Comparison Chart: Dynamics 365 Business Central vs. D365 Finance + SCM
Microsoft has discontinued its support of all versions of Microsoft Dynamics AX, meaning there will be no new features or security updates to the software. Since there is no “next version” of AX, companies must replace AX with a completely new ERP system.
Companies migrating from Dynamics AX but desiring to leverage the benefits of the Microsoft Technology Stack have a choice between Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management (D365 Finance + SCM) or Dynamics 365 Business Central (Business Central).
- D365 Finance + SCM is Microsoft’s next-generation cloud ERP for enterprises and is the result of enhancements Microsoft has made to their AX product. Since it is based on AX, the user interface and capabilities of D365 Finance + SCM will be familiar to current AX users.
- Business Central is a modern cloud ERP for small and midsized businesses (SMB), the result of Microsoft’s enhancements to their NAV product. Business Central is an all-in-one ERP that offers many features and functions found in D365 Finance + SCM.
Both applications are built on a solid financial foundation with robust capabilities to support retail, manufacturing, warehouse management, eCommerce, and international companies. And both applications have multiple deployment options, are highly customizable, and are supported by a large developer community.
The real difference comes from the depth of the applications: Although they offer many similar features, D365 Finance + SCM offers richer capabilities than Business Central. However, the flexibility of D365 Finance + SCM also makes it more expensive to purchase, more complex to install and configure, and more challenging to learn.
For most companies today, the determining factor for enterprise ERP software is no longer the organization’s size but the complexity of the organization’s operations. Unless your company requires the full capabilities of D365 Finance + SCM, you would do well to consider Business Central as a viable alternative for your next ERP.
The chart below compares many of the significant features of both applications. Your costs and implementation times may vary depending on your unique business situation. The values in this comparison chart are based on the average experiences of real-life users and serve only as a guide. Your Microsoft partner will determine your actual costs and implementation times.
| Function | Dynamics 365 Business Central | Dynamics 365 Finance + SCM |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum # of Users | 1 | 20 |
| Cost Per User/Month | $70 (Essentials) / $100 (Premium) | $180 (Finance) / $210 (Finance + SCM) |
| Typical Implementation Time (range)* | 6-15 months | 18-30 months |
| Typical Implementation Cost (range)* | $75,000 – $500,000 | $500,000 – $2M |
| Deployment Options | On-premises or cloud | On-premises or cloud |
| Multi-Company | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Language | Yes (20+ languages) | Yes (80+ languages) |
| Localizations | 1 per instance | Multiple per instance |
| Intercompany Consolidations | Yes | Yes |
| Inventory Tracking | Batch numbers and Serial numbers | Batch Numbers, Serial Numbers, Pallet Tracking, License Plate Functionality |
| Customizations Supported | Yes (AL programming language) | Yes (X++ programming language) |
| Third-Party Add-On (ISV) Support | Yes | Yes |
| Integration with Power Platform | Yes | Yes |
Still not sure? Take the quiz to determine if Business Central is a good fit for your company, or contact us today for an assessment.