    • Streamlined operations: The solution helps organizations streamline and automate their financial, supply chain, and human resources operations, improving efficiency and reducing manual effort.
    • Customization: Microsoft Dynamics AX is a highly customizable solution that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of a wide range of industries and organizations.

    Reviews from Real Users

    Microsoft Dynamics AX is a solution that stands out when compared to many of its competitors. Some of its major advantages are its UI functionality, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.

    "The most valuable feature I've found is the UI functionality,” says Navnath B., Head IT and CIO at Mutual Automotive Pvt Ltd.

    Another PeerSpot reviewer, Timpa A., IT Manager at an energy/utilities company says he like the solution because "It is flexible and cost-effective."

    Shahzad I., ERP Project Manager & Managing Consultant at Liwa Education, Iranfava, explains, “It's good for retail businesses. It expands a lot and constantly brings on new features. It's got a lot of competitive features.”

    Sample Customers
    Harris Farm Markets, Mister Spex GmbH, Bounce Foods, Eurofin Services SA, Medica Medizintechnik, Associated Gaskets, Onduline, Sitka Surfboard Corporation, World Animal Protection
    ConQuaestor, D & H Distributing, Sunny Queen, Mesa Associates, Britax Childcare, Ibema, Arafa, Sabo S.p.A.
    Top Industries
    REVIEWERS
    Manufacturing Company24%
    Financial Services Firm10%
    Computer Software Company10%
    Government10%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company14%
    Comms Service Provider9%
    Manufacturing Company8%
    Retailer6%
    REVIEWERS
    Manufacturing Company33%
    Computer Software Company17%
    Retailer8%
    Financial Services Firm8%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company14%
    Manufacturing Company11%
    Retailer6%
    Educational Organization6%
    Company Size
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business55%
    Midsize Enterprise18%
    Large Enterprise27%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business36%
    Midsize Enterprise17%
    Large Enterprise47%
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business46%
    Midsize Enterprise25%
    Large Enterprise29%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business29%
    Midsize Enterprise16%
    Large Enterprise55%
    Buyer's Guide
    Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central vs. Microsoft Dynamics AX
    March 2024
    Find out what your peers are saying about Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central vs. Microsoft Dynamics AX and other solutions. Updated: March 2024.
    768,740 professionals have used our research since 2012.

    Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is ranked 3rd in ERP with 62 reviews while Microsoft Dynamics AX is ranked 6th in ERP with 51 reviews. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is rated 8.2, while Microsoft Dynamics AX is rated 7.6. The top reviewer of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central writes "Easy to deploy, extremely stable, and highly scalable". On the other hand, the top reviewer of Microsoft Dynamics AX writes "A stable product that offers excellent ROI and reliable technical support". Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is most compared with SAP S/4HANA, SAP Business One, SAP ERP, Oracle E-Business Suite and Odoo, whereas Microsoft Dynamics AX is most compared with SAP ERP, SAP S/4HANA, Oracle E-Business Suite, Microsoft Dynamics GP and Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP. See our Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central vs. Microsoft Dynamics AX report.

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    We monitor all ERP reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.