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Acumatica’s strength lies in its multi-branch capabilities and tailored support for various business models such as manufacturing, distribution, construction, and field service. Whereas, Epicor Kinetic excels in catering to manufacturing companies with formal processes. Its distinctive data model and BOM structure, coupled with robust planning capabilities for dimensional inventory, make it ideal for industries like metal, fasteners, fabrication, aerospace, automotive, and medical devices.
Acumatica also serves as an excellent entry-level system for companies transitioning from QuickBooks or smaller point systems, seeking seamless cross-functional integration. On the other hand, Epicor Kinetic is tailored for companies advancing beyond basic transactional processing, it targets those in need of mature manufacturing capabilities such as MRP, allocation, and scheduling. Therefore, choosing between Acumatica vs Epicor Kinetic requires a detailed examination, and this comparison offers valuable insights for ERP selection projects. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics.
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| Acumatica | Epicor Kinetic | |
| Started in | 2008 | Rebranding in 2021 (legacy version existed for more than 20 years) |
| Ownership by | EQT Partners in 2019 | CD&R, over $57B in assets, potentially selling to a new buyer soon |
| No. of customers | 10,000+ | 23,000+ |
What is Acumatica?
Acumatica is one of three cloud-native ERP solutions particularly similar to NetSuite and Sage Intacct. It has extensive multi-branch capabilities, particularly making it friendlier for retail-centric operations. It can also host multiple business models as part of the same database spanning manufacturing, distribution, construction, and field service. Thus, making it friendlier for diverse manufacturing or distribution-centric operations. Because of its limited global operational capabilities, it primarily targets US and UK-based companies. Thus, positioned as an ideal choice for companies within the $10-100 million revenue range, the majority of Acumatica’s customer base falls under this category.
Desiring a user experience akin to Odoo or Quickbooks, Acumatica ERP also offers versatility to accommodate various business models: distribution, manufacturing, or construction-focused. Although Acumatica has limitations in mature features like dimensional inventory or allocation, it is an excellent initial system for companies looking to streamline inventory or costs. With transactional processing and some mature capabilities, such as batch transactional processing, Acumatica is positioned as a valuable choice for businesses venturing into their first or second ERP solution.
Acumatica ERP is a fit for companies seeking cloud-native experience, particularly emphasizing features like enterprise search and mobility over deeper operational capabilities. Despite its focus on small businesses, Acumatica lacks robust globalization and localization features, catering to a limited number of countries by default. This simplicity, however, benefits smaller companies by avoiding unnecessary layers of multi-entity operations. Although targeting small businesses, Acumatica ERP surpasses Odoo or Zoho with the flexibility of its data layers, necessitating consulting help for implementation. The perceived benefit of Acumatica’s pricing is also a challenge, as it’s notoriously difficult to understand and predict.
What Is Epicor Kinetic?
Epicor Kinetic, their flagship solution, particularly excels in catering to manufacturing companies with formal processes. Its distinctive data model and BOM structure, coupled with robust planning capabilities for dimensional inventory, make it ideal for industries like metal, fasteners, fabrication, aerospace, automotive, and medical devices. Epicor Kinetic’s versatile data model addresses complex planning needs for companies particularly with diverse business models, encompassing manufacturing, distribution, and construction. Moreover, its advanced features support WBS-centric processes, enabling efficient management of large manufacturing programs with centralized cost tracking.
Epicor Kinetic boasts a sophisticated data model, surpassing entry-level ERP systems particularly like Acumatica or NetSuite. Tailored for companies advancing beyond basic transactional processing, it targets those in need of mature manufacturing capabilities such as MRP, allocation, and scheduling. Implementation success with Epicor Kinetic also requires substantial expertise in process and data coding, making it unsuitable for founder-led companies lacking seasoned operational and financial executives with ERP experience. Given its rigid revision model, companies with suboptimal SKU and BOM models may face challenges during implementation, emphasizing the need for robust internal capabilities and advisory support.
Epicor Kinetic has also undergone noteworthy technological advancements, adopting a look and feel reminiscent of Microsoft Dynamics ERP systems. Despite its legacy status, it supports mature cloud capabilities like enterprise search. Positioned for companies particularly in the $50M – $750M revenue range, it has a strong customer base within this bracket. Current limitations also include its field service capabilities, which are being addressed through an acquired add-on, and its finance and accounting module, not as tightly integrated as other modern cloud-native solutions.
Acumatica vs Epicor Kinetic Comparison
Navigating the choice between Acumatica vs Epicor Kinetic is a significant decision for businesses particularly looking for operational efficiency and strategic alignment. Thus, this section delves into the comprehensive comparison of Acumatica vs Epicor Kinetic across various critical dimensions.
| Acumatica | Epicor Kinetic | |
| Global Operational Capabilities | Limited multi-entity capabilities. | The limited number of global and financial layers would require inefficient workarounds, particularly like using sub-accounts for traceability. |
| Diverse Capabilities | Operationally rich for smaller companies, supporting various business models in one database. | The versatile data model addresses complex planning needs for companies with diverse business models, including manufacturing, distribution, and construction. |
| Best-of-breed Capabilities | Limited, relying on third-party add-ons. | Limited, relying on third party add-ons for field service and quality module. |
| Last-mile Capabilities | May require add-ons for specific micro-verticals. | Pre-packaged capabilities for metal, automotive, and aerospace verticals. |
| Operational Functionalities | Offers deeper operational capabilities and integration for smaller operations in fewer countries. | Equipped with strong mixed-mode manufacturing capabilities, and strong WBS-centric processes. |
| Integration Capabilities | Natively-integrated WMS functionality, lacks pre-integrated best-of-breed CRM, supports only embedded CRM. | With out-of-the-box MES functionality, appeals to smaller companies seeking pre-integrated Industry 4.0 capabilities. |
| Manufacturing Capabilities | Suitable for light manufacturing, limited mature capabilities. | Manufacturing organizations with formal processes and revision numbers will relate more. |
| Pricing Model | Consumption-based, named, and concurrent but requires long-term contracts. | Per user, monthly. |
| Key Modules | 1. Financial Management 2. Construction Management 3. CRM 4. Distribution Management 5. Service Management 6. Manufacturing Management 7. Project Accounting Management 8. Payroll 9. Retail e-Commerce Management 10. Reporting, Dashboard and BI | 1. Financial Management 2. Supply Chain Management 3. Production Management 4. Risk and Compliance 5. Customer Relationship Management 6. Project Management 7. Cloud Business Platform 8. Business Intelligence and Analytics 9. Planning and Scheduling 10. Services and Assets 11. Omnichannel Sales 12. Product Management 13. Global Business Management |
Acumatica vs Epicor Kinetic Feature Comparison
Both platforms offer a plethora of features and functionalities designed to streamline business operations and enhance efficiency. In this feature comparison, we delve into particularly the distinct capabilities of Acumatica vs Epicor Kinetic across various critical dimensions, providing insights to aid businesses in making informed decisions regarding their ERP selection. Thus, this section discusses features under each of the following modules, particularly financial management, supply chain management, and manufacturing management.
Financial Management Comparison
In this section, we are discussing a detailed comparison of the financial management capabilities particularly offered by Acumatica vs Epicor Kinetic. By examining their respective strengths and functionalities, particularly in managing financial processes. Businesses can therefore gain valuable insights to determine the best-suited ERP solution for their financial management needs.
| Acumatica | Epicor Kinetic | ||
| Financial Management | General Ledger | Designed to support ledgers limited to support one country. Limited multi-ledger capabilities. | It is a customizable, secure core component of its Financial Management suite. Offers accounting controls, seamless integration with other financial modules, global capabilities, and also advanced reporting tools. |
| Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable | The AR and AP might be limited to just one country with limited synergies among vendors from different countries. | Includes AR (managing invoicing, credit, cash, and customer payments) and AP (automating invoice processing, supporting multiple payment methods, and tracking expenses). | |
| Cash Flow Management | Manages day-to-day transactions, cash balances, funds transfers, and bank account reconciliations for smaller operations. | Features automated cash handling, bank reconciliation, multi-currency and multi-bank management, integration with other financial modules, and real-time reporting and analysis. | |
| Currency Management | Creates estimates for new or existing items, convert to bills of material, production orders. | Simplifies multi-currency transactions, automates exchange rate management, integrates with other financial modules, ensures global compliance, and provides real-time reporting and analysis. | |
| Tax Management | Provides centralized tax configuration, management, and reporting. | Automates sales and use tax calculations, integrates with financial modules, supports multiple jurisdictions, provides real-time updates, and simplifies reporting and filing. |
Supply Chain Management Comparison
In this comparison, we explore and analyze the supply chain management capabilities of Acumatica vs Epicor Kinetic, shedding light particularly on their respective strengths and weaknesses.
| Acumatica | Epicor Kinetic | ||
| Supply Chain Management | Warehouse Management | Provides real-time inventory visibility and streamlines warehouse operations. | Optimizes operations with real-time inventory tracking, advanced material management, seamless integration with other systems, and configurable workflows. |
| Service Management | Enables quick service needs capture, assignment, and real-time tracking, with features like contract management and appointment schedules. | Streamlines operations with maintenance management, service contract handling, case management, RMA tracking, and real-time insights for efficient equipment upkeep and customer support. | |
| Inventory Management | Simplifies inventory processes with flexible item management and quality traceability. | Optimizes processes with detailed tracking, smart planning, advanced units of measure, automated purchase contracts, and seamless integration with supply chain and production modules. | |
| Purchase Order Management | Streamlines procurement processes with policy enforcement and process controls. | Streamlines procurement with tools for supplier negotiations, order tracking, automated processes, and supplier relationship management. | |
| Sales Order Management | Centrally manages sales activities and tracks prices and inventory. | Streamlines sales with features for order tracking, automation, estimating, cross-functional collaboration, and eCommerce integration. | |
| Requisition Management | Organizes complex distribution processes involving multiple products and suppliers. | Automates procurement with real-time budget checks, vendor support, standing and blanket orders, multi-level approvals, and effective expenditure management. |
Manufacturing Management Comparison
In this comparison, we explore and analyze the manufacturing management capabilities of Acumatica vs Epicor Kinetic, shedding light, particularly on their respective strengths and weaknesses.
| Acumatica | Epicor Kinetic | ||
| Manufacturing Management | Production Planning | Assists manufacturers in addressing production demand with the agility to adjust to fluctuating schedules, unforeseen equipment malfunctions, delayed deliveries from suppliers, and other unexpected occurrences affecting operations on the factory floor. | Enhances manufacturing efficiency with Master Production Scheduling, Material Requirements Planning, Advanced Planning and Scheduling, Job Management, Lean Manufacturing, Quality Management, and Advanced MES for real-time monitoring. |
| BOM and Routing | Lets you efficiently plan and manage inventories, costs and manufacturing processes. | Streamlines production with multi-level BOM management, dynamic BOM creation, CAD and PLM integration, strong change control, centralized routing management, detailed routing steps, real-time adjustments, and precise cost and time estimation. | |
| Advanced Planning and Scheduling | Lets you create a more streamlined and accurate production scheduled, better enforce delivery dates and optimize for capacity. | Enhances production efficiency with automated scheduling, flexible capacity planning, real-time adjustments, what-if scenarios, integrated material constraints, and multi-site management. |
Pros of Acumatica vs Epicor Kinetic
When evaluating ERP solutions, understanding the distinct advantages of Acumatica vs Epicor Kinetic is crucial. In this section, we are particularly exploring the strengths of Acumatica vs Epicor Kinetic across various dimensions. Thus, shedding light on their respective capabilities and functionalities.
| Acumatica | Epicor Kinetic |
| Great 1st or 2nd ERP choice particularly due to limited layers and mature capabilities for larger companies. | Epicor has a very similar look and feel to Microsoft ERP products, providing you with the same experience but with much deeper last-mile capabilities. |
| Accommodates different business models spread in fewer countries under one database. | 90% of the capabilities required by verticals such as metal, automotive, and aerospace are pre-packaged with the core platform. |
| Great fit for SMB B2B businesses with complex product mixes. | Great fit for manufacturing organizations that follow formal manufacturing processes with revision numbers. |
| Born in the cloud with consistent design principles across the application. | Although a legacy product, it includes mature cloud capabilities such as enterprise search and transactional maps for end-to-end transactional traceability. |
Cons of Acumatica vs Epicor Kinetic
Just like recognizing strengths is important, it’s also crucial to weigh the specific drawbacks of Acumatica vs Epicor Kinetic. Therefore, in this section, we will delve into the limitations and challenges associated with Acumatica vs Epicor Kinetic across various operational and financial dimensions.
| Acumatica | Epicor Kinetic |
| Limited capabilities when multiple countries with different currencies and sub-ledgers need to be hosted as part of the same solution. | The data layers are highly detailed, requiring substantial consulting help to be successful with the product. |
| Not fit for companies with over $100 million in revenue. | The limited focus on certain business models poses the risk of requiring other ERP systems to support complex and diverse business operations. |
| The mobile capabilities are leaner for complex reporting scenarios such as parallel processing or reporting labor. | The field service capabilities are not as embedded and proven as some of the other products. |
| Consumption-based pricing requires consulting expertise to estimate transactions as the pricing is not as predictable. | Epicor takes a suite approach to its products while selling directly to its customers. This limits the overall consulting and marketplace penetration. |
| Multiple add-ons such as MES, PLM, and quality, posing integration and communication challenges with the core systems required for complex manufacturing. | Requires ad-hoc arrangements for larger mid-market companies with more than three financial hierarchies. |
| The last-mile capabilities required for manufacturing or industrial distribution may not as strong as purpose-built solutions such as Infor or Epicor but comparable to vanilla solutions such as SAP S/4 HANA. | Finance and accounting layers are not going to be as strong as some of the other products. |
Conclusion
Acumatica vs Epicor Kinetic, each of them offers distinct advantages tailored to different business needs. Acumatica excels as an entry-level ERP solution particularly for small to mid-sized businesses with simpler needs and limited global presence. Its cloud-native approach and flexible data model also makes it a suitable choice for companies seeking basic integration across various business models, including manufacturing and distribution. However, its limited localization and multi-entity capabilities may pose challenges for businesses with more complex global operations.
Conversely, Epicor Kinetic is designed for larger organizations with sophisticated manufacturing requirements and a broader global footprint. Its advanced features, such as Master Production Scheduling and a robust data model, cater to companies needing in-depth production planning and resource management. While it offers extensive functionality for industries like aerospace and automotive, its implementation requires considerable expertise, particularly for companies without seasoned ERP professionals.Â
Both systems have their strengths and limitations, so businesses should carefully evaluate their specific needs and growth aspirations to determine the most suitable ERP solution. Also, seeking assistance from an independent ERP consultant can significantly aid the decision-making process. To get a 360-degree view of feature comparisons, it’s essential to explore not only Acumatica vs. Epicor Kinetic but also insights from other analyses such as Acumatica vs. NetSuite, SAP S/4 HANA, Oracle Cloud ERP, MS Dynamics 365 F&O, MS Dynamics 365 BC, Infor CloudSuite LN, and Infor CloudSuite M3.
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