Oracle NetSuite vs Workday
Side-by-side comparison of Oracle NetSuite and Workday — features, pricing, modules, and deployment options.
Oracle NetSuite vs Workday at a Glance
| Criteria | Oracle NetSuite | Workday |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Fast-growing mid-market companies wanting unified cloud ERP | People-centric organisations needing unified HR + finance |
| Starting Price | $99/user/mo | Custom quote |
| Pricing Model | per-user | custom |
| Deployment | cloud | cloud |
| Company Size | 51-250, 251-1000, 1001-5000 | 1001-5000, 5000+ |
| Implementation | 4–9 months | 6–12 months |
| Typical Cost | $100K–$500K | $300K–$2M+ |
Module Comparison
| Module | Oracle NetSuite | Workday |
|---|---|---|
| Finance & Accounting | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| Manufacturing | ★★ Moderate | — N/A |
| Supply Chain | ★★★ Strong | ★ Basic |
| CRM | ★★★ Strong | — N/A |
| HR & Payroll | ★★ Moderate | ★★★ Strong |
| Project Management | ★★ Moderate | ★★★ Strong |
| Inventory Management | ★★★ Strong | ★ Basic |
| Procurement | ★★ Moderate | ★★★ Strong |
| Warehouse Management | ★★★ Strong | — N/A |
| Ecommerce | ★★★ Strong | — N/A |
| Business Intelligence | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| Quality Management | ★ Basic | — N/A |
| Field Service | ★ Basic | — N/A |
| Asset Management | ★★ Moderate | ★ Basic |
Pros & Cons
Oracle NetSuite
Pros
- +True multi-tenant cloud — automatic updates, no upgrades
- +Excellent for multi-subsidiary and global operations
- +Strong ecommerce (SuiteCommerce) and CRM integration
- +Highly customisable via SuiteScript and SuiteFlow
Cons
- -Pricing can escalate quickly with add-on modules
- -Reporting has a learning curve (saved searches)
- -Manufacturing module is lighter than dedicated MRP
- -Long-term contracts with limited flexibility
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 Oracle NetSuite
- You need an ERP best suited for fast-growing mid-market companies wanting unified cloud erp
- Your company has 51-250 or 251-1000 or 1001-5000 employees
- You operate in Software / SaaS, Wholesale & Distribution, Ecommerce
- You prefer cloud deployment
- Your budget aligns with $99/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 Oracle NetSuite better than Workday?
It depends on your business needs. Oracle NetSuite is best for fast-growing mid-market companies wanting unified cloud erp, while Workday is best for people-centric organisations needing unified hr + finance. Oracle NetSuite starts at $99/user/mo and Workday starts at custom pricing.
How does Oracle NetSuite pricing compare to Workday?
Oracle NetSuite uses a per-user pricing model starting at $99/user/mo, while Workday uses a custom model. Oracle NetSuite typical total cost is $100K–$500K vs $300K–$2M+ for Workday.
Which is better for professional services: Oracle NetSuite or Workday?
Both vendors serve professional services companies. Oracle NetSuite is typically chosen by 51-250, 251-1000, 1001-5000 employee organizations, while Workday targets 1001-5000, 5000+ employee companies. Consider your company size and specific module needs to decide.
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