Two popular names frequently stand out when companies evaluate their alternatives for cloud ERP systems to improve their operations: NetSuite vs Epicor. Though the strict world of comparisons on software may seem a bit daunting, a deep examination actually can help firms bent on increasing productivity with technology.
While both Epicor vs. NetSuite offer a wide variety of services in an attempt to smoothen the corporate procedure, the variance exists in features and costs, with different levels of customization.
Whether it is NetSuite, with its scalability and broad industry appeal, or the deep manufacturing/distribution capabilities of Epicor, the purpose of this guide is to arm you with the knowledge you’ll need to make an educated choice between NetSuite vs. Epicor.
What Is NetSuite?
Evan Goldberg founded NetSuite in 1998. First, it delivered web-hosted accounting management software, but shortly afterward, it developed into a completely cloud-based ERP, financial planning, and omnichannel retail solution.
In 2016, Oracle acquired NetSuite for a reported $9.3 billion. With more than 16,000 customers in more than 200 countries or territories as of today, it is generally recognized as having been one of the first providers of cloud software.
Easy to use, fast to implement, and agile enough to address every unique aspect of your business, NetSuite is the direction to go. This is why NetSuite ensures customers receive the latest software updates twice a year for free, without requiring laborious manual work or time-consuming processes.
What Is Epicor?
Though Epicor may be lacking in other ways, it is otherwise a force to reckon with in manufacturing, especially on shop floor capabilities. In June 2021, Epicor’s manufacturing system unveiled a new version, “Kinetic.”
Based on Microsoft Azure, Epicor Kinetic is essentially the company’s current Epicor ERP system. It has a cloud-based interface that allows customers to access it via a web browser and provides some additional modern capabilities.
The core target market of Epicor Kinetic includes manufacturing and distribution companies. Capabilities include inventory control, human resources, accounting, manufacturing, manufacturing execution, MES, scheduling, quoting/sales, and pre-production material planning.
Annually, Epicor will release new versions of their software. These come out quite frequently, and occasionally include patches for bugs, security updates, or new features that give the product additional functionality. It will be a business decision each year to upgrade to the next version of Epicor Kinetic as this process will not automatically occur for the customer.
NetSuite vs Epicor – Head-to-Head Comparison:
NetSuite vs Epicor Pros
NetSuite
- Real-time updates of NetSuite ERP satisfy the need by supporting the strategic and decision-making processes of businesses.
- It reduces processing time for industry-specific tasks. Customizable dashboards and real-time access improve visibility.
- NetSuite’s rapid growth accommodates both steady business expansion and evolving needs.
- Its high-end reports and analytics with industry-specific real-time updates help to provide comprehensive insights according to urgent needs.
- By automating tasks, NetSuite lowers the possibility of human error and the possibility of overlooking crucial updates and insights in the organization’s processes.
Epicor
- It offers modules to manage all of your business operations, including project management, customer relationship management, accounting, and human resources. Furthermore, this software gives you the option to select the desired module.
- It offers a feature-rich module for financial administration and accounting. You can take a variety of reports and statements with its assistance.
- The pre-installed features work well for dashboards, screen customization, business process management, and alarms.
- As you go from legacy systems to Kinetic, the sales staff helps you along the way and makes sure you fully grasp the procedure.
NetSuite vs Epicor Cons
NetSuite
- There is no set price for NetSuite ERP. It charges an annual license price for the package, which is contingent on three factors: the total number of users, the main platform, and add-on modules.
- Regular customers can get restricted hours of customer care, while Premium and Advanced subscribers can get round-the-clock assistance for an extra fee.
- Accessibility needs specific knowledge and a separate budget for add-ons
Epicor
- Its customization and execution are difficult. To maintain the software, a skilled team or user is required.
- Support might not arrive on schedule.
- Enhancing HRM and integrating it with financial and HR applications is necessary.
- A bit pricey for small companies
- The vast range of features and specific needs can make it challenging to find the suitable specialist who can include all required elements into your implementation with ease.
Key Differentiators: NetSuite ERP vs Epicor
Industry Specialties
Cloud ERP solutions from NetSuite are well-known for their extensive feature set, which supports a wide range of business activities in numerous industries.
NetSuite equips companies in retail, media, charities, manufacturing, and wholesale distribution with the tools they need to optimize their operational process by emphasizing automation and real-time data.
With its focused industry solutions, Epicor rises to the occasion, particularly in manufacturing, distribution, retail, and services.
In addition to its extensive cloud solutions, Epicor sets itself apart by offering on-premises deployment, which gives businesses who want or need on-site software management an additional degree of freedom.
Deployment Models
Operating predominantly in the cloud space, NetSuite provides SaaS solutions that are well-known for their scalability and ease of integration, which is advantageous for businesses looking to reduce their IT footprint.
Epicor appeals to a wider range of customers by going beyond cloud options and offering the conventional on-premises setup. This makes it desirable to businesses that value data ownership and customization.
Because cloud-based services do not require large upfront hardware investments or continuous maintenance costs, they frequently result in a cheaper total cost of ownership. Moreover, SaaS is positioned as a chosen enabler of business continuity and agility since it enables a mobile workforce with remote access to essential apps and data.
Conversely, on-premises solutions offer an environment where data stays inside the actual walls of an organization, providing a sense of security and control that some businesses may need, especially in sectors with strict regulatory compliance.
User Experience
NetSuite, which is well known for being user-friendly, makes daily operations and onboarding easy and hassle-free. Its emphasis on providing an easy-to-use interface and readily available help materials highlights its dedication to a flawless user experience.
Epicor is unique in that it places a strong focus on customization, giving users the ability to modify their experiences to meet certain workflow needs. Its user-friendly design makes sure that customers are not overwhelmed by the amount of customization that is possible.
Epicor’s ability to strike a balance between ease of use and complexity makes it a strong contender for companies who prefer a more interactive software environment.
Financial Management
With the help of automation, NetSuite offers a wealth of financial transparency while streamlining essential financial operations. With the transparent, real-time access to financial data provided by this robust suite, users can quickly and effectively conduct in-depth analysis, predict future trends, and make well-informed decisions.
Designed to meet the complex requirements of tax administration, Epicor’s full suite provides precise control over accounting procedures. The goal of Epicor’s strategy is to reduce risk by ensuring that companies adhere to national and industry-specific compliance requirements.
Inventory & Supply Chain Management
The inventory management domain’s dynamic requirements are catered for by NetSuite’s service. NetSuite’s features, which include real-time inventory visibility, automated purchasing procedures, and scheduling, guarantee that organizations can optimize their supply chain with significant agility and precision.
There are certain strategic benefits to Epicor’s inventory and warehouse management system. The implementation of wireless apps for warehousing indicates a focus on mobility and instantaneous data retrieval in the logistics process.
The strategic pricing features of Epicor help with inventory control as well as improved resource allocation and productivity gains.
CRM & HCM
In order to build a smooth customer journey, NetSuite effortlessly integrates with sales, marketing, and customer service operations, offering a 360-degree perspective of the customer experience.
The availability of consumer data on mobile devices guarantees that sales teams may make well-informed judgments at any time and from any location.
The human resource management module of Epicor employs a holistic approach to staff management, emphasizing the importance of luring, nurturing, and developing talent inside a company.
Epicor’s HCM provides instruments for efficient job and service management, streamlining the hiring procedure and guaranteeing that staff objectives are in line with company strategy.
Pricing
Both NetSuite vs Epicor emphasize the long-term value for money that results from optimizing operational efficiency and streamlining corporate operations, but they also provide tiered pricing plans tailored to meet the various needs of their clients.
Which ERP Is Better for Your Business?
NetSuite’s unified cloud-based model and breadth of features make it ideal for those seeking comprehensive financial management and real-time data access. At the same time, Epicor excels with its flexible deployment options and industry-specific solutions.
Given the continuous expansion of the cloud ERP industry, the insights furnished provide a basis upon which decision-makers can ascertain which software optimally advances their strategic objectives.
Epicor vs NetSuite both make strong cases for improving customer and employee management, scaling up business operations, or pursuing operational excellence.
A well-informed decision that results from carefully assessing these possibilities will drive businesses toward greater success in a world that is becoming more connected and data-driven.
Final Thoughts
Making the best ERP system choice for your company is a crucial choice that depends on knowing your unique requirements, the scale of your operations, and the sector you operate in.
The decision between NetSuite vs Epicor, two of the industry’s top contenders, comes down to which system best suits your operational needs and corporate objectives.
The choice between NetSuite vs Epicor ultimately comes down to determining which system can better support the particular operations, growth trajectory, and industry challenges of your company.
