Microsoft D365 Business Central vs. QuickBooks for Distributors
COMPARE MODERN CLOUD ERP TO
TRADITIONAL ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE
QuickBooks is the go-to for small businesses starting out, but for growing distributors, wholesalers, importers/exporters, kitting operations, independent retailers with multiple locations, and ecommerce sellers, QuickBooks quickly shows its limits.
Disconnected systems, manual workarounds, and siloed data make it hard to keep up with demand. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is the next step: a cloud ERP that unifies finance, operations, and distribution into one platform designed to scale with your business.
Side-by-Side Features
Business Central vs QuickBooks
Feature
Business Central
QuickBooks
Multi-warehouse inventory & bin track
- Limited, manual workaround
Tariff & landed cost management
- Not available
Sales orders processing & order promising
- Basic order entry
E-commerce integration (Shopify connector)
- Add-ons, limited scope
Supply chain & replenishment planning
- Spreadsheets
Reporting & dashboards
- Static, limited
BC & Its Benefits for Distributors
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cloud ERP built for growth. It integrates finance, warehouse, and supply chain into one connected platform with real-time visibility across your operations. It includes multi-warehouse inventory, tariff management, and order automation out of the box.
- Distributors ready to move beyond spreadsheets and manual workarounds
- Teams that want built-in forecasting and reporting
- Leaders seeking a future-ready platform with Microsoft integration
QuickBooks & Its Benefits for Distributors
QuickBooks is a trusted accounting solution that delivers strong bookkeeping, payroll, and tax functionality at an accessible price point. But for distributors, core needs like warehouse management, landed cost tracking, and supply chain planning require spreadsheets or third-party add-ons.
- Finance teams that only need straightforward accounting and compliance
- Very small distributors operating from a single location
- Businesses not yet ready for multi-warehouse or ecommerce integration
Book Your Free Discovery Session
Ready to see how Business Central is better than QuickBooks for your distribution business?
ERP Implementation & Cost for Distributors
QuickBooks is quick to set up, but limited in scope. Bond offers a Rapid Implementation program — a fixed-price deployment that gets distributors live in just 12–16 weeks, with the essentials you need from day one.
RESOURCES TO GUIDE YOUR DECISION
Resources for Moving Beyond QuickBooks
Evaluating ERP options? These resources help you see what Business Central delivers for distributors and outline the key steps to move beyond QuickBooks with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
QuickBooks vs Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central for Distributors – Common Questions
Is QuickBooks better than Business Central for distribution?
QuickBooks is great for small businesses needing simple accounting. For distributors managing warehouses, supply chains, and ecommerce, Business Central is purpose-built and far more scalable.
Why would a distributor switch from QuickBooks to Business Central?
Growth. When you need real-time inventory, multi-location support, or integrated reporting, QuickBooks can’t keep up. Business Central provides a single platform to manage finance and operations as you expand.
Is migrating from QuickBooks to Business Central difficult?
Not with Bond Consulting. Our Rapid Implementation approach and distribution expertise streamline the migration process, reduce risk, and get you live in 12–16 weeks.
How do costs compare between QuickBooks and Business Central?
QuickBooks has a lower entry cost but requires add-ons and manual processes to fill distribution gaps. Business Central is a fixed-price ERP with higher upfront investment but delivers long-term efficiency, scalability, and ROI.
How does reporting compare between QuickBooks and Business Central?
QuickBooks offers basic financial reports. Business Central integrates with Power BI for real-time dashboards, forecasting, and SKU-level insights across finance and operations.
What industries does Business Central for Distribution cover?
Wholesale, import/export, suppliers, kitting, multi-location retail, and ecommerce — any product-based business that needs scalable ERP beyond accounting software.
