In this blog post, we will be comparing and contrasting two of the top enterprise resource planning (ERP) software solutions: NetSuite and Sage x3. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the features, capabilities, and potential drawbacks of each platform, so that you can make an informed decision about which one is the best fit for your business. Whether you are a small startup looking to streamline your operations or a large corporation seeking to integrate all your systems and processes, we hope this comparison will be helpful in finding the right ERP solution for your needs.
When evaluating leading ERP vendors like Sage and Oracle there's a handful of potential ERP products one should consider.
Two of the most common ERP applications companies compare are recently acquired Intacct and Oracle's NetSuite, which you can read about here: NetSuite vs Intacct.
You could also compare NetSuite vs Sage Live (now known as Sage Business Cloud Financials), Sage 50, Sage 100, or Sage 300, however, this post will focus squarely on Sage x3 (recently rebranded as Enterprise Management) vs NetSuite.
Keep reading to learn more about how Sage x3 compares to the #1 cloud-based ERP, NetSuite.
Be sure to bookmark this page as a resource during your ERP evaluation and if you want to talk to a NetSuite expert, lets chat.
Table of Contents
Both Sage x3 and NetSuite offer cloud-based ERP software designed to help mid-market companies run their businesses better.
The key differences between NetSuite and Sage x3 center around deployment options, vertical capabilities and architecture.
Sage x3 has historically been seen as a strong contender for manufacturers, especially liquid manufacturers as it is able to serve the needs of international customers with multi-company and currency capabilities. Sage X3's biggest challenges however, stem from its legacy technology origins - this ends up pushing additional cost and complexity on to its customers. For instance:
NetSuite on the other hand offers a cloud-based business suite encompassing ERP, CRM and eCommerce and an underlying platform enabling ease of integration, customization and 3rd party (certified) add-ons. This combined with predictable upgrade schedules (twice a year) ensures customers are able to leverage all past investments in the future and remove the worry of having to replatform at a future date.
To identify whether Sage x3 (EM) or NetSuite is best for your business we've produced this a side-by-side comparison guide below:
Sage acquired Adonix X3 in 2003. Retooled for the cloud and rebranded under the EM name in 2017. Available as a subscription via Amazon Web Services (managed by Sage) or as a on-premise solution.
NetSuite ERP is a complete cloud ERP solution, which automates front and back-office processes like financial management, revenue management, fixed assets, order management, billing, and inventory management and more.
3 (cloud version)
20
~40 (cloud version)
~50,000
Perpetual or Subscription
NetSuite requires a year-long contract; renewed annually.
Additional fees apply for professional services such as implementation, integration, customizations, data migration and support.
Additional fees apply for professional services such as implementation, integration, customizations, data migration and support.
Annual recurring fees for the software subscription
Annual recurring fees for the software subscription.
Direct or through Partner
Direct or through Partner
Leader for Cloud Core Financial Management Suites for Midsize, Large and Global Enterprises - Download Report
24/7 toll-free worldwide phone support available
24/7 toll-free worldwide phone support available
Live and/or online training available by Sage training department and by partners.
Live and/or online training available by NetSuite training department and by partners.
Sage has extensive knowledge base available to all users as well as online user groups.
NetSuite has extensive knowledge base (SuiteAnswers) available to all users as well as online user group.
None exist at this time
Dozens of local user groups across the United States.
Sage x3, formerly known as Enterprise Management, may be a suitable ERP option for global liquids manufacturers who need various deployment options. However, growth for X3 has been slow, and it has not been identified as a leader or contender in the cloud-based ERP software market by analysts. Additionally, Sage has acquired multiple cloud and on-premises accounting and ERP solutions over the years, and it is uncertain which application will receive future attention and investment. One possibility is that the recent acquisition of Intacct may indicate where Sage's focus is shifting.
On the other hand, NetSuite has consistently been a leading player in the ERP market, with a high rate of client acquisition, positive analyst reviews, and a wide range of mature products. It is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive and complete cloud-based ERP offerings available.