12 alternatives to NetSuite for smoother, more flexible business management
NetSuite has long been the cloud ERP of choice for structuring operations, finance, human resources and inventory in growing businesses. But let's be frank: what's right for a multinational doesn't always make sense for a company in the throes of structuring or looking for flexibility.
Between high costs, a rigid interface, and sometimes cumbersome implementations, more and more IS managers, finance directors and entrepreneurs are asking themselves: is there an ERP solution better suited to their organisation, their tools, their way of working?
💡 The answer is yes. And good news: we've compared 12 alternatives to NetSuite for you that tick the essential boxes: seamless integration, global support, HCM and finance functionality, native cloud, and above all a modern user experience.
What is NetSuite?
NetSuite, owned by Oracle since 2016, is an all-in-one cloud ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) that centralises a company's vital functions: accounting, financial management, CRM, HR, supply chain, e-commerce, and more.
🎯 It is aimed primarily at mid-sized companies and global organisations that need a single platform to manage their business on an international scale.
Designed for native cloud deployment, NetSuite is attractive for its functional scope and its ability to grow with the business. It includes modules for financial management, payroll, talent management, purchasing and performance monitoring. It's a robust solution, designed for organisations looking for :
- centralised governance
- international compliance
- and a 360° view of their operations.
But while NetSuite is powerful, it is sometimes perceived as complex to implement, inflexible and costly in terms of support and customisation. This opens the door to lighter, more specialised alternatives... or simply alternatives that are better suited to the new needs of businesses.
NetSuite
Why consider an alternative to NetSuite?
Adopting NetSuite means taking a gamble on the centralisation and power of cloud ERP. But it's not the right choice for all businesses, particularly those looking for greater flexibility, better value for money or a smoother user experience. Here are the main reasons why more and more organisations are looking for alternatives to NetSuite.
High cost and uncertain ROI
NetSuite has an opaque pricing structure, with a high licence fee, significant implementation costs and support that is sometimes billed as an option. For some companies, the returnon investment doesn't justify the initial commitment, especially when there are more accessible, modular and transparent cloud ERP solutions available.
Implementation complexity
Deploying NetSuite can take several months, mobilise considerable internal resources and require the support of external consultants. This process can become an obstacle for companies looking for rapid implementation, an intuitive tool or lightweight integration with their existing ecosystem (CRM, payroll, HCM, etc.).
Outdated interface and poor ergonomics
While NetSuite is comprehensive, its user interface lacks a modern feel. This can slow down adoption by operational teams, particularly in HR, finance and sales functions. A number of competitors are now banking on a rethought user experience that is more intuitive, responsive and focused on individual performance.
Lack of business specialisation
NetSuite covers a very broad spectrum, but does not always excel in specific needs (industry, services, SaaS, retail, etc.). Some alternatives offer a more vertical approach, with functionalities tailored to each sector, whether in talent management, finance or operations monitoring.
Limited flexibility for growing businesses
Start-ups undergoing hypergrowth or SMEs undergoing transformation may come up against the rigidity of NetSuite. Its architecture imposes standard processes, sometimes ill-suited to more agile models. Solutions such as Odoo, Acumatica or Zoho offer greater freedom to build a bespoke ERP, without compromising compliance or scalability.
Comparative table of the 12 best alternatives to NetSuite
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| NetSuite |  Acumatica Cloud ERP |  Epicor ERP |  FreshBooks |  Infor M3 |  Microsoft Dynamics 365 |  Odoo |  SAP Business One |  Workday |  Zoho One |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For companies with 51 to 5000 employees | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For companies with more than 1 employees | For companies with more than 1 employees | For all companies | For companies with more than 1 employees | For all companies |
| See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software |
| Learn more about NetSuite | Learn more about Acumatica Cloud ERP | Learn more about Epicor ERP | Learn more about FreshBooks | Learn more about Infor M3 | Learn more about Microsoft Dynamics 365 | Learn more about Odoo | Learn more about SAP Business One | Learn more about Workday | Learn more about Zoho One |
Our top 12 alternatives to NetSuite
Acumatica
Acumatica is a modern, flexible and open cloud ERP designed for growing SMEs and SMBs. Its strengths: a fully modular platform, a modern interface, and a licensing model based on usage rather than the number of users.
It's a credible alternative to NetSuite for companies that want to retain control over their ERP without the constraints of a closed system. Whether for financial management, manufacturing, distribution or services, Acumatica adapts to the business, without sacrificing performance or user experience.
⚒️ Here is an overview of the key functionalities that Acumatica makes available to businesses:
- accounting and finance: multi-entity, multi-currency, consolidated reporting ;
- Distribution and stock: warehouse management, orders, purchasing, invoicing;
- production and planning: scheduling, MRP, workshop monitoring, etc;
- project management: costs, invoicing, profitability, time spent;
- low-code interface: customisable workflows, open APIs ;
- dynamic dashboards: KPIs, real-time analytics, predictive analysis;
- 100% cloud deployment: secure, scalable, mobile-friendly SaaS.
Acumatica Cloud ERP
Certinia
Certinia, formerly FinancialForce, is a cloud ERP specialising in services companies, built natively on the Salesforce platform. It combines financial management, project management, service automation and performance management in a unified environment.
The platform is aimed at organisations that charge on a subscription, fixed-price or project basis, and are looking for a solution integrated with Salesforce to align sales, finance and operations. Certinia is particularly well suited to service-oriented businesses, especially in the technology, consulting and digital sectors.
⚒️ Certinia's key functionalities for effective finance and operations management include
- cloud accounting: general ledger, reconciliations, multi-currency, multi-entity ;
- Intelligent billing: subscriptions, contracts, revenue recognition;
- project and resource management: planning, allocation, profitability ;
- financial performance monitoring: real-time reporting, margin analysis, etc;
- native Salesforce integration: synchronised data between CRM and ERP;
- staff management: skills allocation, time spent, performance ;
- international compliance and scalability: global support, automated local rules.
Epicor
Epicor ERP is a robust ERP solution designed for manufacturing, distribution and mixed (manufacturing & services ) companies. It is targeted at growing organisations that want a platform capable of covering finance, operations, supply chain, human resources and after-sales service.
Epicor stands out for its ability to manage complex models (make-to-order, engineer-to-order, distribution), to offer cloud or hybrid deployments, and to provide highly specialised operations modules.
⚒️ Epicor's key functionalities include
- complete financial management: general ledger, accounts receivable/payable, cash flow ;
- supply chain and inventory management: multi-depot management, supply control, logistics optimisation, etc;
- planning and production: MRP, scheduling, manufacturing ;
- product management and life cycle (PDM/PLM): nomenclature, engineering, documentation ;
- human resources, payroll and personnel management: employee tracking, time, skills ;
- sales, service and CRM: quotations, orders, showroom, after-sales service;
- flexible integration and deployment: cloud or on-premise, tailored to business needs.
Epicor ERP
FreshBooks
FreshBooks is a cloud-native accounting solution designed primarily for small and medium-sized businesses, freelancers and organisations that want simplified management of their finances, invoices, expenses and time.
Although it is not a full ERP like previous solutions, FreshBooks represents a relevant alternative to consider for businesses whose main need is focused on finance, invoicing and simplified management, without the complexity of a large ERP.
⚒️ Here are the key features of FreshBooks:
- simplified invoicing: creation of quotes, conversion to invoices, recurring invoices ;
- tracking expenses and receipts: mobile capture, automatic category, traceability ;
- time and project tracking: time spent per customer/project, billing by the hour;
- bank & accounting reconciliation: synchronisation, automated reconciliations;
- financial reporting and dashboards: P&L, cash flow, simple analyses;
- online payments: credit cards, integrations, automated reminders;
- mobile and cloud interface: access from browser or mobile application, multi-currency/language options.
FreshBooks
Infor M3
Infor M3 is a cloud-native ERP designed for multinational, multi-site and multi-company organisations, particularly in the manufacturing, distribution, equipment, retail and agri-food sectors. It is aimed at companies that need a tool capable of managing complex processes, global supply chains and distributed operations.
This solution stands out for its implementation accelerators, its highly vertical business functionalities (chemical, fashion, food & beverage industries, etc.), and its multi-tenant cloud infrastructure, offering flexibility for international companies.
⚒️ Here is an overview of Infor M3's key functionalities:
- multi-company, multi-country, multi-site management for international organisations;
- pre-configured sector-specific functionalities: distribution, equipment, fashion, agri-food, etc;
- international finance and accounting: multi-currency, compliance, consolidation ;
- supply chain and advanced logistics: warehouse management, traceability, mobility, automation;
- production and manufacturing (for certain sectors): scheduling, assembly, maintenance, etc;
- integrated analysis, BI and AI: dashboards, predictive analysis, large-scale adjustment ;
- extensibility and integration: APIs, low-code tools for adapting ERP to the business.
Infor M3
Microsoft Dynamics 365
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a modular platform combining ERP, CRM and business applications, designed for medium-sized to large companies. It is distinguished by its native integration with the entire Microsoft ecosystem (Office, Teams, Power BI), making it a natural choice for organisations already working in this environment.
Dynamics 365 can be used to manage finance, supply chain, talent management and customer relations. It's a cloud-first solution that offers a good balance between functional richness, user experience and large-scale integration capability.
⚒️ Here is an overview of the main functionalities offered by Dynamics 365:
- advanced financial management: automated closing, compliance, cost accounting ;
- operations and supply chain management: planning, production, maintenance, logistics; and
- HCM and people management: workforce tracking, performance, integration with Microsoft Viva ;
- full CRM: lead management, sales, marketing automation, customer support ;
- Microsoft 365 connectivity: direct compatibility with Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc;
- integrated intelligence: AI, automation, predictive via Power Platform;
- modular deployment: only those modules that are relevant to the organisation are activated.
Microsoft Dynamics 365
Odoo
Odoo is a suite of modular open source applications that covers virtually all a company's needs: ERP, CRM, invoicing, HR, accounting, e-commerce and supply chain: ERP, CRM, invoicing, HR, accounting, e-commerce, supply chain... Highly appreciated by growing SMEs and companies looking for flexibility, Odoo stands out for its modular philosophy: you activate only the applications you need, without functional overload or superfluous costs.
Odoo also appeals for its modern interface, intuitive logic and rapid learning curve. Its rich ecosystem, comprising a marketplace, certified integrators and an active community, allows for extensive customisation, while retaining a centralised logic.
⚒️ In terms of functionality, Odoo offers a solid, scalable foundation that can be adapted to multi-site, multi-currency or multi-process businesses:
- full accounting: multi-currency management, bank reconciliations, fixed assets, tax returns, etc;
- sales management and CRM: visual pipeline, quotes, orders, electronic signature ;
- HR module: holidays, payslips, time tracking, talent management ;
- procurement and stock: multi-warehouse management, barcodes, traceability, etc;
- marketing tools: email marketing, automation, multi-channel campaigns;
- integrated e-commerce: website, online shop, order and stock management;
- marketplace of third-party modules to enhance capabilities as required.
Odoo
Priority Software
Priority Software is a cloud-native ERP designed for SMEs and large businesses looking to manage their finance, operations, logistics, human resources and sales via an integrated platform. With a modular base, it enables you to activate only the modules you need, while maintaining a proven architecture.
The solution is particularly suited to multi-sector businesses (manufacturing, distribution, retail, services) that need a global tool, a centralised interface and functionalities covering the supply chain, stock, CRM, finance and resource tracking.
⚒️ Priority Software's key features include
- finance/accounting module: general ledger, multi-currency, bank reconciliation, cash flow control, etc;
- sales and CRM: quotations, orders, customer management, sales pipeline tracking; and
- procurement and logistics: supplier orders, stock management, multi-depot traceability;
- production and manufacturing (for manufacturing sectors): scheduling, operations monitoring, etc;
- human resources and payroll: employee management, time and leave, integration with operations;
- integrated reporting and dashboards: real-time visibility of operations, finance and support;
- customisation and integration: API, sector modules, ability to adapt the solution to specific business needs.
Sage Intacct
Sage Intacct is a cloud-based financial management and ERP solution designed primarily for finance and control functions, but also extendable to operations, multi-entity consolidation and global integration.
Suitable for growing businesses looking for a robust financial solution, Sage Intacct meets compliance, multi-entity and multi-currency requirements, and offers a native cloud architecture that frees them from infrastructure constraints.
⚒️ Here are the main features offered by Sage Intacct:
- advanced accounting and finance: intelligent general ledger, multi-entity, automated closing.
- purchase/sales management: purchase/sales flows, invoicing, orders, integration with CRM;
- multi-entity and global consolidation: management of groups of companies, consolidated reports;
- integrated analysis and BI: real-time dashboards, scalability, AI to detect anomalies;
- asset, project and inventory management: fixed asset tracking, project cost management, stock management for certain sectors;
- integration and extension: connectors (e.g. CRM, payroll), application marketplace, etc. ;
- native cloud and global access: secure web access, automatic updates, global service.
SAP Business One
SAP Business One is an ERP designed for SMEs and subsidiaries of international groups that want to professionalise their management while retaining an affordable solution. Designed to meet the needs of growing businesses, it brings together finance, sales, purchasing, inventory and CRM in a unified interface.
Deployable in cloud or on-premises mode, SAP Business One offers a degree of implementationflexibility and enables global management of operations. It is a credible alternative to NetSuite for organisations looking for a solid, proven and well-structured tool , while remaining within a lighter SAP ecosystem than SuccessFactors or S/4HANA.
⚒️ Here's what SAP Business One has to offer in terms of key functionalities:
- accounting and finance: budget management, reconciliations, cash flow control ;
- Integrated CRM: quotations, orders, customer tracking, integration with sales;
- Purchasing and procurement: supplier management, purchase orders, approval workflow;
- stock and logistics: traceability, multi-warehouse, stock level management, etc;
- reporting and analysis: dashboards, customisable indicators, embedded Business Intelligence;
- sector-specific customisation via add-ons, APIs or SAP-certified integrators;
- hybrid deployment: can be hosted on your own servers or in the SAP cloud.
SAP Business One
Workday
Workday is a unified cloud platform that combines human resources management (HCM), finance, planning and talent management in a single system. It is aimed at large, often global, organisations aiming to align their operations, finance, human resources and strategy.
Workday's advantage lies in its ability to provide a unified view of employees, costs, funding and performance on a with a strong focus on user experience, integration, mobility and advanced analytics.
⚒️ Here's what Workday has to offer:
- cloud financial management and accounting: closings, reporting, expenses, consolidation ;
- HCM and talent management: recruitment, staff monitoring, performance, talent management; and
- planning and analysis: budgeting, forecasting, financial scenarios, etc;
- workforce optimisation: workforce monitoring, mobility, skills;
- unified interface and global integration: a single system for finance, HR and operations;
- global cloud service and compliance: suitable for large organisations operating in multiple countries;
- digital experience and embedded AI: analytics, automation, insights for business managers.
Workday
Zoho
Zoho is not a single ERP, but a constellation of cloud applications covering business management: finance, sales, HR, operations, customer support and marketing. It's a particularly attractive alternative for agile businesses that want to build their own ecosystem without being locked into a monolithic platform.
With its Zoho One suite, the publisher offers a complete solution that is affordable, highly integrated and customisable. Each application is easy to learn and use, but the whole package can compete with much more expensive ERPs... provided that the integration of the modules is well orchestrated.
⚒️ The key modules available in the Zoho ecosystem include :
- Zoho Books: accounting, invoicing, payments, cash management;
- Zoho Inventory: stock management, orders, delivery tracking;
- Zoho CRM: sales cycle, customer relations, sales automation;
- Zoho People: employee tracking, payroll, holidays, performance appraisal;
- Zoho Creator: business customisation via a low-code platform;
- Zoho Analytics: dashboards, reporting, data visualisation;
- Zoho Projects, Desk and Campaigns: business modules for project management, customer support and marketing.
Zoho One
How do you choose the NetSuite alternative that's right for you?
Summary table of the best alternatives to NetSuite
| Software | Who's it for? | Key features | Entry price |
| Acumatica | SME/Technology, projects or production | Full ERP, finance, distribution, manufacturing, CRM, reporting | On quotation |
| Certinia | ESN, SaaS, consulting firms | Finance, subscriptions, PSA, project management, natively integrated with Salesforce | By quotation |
| Epicor | Manufacturing or mixed SMEs | Production, inventory, finance, projects, HR, CRM | By quotation |
| FreshBooks | Freelancers, VSEs, self-employed | Invoicing, simplified accounting, time tracking, payments | From €9.02/month |
| Infor M3 | Industrial SMEs, retail, food processing | Supply chain, production, finance, multi-entities | On quotation |
| Microsoft Dynamics 365 | SMIs, large enterprises, Microsoft customers | Finance, supply chain, HR (HCM), CRM, analytics, Office integration | Free offer |
| Odoo | SMEs and SMBs looking for flexibility | Accounting, CRM, HR, inventory, e-commerce, project management | Free offer |
| Priority Software | Multi-sector SME | Accounting, production, supply chain, CRM, payroll | On quotation |
| SAP Business One | Industrial SMEs / group subsidiaries | Finance, inventory, purchasing, CRM, light production | On request |
| Sage Intacct | CFOs, scale-ups, multi-entity companies | Finance, consolidation, reporting, purchasing/sales, analytics | On request |
| Workday | Large, global companies, complex HR | HCM, payroll, finance, talent management, workforce planning | On quotation |
| Zoho (continued) | Startups, agile SMEs | CRM, billing, HR, project management, finance, marketing | From €37/user/month |
Criteria for selecting an alternative to NetSuite
Choosing the right ERP is much more than simply comparing features. You need to align the software with your business needs, your organisation and your implementation capabilities.
📌 Here are the essential criteria for identifying the best alternative to NetSuite for your business:
- your size and level of organisational complexity: opt for an ERP capable of managing multiple entities, multiple currencies or multiple sites if necessary ;
- your functional priorities (finance, HR, production, projects, etc.): some ERPs are finance-first (like Sage Intacct), while others focus on HCM (Workday), production (Epicor, Infor M3) or services (Certinia). Your choice should reflect what really drives value in your organisation;
- the degree of customisation and flexibility you want: if you need an ERP that adapts to your business processes, go for modular (Odoo, Acumatica) or low-code platforms; on the other hand, "turnkey" ERPs are quicker to deploy, but more rigid ;
- your existing technological ecosystem;
- your budget (not just the cost of the licence): a low-cost solution can be expensive if it requires a lot of customisation;
- the level of support and service expected : assess the level of service offered by the publisher and its ability to support you over the long term;
- The scalability and durability of the solution : make sure that the solution you choose can support your growth without becoming a brake on innovation or agility.
What if NetSuite was no longer the only credible option?
For a long time, NetSuite was the standard for growing businesses. But the market has evolved. Today, there are serious, innovative alternatives that are often better adapted to the realities on the ground: more agile, more modular, more transparent ERPs.
Whether you're a CIO looking for flexibility, a CFO looking for financial visibility or an entrepreneur wanting to structure your business without being restricted, the choice is yours. The right ERP is not necessarily the best known... it's the one that aligns with your business, your organisation, your priorities.
Our advice? List your real needs, your constraints, your ambitions. Then test it. Demo, sandbox, publisher call, feedback...
Article translated from French