Sage X3 vs Microsoft Dynamics SL

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Our analysts compared Sage X3 vs Microsoft Dynamics SL based on data from our 400+ point analysis of ERP Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Sage X3 Software Tool
Microsoft Dynamics SL Software Tool

Product Basics

Sage X3 is a comprehensive enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution designed to deliver industry-specific solutions for food and beverage, discrete and process manufacturing, distribution, chemicals, and services. Core features include integrated finance, production and supply chain management, as well as real-time demand forecasting and inventory monitoring. It also offers complete traceability and quality control.

Primarily geared towards businesses with complex needs and international operations, Sage X3 boasts robust multi-currency, multi-language, and multi-company capabilities. It also helps ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Its extensive customization, coupled with cloud and on-premise deployment options, allows businesses to tailor the software and environment to their specific requirements.

Some of the key benefits users highlight include improved financial control, optimized inventory management, enhanced project visibility, and streamlined collaboration. Additionally, the solution's intuitive interface and user-friendly features are frequently commended, making it easier for employees to adopt and utilize. While user experiences vary, overall sentiment leans positively towards Sage X3. Users appreciate its comprehensive functionality, scalability, and flexibility. However, some note the initial setup and configuration can be complex, requiring professional assistance.

Pricing for Sage X3 is based on factors like the number of users, modules selected, and implementation services required. It typically falls within the mid-range of ERP solutions, with costs varying depending on individual configurations.

Pros
  • Rich features and functionality
  • Flexible and customizable
  • Improved financial control
  • Streamlined operations
  • Enhanced business visibility
Cons
  • Complex initial setup
  • May require professional assistance
  • Mid-range pricing
  • Limited reporting capabilities (out-of-the-box)
  • Steeper learning curve
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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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$24,000 Annually
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$1,800/User, Annually
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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

  • Efficient Operations: Sage Business Cloud X3 gives users control over various phases of their business such as lead acquisitions, customer shipments and notifications. These processes automate workflows so users don't have to manually input data. For example, when a transaction is completed, Sage X3 crafts an invoice in accordance with that data and transmits it to patrons. 
  • Visualize Data: Create dashboards based on trigger events with this appliance. There are more than 400 standardized reports to choose from and even allows the filtering of predetermined information, permitting users to envision operations and swiftly obtain significant data. 
  • Maintain Compliance:  Remain compliant with various security standards such as LDAP, OAuth2 and SAML2. 
  • Mobile-Friendly: This program is available on Android and iOS devices and contains an HTML5 interface that allows users to modify it for their organization's needs. 
  • Streamlined Operations: Simplify your business with Sage X3's single database integrating all your information and processes.
  • Powerful Workflow: Achieve greater efficiency with automated tasks, optimized processes, and real-time information.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Foster seamless communication and teamwork with real-time data access and collaborative tools.
  • Improved Adaptability: Stay agile and responsive to change with Sage X3's scalable and flexible architecture.
  • Reduced Costs: Eliminate waste and inefficiencies, optimize resources, and improve profitability with Sage X3.
  • Deeper Insights: Make informed decisions with rich data analytics and comprehensive reporting.
  • Increased Customer Satisfaction: Enhance responsiveness, improve service, and boost customer loyalty.
  • Competitive Advantage: Gain an edge with streamlined processes, real-time insights, and improved decision-making.
  • Future-proofed Growth: Scale confidently with Sage X3's robust platform and expand your business without limitations.
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  • 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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  • Budgeting and Accounting: Sage X3 contains essential accounting functions such as accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, budgeting and fixed asset management. The system allows for an unlimited number of currencies to be used and contains exchange rates to help global companies centralize their finances. Tax management is also included in this tool. 
  • Purchasing: The purchasing tool includes supplier and product management features, purchase requests and supplier invoices among many other components. The tool allows users to monitor the quality of suppliers, manage product serial numbers, take requests for quotation into account and calculate reorder suggestions. 
  • Inventory Management: The inventory management tool has multi-warehouse, multi-company and multi-site support, meaning users may track and manage inventory across various geographic locations. The program also includes quality control features and can assist in the tracking and preparation of stock movements. 
  • Sales Management: Sage X3’s sales management tool enables transactions conducted across different sites to be done automatically. It allows for different prices and discounts to be applied along with also controlling sales quotes and shipment preparation. It assists in the creation of invoices and is compliant with the EU Exchange of goods declaration. 
  • BOM Planning: BOM management is a component of the production management tool that allows users to conduct changes for a product and BOM. With this system, users may control the use of a product in different flows, such as sales, manufacturing, subcontracting and stock issues. Mass maintenance and a view of current bills of material are also provided. 
  • Shop Floor Control: Sage X3’s shop floor control component accounts for direct and indirect labor. Users can also track actual and elapsed time spent working on various tasks. Important labor factors such as break time entry and attendance are included to help ensure that time is being used efficiently and appropriately. 
  • Quality Control: This system supports the management of expiration dates, quality control record creation and serial number management. Stock can also be marked as either accepted, rejected or inspected so items that don’t meet standards won’t get sent to customers. Re-inspection and sampling management are also included in Sage X3. 
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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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Product Ranking

#7

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#93

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ERP Software

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User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 71 reviews
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80%
of users recommend this product

Sage X3 has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 80% when considering 71 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

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4.0 (11)
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4.0 (18)
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4.3 (29)
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4.4 (5)
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2.6 (8)
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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Seamless Interface: Of the users who discussed the user interface, 45% said it was easy to use.
Vast Amount of Features: This software is equipped with an abundant amount of features including a dashboard, reporting, inventory management, accounting, and fixed assets, according to 76% of users.
Scalability: Sage X3 can grow with your business, accommodating increasing data volumes and user needs. This is crucial for businesses that anticipate significant growth in the future.
Flexibility: Sage X3 offers extensive customization options to adapt to your unique business processes and workflows. This allows you to tailor the software to your specific needs and avoid being forced to adapt your processes to the software.
Integration: Sage X3 seamlessly integrates with other business applications, streamlining data flow and eliminating silos. This improves efficiency and productivity by giving you a unified view of your business data.
Security: Sage X3 employs robust security measures to protect your sensitive data. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your information is safe.
Support: Sage provides comprehensive training and support resources to help you get the most out of your investment. This ensures that you have the resources you need to be successful with Sage X3.
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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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Old-Fashioned Design: Roughly 54% of users stated Sage Business Cloud X3 has a clunky implementation process and an old-fashioned design.
Unexpected Error Messages: According to 76% of users, vague and unexpected error messages appear far too often.
Complexity: Sage X3 can be complex and challenging to learn and use, especially for businesses with limited IT resources. This can lead to user frustration and errors.
Cost: Sage X3 can be expensive to implement and maintain, especially for small businesses. The initial licensing fees, ongoing subscription costs, and potential customization expenses can be significant.
Reporting: While Sage X3 provides basic reporting capabilities, some users find it to be insufficient for their needs. Advanced reporting often requires the use of additional third-party tools or customization.
Customization: While the extensive customization options can be a benefit, they can also make it more difficult to upgrade and maintain the software. This can lead to increased costs and system downtime.
Support: Some users have reported that Sage's customer support can be slow and unresponsive. This can be frustrating when you need help troubleshooting issues or resolving problems.
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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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User reviews of Sage X3 reveal a powerful ERP solution with a strong emphasis on scalability and flexibility. Users praise its ability to adapt to specific business needs and grow alongside a company's expansion. One user highlights this strength, stating, "Sage X3 offers extensive customization options to adapt to your unique business processes and workflows. This allowed us to tailor the software to our specific needs and avoid being forced to adapt our processes to the software." This flexibility is crucial for businesses operating in dynamic environments. However, some users find the initial setup and learning curve of Sage X3 to be complex and challenging. One reviewer notes, "While the extensive customization options can be a benefit, they can also make it more difficult to upgrade and maintain the software. This can lead to increased costs and system downtime." These concerns are particularly relevant for smaller businesses with limited IT resources. Despite the complexities, many users appreciate Sage X3's superior reporting capabilities compared to competitors like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. One user points out, "While Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central provides basic reporting capabilities, some users find it to be insufficient for their needs. Sage X3, on the other hand, offers deeper insights and flexible reporting options." This advantage enables businesses to make data-driven decisions with greater confidence. Overall, Sage X3 earns positive user reviews for its robust features, adaptability, and strong reporting capabilities. However, its complexity and potential cost considerations require careful evaluation before implementation. Choosing the right ERP solution depends on a company's specific needs, resources, and long-term growth plans.

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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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