Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations, Business Edition is a cloud-based accounting system that’s tightly integrated with Office 365 and other Microsoft cloud applications. It’s a solid offering that’s easy to navigate, but some small to midsize businesses may find it lacks particular features they need.
Summary
Business Central is Microsoft Dynamic’s offering for the small to middle-market, while F&O (finance and operations) is designed for larger enterprise. The product is easy to use, flexible, and has the familiar Microsoft look and feel, which can be very appealing to small businesses. It is also a relatively tightly integrated ERP system, especially when compared to QuickBooks, Salesforce, Odoo, and other systems that take a best-of-breed ERP approach to solving the challenges of growing a small business.
One of Business Central’s primary strengths (flexibility) can also be a weakness. Many small businesses get tangled in the variety of setup options, which can lead to challenges. The even bigger downside of D365, in general, is that its implementation ecosystem is a mess, with all too many weak resellers and partners. Even so, Business Central is a very good fit for many smaller organizations.
Pros
- The Business edition offers extended capabilities and features.
- Can produce sales estimates and invoices in Microsoft Outlook, which is reflected in the accounting system automatically.
- Launch screen offers a clear view of critical key performance indicators, open items, and company data, including a summary trial balance.
- Very tight Office 365 integration.
Cons
- Lacks comprehensive customer relationship management, payroll/human resources, and project management features.
- Only available in US and Canada.
- Only inventory costing method is FIFO.
- Process flowchart navigation is lacking.