Infor M3 vs Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central comparison

Why PeerSpot?

Infor and Microsoft are both solutions in the ERP category. Infor is ranked #10 with an average rating of 9.0, while Microsoft is ranked #5 with an average rating of 8.2. Infor holds a 2.1% mindshare in ERP, compared to Microsoft’s 2.8% mindshare. Additionally, 92% of Infor users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 96% of Microsoft users who would recommend it.

Infor M3

Read 15 Infor M3 reviews

4,690 Views
4,502 Comparison Views

92% willing to recommend

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Busi...

Read 69 Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central reviews

7,453 Views
6,782 Comparison Views

96% willing to recommend

Infor M3

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Busi...

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Jun 29, 2025

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Infor M3 are both robust ERP solutions. Dynamics 365 Business Central offers seamless integration with Microsoft products, making it appealing for businesses within that ecosystem. Meanwhile, Infor M3 is strong in industry-focused features, particularly excelling in manufacturing and distribution processes, giving it an edge for large-scale industrial operations.

Features: Dynamics 365 Business Central provides real-time data management, customization to fit business needs, and role-based access control. Its seamless integration with Office 365 offers significant advantages for businesses already within the Microsoft ecosystem. Moreover, its flexibility and ease of use make it particularly suitable for small to medium-sized businesses. Infor M3 offers comprehensive supply chain and production functionalities, detailed manufacturing process handling, and broad industry-specific customization options. Its capabilities for customer order management and integration with external applications make it a strong choice for more complex operations.

Room for Improvement: Dynamics 365 Business Central's security setup can be cumbersome and could benefit from improvements in functionality integration and advanced features like enhanced reporting capabilities. Infor M3 might improve its accessibility by expanding its online resources and enhancing user training materials. The solution could also further develop its advanced functionalities to cater to specific user needs.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Dynamics 365 Business Central offers a variety of deployment options, including on-premise, cloud, and hybrid models, with customer service that is generally reliable, though feedback varies on support speed. Infor M3 primarily focuses on cloud-based deployment with some on-premise choices. Its technical support is solid, though improvements in specific regions could enhance customer satisfaction.

Pricing and ROI: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is considered cost-effective for small to medium enterprises with a subscription model that offers scalability. Its ROI is influenced by the level of automation achieved. Infor M3 is pricier but offers industry-specific functionalities that can justify the investment for larger companies. Its pricing strategy is often based on users and included modules, with various plans offered depending on the scale of customer integration needs.

To learn more, read our detailed Infor M3 vs. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Report (Updated: September 2026).

Buyer's Guide

Infor M3 vs. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

September 2026

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Infor M3

Ranking in ERP

10th

Ranking in Activity Based Costing Software

9th

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.3

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Busi...

Ranking in ERP

5th

Ranking in Activity Based Costing Software

2nd

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.4

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of September 2026, in the ERP category, the mindshare of Infor M3 is 2.1%, down from 4.7% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is 2.8%, down from 6.2% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

ERP Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central	2.8%
Infor M3	2.1%
Other	95.1%

ERP

Featured Reviews

Umesh D

Vice President, Delivery at Independent Computer Consulting Group, Incorporated

Maximized industry-specific process efficiency with rapid implementation

The best features of Infor M3 are the micro-vertical and industry ready-made solutions rather than generic solutions. They have ready-made solutions ready, so the implementation of the process discovery happens very fast. It won't take more than two months, and if the process is very simple and they adopt the standard, it may happen within five weeks, covering the implementation cycle which will finish within seven to eight months. Most of the time, it helps streamline business processes; maybe some processes such as unique subcontracting vary by continent or job work, which could be different due to legal compliance. Other than that, everything helps because the processes are very much streamlined. Everywhere you have a check and maker concept, there is a workflow, and all those things are there; document management is also very simple. You can drag and drop the reports. The workflow feature is very good and flexible, working with multi-level authorization and all those capabilities. Apart from that, the GUI interface screens are really good. Users can design their own workspace based on the roles, and there are roles-based security options, with many roles available that you need not define—you can just tweak them.

Read full review

Jacinta Chanda

Examinations Manager at Northrise University

Integrated academic workflows have transformed how our institution manages courses and results

For Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, every time we need to make an adjustment, we must make a payment, which is slightly expensive for us as an organization. There are certain modifications we'd like to make, and those come with a cost. The licensing is also very expensive, so if the prices could be revisited, especially for educational institutions, that would be really helpful. Otherwise, it has proven to be a very good tool for us as an organization. I chose a rating of nine for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central because it has been very useful for us as an organization, but there are still a few improvements that need to be made. Sometimes we experience glitches when generating certain reports, and every time we need to make a modification, we have to pay for that. Thus, I will not give it a ten because there are a few areas needing improvement.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"The most valuable feature of Infor M3 is the level of detail it has about the different manufacturing processes compared to other ERP solutions. Other ERP solutions provide the same level of integration as Infor M3, but Infor M3 specializes in several functions, such as planning and manufacturing."

"The most valuable feature of this solution is the Infor GL tool that allows us to do our application support and development."

"It's very stable, and it handles all types of industrial and manufacturing businesses in very good ways. I've found it to be easy."

"The user interface and user experience were good."

"Infor M3 has ready-made processes, which provide the best workflows."

"Infor comes up with different tools every year, and they are all compatible with Infor M3, which makes it a more reliable and trustworthy tool. The integration is very smooth."

"Its ease of use is most valuable; inquiries are transparent, and it shows good information on each screen so we don't have to go to 14 different screens to find out about one item, which is a big advantage."

"The most valuable feature is the ability to cover different types of activities, and the requirement for maintenance and data is very low."

More Infor M3 pros

"The tool covers most of the business requirements that most companies have, especially financial institutions."

"Microsoft Dynamics NAV is good for smaller-sized companies."

"Dynamics NAV helps us make smart decisions that have a direct impact on our bottom line."

"Microsoft Dynamics NAV's most valuable feature is the integration with other Microsoft solutions."

"Accounting reporting can be done just in time."

"We use Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central as CRM."

"It is a scalable solution. There are more than 5,000 end users in my organization."

"The best features Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central offers for me is that this software makes my life very easy, as I have a complete snapshot of my pipeline and a complete snapshot of my daily activities, where I can see what the status of my leads is, where I am standing in terms of closure, and the aging of my opportunities, which tells me how much time there is in the opportunity."

More Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central pros

Cons

"I would like to have some kind of dashboard to show an overview of different data on the same dashboard or on the same screen instead of moving to BI."

"Sometimes, M3 alone cannot handle all the planning functionalities required by a customer. It has to be used along with industry-specific planning tools because M3 doesn't have all the features. However, no product can handle all the requirements of all the industries. There will be some shortcomings in all the products. Though this is an area for improvement, it is not a very serious shortfall or limitation. It can be covered by using third-party planning applications that integrate with Infor M3."

"The solution's technical support is an area with shortcomings that need improvement, especially the support for the product named M3 rather than the support offered by Infor as an organization."

"Here in Infor M3, you have certain limitations where the main components cannot be modified—you must work around or use bolt-ons."

"It should be improved in terms of procurement of the supply chain and business intelligence analysis. We have the Infor BI tool, but it's more complex to use than, for example, Power Pivot or QlikView in the market."

"The implementation could be simplified, it's complex."

"The solution is stable but not agile."

"It would be great if Infor added some new workflows in the finance module. I'd also like to see better integration with third-party applications."

More Infor M3 cons

"The solution is not best suited for larger-scale businesses."

"It would be nice, in Microsoft Teams, if we were able to type more information into the chat."

"Price for small organizations in the public sector should be less."

"The human resources module could be improved."

"For a big company like us with millions of transactions, the scalability isn't enough."

"There is a book for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central explaining how to use it. But it is not easy to use, and it is not easy to learn."

"The UI is not particularly user-friendly and the CRM could do with some enhancements."

"Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central has been buggy in my experience and they should improve in this area. Additionally, there are too many updates. The updates involve a whole bunch of applications as part of the package, such as the Edge browser. The updates are too broad across the whole package of applications."

More Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The tool’s licensing is yearly."

"There is a yearly licensing cost. The price is based on the modules you need. There are several modules, such as HR module, accounting module, sales module, scheduling module, etc., and the price will vary depending on the number of modules you choose. The customers always say that it's very expensive. It can cost a lot of money if your organization is huge. It's not implemented in a lot of organizations in my country because it's too expensive."

"I'm not part of the team that manages Infor M3 pricing, but it depends on the client, integration, ship-out, and training levels. You get the price from the solution provider, but it would be best to discuss it because nothing is set in stone regarding pricing."

"Infor M3 is a tier-two product and is cheaper than tier-one products such as SAP and Oracle. However, it is more expensive than some other tier-two products. The licensing cost is dependent on the number of users. Also, if you purchase other tools from Infor as a package, then there may be other discounts offered."

"The cost is between $50 and $100 per user annually."

"If you compare Infor M3 to SAP, Infor M3 is less expensive than SAP, but if you compare Infor M3 to Dynamics 365, Infor M3 is more expensive. It also depends on the model that you buy. It depends on whether you have the complete package or whether you have separate models."

"The first time we tried to buy the newest version, it was expensive."

"Business Central charges a monthly fee of $70 to $100 per user."

"The price of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is reasonable. We pay monthly for the use of the solution."

"There are two types of licenses. One is the essential license in which everything is covered, and the next is the premium. If your company is a manufacturing or service management company, then you can go for the premium license because those two modules are the premium ones. You can manage your manufacturing activities and your service activities."

"We have a perpetual license to use Microsoft Dynamics NAV."

"The license changes every year. Sometimes it's for fixed users, and sometimes it's for concurrent users."

"NAV might be a little pricey for a small or medium-sized company, but all the solutions out there are."

"The solution's license is costly compared to other CRM tools."

More Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Manufacturing Company

13%

Financial Services Firm

Comms Service Provider

Computer Software Company

Manufacturing Company

11%

Outsourcing Company

10%

Construction Company

10%

Comms Service Provider

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	6
Midsize Enterprise	5
Large Enterprise	3

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	43
Midsize Enterprise	12
Large Enterprise	19

Questions from the Community

What needs improvement with Infor M3?

Some customers expect more out-of-box reports, and in some areas, they should provide more reports. However, Infor has introduced a report tool so that key users or global champions can generate re...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Infor M3?

Infor M3 is specifically dominant in fashion, food and beverages, and chemicals manufacturing; it works into micro-verticals. In food and beverage, it specializes in meat processing, confectionery,...

See all answers

What advice do you have for others considering Infor M3?

In Microsoft, it is easier to work due to its .NET technology and hybrid architecture, but Infor M3 is more structured, requiring in-depth knowledge of its rules and table names. I think they shoul...

See all answers

Is it advisable to purchase Dynamics CRM in addition to NAV 2016?

Short answer: depends on your sales needs. NAV 2016’s built-in CRM is very basic. It’s fine for simple contact management and basic sales tracking, but it lacks: Proper pipeline management Adva...

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Microsoft Dynamics NAV?

Microsoft Dynamics NAV pricing can vary significantly depending on the number of users, deployment model, customizations, and implementation scope. In my experience, the software license is only pa...

See all answers

What needs improvement with Microsoft Dynamics NAV?

See all answers

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Compared 7% of the time

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Compared 7% of the time

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Compared 6% of the time

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Compared 3% of the time

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Infor M3

August 2026

Download Infor M3 product report

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

August 2026

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central report

Download Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central product report

Also Known As

Infor Lawson M3, Lawson M3

Dynamics NAV, MS Dynamics NAV

Overview

Infor M3 is a comprehensive ERP solution designed for ease of use and customization, supporting industries like manufacturing, food and beverages, and chemicals with robust functionalities in finance, supply chain, and manufacturing processes.

Infor M3 offers extensive capabilities in managing core business operations for finance, manufacturing, and supply chain management. It features ease of integration with third-party applications, an intuitive interface, and fast implementation using ready-made solutions. Its flexibility makes it suitable for industry-specific requirements, providing detailed insights into manufacturing with reliable data extraction and efficient bug fixes. Used widely in multinational manufacturing setups and distribution sectors across Europe and India, Infor M3 manages processes from invoicing to purchasing, ensuring streamlined business operations.

What are the key features of Infor M3?

Ease of Use: Simplifies operations with an intuitive design.
High Customization: Adjusts to specific business needs.
Integration: Compatible with third-party applications.
Finance Management: Comprehensive GL tool for accounting.
Supply Chain: Efficiently manages procurement and logistics.
Manufacturing Insights: Provides detailed process analytics.

What benefits should users look for when evaluating Infor M3?

Streamlined Implementation: Rapid deployment minimizes downtime.
Improved Business Intelligence: Data-driven decision support.
User-Friendly Design: Enhances operational efficiency.
Industry-Specific Adaptability: Suits diverse sectors.
Reliable Performance: Consistent bug fixes enhance functionality.

Infor M3 is particularly beneficial within manufacturing, food and beverage, and chemical industries for planning, procurement, and warehousing needs. Integrated with third-party tools, it is favored by multinational enterprises for tasks ranging from invoicing to purchasing, across regions such as Europe and India. Users often seek better integration, industry-standard features, and improved procurement and supply chain capabilities, alongside a demand for enhanced security measures and easier online documentation.

Infor

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central provides customization and integrates with Microsoft tools like Excel and Outlook. It's accessible via cloud and supports various business functions, making it ideal for small and medium-sized businesses.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is known for real-time data management, robust reporting, financial analytics, and security encryption. It seamlessly adapts to different business needs and is economically viable, making it an optimal choice. There is room for enhancements in pricing for small businesses, sales automation, security configurations, inter-company logistics, inventory management, Power BI and CRM integration, interface friendliness, and reporting tools. Users seek improvements in AI, customization, multi-country management, retail integration, training resources, stability, and transaction correction.

What are Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central's key features?

Customization: Tailors functionalities to unique business requirements.
Integration: Works with Microsoft products like Excel and Outlook.
Cloud Accessibility: Offers web access for enhanced flexibility.
Financial Analytics: Provides insight-driven decision making.
Security Encryption: Ensures data protection and compliance.

What benefits should be considered when evaluating Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?

Cost-Effectiveness: Provides economical solutions for SMBs.
Scalability: Adapts to diverse business scales and demands.
Automation: Streamlines business operations and increases efficiency.
CRM Capabilities: Enhances customer relationship management.

Used predominantly in financial management, CRM, inventory tracking, and internal operations, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central supports industries like finance, retail, education, and distribution. It offers modules for accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger, and supply chain management. Integration with Microsoft 365 and cloud-based functionalities enhances operational efficiency and data management.

Microsoft

Sample Customers

Grosfillex, High Five Sportswear, L_derach, OTK Group, PHS Group, Propper International, Red Wing Shoe Company, Reynolds Catering Supplies, Saudi Diesel, Sheetz, Zeppelin, Zodiac Aerospace

Harris Farm Markets, Mister Spex GmbH, Bounce Foods, Eurofin Services SA, Medica Medizintechnik, Associated Gaskets, Onduline, Sitka Surfboard Corporation, World Animal Protection

Buyer's Guide

Infor M3 vs. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

September 2026

Free Report: Infor M3 vs. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

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