Oracle NetSuite vs. Sage X3 – Comparing ERP Platforms

In this article, we will compare two of the most popular types of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software: Oracle NetSuite and Sage X3. Both platforms are used by thousands of businesses around the world to streamline operations and increase flexibility. This guide will help you decide whether Oracle NetSuite or Sage X3 is a better choice for your business.

What is Oracle NetSuite?

Oracle NetSuite is a type of cloud-based business management software. It contains a suite of tools that help businesses manage inventory, track financials, manage eCommerce channels, and more. Multinational firm Oracle Corporation bought cloud application company NetSuite in July 2016, forming the solution that is now known as Oracle NetSuite or simply NetSuite. Historically, Oracle NetSuite has primarily been used by small-to-medium sized businesses (SMBs). In recent years, Oracle NetSuite has expanded the platform’s capabilities and features to make it more suited for larger corporations as well. At present, Oracle NetSuite powers businesses of all sizes, ranging from startups to large enterprises.

What is Sage X3?

  Sage X3 is a form of ERP software provided by Sage Group, a British multinational software company. Sage X3 was formerly known as Adonix X3, and it was initially launched in 2002 by French software company Adonix. Sage Group purchased Adonix in 2005 and subsequently rebranded the software as Sage X3. Sage X3 is designed to meet the needs of medium-sized and large enterprises. Sage Group provides other forms of ERP software designed to meet the needs of smaller businesses.

Similarities and Differences between Oracle NetSuite and Sage X3

Similarities

Both Oracle NetSuite and Sage X3 are forms of ERP software that offer broadly similar functionality. They both have cloud-based deployment options, meaning the software isn’t installed on-site and employees can log in from anywhere around the world. Both platforms are also customizable and scalable so businesses can add additional modules, user licenses, and advanced functionality as they grow. In comparison, some forms of ERP software don’t scale as well, meaning businesses often must migrate to a new ERP platform to accommodate current or future growth. Both Oracle NetSuite and Sage X3 share a similar modular design. This means the software consists of a base platform with different modules that can be customized and configured to meet your business needs. You buy only the modules you need and expand by adding additional modules later. Both platforms also share a similar global reach and offer multi-currency and multi-language capabilities for corporations with operations worldwide.

Differences

We’re already touched on one of the biggest differences between Oracle NetSuite and Sage X3—the size of the businesses they serve. While Oracle NetSuite is designed to fit the needs of businesses ranging from start-ups to large enterprise corporations, Sage X3 is targeted at medium- to large-size businesses. Sage Group prefers to serve the needs of smaller businesses by providing different platforms instead of a single platform like Oracle NetSuite. While both platforms are known for their customizability and flexibility, Oracle NetSuite is generally considered to be slightly more flexible than Sage X3. This is partially a result of Oracle NetSuite’s focus on serving businesses of all sizes.  Oracle NetSuite relies on its SuiteSuccess implementation methodology with predefined software setups and configurations. It usually takes less time to implement Oracle NetSuite than Sage X3. Sage X3 may require additional time for hardware setup and installation. Both platforms offer cloud-based deployment. While Oracle NetSuite is a fully cloud-based solution, Sage X3 is not. Sage X3 offers businesses a wider variety of deployment options, including on-premise, cloud, or hybrid deployment options. Sage X3 offers more industry-specific features than Oracle NetSuite. Sage X3 is likely a better fit for businesses in the manufacturing, distribution, and professional services industries. It also offers additional functionality that could make it a better fit than Oracle NetSuite for international companies. Oracle NetSuite may be a better fit for businesses in the retail, energy, or media industries.

Oracle NetSuite vs. Sage X3 – Feature Comparison

Shared Benefits and Features

An estimated 7,000 companies worldwide use Sage X3 while 33,000 companies use NetSuite Oracle. Since NetSuite has a wider customer base than Sage X3, it’s not surprising it has a wider install base. Overall, Sage Group has an estimated 3 million customers worldwide. Both Oracle NetSuite and Sage X3 provide broadly similar functionality and help businesses manage their backend operations.  They both automate manual processes, streamline operations, and provide better visibility into real-time business data.

Financial Management

Oracle NetSuite and Sage X3 both provide robust financial management capabilities, including accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting. In addition to core accounting functionality, both platforms offer more advanced financial management capabilities. Oracle NetSuite and Sage X3 consolidate all financial activity in one place and provide intuitive dashboards and reporting to make it easier for employees to visualize data and identify trends.

Supply Chain Management

Both platforms offer functionality for supply chain management, including procurement, inventory management, and logistics. Companies can easily track the flow of goods from their suppliers to their warehouse or manufacturing facilities to their destination. Both Oracle NetSuite and Sage X3 improve communication with suppliers and help companies ensure their inventory is available and in the right location.

Sales and Customer Service Management

Both Oracle NetSuite and Sage X3 provide tools for better managing sales and customer relationships, including lead and opportunity tracking, sales forecasting, and customer service management. These ERP platforms provide all departments—marketing, sales, customer service, support, and fulfillment—with access to the same up-to-date information so companies can provide a better and more uniform customer experience.

Business Intelligence and Reporting

These platforms offer robust business intelligence and reporting tools as well as multi-dimensional reporting. Companies can slice and dice the data in any way they need to gain more insight into their operations and make better, data-driven decisions.

Differences in Benefits and Features

Despite their similarities, there are differences between Oracle NetSuite and Sage X3 in terms of their features and capabilities.

User Interface

Sage X3 has a more traditional user interface than Oracle NetSuite. This means Sage X3 may be easier to use for employees with past experience using other ERPs and customer relationship management (CRM) software.

Commerce

Oracle NetSuite has built-in commerce and eCommerce functionality while Sage X3 does not. Some of this eCommerce functionality can be added to Sage X3 through the use of tools like CertiPro’s E-Link integration for Magento Adobe Commerce.

Supply Chain Management

While both Oracle NetSuite and Sage X3 offer supply chain management features, only Sage X3 offers formula management. This makes Sage X3 a much better fit for process manufacturers.

Support

Sage X3 offers more robust support options, including a Knowledgebase, FAQ section, and email support.

Third-Party Integrations

NetSuite Oracle offers a wider variety of integrations with third-party software solutions than Sage X3. However, both platforms are supported by a wide partner ecosystem and third-party tools.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that both NetSuite and Sage X3 are great ERP platforms, and both offer some functionality that the other doesn’t. However, that doesn’t answer the question of which solution would be a better fit for your business. The “best” ERP solution is always the one that best fits the specific needs of your business and your customers. We hope you have found this guide helpful and that you’ve learned something about both Oracle NetSuite and Sage X3. At CertiPro, we’re certified Sage and eCommerce integration professionals. We specialize in full Sage X3 implementations and in Sage X3 Magento integrations. Please contact us to schedule a demo if you want to learn more about what we can do for your business.