Top 9 Acumatica Alternatives and Competitors

Last Updated: September 25th, 2023
Researched and Written by: Sydney Hoffman

The best Acumatica alternatives include Odoo, NetSuite, Epicor Kinetic, and SAP S/4HANA. We’ve reviewed the best ERP software in the market for scalability, efficiency, and industry-specific features.

Best Acumatica Alternatives Shortlist

Below are detailed summaries of the best Acumatica alternatives that we’ll be covering in this article:

  1. Odoo - Best Open-Source Solution
  2. NetSuite - Great for Growing Companies
  3. Epicor Kinetic - Top Manufacturing Pick
  4. SAP S/4HANA - Best AI-Enhanced ERP
  5. Microsoft Dynamics 365 - Best for Seamless Integration
  6. Sage Intacct - Best Financial Module
  7. ERPNext - Most Scalable ERP
  8. Infor CloudSuite Industrial - Best for Discrete Manufacturing
  9. Sage X3 - Best Supply Chain Management

Understanding Acumatica and Its Limitations

Acumatica is a prominent cloud-based ERP system favored in construction, manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce. However, it may have some limitations. Some common complaints include complex customization, implementation and maintenance costs, and minimal CRM functionalities.

1 Odoo: Best Open-Source Solution

Why we chose it: Due to its open-source nature, Odoo allows businesses to delve into its source code, modifying it to fit specialized workflows and unique requirements. Additionally, the platform is designed to integrate smoothly with third-party apps, ensuring companies can create a cohesive ecosystem of tools around their primary ERP system.

Read our full Odoo review.

Key features:

  • CRM
  • Inventory management
  • Accounting and financial reporting
  • Manufacturing
  • Purchasing
  • Marketing

Industries:

  • Manufacturing
  • Retail
  • e-Commerce
  • Professional services

Its extensive documentation and support cater to both developers and end users, ensuring smooth operation and adaptability to changing business needs.

Best Open-Source Solution:
Odoo

Odoo: CRM Sales Pipeline
Odoo: BOM Overview
Odoo: Lot and Serial Numbers
Odoo: General Ledger
Odoo: Draft Customer Invoice
What We Like
Community version is free
Heavy customization options
Double entry inventory system
What We Don’t Like
May have to build specific modules yourself
No centralized support
Upgrades not free
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Starting Price: $31.10/user/month
Client OS: Web
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises

2 Oracle NetSuite: Great for Growing Companies

Why we chose it: Oracle’s NetSuite offers effective management of inventory and the broader supply chain as companies expand. With seamless integration capabilities for eCommerce platforms and point-of-sale applications, NetSuite facilitates automated inventory control and supply chain management. This helps growing businesses maintain product availability, streamline operations, and reduce overhead costs associated with manual inventory checks.

Additionally, NetSuite offers industry-specific editions. This tailored approach means businesses don’t need to retrofit a generic ERP to fit their niche; they get functionalities crafted for their industry from the start. This specificity reduces setup time and ensures more intuitive use.

Read our full NetSuite review.

Key features:

  • Cloud-based and developer-hosted
  • Includes inventory control, HR, procurement, project management
  • Tax engine for multiple local tax schedules
  • Automatic updates
  • Integration partners like RF-SMART
  • Comprehensive reporting

Industries:

  • Distribution
  • Information Technology
  • Professional Services
Great for Growing Companies:
NetSuite

NetSuite: Home Screen
NetSuite: Income Statement
NetSuite: Journal
NetSuite: Unrealized Exchange Rate Gains and Losses
NetSuite: Ecommerce Customer Statistics
NetSuite: Sales Orders
NetSuite: Revenue Recognition
What We Like
Hundreds of third-party add-ons available
Feature sets for multiple industries
Highly customizable
What We Don’t Like
Must schedule a consult for pricing details
Tedious setup
Difficult to build reports
Overview
Price Range: $$$$
Starting Price: $99/user/month
Client OS: Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

3 Epicor Kinetic: Top Manufacturing Pick

Why we chose it: Epicor Kinetic can manage a variety of manufacturing styles, including discrete, make-to-order, and engineer-to-order environments. It provides specialized tools and workflows tailored to each mode, ensuring manufacturers can optimize operations and reduce inefficiencies. For example, Kinetic’s dynamic scheduling allows make-to-order manufacturers to react to changes in customer orders, allocating resources or adjusting production schedules as needed.

Read our full Epicor Kinetic review.

Key Features:

  • Sophisticated product configurator
  • Compliance management in IAS, IFRS, GAAP, RoHS, WEEE, NAFTA, ITAR
  • Advanced planning and scheduling
  • Quality assurance
  • Maintenance management
Top Manufacturing Pick:
Epicor

Epicor: Dashboard
Epicor: Accounts Receivable
Epicor: Shop Load
Epicor: Purchase Order
Epicor: Supplier Relationship Management
Epicor: Shop Floor Interface (MES)
Epicor: Kanban Warehouse Monitor
Epicor: Job Scheduling Board
Epicor: CRM Flight Control
What We Like
Built for manufacturers
Collects real-time shop floor data
Built-in artificial intelligence support
What We Don’t Like
Not ideal for multinational organizations
High learning curve
Overview
Price Range: $$$$
Starting Price: $175/user/month
Client OS: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises

4 SAP S/4HANA: Best AI-Enhanced ERP

Why we chose it: SAP S/4HANA stands at the forefront of AI-enhanced ERP solutions, setting a benchmark with its real-time processing and AI capabilities powered by the advanced SAP HANA in-memory database. These features enable businesses to derive instantaneous insights, anticipate trends, and make proactive decisions, ensuring they stay ahead in competitive landscapes.

For example, SAP S/4HANA uses machine learning algorithms to forecast cash flow. It analyzes previous transactions and patterns to give an accurate projection of a company’s future financial position. Intelligent cash management helps firms maintain adequate liquidity, optimize cash reserves, and mitigate potential risks.

Read our full SAP S/4HANA Review.

Key Features:

  • Supply chain management
  • Services and procurement
  • Real-time data analytics
  • Machine learning and robotics automation

Industries:

  • Manufacturing
  • Logistics
  • Financial services
  • Retail
  • Healthcare
  • Oil and gas
Best AI-Enhanced ERP:
SAP S/4HANA

SAP S/4HANA: Contracts Page
SAP S/4HANA: Contract Renewal Page
SAP S/4HANA: Procurement Overview Page
SAP S/4HANA: Production Orders Management Page
SAP S/4HANA: Sales Order Fulfillment Issues Page
SAP S/4HANA: Procurement Overview
SAP S/4HANA: Supplier Evaluation
What We Like
HANA database
Large network of resellers
Strong BI tools
What We Don’t Like
Difficult setup
Lack of pricing transparency
Relatively new and unproven
Overview
Price Range: $$$$$
Client OS: Windows, Web
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises

5 Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central: Best for Seamless Integration

Why we chose it: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central offers seamless integration and native interoperability with other Microsoft enterprise applications, such as Office 365, Power BI, and Dynamics CRM.

Business Central’s expansive array of modules, spanning finance to sales, ensures that all vital business processes can be interconnected. This results in a unified view of operations and real-time data access across the organization, facilitating informed decision-making and streamlined workflows.

Read our full Dynamics 365 Business Central review.

Key Features:

  • Enhanced financial reporting
  • Sales and marketing
  • Strong AI capabilities
  • Smooth integration with Microsoft Products

Industries:

  • Manufacturing
  • Retail
  • Healthcare
  • Financial services
  • Nonprofit
  • Professional Services
Best for Seamless Integration:
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central: Dashboard
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central: Items Viewing List
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central: Orders Viewing
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central: General Leger Entries
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central: Dashboard
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central: Customer Management
What We Like
Combined ERP and CRM
Similar interface to MS Word and Outlook
Integrations with Microsoft applications
What We Don’t Like
Not ideal for complex manufacturing needs
May require extensive training
No free version
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Starting Price: $70/user/month
Client OS: Web
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises

6 Sage Intacct: Best Financial Module

Why we chose it: Sage Intacct stands out as a powerful financial management software tailored for mid-market and enterprise-level organizations. A browser-based solution, Sage Intacct is GAAP-compliant and endorses the demands of modern businesses with its dynamic financial reporting capabilities.

For instance, it offers a multi-dimensional chart of account for stakeholders to view financial data across departments, locations, projects, or products. Users can slice and dice data to reveal underlying patterns of aggregated data, quickly identifying growth areas or pain points.

Plus, its Avalara integration ensures precise tax calculations, reporting, and auditing, showcasing its commitment to detail and accuracy.

Read our full Sage Intacct review.

Key features:

  • Customizable reports include AR/AP, cash flow statements, general ledger
  • Integrates with Salesforce, Versapay, and more
  • Multi-entity reporting centralizes accounting for international companies
  • Adaptable tax module integrated with Avalara

Industries:

  • Professional services
  • Nonprofit
  • Retail
  • Healthcare
Best Financial Module:
Sage Intacct

Sage Intacct: CFO Dashboard
Sage Intacct: Executive Dashboard
Sage Intacct: Contract Journal Balances
Sage Intacct: Project Financial Summary
What We Like
Multi-dimensional reporting capabilities
Scalability for multi-entity support and user growth
Simple and responsive user interface
What We Don’t Like
Budgeting and interactive reporting cost extra
Limited non-financial functionalities
Volume exports can be difficult
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Starting Price: $8,580/year
Client OS: Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

7 ERPNext: Most Scalable ERP

Why we chose it: ERPNext offers scalability through its open-source framework, empowering businesses to modify and tailor the system as they grow. This ensures that the software can evolve in tandem with a company’s changing needs, eliminating the need for frequent system changes or migrations.

Additionally, ERPNext’s premium packages are designed to scale seamlessly with your business. As operations expand and become more complex, businesses can tap into diverse modules like accounting, CRM, manufacturing, and warehousing.

Key Features:

  • Free version available
  • Cloud ERP option for $10/month
  • Scalable pricing tiers for growing companies

Industries:

  • Small to medium businesses (1-500+ employees)
  • Education
  • Healthcare
Most Scalable ERP:
ERPNext

ERPNext: ERPNext Point of Sale
ERPNext: ERPNext Manufacturing Production Analytics
ERPNext: ERPNext Gantt Chart Project View
ERPNext: ERPNext Accounting Dashboard
What We Like
Open-source architecture
Multilingual support
Highly customizable
What We Don’t Like
Performance issues when handling large databases
Dependency on community for customizations
Limited reporting capabilities
Overview
Price Range: $
Starting Price: Free
Client OS: Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

8 Infor CloudSuite Industrial: Best for Discrete Manufacturing

Why we chose it: Infor CloudSuite Industrial provides tools precisely tailored to the challenges of discrete manufacturing, like complex product configuration and advanced scheduling. In industries like aerospace or automotive, products often have intricate specifications. Infor offers tools that allow for advanced product configuration, ensuring manufacturers can customize products per customer requirements without errors or inefficiencies.

Discrete manufacturing often involves multiple production runs with varied priorities. Infor’s sophisticated scheduling engine allows manufacturers to optimize resource allocation, ensuring timely delivery while minimizing production bottlenecks.

Read our full Infor CloudSuite Industrial review.

Key Features:

  • Advanced planning and scheduling
  • CRM
  • Product lifecycle management
  • Accounting and analytics
  • Supply chain management
  • Service and quality management
Best for Discrete Manufacturing:
Infor CloudSuite Industrial

Infor CloudSuite Industrial: Product Configuration
Infor CloudSuite Industrial: Inventory
Infor CloudSuite Industrial: PL Projection
Infor CloudSuite Industrial: Estimate
Infor CloudSuite Industrial: Customer Service Homepage
What We Like
Multi-site and multi-company support
Built-in business intelligence
Comprehensive supply chain management
What We Don’t Like
Limited QMS module
Difficult upgrades
Steep learning curve for new users
Overview
Price Range: $$$$$
Starting Price: $25,000/user (perpetual license)
Client OS: Windows, Web
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises

9 Sage X3 ERP: Best Supply Chain Management

Sage X3 ERP provides robust supply chain management through its unique capability to manage multiple manufacturing sites. By providing intricate production scheduling based on resource availability, capacity, and controls, the software ensures businesses can efficiently coordinate and optimize supply chain operations across various locations. This translates to reduced lead times, better resource utilization, and higher fulfillment rates, ensuring businesses can meet customer demands accurately and on time.

Key features:

  • Multi-currency accounting with automated workflows
  • Inventory optimization to reduce holding costs
  • Supplier, product, and transportation management
  • Modular architecture for better scalability
  • Low-code customizations

With integrated CRM, data visualization, and business intelligence tools, Sage X3 provides an in-depth and holistic approach to production and logistics.

Best Supply Chain Management:
Sage X3 ERP

Sage X3 ERP: Sales Invoice Slicer
Sage X3 ERP: Natural Language Query
Sage X3 ERP: Repository Account
Sage X3 ERP: BOM Creation
Sage X3 ERP: Quoting and Sales Order Processing
Sage X3 ERP: Financial Dashboard
Sage X3 ERP: Shipping Dashboard
What We Like
Compiles data in real-time for better decision-making
Covers finance, sales, customer service, manufacturing, and more
Supports multiple languages and currencies
What We Don’t Like
Complex and steep learning curve
Limited user community
Users complain of less responsive customer support​​.
Overview
Price Range: $$$$
Starting Price: $4,500/user (perpetual license)
Client OS: Windows, Web
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Acumatica Alternative

Take these key factors into consideration when choosing alternatives to Acumatica:

  • Total cost of ownership (TCO): Beyond just your initial investment, evaluate ongoing costs like maintenance, training, third-party integrations, code customizations, and any additional modules.
  • Security and compliance: Assess whether the ERP vendor offers robust security features. Check that the ERP solution complies with industry-specific regulations or standards.
  • Migration complexity: Transitioning from one ERP to another can be challenging. Consider how easily your organization can migrate data and processes from your current system to the new one.
  • Business requirements: Ensure your chosen ERP system fits the particular needs and objectives unique to your company. For example, a company that operates primarily through online sales will require real-time inventory tracking and demand forecasting.
  • Industry fit: Your new system should cater to industry requirements and specificities. A food manufacturer will need batch processing and expiry date tracking functionality in their ERP software.

Summary

Choosing a new ERP solution has profound implications for your business’s operational efficiency and growth trajectory. By emphasizing core considerations such as industry specificity, unique business needs, and budgetary limitations, you’ll land on a choice that supports your objectives.

As you transition away from Acumatica, this selection process will serve as your guide, paving the way for operational streamlining, enhanced customer experiences, and an improved bottom line. If you’re on the fence about which system to choose, our team is here to offer personalized recommendations!

Still not sure which option is best? Get recommendations from our team today!

Who are Acumatica’s competitors?

Acumatica sees competition from Dynamics 365 Business Central, ERPNext, and Infor CloudSuite Industrial. All these competitors target various industries and offer a spectrum of features, often at prices competitive with Acumatica.

Recent reviews have particularly highlighted Sage X3, SYSPRO, and Sage Intacct as the best competitors to Acumatica.

What are some cons of Acumatica?

While Acumatica is feature-rich, new users may find it challenging to navigate some of its deeper functionalities. Additionally, while Acumatica is customizable, significant changes can be complex and generally require a developer or consult, adding to expenses.

Are there any open-source or free Acumatica alternatives?

Odoo stands out as a prominent open-source counterpart to Acumatica. Odoo presents users with two distinct editions: Community and Enterprise. While Enterprise is a paid version of the software, Community grants free access for downloading, utilizing, and customizing the source code. There’s no need to worry about licensing costs. Additionally, for those exploring other alternatives, ERPNext is another open-source solution worth considering.

What is Acumatica similar to?

NetSuite, Epicor Kinetic, and SAP S/4HANA are similar ERP solutions geared toward mid-level or even enterprise-scale companies. Open-source options, such as ERPNext or Odoo, allow companies with technical expertise to easily tailor the source code to their unique workflows and needs.

Which industries do Acumatica alternatives serve?

Alternatives to Acumatica primarily serve industries such as:

  • Manufacturing: Offering features to support bill of materials, work orders, and production management.
  • Retail: Enhancing point-of-sale (POS) experiences, customer relationship management, and e-commerce integrations.
  • Distribution: Assisting with warehouse management, logistics, and supply chain optimization.
  • Services: Providing tools for project management, time tracking, and resource allocation.
  • Construction: Facilitating project costing, compliance management, and job scheduling.

When considering an alternative to Acumatica, it’s crucial to ensure that the ERP solution is tailored to the unique needs and challenges of these sectors. Whether it’s streamlining inventory in manufacturing or optimizing the customer journey in retail, the right ERP will be equipped to handle industry-specific demands.

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