Microsoft Dynamics 365 vs Workday
Side-by-side comparison of Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Workday — features, pricing, modules, and deployment options.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 vs Workday at a Glance
| Criteria | Microsoft Dynamics 365 | Workday |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Mid-to-large companies in the Microsoft ecosystem | People-centric organisations needing unified HR + finance |
| Starting Price | $70/user/mo | Custom quote |
| Pricing Model | per-user | custom |
| Deployment | cloud, hybrid | cloud |
| Company Size | 251-1000, 1001-5000, 5000+ | 1001-5000, 5000+ |
| Implementation | 6–14 months | 6–12 months |
| Typical Cost | $150K–$1M+ | $300K–$2M+ |
Module Comparison
| Module | Microsoft Dynamics 365 | Workday |
|---|---|---|
| Finance & Accounting | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| Manufacturing | ★★★ Strong | — N/A |
| Supply Chain | ★★★ Strong | ★ Basic |
| CRM | ★★★ Strong | — N/A |
| HR & Payroll | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| Project Management | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| Inventory Management | ★★★ Strong | ★ Basic |
| Procurement | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| Warehouse Management | ★★★ Strong | — N/A |
| Ecommerce | ★★ Moderate | — N/A |
| Business Intelligence | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| Quality Management | ★★ Moderate | — N/A |
| Field Service | ★★★ Strong | — N/A |
| 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
Workday
Pros
- +Best-in-class HCM — payroll, talent, workforce planning
- +Excellent financial planning and analytics (Adaptive Planning)
- +Unified data model — no separate data warehouses needed
- +Consumer-grade UX with strong mobile experience
Cons
- -No manufacturing, warehouse, CRM, or ecommerce
- -Not a full-suite ERP for product-based businesses
- -Very expensive for mid-market companies
- -Limited supply chain capabilities
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 Workday
- You need an ERP best suited for people-centric organisations needing unified hr + finance
- Your company has 1001-5000 or 5000+ employees
- You operate in Professional Services, Healthcare, Education
- You prefer cloud deployment
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Dynamics 365 better than Workday?
It depends on your business needs. Microsoft Dynamics 365 is best for mid-to-large companies in the microsoft ecosystem, while Workday is best for people-centric organisations needing unified hr + finance. Microsoft Dynamics 365 starts at $70/user/mo and Workday starts at custom pricing.
How does Microsoft Dynamics 365 pricing compare to Workday?
Microsoft Dynamics 365 uses a per-user pricing model starting at $70/user/mo, while Workday uses a custom model. Microsoft Dynamics 365 typical total cost is $150K–$1M+ vs $300K–$2M+ for Workday.
Which is better for professional services: Microsoft Dynamics 365 or Workday?
Both vendors serve professional services companies. Microsoft Dynamics 365 is typically chosen by 251-1000, 1001-5000, 5000+ employee organizations, while Workday targets 1001-5000, 5000+ employee companies. Consider your company size and specific module needs to decide.
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