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Epicor Kinetic also 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. On the other hand, Odoo’s unique advantage lies in hosting operations across multiple countries in a single database.Â
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. On the other hand, Odoo is an excellent choice for budget-conscious companies, especially those with in-house development teams. While Odoo’s modular design allows flexible app purchasing and provides scalability, it lacks tight integration at the data model level. Therefore, choosing between Epicor Kinetic vs Odoo 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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| Epicor Kinetic | Odoo | |
| Started in | Rebranding in 2021 (legacy version existed for more than 20 years) | 2014 |
| Ownership by | CD&R, over $57B in assets, and CVC with over $220B in assets | Odoo S.A. |
| No. of customers | 23,000+ | 100,000+ relatively smaller companies |
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 with diverse business models, encompassing manufacturing, distribution, and also construction. Moreover, its advanced features support WBS-centric processes, enabling efficient management of large manufacturing programs with centralized cost tracking.
Epicor Kinetic also boasts a sophisticated data model, surpassing entry-level ERP systems 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 requires substantial expertise in process and data coding, particularly 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 undergone noteworthy technological advancements, adopting a look and feel reminiscent of particularly Microsoft Dynamics ERP systems. Despite its legacy status, it supports mature cloud capabilities like enterprise search. Positioned for companies in the $50M – $750M revenue range, it also has a strong customer base within this bracket. Current limitations include its field service capabilities, which are being addressed through an acquired add-on, and its finance and accounting module also, not as tightly integrated as other modern cloud-native solutions.
What Is Odoo?
Odoo caters to smaller companies particularly transitioning from QuickBooks or Xero, streamlining operations from various add-ons, spreadsheets, and applications. It provides basic transactional processing across several enterprise software categories, such as ERP, CRM, and HCM. And a lot more in a consolidated database, also eliminating the need for costly integrations.
An excellent choice for budget-conscious companies, especially those with in-house development teams, Odoo may face challenges without guidance from experienced ERP consultants. While Odoo’s modular design allows flexible app purchasing and provides scalability, it lacks tight integration at the data model level. This limitation can be a concern for companies particularly aiming for stringent financial control at the data layer. This is especially true for less seasoned companies that might already struggle to regulate their internal process and data codings.
A rapidly growing platform with substantial funding and a large user base, it also primarily caters to startups and smaller companies with revenue under $10 million. Its unique advantage particularly lies in hosting operations across multiple countries in a single database. Distinguishing from solutions like QuickBooks or Xero, it might also use separate financial instances for each country. The other similar ERP systems designed for multi-entity operations might not contain CRM-specific processes.Â
Epicor Kinetic vs Odoo Comparison
Navigating the choice between Epicor Kinetic vs Odoo is a significant decision for businesses particularly looking for operational efficiency and strategic alignment. Thus, this section delves into the comprehensive comparison of Epicor Kinetic vs Odoo across various critical dimensions.
| Epicor Kinetic | Odoo | |
| Global Operational Capabilities | The limited number of global and financial layers would require inefficient workarounds. | Fit for smaller companies with entities in different countries. |
| Diverse Capabilities | The versatile data model addresses complex planning needs. | Supports diverse industries, including product and service-centric startups. |
| Best-of-breed Capabilities | Relying on third party add-ons for field service and quality module. | Extremely limited best-of-breed capabilities. |
| Last-mile Capabilities | Pre-packaged capabilities for metal, automotive, and aerospace verticals. | The last-mile capabilities for specific micro-verticals are limited. |
| Operational Functionalities | Equipped with strong mixed-mode manufacturing capabilities, and WBS-centric processes. | Matrix functionality built as part of the inventory core​. |
| Integration Capabilities | With out-of-the-box MES functionality, appeals to smaller companies seeking pre-integrated Industry 4.0 capabilities. | It lacks tight integration at the data model level, concerning for companies aiming for stringent financial control. |
| Manufacturing Capabilities | Manufacturing organizations with formal processes and revision numbers will relate more to the product. | Matrix functionality built as part of the inventory core​. However, many advanced transactions may have limited support natively. |
| Pricing Model | Per user, monthly | Per-user, per-app, per-month model |
| Key Modules | 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 | 1. Sales 2. CRM 3. Inventory Management 4. Accounting and Finance 5. Purchase Management 6. Project Management 7. Manufacturing Management 8. Human Resources Management 9. Website and eCommerce |
Epicor Kinetic vs Odoo 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 Epicor Kinetic vs Odoo 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 Epicor Kinetic vs Odoo. 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.
| Epicor Kinetic | Odoo | ||
| Financial Management | General Ledger | It is a customizable, secure core component of its Financial Management suite. Offers accounting controls, seamless integration with other financial modules, global capabilities, and advanced reporting tools. | A financial record-keeping system that tracks all financial transactions and integrates seamlessly with other modules. |
| Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable | Includes AR (managing invoicing, credit, cash, and customer payments) and AP (automating invoice processing, supporting multiple payment methods, and tracking expenses). | The AR tracks money owed to the business by customers, while AP manages money the business owes to suppliers. | |
| Cash Flow Management | Features automated cash handling, bank reconciliation, multi-currency and multi-bank management, integration with other financial modules, and real-time reporting and analysis. | Helps monitor and forecast company’s cash inflows and outflows to ensure liquidity and financial stability. | |
| Currency Management | Simplifies multi-currency transactions, automates exchange rate management, integrates with other financial modules, ensures global compliance, and provides real-time reporting and analysis. | Supports multi-currency transactions, automatic exchange rate updates, exchange difference entries, foreign currency reports, and managing bank accounts in multiple currencies. | |
| Tax Management | Automates sales and use tax calculations, integrates with financial modules, supports multiple jurisdictions, provides real-time updates, and simplifies reporting and filing. | Automates tax calculations, updates, and reporting, ensuring compliance and efficiency across multiple currencies and modules. |
Supply Chain Management Comparison
In this comparison, we explore and analyze the supply chain management capabilities of Epicor Kinetic vs Odoo, shedding light particularly on their respective strengths and weaknesses.
| Epicor Kinetic | Odoo | ||
| Supply Chain Management | Warehouse Management | Optimizes operations with real-time inventory tracking, advanced material management, seamless integration with other systems, and configurable workflows. | Optimizes inventory control, streamlines operations, and enhances visibility with real-time tracking and automated processes. |
| Service Management | Streamlines operations with maintenance management, service contract handling, case management, RMA tracking, and real-time insights. | Streamlines service delivery, enhances customer satisfaction, and optimizes resource allocation with integrated project management and invoicing. | |
| Inventory Management | Optimizes processes with detailed tracking, smart planning, advanced units of measure, automated purchase contracts, and seamless integration with supply chain and production modules. | Offers real-time tracking, multi-location management, and automated reordering to optimize stock levels and streamline operation. | |
| Purchase Order Management | Streamlines procurement with tools for supplier negotiations, order tracking, automated processes, and supplier relationship management. | Automates procurement processes, optimizes supplier interactions, and ensures accurate order tracking and invoicing. | |
| Sales Order Management | Streamlines sales with features for order tracking, automation, estimating, cross-functional collaboration, and eCommerce integration. | Streamlines the entire sales process, from creating and sending quotations to converting them into sales orders and managing invoicing, all within a single platform. | |
| Requisition Management | Automates procurement with real-time budget checks, vendor support, standing and blanket orders, multi-level approvals, and effective expenditure management. | Streamlines the process of creating, reviewing, and approving purchase requisitions, ensuring compliance with budgets and procurement policies. |
Manufacturing Management Comparison
In this comparison, we explore and analyze the manufacturing management capabilities of Epicor Kinetic vs Odoo, shedding light, particularly on their respective strengths and weaknesses.
| Epicor Kinetic | Odoo | ||
| Manufacturing Management | Production Planning | 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. | Optimizes manufacturing processes by efficiently scheduling, allocating resources, and managing work orders to meet production goals. |
| BOM and Routing | 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. | Defines the components and operations required for manufacturing a product, thus optimizing production efficiency. | |
| Advanced Planning and Scheduling | Enhances production efficiency with automated scheduling, flexible capacity planning, real-time adjustments, what-if scenarios, integrated material constraints, and multi-site management. | Optimizes production by centralizing data, providing real-time visibility, and automating scheduling to enhance efficiency. |
Pros of Epicor Kinetic vs Odoo
When evaluating ERP solutions, understanding the distinct advantages of Epicor Kinetic vs Odoo is crucial. In this section, we are particularly exploring the strengths of Epicor Kinetic vs Odoo across various dimensions. Thus, shedding light on their respective capabilities and functionalities.
| Epicor Kinetic | Odoo |
| 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. | It is widely adopted, especially among Industry 4.0 companies and other machinery businesses. |
| 90% of the capabilities required by verticals such as metal, automotive, and aerospace are pre-packaged with the core platform. | It can support many different business models, many different localizations, countries, etc, as part of the same product. |
| Great fit for manufacturing organizations that particularly follow formal manufacturing processes with revision numbers. | The availability of cheaper technical talent globally helps product-centric startups extend or augment core capabilities |
| Although a legacy product, it includes mature cloud capabilities such as enterprise search and transactional maps for end-to-end transactional traceability. | The lean data model and workflows make it easier for product-centric startups transitioning from QuickBooks-like solutions. |
Cons of Epicor Kinetic vs Odoo
Just like recognizing strengths is important, it’s also crucial to weigh the specific drawbacks of Epicor Kinetic vs Odoo. Therefore, in this section, we will delve into the limitations and challenges associated with Epicor Kinetic vs Odoo across various operational and financial dimensions.
| Epicor Kinetic | Odoo |
| The data layers are highly detailed, requiring substantial consulting help to be successful with the product. | The open-source nature leads to a tendency to over-customize, also resulting in an inferior product experience. |
| The limited focus on certain business models poses the risk of requiring other ERP systems to support complex and diverse business operations. | Consisting primarily of developers, the ecosystem particularly doesn’t have a seasoned program, change management, and business consultants. |
| The field service capabilities are not as embedded and proven as some of the other products. | The last-mile capabilities for specific micro-verticals are limited, requiring significant customization for their work with specific industries. |
| Epicor takes a suite approach to its products while selling directly to its customers. This limits the overall consulting and also marketplace penetration. | Mature capabilities such as MRP, allocation, and batch are not as detailed as with other richer ERP systems. |
| Requires ad-hoc arrangements for larger mid-market companies with more than three financial hierarchies. | Adoption in the apparel manufacturing space, which is more complex, may not be as widespread. |
| Finance and accounting layers are not going to be as strong as some of the other products. | To tailor, customize, and configure these capabilities—already included in the suite, Odoo requires a very mature internal IT team. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Epicor Kinetic vs Odoo offer distinct advantages depending on a company’s size, industry, and operational needs. Epicor Kinetic excels in serving mid-sized manufacturing companies with its advanced manufacturing and supply chain capabilities, particularly in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and metal fabrication. Its robust data model and structured BOM system make it ideal for formal processes, while its scalability and enterprise-grade features support larger companies with more complex business models. However, its detailed data layers and rigid implementation structure may require significant consulting and expertise, making it a better fit for established businesses with seasoned operational teams.
On the other hand, Odoo is more suitable for startups and smaller companies looking for flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Its modular approach allows businesses to select and scale functionalities as needed, making it particularly appealing for budget-conscious companies with in-house development capabilities. While Odoo provides ample tools for companies in eCommerce and Industry 4.0 sectors, its limited integration at the data model level and reliance on customization may present challenges for businesses with stringent financial controls.Â
Both systems have their strengths and limitations, so businesses should carefully evaluate their specific need. 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 Epicor Kinetic vs. Odoo but also insights from other analyses such as Epicor Kinetic vs. NetSuite, SAP S/4 HANA, Oracle Cloud ERP, Dynamics F&O, Dynamics 365 BC, Infor LN, Infor M3, Acumatica, and IFS.
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