Dynamics 365 Business Central vs Adaptive Planning

Last Updated:

Our analysts compared Dynamics 365 Business Central vs Adaptive Planning based on data from our 400+ point analysis of ERP Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Dynamics 365 Business Central Software Tool
Adaptive Planning Software Tool

Product Basics

Dynamics 365 Business Central, formerly known as Dynamics NAV, is a widely used ERP platform that benefits businesses of small and medium sizes. It’s a multi-faceted ERP product that assists in the streamlining of aspects such as accounting, contact management and inventory management. This program has high integration capabilities due to its status as a Microsoft product and is currently used by more than 100,000 companies.

Personalization is a key benefit of this tool that is expressed throughout the program’s different modules. For example, you can customize dashboards and reports to ensure that your employees are obtaining useful insights quickly and easily. The program is also highly automated and can reduce human error through its connected systems.

Pros
  • User-friendly interface
  • Seamless integrations
  • Flexible customization
  • Robust financial management
  • Strong reporting capabilities
Cons
  • Limited industry-specific features
  • Potential customization complexity
  • Scalability concerns for large enterprises
  • Reliance on third-party add-ons
  • Potentially high ownership costs
read more...
Adaptive Planning expedites planning, modeling, budgeting and prediction for enhanced decision making. It's suitable for all industries and available on the cloud. Establish benchmarks and initiate balanced boundaries.

Top modules include balance sheet cash flow, revenue, expense management, workforce modeling and capital management. It can improve precise budgeting and planning operations and assess numerous data set situations. It also facilitates company housekeeping and leaders to maximize a healthy working atmosphere.
read more...
$70/User, Monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
$3,000 Monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Centralized Data: Dynamics 365 Business Central leans in to the essence of ERP software — data centralization. For example, the system’s contract management program maintains a shared database of customers and prospects that can be customized and filtered. The program also removes any duplicates found in the system, which is especially helpful when you have multiple people entering prospect information or liaising with customers. Customized dashboards and visualizations are also available for insights developed across your company. 
  • Accessibility: This software is available either on-premise or as a cloud-based ERP. If you opt to go with a cloud deployment, the solution will be accessible to your employees anytime and anywhere as long as an internet connection is available. This broadly increases the scope of where your employees can complete their duties and access pertinent information. 
  • Forecasting: Dynamics 365 Business Central contains forecasting tools that include the use of historical demand to estimate future demand. This is helpful because it can improve efficiency, reduce spoilage and improve the likelihood that you will be able to fulfill orders from customers. 
  • Simple Integration: As a Microsoft product, Dynamics 365 Business Central is well poised for integration. The software can work with programs such as Word and Excel and is also available across iOS, Android and Windows devices. Microsoft offers a wide variety of software solutions that can be connected to Dynamics 365 Business Central, such as Dynamics 365 for Sales. 
  • Collaboration: Dynamics 365 Business Central provides visibility and control over multiple production sites. This allows you to collaborate with employees located in that facility to determine benchmarks such as optimal inventory level. Additionally, because of Dynamics 365 Business Central’s availability as a cloud-based solution, it is easy for employees to collaborate on and access materials whether they are in a corporate office or at a production facility. 
  • Security: With this program, you can configure user access to different components of the software. For example, if you don’t want an account representative to have visualization of the payroll, you can limit the scope of a user’s access to the application. Disaster recovery tools also assist with security measures. 
read more...
  • Implement In-Depth Analyses: Grab real-time, detailed information for better adaptation and push solid strategies instead of numbers. 
  • Expand Model Testing: Draft and evaluate models with complete analytical tools to pinpoint ideal growth trends and shift priorities when plans deviate. 
  • Execute Numerous Plan Types: Construct daily, monthly, quarterly or long-term budgets and predictions to better align with lengthy fiscal goals in one place. 
  • Conduct Effective Collaboration Methods: Initiate one centralized area to access and share information, workflows, security and more for better collaboration and keep everyone on the same page for estimates and budgets. 
  • Leverage High-Powered Adaptability: Leverage the machine learning in-memory engine to monitor and conform to plan adjustments. 
read more...
  • Sales Order Management: Dynamics 365 Business Central’s sales order management module allows you to alter quantity available amounts based on posted invoices. You can also use the program to create prepayment invoices and to manage partial shipments. 
  • Analysis Reports: The analysis reports tool is based on helping decisionmakers within your company gain meaningful insights that will positively influence daily decisions. With this customizable tool, you can use factors such as customers, items and vendors to view information such as inventory turnover and customer behavior. You can also use this tool to more accurately pinpoint problems across your business that are creating bottlenecks or inefficiencies. 
  • General Ledger: Accounting and financial reporting tools are a commonly requested feature in ERP software. Dynamics 365 Business Central offers a general ledger in its base package that includes internal and external reporting tools, ability to export data in various formats, employee ledger entries, linking to external documents and reporting in your company’s preferred currency format. 
  • Requisition Management: Dynamics 365 Business Central’s Requisition Worksheet allows you to optimize your inventory based on factors such as predicted demand and material availability. You can also set minimum and maximum quantity levels to determine a reordering point in your manufacturing center. 
  • Multi-Site Functionality: With this software, you can track inventory levels across multiple distribution centers, warehouses, production plants, showrooms and more. You can also track inventory as it moves from different locations while accounting for its value during transit. 
  • Contact Management: The contact management feature allows you to input and maintain a list of your business contacts and prospects. The tool lets you know when duplicate contact information is entered, enables you to issue quotes or sales documents, allows for the categorization of people associated with a specific contact and segments people based on profiling questions. 
  • Optical Character Recognition (OCR): Dynamics 365 Business Central includes support for Kofax Invoice Capture Service (ICS) out of the box. This tool can take information from unstructured PDFs, extract it, and turn it into structured data. 
  • Currency Exchange Rates: This system allows you to update currency exchange rates as they shift. This can be done either manually or automatically. Dynamics 365 Business Central supports Yahoo and European Central Bank (ECB) currency feeds out of the box, but you can add other currencies to the tool using the currency exchange rates setup. 
read more...
  • Balance Sheet Cash Flow: Use flexible and straightforward self-service variance reports for business-wide utilization. Automate and streamline financial protocols to keep an eye on strategies and expansions. 
  • Expense Management: Remove information silos with driver-based expense forecasting and in-depth, incremental budgeting. Integrate this module with other back-end platforms to create a single information hub. 
  • Revenue Management: Perform drilled-down assessments to ensure strategies align with company objectives. 
  • Workforce Modeling: Execute company-wide planning and joint operations. Manage current headcount plans and associate fees to ensure plans fit budget parameters. 
  • Capital Management: Conduct expense distributions via an equipped rules engine. Plot fees efficiently. 
read more...

Product Ranking

#18

among all
ERP Software

#94

among all
ERP Software

Find out who the leaders are

User Sentiment Summary

Good User Sentiment 366 reviews
we're gathering data
75%
of users recommend this product

Dynamics 365 Business Central has a 'good' User Satisfaction Rating of 75% when considering 366 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

we're gathering data
3.6 (142)
n/a
3.7 (85)
n/a
4.3 (9)
n/a
3.9 (130)
n/a

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Easy to Learn: Precisely 53% of users say the system has a simple implementation process and helpful training materials.
Extensive Features: Features include BOM management, finance management, document management, reporting, search filters, accounting and other modules, according to 79% of users.
Intuitive Interface: Familiar layout and guided workflows simplify data entry and task completion for non-technical users.
Automated Processes: Reduce manual tasks and errors with automated workflows for finance, inventory, sales, and customer service.
Actionable Insights: Gain real-time visibility into business performance through comprehensive dashboards and reporting tools.
Powerful Integrations: Connect seamlessly with Microsoft 365, Power BI, and other popular business applications for a unified data ecosystem.
Cloud-based Scalability: Adapt to growth with a flexible cloud infrastructure that supports diverse user needs and data volumes.
Show more
Ease of Use: Adaptive Planning receives consistent praise for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design. Users with varying levels of technical expertise find it easy to navigate and operate, reducing the learning curve typically associated with complex ERP software. The drag-and-drop functionality and clear data visualizations contribute to a smooth and efficient user experience.
Cloud-Based Flexibility: As a cloud-based solution, Adaptive Planning offers the advantage of accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection. This eliminates the need for on-premises hardware and software installations, providing businesses with greater flexibility and scalability. Users appreciate the ability to access critical financial data and collaborate with team members remotely, enhancing productivity and responsiveness.
Robust Reporting and Analytics: Adaptive Planning's reporting and analytics capabilities empower users to gain valuable insights from their financial data. The software offers a wide range of pre-built reports and dashboards, along with the ability to create custom reports tailored to specific business needs. Users can easily analyze trends, identify patterns, and make data-driven decisions to optimize financial performance.
Integration Capabilities: Adaptive Planning integrates seamlessly with various other business systems, such as CRM, HR, and payroll applications. This integration eliminates data silos and ensures data consistency across different departments. Users value the ability to connect their financial data with other operational data, providing a holistic view of the business and facilitating more informed decision-making.
Show more
User Interface: Of the users who discussed the interface, 46% said it was not intuitive and the layout is old-fashioned.
Glitchy Performance: Approximately 67% of users said the program's overall performance is slow and glitchy.
Industry Gaps: While strong for core ERP functions, may require additional add-ons or integrations for complex industry-specific needs like manufacturing or healthcare.
Customization Curve: While offering customization options, extensive modifications might require developer expertise, increasing costs and implementation time.
Large Enterprise Scalability: While cloud-based and scalable, very large enterprises with intricate operations might encounter limitations or require additional configuration.
Add-on Dependence: Fulfilling specific needs may rely on third-party add-ons, introducing potential compatibility and support challenges.
Cost Considerations: While offering subscription plans, total cost of ownership can be influenced by user licenses, customization needs, and add-on integrations.
Show more
Limited Functionality: Adaptive Insights, while proficient in financial planning, may lack the comprehensive features required for all-encompassing enterprise resource planning (ERP) needs. For instance, it may not offer robust functionalities for managing human resources, supply chains, or customer relationships, potentially necessitating additional software solutions.
Customization Challenges: Adaptive Insights' customization options can be somewhat rigid, making it difficult for users to tailor the software to their specific workflows and unique business requirements. This inflexibility can lead to inefficiencies and frustration for users accustomed to more adaptable ERP systems.
Integration Complexities: Integrating Adaptive Insights with existing software infrastructure can pose challenges due to compatibility issues or intricate data mapping processes. These integration hurdles can impede seamless data flow and hinder the efficiency of business operations.
Cost Considerations: The subscription-based pricing model of Adaptive Insights can be a significant financial commitment for some organizations, particularly smaller businesses with limited budgets. The cost factor, coupled with potential additional expenses for implementation and support, may deter cost-conscious users.
Show more

Users appreciated Dynamics 365 Business Central's user-friendly interface and automation capabilities, highlighting its ease of use even for non-technical personnel. The streamlined workflows and intuitive layout simplified data entry and task completion, especially compared to competitor solutions with steeper learning curves. The automated processes proved beneficial in eliminating manual work and errors, boosting efficiency in areas like finance, inventory, and customer service. However, some users pointed to limitations in industry-specific features compared to more specialized competitors like SAP Business One or Acumatica. While Business Central excels in core ERP functions, complex needs in manufacturing or healthcare might require additional add-ons or integrations, increasing complexity and potentially cost. Customization, while available, also presented a potential hurdle. While offering flexibility, extensive modifications could necessitate developer expertise, raising implementation time and costs compared to competitors with more drag-and-drop customization options. Business Central's cloud-based scalability was praised, accommodating growth and diverse user needs effectively. This stood out compared to some on-premise competitors with less flexibility. However, very large enterprises with intricate operations might encounter limitations or require additional configuration compared to solutions like Oracle NetSuite designed for such complexity. Overall, user reviews suggest Dynamics 365 Business Central shines for its user-friendliness, automation, and cloud-based scalability. However, limitations in industry-specific features and potential customization complexity compared to some competitors are important considerations, especially for niche businesses or large enterprises.

Show more

Adaptive Planning has garnered a reputation for its user-friendly interface and robust reporting capabilities. Users frequently praise its intuitive design, making it easy for finance teams to navigate and generate reports without extensive training. The drag-and-drop functionality and customizable dashboards are particularly popular, allowing users to tailor the system to their specific needs. Compared to other ERP software options, Adaptive Planning excels in its ability to handle complex financial modeling and forecasting. Its scenario planning tools enable users to create multiple "what-if" scenarios and analyze the potential impact of different business decisions. This feature is especially valuable for organizations operating in dynamic markets or facing uncertain economic conditions. However, some users have noted that Adaptive Planning's implementation process can be time-consuming and require significant IT resources. Additionally, while the software offers a wide range of features, some users find that certain functionalities, such as expense management, are not as comprehensive as those offered by competing products like Oracle NetSuite or SAP. These limitations may necessitate the use of additional software solutions, potentially increasing overall costs and complexity. Despite these drawbacks, Adaptive Planning's strengths in financial planning and analysis make it a compelling choice for mid-sized to large businesses with complex financial needs. Its ease of use and powerful reporting capabilities empower finance teams to gain deeper insights into their data and make more informed decisions, ultimately driving business growth and profitability.

Show more

Screenshots

Top Alternatives in ERP Software


Acumatica

Cetec ERP

DELMIAworks

Dynamics 365 ERP

Epicor Kinetic

IFS Cloud

Infor M3

NetSuite

Odoo

Oracle Fusion Cloud

Priority ERP

Rootstock

S2K Enterprise

Sage 300 Cloud

SAP Business ByDesign

SAP Business One

SAP S/4HANA Cloud

SYSPRO

SyteLine

Visibility ERP

Related Categories

Head-to-Head Comparison

WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more...

Compare products
Comparison Report
Just drag this link to the bookmark bar.
?
Table settings