8 Best ERP NetSuite Alternatives & Competitors in Malaysia [2023]

Explore the best NetSuite alternatives in Malaysia to streamline your business operations and increase efficiency. From cloud-based software solutions to robust ERP systems, discover the top options to consider in 2023.

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1. Dynamics 365 Business Central

Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cloud-based business management solution offered by Microsoft. It is designed to help organizations streamline their operations by connecting various teams such as finance, sales, service, and operations within a single application. The solution is equipped with AI and machine learning capabilities to provide insights and facilitate quick decision-making.

It aims to increase productivity and improve overall business performance by providing AI-powered processes, automated workflows, and seamless integration with Microsoft 365 + Teams. Dynamics 365 Business Central enables organizations to continuously improve their processes and respond effectively to changes in the business environment.

Business Central Pros

• Native integrations with Microsoft 365 (Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams), Dynamics 365 Apps (Sales, Commerce), and Microsoft Power Platform (Power BI, Power Automate, Power Apps).
• A lot of third-party integrations via Power Platform that allow you to centralize your operations.
• Many additional addons in Microsoft Appsource that allows you to further customize your solutions.
• Affordable to small-medium size businesses in Malaysia.
• You can start only with 1 user and financial module and later add more as needed.
• Provides robust reporting with Power BI integration.
• User-friendly interface and easier to learn to use compared to similar alternatives.
• Flexible deployment with cloud, on-premises, and hybrid options.
• The best security in the world trusted by 95% of Fortune 500.
• Provides a mobile app for access on the go with the same interface.
• Provides robust financial management features perfect for small-medium size businesses and subsidiaries of large businesses.

Business Central Cons

• Less customizable compared to other similar alternatives.
• You need to implement Financial Module to use other modules.
• It is more complex as it is full fledge ERP system and not just accounting software.
• For smaller businesses (less than 50 employees) this solution can be expensive.

Pricing

Dynamics 365 Business Central offers three pricing plans:

• Essentials: $70 per user/month it gives access to standard modules across finance, sales, supply chain, inventory, and project management.
• Premium: $100 per user/month it gives access to all modules in essentials plus service and manufacturing modules.
• Team Members: From $8 per user/month is for users who “are not tied to a particular function” and who only need “basic functionality”, such as “read access, as well as some, write access for select light tasks”.

Dynamics 365 Business Central is considered one of the more affordable and robust NetSuite alternatives with plenty of features, great scalability, and a user-friendly interface.

Note that Microsoft Dynamics 365 pricing is displayed every month, but a minimum commitment of 12 months is required. This does not include additional costs for services such as implementation, customization, training, etc. provided by Microsoft partners.

Also, the prices are in USD for Malaysia and you will need to contact a Microsoft partner to get prices in MYR.

To get an accurate quote for Dynamics 365 pricing including required services to get you up and running, please contact us and we will explain the cost of Dynamics 365 and provide estimated pricing.

NetSuite vs Business Central

NetSuite and Dynamics 365 Business Central are excellent Cloud ERP systems used by companies worldwide including Malaysia and they provide a wide range of business management capabilities. However, when it comes to choosing which one is the best for you, there are key differences you should consider:

• Integration: Dynamics 365 Business Central integrates well with other Microsoft products such as Microsoft 365 and Teams and thanks to the Microsoft Power Platform it allows integration with more third-party apps.
• Standardization: Dynamics 365 Business Central offers a more intuitive and user-friendly interface, which can make it easier for users to follow standard processes, and also offers a range of pre-built templates and workflows to help organizations quickly implement best practices.
• Centralization: With better integration options, Dynamics 365 Business Central allows you to easily centralize your data across various systems without the need for change.
• User Experience: Dynamics 365 Business Central has a user-friendly interface that is designed to be easy to use, while NetSuite’s interface may be more complex and require more training for users.
• Features: NetSuite provides more robust financial, manufacturing, warehouse, and inventory management capabilities whereas Business Central offers advanced project management and resource planning capabilities.
• Industry Focus: NetSuite has a stronger focus on serving specific industries, such as retail and wholesale distribution, while Dynamics 365 Business Central is designed to be more broadly applicable.
• Customization: NetSuite provides a more extensive customization framework compared to Dynamics 365 Business Central, which may be a better option for organizations that need more specialized business processes.

2. SAP Business One

SAP Business One, a comprehensive business management software, is an ERP solution brought to you by the German giant SAP SE. Tailored to meet the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises, it offers automation of vital business functions such as financials, operations, and human resources.

This all-in-one solution is designed to make managing a small business a breeze, covering everything from accounting and financials to purchasing, inventory, sales, and customer relationship management to reporting and analytics. With functional modules for finance, customer relationship management, warehouse and production management, purchasing and procurement, and reporting and analytics, this software is the perfect choice for SMBs businesses looking to streamline their operations.

SAP Business One boasts scalability, customization options, and a user-friendly interface, making it an advanced NetSuite alternative solution for small and medium-sized businesses. For more information check out SAP Business One alternatives.

Business One Pros

• High level of customization to support even the most demanding business needs and special requirements.
• A large number of features to support various companies across a wide range of industries.
• Access to advanced features and capabilities used by large organizations giving you an edge over competitors.
• SAP Business One provides robust financial management features, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and cash management.
• The software offers comprehensive inventory management capabilities, including stock control, purchasing, and sales order management.
• The software can grow with a business, accommodating changes in business size and complexity.

Business One Cons

• Very expensive due to the complicated implementation processes.
• One implementation must have a minimum of 10 core modules with no option to remove them.
• Maintaining customization can become expensive.
• SAP Business One can integrate with third-party applications, but each integration can require a separate tool.

Pricing

The pricing of SAP Business One can vary depending on the type of license and the number of users.

According to third-party websites, for a perpetual license, which provides permanent ownership of the software, the cost is estimated to be around $3,213 per named user, with an annual maintenance fee. Alternatively, the subscription pricing for a professional license is $108 per user per month, without any additional yearly maintenance fees.

It’s important to note that SAP does not publicly disclose its pricing information on its website, so it’s recommended to reach out to SAP or a local partner for an accurate quote that meets your specific business needs and requirements.

However, SAP Business One is generally considered a more expensive NetSuite alternative.

NetSuite vs SAP Business One

The main differences between SAP Business One and NetSuite are SAP Business One provides more features and modules, with greater customization options and robust financial and inventory management features, but it’s overwhelming and hard to learn, one small mistake can take down the whole system, simple customization is not simply done and sometimes performance issues.

On the other side NetSuite is more intuitive and user-friendly, with a cleaner web-based interface, you can easily customize forms, a more affordable ERP solution, great CRM features, and better integration options, but the customization can be unintuitive.

Overall, SAP Business One is a great NetSuite alternative with more features and better customization options, but the price is also much higher due to that.

3. Infor

Infor ERP, a cloud-based software solution, offers businesses a platform for managing their vital processes and data with modules covering financial management, supply chain management, and operations management, among others. Designed to streamline and automate processes such as procurement, inventory management, and order fulfillment, this software aims to increase efficiency and overall performance.

Compared to NetSuite, another popular cloud-based ERP solution, Infor ERP is recognized for its scalability and customization options, making it a suitable choice for companies in need of a more tailored solution, especially large enterprises and multinational corporations that require a comprehensive solution to manage their operations worldwide.

Infor Pros

• Tailored to meet the needs of specific industries such as Manufacturing and Distribution, considering their specific processes.
• Highly customizable to meet your business needs.
• User-friendly configuration options with the ability to create custom modules and easy integration with external systems via pre-existing XML message generation.
• Improves supply chain management through increased visibility and informed decision-making.
• Accessible web view with intuitive design, allowing for easy data access and reporting for insights into the organization.

Infor Cons

• Limited suitability for industries outside of supported ones.
• Expensive and challenging modifications.
• Fewer integration options with third-party systems.
• May not be the best fit for small to medium-sized businesses due to limited scalability options.
• Lacks a dedicated mobile app for businesses that depend on mobile access to ERP systems.
• Complex and challenging to navigate, especially for those unfamiliar with ERP systems.

Pricing

Infor ERP does not publicly disclose its pricing information on its website, so it’s recommended to reach out to Infor or a local partner for an accurate quote that meets your specific business needs and requirements.

However, Infor ERP is considered a more expensive alternative to NetSuite with higher TCO (total cost of ownership).

NetSuite vs Infor ERP

Both of these ERP systems are used by organizations across the world including in Malaysia. However, there are key differences that help companies decide which of these ERPs is more suitable. Here are the key differences:

• Infor ERP applications are industry-specific providing better functionalities for manufacturing and distribution, but worse for other industries.
• Infor is considered easier to use and learn.
• NetSuite is more focused on SMBs and has a stronger emphasis on cloud computing, while Infor ERP is geared towards larger enterprises and offers a more comprehensive suite of enterprise software applications.
• NetSuite is a true cloud-based solution whereas Infor was rebuilt to support cloud infrastructure.
• NetSuite offers a single, integrated platform for all business operations, while Infor ERP is a collection of separate applications that can be integrated to work together.
• NetSuite provides better real-time data and analytics features.
• NetSuite usually has lower TCO compared to Infor.
• NetSuite provides better customer service and support for its customers.

Overall, Infor ERP is one of the very popular NetSuite Alternatives in Malaysia due to its specific industry ERP solutions, but it’s not for everyone.

4. Ecount

Ecount is a streamlined enterprise resource planning (ERP) software created to streamline business operations. It provides a suite of features and tools for financial management, accounting, sales, purchasing, inventory management, production, human resources, and payroll. Specifically geared towards smaller businesses, Ecount presents an economical, scalable, and easy-to-use solution to manage daily operations.

Ecount Pros

• Very affordable ERP system with great financial capabilities.
• Provide support and training for free for users.
• Provide free upgrades for new releases.
• Very easy and fast to implement.
• Very user-friendly with high user adoption.
• Well localized for Malaysian Businesses.

Ecount Cons

• Not as comprehensive.
• Suitable for smaller companies.
• Cannot scale and support growth for the long term.
• Fewer customization options.

Pricing

The pricing model for Ecount is based on a subscription fee that is charged either on a quarterly basis (RM 600 per quarter) or on an annual basis (RM 2,400 per year). The annual subscription fee can be paid in advance and is offered at a discounted rate of RM 2,200 per year.

The subscription fee covers all functions and unlimited user IDs, while 10 GW users are included in the subscription. The pricing information provided is SST (Sales and Services Tax) inclusive, meaning that the amount quoted includes any relevant taxes.

NetSuite vs Ecount

NetSuite and Ecount serve different target markets, making them ideal solutions for various types of companies. Ecount is not necessarily a direct alternative or competitor to NetSuite. The following are key differences between the two ERP systems:

• Target market: Ecount is focused on smaller businesses, providing a standard set of features at an affordable price, including production, financials, sales, purchasing, accounting, and payroll. NetSuite offers the same features, but with more capabilities and options, making it better suited for growing small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
• Cost: Ecount is very affordable, with implementation, training, and other services significantly reduced, making it an attractive option for smaller businesses in Malaysia. On the other hand, NetSuite is considered one of the most expensive ERPs for SMBs in Malaysia.
• Scalability: Ecount provides only standard features without any modern or advanced technologies, making it less scalable. In contrast, NetSuite provides a range of features suitable for growing businesses and advanced technologies provided by Oracle.
• Integration: NetSuite offers a higher level of integration between its functions, making it easier to manage all aspects of a business from a single platform. Ecount provides some integration with other systems, but to a lesser extent than NetSuite.
• Customization: NetSuite provides a greater range of customization options, making it easier for large enterprises to tailor the software to meet their specific needs. Ecount also offers customization options but to a lesser extent.
• User experience: NetSuite provides a modern and user-friendly interface, but due to its large number of features, the adoption rate is slower compared to Ecount.

In conclusion, both Ecount and NetSuite present valuable options for corporations, yet cater to dissimilar audiences and boast distinct strengths.

Ecount appeals to smaller corporations searching for a cost-effective ERP solution, while NetSuite is suited for expanding SMBs and substantial enterprises demanding a more comprehensive range of features and customization choices.

If you’re in the market for alternatives to NetSuite, Ecount is worth considering. Ultimately, the optimal solution for your company will hinge on your individual requirements, financial constraints, and sought-after functionality.

5. Pronto Xi

Pronto Xi ERP offers a seamless, cloud-based experience for businesses to streamline and unify various operations, such as finance, supply chain, and customer management. This software optimizes manual processes and eradicates data fragmentation, resulting in elevated efficiency, enhanced data precision, and improved visibility into business performance.

Pronto Xi is tailored towards industries such as wholesale distribution and manufacturing, Pronto ERP boasts a design that is both scalable and user-friendly, with the added bonus of being fully customizable to meet your unique needs.

Pronto Xi Pros

• Affordable solution for SMBs in Malaysia that want to level up their operations with modern ERP.
• Intuitive and modern design develop to speed up user adoption and provide the best user experience.
• Industry-specific ERP solutions that integrate with other modules for a scalable solution.
• Provides an advanced business intelligence platform to centralize all your data.
• Good integration capabilities to add third-party software.
• Provides great customization options.

Pronto Xi Cons

• Sometimes slow or glitchy.
• Some of their modules provide only basic features.
• Poor collaboration features.

Pricing

Pronto does not publicly disclose its pricing information on its website, so it’s recommended to reach out to Pronto or a local partner for an accurate quote that meets your specific business needs and requirements.

However, Pronto ERP is considered a cheaper alternative to NetSuite.

NetSuite vs Pronto ERP

NetSuite and Pronto both target similar audiences but have key differences that make customers decide which of these two ERP software solutions is the right for them.

• Features: NetSuite offers a wider range of features and functionalities compared to Pronto ERP, which focuses primarily on financial and supply chain management.
• Customizability: NetSuite provides more customization options for companies, while Pronto ERP has a more fixed structure.
• Integration: NetSuite has a more robust integration ecosystem, allowing for easy integration with other systems, while Pronto ERP may have more limited integration options.
• Cost: NetSuite is generally more expensive compared to Pronto ERP, but it provides more value in terms of functionality and scalability.
• Ease of use: Pronto has a more user-friendly interface, while NetSuite can have a steeper learning curve.
• Industry focus: NetSuite is designed for a wider range of industries, while Pronto ERP is targeted toward specific industries such as wholesale distribution and manufacturing.

Ultimately, both of these solutions cater to different needs, and Pronto ERP is an excellent alternative to NetSuite for businesses in Malaysia.

6. Sage 300

Sage 300 is a comprehensive ERP solution aimed at streamlining the operations of businesses and improving their efficiency and accuracy. It boasts a wide range of features, including accounting, financial management, supply chain management, project management, and more.

Available in various editions, it caters to businesses of different sizes and functionalities, with pricing options that suit their specific needs. Whether a business prefers cloud-based or on-premise deployment, Sage 300 provides a unified platform to manage all aspects of their operations, making it an ideal choice for companies looking to streamline their processes.

Sage 300 Pros

• Sage 300 is one of the easiest and most practical systems to use.
• It enables ease of customization, especially for users to change reports and fields.
• Its global presence makes it a great option for global companies that need standard features.
• It is a relatively affordable solution compared to others.
• It has many integration options across a wide range of software and services.
• It offers excellent and reliable support and resources, including a knowledgeable community of users and expert partners.

Sage 300 Cons

• Outdated interface makes feel that the system is old.
• Not the most advanced features.
• Mostly only on-premises solutions.
• Limited reporting features.
• No Business Intelligence tool.
• No automation options.

Pricing

Sage 300 is a comprehensive ERP system that offers businesses a range of features to manage their financials, operations, and supply chain.

Here’s a general overview of the different Sage 300 editions and their estimated pricing:

• Sage 300 ERP Standard – This edition is reportedly priced at $1,655 and provides a lifetime license per seat for on-premise deployment.
• Sage 300 ERP Advanced – This edition is reportedly priced at $1,665 and provides a lifetime license per seat for on-premise deployment.
• Sage 300 ERP Premium – This edition is reportedly priced at $1,665 and provides a lifetime license (unlimited seats) for on-premise deployment.

It’s also worth noting that Sage 300 is reportedly available as a cloud-based solution for $75 per month.

Please note that the following information has been gathered from various third-party websites and may not be up-to-date or confirmed by Sage. It’s always a good idea to check the official Sage 300 website or reach out to a representative for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.

NetSuite vs Sage 300

Bot NetSuite and Sage 300 are popular ERP applications used by Malaysian companies. They offer businesses a range of useful features, but they have distinct differences that set them apart.

Here’s a quick comparison of NetSuite and Sage 300:

• Deployment: NetSuite was built as a cloud ERP solution, whereas Sage 300 was built as an on-premises solution and later rebuilt to also have a cloud deployment option.
• Pricing: NetSuite is considered a more expensive ERP solution compared to Sage 300.
• Features: NetSuite offers a wide range of modules and features compared to Sage 300 with more robust financial and reporting capabilities.
• Customization: Both NetSuite and Sage 300 offer customization options, but NetSuite’s platform is generally considered to be more flexible and easier to customize.
• Scalability: NetSuite is considered more scalable due to having more features and better support for medium companies.

Overall, Sage 300 is a better NetSuite alternative for smaller companies with less specialized requirements and processes allowing them to implement modern ERP systems for an affordable price.

7. Epicor

Epicor is a cutting-edge solution for managing your business operations, both in the cloud and on-premise. With its comprehensive suite of tools, it streamlines financial, customer relationship, and supply chain processes, and offers robust solutions for accounting, procurement, inventory management, order management, and more.

Designed for mid-sized to large enterprises in industries such as manufacturing, distribution, and retail, Epicor ERP delivers exceptional customization options, enabling you to tailor the software to fit your unique needs. With real-time data visibility, mobile accessibility, and seamless integration with other business applications, Epicor ERP presents a highly efficient and effective solution for businesses seeking to optimize their operations.

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Epicor Pros

• Great general-purpose, scalable ERP solution with very high versatility.
• Highly customizable to fit your business needs.
• It allows you to integrate with many systems across industries.
• Excellent solution for SMEs that does good across many industries.
• Epicor is relatively quick to be implemented.
• Relatively small TCO.

Epicor Cons

• Won’t be able to manage a large number of sales transactions and data volume as another tier 1 ERP.
• Nothing exceptional, does everything okay, but you will not be “wowed”.
• Running on very outdated code.
• Only focuses on ERP for Manufacturing and ERP for Distribution in Malaysia.

Pricing

Epicor ERP does not publicly disclose its pricing information on its website, so it’s recommended to reach out to Epicor or a local partner for an accurate quote that meets your specific business needs and requirements.

However, Epicor ERP is considered a cheaper alternative to NetSuite.

NetSuite vs Epicor

NetSuite and Epicor are both cloud ERP solutions with a wide range of capabilities and features however, there are some key differences between these two solutions.

Here are some of the key differences between the two:

• Deployment: Both offer cloud solutions, but if you are looking for an on-premises solution, then Epicor is a better choice.
• Functions: Epicor has better and more supply chain management and manufacturing capabilities whereas NetSuite provides much better financial, CRM, and marketing automation capabilities.
• Industries: Epicor is better suited for manufacturing and distribution companies with their features, whereas NetSuite is better in general across other industries.
• Implementation: NetSuite is modular based, allowing companies to easily add new modules, whereas for Epicor if you expanding, you are looking at a new ERP implementation project.
• History: Epicor has been in the market for almost 50 years whereas NetSuite has been in the market for only about 20 years.

Overall Epicor is a better solution for manufacturing and distribution companies that are looking for advanced, feature-packed ERP for production management, inventory management, and warehouse and fulfillment.

8. Acumatica

Acumatica is a highly-regarded cloud-based ERP software that offers a complete suite of financial and business management tools for small and mid-sized businesses. With a range of modules including accounting, customer management, distribution, and project management, all easily accessible through a single platform, Acumatica is designed to help companies streamline their operations, make informed decisions, and improve efficiency.

However, it’s important to also consider other options such as NetSuite alternatives and Acumatica alternatives to ensure the best fit for your unique business needs.

Acumatica Pros

• Very affordable ERP system for companies in Malaysia.
• Very flexible deployment options giving customers complete control over how they want to deploy the system.
• Acumatica provides a unified interface across different devices.
• It’s easy to add additional functionality to easily scale.
• The pricing is based on how many transactions your company does in a day with unlimited users.

Acumatica Cons

• Relatively new ERP solution in market.
• Problematic integration between sales and manufacturing.
• Heavy reliance on third parties for add-ons.
• Difficulty estimating license costs

Pricing

Acumatica’s cost is based primarily on the number of applications you implement. All applications are integrated and can be added at any time. Only buy what you need, when you need it with unlimited users.

The pricing is based on the usage of the system such as transactional volume. This makes it more difficult to understand the pricing. Therefore, it’s recommended to connect with a local Acumatica partner to explain you the pricing based on your requirements.

NetSuite vs Acumatica

NetSuite and Acumatica are highly regarded Cloud ERP solutions in Malaysia. Recently, Acumatica experienced growth in customer acquisition in the Malaysian market. However, here are some of the key differences between these two:

• Pricing: Acumatica pricing is based on the usage of the system with unlimited users whereas NetSuite pricing is based per user.
• Features: NetSuite offers more features for its users making it a better choice for companies with more processes.
• User experience: NetSuite has a more complex user interface, while Acumatica prioritizes user experience and has a more intuitive and user-friendly interface.
• Target market: NetSuite is designed for companies of all sizes enabling them to scale up while Acumatica is developed mostly for small and medium-sized businesses.
• Customization: Acumatica has a more limited level of customization but is easier, while NetSuite allows for greater flexibility in customizing the software to meet specific business needs, but it’s much harder.
• Upgrades: NetSuite limits when users can choose to update their software. Acumatica provides users the option to upgrade at any time they choose.
• Deployment: NetSuite is a true cloud ERP solution, whereas Acumatica provides multi-deployment options.

Overall, Acumatica is a NetSuite alternative suited for smaller and less process-heavy companies that want advanced, modern ERP solutions, whereas NetSuite is more suited for medium and specialized companies that need a more custom and robust solution.

Summary of NetSuite Alternatives

NetSuite is a popular cloud management software, but it’s essential to consider other options to find the best fit for your business.

This article presents the top NetSuite alternatives in Malaysia in 2023, offering robust ERP and cloud-based software solutions for improved efficiency, cost savings, and business insights. Make an informed decision with the information provided in this article.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, SAP Business One, Epicor, Infor, and Pronto XI are some of the alternatives available in Malaysia.

These solutions can be localized to meet the needs of Malaysian businesses. It is essential for businesses to carefully evaluate and compare different options before making a final decision.

A thorough research and consultation with a qualified solution provider can be an excellent way to find the best fit for your business. Remember, investing in the right ERP system can drive business success and efficiency.

FAQs to NetSuite Alternatives

Get Free Dynamics 365 Business Central Demo in Malaysia

If you’re a business in Malaysia and looking for an ERP solution that can meet your specific needs and help drive your business forward, consider Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.

With its powerful functionalities such as financial management, supply chain management, and customer relationship management, as well as built-in intelligence and automation capabilities, Dynamics 365 Business Central can help streamline your operations and improve efficiency.

Contact us today to schedule a demo and learn more about how Dynamics 365 can benefit your business.

More Resources

• What is Dynamics 365?
• What is Business Central?