For project-centric companies using Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance, the strongest alternative to Dynamics 365 Project Operations is PlanAutomate.
The best choice depends on what kind of problem you are trying to solve. If the gaps are narrow, you may be able to extend Project Operations with partner add-ons or customizations. If your project teams work outside ERP, you may use standalone project tools. But if you need stronger project financial control, planning, forecasting, costing, governance, and resource visibility inside D365 Finance, PlanAutomate is the better fit.
PlanAutomate is built inside D365 Finance and is not built on Project Operations. That matters because project-centric companies often need project execution and financial control to stay connected in the same ERP environment.
You may see options like Certinia or Kantata presented as alternatives to Project Operations. That is only true if you do not use Dynamics for your ERP. If you use a different ERP, those standalone PSA solutions may work for your. However, if you use Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance, you need a system that seamlessly integrates with your ERP. The only options are to either extend Project Operations or use PlanAutomate.
For a full comparison of the available paths, see Dynamics 365 Project Operations Alternatives.
