Top SAP Alternative and its Competitors 2024 | Canada

SAP is a robust ERP solution designed for large enterprises but while using this solution, many businesses face challenges like high costs, complex implementation, and a steep learning curve.

These issues often prompt organizations to explore the SAP alternative that are more affordable, easier to implement, or tailored for specific needs. Whether it’s small to mid-sized businesses seeking cost-effective solutions or large enterprises needing industry-specific tools, finding the right ERP system is crucial.

To help you choose the right solution for your business, we will explore the top alternatives to SAP ERP by considering the various aspects. In addition to this, we will also see the price of each solution.

What is SAP S/4 HANA?

SAP S/4HANA is an advanced ERP solution developed by SAP. Designed for large enterprises, it offers features like real-time data analytics, AI-driven insights, and seamless integration capabilities. Built on the in-memory HANA database, SAP enables organizations to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and support global scalability. 

Key SAP ERP Features

Real-time analytics: AI-powered insights for faster decision-making. 

Flexible hosting: Cloud and on-premises deployment options.

Advanced integration: Seamless integration with other SAP and third-party tools. 

Industry-specific capabilities: Tailored modules for manufacturing, retail, and other industries.

Actual costing: Actual costing in SAP S/4HANA helps businesses calculate the actual costs of materials, labor, equipment, and overhead for a period.

Top SAP Alternatives

While SAP S4HANA is robust, it may not fit all businesses due to its complexity, cost, or specific operational needs. Businesses may seek solutions that are more cost-effective, user-friendly, or better suited for small to mid-sized enterprises.

Business Central

Dynamics 365 Business Central is a comprehensive ERP solution tailored for small to mid-sized businesses. It simplifies business operations, enhances financial management, and supports scalability. When we compare Business Central vs SAP, Dynamics BC has almost similar capabilities like SAP and is the perfect alternative to SAP.

Dynamics 365 Business Central provides an intuitive interface and seamless integration with Microsoft 365 apps like Outlook and Excel. Dynamics BC enables seamless integration with Power BI, CRM tools, and third-party apps. In addition to this, it is suitable for growing businesses with modular capabilities.

However, Business Central is only suitable for SMBs because of its less complex enterprise needs. The solution also has less flexibility and is not capable for businesses with highly specialized requirements.

NetSuite

Oracle NetSuite is another SAP alternative that provides a unified platform for businesses across various industries. It is fully cloud-based, which offers high accessibility.

In addition to this, the solution is flexible and supports both SMBs and large enterprises. Users can easily customize the dashboard according to their needs, ensuring a user-friendly interface.

However, it charges premium pricing for their solution, and additional modules make it even more expensive. Business may require additional support to customize the solution as per their need, increasing the overall cost.

Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations

Dynamics 365 Operations and Finance is SAP alternative that focuses on large enterprises with complex business operations. It provides advanced features for the modules, such as finance, supply chain, manufacturing, inventory, and more.

Finance and Operations comes with advanced integration capability, personalized industry-specific tools, and global scalability.

However, Dynamics 365 Finance Operations is not suitable for SMBs, and its implementation time can take longer. However, some Microsoft Solutions Partners, like Dynamics Square, can make it smooth and simple. In addition to this, you also require training to get familiar with the solution.

Acumatica

A flexible, cloud-based ERP tailored for small to mid-sized businesses with robust industry-specific capabilities. Acumatica offers highly customizable workflows and modules with strong API support for third-party app integration.

However, it is not a big name, like SAP S4 HANA or Microsoft Dynamics, limiting its brand recognition. In addition to this, it is not developed for large enterprises, so growing businesses can face scaling challenges when they require complex functionality.

Sage Intacct

It is a financial management solution that is ideal for service-based industries. Sage offers tools that allow you to create high-quality reports, aiding in better financial planning and analysis.

In addition to this, Sage simplifies workflow for business, making it an easy-to-use solution. You can also enjoy its regular and easy-to-access update to keep the functionality up to date.

However, it lacks broader ERP capabilities due to its focus on finance business. Business in non-service domains can’t use this solution due to its limited capability. Compared to its features, its pricing seems higher for the smaller business.

QAD Systems

QAD Systems also lies in the list of SAP S/4HANA alternatives, which is designed for manufacturing and supply chain-focused businesses. This system offers tailored modules for manufacturing and supply chain management. QAD is highly adaptable, so businesses can adapt it as per their business needs.

However, it can’t be costly, and smaller businesses can’t leverage this solution. To implement this system, you require an expert that can help you with deployment.

Infor CSI

Infor CSI is an industry-specific ERP solution with capabilities of manufacturing and distribution. It provides a robust feature for discrete and process manufacturing. Business can use its advanced AI-driven insight to make better decisions.

However, it has limited integration capabilities, and smaller businesses can find it costly. Compared to other ERP tools, its interface might be complex.

Pricing Comparison Between All the Solutions

 While choosing a system that is better suited to your business compared to SAP S4 HANA features, you must compare the price of each solution. We have listed the price below in the table, helping you to make the right decision.

Which is the Best Solution?

There is no direct answer to this question. To know which SAP ERP alternative is best for your business, it is vital to understand your requirements first. For instance, if you are an SMB or a startup owner, Dynamics Business Central can be a good fit. On the other hand, if your business requires advanced functionality and deals with complex business operations, you require Dynamics F&O, now split into two parts, Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management and Dynamics Finance.

How Can Dynamics Square Help You?

Dynamics is a renowned name in Canada, helping businesses to implement the Microsoft solutions. We are a Microsoft Gold Partner with 14+ years of experience. Our team of consultants is well-versed and will help you choose the best-suited solutions. In addition to this, Dynamics Square can also help you in implementing a solution that is cost-effective and reliable.

Get in touch our consultant to explore alternative SAP and implement the intended solution.