NetSuite vs. Ecomdash

Looking for inventory management software? Here's how NetSuite and Ecomdash stack up.

Mark Hammersley

Mark Hammersley

Last updated 11o July 2020


NetSuite

3.7  Stackupp rating


Pricing from

$ 999.00 / month

Free Plan?

No


Best for

medium-sized and large businesses. medium-sized and large businesses. NetSuite is a popular ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solution that comes with a package of inventory management features.

Ecomdash

3.9  Stackupp rating


Pricing from

$ 60.00 / month

Free Plan?

Trial


Best for

small and medium-sized retailers that sell on multiple channels.

NetSuite or Ecomdash: Which is best?

Can't decide between NetSuite and Ecomdash?

Find the best platform for you with our side by side comparison of NetSuite and Ecomdash. See how each platform stacks up across ease of use, features, integrations, support and value for money.

Let the comparison begin. Don't worry, we'll guide you.

Is NetSuite right for you?

NetSuite is best-known for its customizable ERP (enterprise resource planning) solution. NetSuite offers an array of features, encompassing ecommerce store-fronts, email marketing, customer relationship management, and more. A suite of financial planning, accounting, and inventory management tools form the backbone of the app, and various extras modules can be added to this. NetSuite operates a custom pricing model and the software is highly configurable, so you’ll have a great deal of freedom in tailoring it for your needs.

Overall, we felt that NetSuite was more geared towards larger retailers. That said, smaller companies will find a lot to like. If you’re looking for a comprehensive solution to run an array of tasks in addition to inventory management, then it’s a good option.

Advantages

  • Robust set of inventory management features.
  • Excellent solution for users looking for a feature-rich ERP, not inventory management tools exclusively.
  • Cloud-based so all backend tasks are managed by NetSuite/Oracle.

Drawbacks

  • Doesn’t really work as a stand-alone inventory management solution.
  • Interface isn’t very user-friendly.
  • Integrations are clunky and costly.

you are a smaller business owner in the same camp, you should also consider NetSuite. Pricing isn’t published on the site, and the software is customized to each user, so you’ll have to get in touch to discuss your needs.

Is Ecomdash right for you?

Ecomdash is an inventory management solution aimed at small and medium-sized retailers that need to manage listings across multiple channels. It is an alternative to Skubana for sellers that don’t deal with high volumes, i.e. below 10,000 sales per month.

Overall, we were very impressed with Ecomdash. Despite a somewhat clunky interface and slight issues with certain integrations, we thought the feature-set was excellent. Users have everything they need to run multiple stores, including inventory and shipping management tools, automation bots, analytics, and a large library of integrations.

We particularly liked the order-based pricing structure, which makes the app suitable for smaller companies and individuals. The customer support is also very good.

Advantages

  • Well-thought-out pricing structure.
  • Excellent integrations for multichannel sellers.
  • Good customer support.

Drawbacks

  • Clunky, difficult-to-use interface.
  • Technical issues have been reported with some integrations.
  • Lack of advanced reporting features.

you’re a small or individual retailer and require software to handle numerous listings across third-party marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon, eBay, and so on. Ecomdash is also a cost-effective solution for running multiple self-hosted storefronts.

Ease of Use

Our first comparison criteria, ease of use. Why? Because it’s the most important.

Think about it. You don’t want to invest a lot of your precious time setting up an online store and tweaking the design only to find out that it’s a pain in the butt to manage day to day.

We take a look at how simple the NetSuite and Ecomdash platforms are to run.

How easy is NetSuite to use?

Rated 3/5 for Ease of Use

We found the NetSuite dashboard to be a little difficult to use and dated, especially compared to some of the other providers we’ve reviewed. While NetSuite is a browser app, the interface resembles legacy software, with a menu bar across the top and a lot of widgets and on-page links. It’s not terrible. But it’s not fantastic either.

What NetSuite customers are saying...

We are using an older version of the e-commerce platform and it is not particularly user friendly.
Nothing is user-friendly, despite their claims. Even simple changes require vast coding knowledge.
The system offers a good basic ERP structure for small businesses.

How easy is Ecomdash to use?

Rated 3/5 for Ease of Use

Ease-of-use is the one area where Ecomdash doesn’t perform well. The interface is outdated and the features aren’t particularly well-organized. While the dashboard follows a typical layout, with a sidebar with links to dedicated areas for managing orders, shipping, analytics and so on, the workflows and organization of input fields do take a little getting used to.

The one upside, however, is that Ecomdash offers extensive support and training materials. So while there is a slight learning curve, users are supported throughout the process.

What Ecomdash customers are saying...

"The software is so capable that it also has a huge learning curve (we’ve been at it several years and still learn new things), and the interface isn’t very modern, nor is it mobile-friendly."
"Wonderful experience. Would never switch."
"The software takes time to learn and understand. The best part is the support you get from the support team."
It's a draw!

NetSuite Features

Rated 4.5/5 for Features

(Note: The focus in this review is on the inventory management features in NetSuite, not on its capabilities as an ERP.)

When it comes to features, NetSuite has everything you would expect from a typical inventory management solution. And the integrations library - easily one of the most extensive we’ve come across - makes up for any shortcomings in native functionality. Users can also take advantage of a mobile app (available on both Android and Apple), although it is somewhat limited.

First and foremost, the Netsuite feature-set includes comprehensive inventory, reorder, and delivery management tools. Its “Manufacturing Execution System” also makes it easy for manufacturers to manage parts deliveries, production lines, bills of materials, and complex supply chains. Retailers have access to a POS (point of sale system), barcode scanning assistant, automation settings, team permissions, and more. Users can also leverage an in-depth analytics dashboard. In short, it has everything you need to manage your warehouses and orders.

Finally, Oracle employs stringent security data safeguarding practices, including regular audits, managed access to servers, and protected premises. NetSuite has met numerous security standards like SOC 1, SOC 2, and PCI-DSS, making it an ideal choice for retailers that need to ensure security compliance.

Ecomdash Features

Rated 3.5/5 for Features

Ecomdash has a broad set of features, with more or less everything you would expect from an inventory management app. Functionality includes SKU mapping, custom order alerts, extensive multichannel tracking, bundled product options, fulfillment tools, and more. Ecomdash also offers a mobile app on Android and Apple, but its functionality is limited to barcode scanning.

New users can take advantage of a myriad of training tools, including a resources library, webinars, and regular demos. Ecomdash also offers a variety of well-priced training packages, covering onboarding support, dropshipping guidance, and dedicated coaches. Support is completely free and the team can be reached via phone, email, and live chat.

So what about analytics? The reporting options are fairly comprehensive. They’re not quite as advanced as what you might find in an enterprise app, but they’re perfectly adequate for small and medium retailers. Along with basic sales and inventory reports, users can also access data about taxes, trends, and the performance of individual listings. Apps are available in the integrations library to supplement the core analytics.

Overall, we were very impressed with the features, level of support, and reporting tools. Ecomdash lacks a little bit of the nuance of enterprise-focused solutions like Skubana, but it’s not far-off. Store-owners and managers will be hard-pressed to find a similar package of features at the price point on offer.

NetSuite is our winner for features

NetSuite Integrations

Rated 3.5/5 for Integrations

NetSuite integrations work slightly differently compared to most other inventory management providers. Rather than offer a library of connectors built by its own development team, users have access to integrations in the App Suite, all of which have been created by third-party services. NetSuite has been around for a long time, and the integrations library is very extensive. But just remember that additional functionality comes with a price-tag.

Retailers that want to link up with third-party marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, Walmart, and so on, can take advantage of the FarApp integration. NetSuite doesn’t offer any in-house functionality for multi-channel sales in this regard, so you’ll need the app.

ShipJunction, ShipStation, Pacejet, and Descartes Shipping are the most popular shipping apps and extend the order management functionality offered by NetSuite. In terms of ecommerce connectors, virtually all major platforms are provided for, including Magento, Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and others. Most of these add-ons have been created by Celigo.

Notably, NetSuite also offers an array of apps for catering to international audiences, enabling users to manage multiple currencies, languages, international shipping locations, and so on. If you’ve struggled to find an inventory management solution that allows you to serve a global market effectively, then you will definitely like what’s on offer.

Ecomdash Integrations

Rated 4/5 for Integrations

Ecomdash offers an extensive integrations library, with connectors for accounting apps, fulfillment services, shopping carts, and, of course, a variety of third-party marketplaces.

On the accounting front, both Quickbooks and Xero are supported with in-house integrations. Retailers torn between Skubana and Ecomdash should remember that Skubana doesn’t offer in-house accounting connectors.

As many would expect, Ecomdash excels when it comes to support for third-party marketplaces. A huge number of integrations are provided, including for Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Etsy, Google Shopping, Jet, Rakuten, Sears, and others. The integration with SPS Commerce also provides further EDI functionality.

Numerous shipping and fulfillment integrations are also available, with DHL, UPS, and FedEx all covered (among others).

Interestingly, Ecomdash has also built connectors for several drop-shipping providers (such as Hicks and The Wholesale House). These will be useful to retailers that want to offer additional products to their customers.

Finally, a large number of shopping carts are supported, including Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento. We were pleased to see connectors for some smaller ecommerce platforms and site builders like Sitey and SiteBuilder.com.

All in all, we were very impressed with the integrations library. Small and independent retailers that don’t have much development expertise will find the process of connecting to different marketplaces trouble-free.

Ecomdash is our winner for integrations

How much do they cost?

Everyone’s favourite topic - pricing. Let's dive in to see if NetSuite or Ecomdash offers better value for money.

How much does NetSuite cost?

Rated 3.5/5 for Pricing

NetSuite doesn’t publish pricing, so it’s difficult to evaluate “value for money” thoroughly. It’s likely that the base licence for the core financials and inventory management software is around $1000 per month with an additional $100 per user per month.

Optional modules, which provide functionality across ecommerce, analytics, customer management, and so on, will increase the monthly total. For a company looking for a custom ERP, and not just an inventory management solution, this may be a cost-effective prospect.

It’s also important to note that integrations come with an additional monthly fee. So make sure to include the price of any that you’ll need in the final estimate.

How much does Ecomdash cost?

Rated 4.5/5 for Pricing

We liked Ecomdash’s pricing structure and thought that smaller retailers in particular would find it appealing.

Ecomdash uses a custom pricing model that’s based on a store’s volume of sales rather than the number of users or tiered access to different features. Over time, this can result in significant savings. An unlimited number of employees can use the software.

Plans start at $60/month for fewer than one hundred sales. The highest-level plan for stores with between 6,000 and 10,000 sales costs $350/month. Above this amount, users will need a custom plan.

A free trial and annual discounts are available. Onboarding assistance costs $99.

Fewer than 100 orders per month: $60/month. 101 to 500 orders: $90/month. 501 to 1000 orders: $135/month. 1001 to 3000 orders: $190/month. 3001 to 600 orders: $250/month. 6001 - 10,000 orders: $350/month.

Ecomdash is our winner for cost

Help and Support

If things go wrong (and they often do) you need to know someone’s there to help get you back on track. So, how does NetSuite's and Ecomdash's support measure up?

How good is NetSuite support?

Rated 4/5 for Help and Support

Overall, the level and quality of support offered by NetSuite are good, even if the system is a little convoluted.

Users can choose between “Basic” and “Premium” customer service. Both packages include 24/7 support for “severity one” issues. The “Premium” plan” also provides business hours help with “severity three” and “severity four” issues. The support team is reached via the phone and support tickets/email. Users also have the option to join the community support forum and access the technical troubleshooting portal.

The training materials are of high quality, with an online area dedicated to educational resources. It’s also possible to work with an “Education Advisor” to streamline onboarding.

How good is Ecomdash support?

Rated 4.5/5 for Help and Support

The customer service package offered by Ecomdash is one of the best we’ve come across. Support is via phone, live chat, and email, with availability from 8 AM to 7:30 PM EST.

On top of this, Ecomdash also offers several additional paid services to users. These include onboarding support, assistance with setting up dropshipping on your store, and direct one-to-one training.

User reviews of customer support are very positive on the whole. It would have been nice to see 24/7 availability, and the additional cost of an onboarding manager isn’t fantastic, but you would be hard-pressed to find a better package at this price-point - it even beats some enterprise support offerings.

Ecomdash is our winner for support

The Bottom Line

The final say. Let's wrap up our thoughts on each platform.

NetSuite: Our Verdict

NetSuite is unlike many other inventory management solutions in that it forms part of a broader enterprise resource planning app. Keep in mind that ecommerce and inventory tools are offered in conjunction with Netsuite’s accounting and financial features. If you already have a financial management system, then you should probably consider an alternative solution.

If, on the other hand, you’re in the market for a highly customizable, cost-effective, and comprehensive app that transcends the boundaries of typical inventory management software, then it’s an option that’s well worth considering. The integrations library is also one of the biggest we’ve ever seen.

It’s suitable for companies of all sizes, and the free trial is an excellent starting point for retailers that are drawn to it.

Ecomdash: Our Verdict

Ecomdash occupies a very clear position in the market. It’s a multichannel solution aimed at small and medium businesses.

While there are better options for companies with a single store, and although enterprise multichannel sellers will likely benefit from a more advanced app like Skubana, smaller retailers will struggle to find a better solution, either in terms of functionality or cost.

Standout features include the extensive integrations library, access to multiple support channels, and a custom pricing structure that allows for unlimited users. If you’re thinking about opting for Ecomdash, don’t forget to take advantage of the free trial and video product demos.

Overall, we found Ecomdash to be the better inventory management platform.

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