Top 9 SYSPRO Alternatives and Competitors
The top SYSPRO alternatives include Epicor Kinetic, SAP Business One, ECI M1, and NetSuite. In our evaluation of the best manufacturing ERP software, we ranked picks based on in-depth analytics, industry-specific compliance, and comprehensive CRM modules.
Best SYSPRO Alternatives Shortlist
Below are detailed summaries of the best SYSPRO alternatives that we’ll be covering in this article:
- Kinetic - Top Manufacturing Pick
- SAP Business One - Best-Integrated ERP
- ECI M1 - Great for Small Manufacturers
- NetSuite - Best for Global Operations
- Acumatica - Best for Mid-Level Manufacturers
- Infor CloudSuite Industrial - Top Pick for Discrete Manufacturing
- Global Shop Solutions - Best for Custom Manufacturers
- Katana - Direct-to-Consumer Focus
- Odoo - Top Open-Source ERP
Understanding SYSPRO and Its Limitations
SYSPRO has been a reputable name in the ERP landscape for over 40 years, primarily catering to manufacturers and distributors. However, its user interface can appear dated, and it offers limited customization options.
Users also note that advanced reporting requires additional modules, driving up their total cost of ownership. Additionally, SYSPRO lacks a robust CRM module and falls short in advanced analytics and data visualization.
1 Kinetic: Top Manufacturing Pick
Why we chose it: Epicor Kinetic is designed for manufacturing, aiding both medium and enterprise-level organizations. Its finite capacity scheduling ensures efficient allocation of resources, preventing overloads and underutilization.
Multi-plant planning, on the other hand, centralizes decision-making for geographically dispersed facilities, ensuring consistency in production standards. Real-time dashboards offer manufacturers instant insights, enabling quicker responses to any production anomalies and improving overall efficiency.
Read our full Kinetic review.
Key features:
- Sophisticated product configurator
- Compliance management in IAS, IFRS, GAAP, RoHS, WEEE, NAFTA, ITAR
- Quality assurance
- Maintenance management
Industries:
- Manufacturing
- Distribution
2 SAP Business One: Best-Integrated ERP
Why we chose it: SAP Business One is our pick for integrated business management in the SME space. Tight-knit integration between CRM and ERP eliminates data silos, enabling sales and production teams to collaborate effectively, expediting order-to-delivery times.
The integration with SAP HANA optimizes data processing, offering businesses swift and precise analytics to make data-driven decisions.
Key features:
- Advanced financial management
- Customer and supplier relationship management
- Integrated analytics and reporting
Industries:
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale
- Retail
3 ECI M1: Great For Small Manufacturers
Why we chose it: ECI M1 stands out as the ERP solution perfectly fitting small to mid-sized manufacturing entities. Advanced shop floor data collection ensures real-time tracking of production progress, minimizing bottlenecks and promoting just-in-time manufacturing.
The real-time job costing and tracking provide insights into resource allocation, helping businesses optimize costs and improve profit margins.
Read our full ECI M1 review.
Key Features:
- Advanced shop floor data collection
- Real-time job costing and tracking
- Integrated accounting and financials
Industries:
- Manufacturing
- Automotive
- Aerospace
4 NetSuite: Best for Global Operations
Why we chose it: NetSuite is well-suited to expansive global conglomerates. Its cloud-native design facilitates seamless integration of new modules and features. NetSuite can also handle diverse currencies, languages, and taxes, allowing businesses to penetrate new markets without the hurdle of system reconfiguration.
Read our full NetSuite review.
Key Features:
- Integrated financials and CRM
- Multi-currency and multi-language support
- Advanced inventory and warehouse management
Industries:
- Manufacturing
- Distribution
- Retail
- Services
5 Acumatica: Best for Mid-Level Manufacturers
Why we chose it: Acumatica stands out for mid-tier manufacturers, offering value without compromising functionality. Its unique usage-based pricing ensures businesses only invest in necessary features, maximizing ROI.
The open API architecture not only offers integration flexibility but also ensures businesses can rapidly adapt to changing tech landscapes, from CRM integrations to e-commerce adaptations.
Read our full Acumatica review.
Key Features:
- Business intelligence and integrated analytics.
- Open API architecture.
- Pricing based on usage.
Industries:
- Manufacturing
- Retail
- Distribution
- Construction
6 Infor CloudSuite Industrial: Top Pick for Discrete Manufacturing
Why we chose it: Infor CloudSuite Industrial excels in intricate product configuration options, allowing discrete manufacturers to accommodate varying specifications. Is integrated CAD capabilities streamline the design and modification processes. This is crucial in discrete manufacturing where blueprints and designs may frequently change based on client needs. By ensuring products are both innovative and feasible, Infor aids discrete manufacturers in maintaining both efficiency and flexibility in their operations.
Read our full Infor CloudSuite Industrial review.
Key features:
- Integrated CAD capabilities.
- Sophisticated product configuration.
- Shop floor automation.
Industries:
- Manufacturing
- Aerospace and defense
- Distribution
7 Global Shop Solutions: Best for Custom Manufacturers
Why we chose it: Global Shop Solutions offers product configuration capabilities, underpinned by attribute-based configurations. These enable a detailed understanding of how customizations impact production timelines and costs. Its unique material scheduling ensures resources align perfectly with the bespoke needs of each job, enhancing efficiency.
Read our full Global Shop Solutions review.
Key Features:
- Custom material scheduling
- Attribute-based configuration
- Granular profitability analysis
Industries:
- Custom manufacturing
- Automotive
- Electronics
8 Katana: Direct-to-Consumer Focus
Why we chose it: Katana is a good fit for startups and businesses with a direct consumer approach. Its e-commerce integrations, particularly with giants like Shopify, automate order processing. This ensures inventory levels adjust in real-time, preventing stock-outs or overstocking, and ensuring an optimized supply chain.
Key Features:
- Visually-oriented, easy-to-use interface
- Order prioritization based on custom rules
- Real-time inventory management
Industries:
- Apparel
- Cosmetics
- Electronics
- Food and beverage
- Machinery
9 Odoo: Top Open-Source ERP
Why we chose it: Odoo’s open-source framework ensures businesses aren’t locked into rigid modules; they can mold the system as they grow. The ability to customize reporting, for instance, ensures businesses focus on metrics that matter, leading to smarter strategic decisions.
Read our full Odoo review.
Key features:
- Modular architecture
- Open-source customization
- Multi-level variant support – no need for separate Bills of Materials for each variant
Industries:
- Manufacturing
- Retail
- Distribution
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a SYSPRO Alternative
If you’re switching from SYSPRO, these factors should be at the top of your list:
- Real-time Analytics and Data Visualization: When looking for an alternative, prioritize platforms that offer sophisticated real-time data analytics. For example, a system running on SAP HANA provides in-memory data processing capabilities that allow for faster, more accurate insights.
- CRM Capabilities: SYSPRO’s CRM functionalities are not as robust as some businesses might require. Make sure that the alternative you choose offers in-depth features like automated customer journey mapping, advanced segmentation, and multi-channel support.
- Customization and Scalability: SYSPRO’s customization options could be more flexible. Evaluate if the alternative ERP system offers an ecosystem for additional modules or plugins that can easily tailor the platform to fit your unique business processes.
- Reporting and Compliance: SYSPRO users often mention that its reporting capabilities require additional modules, escalating the total cost of ownership. Consider alternatives that provide comprehensive reporting capabilities out-of-the-box, including compliance with industry-specific standards and regulations.
Summary
A suitable replacement to SYSPRO should offer real-time analytics, more robust CRM features, greater customization capabilities, and more inclusive reporting and compliance features. These will collectively contribute to a more transparent operation, better customer relationships, and ultimately, an enhanced bottom line. Our team is on standby to offer tailored recommendations based on your unique operational requirements.
Why consider an alternative to SYSPRO?
SYSPRO performs strongly in manufacturing and distribution but may lack advanced analytics, robust CRM features, and inclusive reporting options. For example, a business in the retail sector looking to dynamically segment their customer base might find SYSPRO less capable. Similarly, companies adhering to specific compliance requirements, such as GDPR or HIPAA, may find SYSPRO’s reporting features less adaptable.
Is SYSPRO a full-suite system?
Yes, SYSPRO is a full-suite ERP solution primarily designed for manufacturers and distributors. However, it may lack some out-of-the-box functionalities like advanced CRM and data visualization capabilities, requiring additional modules.
Which industries would benefit most from SYSPRO alternatives?
Industries that require real-time data analytics, advanced CRM, and comprehensive reporting—such as in the high-tech manufacturing, automotive, and food and beverage sectors—may find SYSPRO alternatives more aligned with their specific needs. For instance, food and beverage processors are likely to need batch tracking and shelf-life management modules.
