WHITE PAPER

Undergoing Digital Transformation?

Here’s Looking at the Top 3 ERP Solutions
on the Market Today

Introduction
Today, more and more companies have advanced into the digital age. By optimizing their
technology, they are enabling significant transformation and driving the growth of their businesses.
With IT spending figures on the rise, expected to reach $3.8 trillion in 2019 according to Gartner, a
number of emerging trends herald an exciting year for digital transformations.
If your business is outgrowing your current IT systems, now is the time to think about selecting a
modern ERP and making the move to the cloud. But, before you make that decision, you need to
understand the available solutions, select one that best fits your needs, and implement it
successfully, Then you can and achieve the ROI that you deserve. This whitepaper can provide the
insight you need to help you make the right ERP decision. So, check out which ERP is dominating
the market and which is best for your business.

The state of digital business transformation

Modernizations in technology and a
dynamic business environment are
driving businesses to go global. As
enterprises expand to operate from
locations around the world, disparate
departments, system, and data silos can
restrict business growth; digital
transformation initiatives, therefore, are a
top priority for today’s CIOs, and many
Source: IDG
companies are seeking to digitize their
business to drive revenue and remain competitive. Digital transformation allows businesses to
modernize their processes through the use of technology. Now they can create value and a
competitive advantage through new offerings, new business models, and new relationships. Digital
transformation lets them evolve their business, enable worker productivity, and better manage daily
operations, all while developing new revenue streams.

Driving digital transformation through ERP

When ERPs were first introduced, no one could have envisioned how they would change over time.
Over two decades later, ERPs are now the life blood of every organization. According to Allied Market
Research, the global ERP market is expected to garner $41.69 billion by 2020. Globalization,
digitalization, a host of upcoming technologies have made it virtually impossible for businesses to
do without ERP. The amount of data that ERPs hold, and the capabilities they offer to businesses
small and large are beyond compare.

ERP solutions have a significant role to play in digital transformation; they

allow geographically dispersed organizations to manage all their business
operations using a single system. And although they were notorious for being
complex to implement and difficult to manage without expensive and
time-consuming customization, that whole dynamic has changed, thanks to
advances in cloud technology. With cloud ERP, global enterprises can
manage their businesses like never before. How else would we expand
businesses into new terrains of geography, product lines, and service types?

Source: IDG

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If you’re looking to digitize your business, the path to innovation and true digital transformation
begins with getting an ERP on board, and enabling it to manage all operations across various
business functions. Because deploying an ERP system is a costly and time-consuming endeavor, you
need to carefully choose a solution that best fits your business needs in order to grow, and drive
substantial benefits. While most organizations recognize the need for an ERP and the benefits it
can offer, a successful outcome entirely depends on the ERP solution you choose.

With extensions into social platforms, and integration with modern technologies such as BI, AI, and
machine learning, as well as with other enterprise systems, cloud ERP is changing the way
businesses operate. According to a report by Nucleus Research, cloud deployment delivers 3.2 times
more ROI than on-premises deployment. With cloud ERP, data is not just made available to
stakeholders in a single location, but breaks the barriers of geographical and hardware constraints. It
is enabling businesses to have access to all the technologies needed to drive digital transformation
across the enterprise.

The top 3 ERPs in the market today

There is a high likelihood that your organization is
already on the path to digital transformation,
LEADER
focused on leveraging new technologies in order
to meet changing customer demands. In the
pursuit of end-to-end digitalization, a critical goal
is the evolution of your core systems – the key
transactional systems on which your business
sability

depends. Implementing a modern ERP can give

Greater

you the competitive edge you’ve been waiting for.

However, since the ERP market is extremely
competitive, making a final decision on which
ERP is best for your organization is not easy. While
researching your options, there are three solutions
Better unctionality that you will invariably encounter: Microsoft
Source: Nucleus Research Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations, Oracle
ERP Cloud, and SAP S/4 HANA.
Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations is a powerful contender in the cloud ERP market, with a
comparatively less complex architecture, lower costs, and an easier implementation path. Built from
the ground-up on the Microsoft infrastructure, this ERP platform unifies global financials and
operations and leverages top-notch capabilities to effortlessly sync and integrate a plethora of
day-to-day business applications while transforming productivity through deep insights.
Multi-lingual and multi-currency capabilities make Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations a great
choice for organizations with an international presence to efficiently and seamlessly carry out their
business. What makes Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations a winner is the familiar Microsoft
interface, the simple look and feel, and the numerous integration options. It is these features that
make it the best ERP choice across diverse industry verticals.

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 SAP S/4 HANA is probably the most popular solution
when it comes to ERP. Considered the undisputed
market leader with a strong share of the ERP market,
SAP S/4 HANA- is often synonymous with ERP. Since
it is built from the ground-up, rather than through
acquisition, it maintains a strong foothold in the
enterprise market. The solution offers localization
capabilities for over 120 countries, making it
accessible to a larger audience – not just
Source: Finances Online geographically, but also across industries. What
makes SAP S/4 HANA a winner is its deep
industry-specific capabilities, and expertise gained over the years from thousands of successful
implementations. And although it is slightly more expensive compared to other ERPs, and has a
rather long learning curve, it is still a favorite for many around the world.

Oracle ERP Cloud is another sought-after ERP solution on the market today. The solution is primarily
built through development and acquisition of robust product lines, and therefore provides flexible
functionality to a variety of industries. With capabilities across finance, accounting, project
management, risk management, revenue management, and analytics, Oracle ERP Cloud is an ideal
choice to drive operational efficiencies and intelligent business processes. The ERP offers the ideal
amalgamation of services across modern technology capabilities, including advanced analytics and
reporting, mobility, modern UI, social collaboration, and end-to-end security. What makes Oracle
ERP Cloud a winner is its modern ERP architecture, integration with other enterprise cloud
applications, and scalability to suit the growing needs of businesses.

Comparison chart
Comparing modern ERPs like Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations, SAP S/4 HANA, and Oracle
ERP Cloud can be difficult and overwhelming. All three products offer a array of new and innovative
capabilities; each is investing heavily in modern technologies such as cloud, machine learning, and
analytics. And although all three systems offer more or less similar features, each one has its pros,
cons, and tradeoffs. They all have different strengths compared to one another. Here’s a comparison
chart that gives a detailed snapshot of the subtle differences:

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 Dynamics 365 for
Feature SAP S/4 HANA Oracle ERP Cloud
Finance and Operations

Features
Design Built from the ground-up on the Built from the ground-up Built through development and
Microsoft infrastructure acquisition of robust product lines

Architecture Modern architecture Native architecture Not-so-modern architecture

Global capabilities Unified global financials and Localization capabilities for over 120 Capabilities across finance,
operations countries accounting, project management,
risk management, revenue
management, and analytics

Cloud capability Mature cloud offering Mature cloud offering Developing cloud offering

Look and feel Simple look and feel Slightly complicated look and feel Complicated look and feel

Ease of use The familiar Microsoft interface with Most SAP S/4 HANA modules employ a The interface is not very user-
the option to personalize views, fields, complex GUI, and have a steep- friendly; organizations that have
and forms without extensive coding learning curve for first-time users. never used Oracle applications find it
enables organizations to implement However, once users get used to the tough to navigate through the
changes faster and get businesses up intuitive interface, there is no looking system
to speed back

Industry-specific Reasonable industry-specific Deep industry-specific capabilities Reasonable industry-specific

capabilities capabilities capabilities

BI capabilities Built with a host of intelligent BI tools Although SAP S/4 HANA comes with Offers advanced analytics and
including Cortana Intelligence, Power some stunning BI features with reporting, that is embedded natively
BI, and Azure Machine Learning that intuitive dashboards, reports, and and deeply across all functional
enable data exploration and reporting analytics, organizations need to deploy areas
across financial statements, business SAP Business Objects BI platform that
operations, tax documents, checks, has its own server, database, and
invoices, and purchase orders security structure

Functionality

Target market Ideal ERP choice for small, medium, More suitable for large enterprise level Best suited for small and medium
and large businesses. The multi-lingual manufacturing companies. Versatility businesses as long as scalability isn’t
and multi-currency capabilities make is one of the biggest USP; SAP S/4 of prime importance
it easy for businesses with an HANA -covers the length and breadth
international presence to work of modern ERP capabilities, and caters
efficiently and seamlessly to the needs of mostly large,
manufacturing setups

Integration options Offers seamless integration with a Since SAP S/4 HANA is built on niche Although Oracle ERP Cloud
myriad of Microsoft applications such technology, it only offers native seamlessly integrates several
as Office 365, Outlook, Power BI, integration. Integration with other business modules into a single
Cortana Intelligence, PowerApps, etc. systems requires the adoption of a system, while offering decent
as well as non-Microsoft applications unique integration path and special integration with other Oracle
and other third-party solutions using integrators depending on the version enterprise systems, one has to
the Common Data Model depend on the Fusion middleware to
integrate third-party systems

Customization Customizations to suit industry and In order to customize the solution, Many customization options;
business needs are effortless; organizations need to have deep organizations can choose from a
businesses can either customize using knowledge of the traditional range of options to suit their distinct
in-house talent or choose from an architecture and data models needs
extensive network of experienced
partners

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 Dynamics 365 for
Feature SAP S/4 HANA Oracle ERP Cloud
Finance and Operations

Implementation

Ease of implementation Fairly easy and straightforward to Complex to implement Not so easy to implement
implement

Deployment options Organizations can choose from several Deployment options are limited and A good range of deployment
deployment options and get their ERP do not extend beyond traditional modules and standard business
up and running quickly software architecture process flows streamline
implementation

Default modules Default modules are more than Because SAP S/4 HANA caters to some Default modules are not desirable,
sufficient for basic configuration extremely niche markets, a number of compelling companies to develop
modules are extremely complex which their own custom modules
increases the implementation time

Average 21.2 months - planned 21.3 months- planned 23.5 months- planned
implementation 23.6 months - actual 23 months - actual 24.5 months - actual
duration

Business impact

Cost Lower than SAP and Oracle Significantly higher than Dynamics Highest total cost of ownership
365, but lower than Oracle

Benefit realization 26% of clients reported having 34% of clients reported having Only 21% of clients reported having
achieved more than 50% of the achieved more than 50% of the achieved more than 50% of the
projected benefits benefits projected projected benefits

Functionality achieved 80% of clients said to have achieved 44% of clients said to have achieved 86% of clients said to have achieved
more than 50% functionality more than 50% functionality more than 50% functionality

Cloud utility 60% of clients opt for on-cloud and 40% of clients still seem to prefer 53% of clients prefer the on-cloud
only 40% for on-premises on-premises, with 30% preferring while 47% prefer on-premises
on-cloud and 30% SaaS

Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations scores over SAP S/4 HANA and Oracle ERP Cloud in terms
of being the most economical ERP solution. In addition, the solution is customizable and can easily
be integrated with not only the other systems in the Microsoft suite, but also with third-party
systems using the Common Data Model. Also, it is capable of supporting an organization’s
accounting and operations since it offers fully integrated modules across manufacturing, retail, and
others. In design, Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations is the most user-friendly; the basic
layout of modules and architecture is simple, reducing the time and effort required to learn how to
use the system.

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How Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations can help
you transform digitally
can revolutionize the way you conduct
In a technology-obsessed world, the only
business, empower your staff, and forever
way businesses can respond to changing
change the way you interact with your
market conditions and customer needs
customers.
while simultaneously experiencing
growth and progress is by breaking the Improved flexibility
many silos that exist between business
A major element of digital transformation
processes. Dynamics 365 for Finance and
is the need to innovate your current
Operations offers intelligent cloud
business processes in order to drive
applications for all of your business
higher operational efficiency. Dynamics
activities, and helps you respond to
365 for Finance and Operations provides
changing dynamics of the business
tools such as Flow and PowerApps that
environment with the required agility.
allow you to re-architect your processes
and change the way you do business.
If you’re looking to drive digital
Automated processes, modern
transformation across your enterprise,
collaboration tools, and analytics
look no further. With digital
capabilities offer faster, deeper, and more
transformation at its core, Dynamics 365
integrated ways of working. These
for Finance and Operations utilizes
features help break operational and data
modern digital technology to bring
silos and transform everyday processes
together distinct business applications,
through digitization.
integrate siloed data, drive higher
productivity, and improve business Better productivity
process efficiency.
Another core requirement of digital
transformation is employee enablement
Here are 6 ways in which Dynamics 365 for and empowerment. Give your employees
Finance and Operations can help you everything they need to do their jobs.
transform digitally: There will be no more shuttling between
apps, or sharing data across systems. The
Unified operations unified system provides a single point of
reference that is easy to access and
Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations
simple to navigate. Create workflows of
unifies an array of business applications in
your choice, collaborate with peers, take
the cloud including ERP, CRM, O365, and
quick action whenever and wherever
BI, and allows you to manage all your
necessary, and respond to customer
business processes through a single
queries in no time.
platform. Using the comprehensive and
flexible business solution, you can access Increased efficiency
data across your core businesses Integrating a host of cutting-edge
processes - anywhere, anytime. With all technologies including Power BI, Machine
the data you need at your fingertips, you Learning, IoT and Cortana Intelligence is

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not just convenient, it can enable you to to deliver personalized customer
learn more about your business and experiences. With actionable customer
transform your operations. You can insights, you can better understand
leverage these technologies to unearth customer needs, create new customer
critical business insight, share information journeys, and improve engagement
across the enterprise, and make across all channels.
data-driven decisions. Intuitive reports
and dashboards provide a detailed Increased scalability

snapshot of day-to-day tasks and drive

For organizations on the road to digital
better efficiency through intelligent
transformation, Dynamics 365 for Finance
analysis.
and Operations helps meet the goal in a
scalable manner. It offers a combination
Improved customer journey
of intelligent systems that are tailored to
The success of any digital transformation each industry, and each company -
initiative is measured by the ability of the systems that can learn, expand, and
organization to identify customer pain evolve with agility as technology, market,
points, and work backwards to develop and customer needs change. By
the right value proposition and ultimately, unlocking data stored in silos, you can
the customer experience. Since Dynamics bring limitless reporting and analytical
365 for Finance and Operations brings all power to your business data, derive new
customer related information together in insights, and extend your business with
one place, it transforms the business into increased agility.
a customer-centric one, and enables you

Digital Transformation

Systems of Intelligence

Empower your Engage your Optimize your Transform your

employees customers operations product

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The road ahead

“Think globally, act locally” is a mantra many forward-thinking businesses are following in
2019 in order to expand their offering of products and services beyond borders of geography,
markets, line of products and services and of course, customer segments. The roadmap for all
three products focuses on the principle philosophy of enhanced features and functionalities
that are business-oriented, innovative, and practical across verticals. The priorities for all three
solutions include focus on extending data, features, and functionalities as well as access got
employees - from any device and at any time via secure channels.

Here’s what the roadmap for Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations looks like:

100% new
80% production Straight-through
development
applications in processing
testing in the
the cloud enablement
cloud

Predictive Touch-less ERP

maintenance processes

Better business Enhanced

process and Augmented and configurable
workflow virtual reality localization
integration experience
Enhanced
Automated
invoice layout
tasks
configurability

Blockchain Artificial Machine learning

Intelligence and intelligence

Robotic process Social

automation integration

Advanced
warehouse and
transportation
management

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Here’s what SAP S/4 HANA’s roadmap looks like:

Demand-
driven visibility Analytical insight Merchandise
and interactive and exception management
planning
Integration
App with SAP Asset
modernization Intelligence
Natural Network
Centralized
language Migration
purchase
processing for cockpit
requisitions
sales orders
Embedded
Invoice
service
automation
management

Technical object Real-world Intelligent user

damage analysis awareness experiences

Customization Analyzer
improvements scripts

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Here’s what the roadmap for Oracle ERP Cloud looks like:

Role-based Process
visualization Next gen
excellence
content analytical apps
dashboards

IoT SaaS
apps investments

Functional UI
Mobility
advances modernization

Accounting hub Revenue

reporting cloud management
service cloud service
In-memory cost Adaptive Intelligent
management Intelligent SaaS accruals
cloud service applications management

Enhanced
Carrier
integration with
invoicing
EWM

GR/IR
reconciliation

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Make the right ERP decision

With digital transformation spending to reach

$2 trillion by 2022, going digital is the only way
ahead. And to drive digital transformation, you
need to build a culture that supports the
adoption and use of digital technology. With
organizations believing that by 2020, nearly
half their revenue will be impacted by digital
in some way, chances are you’re looking to
improve your business process efficiency to
grow and be more competitive by
implementing an ERP system. Although SAP
S/4 HANA might still end up being the
preferred choice for large organizations
looking for expertise around niche
technologies, and Oracle ERP Cloud could
appeal to small and medium businesses that
require modern ERP capabilities, Dynamics
365 for Finance and Operations might just
become the undisputed leader, given its
capabilities: easy-to-use interface, numerous
integration options, customized workflows, As you look to implement an ERP solution or
lower implementation and support costs, move to Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance
powerful BI capabilities, among others. and Operations, to drive digital transformation
across your organization, make sure to carefully
By breaking silos between business processes, evaluate each product roadmap, deep dive into
and offering intelligent cloud applications for the functionality and architecture, and make
all your business activities, Dynamics 365 for the right business, decision. For it is this
Finance and Operations helps drive digital decision that will completely transform the way
transformation like no other solution; with it, you conduct business and make you a fully
you can grow, progress, and advance every digital organization.
aspect of your business and meet the
changing needs of your customers and
market.

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About Synoptek
Synoptek is a global systems integrator and managed IT
services provider offering comprehensive IT management and
consultancy services to organizations worldwide. Founded in
2001, headquartered in Irvine, CA, we have offices and resources
across North America and delivery centers in Europe and India.

Our key services include:

Consulting, IT Leadership, and Management

 IT Strategy and Planning

 M&A Due Diligence and Planning

 IT Service Management Assessment

 Business IT Services Cost Optimization Assessment

 Risk Management: Availability & Data Protection Assessment

 Program & Project Management

 Retained CIO/CTO/CISO/Service Management Services

Business Process and Software Solutions

 Business Applications

 Data Insights

 Product Development Services

 Workforce Productivity

Business Infrastructure and Systems Solutions

 Cyber Security

 Cloud Advancement

 Infrastructure Performance

 Data Protection

Synoptek focuses on providing maximum “business value” to

our clients, enabling them to grow their businesses, manage
their risk/compliance, and increase their competitive position by
delivering improved business results.

19520 Jamboree Road #110 Irvine, CA 92612

888-796-6783

www.synoptek.com