Microsoft Dynamics SL vs Skyward ERP

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Our analysts compared Microsoft Dynamics SL vs Skyward ERP based on data from our 400+ point analysis of ERP Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Microsoft Dynamics SL Software Tool
Skyward ERP Software Tool

Product Basics

Microsoft Dynamics SL combines the power of an ERP solution with robust project and financial management features. It helps users deal with fluctuating demand while providing accurate budgeting support to keep financial records organized.

It functions within businesses of any size and can help boost sales, reduce job costs, provide insight into company data and ensure all compliances are met. It comes in two versions, Business Essentials or Advanced Management, that can come as a complete package or users can choose a la carte.

Pros
  • Strong financial management
  • Robust project accounting
  • User-friendly interface
  • Customizable features
  • Reliable support
Cons
  • Limited customization options
  • Potentially complex setup
  • Costly add-ons
  • Reporting could be enhanced
  • Some integration challenges
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Skyward ERP is a comprehensive software solution designed to streamline and manage various administrative and operational tasks within educational institutions. It is particularly well-suited for K-12 schools and districts, offering tools for financial management, human resources, payroll, and student information systems. This software helps schools enhance efficiency, reduce manual errors, and improve data accuracy.

Key benefits include centralized data management, real-time reporting, and user-friendly interfaces that facilitate easy navigation and task completion. Popular features encompass budget tracking, employee records management, and automated payroll processing. Users often appreciate its integration capabilities and the ability to customize modules to fit specific needs.

Compared to similar products, Skyward ERP is praised for its intuitive design and robust support services. Pricing typically varies based on the size of the institution and the specific modules required, with options for annual or multi-year payment plans. This flexibility makes it accessible for a range of educational organizations.

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$1,800/User, Annually
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$30,000 Annually, Quote-Based
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Product Assistance

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Email
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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
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24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Quick Startup: This system leverages the simplicity of Microsoft Office apps to cut down on training time and get everyone up and running fast. 
  • Stay Mobile: Users can perform all of their necessary data entry, project management, expense entry, setup and approval from desktops, laptops and internet-enabled mobile devices. 
  • Scalable: The system is scalable and can adapt to the changing requirements of a business. Use what you need and expand as the company grows. 
  • Inclusive Project and Accounting Management: Microsoft Dynamics SL combines project management with accounting support for an accessible, end-to-end platform. 
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  • Improved Efficiency: Skyward ERP streamlines administrative tasks, reducing the time spent on manual data entry and allowing staff to focus on more strategic activities.
  • Enhanced Data Accuracy: By centralizing data entry, Skyward ERP minimizes errors and inconsistencies, ensuring that all departments work with the same accurate information.
  • Real-Time Reporting: The software provides up-to-date reports and analytics, enabling informed decision-making based on the latest data.
  • Cost Savings: Automating routine processes reduces the need for additional staff and lowers operational costs, leading to significant financial savings over time.
  • Scalability: Skyward ERP can grow with your organization, easily accommodating new users, departments, and functionalities as needed.
  • Improved Compliance: The system helps ensure that your organization adheres to regulatory requirements by maintaining accurate records and providing audit trails.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: By providing a single source of truth, Skyward ERP fosters better communication and collaboration across departments.
  • Customizable Workflows: The software allows for the customization of workflows to match your organization's specific processes, improving overall efficiency.
  • Better Resource Management: Skyward ERP helps in tracking and managing resources effectively, ensuring optimal utilization and reducing waste.
  • Increased Transparency: With centralized data and comprehensive reporting, stakeholders have greater visibility into operations, enhancing accountability.
  • Enhanced Security: The system includes robust security features to protect sensitive data, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access.
  • Improved Customer Service: By providing quick access to accurate information, Skyward ERP enables staff to respond to customer inquiries more efficiently.
  • Streamlined Financial Management: The software integrates financial data across departments, simplifying budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
  • Reduced Redundancy: By eliminating duplicate data entry and redundant processes, Skyward ERP ensures that efforts are not wasted on repetitive tasks.
  • Enhanced Decision-Making: With comprehensive data analytics and reporting tools, leaders can make more informed decisions that drive organizational success.
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    Financial Management
  • Accounts Payable: Keep track of when payments are due, discounts, predict funding requirements and monitor payments as they process. 
  • General Ledgers: This feature helps users analyze financial data for informed decision-making processes. 
  • Cash Manager: The Microsoft Dynamics SL Cash Manager gives users instant access to current balances and bank reconciliation tools. 
  • Multi-Company Support: Users can monitor and analyze information from multiple companies. Keep track of multiple divisions within companies, run processes and report results based on multiple businesses. 
  • Business Intelligence
  • Business Analyzer: Users can view SQL reports, Excel charts and Management Reporter documents from internet-enabled devices.  
  • Microsoft Forecaster: This feature can be integrated to boost budgeting and planning processes through the creation of accurate and realistic budgets. 
  • Quick Query and Quick Query Web App: Users can leverage over 100 predefined views of financial information. Filter and save custom financial views with Refreshable Excel documents and Pivot tables. 
  • Project Management
  • Communicator: It features automatic alerts that inform users of upcoming deadlines, approvals, rising costs and more. This way project managers can step in before problems spiral out of control. 
  • Contract Management: Gain better control over change orders, subcontractor disbursements and document tracking. 
  • Resource Management: This included web app gives users an accessible visualization of resources to make assigning them easier. Boost profitability, track availability of personnel, billable time and more. 
  • Microsoft Project Connector: Integrate directly with Microsoft Project. Data flows directly from the original Microsoft Dynamics system without being compromised. 
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  • Human Resource Management: Make the hiring process smarter with a data-driven applicant tracking system. Manage job openings and position requests with ease. 
    • Position Management: Leverage the position management module to track employees’ professional growth, degrees and certifications and credits. Identify useful development milestones to trigger updates in payroll. Review hire dates and staff vacancies to fill up open positions. 
    • Position Budgeting: Categorize employees into batches to automate salary calculations and boost transparency with what-if scenarios. View hourly rate, FTE counts and assignment details and more from a single interface.
    • Substitute Tracking: Use custom rate tables to formulate robust pay rates. Automate pay hikes based on sub frequency, and auto calculate half-day, full-day or hourly pay rates. 
  • Financial Management: Eliminate budgeting guesswork and implement robust financial controls to eliminate fraud and deception. Automate manual workflows to save time and effort. 
    • Accounts Receivable: Receive and process payments faster with the accounts receivable module. Clone and import invoices and apply discounts to them with ease. Make use of graphical indicators to assimilate complicated information within seconds. 
    • Accounts Payable: Clone invoices for monthly bill payments, generate fixed asset records from invoices and automate encumbrance adjustments with the accounts payable module. Auto-populate invoices with the purchase order information. 
    • Budgeting: Access real-time information and printable budget worksheets to create budget forecasts. Use built-in state reports or e-files to create or customize reports based on local requirements. 
  • Employee Portal: Empower employees to access and manage personal information, including work experience, educational qualifications, skills, payslips and more to boost transparency and accountability. 
    • Employee Access: Provide real-time access to payroll history, time-off balances, time-off days, expense reimbursements and more to employees to boost communication with team members. Employees can access W2s and other important forms electronically via a dedicated customer portal. 
    • Expense Reimbursement: Set up default accounts based on expense reimbursement types. Attach notes, receipts and screenshots and empower managers to review details and approve requests from any device. It facilitates transparency in the review and approval process. 
    • Custom Forms: Personalize forms, roll out surveys or event sign-ups and set up virtual signatures for acknowledgment to boost the onboarding experience. 
  • Asset Management: Manage supplies and track the value of assets in real time. 
    • Fixed Assets: Evaluate existing assets and gauge their status to reduce the possibility of shortages and overstocks. Simulate depreciation, log additions and disposals for review by auditors. 
    • Warehouse Management: Get real-time stock updates to see if items are below a certain level. Set alerts and notifications to inform the users if items are under certain thresholds. Leverage built-in reporting capabilities to make informed decisions 
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Product Ranking

#93

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#97

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User Sentiment Summary

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Great User Sentiment 283 reviews
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88%
of users recommend this product

Skyward ERP has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 88% when considering 283 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

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4.7 (9)
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4.4 (137)
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4.4 (137)

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Familiar Interface: Microsoft interface makes it easy to learn and use for users familiar with other Microsoft products.
Project-Centric Focus: Strong project accounting features cater to industries like construction and engineering.
Financial Management: Robust financial management tools provide accurate insights and control.
Customization Options: While not as extensive as some, it offers flexibility through configuration and add-ons.
Reliable Support: Microsoft and partner support options provide assistance and guidance.
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User-Friendly Interface: Users praise Skyward for its intuitive design and ease of navigation, making it simple to find the information they need without extensive training.
Streamlined Communication: Skyward facilitates seamless communication between teachers, administrators, and parents through features like messaging and notifications, keeping everyone informed and connected.
Comprehensive Reporting: The platform offers robust reporting capabilities, allowing administrators to generate detailed reports on student performance, attendance, and other key metrics, enabling data-driven decision-making.
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Limited Customization: May not be as customizable as some other ERP systems, especially for complex needs.
Potential Setup Complexity: Initial setup can be complex, requiring IT expertise or partner assistance.
Costly Add-ons: Additional features and modules can be expensive, increasing overall cost.
Reporting Enhancements Needed: While reporting capabilities exist, some users find them lacking in flexibility and customization.
Integration Challenges: Integrating with other systems can be complex, requiring additional tools or expertise.
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Clunky Interface: Users frequently express frustration with the user interface, finding it cumbersome and outdated compared to modern software.
Limited Customization: Adjusting the system to fit specific workflows or unique business needs can be challenging due to limited customization options.
Reporting Complexities: Generating reports and extracting meaningful data from the system is often perceived as a difficult and time-consuming process.
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User reviews for Microsoft Dynamics SL paint a mixed picture. While lauded for its user-friendly interface and familiar Microsoft look-and-feel, especially for existing Office users, its strengths seem geared towards specific needs. "It shines in project-based industries like construction," commented one reviewer, praising its robust project accounting features. However, some find its customization options limited compared to competitors like Acumatica or NetSuite, especially for complex businesses. "Setting it up initially can be a beast," another user shared, highlighting the potential complexity and need for expert assistance. Cost is another key factor in reviews. While praised for its reliable Microsoft support, users raise concerns about additional costs. "Add-ons can get pricey," a reviewer noted, comparing it to more cost-effective options like Dynamics 365 Business Central. Reporting capabilities also drew mixed reactions. Some appreciate the standard reports and Power BI integration, while others wish for more flexibility and customization. "I miss the advanced reporting features I had in [competitive product]," shared one user, emphasizing the importance of reporting for data-driven decisions. Overall, Microsoft Dynamics SL seems like a solid choice for project-centric businesses who value familiarity and appreciate its strengths in financial management and project accounting. However, limitations in customization, setup complexity, and potentially higher costs for add-ons and integrations should be carefully considered against its competitors, especially for businesses with complex needs or strong reporting requirements.

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Skyward ERP is a cloud-based ERP solution that has received positive reviews from users. They praise its user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to learn and use, even for employees who are not familiar with ERP software. Users also appreciate the wide range of functionality that Skyward ERP offers, which allows businesses to manage all of their core operations in one place. However, Skyward ERP is not without its drawbacks. Some users have reported that the software can be slow and buggy at times. Others have complained that the customer support is not as responsive as they would like. Despite these weaknesses, Skyward ERP is a solid ERP solution that is well-suited for small and medium-sized businesses. Its user-friendly interface and wide range of functionality make it a good choice for businesses that are looking for an ERP solution that is easy to use and can grow with their business.

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