Acumatica ERP and Netsuite are judged as two of the top Market Leaders in the ERP Systems category from one of the Internet’s most authoritative software rating sites, G2. Both systems are highly-rated in customer satisfaction and functionality, each having thousands of successful implementations and impressed clients to prove it. 

Before we get into the significant differences between the two platforms, let’s run through what features you are guaranteed to receive from full implementation. From a purely objective standpoint, Acumatica and Netsuite will both give you the following functionality: 

Shared Features: 

If you want this information in a nutshell, we’ve created this small feature comparison table to showcase the differences between these two platforms: 

Kensium has over seven years of experience implementing Acumatica for all types of businesses. Based on our experience, we’ve realized there are vital questions that a company needs to answer for themselves when evaluating a new ERP. 

Key Question #1: How Much Control Do You Want Over Your Data?

Acumatica allows users to export a fully functional copy of your data at any time. You will export it into a relational database format, which stores data in a structured format and allows users to run queries across multiple tables at once. 

NetSuite users cannot directly export data and only receive piecemeal data reports via CSV files. You can get a full data report from NetSuite, but you will need to do it through their APIs, which requires a developer. The lack of data access also makes changing vendors very costly and challenging. 

Key Question #2: How Much Control Do You Want Over Your Development? 

Acumatica developers utilize the popular programming language C#, as well as the .NET open-source developer platform. Acumatica business logic source code is accessible and easily modified, which has led to a thriving online developer community.

Netsuite utilizes its proprietary programming language, SuiteScript. NetSuite is a closed system that requires specific knowledge of SuiteScript, which significantly reduces the developer talent pool. With no direct access to system, database, or source code, users are prevented from truly customizing the software for their needs.

Key Question #3: How Will The Pricing Structure Affect Me In The Long Term?

Acumatica pricing is friendly to growing companies. Rather than paying for each user, you only pay for the modules needed and the computing resources you actually use. Acumatica calls this consumption based licensing. 

Netsuite, like most other ERP providers, adds an additional element which is a license fee for every user. Therefore, Netsuite charges by both resources and user count. 

Think about where your company will be down the road. As it grows, you will need to hire more and more people and get them using your ERP. Your resource costs will go up no matter what; Do you really want to pay for your growing user count as well? 

As you grow, there is no need to buy additional user licenses from Acumatica. You only pay for the modules and resources you use. 

Acumatica also offers the choice between subscription-based licensing or perpetual licensing. A perpetual license allows end-users to use the software for as long as the end-user complies with all terms of the license agreement. 

NetSuite only offers subscription-based licensing. One is not better or worse than the other, since it depends on what makes sense for you. Every company is different, and some prefer a depreciable capital expense versus an ongoing operating cost. However, NetSuite clients do not have this choice.

Key Question #4: What Type Of Hosting Do I Want?

Acumatica offers solutions both on-premise and in the cloud. Both solutions are built on .NET/Microsoft Visual Studio and integrate with Microsoft Office 365 and Power BI. 

NetSuite implements its solutions exclusively on the cloud. Cloud-only can become an issue if your company begins having sensitive data requirements (such as HIPAA requirements, credit card information, or intellectual property) and wants to move it to a secure on-premise system. Clients wishing to move from cloud to on-premise or hybrid must purchase an entirely new ERP system and migrate their system data. 

Acumatica offers an ERP solution with a lower total cost of ownership and a choice of deployment options (on-premise vs. cloud). 

Wrap-Up

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which ERP is best, but based on what we covered in this comparison, we support Acumatica. We believe the company culture is more dedicated to product quality. Over 75% of Acumatica’s budget is invested in technical development and support of a single product. Their frequent updates and new feature releases show a passion for improvement and new technology. 

Kensium has over seven years of experience implementing ERP systems, so if you are still unsure what might be right for you, please contact us for a free consultation.