Best ERP for Distribution Companies: Business Central vs Acumatica

About Author

Mason Whitaker

Microsoft Dynamics 365 | Simplify your IT footprint and make decisions faster.

June 22, 2025

Introduction – Why ERP Choice Matters for Distribution

Choosing the best ERP for distribution companies is no longer just a matter of operational preference, it’s a strategic decision that directly affects scalability, customer satisfaction, and bottom-line performance. For distributors navigating complex inventory networks, rising customer expectations, and increasing competition, the right ERP system ensures visibility, accuracy, and agility.

Two major contenders in the ERP space are Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Acumatica. Both platforms offer powerful tools tailored for distributors—but they differ significantly in terms of licensing models, integration ecosystems, and customization capabilities.

At Volt Technologies, we specialize in helping small and mid-sized businesses implement and optimize Business Central for distribution, supply chain, and warehouse management. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the Business Central vs Acumatica debate, comparing key features, distribution strengths, and which ERP delivers the best value for growing companies.

Overview of the Two Platforms

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Dynamics 365 Business Central is Microsoft’s flagship ERP platform for small and mid-sized businesses. Tailored for industries like distribution, manufacturing, and retail, Business Central provides a robust, scalable solution with seamless integration into the Microsoft ecosystem, including Power BI, Outlook, Excel, Teams, and the Power Platform.

Key strengths for distributors:

Warehouse and inventory management across multiple locations
Sales, purchasing, and logistics modules in one unified system
ERP integration with Power BI and Outlook for enhanced workflows
Customization through Microsoft’s AL language and extensions
Access to the Microsoft AppSource ecosystem for third-party add-ons

Internal link suggestion: Learn more about Volt’s Business Central services for distributors

Acumatica ERP

Acumatica is a cloud-native ERP solution designed for mid-market companies, especially those in distribution, construction, and services. Known for its flexible pricing model and open architecture, Acumatica appeals to companies with strong internal IT teams and a preference for C#-based customization.

Key strengths:

Unlimited users on a resource-based licensing model
Solid distribution modules with warehouse management, sales order processing, and inventory control
Platform flexibility through the xRP framework and open APIs
Cloud-first design, mobile access, and strong partner community

Acumatica’s modern UI and RESTful architecture make it a solid option for companies wanting maximum customization with developer control, but it lacks native integration with Microsoft tools out of the box.

Side-by-Side Feature Comparison

Key Distribution Capabilities

When it comes to choosing the best ERP for distribution companies, it’s essential to evaluate how each system supports inventory control, fulfillment speed, team collaboration, and long-term scalability. Here’s how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Acumatica compare across critical distribution-focused features:

Table: Business Central vs Acumatica for Distributors

Feature	Business Central	Acumatica
Inventory & Warehouse Mgmt	Multi-location support, advanced WMS, barcode scanning, lot tracking	Native WMS, batch/serial tracking, mobile inventory features
Order Fulfillment	Integrated with purchasing, sales, logistics & accounting	Rules-based automation, sales & purchase order workflows
ERP Integration with Outlook & BI	Deep integration with Outlook, Power BI, Teams	Requires API setup or third-party connectors
Customization Tools	Extensions model using AL language	Uses C#, xRP platform for developer-driven customizations
Licensing Model	Per-user pricing, predictable and scalable	Unlimited users, resource-based billing
Cloud & On-Prem Options	Flexible deployment (Cloud, On-Prem, Hybrid)	Primarily Cloud-based with SaaS architecture
Microsoft Ecosystem	Native integration with 365, Power Platform, Azure, Copilot	Not natively connected to Microsoft stack

Strengths of Business Central for Distributors

Built for the Microsoft Ecosystem

One of the most powerful advantages of Dynamics 365 Business Central is its native integration with the full Microsoft 365 suite. This means distributors can streamline communication, automate reporting, and make faster decisions without switching between systems.

Power BI Dashboards: Create real-time visualizations for inventory levels, fulfillment KPIs, and sales trends, all embedded directly within Business Central.
Outlook Integration: Manage purchase orders, approve quotes, and view customer data straight from your inbox.
Teams & SharePoint: Collaborate across teams on fulfillment updates, order changes, or supplier issues with embedded ERP data.

With Volt Technologies, we help distribution companies configure these integrations for real-time collaboration and smarter workflows.

Internal link: Explore Volt’s Microsoft Business Central services

Scalable, Customizable, and SMB-Friendly

Business Central is purpose-built for small and mid-sized businesses, offering enterprise-grade ERP features without overwhelming complexity.

Custom Extensions with AL: Unlike Acumatica’s heavy developer reliance on C#, Business Central supports easier, modular AL-based customizations tailored to your processes.
Built-in Warehouse Management: Includes location tracking, zone/bin management, picking strategies, lot/serial control, and more, no need for standalone WMS software.
Predictable Licensing: Per-user pricing model makes scaling simpler and budget-friendly for growing teams.

Example: A mid-sized distributor in North Carolina reduced order processing time by 35% by integrating Business Central with Outlook and Power BI dashboards.

Where Acumatica Excels

Unlimited User Licensing – A Budget Win for Larger Teams

One of Acumatica’s standout features is its resource-based pricing model, which allows for unlimited users. For distributors with large operational teams, seasonal staff, or partner access needs, this model offers flexibility and potentially significant cost savings compared to per-user pricing.

Ideal for teams with warehouse workers, sales reps, and suppliers needing access
Encourages broader system adoption across departments
Cost scales based on usage and transaction volume, not headcount

However, it’s important to evaluate whether broader access justifies potential trade-offs in integration complexity, customization limitations, or total cost of ownership over time.

Strong Developer Flexibility with C# and Open APIs

Acumatica is built on the xRP development platform, which supports C# customization and provides developers with the tools to build deeply tailored solutions.

Highly flexible for companies with dedicated internal IT resources
Strong REST API capabilities for integration with third-party systems
Modular architecture allows layered functionality based on industry needs

Keep in mind: This power often comes with added complexity and requires ongoing maintenance, making it better suited for organizations with strong technical teams.

Choosing the Right ERP for Your Distribution Business

Ask the Right Questions Before You Decide

Selecting between Business Central and Acumatica comes down to understanding your operational priorities and long-term vision. Ask yourself:

Do we need native Microsoft integration?

If your team uses Outlook, Excel, Teams, or Power BI, Business Central offers seamless out-of-the-box integration that simplifies daily workflows and boosts productivity.

Is unlimited user access a priority?

Acumatica’s licensing model allows for unlimited users, which can be attractive for distributors with a large, cross-functional workforce.

How important is ease of customization and ecosystem support?

Business Central’s modular AL extensions make custom workflows simple, no heavy dev work required. Plus, access to Microsoft’s AppSource and support from Microsoft-certified partners like Volt ensures long-term flexibility.

Do we have the in-house technical resources to manage ERP complexity?

Acumatica’s developer-focused xRP platform may appeal to tech-heavy teams, but for most small and mid-sized distributors, Business Central provides powerful capabilities with lower technical overhead.