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. It primarily caters to manufacturers and distributors. However, it requires third-party integrations for capabilities like shipping notifications and EDI.
Additionally, SYSPRO does not include native payroll or HCM modules. Built-in capabilities handle day-to-day operational needs well, but advanced custom reporting requires expertise with the embedded Crystal Report system within SYSPRO Reporting Services.
1 Kinetic: Top Manufacturing Pick
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
SAP Business One offers 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
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
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
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 offers integration flexibility and 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
Infor CloudSuite Industrial excels in intricate product configuration options, allowing discrete manufacturers to accommodate varying specifications. Its integrated CAD capabilities streamline the design and modification processes, which 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 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
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
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
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.
- Reporting and Compliance: SYSPRO users often mention that creating sophisticated reports requires Crystal Reports skills. This can increase training costs and complexity. Though standard reports work well for operational needs, those needing highly customized analytics may face a steeper learning curve.
Summary
A suitable replacement to SYSPRO should offer customizable analytics without requiring specialized report-writing expertise and built-in HCM and payroll modules. These will collectively contribute to a more transparent operation and 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 dynamic, custom reporting, native support for EDI and ASNs, and inclusive reporting options. For example, 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 native payroll/HCM modules and require third-party add-ons for capabilities like EDI and shipping notifications.
