NetSuite ERP vs. The Rest: How Does It Stack Up?

As businesses grow, managing multiple systems can become complicated. Adding new employees, products, or expanding to new markets often leads to disconnected tools and scattered data. This causes processes to slow down, making it hard to keep things running smoothly.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions help fix these problems by bringing everything into one system. However, when it comes to choosing the right ERP, many wonder how Oracle NetSuite stands compared to other big names in the industry.

Partnering with experts like AGSuite Technologies makes this process even smoother. AGSuite, a certified Oracle NetSuite solution provider and authorized TechJockey partner, specializes in delivering solutions that enhance efficiency and promote business growth.

Their deep understanding of digital transformation ensures that businesses can confidently implement and manage integrated systems to drive success in today’s competitive market.

In this article, we focus on Oracle NetSuite ERP and see how it measures up against other popular options like Microsoft, SAP, Sage Intacct, Deltek, Epicor, and Odoo. By comparing features, ease of use, and overall value, we’ll determine how NetSuite stacks up against the competition.

NetSuite vs Microsoft

Oracle NetSuite and Microsoft both provide ERP solutions for businesses of all sizes, from small to large companies. It is widely known for its focus on fast-growing companies, offering a single, unified cloud-based ERP solution. This flexibility allows businesses to easily scale by adding features as needed, without changing systems.

On the other hand, Microsoft takes a multiproduct approach with its Dynamics 365 suite, which includes different modules for finance, HR, CRM, and more. While this provides more options upfront, businesses may find themselves outgrowing the system or needing complex workarounds for advanced features, such as international financial consolidation.

Another key difference lies in how each system handles integrations and customizations. Oracle NetSuite is cloud-native, meaning it updates automatically and maintains compatibility with customizations across updates. Its unified codebase minimizes the need for third-party integrations.

In contrast, Microsoft’s modules often require significant integration efforts, as they were originally built on different platforms.

This can make updates and customizations more challenging. Microsoft’s ERP solutions also offer multiple deployment options—cloud, hybrid, or on-premises—while NetSuite is exclusively cloud-based, ensuring smooth, automatic upgrades without the risk of disrupting custom configurations.

Comparing NetSuite and Microsoft: Feature by Feature

When comparing Oracle NetSuite and Microsoft, both offer powerful ERP solutions, but their approaches differ. Businesses need to decide if they prefer NetSuite’s unified, all-in-one system or Microsoft’s flexible, modular structure. Each option provides unique strengths depending on a company’s needs, from scalability to customization. Let’s explore how they stack up feature by feature;

1. Finance

Oracle NetSuite and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance both offer strong core financial tools. They support modern requirements like revenue recognition, which is useful for companies using subscription-based models.

However, Oracle NetSuite goes further by providing features for subscription billing and handling complex deals with bundled products or services. Dynamics 365 Business Central, on the other hand, lacks these advanced billing and revenue features.

It also requires costly integrations for financial consolidation, while NetSuite simplifies this process with built-in tools to map subsidiary data directly to the main ledger.

2. CRM

Both Oracle NetSuite and Microsoft provide solid CRM solutions. Microsoft’s Dynamics 365 Sales has a separate codebase and database from other ERP tools, which means integration with middleware is necessary. This system handles basic CRM tasks like contact management and sales automation, but more advanced functions require external add-ons.

NetSuite’s CRM is natively built into its ERP platform, allowing all customer data to be unified in one system without extra connections. It also covers core features like sales force automation, marketing, and customer service within its single platform.

3. HR

Microsoft Dynamics 365 requires external integrations for most HR tasks, which can create difficulties in managing separate systems. Business Central does have a native HR module, but it is limited. NetSuite’s SuitePeople offers a unified HR solution built directly into its platform, making it easier to manage employee information and HR tasks in one place, without relying on external apps.

4. Other Features

Both Oracle NetSuite and Microsoft excel in supply chain management (SCM) and manufacturing features. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Finance provide strong SCM tools. However, NetSuite’s built-in approach simplifies management by avoiding external integrations, which can often be necessary for Microsoft’s solutions.

5. Reporting and Analytics

Oracle NetSuite has an advantage in reporting, thanks to its unified database that pulls data from all areas of the business into one system. With SuiteAnalytics, users can create custom reports without needing coding skills.

Microsoft’s ERP tools, however, rely on separate databases, which may cause issues when generating reports without first integrating the systems. Power BI, Microsoft’s data analytics tool, adds more reporting features but requires complex setup and additional costs, unlike NetSuite’s built-in solutions that offer immediate insights.

6. Customization

Customizing Oracle NetSuite is straightforward, with no-code options for creating fields, reports, and workflows. SuiteCloud enables more advanced customizations using Java. In contrast, Microsoft’s customizations are more complex.

Dynamics 365 Finance requires knowledge of languages like C# and X++, which often leads to higher costs and reliance on external developers. Dynamics 365 Business Central is easier to customize but still requires specific Microsoft tools.

NetSuite vs Sage Intacct

Oracle NetSuite and Sage Intacct serve businesses differently in their approach to ERP solutions. Sage Intacct primarily focuses on financial management and accounting, relying on integrations for features like HR and CRM, which can lead to higher costs and separate databases.

This makes it more suitable for companies upgrading from basic accounting systems. In contrast, NetSuite offers an all-in-one ERP platform with native modules for finance, CRM, and more, consolidating data in one system.

NetSuite’s SuiteSuccess methodology also speeds up implementation, often outpacing Sage Intacct’s partner-reliant process. This integration flexibility gives NetSuite an edge in larger, growing businesses.

Comparing NetSuite and Sage Intacct: Feature by Feature

When comparing NetSuite and Sage Intacct, both platforms offer strong ERP capabilities, but they take different approaches to feature integration and functionality. Oracle NetSuite stands out for its all-in-one solution, while Sage Intacct relies more on third-party integrations for additional features. Below, we explore how these two systems stack up feature by feature.

1. Finance

Both platforms have strong financial management tools, but Oracle NetSuite has a clear advantage when it comes to handling complex revenue recognition scenarios. NetSuite can automate processes and comply with key accounting standards like ASC 606 and IFRS 15, which is critical for businesses dealing with subscription models or bundled services.

Sage Intacct also supports revenue recognition but requires additional modules, increasing costs and complexity. For global operations, NetSuite provides robust support with its OneWorld module, which includes multi-currency, multi-language, and tax compliance features across numerous countries.

Sage Intacct, on the other hand, has limited global capabilities and requires extra modules for certain features like global consolidation.

2. CRM and HR

Oracle NetSuite stands out in CRM and HR with its native offerings. NetSuite’s CRM module includes features like sales automation, marketing, and customer service management, providing a fully integrated experience.

Sage Intacct lacks a built-in CRM and instead relies on integrating Salesforce, which adds another layer of complexity. In terms of HR, NetSuite offers a native HR module called SuitePeople, which covers payroll and workforce management. Sage Intacct offers HR capabilities through separate solutions like Sage People and ADP, making integration and data consistency a challenge.

3. Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Ecommerce

For companies needing manufacturing and supply chain management, Oracle NetSuite provides built-in modules that cover everything from demand planning to order management. Sage Intacct lacks these features natively and depends heavily on third-party integrations to fill the gaps.

Similarly, in ecommerce, NetSuite’s SuiteCommerce module offers a fully integrated solution that supports both B2B and B2C experiences. Sage Intacct, once again, relies on integrations to provide ecommerce capabilities, which may complicate operations.

NetSuite vs. SAP

Oracle NetSuite and SAP both provide powerful ERP solutions, but they take different approaches in terms of product structure and deployment. NetSuite offers a single, cloud-native ERP system that works for businesses of all sizes.

This uniform platform simplifies implementation, upgrades, and scaling, as customers all use the same version of the software. In contrast, SAP has multiple ERP products, such as Business One, ByDesign, and S/4HANA, tailored to different business sizes and needs.

However, as companies grow, they may face performance issues with SAP products like Business One and might need to migrate to another system, adding complexity.

Another major difference lies in how the two systems handle features and integrations. NetSuite’s unified platform covers a broad range of core ERP functions, reducing the need for external integrations. SAP, on the other hand, often requires additional integrations to fill feature gaps, which may involve using different products with distinct codebases.

This can lead to a more complicated system that requires middleware and extra resources for upgrades. Although SAP’s partner ecosystem provides tools for simplifying these integrations, NetSuite’s extensive library of 600+ built-in apps offers a more streamlined and efficient approach for growing businesses.

Comparing NetSuite and SAP: Feature by Feature

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems like Oracle NetSuite and SAP are essential tools for businesses aiming to manage their operations efficiently. Each has its unique strengths, with distinct offerings for different industries and company sizes.

Businesses often face the challenge of choosing between the two. To make an informed decision, it’s vital to compare them feature by feature.

1. Finance

Both NetSuite and SAP provide extensive financial management tools, including accounting, budgeting, and forecasting. However, a key distinction lies in financial consolidation. Oracle NetSuite’s OneWorld module excels with its native financial consolidation capabilities.

SAP’s S/4HANA relies on group reporting, which is less robust and might require extra products. For SAP’s Business One and ByDesign solutions, financial consolidation needs third-party integrations to match NetSuite’s capabilities.

2. CRM

When it comes to customer relationship management (CRM), NetSuite, S/4HANA, and ByDesign offer similar features, such as sales automation and marketing campaign management. However, Business One falls behind with fewer automation features for sales and marketing, giving NetSuite an edge in CRM functionality.

3. Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management (SCM)

Both systems have strong manufacturing and SCM capabilities. SAP slightly leads in this area, particularly with Business One’s advanced features like demand planning and material-requirements planning. S/4HANA also stands out for its lean manufacturing and continuous improvement functionalities.

These are beneficial for companies with complex processes. NetSuite still performs well but may not offer the depth of manufacturing capabilities that SAP provides.

4. Human Resources (HR)

For HR, Oracle NetSuite offers its SuitePeople module, which covers core HR functions such as payroll and employee management. SAP’s ByDesign solution is more limited in payroll. Customers seeking advanced HR features in SAP may need to purchase additional licenses for SuccessFactors, which adds complexity due to required middleware for integration.

5. Ecommerce

NetSuite shines in ecommerce with its native SuiteCommerce module, supporting B2B and B2C features. SAP, on the other hand, does not have built-in ecommerce tools and relies on integrations like SAP Hybris/Commerce Cloud. These solutions are more suitable for large enterprises rather than small-to-medium businesses (SMBs), making NetSuite a more accessible option for ecommerce.

6. Reporting and Analytics

Both systems support real-time reporting and analytics, but Oracle NetSuite stands out with its SuiteAnalytics module. It allows users to customize reports and analyze data without needing external tools or developers.

SAP’s Business One, by contrast, relies on older software like Crystal Reports for customized reporting, which lacks certain features such as drill-down capabilities. For advanced analytics, SAP users need additional products like SAP Analytics Cloud, adding to the cost and complexity.

7. Customization

NetSuite offers more flexibility with its “clicks not code” approach, allowing users to customize processes, interfaces, and workflows easily. SAP’s solutions are more rigid, especially Business One and ByDesign, which have limited customization options.

S/4HANA offers some standardization, which can help businesses that prefer a more structured process. However, the customization process is more complex in SAP, often requiring external tools like Microsoft Visual Studio.

NetSuite vs Deltek

Oracle NetSuite and Deltek both offer ERP solutions, but they cater to different needs. Deltek focuses on service-based businesses, particularly with its strengths in accounting and project management. However, to access features like HR and manufacturing, users need to integrate separate modules.

To simplify this, Deltek introduced Unionpoint in 2022, which makes connecting its systems easier. On the other hand, NetSuite offers a more unified solution. All its modules run on the same code and database, providing seamless data flow and better visibility for decision-making. NetSuite also has a larger marketplace for partner applications.

Comparing NetSuite and Deltek: Feature by Feature

Choosing between Oracle NetSuite and Deltek often depends on the type of business and specific needs. Both are powerful ERP solutions, but they cater to different sectors. NetSuite offers a unified system that works well for various industries, while Deltek focuses heavily on professional services organizations.

As businesses evaluate these two ERP platforms, they must consider key features, including finance, CRM, HR, project management, manufacturing, SCM, and reporting capabilities.

1. Finance

Oracle NetSuite and Deltek both offer solid financial management tools, but NetSuite leads in versatility. NetSuite’s OneWorld module handles everything from accounting to global financial consolidation, tax management, and subscription billing.

It supports multiple subsidiaries and legal entities, all from one platform. Deltek, however, varies across its products. For example, while Maconomy has strong financial capabilities, other solutions like Vantagepoint require integrations for certain tasks, such as tax management.

Deltek’s finance tools are functional but may require extra add-ons for full financial management compared to NetSuite’s more comprehensive financial suite.

2. CRM

Deltek offers CRM functionality through its Vantagepoint module, but it often requires integration with separate CRM tools. The basic Vantagepoint CRM focuses on streamlining client activities, while Vantagepoint CRM Plus extends support for marketing campaigns and lead management.

In contrast, NetSuite provides a fully integrated CRM system that includes sales force automation, marketing, customer service management, and partner relationship management, all within the same platform. Its native integration with other NetSuite modules means data is shared seamlessly across the business, ensuring a unified customer view.

3. HR

When it comes to HR, NetSuite offers a single, unified module called SuitePeople. This module handles everything from payroll to employee management, recruitment, and performance tracking, all while seamlessly integrating with other business processes. Deltek offers separate HR modules that often need integration.

For example, Vantagepoint and Costpoint users must link with Deltek Talent Management to access advanced HR functions like recruitment, training, and development. Deltek’s Unionpoint integration platform simplifies these connections, but NetSuite’s built-in HR solution offers a more streamlined approach with fewer moving parts.

NetSuite vs Epicor

Choosing between Oracle NetSuite and Epicor comes down to the type of business and its specific needs. Epicor specializes in manufacturing and supply chain management (SCM) with its Kinetic ERP system, offering core financial management but requiring integrations for other functions like CRM and HR.

However, Epicor’s systems are separate, so companies working in different areas need to manage multiple platforms. In contrast, NetSuite offers a more unified approach with 13 natively integrated modules, all sharing a single database. This allows for easier data consolidation and richer insights.

NetSuite is fully cloud-based, while Epicor provides cloud, hosted, and on-premises options, though Epicor’s cloud deployments can lead to issues with upgrades.

Comparing NetSuite and Epicor: Feature by Feature

While deciding between Oracle NetSuite and Epicor, businesses often focus on the specific needs of their industry. NetSuite is known for its all-in-one cloud-based platform that serves a wide range of industries.

On the other hand, Epicor caters more to specialized industries like manufacturing and supply management (SCM). Each system has strengths in different areas, and a direct comparison of features can help in understanding their key differences.

1. Finance

Both NetSuite and Epicor offer solid financial management tools, but they approach them differently. NetSuite excels with its built-in multi-entity consolidation, making it easier for businesses with multiple subsidiaries to handle finances in one unified system.

Epicor provides strong financial functionality, but for customizable reporting, planning, and budgeting, it relies on third-party tools. Epicor’s recent acquisition of DSPanel improves financial planning, but its solutions still require separate general ledgers that need to be manually consolidated, unlike NetSuite’s seamless handling of global financial operations.

2. HR

Human resources (HR) is another area where Oracle NetSuite offers more unified features. NetSuite’s SuitePeople includes everything from workforce analytics to payroll, all within the same system, allowing for real-time insights.

Epicor, however, requires HR and payroll to be managed through separate modules. As a result, Epicor lacks the unified database that NetSuite provides, making tasks like workforce reporting and analysis more challenging without additional integrations or third-party apps.

3. Manufacturing and SCM

Epicor shines when it comes to manufacturing and SCM, with deep expertise in these areas. It offers advanced production management, inventory control, and industry-specific solutions, especially for sectors like automotive and electronics.

Its acquisition of eFlex Systems in 2022 added real-time global operations management, making it a strong contender for manufacturers. While NetSuite also has robust manufacturing capabilities, Epicor provides more specialized features that cater to complex manufacturing environments.

However, NetSuite’s flexibility with partner applications allows users to enhance their system when needed, though often at additional cost.

NetSuite vs. Odoo

Oracle NetSuite and Odoo are two popular ERP solutions, each with distinct strengths and approaches to business management. Odoo is an open-source platform that allows businesses to build their own system by adding individual apps like CRM, Sales, and Accounting as needed. It offers flexibility with both a free community edition and a paid enterprise version.

NetSuite, on the other hand, provides an all-in-one solution with built-in modules that are fully integrated and run on a single database. While Odoo’s modular structure offers customization, NetSuite’s unified system provides seamless data flow and deeper insights across the organization. Odoo can be hosted on the cloud or on-premises, while NetSuite is fully cloud-based.

Comparing NetSuite and Odoo: Feature by Feature

When businesses look for the right ERP solution, NetSuite and Odoo are often two of the top choices. Both platforms offer strong tools for managing various business operations, but they serve different needs depending on the size, scope, and industry of the company. Let’s take a feature-by-feature look at these two platforms to help determine which one might be the best fit for specific business requirements.

1. Sales Force Management

Oracle NetSuite and Odoo both offer robust sales force management capabilities, but they differ in their approach. Odoo shines with features like electronic signatures and quotation templates, making it easier to handle documents and proposals. Its Point of Sale (POS) function even covers industries like restaurants.

In contrast, NetSuite focuses more on managing inventory and supply chains alongside sales, which can be an advantage for mid-sized companies looking for all-in-one solutions. The choice between them comes down to whether a business values deeper sales process automation (Odoo) or a more comprehensive enterprise management system (NetSuite).

2. Reporting

Effective decision-making depends on reliable reporting. NetSuite provides real-time reports and insights into financials and customer behavior, making it a great option for companies that need up-to-the-minute data. It also offers user-friendly dashboards that make key information easily accessible.

On the other hand, Odoo offers a wider range of reporting options across different operations, thanks to its modular structure. For businesses seeking more detailed or custom reports, Odoo may be the better option, whereas NetSuite excels in providing out-of-the-box reporting for everyday decision-making.

3. CRM (Customer Relationship Management)

Customer relationship management is another area where both systems perform well but take different paths. Odoo stands out with its kanban view, which allows users to easily manage customer actions and follow them through the sales pipeline.

This makes Odoo more intuitive for smaller teams focused on customer interaction. Oracle NetSuite, however, integrates CRM into its broader suite, making it a part of a larger system that can track both customer interactions and financial data.

Businesses needing CRM as part of a larger, all-in-one system may prefer NetSuite, while those seeking a more straightforward and visual CRM experience might favor Odoo.

Conclusion

ERP solutions help businesses streamline operations by centralizing data and processes. NetSuite stands out with its unified, all-in-one platform, making it easier for companies to manage finance, HR, CRM, and more without the need for complex integrations.

When comparing NetSuite to others like Microsoft, Sage, or Odoo, its native features often surpass competitors in terms of simplicity and scalability. The debate of Odoo vs NetSuite highlights Odoo’s flexibility for smaller businesses, but NetSuite’s comprehensive tools make it a stronger choice for growing enterprises.

Overall, Oracle NetSuite excels by offering an unmatched balance of functionality and integration.