How Do Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Sage Intacct Compare?

Small- and medium-sized businesses can significantly improve their operational efficiency and productivity by upgrading to a modern, Cloud-based ERP system. The thing is, there are a lot of ERP platforms out there, and finding the right one to fit your business can be a real challenge. Do you go with a big name? Or do you take a chance on a smaller one? 

Microsoft is about as big a name as there is in software, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is the result of decades of ERP evolution. Sage is less well-known, but they’ve been around for a few decades, too. In the most recent IDC MarketScape report on ERPs for SMBs, Microsoft is in the Leaders tier, while Sage Intacct falls just outside, landing in the Major Players tier: 

IDC considers the two fairly close in terms of capabilities, but there’s a larger gap when it comes to strategies, and a much larger gap in market share. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of how Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Sage compare: 

Integration and Familiarity 

Gartner Peer Insights gives Sage Intacct a 4.3 out of 5 for its ability to integrate with existing software and systems. Prebuilt integrations are available on the Sage Marketplace, and user reviews on Gartner Peer Insights largely praise them. However, for SMBs that already use Microsoft software, no shopping is necessary for commonly used apps like Outlook, Excel and Teams, which work seamlessly with Business Central. 

This also makes for a relatively easy learning curve and, in turn, more widespread adoption of its tools. Sage’s UI is likely to be unfamiliar, as reflected by some mixed reviews concerning its user-friendliness. According to NerdWallet, Sage Intacct’s “ease of use” is “average” due to its complexity and a UI that “may be overwhelming for small business owners keeping their own books.” 

Scalability and Mobility 

Both platforms offer a modular structure that makes it easy for SMBs to scale them up and down as needed. However, as NerdWallet suggests, even Sage Intacct’s core modules are a bit complex, making it “not a great fit for small business owners who are trying to hit the ground running.” 

One of the biggest gaps between the two solutions is evident in mobile offerings. Business Central has full-featured apps for iOS and Android, whereas Sage Intacct only appears to offer apps for timesheets and attending Sage-specific conferences. If your teams like to use their ERP software on the go, Microsoft is a clear winner. 

Artificial Intelligence 

According to Gartner, Microsoft has emerged as a forerunner in AI, and Microsoft Copilot is a big reason for that. Microsoft Copilot’s basic free version earned 4 stars from PC Mag, and its enterprise version earned an average of 4.3 stars on Gartner Peer insights. 

Sage offers automation features and some “AI-powered tools,” but the company is working on a more comprehensive AI solution called… Sage Copilot. The name is no coincidence, as Sage will be leveraging Microsoft technology. It’s ultimately a win for Sage, as its own Copilot will be able to add a lot to the Intacct platform. But you’ll have to add your company to a waitlist as the tool continues development. Microsoft Copilot, meanwhile, is already running at full speed within Business Central, giving companies access to powerful analytical tools right away.  

Implementation 

Sage Intacct boasts an impressive average implementation time of 8-10 weeks. However, Microsoft has one significant advantage: an expansive ecosystem of implementation partners. These partners can help companies implement their chosen ERP in a timely manner while also leveraging its capabilities as much as possible and tailor them to their specific needs. 

More than 3,000 companies have leaned on Enavate’s expert team to painlessly transition and upgrade to Microsoft’s ERP solutions. In fact, many of our team members had a hand in developing Business Central when they previously worked at Microsoft!  

Our thoughtful, collaborative approach starts now, during the window-shopping phase, and it continues through implementation into adoption. We see ourselves not as switch-flippers, but as long-term partners who will be there for you whenever you need help. To learn more, reach out today.