In the competitive world of cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, two names stand out: SAP Business ByDesign and Oracle’s NetSuite. Both are trusted and highly rated ERP solutions for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), but how do you choose between them? 

The choice isn’t simple—both systems have their strengths—but when it comes to value, ByDesign vs NetSuite shows that SAP Business ByDesign emerges as the clear winner for businesses that want maximum ROI. Let’s break down why SAP Business ByDesign(SAP Business ByD) delivers more value compared to NetSuite, especially for growing companies looking for a scalable, cost-effective solution. 

Comparison Between SAP Business ByDesign Vs NetSuite

• Overall Project Costs 

One of the biggest factors to consider is cost. SAP Business ByDesign is a suite-in-a-box ERP system, meaning it includes all the essential tools right from the start, with no hidden fees. Everything your business needs to run its core processes—whether it’s finance, HR, or manufacturing—is part of the package. 

NetSuite, on the other hand, follows a modular licensing model, which means that several critical business functions are considered “advanced” and require additional purchases. This can quickly lead to unexpected costs, especially when it’s time to renew the contract. SAP Business ByDesign is designed to scale your business without surprise costs, making it a better choice for companies planning long-term growth. 

• Configuration and Deployment 

When it comes to implementation, SAP Business ByDesign shines with its built-in best practice configurations, allowing for fast and efficient deployment. SAP refers to this feature as a “hidden gem,” giving businesses a strong foundation for rapid go-live. It even includes a free “sandbox” environment, enabling businesses to test new updates and features before going live—a feature for which NetSuite charges extra. 

NetSuite, by comparison, is often slower and more complex to configure, especially if your business requires anything beyond the basic setup. These added complexities typically lead to increased consulting costs and longer project timelines. 

• Support Throughout the Sales and Deployment Cycles 

One of the key differentiators between SAP Business ByDesign and NetSuite is the level of involvement throughout the sales and deployment process. SAP has a robust network of consulting partners that work closely with you from the very beginning. This ensures you get the best solution tailored to your needs. NetSuite tends to rely more on direct sales, with less focus on the deployment support. 

Additionally, SAP Business ByDesign includes support as part of the subscription, including internal SAP support, so businesses don’t need to worry about paying extra for essential services. NetSuite adds fees for support, with charges varying depending on whether you choose email or phone support, and the company’s support hub is based offshore, which has proven to be a frustration for some customers. 

• Licensing and Contractual Nuances 

The licensing structure of SAP Business ByDesign is straightforward. You pay a flat subscription fee based on the number of users, with no surprises. Depending on your contract length, the cost can be broken into predictable monthly payments. 

NetSuite’s licensing is more complex, with the total cost dependent on product configuration, additional modules, and the number of users. Discounts are sometimes available at the start, but prices can increase significantly during renewal, making long-term planning more difficult. 

• Performance and Technology Capabilities 

Both SAP Business ByDesign and NetSuite are cloud-based solutions, but SAP Business ByDesign leads when it comes to real-time data updates, ensuring that your company always works with accurate, current information. This is especially important for decision-making and forecasting. 

NetSuite, while a strong solution, has limitations, particularly in its ability to analyze large data sets in real-time. It also charges fees for exporting data outside its environment, making it more restrictive for companies that need flexible access to their data. 

• Industry-Specific Features 

SAP Business ByDesign is designed to serve a wide range of industries, including professional services, wholesale distribution, and manufacturing. It comes preconfigured with industry best practices, allowing businesses to hit the ground running. This feature simplifies the implementation process and provides faster time-to-value, which is essential for businesses that want to see results quickly. 

NetSuite offers strong industry support as well, but its reliance on modular add-ons means businesses often have to pay more to get the same out-of-the-box functionality that SAP Business ByDesign offers as standard. 

SAP Business ByDesign vs NetSuite Differentiators 

Differentiator	SAP Business ByDesign	Oracle NetSuite
Built-in Best Practices	Pre-built processes adaptable to your needs	Requires customization and add-ons
Ease of Implementation	Faster rollouts with full localization	Complex setup, higher consulting costs
Suite in a Box	All tools included in the license	Modular, with additional purchases required
Seamless Two-Tier ERP	Deep integration with SAP Enterprise Products	Add-ons needed for extra functionality
Professional Services	Fully integrated from CRM to Financials	Limited out-of-the-box functionality
Broad and Deep Functionality	Strong in inventory and manufacturing	Relies on third-party modules
Scalability	Seamless expansion without version changes	Modular, more expensive to scale
Support	24/7 SAP internal support included	Support fees based on method
SAP Involvement	Strong customer commitment during sales	Focus on direct sales, limited involvement

Conclusion: Why SAP Business ByDesign is the Better Choice 

When you consider factors like total project costs, ease of deployment, support, and licensing structure, SAP Business ByDesign offers more value for growing mid-sized businesses. Its all-in-one solution, clear pricing, and robust support make it the ideal choice for companies that want a scalable ERP system without the complexity and hidden fees associated with NetSuite. 

Whether you’re looking for cost-effectiveness, faster deployment, or industry-specific features, SAP Business ByDesign provides the tools and flexibility to grow with your business.  

If you’re looking for a powerful ERP solution to support your company’s next phase of growth, SAP Business ByDesign is the clear winner. To explore this solution further, contact us here. 

 

FAQ’s 

1. What is the difference between SAP Business ByDesign and NetSuite?  

It is a suite-in-a-box ERP system with all essential tools included, while NetSuite follows a modular model, requiring additional purchases for advanced features. 

2. Which is easier to implement: SAP Business ByDesign or NetSuite?  

It offers faster implementation with built-in best practices and full localization. NetSuite’s setup is more complex and often requires additional consulting. 

3. Is SAP Business ByD suitable for growing businesses? 

Absolutely, SAP Business ByD is built to grow alongside your business, offering seamless scalability without the need for costly upgrades or new versions, unlike NetSuite, which may require additional purchases as your needs expand.

4. Does SAP Business ByD offer better support than NetSuite?  

It includes 24/7 internal support as part of its subscription, while NetSuite charges extra for support, with fees based on the method (email or phone).