Top 8 Epicor Alternatives and Competitors
The top Epicor alternatives include SAP S/4HANA, NetSuite, Oracle ERP Cloud, and SYSPRO. We’ve evaluated the best manufacturing ERP software based on features like specialized manufacturing support and real-time analytics.
Best Epicor Alternatives Shortlist
Below are detailed summaries of the best Epicor alternatives that we’ll be covering in this article:
- SAP S/4HANA - For Complex Manufacturing
- NetSuite - For Global Operations
- Oracle ERP Cloud - Best Financial Management
- Infor CloudSuite Industrial - For Discrete Manufacturers
- SYSPRO - Best for Process Manufacturers
- Acumatica - For Small to Medium Manufacturers
- xTuple - Open-Source ERP
- Aptean Industrial Manufacturing - Best for Industrial Manufacturers
Understanding Epicor and Its Limitations
Epicor is a well-known ERP software that mainly serves mid-market and enterprise-level manufacturers. While it’s renowned for strong manufacturing focus and an integrated MES, its usability sometimes falls short. For example, the user interface isn’t always intuitive, which makes navigating through analytics dashboards difficult, especially for users without a technical background. Below are the top eight Epicor alternatives catering to manufacturing environments like mixed-mode, discrete, make-to-order, and engineer-to-order.
1 SAP S/4HANA: For Complex Manufacturing
Why we chose it: For companies involved in complex manufacturing, SAP S/4HANA stands out due to its prowess in real-time data processing. Utilizing its SAP HANA in-memory database, the platform enables quick query processing, allowing managers to sift through vast datasets promptly. For instance, using SAP S/4HANA, a company could foresee a potential supply chain disruption and preemptively stock up on necessary materials.
Additionally, its IoT integrations, powered by AI and machine learning, allow for predictive maintenance — an essential tool for manufacturers to minimize unexpected halts and reduce costs.
Read our full SAP S/4HANA review.
Key features:
- Advanced planning and scheduling
- Real-time analytics and insights
- AI and machine learning-driven optimizations
Industries:
- Manufacturing
- Automotive
- Aerospace and defense
2 NetSuite: For Global Operations
Why we chose it: NetSuite cloud-native system scales effortlessly with businesses that are expanding globally. Compared to traditional systems like Epicor, it simplifies adding new users or functionalities. A growing company can manage multiple subsidiaries, currencies, and tax regulations without overhauling the system. Plus, as the business expands, NetSuite ensures seamless collaboration with real-time data access for everyone, from the production line to the executive suite.
Read our full NetSuite review.
Key features:
- Integrated financials and CRM
- Real-time analytics
- Shop floor to top-floor visibility
Industries:
- Manufacturing
- Retail and eCommerce
- Wholesale distribution
3 Oracle ERP Cloud: Best Financial Management
Why we chose it: Oracle ERP Cloud best suits mid-sized companies to large enterprises with a high need for financial management. Unlike Epicor, which is more manufacturing-centric, Oracle offers a broad spectrum of industry-specific tools. For instance, its robust financial module can handle complex challenges like intercompany accounting, ensuring transparency across different business units. Moreover, with the integration of advanced revenue management standards like ASC 606/IFRS 15, businesses can maintain compliance effortlessly.
Key Features:
- Advanced shop floor data collection
- Real-time job costing and tracking
- Integrated accounting and financials
Industries:
- Manufacturing
- Automotive
- Aerospace
4 Infor CloudSuite Industrial: For Discrete Manufacturers
Why we chose it: Infor CloudSuite Industrial emphasizes sophisticated product configuration, enabling discrete manufacturers to customize products according to client specifications. Moreover, its built-in CAD integrations streamline the design and manufacturing process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency from the drawing board to the shop floor.
Read our full Infor CloudSuite Industrial review.
Key Features:
- Embedded analytics
- Advanced planning and scheduling
- Real-time data tracking
Industries:
- Automotive
- Medical devices
- Industrial machinery
5 SYSPRO: Best for Process Manufacturers
Why we chose it: SYSPRO offers a high degree of specialization in process manufacturing, with a focus on IoT and Industry 4.0 technologies. For instance, its detailed inventory and warehouse management tools allow firms to optimize storage and streamline supply chains. Moreover, SYSPRO’s AI integrations enable automated workflows, ensuring consistent quality and reduced manual errors.
Read our full SYSPRO review.
Key Features:
- Detailed inventory and warehouse management
- Advanced planning and scheduling
- IoT and AI integrations
Industries:
- Manufacturing
- Distribution
- Food and beverage
6 Acumatica: For Small to Medium Manufacturers
Why we chose it: Acumatica is tailor-made for small to medium manufacturers keen on scalability without the added cost burden. One of its standout features is the open API architecture, offering vast flexibility for integrations. For example, a budding e-commerce business can seamlessly integrate its sales platform, ensuring real-time data and inventory tracking, and subsequently, better customer service.
Read our full Acumatica review.
Key features:
- Business intelligence and integrated analytics
- Open API architecture
- Real-time data and inventory tracking
Industries:
- Manufacturing
- Retail
- Distribution
- Construction
7 xTuple: Best Open-Source ERP
Why we chose it: xTuple’s open-source nature means it’s highly customizable; a business with unique compliance needs can modify xTuple to generate reports fitting exact requirements. Also, with comprehensive inventory management tools, companies can ensure optimal stock levels, reducing carrying costs and potential stockouts.
Read our full xTuple review.
Key Features:
- Open-source architecture
- Comprehensive inventory management
- Purchase planning tools
- CRM features
Industries:
- Manufacturing
- Distribution
8 Aptean Industrial Manufacturing: Best for Industrial Manufacturers
Why we chose it: Aptean Industrial Manufacturing ERP offers specialized tools like in-depth shop floor control for industrial manufacturers. This ensures that managers have a real-time view of operations, leading to better resource allocation. Additionally, with its comprehensive quality management tools, manufacturers can maintain stringent product standards, ensuring customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance.
Read our full Aptean Industrial Manufacturing review.
Key Features:
- Role-based WorkBench for personalized user experiences
- Comprehensive quality management tools
- In-depth shop floor control features
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Epicor Alternative
If you’re considering moving away from Epicor, the following factors should be prioritized in your search for an alternative:
- User-interface and Usability: Epicor has sometimes been criticized for its user interface, which some find to be less intuitive compared to other modern ERP systems. When looking for an alternative, focus on platforms that offer simple navigation, a responsive design, logical task flows, and global search functionality.
- Advanced Analytics and Real-time Dashboards: While Epicor does offer analytics and data collection, its capabilities may not be as advanced as some businesses require for in-depth data analysis. Choose an alternative that provides more comprehensive real-time analytics, such as systems backed by powerful databases like SAP HANA.
- Integration Flexibility: Epicor’s system may not always easily integrate with other third-party applications or software, which could limit your ability to add new functionalities. Consider ERP solutions that offer robust API support or a wide range of pre-built integrations with other business applications.
- Multi-site and Global Operations: If your business has multi-site or global requirements, you may find that Epicor’s solutions fall short in providing comprehensive multi-site or global support, such as localization options and multi-currency capabilities. Evaluate alternatives that excel in this domain to ensure that your business can scale globally without roadblocks.
Summary
A suitable alternative to Epicor should come equipped with advanced planning and scheduling functionalities, more comprehensive real-time dashboards, and an intuitive user interface that caters to the needs of various roles within the organization.
Additionally, any alternative should offer capabilities for complex accounting and better integration options to seamlessly work with other existing systems. These features will collectively lead to more efficient operations, improved workforce productivity, and, ultimately, a stronger bottom line. Our team is available to provide customized suggestions tailored to your unique operational needs.
Why consider an alternative to Epicor?
While Epicor offers robust manufacturing capabilities, some businesses find it lacking in areas like real-time analytics and mobile accessibility. The UI is less intuitive when compared to more modern ERP solutions like NetSuite or Microsoft Dynamics 365, which offer sleeker, more user-friendly dashboards and advanced analytics.
Is Epicor suitable for small businesses?
No, Epicor is geared toward medium to large enterprises. Smaller businesses may find the system overly complex due to the range of features that may not be relevant for a smaller operation. Additionally, the licensing and implementation costs can be a significant financial burden for small businesses. In contrast, more affordable and simplified options like Acumatica could better fit smaller manufacturers.
Is it easy to switch from Epicor to another ERP?
Switching from one ERP system to another is intricate and involves several steps such as data migration, customization, and staff training. Because ERP systems like Epicor deeply integrate into your business processes, migrating can involve substantial time and resources. Epicor does offer data export options and APIs to aid in the data migration process, which can facilitate integration with a new system.
