The sheer number of ERP software solutions out there can make even the most seasoned IT and business software professionals’ head spin. Between the established ERP software players and the new guys touting the latest and greatest in technology, the task of choosing the right ERP software for your company is harder than ever.
ERP systems are NOT one size fits all.
What works perfectly for one company may not fit for you, your industry, or your workflow processes. So to help break it all down for you, here’s how Sage X3 vs Oracle NetSuite – two of the most popular ERP solutions on the market today – stack up.
Note: Because features, functions, and technology are constantly changing, we recommend complete due diligence that matches your business requirements with the software capabilities to select the best solution. If you have questions about specific capabilities, it’s suggested to secure proof via a software demonstration.
Deployment and Installation
While Oracle NetSuite prides itself on being a purely cloud-based ERP solution, Sage X3 allows freedom of choice. Sage X3 can be run on-premises, privately hosted or in the cloud (as a hosted subscription solution). With Sage X3, you control where your data resides and who manages it.
Sage X3 is a native web-based application. So whether you decide to run Sage X3 on-premises or “in the cloud” you can expect it to look and work the same way no matter where you are (in the office or away), what device you use (laptop, mobile phone, tablet, etc), or which web browser you prefer (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.).
Flexibility, Customization and Ownership
With Sage X3, you can own your ERP software – which gives you full control and ownership over the ERP data as well as the ability to customize the software to fit your unique workflow processes or to integrate with external business applications.
With SaaS (software-as-a-service) solutions such as Oracle NetSuite, you are simply “renting” the right to use the software which means customizations could be out of the question. If Oracle NetSuite does everything you need out-of-the-box, software subscription is not an issue until you want to cancel your contract.
Also, be sure to consider compatibility and availability of integrated add-ons which may present a potential limitation that should be explored during the evaluation process. If add-on software or integration to external solutions is important to you, Sage X3 may offer greater access and flexibility.
Configurability versus SuiteSuccess
Oracle NetSuite is getting a lot of presales attention because of SuiteSuccess, its implementation methodology that standardizes projects into a one-size-fits all approach. Oracle NetSuite predefines software setups and configurations which users must adopt to rapidly implement. The challenge is that SuiteSuccess skips important scoping sessions and discourages interactivity and configuration during the implementation.
At RKL eSolutions, our project management approach blends a proven implementation methodology with our expert staff and the application of industry best practices. During the project, our consultants collaborate with our clients to determine optimal configuration tailored to specific client operational requirements. Working together, our focus is on delivering a successful project at go-live and beyond.
Going Global
It’s not uncommon for related entities to adopt separate Chart of Accounts across the organization while relying on advanced reporting tools to manage consolidations. Sage X3 can manage multiple charts of accounts with a single software license, while Oracle NetSuite supports only one Chart of Accounts shared across countries.
Sage X3 also offers tools to manage global inventory and deliver views on customers, sales, purchasing and manufacturing across global subsidiaries, sites and warehouses – in some cases, additional plugins required to accomplish similar functionality in Oracle NetSuite.
Both products offer built-in support for multiple languages and currencies. Sage X3 also includes a Connector to XE.com that automatically uploads currency exchange rates, effortlessly automating Currency Spot Rate Schedules for your Finance team.
Cost Comparison: Rent or Buy
Sage X3 can offer significant savings vs. Oracle NetSuite on perpetual or subscription licensing depending on your timeline to measure ROI. With either product, there are a lot of variables to consider when calculating your total investment.
Considering ROI (Return on Investment), it is common for Subscription (rental) models to be the cheaper initial investment in Year 1. But over time, and potentially as early as Years 2 & Years 3, the rental model becomes more costly than purchasing. ROI favors the ownership/purchase model over rental in many cases after several years.
For purposes of comparison only, here’s an example of pricing*:
Oracle NetSuite pricing varies based on module configurations, simple or Advanced features, add-on modules, users counts and contract terms (number of years). Base pricing begins at $999 per month with general user access licenses at $99 per month.
Sage X3 pricing varies based on module configurations, add-on modules and user counts. Base pricing for a Manufacturing bundle begins at $589 per month with Full user concurrent licenses starting at $171 per month.
*Note: cost calculations performed based on information available as of August 2019. Please check with a Sage or Oracle NetSuite authorized partner for a quote, current pricing and financing options.
OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES
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