F&SCM versus Business Central: the Differences between Microsoft’s Two ERPs
Posted on: March 28, 2024 | By: Page Wildridge | Microsoft Dynamics Business Central
Microsoft Dynamics has two robust ERP systems for businesses looking to empower their operations. These two systems are “Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain (F&SCM)” and “Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.” While both of these systems are great for improving your business and include much of the same functionality each comes with specific advantages that are important to understand before selecting an ERP. In this blog, we will compare the two systems to help you evaluate which is the best fit for your company.
Functionality Differences
Both ERPs have the same basic functionality- through both you can take sales orders, ship and receive products, report manufacturing production and manage finances. However, the two differ at a higher level. F&SCM comes equipped with deeper functionalities and native applications that are only available as third-party applications on Business Central. Good examples would be human resources and transportation management modules. However, it is important to stress that these functionalities are not required by all companies. So, while F&SCM has more capabilities you need to determine if your company has a need for this functionality.
Price and Cost- Licensing
The two ERPs have different licensing plans, making F&SCM more suitable for a larger company. F&SCM costs approximately 60-80% more than Business Central for full users. Additionally, F&SCM requires a minimum of 20 full users, while Business Central does not have any minimum. As larger companies require more intricacies in their licensing, F&SCM ends up being more expensive and complex to suit the needs of a larger business. A simpler and flatter licensing structure, such as the one offered by Business Central, may be the best fit for a small or mid-market company.
Price and Costs- Implementation
The implementation of F&SCM versus Business Central comes with two very different costs. In our experience at Logan Consulting, the cost to implement F&SCM will always be more expensive than Business Central. If your business requires the deep functionality of F&SCM, then that extra expense will be worth the money. However, if your business does not need these added benefits, it does not make sense to spend that extra money implementing F&SCM over Business Central.
Timeline
Business Central or F&SCM require different timelines for a proper implementation. A Business Central implementation takes approximately 3-6 months, while F&SCM can take closer to 8 months to a year. While adding Business Central to your business can be a reasonable and simpler timeline, F&SCM requires a higher level of care and planning for your business.
Next Steps
Logan Consulting is a proud Microsoft partner that specializes in the implementation of both F&SCM and Business Central. We feel that the two solutions are excellent ERPs for companies to utilize to improve their business. By implementing either ERP, we have helped companies see major business process improvements. At Logan Consulting, we are prepared to assist and support your company through the entire implementation of an ERP. However, we want to ensure that your business avoids wasting resources and, overall, finds the best suited solution for your needs. We provide the proper testing, time, and effort that it takes to get businesses set up with their proper ERP fit. Contact us today to speak to an expert at Logan Consulting about your next steps.