Over a year ago, SAP‘s announcement regarding its Business ByDesign ERP software for small and medium-sized firms marked a significant shift in the ERP software landscape. Ceasing the development of new functions for Business ByDesign starting in the second quarter of 2023, SAP left many businesses using the platform in search of alternative ERP solutions.
In 2023, Forbes Advisor recognized Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central as the ‘Best overall alternative to SAP’. Gartner is also acknowledging Business Central as a viable substitute for SAP Business ByDesign. These endorsements emphasized Business Central’s ability to address the void created by SAP’s decision, offering businesses a robust ERP solution to consider.
The transition from Business ByDesign to Business Central offers numerous compelling reasons for companies:
Flexibility and configuration: Business Central boasts enhanced flexibility and configuration capabilities, providing users with a more intuitive interface and extensive customization options. Its seamless integration with Microsoft tools simplifies adaptation for employees, reducing training time and enhancing productivity.
Cost-effectiveness: With its licensing model and scalability, Business Central is often viewed as a more cost-efficient solution. The subscription-based pricing structure enables businesses to manage their budgets more effectively, ensuring cost control while scaling operations.
Native integration: Leveraging Microsoft’s ecosystem, Business Central seamlessly integrates with various applications such as Power BI for analytics, Outlook and Teams for communication, Power Platform for automation, and Co-pilot for AI. This integration fosters operational efficiency, improves data visibility, and facilitates informed decision-making across departments.
Scalability: Business Central’s scalability is a key advantage, accommodating the evolving needs of businesses as they grow. Whether it’s handling increased transactions, users, or functionalities, Business Central ensures a smooth expansion process with minimal disruption to operations.
Continuous innovation: Microsoft’s commitment to innovation and regular updates sets Business Central apart. Unlike SAP’s approach, Business Central users benefit from ongoing improvements and new features, staying abreast of the latest technology advancements and compliance regulations without the inconvenience of manual upgrades.
Conclusion
It’s fair to say that while SAP Business ByDesign has served its purpose, the advent of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is an attractive proposition for organisations looking for a user-friendly, cost-effective, scalable and integrated ERP solution. With expertise in both systems, companies like Dynamic Aspect are uniquely positioned to guide businesses through their transition and ensure a seamless migration and optimised ERP experience.
