Microsoft’s decision to restructure their Dynamics SL software as a cloud-based service is stirring unrest in its userbase. Rebranded as Dynamics 365 Business Central, customers are concerned about the lackluster functionality and potential changes in the interface. Overall uncertainty about the product’s future has prompted some users to explore project management software alternatives. In many cases, Dynamics SL users find themselves drawn to Acumatica’s familiar interface and deep configurability but are understandably cautious about switching software. Below we’ll look at how Acumatica’s project accounting features compare to Dynamics SL.
Is it Time to Switch ERP Software? Acumatica vs Dynamics SL
Your research for viable alternatives to Dynamics SL has led you to Acumatica. Is a change right for your business? When you’re on the market for ERP software, it’s handy to keep these three questions in mind:
- How does it make communication easier?
- Can I access it anytime, from anywhere?
- How much does it benefit my workflow and processes?
How Does it Make Communication Easier?
Sending and receiving messages is a fully integrated feature in Acumatica. All incoming and outgoing communication with clients is recorded and detailed. You can even make them accessible to other users so keeping track of orders and clients is that much easier. Acumatica also comes with a robust client interface – the Acumatica Customer Portal – that allows your clients to manage their invoices and keep an eye on support tickets. It’s a gamechanger for businesses in professional services, providing an intuitive interface and simplifying customer management. Dynamics SL users can try Dynamics CRM to achieve similar functionality, but integration is clunky, and it lacks the features that Acumatica has out-of-the-box.
Can I Access it Anytime, from Anywhere?
Microsoft is only now making the shift to the cloud with Dynamics 365 Business Central. The going has been rocky, with some features underdeveloped and others redesigned to the point they’re unrecognizable to long time users. In recent years, Microsoft has also been incrementally adding functionality to Web Apps. If you’ve been following its progress, users can now access approvals and expense reports through Web Apps. However, this functionality exists separately from the main package.
Acumatica was built from the ground up to allow for easy global access from any device. Additionally, all devices share the same user interface with customization options. You can access the entire system from wherever you are, 24 hours a day. An Acumatica license supports an unlimited number of users; you can have as many people access the system as you want.
How Much Does it Benefit My Workflow and Processes?
Acumatica comes equipped with time and expense tracking functionality on top of AP workflow capability. Standard project approvals like project budget and invoice are also available from Day 1, as well as multi-level approvals with the capability to customize criteria.
Dynamics SL has only just implemented AP workflow capability in its 2018 release. The depth and configurability on offer with Acumatica’s multi-level approvals just isn’t possible in Dynamics SL.
If you’re in the construction business, Acumatica’s Construction Edition offers industry-specific functionality to improve your workflows and approvals. Acumatica also integrates easily with external software like Excel and Building Connected.
Acumatica Does Project Management Better
Acumatica provides all the functionalities and features you’d expect from an industry leader in ERP software. Its integrated communication capabilities, robust proprietary CRM to turbocharge your customer support, 24-hour availability, true universal access from any device anywhere in the world, and superior workflow and approvals make for the complete ERP package. Users migrating from Microsoft Dynamics SL will appreciate the familiar user interface and fully integrated communications capabilities.