When speaking with mid-market Deltek Vision prospects it’s not uncommon for them to be evaluating multiple ERP and project management solutions. Some of the solutions I run up against pretty frequently is Microsoft Dynamics SL and GP.
The Dynamics brand is a reputable one and it’s different flavors are geared towards different industries. Microsoft Dynamics SL (formerly Solomon) and GP (formerly Great Plains) are frequently marketed to professional services firms that are project or engagement-based. However as a project accounting solution, MS Dynamics comes with some serious limitations that shouldn’t be shrugged off during your evaluation.
Let’s take a look at some of the limitations of Dynamics compared to Deltek Vision:
| Deltek Vision |
MS Dynamics |
|
|---|---|---|
| Project-centric |
|
|
| Web-based solution with anytime, anywhere access |
|
|
| One end-to-end integrated solution |
|
|
| Project-based CRM |
|
Requires consulting |
| Project Planning & Resource Scheduling |
|
Requires consulting |
| Dedicated product development team |
|
|
| Award-winning direct customer support |
|
|
| Flexible reporting |
|
3rd party add-on |
| Detailed work breakdown structures to meet your project needs |
|
Separate product |
| Integrated resource management to maximize your profitability |
|
|
| Powerful project-focused analytics |
|
Separate product |
| One source for upgrades and maintenance |
|
|
Like most Microsoft Dynamics solutions SL and GP are products that demos really well. They’re seems easy to use, but often require significant customization and add-ons to make it suitable for your needs – all at a cost, of course. We’ve recently seen a trend among our competitors in the ERP reseller community where VARs are authorized to give away Microsoft Dynamics solutions at steep discounts (we’re talking 60-70% is some cases). However, they make up for this loss by charging exorbitant professional services fees that often 4-6x times industry rates. In short, the implementation, subsequent consulting, and training your employees is going to cost you big time.
Regardless of the size or complexity of your organization, you need a solution that is designed to manage the entire project and client lifecycle – a solution that is flexible enough to meet your needs without requiring extensive customizations, configurations and expensive consulting engagements. You also need a solution that can grow as your organization grows and meets your team where they are, no matter where their job responsibilities take them.
With a focus on project-based professional services firms, Deltek Vision gives you complete visibility, total control and enhanced flexibility in one integrated solution. Find out more about how Deltek Vision can help you better manage your business through the entire project and engagement lifecycle by downloading our free eBook, “Project-Based ERP for Dummies“.