netsuite-erp-vs-quickbooks-desktop-enterprise

Quickbooks Desktop Enterprise and NetSuite both provide a mix of accounting and resource planning capabilities. However, each product specializes in a distinct area. QuickBooks’s core function is an accounting product that offers additional ERP capabilities like inventory management, cost management, and some industry-specific capabilities. In contrast, NetSuite’s core identity is as an ERP product with a strong platform for accounting as well.

These specializations make each product ideal for unique company segments. QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise is better suited for smaller companies that have a greater need for accounting and payroll capabilities, with some lighter inventory management or other Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) requirements. On the other hand, NetSuite serves as the go-to product for midsize businesses and small enterprises that want to centralize their accounting functions within their core ERP platform. 

Features

Both QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise and NetSuite have strengths that speak to their target clients’ needs. These strengths further differentiate the two products. 

NetSuite excels as a centralized ERP platform for SMBs who need to over-index on their resource planning capabilities. In particular, it gives midsize businesses order processing, inventory management, and other ERP functions that would otherwise be inaccessible to smaller organizations. It also has excellent customizable reporting capabilities that can be tailored to each organization’s needs. 

QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise stands out for its core accounting and payroll capabilities. These features are very user friendly and accessible, lowering the management burden on smaller or less-specialized teams. Its payroll function in particular is beneficial for businesses that are labor-intensive, such as construction or manufacturing. The reporting on the platform is very easy to manage and customize as needed.  

Limitations 

Each product’s specialization also trades off with limitations in other areas. 

NetSuite has been criticized for a more costly pricing structure for small businesses. It also requires more customization, which is a higher burden on less specialized teams. The payroll module is also not a native capability, but is instead outsourced to a Ceridian engine. The 3rd-party integration can add inefficiencies to payroll management. 

In contrast, QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise has fewer features to serve ERP needs than some other products. Specifically, users have criticized the inventory management for not being as robust as they need. Some industry-specific features, such as job costing in construction, have also been glitchy or inconsistent for some users. 

Pricing

QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise has 3 packages, each of which are sold either as a local license or through a cloud-based subscription. The Silver plan, at $1091.70/yr for local or $134/month for the hosted version, offers the core software, customer support, online backup storage, automatic upgrades, and reporting. The Platinum package, at $1746/yr for the local version or $189.80/month for the hosted version, adds on Inventory management, pricing, and bundled payroll. The Diamond package, at $3442.88/yr for the local version and $311.91/month for the hosted version, adds timesheets and a CRM connector. 

NetSuite is priced by quote from the vendor.