- NetSuite ERP
Plenty of UK businesses have relied on Microsoft Dynamics NAV for years, and for a long stretch, it did exactly what was required. But as operational needs shift, many are now questioning whether it can keep pace.
Remote access, quicker reporting, stronger integrations and more reliable data have all highlighted the shortcomings of older on-premises systems, particularly where years of customisation have built up around them. Microsoft folded Dynamics NAV into Dynamics 365 Business Central back in 2018, and plenty of businesses are still running classic on-premises NAV today. Whichever version you’re using, the same question comes up: can it still give your business the flexibility it needs to keep growing?
Weighing up NetSuite ERP against NAV and Business Central is usually where that answer starts to emerge.
Why are businesses reviewing legacy ERP systems?
NAV has served UK businesses well, but the way those businesses operate has shifted considerably. Manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers now need quicker access to information, tighter integrations, and systems capable of managing more complex operations than they were originally designed for.
Many NAV setups have also accumulated extensions, third-party apps and standalone tools over time. Handy in the moment, but the combined effect is a system that’s harder to maintain and a tangled mix of applications to keep on top of.
Inventory is usually where this becomes obvious first. When stock data is spread across several systems, it becomes genuinely difficult to know what’s in stock, where it actually is, and what still needs ordering – which is a major reason so many businesses are now turning to modern cloud ERP as an alternative.
NetSuite vs NAV and Business Central for inventory
Inventory accuracy is the priority for growing manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers, and it’s one of the clearest points of difference between the two platforms.
NetSuite links inventory with finance, CRM, order processing and procurement within a single system, delivering real-time visibility across multiple sites and the broader supply chain. NAV and Business Central both offer inventory features as well, but older environments often depend on additional warehouse systems, spreadsheets or custom integrations to reach the same level of detail.
The real distinction usually comes down to how freely information flows. A modern system should give you a clear, up-to-date view of stock levels, movement, warehouse locations and demand – without having to chase that information across multiple places first.
Workflow, reporting and scalability
Beyond inventory, growing businesses need workflows and reporting that can scale alongside them. NetSuite pulls finance, operations and management into one platform, with automated workflows and dashboards that reduce manual effort and speed up access to information.
Financial reporting is where this really pays off – NetSuite allows you to view financial and operational data side by side, rather than reconciling separate systems. Business Central handles financial management competently, especially for businesses already invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem, but as a business takes on more users, locations or subsidiaries, the right platform should make that growth easier, not harder.
Reducing reliance on add-ons
NAV and Business Central have backed plenty of successful manufacturing operations over the years, but many setups have become complicated, built around numerous extensions and separate warehouse systems. NetSuite takes a more joined-up approach, with manufacturing and warehouse management built into the core platform, linking production, inventory and finance without needing to piece together as many disconnected tools.
For businesses looking into manufacturing ERP systems, that level of integration tends to simplify daily operations and provide a clearer picture of how resources are actually being used.
Total cost of ownership
It’s worth looking beyond the initial price tag to the full cost of ownership. Older on-premises systems come with ongoing costs for infrastructure, maintenance and specialist support, and the more customised they become, the more time and resource that upkeep demands.
Cloud ERP operates differently – lighter infrastructure demands, automatic updates, and greater flexibility as circumstances change. NetSuite in particular can ease the IT burden while streamlining workflows, freeing up finance and operations teams to focus on analysis rather than manual reporting.
The goal isn’t just to swap out what you already have – it’s to invest in a platform that supports where you are now while leaving room to grow into. Handled properly, migration doesn’t have to disrupt day-to-day operations either.
Planning your ERP migration with OSSM
Moving away from an established ERP system takes careful planning – understanding what’s working, what isn’t, and how to make the switch with as little disruption as possible.
Whether you’re still running classic NAV or have already moved to Business Central, our team at OSSM can review your current setup and map out a practical migration path. As a specialist NetSuite implementation partner, we help UK businesses find NetSuite solutions that fit how they actually operate. Take a look at our success stories, or get in touch to talk through your requirements.
About the Author
Rob Van Der Velden
Rob Van Der Velden is a Consultant at OSSM, specialising in NetSuite implementation project management. He oversees the entire process from pre-sales to training, with expertise in Manufacturing, Project Management, Service Management, CRM, and Distribution & Warehouse Management. Rob excels in workshops, process definition, data migration, customisation, and change management, providing strategic guidance to optimise business processes.
