5 Key Factors to Consider When Comparing Acumatica vs. NetSuite

A solid ERP can streamline your operations and boost productivity so profits explode. Just ensure the one you choose has more to offer than a low starting cost.


Finding the right enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for your business can feel like solving a giant, high-stakes puzzle. Before finding the perfect fit for your business, you have to sift through an overwhelming amount of software, making critical comparisons like Acumatica vs. NetSuite. And you can’t blow the company budget. 


It’s a process that can turn your hair gray. 


We know how frustrating it can feel to examine each ERP’s claims searching for the system that best serves your team. The experts at SuiteDynamics are happy to offer guidance that eases the process. 


Below, we’ve highlighted essential points in an Acumatica vs. NetSuite debate. We explain why NetSuite has the edge over its competition, even though Acumatica often has a lower initial cost. But don’t take our word for it. Schedule a free demo with our experts and experience NetSuite yourself.


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What Is NetSuite?


A NetSuite ERP is a true cloud-based software solution designed to help businesses of all sizes manage critical operational processes. Developed by NetSuite, a subsidiary of Oracle, NetSuite ERP offers a comprehensive suite of tools for various aspects of business operations. It’s a popular choice for organizations seeking an integrated system to handle multiple subsidiaries and international business. 


What Is Acumatica?


Acumatica is an ERP software solution with options for both on-premises and cloud deployments. The system helps businesses manage key operational processes and enhance overall business performance. Developed by Acumatica, it offers a range of tools and features that cater to diverse business needs. 


5 Key NetSuite Advantages


Acumatica vs. NetSuite is a hot debate for a reason. Both systems are robust ERPs that handle critical functions, from accounting to inventory and customer relationship management. Still, NetSuite has the edge in a few vital areas, so consider these points before you purchase. 


1.     International Capabilities


NetSuite’s international capability has become one of its most applauded features. Its OneWorld product supports 190 currencies and 27 languages and has been deployed in more than 217 countries and dependent territories. 


Additionally, the system offers multibook accounting, so users can comply with accounting regulations in the United States and in any other countries they operate. 


Acumatica’s international capabilities aren’t nearly as robust. Customers must perform currency revaluations manually, and they don’t have access to multi-book accounting. These inefficiencies make international business challenging.


2.     Deployment and Upgrades


It’s true that NetSuite ERPs are predominately cloud solutions, while Acumatica offers on-premises, cloud, and hybrid deployment options. However, NetSuite doesn’t necessarily lose this round in the Acumatica vs. NetSuite face-off. 


NetSuite built its ERP for the cloud, meaning designers crafted every piece for an online hosting environment. Consequently, its upgrades carry user customizations forward into the new versions.


These updates occur automatically twice per year for all users. NetSuite also dispenses resources, including webinars and test platforms, that educate customers on each feature release. During your free demo, SuiteDynamics experts can explain how to use these resources when preparing for upgrades.


On the other hand, most Acumatica customers can choose when they upgrade. While these users may have more freedom with update schedules, it comes at a cost. Customers might opt out of an upgrade because they worry about how it will affect customizations. As a result, those users can fall further and further behind the latest versions. 


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3.     General Ledger Architecture


When considering Acumatica vs. NetSuite, consider the flexibility you need from your general ledger. NetSuite features a unified chart of accounts and multi-entity capabilities that provide a company’s headquarters with a standardized general ledger. It also allows the creation of custom accounts and the ability to restrict posting to accounts based on subsidiary, department, class, and location.


Acumatica uses branch accounting, so all entities (including subsidiaries) must use the same chart of account format. This ERP also uses batch processing, which can bog down its system. NetSuite’s architecture, conversely, allows it to handle large amounts of transactions efficiently.


4.     Reporting


Many people consider reporting critical in the Acumatica vs. NetSuite debate. Both systems offer prebuilt reports, dashboards, analytics, and self-service reporting. 


However, variations in their system architectures produce vastly different reporting experiences. NetSuite updates its transactions in real-time by storing them in a single database. Therefore, you can access any information in NetSuite with a simple global search. During your free demo with SuiteDynamics, we can show you how easy it is to pull all the data you need into a single view.


Acumatica is a bit more complicated. It uses a subledger architecture that groups transactions by type, like accounts receivable and payable. Unfortunately, the system is designed to pull certain transaction types and leave others out, making reporting challenging. Accessing information in Acumatica takes several more steps than NetSuite, creating a clumsier process. 


5.     Pricing


Acumatica often gets a point for cost in the Acumatica vs. NetSuite comparison. Initially, the system carries a lower price tag than NetSuite. 


However, think carefully about total cost. NetSuite and Acumatica operate with vastly different pricing models. NetSuite charges customers per user, while Acumatica bases its fees on required computing resources. Therefore, Acumatica costs can increase with transaction volume.


Many growing companies prefer a per-user model because their transactions increase faster than their workforces. ERP pricing that increases with sales can make a company feel penalized for succeeding in the marketplace—and that defeats the software’s purpose. Your system should make you feel set up for success, not punished for it.



Acumatica vs. NetSuite: Who Wins?


Ultimately, you’ll choose the ERP that offers the right tools and features for your company. So, you decide who wins the Acumatica vs. NetSuite debate. 


We know selecting the perfect ERP is difficult and can fill your team with doubt and hesitation. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. 


Talk to the SuiteDynamics experts about your company’s needs and goals and how NetSuite can equip your business for success. We’ll give you a free system demo so you can experience its advanced features. 


 Schedule your demo today, and feel confident about your ERP choice.


Schedule a FREE Demo


Blow Away the Competition


Stop fighting a software system that's working against you. Instead, enjoy the benefits of an ERP that knits your operations together seamlessly and provides the data and analysis you need to trounce your competition. 


We know you can rise in your industry. 


Team up with SuiteDynamics to develop the ERP system your business needs. As NetSuite solution providers, we license, customize, and implement NetSuite ERP software for clients in any industry. 


And the partnership doesn't stop there. We can work with you long after go-live, maintaining the system, training staff, and adjusting the software to accommodate your expansion. Start by contacting us for your free NetSuite demo. 


Schedule a FREE Demo




We pull information from NetSuite material, SuiteDynamics experts, and other reliable sources to compose our blog posts and educational pieces. We ensure they are as accurate as possible at the time of writing. However, software evolves quickly, and although we work to maintain these posts, some details may fall out of date. Contact SuiteDynamics experts for the latest information on NetSuite ERP systems.




Part of this text was generated using GPT-3, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model. After generating the draft language, our team edited, revised, and fact-checked it to ensure readability and accuracy. SuiteDynamics is ultimately responsible for the content of this blog post.

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