Dashboard
Inventory Dashboard
IFS Applications is unique in that it allows you to select from over 100 business components which in turn are made up from more than 6,000 smaller software components. Each component has a well-defined purpose and interface that describes what the component does. This allows change and evolution within a component without affecting other components. You benefit by being able to choose only the business components you need and add others as needed without affecting other components. IFS
Best For:
We recommend IFS for organizations in the Aerospace and Defense, Energy Utilities and Resources, Construction and Engineering, Manufacturing, and Service Industries. The software is tailored for sectors requiring robust asset management, service delivery, and industry-specific functionalities.

QuickBooks desktop Enterprise is an on-premises, Windows-based accounting system, specifically designed for small to medium businesses. It’s perhaps Intuit’s most advanced platform under the QuickBooks brand offering more capacity and especially better advanced inventory features. The software’s strong inventory management features, including advanced tracking and automation, are particularly beneficial for businesses managing complex inventory across multiple locations.

QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise offers industry-focused editions with tools and reporting tailored to specific business needs, enhancing customization.

Best For:
Small to medium-sized businesses, especially in the accounting, construction, and information technology sectors. Based on user demographics, the typical organization using QuickBooks Enterprise has between 10-50 employees and revenues ranging from $1M to $10M.
10.0
USER RATING
based on 1 user reviews
Our Verdict:

IFS Cloud can be tailored to various industries, making it widely popular. Its ability to seamlessly integrate all business functions such as human capital management and asset management is commendable. The platform’s composable environment ensures adaptability, allowing businesses to select functionalities as per their needs and expand over time.

However, potential users should be aware of some usability concerns. While many appreciate its robust functionality, a few users have found the interface to be less intuitive than desired. This might pose a slight learning curve for newcomers.

Pros:
  • Lots of functionality included
  • Easy Excel exports
  • Customer support is very responsive
Cons:
  • Some users reported performance issues
  • Unintuitive user interface
  • Limited customization options
6.3
USER RATING
based on 36 user reviews
Our Verdict:

QuickBooks Enterprise shines as a desktop-based accounting powerhouse, especially tailored for medium to large businesses. Its standout features include advanced inventory management, industry-specific reporting, and the ability to handle a vast volume of data. The Priority Circle service ensures users receive top-notch support, and its compatibility with over 200 applications amplifies its utility.

However, businesses on a tighter budget might find the annual subscription, especially with added costs for remote access, a bit steep. While its comprehensive features cater to a broad range of industries, those operating outside of a Windows environment will need to look elsewhere.

Pros:
  • More advanced inventory features than other QuickBooks versions
  • Functions as an affordable, light ERP ssytem
  • Higher record capacity than other QuickBooks versions
  • Includes payroll and employee management
  • Over 120 standard reports
Cons:
  • Most expensive version of QuickBooks
  • Requires annual contracts
  • Windows only
  • Price Range
       $     $     $     $     $   
       $     $     $     $     $   
  • Starting Price $250,000 (perpetual license)
  • Client OS Windows, Web
  • Price Range
       $     $     $     $     $   
       $     $     $     $     $   
  • Starting Price $199/month
  • Client OS Windows

Our editorial staff has reviewed two popular software solutions: IFS Applications and QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise.

IFS Applications: Overview

Developed by IFS North America, Inc., IFS Applications is a comprehensive suite that allows you to choose from over 100 business components, each designed to serve a specific function. This modular approach allows you the flexibility to select only the components you need, with the option to add more as your business evolves.

It is particularly recommended for organizations in Aerospace and Defense, Energy Utilities and Resources, Construction and Engineering, Manufacturing, and Service Industries. These sectors often require the industry-specific functionalities IFS Applications provides.

However, some users have reported usability concerns, mentioning a less intuitive interface and limited customization options. It’s worth noting that while it offers a lot of functionality, there could be a slight learning curve for newcomers.

QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise: Overview

QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise, developed by Intuit, is a Windows-based accounting system designed specifically for small to medium-sized businesses. This platform is particularly powerful in the accounting, construction, and information technology sectors, providing advanced inventory features and industry-specific reporting.

QuickBooks Enterprise is known for its advanced inventory management and the ability to handle a large volume of data. Its compatibility with over 200 applications further amplifies its utility. However, it’s worth noting that it’s the most expensive version of QuickBooks and requires annual contracts.

IFS Applications vs QuickBooks: Which is Better for Most Businesses?

While both products serve their target markets well, for most businesses, QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise may be a better choice, especially for those in the small to medium size range. Its advanced inventory features, industry-specific reporting, and compatibility with over 200 applications provide a comprehensive solution that caters to a broad range of business needs.

However, IFS Applications offers more flexibility due to its component-based structure, making it better suited for larger organizations with complex needs. If you’re in an industry that requires asset management, service delivery, and industry-specific functionalities, IFS Applications may be more suitable.

For a broader view of what’s available, review our roundup of the best ERP software overall.

IFS Applications Screenshot
IFS Applications
★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
IFS Applications is unique in that it allows you to select from over 100 business components which in turn are made up from more than 6,000 smaller software components. Each component has a well-defined purpose and interface that describes what the component does. This allows change and evolution within a component without affecting other components. You benefit by being able to choose only the business components you need and add others as needed without affecting other components. IFS
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$250,000 (perpetual license)
Client OS
Windows, Web
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise Screenshot
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
★★★★★
★★★★★
(36)
QuickBooks desktop Enterprise is an on-premises, Windows-based accounting system, specifically designed for small to medium businesses. It’s perhaps Intuit’s most advanced platform under the QuickBooks brand offering more capacity and especially better advanced inventory features. The software’s strong inventory management features, including advanced tracking and automation, are particularly beneficial for businesses managing complex inventory across multiple locations. QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise offers industry-focused editions with tools and reporting tailored to specific business needs, enhancing customization.
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$199/month
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
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