The fast-paced digital environment has led to various organisations adopting the latest technologies on the market. To keep up with emerging trends, business leaders are adopting appropriate software to enhance productivity and output. Internal and external processes are evolving, and top-level decisions are being made at a much faster pace. The role of modern ERP solutions (enterprise resource planning) such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central have become more relevant in the grander scheme of affairs. Due to its versatile nature, it is replacing legacy systems like Sage Intacct.
Dynamics 365 Business Central bridges the gap between organisations that require a hybrid between accounting and other business management packages. Sage Intacct on the other hand, is solely finance-based with zero functionality in other areas such as project management, supply chain and CRM which Business Central is equipped to do.
To help you make an informed decision on the most efficient application to use beyond just financial resource planning, we have put together this blog which will cover the advantages Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central has over Sage Intacct.
What is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?
This comprehensive tool is a specialised cloud-based accounting software designed to streamline business functions within an organisation. It consists of a set of robust systems for small and medium-scale businesses that have outgrown entry-level accounting solutions or legacy ERP systems.
As a cutting-edge application, it offers bespoke packages to enhance functions such as financial reporting, project management and supply chain optimisation. It also equips you to meet evolving customer needs for value proposition and satisfaction.
Conventional methods of accounting are now outmoded and do not serve the purpose they used to in the past. With Dynamics 365 Business Central, companies are assured of resources required to achieve customer service excellence.
Here are some reasons why you should choose Dynamics 365 Business Central over Sage Intacct:
Microsoft 365 integration
With hybrid working becoming the norm post-pandemic, Dynamics 365 Business Central’s integration with Microsoft 365 suite of applications (comprising of familiar programs such as Teams, Outlook, Excel and SharePoint) will enrich your business’ cloud integration and collaboration. The incorporation of Business Central with Microsoft 365 also allows for the easier management of the modern workforce so that tasks such as costing, and accounting can be delivered easier. Business processes have now become flexible and can be done at any time and from anywhere. Sage Intacct however is not capable of these functionalities due to its limited features.
Its integration with Office 365 also allows for the creation of invoices and purchasing orders directly from Outlook. It is also integrated with other Dynamics 365 apps (like Sales & Marketing, Project Operations, Customer Service & HR), as well as Power Bi, Power Automate and PowerApps for custom applications. Additionally, for reporting, it integrates with Jet Reports for flexible financial and business reporting for Microsoft Dynamics inside of Excel.
Financial management streamlining
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central also positively impacts the automation of financial reporting activities such as journal and ledger entries, bookkeeping and auditing. This mechanisation and ease of flow leads to greater output and results. Budgeting and planning projects are therefore made easier with less cumbersome processes. In comparison, Sage Intacct is restrictive and does not provide ease of workflow. It is a basic accounting software with a lack of efficiency. Unlike Dynamics 365 Business Central, Sage Intacct does not allow easy reconciliation of accounts.
Supply chain Optimisation
For businesses with active supply chains, upgrading quality and efficiency is important. Recent research has shown that supply chains have suffered adversely from the effects of the pandemic. With Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, you will have access to agile technologies that will enhance the flow of your local supply chain. Furthermore, the system facilitates faster and efficient engagement between suppliers and in-house teams. Sage Intacct on the other hand, lacks the ability to streamline supply chain processes for enhanced results. It has complex processes and is difficult to navigate across board for supply chain management.
Customer Relationship Management
Building solid relationships with clients is crucial in creating a formidable business, which is where Dynamics 365 Business Central comes in. With its universal functionality, users can manage huge databases including contacts and customer information for the enhancement of all business relationships. Additionally, the application can be integrated with Microsoft Outlook for quick access to primary and secondary contacts. This therefore creates the opportunity to better manage existing and potential customers whereas Sage Intacct cannot due to its limited features.
AI integration
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is accompanied with useful cloud and Artificial Intelligence components to equip you to improve upon the overall performance of corporate activities. These advanced features will assist you to make impactful decisions which will promote an increase in lead conversions and data insights. Additionally, every team member will be given the opportunity to make evidence-based decisions for qualitative and quantitative outcomes. With Sage Intacct, accounting processes are manual, and users do not have the access to a suite of AI features. Its outdated features have not yet been updated to reflect emerging technologies that exist within Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Service Order Management
Service Order management entails the set of activities between when a customer places an order to the end of the chain when it is received. The Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central software enables you to set up, manage and monitor service orders and requests. This facilitates streamlining of urgent requests such as new orders, services due and repairs for customer value and satisfaction. Furthermore, it allows you to keep track of contract, component management and warranty information. Dynamics 365 Business Central also simplifies the planning and dispatching of work logs for easy tracking of order statuses. Its counterpart, Sage Intacct is however outdated and does not have the features required to manage diverse orders as mentioned previously.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing and production are fundamental to the growth of any business. Dynamics 365 Business Central equips you in managing production orders for maximum output and efficiency. It also includes components for agile manufacturing processes. This will give you the access to handle high volumes of pre- and post-production orders. Choosing this software over Sage Intacct will allow users to conduct inventory and material planning for ease of production and manufacturing.
Project Management
Breaking down voluminous projects into sub-tasks assists in streamlining and efficiency. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central allows companies to manage simple and complex projects across board. This versatile software serves a tool for business owners or employees to streamline projects and resources, by automating systems and processes therein allowing for quick tracking and reporting. On the contrary, legacy software Sage Intacct does not have the capabilities to streamline short and long-term projects such as budgeting, planning, activity and resource planning.
Sales and Service management
Customer service management is key in the expansion of business operations. With Dynamics 365 Business Central, you will have access to essential tools to aid in the easier management and tracking of services. You will also be able to easily undertake tasks such as scheduling of service orders and calls. Sign onto Business Central so that you can deal with customer queries and complaints faster to improve client relationships and loyalty.
Reporting and analytics
Furthermore, Business Central allows for the easier generation of data and insights for sales and financial reporting. This in turn helps with revenue forecasting, profit and customer sales monitoring. Inventory records and lists are also made available whilst using the application. Take maximum control of your business insights by adopting Dynamics 365 Business Central over Sage Intacct today.
Trust and Security
Conversations surrounding cyber security have increased over the past few years. This is because of the surge in hybrid and remote working. With Dynamics 365 Business Central, the data within your business systems are comprehensively protected via rigid controls to prevent online invasions. The full protection of sensitive financial records and files are also guaranteed. A legacy program such as Sage Intacct however does not provide maximum security options to ensure data security and maintenance; this means you are in danger of an online breach with its continued usage.
Versatility
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central has combined features which cover a plethora of functions for cross-functional growth within an organisation. These include areas such as project management, inventory administration, customer relationship management and human resources management. It is also agile and can be used efficiently across all the various parts of a business.
This comprehensive solution connects your teams using the latest cloud intelligence to unlock potential and productivity whether you are a small or medium scale business, whereas its counterpart Sage Intacct does not. The obsolete Sage accounting software lacks a variety of functions and restricts users in performing inter-related tasks other than accounting.
In this article, we outlined the benefits of using Microsoft Dynamics Business Central in boosting financial reporting, data and operational insights and many more.
If you are interested in upgrading your current accounting system to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, contact our expert consultants who are available around the clock to offer comprehensive advice.