Compare Top ERP Solutions: Microsoft Dynamics 365, NetSuite, Sage Intacct and Workday
Download the guide (PDF)Choosing the right enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution is one of the most strategic decisions a business can make. It’s reported that 78% of companies using an ERP see productivity gains, while 77% eliminated silos and improved collaboration. From automating core processes and improving visibility to scaling operations and enabling better decision-making, a well-matched ERP becomes the backbone of business success. In fact, half of companies are acquiring, upgrading or planning to update ERP systems soon. Since you’re reading this, you are likely in this group. And if so, this guide is for you.
We’ve put together this guide to simplify that decision. It provides a clear, apples-to-apples comparison of five top ERP solutions supported by Armanino:
The process of selecting an ERP can feel overwhelming. With dozens of options available, how do you know which system aligns best with your organization’s goals, growth stage and industry demands? There’s a lot at stake in an ERP buying decision.
We’ll highlight each solution's core strengths, ideal use cases and how they integrate emerging technologies like AI to improve efficiency and insight. Whether you’re managing a fast-growing professional services firm or leading finance at a global manufacturer, this guide will help you narrow the field to the solution that best fits your needs. And, if you have questions, we’re here to answer them.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how organizations manage their finances, operations and decision-making processes. Today’s leading ERP platforms don’t just store and report on data — they actively analyze it, learn from it and offer predictive insights. AI is facilitating more powerful insights to guide real-time decision-making, automating repetitive tasks and revealing insights that leaders might otherwise miss.
Key AI Use Cases Across ERPs:
All five enterprise applications incorporate AI for business differently, but with a shared purpose: reducing manual effort, driving better decision-making and increasing agility.
When evaluating ERP systems, AI should be at the forefront — it’s a key driver of efficiency, agility and long-term value.
Let’s take a closer look at each ERP, their strengths, limitations, AI capacity, business impact and what to be aware of when considering them for your business.
Sage Intacct is a cloud-native financial management platform designed for midmarket businesses that need advanced accounting capabilities without the overhead of a full-scale enterprise ERP. Recognized as a leader in its category by Gartner, G2 and the AICPA, Sage Intacct is built to deliver real-time financial visibility, multi-entity management and strong compliance in a highly scalable, modular architecture.
Sage Intacct includes practical AI-powered tools that streamline finance operations:
Sage Intacct is especially well-suited for services-based and financially complex industries. Its modular approach and strong core make it highly configurable for:
While Sage Intacct is powerful, it’s important to note where it may not be the best fit:
Customization BoundariesBefore choosing Sage Intacct, confirm that your organization:
Sage Intacct is ideal for finance-forward organizations seeking modern, efficient and scalable accounting without the complexity of an enterprise level ERP. With deep industry expertise, strong automation and best-in-class reporting, it’s a favorite among CFOs looking to elevate their finance function.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a mid-market, cloud-based ERP solution designed for growing companies that need to unify finance, operations, sales and inventory in a single system. With tight integration to the Microsoft ecosystem, Business Central offers an approachable, scalable platform that balances depth, usability and value.
It’s especially compelling for companies outgrowing QuickBooks, Dynamics GP or siloed systems that are looking for faster insights, stronger controls and future-ready automation.
D365 BC leverages Microsoft’s evolving AI stack, Copilot, making it more intelligent, predictive and user-friendly with each update.
Key AI Features:D365 BC is designed for small to mid-sized organizations (typically $30M-$250M) that need an affordable, flexible ERP system. It’s especially strong in:
While Business Central is robust, buyers should be aware of some constraints:
Not Built for Large EnterprisesMicrosoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a high-value, cloud-native ERP that delivers big-business functionality at a mid-market price point. It’s the ideal fit for organizations seeking financial control, inventory visibility and operational efficiency, especially those invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.
When paired with a proven implementation partner, D365 BC can be deployed quickly, scaled easily and extended intelligently, helping businesses gain the insights and agility needed for long-term success.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain is an enterprise-grade, modular ERP solution designed for large and growing organizations with complex financial, operational and global needs. It’s part of the Microsoft Dynamics 365 suite and offers extensive depth across finance, supply chain, manufacturing and project management — all built on a cloud-native platform powered by AI, automation and integration.
With its robust configurability and integration with the broader Microsoft stack (Power Platform, Microsoft 365 and Azure), D365 FSC is ideal for organizations looking to scale globally and future-proof their operations.
D365 FSC is one of the most advanced ERP platforms for embedded AI, machine learning and process automation.
Key AI Features:D365 FSC is purpose-built for large and sophisticated organizations, especially those with heavy operational or regulatory complexity. Key industries include:
D365 FSC is powerful, but may not be right for every organization:
Not Ideal for Small or Simpler BusinessesConsider D365 FSC if your organization:
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain is a top-tier ERP system for large and complex enterprises. It offers unmatched configurability, deep operational and financial functionality and cutting-edge AI capabilities. Backed by Microsoft’s massive ecosystem and cloud infrastructure, D365 FSC is an investment in digital maturity and long-term scalability.
However, to maximize its value, it’s essential to engage a knowledgeable implementation partner, invest in change management and prepare for a transformational journey, not just a system upgrade.
Workday Financial Management is a modern, cloud-native ERP designed to unify core financials, planning and people operations. Built for agility and continuous innovation, Workday excels in delivering real-time insight, automation and scalability. It is a preferred solution for mid-to-large enterprises looking to future-proof finance and streamline business processes.
It’s particularly strong for companies in services-heavy, people-centric or rapidly evolving industries, and is often selected for its ease of use, built-in analytics and native integration with Workday Human Capital Management (HCM).
Workday is among the leaders in embedded AI and machine learning in finance, focused on enabling faster decision-making, process improvement and anomaly detection.
Key AI Features:Workday Financials is best suited for mid-to-large enterprises that prioritize financial agility, rapid insight and people-driven operations. It is especially strong in:
While Workday is powerful, prospective buyers should be aware of these considerations:
Primarily a Financials + HCM PlatformConsider Workday Financial Management if your organization:
Workday Financial Management is a modern, intuitive and AI-infused financial platform designed for strategic agility. It empowers finance leaders with real-time insights, workflow automation and planning integration needed to make confident decisions at scale.
For services-oriented, high-growth and people-centric organizations, Workday is more than a financial system, it’s a collaborative business platform that breaks down silos between teams and keeps pace with change.
NetSuite is a cloud-native, unified ERP platform designed for mid-market to upper mid-market organizations that need a scalable, all-in-one system to manage their financials, operations, CRM, inventory, projects and e-commerce. As one of the first true cloud ERPs (founded in 1998), NetSuite is mature, flexible and built to support companies through rapid growth, multi-entity complexity, and global expansion.
It’s particularly well-suited for product-based businesses, multi-entity organizations and fast-growing companies outgrowing siloed or entry-level systems.
NetSuite has steadily integrated AI and machine learning features to boost automation and business insight.
Key AI Features:NetSuite is a strong fit for mid-market product and project-based businesses with operational complexity, especially those growing quickly or managing multiple business units.
NetSuite is powerful and flexible, but there are a few things to be aware of:
Implementation ComplexityChoose NetSuite if your organization:
Oracle NetSuite delivers a powerful, proven ERP platform that serves as a growth enabler for mid-sized to upper mid-market businesses. Its unified suite, global capabilities and flexible customization make it a strong contender for companies that want centralized data, scalable operations and deep financial control.
While implementation requires thoughtful planning and skilled execution, NetSuite pays off in long-term operational efficiency, automation and strategic clarity — especially for fast-growing, multi-entity businesses.
While we noted industries in the Solution Overviews, each industry comes with distinct operational challenges, compliance requirements and reporting needs. Below, we explore how each of the five ERP platforms excels in serving these key industry needs.
Common Needs: Time tracking, project-based billing, multi-entity management, real-time reporting
Best Fit ERPs:
Common Needs: Production planning, inventory management procurement, and order fulfillment
Best Fit ERPs:
Common Needs: HIPAA compliance, real-time financial visibility, grant management and workforce planning
Best Fit ERPs:
Common Needs: Fund accounting, grant tracking, donor reporting and compliance
Best Fit ERPs:
Common Needs: Subscription billing, revenue recognition, multi-entity consolidation and real-time KPIs
Best Fit ERPs:
Common Needs: Consolidated reporting, compliance tracking, investor management and audit-ready financials
Best Fit ERPs:
Common Needs: Project-based accounting, subcontractor management and resource planning
Best Fit ERPs:
Common Needs: Inventory visibility, multichannel integration and flexible order processing
Best Fit ERPs:
The best ERP for your business isn’t necessarily the most feature-rich or the most popular, it’s the one that aligns most closely with your strategy. As you can see, all five of these ERPs have strengths and features that can equip your teams with the automation, data, insights and efficiency that will streamline your business.
Which one is right for you will come down to best aligning the ERP’s overall structure, strengths, functionality and costs with your unique needs and business drivers.
We consult with leaders who are evaluating ERPs. Our ERP solution experts provide decades of experience and practical insight from working with hundreds of organizations in the ERP selection and implementation process. We are here to support you throughout the process, so if you would like to discuss more in-depth pros and cons of ERP solutions or need help figuring out your strategy, please connect with us.
Want to read more? We’ve packaged up our best advice on how to select an ERP in our comprehensive guide:
A Step-by-Step Guide to Selecting Your Next ERP Solution
Be sure to download it for a detailed look at:
Our ERP solution experts are here to help you quickly identify your organization’s strategy, ERP requirements, and help you match the best ERP to fit your needs. Schedule a consultation with one of our award-winning experts today to kick-start your ERP process!
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