Intuit Field Service Management vs. Dynamics 365 Field Service

Let’s be clear, Intuit Field Service Management (IFSM) and Dynamics 365 Field Service aren’t even competing in the same arena. Both FSM platforms know their audience and play to their respective crowds. 

So, why bother doing a product comparison in the first place? Honestly, a lot of it comes down to a small, but crucial difference in semantics. 

Both IFSM and D365 Field Service are marketed as “enterprise” solutions. The problem is, Intuit and Microsoft have very different ideas about what that actually means – which may make things harder on field service providers just beginning their search for the perfect FSM platform. 

To help clear things up, this article breaks down the differences between Intuit FSM and D365 Field Service – across several key dimensions. 

Overview: Intuit Field Service Management vs. D365 Field Service

Intuit Field Service Management (IFSM) is an FSM solution designed specifically to streamline scheduling, dispatch, invoicing, and other key processes for service-centric businesses. The aim here is to make field service operations more efficient, reducing the time spent on administrative tasks and focusing more on customer service. 

Core capabilities include: 

• Scheduling
• Work Order Management

• Access to Customer, Asset, and Service History Data
• GPS-enabled Technician Tracking
• Integration with Core Financials
• Real-Time Data-Sync Across All Locations & Devices 

Dynamics 365 Field Service is a comprehensive field service management solution that streamlines service operations and helps field techs consistently deliver optimal outcomes – even under the most challenging circumstances. 

On the surface, there’s a fair amount of overlap between the two platforms. But – a quick glance at the data sheet reveals that IFSM’s key selling point is that it supports field service digitization – and direct integration with familiar QuickBooks tools. Eliminating paper spreadsheets, manual processes, and physical docs is no small thing. 

These foundational improvements enable real-time data-sharing, simple process automations, and other critical first steps toward “real transformation.” Unfortunately, Intuit Field Service Management doesn’t come with the advanced features you’ll need to take things to the next level. 

Despite being part of Intuit’s “Enterprise” platform, IFSM is clearly designed for very small businesses with bare bones requirements. Think — local boutiques, freelance writing or design services, or even some home service providers (i.e.: residential landscapers, plumbers, or handymen). 

But, given the complex nature of the work, IFSM might be a stretch for providers of any size. Even the smallest providers rely on advanced technologies and baked-in AI to manage resources, mobile teams, and service calls on the front-end. And, then there are all the moving parts that must come together to fuel operations on the backend. 

Like Intuit, D365 Field Service supports field service orgs as they embark on their transformation journeys. But – it doesn’t abandon them after the first few legs. Instead, it gives providers a ton of room to grow.

As an example, look at D365’s scheduling capabilities. The platform supports three different approaches: manual, semi-automated, and fully automated scheduling. Initially, users won’t have enough data to enable automated scheduling. 

That means you’ll need to first nail down an effective manual process, so that the system starts gathering data for future improvements. Over time, you’ll start automating parts of the scheduling process, eventually, working up to a fully automated scheduling system. 

Keep in mind, this definitely won’t happen overnight. 

It’s just that, when you’re investing in business-critical software, you’re looking for solutions that will stick with your company for the next decade or so. Intuit’s FSM platform (as well as QB) might help you sustain your small business, but it won’t help you grow. 

All that in mind, the most important differences between D365 Field Service and IFSM have more to do with the underlying architecture, technologies, and ecosystems than the FSM features themselves. In these next few sections, we’ll explain what, exactly, we mean.

Provider Ecosystem

Intuit Field Service Management is firmly embedded in the QuickBooks universe. Given the context, it wasn’t especially surprising that Intuit’s version of an FSM platform still managed to put accounting and finance front and center.

IFSM is designed to integrate seamlessly with Quickbooks. Data automatically syncs between the two platforms in real-time, and users easily share invoices, status updates, and customer info with colleagues – whether they’re in the office, the field, or at home. 

That tight integration not only eliminates the need for double entries but also enhances data accuracy and speeds up the billing process. But, unfortunately, Intuit doesn’t offer any homegrown ERP or CRM solutions that support other critical functions.

Contrary to popular belief, QuickBooks isn’t actually an ERP. QuickBooks really only covers accounting – along with a handful of add-ons that help small business owners manage other processes – payroll, ecommerce orders, POS transactions, HR, and so on.  

That means, QB users will always rely on 3rd-party apps. Those easy integrations enabled orgs to tack on new capabilities—as needed—essentially building out their tech stack on an ad-hoc basis. Many businesses try to force QB into that box with endless mods, integrations, and worst of all, unsanctioned workarounds that repurpose existing features to accommodate tasks they weren’t built for. 

So, “off-brand mods” can cause all sorts of problems. Inefficiencies that drag down your business. Bad data. Missing information. An inability to understand your customers and thus meet their needs. All of which hurt the bottom line in a big way. 

Instead of pushing Intuit to the limit and misusing its feature suite, look for solutions that fill existing gaps and leave some space for strategies to expand and evolve with your business. 

Ease of Use

According to customer reviews from GetApp, Capterra, and others, Intuit Field Service Management itself is easy to use. People seemed to like the platform’s straightforward navigation and its ability to keep mobile field techs connected to the rest of the org. 

But, the features are incredibly basic, and many customers expressed disappointment re: IFSM’s limited capabilities. Additionally, several users reported problems with the QuickBooks integration – including data syncing issues, duplicate records, and duplicate payments. 

Dynamics 365 Field Service does come with a steeper learning curve, but that’s because it supports more complex processes. 

Given that field service is inherently complex, it only follows that field orgs should expect some upfront effort – planning, configuration, process design, training, etc. – in order to get the most from their FSM investment.

Customization & Integration Options

One of the reasons QuickBooks remains so incredibly popular is that it integrates with pretty much every app on the planet. 

Because Intuit boasts such a vast partner network, subscribers automatically gain access to a near-infinite amount of integrations and connectors that extend the out-of-the-box capabilities of its homegrown solutions. 

The idea is, you can link your CRM, ERP, sales channels, industry-specific FSM tools, etc. to your financials in QuickBooks and the field service capabilities in IFSM. 

You might use something like the Buildertrend integration to manage time entry, billing, proposals, and job costing from your Intuit account. The app not only provides easy access to critical job information, it prevents costly change order mistakes and data entry errors. It also saves time by automating simple tasks and workflows (think – data entry and approvals).

There’s also the Housecall Pro integration, which links field service management and CRM capabilities to QuickBooks. This is a solid option for small home services providers, as Housecall Pro offers fully-integrated accounting services to subscribers, eliminating manual data entry and making it easy to manage jobs, field employees, and finances in one place. 

Unfortunately, Intuit Field Service Management doesn’t offer much flexibility when it comes to customization. Sure, you weave together a patchwork FSM stack from all those integration options. And, technically, you can build your own apps or APIs to bring more functionality to Intuit Field Service Management and QB. 

Dynamics 365 also supports a wide range of third-party integrations through its AppSource marketplace.

All AppSource apps come from vetted Microsoft partners, and are built on the common data model as D365. That means, they don’t come with the compatibility, complexity, and middleware challenges you get when you rely too much on 3rd-party integrations. 

D365 Field Service users can also use the Power Platform’s low-code dev tools to build hyper-specific apps, automations, and conversational bots, and bring more data into the core stack to drive further improvements.

Pricing 

Most Microsoft solutions, including D365 Field Service, on a per user, per month basis. Others, like D365 Customer Insights, are billed at a flat monthly rate – with different tiers based on capacity requirements. 

MS also offers modules at a discounted rate for customers licensing multiple D365 modules. 

D365 Field Service will cost you $95 per user, per month as a standalone subscription. 

If you’re bundling the field service module with D365 Finance & Operations, D365 Sales, or some other “qualifying app,” the price drops to $30 per user per month. For the Remote Assist add-on, the starting price is $65 per user, per month, but that number drops down to $20 when you purchase another qualifying subscription.

Intuit also bills their customers on a per user, per month basis. But, pricing is determined by the number of users, rather than how many modules are linked to the same account. 

• 1-10: $35 per user, per month
• 11-40: $31 per user, per month
• 41-101: $28 per user, per month

If you need more seats, they add users at any time and immediately start assigning work orders and delegating tasks. 

All QuickBooks Enterprise accounts come with one free IFSM license, which definitely makes this option seem more attractive, if you’re looking at it through the lens of a solo handyman operation or a family-run remodeling company. 

At the very least, existing Intuit users can try the FSM app without the limitations of the typical one- or two-week trial – or post-trial pressure from sales reps.  

You will need to pay extra to gain access to essential features like time-tracking and preventative maintenance. These “add-ons” are billed at a slightly lower rate, but follow the same volume-based model:

• 1-10: $15 per user, per month
• 11-40: $13.33 per user, per month
• 41-101: $12.08 per user, per month

It is worth noting that you may end up spending more than you anticipated on “extras.”

For example, the Buildertrend app we mentioned in the last section starts at $99 per month – for the first two months. After that intro period, that number jumps to $399 per month.

At a certain point, you’re losing money on an entry-level investment, and you’ll be better off in the long run if you shell out for an enterprise-grade solution that’ll support you through the next decade.

Vendor Support & Training 

ISFM (and QB) users can tap into a wealth of support options. Intuit provides support during the onboarding process. Customers can reach out via email, phone, or chat for help with technical issues or questions about their account, the software, or how to use a specific feature.

Intuit also maintains a robust knowledge base containing tons of articles, guides, and FAQs to help users troubleshoot common problems and learn how to use the IFSM platform effectively. 

There’s also a community forum where users can interact with each other, swap advice, and share experiences.

Keep in mind, most of the content is geared toward the small business crowd, making clear that IFSM, QuickBooks, and the rest of the Intuit stack was made for a very specific audience. 

Depending on the plan, users might also receive dedicated account managers or premium support options offering faster responses and personalized assistance. Additionally, active Intuit customers automatically get software updates, bug fixes, and access to new features.

Microsoft also provides comprehensive support for its D365 Field Service customers. Users can access extensive online documentation, including user guides, knowledge base content, video tutorials, and dedicated learning modules. 

They can also crowdsource advice from community forums or contact Microsoft directly via phone or online chat to ask questions or report an issue. 

The company also offers premium support plans for enterprise users, and occasionally runs workshops, webinars, and in-person events to help users deepen their knowledge and connect with experts. 

Beyond that, D365 users can tap into Microsoft’s extensive partner network – allowing them to connect with service providers (like Velosio) that can help them optimize D365 around their industry, customers, and objectives.

Final Thoughts

Intuit Field Service Management stands out for its next-level user-friendliness and seamless integration with familiar QuickBooks tools.

On the surface, it might look like a compelling choice for companies seeking an integrated approach to field service management – without the costs and complexities typical of large-scale digital initiatives. 

Field Service Management is a complex practice that calls for FSM software that streamlines and simplifies critical operations. And sadly, IFSM and QB simply aren’t up to the task.

Take our five-question survey on field service operational maturity to see where you stack up against your peers across 5 domains. You’ll receive a customized report with recommendations that will help you move to the next level.