NetSuite vs. Ecomdash

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.

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.

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 The interface is outdated and the features aren’t particularly well-organized.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.

"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."

(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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.