Is Epicor a Good ERP for Manufacturing?

This may be a simplified way to describe the purchasing of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software because the sector of global manufacturing is so complex and dynamic. However, purchasing ERP is a lot like finding the correct cog for such an enormous machine. Because the manufacturing sector consists of multiple moving pieces, from supply chain to regulatory compliance, a fitted ERP is not a luxury, it is a necessity. There are numerous ERP software offerings available, including Epicor ERP but is it a good choice for manufacturing? That is the focus of this account, an evaluation of Epicor ERP for manufacturing.

Epicor ERP’s Strengths in Manufacturing

• Industry Specific Solutions: Epicor ERP is commended as an industry-specific solution. Epicor ERP forms a module that is designed solely for manufacturing. Based on the needs of the manufacturing industry, including raw materials, human resources, production, sale and other angles, Epicor ERP does not adopt the form of a general ERP such as SAP, but adopts a solution that suits manufacturers and speaks the culture of manufacturers.
• Advanced Material Requirements Planning (MRP) control: The heart of almost all manufacturing efforts is in managing the right amount of the correct material at the right time, and few systems can do this more effectively than Epicor’s robust MRP capability. Using rich analytics that allow them to better forecast demand and schedule inventory, Epicor helps manufacturers plan production, ensure correct quality control, reduce waste and optimise the use of resources, especially crucial in today’s manufacturing environment, where cost is king.
• Data and Analytics in Real Time: Manufacturing is a business heavily reliant on data, and Epicor ERP delivers real-time data and analytics. Visual insights are provided in almost every area of manufacturing, from the shop floor to the top floor. Decision makers can act based on data analytics.
• Scalability: the multitenant nature of Epicor ERP means that it is equally at home with the smallest of manufacturers as it is with a large, multinational corporation. This makes it easier for businesses to scale their ERP to meet their needs as they grow; a business doesn’t want to be constrained by its ERP system, and it certainly doesn’t want to have to pour money into changing its systems to grow.
• User-Friendly Interface: ERP implementation can often be hampered due to user adoption issues but Epicor ERP is very intuitive and user-friendly by design.

Challenges of Epicor ERP in Manufacturing

• Complex to Implement: Implementation of Epicor ERP can be complex, and there are several reasons for this. Most importantly, the extended nature of the system enables significant configuration of the system, which in turn might slow down deployment times. Manufacturers should be prepared to make a substantial investment in time and resources during implementation.
• Training and Learning Curve: There is a large number of features and modules within Epicor ERP. It will have a learning curve. The company needs to train those who will utilize the system, so it will come with a small training time and cost. Manufacturing companies need to allot sufficient time and budget for training.
• Above all,Cost: Epicor is a good, all-round solution, but it’s not cheap. It might be compared to a big-name brand in cereals – it gets everything right, but it costs a lot, especially when you add up customisation, implementation and ongoing maintenance costs. Small manufacturers in particular need to review the ROI carefully.
• Integration with existing Legacy Systems: It has been found that some manufacturers already have a legacy system that could not be consolidated in the new system. They have to manage and plan a lot before exporting of data is made easier and the systems are made compatible. Epicor or even a third party might have to come in and add some customisations.

Conclusion

Epicor ERP for manufacturing’s industry-centric solutions and advanced planning capabilities give a strong impression. The inclusive intuitive role-based dashboards in real-time, along with its scalable features are key highlights. Like everything, Epicor ERP for manufacturing comes with its share of pros and cons. The complexities associated with the implementation of Epicor ERP for manufacturing, the time it takes you to get familiar with and understand Epicor ERP’s user interface as an end-user or administrator, the intensive and challenging nature of the training required, the cost associated with licensing it makes it difficult to suggest go for this ERP if you aren’t prepared to overcome these hurdles. More importantly, if you’re a manufacturer and want a readily deployable, industry-centric ERP solution and are prepared to overcome those challenges, Epicor ERP for manufacturing makes for a seriously strong contender. Click this link to find out more about Epicor for manufacturing.

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