15 NetSuite Alternatives to Keep on Your Radar

In the world of enterprise resource planning (ERP) technologies, Oracle’s NetSuite is one of the biggest names around. The dynamic platform features a module-based architecture, allowing you to add on the specific applications you need to build a tailored solution that aligns with the needs of your business. It includes modules for supply chain management, customer relationship management (CRM), and marketing automation, among many others.

With all that being said, NetSuite is not the only game in town, nor is it the only platform that includes supply chain, marketing, and financial management tools. But as you have likely quickly realized when you started your search for ERP and business management technologies, there are dozens of options out there. To help you cut through the noise, we have composed a list of some of the best ERP business applications available to act as NetSuite alternatives. 

Is NetSuite the Best Option for Your Customers?

Before we get into the list of alternative ERP and accounting systems, let’s first dive deeper into NetSuite to learn what it is and isn’t.

Oracle’s NetSuite ERP platform is an all-in-one solution designed to manage a wide range of business processes. It not only includes over a dozen different modules, but it can also integrate with a wide range of third-party applications. In addition, due to its cloud-based architecture, NetSuite is highly scalable, so it can grow with your business perpetually. 

But despite its versatility, there are three major concerns you should be aware of with NetSuite. First off, NetSuite’s monthly plans can vary greatly in terms of price, and your rate can change each time you renew or adjust the configuration of your ERP software. You have to pay extra for premium support as well, but the third — and perhaps most significant — drawback with NetSuite as an ERP is that creating custom financial reports can be a headache, even for experienced users. 

Therefore, if you want to find the right business solution for your growing company, dedicate some time to exploring some of the 15 NetSuite alternatives detailed below.

Cloud-Based Netsuite Alternatives for Growing Businesses

From third-party integrations to tools for managing marketing campaigns, NetSuite has plenty of great qualities, but it may not be the right fit for every business. With that in mind, here are 15 NetSuite alternatives to consider:

1. IFS Cloud ERP

IFS Cloud ERP is designed to support the business operations of complex manufacturing companies. The platform was developed by a European-based software provider, which began making a push into North America in 2021.

All around, IFS Cloud ERP makes for a solid choice for complex manufacturing entities. Still, due to its unique feature set and a limited network of independent software vendors (ISVs), it may not be the best match for businesses outside of that particularly niche vertical.

2. Epicor ERP 10

Much like IFS, Epicor ERP 10 targets a few niche verticals, including complex manufacturing businesses and wholesale distributors. 

The platform includes robust tools for managing multiple sales territories and features dynamic expense tracking capabilities. It can also support the needs of process, discrete, and batch manufacturing operations thanks to its powerful warehouse and inventory management features. 

Furthermore, the Epicor ecosystem is supported by a healthy pool of ISVs, which can ensure a seamless integration experience, though most vendors don’t contribute functionality via third-party applications.

3. Salesforce 

Salesforce is an extremely popular and robust solution, despite the fact that it is not a true ERP platform. Instead, it is actually a CRM solution that just so happens to feature a handful of ERP features, such as time tracking and contact management applications.

Most organizations will need to integrate their Salesforce instance with at least a few third-party applications to manage processes such as accounting. That said, Salesforce is still a great option on the list of NetSuite alternatives for professional service organizations that need a user-friendly and scalable platform. 

4. Navision

Navision, also known as Dynamics NAV, is one of a number of ERP system variants offered by Microsoft, several others of which are featured below. NAV is designed specifically for manufacturing and distribution companies, but due to its versatility, it can still support the needs of a few other select verticals. 

The platform’s interface is quite similar to the layout and menus found in Microsoft Office, making it an appealing option to any business that is already accustomed to using Microsoft products. 

5. Great Plains

Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains (GP) is an accounting solution that is versatile and user-friendly, and many businesses continue to use it as their ERP platform of choice.

What’s more, the Microsoft ERP ecosystem is supported by an extensive network of ISVs, including Cavallo, with which you can add extra functionalities to your Dynamics GP instance to extend the life of the platform and maximize your ROI. 

SalesPad by Cavallo offers an entire suite of innovative, data-driven solutions to streamline every aspect of the customer-to-cash cycle — from inventory management to workflow — and optimize operational efficiency.

6. SAP B1

SAP Business One (B1) is geared toward mid-market businesses, relying on a Microsoft-based client-server model that connects to a back-end server. This platform is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, which allows businesses to untether their staff from desktop applications and support field operations.

Additionally, SAP B1 provides a high degree of customizability, which is especially appealing to businesses that want to maintain control over their tech stack and digital infrastructure. 

7. SAP ByDesign

SAP ByDesign (ByD) is SAP’s first organic cloud ERP solution. It is geared toward manufacturing, wholesale distribution, and mid-market professional services providers.

ByD is more cost-effective than SAP S/4HANA, which is the latest iteration of SAP’s ERP software. In addition to being more economically viable, SAP ByD is also incredibly agile and scalable so that it can grow with the needs of your business.

8. Business Central

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC) is a continuously-evolving ERP solution that offers broad functionality and is most suitable for growth-minded small-to-medium-sized businesses. It is inexpensive while still offering broad functionality and exceptional scalability.

Like Dynamics GP, Business Central also benefits from a large ecosystem of ISVs, including Cavallo, with which you can fill in the gaps in Business Central’s order management capabilities while still enjoying significant cost savings and scalability. Our solutions integrate seamlessly with Dynamics 365 Business Central, and empower you to improve gross margin, configure business rules with ease, and achieve major financial gains.

9. Dynamics 365

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a holistic solution within the Microsoft suite of ERP platforms, providing end-to-end business support, business intelligence tools, inventory management capabilities, and more. 

With Dynamics 365, your organization gains access to PowerBI, Cortana Intelligence, Office 365, Azure IoT, and more. To tap into the comprehensive capabilities available via the Microsoft technology stack, Dynamics 365 is a viable path forward for your business when considering NetSuite alternatives. 

10. Dynamics AX

Dynamics AX, another Microsoft ERP solution, began life as a programming tool and database before ultimately evolving into a fully-functional ERP platform capable of supporting the needs of enterprise-level organizations in retail, consumer services, public works, distribution, and manufacturing verticals.

While Dynamics AX is a capable platform in its own right, later iterations of Microsoft ERP software make for better choices for most organizations. Cloud-based, scalable platforms like Dynamics 365, or cost-effective platforms such as BC or GP, provide distinct advantages over AX, which is costly and challenging to deploy. 

11. Sage X3

Sage X3 is priced and designed to appeal to small businesses across a variety of industries, but its feature set makes it most suitable for businesses in the manufacturing vertical.

The software is equipped with batch processing and unique formula management capabilities, and it can support discrete manufacturing for both make-to-order and make-to-stock requests. 

Overall, Sage is cost-effective and user-friendly, but it’s important to keep in mind that it does not support significant customizations and offers little in the way of automation tools. 

12. FinancialForce

FinancialForce (or simply, “FF”) exists within the Salesforce software ecosystem, and it is best suited for professional service organizations.

The biggest shortcoming of FinancialForce is that, like Salesforce, it is not a full-fledged ERP solution. It can be integrated with your ERP solution to support your business operations, but if you need an all-in-one platform to manage all of your core processes, FF is not up to the task. FF is also only available in English, meaning it is not a global solution. 

13. Acumatica

Acumatica uses a unique billing model that is much different from the terms offered by most ERP providers. Whereas platforms such as NetSuite leverage a per-user billing strategy, Acumatica charges based on your transactional volume, allowing you to enroll unlimited users without driving up your monthly costs.

With Acumatica, you have the option to implement the platform on-premise or access it via a fully managed, cloud-based SaaS solution. Overall, it provides more comprehensive functionality than QuickBooks but is not quite as robust as the leading Microsoft or NetSuite ERP platforms. 

14. QuickBooks Accounting Software

QuickBooks is one of the most popular financial management solutions for small businesses and start-ups. It’s affordable, user-friendly, and easy to implement, and like Acumatica, QuickBooks also allows certain types of unlimited users. 

Specifically, you can enroll as many reports-only and tracking-only users as you would like, which — along with the platform’s cost-effectiveness — make it a good fit if your business is in its early stages of growth. 

That said, keep in mind that you will eventually have to replace it with a more robust option as your business evolves. While it provides payroll, inventory management, and sales tracking capabilities, QuickBooks does not provide the same level of insight as more dynamic ERP platforms. 

15. Sage Intacct

Sage Intacct is geared toward small-to-medium businesses in the nonprofit, service, and software verticals. Its licensing costs are quite low, but the platform only provides financial management capabilities, meaning it is not a true ERP solution. In addition to offering a limited scope of features, it also provides minimal scalability. 

Better Serve Your End Users and Customers with Cavallo 

When it comes to NetSuite alternatives, Microsoft’s line of ERP solutions — including Dynamics 365 and Business Central — are top options. Each has some unique attributes, competitive pricing, and a robust set of features. As an added bonus, a broad network of third-party providers, such as Cavallo, offers add-on integrations for the Microsoft ERP ecosystem. 

Maximize the return on your Microsoft ERP investment through Cavallo’s intuitive tools, powerful integrations, and expert-level support. Contact us today to schedule a demo and learn how we make extreme efficiency business as usual for your organization.