Business Central vs Odoo: Which Suits You Better? (2024)

Dynamics 365 Business Central vs Odoo is the hot comparison among users who want to implement one of these business solutions to avail automation and simplify existing operations. For a general overview, Business Central and Odoo are ERP (enterprise resource planning) solutions with some features of CRM (customer relationship management) as well. Specifically built for SMBs, they offer the most comprehensive features when compared to other similar solutions available in the market.

But here’s the question you’re probably searching for: “Which ERP software suits you better?” Before getting the right answer, let’s understand a bit about Odoo and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and process an Odoo vs Business Central comparison.

What is D365 Business Central?

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is an all-in-one solution to streamline the entire operation of a business. It is a modern ERP solution capable of connecting almost all departments of a business, including finance, sales, supply chain, inventory, and distribution. Built for SMBs, it is best for those companies that are just starting with a cloud-based ERP solution and require flexibility as well as power. Business Central can be implemented in any industry, irrespective of any unique business requirements. Also, it can be personalised to make it ideal for a business and help it sustain continuity while creating more opportunities for growth.

What is Odoo?

Odoo is an open-source ERP solution built for small and medium-sized enterprises. Here, open source lets you modify the codes of Odoo ERP to make it perfect as per your business needs, but you will need coding skills to customise it. The Odoo ERP offers various modules, including project management, warehouse management, manufacturing management, HR management, finance and accounting, and much more. The best part about Odoo ERP is its seamless support for third-party applications. In general, it is simple to integrate with over 14000 plugins or apps (available in the Odoo app store) to improve the performance of desired modules. 

Business Central vs Odoo – Most Promising Comparison

We can do the Odoo vs Business Central comparison, considering various parameters. This section contains a detailed comparison as well as a table for quick learning.

Deployment Type:

Business Central can be deployed on cloud servers using Microsoft Azure to offer data availability in real-time. Also, if you have data concerns, you can deploy Business Central using on-premises servers.

Odoo offers a web-based platform that can only be accessed via cloud-based deployment.

Capabilities:

Being a part of Microsoft Dynamics 365, Business Central offers powerful features to manage the entire business from a single dashboard, including warehouse management, supply chain management, finance management, seamless customisations, connectivity with native as well as third-party integrations, and more.

Odoo offers almost the same functions, but the capabilities it offers are less satisfactory when compared with D365 Business Central. Also, there are no native integrations available to enhance the level of efficiency and productivity.

User-Interface:

When it comes to a smooth user interface with ease of accessibility, no one can beat D365 Business Central. Users can easily understand the whole solution without any need for a Microsoft Certified Dynamics 365 implementation partner.

Odoo’s user interface is more complicated than BC’s. The functions and options are not properly placed, and to understand the usability, the user will need training from a partner.

Support:

Business Central is available worldwide due to its vast network of certified partners. In the UK only, Microsoft has 70+ certified partners, among which some are gold certified partners, like Dynamics Square. Whenever you encounter any issue with your current Microsoft ERP or CRM, you can contact any partner to get instant help.

There are only a few certified partners of Odoo available in the UK, which means you may have to face a lot of issues while availing of instant support to get your business back on track.

Customisation:

Business Central can be customised based on business requirements and modelled to enhance the overall performance of the business.

Odoo offers limited customisations using different integrations. Also, there is a need for a partner developer to even make a small change.

Auto Updates and Upgrade

To deal with modern business issues, Microsoft releases updates twice a year. The best part about Microsoft is that if you use a cloud-based platform, it will automatically make the changes (update or upgrade) for you.

When Odoo releases the updates, you will need your partner to make the changes, resulting in increased cost and complexity in the system.

Data Reporting

D365 Business Central offers seamless data reporting and sharing features. With the integration of Power BI, you can easily visualise the data to make better and more informed decisions.

Odoo offers a weaker data reporting function and lacks in-depth analysis of data. However, you can connect Power BI with Odoo using third-party connectors. But you will have to pay the price of the connector along with the monthly subscription to Power BI, which makes the overall connection a costly option. With Business Central, you have to pay only the Power BI pricing.

Ease of Use:

All the features and functions of Business Central are rightly placed so that a user can utilize the entire solution with ease.

With Odoo, users would need training to understand the functions and capabilities of this solution.

Business Central Vs Odoo Comparison Table

This table will give you a quick comparison of these amazing solutions. 

Business Central Vs Odoo, which suits you better?

If you’ve been following this blog since the beginning, you’re already aware of the key differences between these two applications. Now, you have to make a decision based on different factors, including ease of use, cost-effectiveness, scope of customisations, availability of integrations, uniqueness of the business, and your needs. The choice is yours.

Meanwhile, if you are a user of Microsoft products and want a similar solution that offers simple yet powerful ERP functionalities, Business Central is the answer. And if you are looking for a web-based solution with a costly after-sales and support system, you can go with Odoo. Now, it’s your turn.

However, if you are still stuck deciding which application suits you better, our team of expert consultants can help you understand your exact needs and show you the right path. Book a General Discussion Call – +44-207-193-2502 or mail us – info@dynamicssquare.co.uk .