Microsoft Dynamics 365 vs QAD Adaptive ERP
Side-by-side comparison of Microsoft Dynamics 365 and QAD Adaptive ERP — features, pricing, modules, and deployment options.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 vs QAD Adaptive ERP at a Glance
| Criteria | Microsoft Dynamics 365 | QAD Adaptive ERP |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Mid-to-large companies in the Microsoft ecosystem | Automotive, life sciences, and CPG manufacturers |
| Starting Price | $70/user/mo | $90/user/mo |
| Pricing Model | per-user | per-user |
| Deployment | cloud, hybrid | cloud |
| Company Size | 251-1000, 1001-5000, 5000+ | 251-1000, 1001-5000, 5000+ |
| Implementation | 6–14 months | 5–10 months |
| Typical Cost | $150K–$1M+ | $150K–$600K |
Module Comparison
| Module | Microsoft Dynamics 365 | QAD Adaptive ERP |
|---|---|---|
| Finance & Accounting | ★★★ Strong | ★★ Moderate |
| Manufacturing | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| Supply Chain | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| CRM | ★★★ Strong | ★ Basic |
| HR & Payroll | ★★★ Strong | ★ Basic |
| Project Management | ★★★ Strong | ★ Basic |
| Inventory Management | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| Procurement | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| Warehouse Management | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| Ecommerce | ★★ Moderate | — N/A |
| Business Intelligence | ★★★ Strong | ★★ Moderate |
| Quality Management | ★★ Moderate | ★★★ Strong |
| Field Service | ★★★ Strong | — N/A |
| Asset Management | ★★★ Strong | ★★ Moderate |
Pros & Cons
Microsoft Dynamics 365
Pros
- +Seamless integration with Microsoft 365, Teams, and Power BI
- +Modular — buy only the apps you need (Finance, SCM, Sales, etc.)
- +Strong field service and project operations modules
- +Copilot AI features across all modules
Cons
- -Per-app licensing can get expensive when stacking modules
- -Implementation complexity varies widely by partner
- -Customisation via extensions can become hard to maintain
- -Some modules (Commerce) still maturing
QAD Adaptive ERP
Pros
- +Deep automotive and life sciences industry templates
- +Built-in EDI and supply chain collaboration tools
- +Strong quality management with compliance traceability
- +Cloud-native on AWS with rapid provisioning
Cons
- -CRM and HR are basic — third-party needed
- -No ecommerce or field service modules
- -Smaller partner ecosystem than Tier 1 vendors
- -Less flexibility for non-manufacturing use cases
When to Choose Microsoft Dynamics 365
- You need an ERP best suited for mid-to-large companies in the microsoft ecosystem
- Your company has 251-1000 or 1001-5000 or 5000+ employees
- You operate in Manufacturing, Retail, Professional Services
- You prefer cloud / hybrid deployment
- Your budget aligns with $70/user/mo starting price
When to Choose QAD Adaptive ERP
- You need an ERP best suited for automotive, life sciences, and cpg manufacturers
- Your company has 251-1000 or 1001-5000 or 5000+ employees
- You operate in Automotive, Pharmaceuticals, Food & Beverage
- You prefer cloud deployment
- Your budget aligns with $90/user/mo starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Dynamics 365 better than QAD Adaptive ERP?
It depends on your business needs. Microsoft Dynamics 365 is best for mid-to-large companies in the microsoft ecosystem, while QAD Adaptive ERP is best for automotive, life sciences, and cpg manufacturers. Microsoft Dynamics 365 starts at $70/user/mo and QAD Adaptive ERP starts at $90/user/mo.
How does Microsoft Dynamics 365 pricing compare to QAD Adaptive ERP?
Microsoft Dynamics 365 uses a per-user pricing model starting at $70/user/mo, while QAD Adaptive ERP uses a per-user model starting at $90/user/mo. Microsoft Dynamics 365 typical total cost is $150K–$1M+ vs $150K–$600K for QAD Adaptive ERP.
Which is better for manufacturing: Microsoft Dynamics 365 or QAD Adaptive ERP?
Both vendors serve manufacturing companies. Microsoft Dynamics 365 is typically chosen by 251-1000, 1001-5000, 5000+ employee organizations, while QAD Adaptive ERP targets 251-1000, 1001-5000, 5000+ employee companies. Consider your company size and specific module needs to decide.
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