In this article we look at two popular accounting software solutions – Sage Intacct vs Acumatica. Both applications offer a vast number of features for businesses across a range of industries, including healthcare, hospitality and non-profit. When comparing the two, it is important to consider various factors such as methods of deployment, features, cost and pricing model, support services as well as integration options.
Deployment
Sage Intacct is cloud native. Built from the ground up as a cloud-based application, the software is exclusively accessed via Internet browser. By design, every Intacct user is always up to date, on the same version with upgrades applied automatically every quarter including patches, disaster recovery and backups. The beauty of Sage Intacct is having the latest software without incurring any additional software or service costs putting an end to purchasing software that is outdated six months down the line when a new version is released.
Acumatica is available as a cloud and browser-based application. Acumatica hosted via AWS is updated twice a year. However, unlike Sage Intacct, there will always be different versions of the software in use as updates are not automatic for private cloud deployments. In this case the end user is responsible for all network security and access risks, including backup procedures and the responsibility to apply patches and upgrades lies with the customer, either personally or via business partner – which may incur additional service costs.
Acumatica supports four major software versions with only 50% of users on the latest version. By contrast, owing to Intacct’s automatic updates, 100% of users are on the latest version and all support consultants are focused on one version. Plus, Intacct users don’t need to worry about the ‘hard-sell’ of a new version – they already have it!
Features
The features of Acumatica vs Sage Intacct are far-reaching. Both offer comprehensive accounting functionalities including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial reporting and budgeting. However, Sage Intacct stands out with its advanced features such as platform services for customisation.
With the luxury of selecting the specific modules required for individual business needs, organisations that opt for Sage Intacct gain highly flexible functionality whilst keeping total cost of ownership low.
The modules included as standard with the Sage Intacct core financials package are General Ledger, Order Management, Cash Management, Purchasing, Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable.
In addition to the core financials package, further modules can be applied to extend the functionality of the Sage software. These include Dynamic Allocations, Contract Management, Multi-Entity and Global Consolidations, Project Accounting and Time and Expense Management to name just a few of the available optional extras.
Pricing
When evaluating Sage Intacct pricing vs Acumatica pricing there will be an obvious difference in the model used. Both products are subscription based. However, Acumatica bases its cost primarily on the number of applications implemented and resource consumption.
Whilst on the face of it an unlimited user count seems appealing, consumption based pricing means customers must estimate future transaction volume. Underestimate and the business is open to further costs down the line. Overestimate and the business pays for more than what is required. For seasonal businesses for example, a sudden spike in orders would incur additional charges.
Sage Intacct is a subscription-based product with pricing tailored to unique organisations based on their requirements and billed per user, per month. The flexible model allows for the number of users to be amended as and when necessary, one of the reasons Sage Intacct is renowned for its flexibility and scalability.
Due to the nature of both Sage Intacct and Acumatica’s pricing structure, it’s impossible to give a standard price for either product. However, latest figures pitch Sage Intacct Essentials starter plan from less than £550 per month, significantly less than Acumatica’s base price.
Notable for Sage Intacct is the guarantee provided upon purchase. The company states its commitment to customers is 100% satisfaction and Sage Intacct is the only vendor to offer a “Buy with confidence guarantee”. Find out more about the guarantee here
Support
In terms of Acumatica vs Sage Intacct support, both providers offer customer support through various channels such as phone, email and online chat. Acumatica has a strong user community for support and collaboration. While Intacct is known for its responsive and knowledgeable support team and resource centre.
To get the most from Sage Intacct, customers largely opt to buy and implement the software via a Sage Business Partner. Sage Partners, such as CPiO provide Support Services with additional software help files and resources as well as access to Sage Intacct experts with personal advice and support when it’s needed most.
Integration
Integration capabilities is an important aspect to consider when choosing accounting software. Sage Intacct offers seamless integration with a wide range of third-party applications such as CRM, payroll, and eCommerce platforms.
Acumatica also offers integration with many third-party applications. However, businesses are known to experience challenges when looking to integrate with legacy systems.
Sage Intacct’s open API allows for seamless integration with a vast range of external applications, including some legacy software. And with 75% of businesses that use Sage Intacct integrating the software with at least two other systems it’s easy to see why Intacct is the preferred option for end users looking to seamlessly connect business critical technology.
Sage Intacct or Acumatica - which application should you choose
Both Sage Intacct and Acumatica are strong finance solutions, as attested by G2’s Acumatica vs Sage Intacct comparison. However, they cater to different markets. While Acumatica has some large customers, it is designed specifically for small to medium-sized businesses with 78% of the companies that use it being classified as small. For smaller businesses looking for a universal solution, Acumatica is generally most fitting.
Medium to large business that require accounting and financial services will find Sage Intacct the best fit. Intacct is the finance solution built for finance by finance professionals. It is designed to meet business requirements today with the flexibility to scale in line with business growth.
An experienced financial software specialist, such as CPiO will be well versed in helping organisations to select and implement the most fitting solution and modules.
As one of the UK’s most experienced Sage resellers, CPiO works with Sage to advise, sell and deploy Sage Intacct. Our Sage Intacct FAQs offer more information on the software and answer some of the questions we are asked about Intacct by business looking for new financial management software.
If you are currently looking to change your accounts software and would like to know more about Sage Intacct, contact us for more information.
Katie Mansell
