If you’re using Dynamics GP, you’ve likely been told that Dynamics 365 is your next step. Microsoft and many VARs frame it as the natural upgrade, seamless, modern, and the best way forward.
But what they don’t always mention is the trade-offs. If you’re here, you probably have some doubts. That’s why we put together this quick comparison of Dynamics 365 vs Acumatica.
Many businesses that switch to Dynamics 365 find themselves with higher costs, less flexibility, and fewer choices than they expected.
Dynamics 365 vs Acumatica: Key Considerations
For starters, pricing is per user, meaning every new hire, temporary worker, or consultant adds to your bill. Need to give warehouse staff or external partners limited access? That’s another paid seat. Suddenly, an ERP that seemed affordable can become a financial strain.
Then, there’s control—or rather, the lack of it. Microsoft dictates when updates happen, no matter whether your business is ready. A forced update could break customizations, disrupt workflows, or require retraining your team overnight.
And with deployment, you get one option: Microsoft’s cloud. That might work for some businesses, but if you prefer hybrid or private cloud flexibility—or just want more control over your data—you won’t find it here.
The good news? There’s a better way.
A Smarter Alternative: Flexibility Without the Trade-Offs
If Dynamics 365 feels like a one-size-fits-all solution that mostly fits Microsoft’s needs, Acumatica takes the opposite approach. It’s built to give businesses like yours more control, more flexibility, and a pricing model that offers you a choice.
Instead of locking you into per-user pricing, Acumatica offers two options:
- Acumatica Essentials—Perfect for small businesses that need core financials, CRM, and distribution without unnecessary complexity. This edition offers per-user pricing, so small business with 10 or fewer users who prefer that model can transition easily.
- Acumatica’s Consumption-Based Model—For growing companies that want to give more employees—and even external partners ERP access without ballooning costs. Instead of charging per user, Acumatica prices based on the computing resources you use, making it cost-effective for scaling teams.
Upgrades on your timeline
And while Microsoft dictates when and how you upgrade; Acumatica lets you decide. Choose the deployment model that fits your business—cloud, private cloud, or on-premise—and control when updates happen, so your team isn’t surprised.
Most importantly, you own your data. No restrictions, no forced migrations, no surprises. Just a system that works for you, not the other way around.
Making the Right Choice for Your Business
Choosing an ERP is about more than just software—it’s about control, flexibility, and long-term value. Dynamics 365 might seem like the safe choice, but when you dig deeper, the trade-offs become clear: higher costs per user, forced updates, and a system that ultimately serves Microsoft’s priorities, not yours.
Acumatica offers a smarter path forward. Whether you’re a small business looking for an affordable, no-frills solution like Acumatica Essentials or a growing company that needs scalable, cost-effective ERP access, Acumatica gives you the freedom to choose—without sacrificing features or control.
