Oracle ERP Cloud remains a top choice for large companies across diverse industries, particularly media, telecommunications, construction, energy, oil and gas, and healthcare. Despite the need for internal IT expertise, it is also suitable for companies with a need to integrate various third-party software systems. In contrast, Epicor Kinetic boasts a sophisticated data model, surpassing entry-level ERP systems like Acumatica or NetSuite. Oracle Cloud ERP targets large, global companies with revenues generally exceeding $1 billion, offering consolidation in a unified database for diverse business models. Whereas, Epicor Kinetic is positioned for companies in the $50M – $750M revenue range and it has a strong customer base within this bracket.
Oracle Cloud ERP particularly caters to companies needing ledger-level security and hierarchical financial reporting. Additionally, Oracle Cloud ERP seamlessly integrates a powerful HCM solution along with a natively integrated EPM solution. 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.
Oracle Cloud ERP is also a superior fit for service-centric industries as it excels in risk management, advertising, and Cx cloud. 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 Oracle Cloud ERP vs Epicor Kinetic requires a detailed examination, and this comparison offers valuable insights for ERP selection projects. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics.
Oracle Cloud ERP | Epicor Kinetic | |
Started in | 2012 | Rebranding in 2021 (legacy version existed for more than 20 years) |
Ownership by | Oracle | CD&R, over $57B in assets, and CVC with over $220B in assets |
No. of customers | 10,000+ | 23,000+ |
What is Oracle Cloud ERP?
Oracle ERP Cloud remains a top choice for large companies across diverse industries, including media, telecommunications, construction, energy, oil and gas, and healthcare (post-acquisition of Cerner). It is particularly suitable for organizations with substantial internal IT expertise and a requirement for integrating various proprietary and third-party software systems, such as patient claims management or utility billing solutions.
Oracle ERP Cloud is well-suited for global companies using it as their corporate financial ledger while employing other systems at the subsidiary level. Its robust financial capabilities cater to companies needing ledger-level security and hierarchical financial reporting, such as LOB, functions, or funds. Additionally, it seamlessly integrates a powerful HCM solution along with a natively integrated EPM solution.
Oracle ERP Cloud excels in risk management, advertising, and Cx cloud, particularly catering to industries like financial services and insurance. While it is a superior fit for service-centric industries, its success in product-centric industries has been limited. Often used as a corporate ledger, it might deploy another operationally rich solution at the subsidiary level in certain industries. Despite its strength for large enterprises, Oracle ERP Cloud is not the ideal choice for SMB customers.
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.
Oracle Cloud ERP vs Epicor Kinetic Comparison
Navigating the choice between Oracle Cloud ERP 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 Oracle Cloud ERP vs Epicor Kinetic across various critical dimensions.
Oracle Cloud ERP | Epicor Kinetic | |
Global Operational Capabilities | Enterprise-grade multi-entity capabilities for global organizations. | The limited number of global and financial layers would require inefficient workarounds. |
Diverse Capabilities | Has the ability to support diverse business models. | The versatile data model addresses complex planning needs for companies with diverse business models. |
Best-of-breed Capabilities | Comprehensive enterprise-grade best-of-breed options as part of the suite, including HCM, CPQ, WMS, RMS, and TMS. | Limited, relying on third party add-ons for field service and quality module. |
Last-mile Capabilities | Limited last-mile capabilities might require add-ons or custom development. | Pre-packaged capabilities for metal, automotive, and aerospace verticals. |
Operational Functionalities | Has deeper supply chain and logistics capabilities. | Equipped with strong mixed-mode manufacturing capabilities, and strong WBS-centric processes. |
Integration Capabilities | Enterprise-grade integration suite capabilities with pre-integrated components. | With out-of-the-box MES functionality, particularly appeals to smaller companies seeking pre-integrated Industry 4.0 capabilities. |
Manufacturing Capabilities | Ideal for companies using it in the best-of-breed architecture with a focused manufacturing solution at the subsidiary level. | Manufacturing organizations with formal processes and revision numbers will relate more. |
Pricing Model | Named-user based | Per user, monthly. |
Key Modules | 1. Financial Management 2. Project Management 3. Procurement 4. Risk Management and Compliance 5. Enterprise Performance Management 6. Supply Chain and Manufacturing 7. ERP Analytics | 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 |
Oracle Cloud ERP 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 Oracle Cloud ERP 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 Oracle Cloud ERP 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.
Oracle Cloud ERP | Epicor Kinetic | ||
Financial Management | General Ledger | Enterprise-grade ledgers to support multi-country operations at the global level with layers of sub-ledgers and complex closing process. | 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 | Support for complex, global AR and AP processes, including shared services. | Includes AR (managing invoicing, credit, cash, and customer payments) and AP (automating invoice processing, supporting multiple payment methods, and tracking expenses). | |
Cash Flow Management | Enterprise-grade capabilities for cash and treasury management. | Features automated cash handling, bank reconciliation, multi-currency and multi-bank management, integration with other financial modules, and also 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 Oracle Cloud ERP vs Epicor Kinetic, shedding light particularly on their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Oracle Cloud ERP | Epicor Kinetic | ||
Supply Chain Management | Warehouse Management | Streamlines warehouse operations, enhances inventory management and ensures seamless multichannel fulfillment, end-to-end inventory visibility, and integration with advanced features for efficient resource allocation and workflow optimization. | Optimizes operations with real-time inventory tracking, advanced material management, seamless integration with other systems, and configurable workflows. |
Service Management | Ensures efficient and effective service delivery through features like service request management, incident handling, and knowledge management. | 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 | Enables efficient management of goods flow, including inbound, within the warehouse, and outbound, while also supporting consigned inventory capabilities. | 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 | Helps organizations digitally manage and process purchase orders for supply chain and procurement activities, improving efficiency and reducing overhead costs. | Streamlines procurement with tools for supplier negotiations, order tracking, automated processes, and supplier relationship management. | |
Requisition Management | Allows users to efficiently view, create, submit, edit, and manage requisitions, ensuring proper approval workflows and seamless procurement processes. | 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 Oracle Cloud ERP vs Epicor Kinetic, shedding light, particularly on their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Oracle Cloud ERP | Epicor Kinetic | ||
Manufacturing Management | Production Planning | Offers production planning capabilities including capacity planning, MRP, shop floor control, and demand 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. |
BOM and Routing | Allows you to define lists of components associated with a parent item and outlines step-by-step operations required for manufacturing an assembly. | 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 | Plans all supply chain facilities, supporting both short-term detailed scheduling and long-term aggregate planning within a single plan. It also considers finite capacity constraints and offers holistic optimization capabilities. | Enhances production efficiency with automated scheduling, flexible capacity planning, real-time adjustments, what-if scenarios, integrated material constraints, and multi-site management. |
Pros of Oracle Cloud ERP vs Epicor Kinetic
When evaluating ERP solutions, understanding the distinct advantages of Oracle Cloud ERP vs Epicor Kinetic is crucial. In this section, we are particularly exploring the strengths of Oracle Cloud ERP vs Epicor Kinetic across various dimensions. Thus, shedding light on their respective capabilities and functionalities.
Oracle Cloud ERP | Epicor Kinetic |
The product architecture supports the needs of large, complex financial organizations with deep sub-ledger hierarchies. | 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. |
Oracle Cloud ERP has an ecosystem of experienced consultants capable of handling the architecture of such complex enterprises. | 90% of the capabilities required by verticals such as metal, automotive, and aerospace are pre-packaged with the core platform. |
The embedded HCM and CRM processes are suitable for large non-profit organizations. The P2P workflows are friendlier for the indirect procurement needs of non-profit organizations. | Great fit for manufacturing organizations that follow formal manufacturing processes with revision numbers. |
The workload Oracle Cloud ERP is designed to process millions of GL entries per hour. | Although a legacy product, it includes mature cloud capabilities such as enterprise search and transactional maps for end-to-end transactional traceability. |
Cons of Oracle Cloud ERP vs Epicor Kinetic
Just like recognizing strengths is important, it’s also crucial to weigh the specific drawbacks of Oracle Cloud ERP vs Epicor Kinetic. Therefore, in this section, we will delve into the limitations and challenges associated with Oracle Cloud ERP vs Epicor Kinetic across various operational and financial dimensions.
Oracle Cloud ERP | Epicor Kinetic |
While functionally capable, transactional and financial traceability might not be as intuitive for large, complex enterprises. | The data layers are highly detailed, requiring substantial consulting help to be successful with the product. |
The data model and translations required to be successful may be too overwhelming for companies outgrowing QuickBooks or other smaller ERP systems. | The limited focus on certain business models poses the risk of requiring other ERP systems to support complex and diverse business operations. |
Might struggle with the complex MRP runs hitting millions and millions of costing, scheduling, and also WIP industries. | The field service capabilities are not as embedded and proven as some of the other products. |
Longer time in customizing and configuring as the software design may consist of unnecessary allocation, commitment, and approval functionality for large companies. | Epicor takes a suite approach to its products while selling directly to its customers. This limits the overall consulting and marketplace penetration. |
The P2P processes, CPQ, and manufacturing capabilities may not be the friendliest for product-centric organizations particularly with the needs for MES, PLM, and S&OP-centric processes. | Requires ad-hoc arrangements for larger mid-market companies with more than three financial hierarchies. |
Limited last-mile functionality for quality and compliance, which will require an add-on or custom development. | Finance and accounting layers are not going to be as strong as some of the other products. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between Oracle Cloud ERP vs Epicor Kinetic hinges on the specific needs and scale of your organization. Oracle Cloud ERP is a robust solution for large, global enterprises with complex financial operations, offering extensive capabilities in financial management, supply chain integration, and risk management. Its powerful ecosystem is particularly suited for organizations with substantial internal IT expertise and those needing a unified platform for diverse business models. However, its complexity and focus on large enterprises may not be ideal for smaller companies or those with less sophisticated IT infrastructures.
On the other hand, Epicor Kinetic is a strong contender for mid-sized manufacturing companies, particularly those in industries such as metal fabrication, aerospace, and automotive. It offers deep manufacturing capabilities, including advanced planning and scheduling, and is tailored for organizations with formal manufacturing processes. While it may require significant expertise to implement and manage, Epicor Kinetic’s pre-integrated Industry 4.0 capabilities and focus on dimensional inventory management make it a compelling choice for manufacturers looking to streamline operations.
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 Oracle Cloud ERP vs. Epicor Kinetic but also insights from other analyses such as Oracle Cloud ERP vs. NetSuite, SAP S/4 HANA, Acumatica, MS Dynamics 365 F&O, MS Dynamics 365 BC, Infor CloudSuite LN, and Infor CloudSuite M3.