Sage 50 and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central are both popular accounting software platforms. We’ve put together a comparison of them both, so that you can decide which is the better fit for you and your business.
Which to Choose >
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Accounting software allows for simple, fast data entry and retrieval, fewer human errors and the automation of many business processes. Most businesses have online accounting systems, with many opting for cloud hosting now given its easy access and added security. But now, businesses are wanting more from their accounting software and choosing the right one for your business should be a carefully thought out decision.
Here’s our verdict of when to choose Sage 50 versus Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, alongside a comparison of the different features, useability, reporting, integration capabilities and costs.
Depending on what your business needs from your accounting software, the key features you require will vary depending on those needs. Here are some of the key features for both Sage 50 and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Sage 50 combines the convenience of the cloud with the power of desktop accounting software, giving you a complete view of all your business finances in one place.
A single, comprehensive solution that drives predictive insights, consistent reporting and allows you to make smarter decisions faster. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central provides powerful accounting and supply chain management functionality to small and medium-sized businesses.
Sage 50 combines the convenience of the cloud with the power of desktop accounting software, giving you a complete view of all your business finances in one place.
Available add-ons – Modular accounting software with a modifiable dashboard for access to business information.
Reporting – over 100 reports and financial statements which can be easily modified to produce business information.
Available on-the-go – mobile app allowing visibility anytime so you can monitor performance wherever you are.
Allows for basic functions – including invoicing, cash flow management and VAT submissions.
A single, comprehensive solution that drives predictive insights, consistent reporting and allows you to make smarter decisions faster. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central provides powerful accounting and supply chain management functionality to small and medium-sized businesses.
A complete ERP solution without different sections or modules – manage financials, sales, service, and operations in one place.
In the cloud – you can securely access any of your data in real-time through any device with internet; mobile, tablet and desktop.
Powerful reporting – easy reporting on essential business operations, such as trends, profits and sales with graphs and reports.
Full integration capabilities – create quotes, process orders and submit invoices without leaving Outlook, or access live data from Excel.
| Feature | Sage 50 | Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
| Cloud option |  |
|
| Accessible from any device |  |
|
| Automatic system updates | Only partially | |
| Inbuilt access for third-party accountants | Only as a Partner | |
| Sage 50 |
|
Cloud option
|
|
Accessible from any device
|
| Automatic system updates Only partially |
| Inbuilt access for third-party accountants Only as a Partner |
| Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
|
Cloud option
|
|
Accessible from any device
|
|
Automatic system updates
|
|
Inbuilt access for third-party accountants
|
| Feature | Sage 50 | Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
| Recurring invoicing | |
|
| Transaction approval workflows | |
|
| Sage 50 |
|
Recurring invoicing
|
|
Transaction approval workflows
|
| Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
|
Recurring invoicing
|
|
Transaction approval workflows
|
| Feature | Sage 50 | Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
| Integrated payroll | Separate product | |
| Expense management | |
|
| Direct debit collections | |
|
| Bank statement import | |
|
| Sage 50 |
| Integrated payroll Separate product |
|
Expense management
|
|
Direct debit collections
|
|
Bank statement import
|
| Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
|
Integrated payroll
|
|
Expense management
|
|
Direct debit collections
|
|
Bank statement import
|
| Feature | Sage 50 | Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
| Financial budgets | |
|
| Inbuilt cashflow reporting | |
|
| Group accounts consolidation | |
|
| Live cost of sales posting | |
|
| Inventory forecasting | |
|
| Power BI integration | |
|
| Sage 50 |
|
Financial budgets
|
|
Inbuilt cashflow reporting
|
|
Group accounts consolidation
|
|
Live cost of sales posting
|
|
Inventory forecasting
|
|
Power BI integration
|
| Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
|
Financial budgets
|
|
Inbuilt cashflow reporting
|
|
Group accounts consolidation
|
|
Live cost of sales posting
|
|
Inventory forecasting
|
|
Power BI integration
|
| Feature | Sage 50 | Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
| Microsoft Office 365 integration | |
|
| Access business data in Outlook | |
|
| Action quotes and invoices in Outlook | |
|
| Excel integration | |
|
| Sage 50 |
|
Microsoft Office 365 integration
|
|
Access business data in Outlook
|
|
Action quotes and invoices in Outlook
|
|
Excel integration
|
| Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
|
Microsoft Office 365 integration
|
|
Access business data in Outlook
|
|
Action quotes and invoices in Outlook
|
|
Excel integration
|
| Feature | Sage 50 | Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
| Subscription model available | |
|
| User/transaction limit | 20 users | 100+ Users |
| Year 1 software/subscription cost (5 Users) | £1,674.00 | £3,312.00 |
| Sage 50 |
|
Subscription model available
|
| User/transaction limit 20 users |
| Year 1 software/subscription cost (5 Users) £1,674.00 |
| Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
|
Subscription model available
|
| User/transaction limit 100+ Users |
| Year 1 software/subscription cost (5 Users) £3,312.00 |
Both Sage 50 and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central are excellent accounting systems when it comes to easily managing bills, invoicing, on-the-go management and dashboard modification. But, which one to choose comes down to whether you are looking for some basic accounting functions or whether you are seeking a more robust ERP that can drive sales and growth with powerful reporting and a multitude of functions.
Here’s a quick summary of when to choose Sage 50 versus Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central:
Understanding your current processes is a vital step before implementing new software. Our review will help identify which accounting software is better suited to help improve your processes, connect your data and grow with your business.
What happens next? Once you’ve made your enquiry, an expert consultant will give you a call to discuss your initial requirements. Following this, we’ll help you to determine which accounts software will work for your business and the best way to get you started.
