Microsoft Dynamics 365 vs SAP Business ByDesign
Side-by-side comparison of Microsoft Dynamics 365 and SAP Business ByDesign — features, pricing, modules, and deployment options.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 vs SAP Business ByDesign at a Glance
| Criteria | Microsoft Dynamics 365 | SAP Business ByDesign |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Mid-to-large companies in the Microsoft ecosystem | Midsize companies or subsidiaries needing cloud-first SAP |
| Starting Price | $70/user/mo | $120/user/mo |
| Pricing Model | per-user | per-user |
| Deployment | cloud, hybrid | cloud |
| Company Size | 251-1000, 1001-5000, 5000+ | 51-250, 251-1000 |
| Implementation | 6–14 months | 4–8 months |
| Typical Cost | $150K–$1M+ | $100K–$400K |
Module Comparison
| Module | Microsoft Dynamics 365 | SAP Business ByDesign |
|---|---|---|
| Finance & Accounting | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| Manufacturing | ★★★ Strong | ★★ Moderate |
| Supply Chain | ★★★ Strong | ★★ Moderate |
| CRM | ★★★ Strong | ★★ Moderate |
| HR & Payroll | ★★★ Strong | ★★ Moderate |
| Project Management | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| Inventory Management | ★★★ Strong | ★★ Moderate |
| Procurement | ★★★ Strong | ★★ Moderate |
| Warehouse Management | ★★★ Strong | ★★ Moderate |
| Ecommerce | ★★ Moderate | ★ Basic |
| Business Intelligence | ★★★ Strong | ★★ Moderate |
| Quality Management | ★★ Moderate | ★ Basic |
| Field Service | ★★★ Strong | ★ Basic |
| Asset Management | ★★★ Strong | ★ Basic |
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
SAP Business ByDesign
Pros
- +True cloud — no infrastructure to manage
- +Strong project management and professional services features
- +Good fit for subsidiaries of SAP S/4HANA parents
- +Built-in multi-company and inter-company support
Cons
- -Limited customisation compared to on-premise SAP
- -Smaller partner ecosystem than Business One or S/4HANA
- -SAP has signalled end-of-life in favour of Cloud ERP
- -Not ideal for heavy discrete manufacturing
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 SAP Business ByDesign
- You need an ERP best suited for midsize companies or subsidiaries needing cloud-first sap
- Your company has 51-250 or 251-1000 employees
- You operate in Professional Services, Wholesale & Distribution
- You prefer cloud deployment
- Your budget aligns with $120/user/mo starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Dynamics 365 better than SAP Business ByDesign?
It depends on your business needs. Microsoft Dynamics 365 is best for mid-to-large companies in the microsoft ecosystem, while SAP Business ByDesign is best for midsize companies or subsidiaries needing cloud-first sap. Microsoft Dynamics 365 starts at $70/user/mo and SAP Business ByDesign starts at $120/user/mo.
How does Microsoft Dynamics 365 pricing compare to SAP Business ByDesign?
Microsoft Dynamics 365 uses a per-user pricing model starting at $70/user/mo, while SAP Business ByDesign uses a per-user model starting at $120/user/mo. Microsoft Dynamics 365 typical total cost is $150K–$1M+ vs $100K–$400K for SAP Business ByDesign.
Which is better for professional services: Microsoft Dynamics 365 or SAP Business ByDesign?
Both vendors serve professional services companies. Microsoft Dynamics 365 is typically chosen by 251-1000, 1001-5000, 5000+ employee organizations, while SAP Business ByDesign targets 51-250, 251-1000 employee companies. Consider your company size and specific module needs to decide.
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