Epicor ERP: Features and Benefits of Implementing the Software

Continuous process optimization and automation are foundations of success in modern business. They are impossible without a scalable, flexible IT system that enables the organization to grow, particularly as competition intensifies. A modern ERP, or Enterprise Resource Planning system, offers a complete, integrated set of business-process management tools, gives employees access to all necessary information, and allows management to maintain full control over every resource. Contrary to opinions sometimes expressed, an Excel spreadsheet cannot replace ERP software because of several fundamental differences. It can certainly be helpful, but only as a complement to ERP. We have explained those differences and the transition from Excel to ERP in detail on our blog. Returning to the main point, ERP software enables companies to automate many key tasks, optimize and accelerate processes, increase productivity, and reduce costs. Epicor ERP, recently renamed Kinetic, is an excellent example. This modern suite of tools can significantly accelerate digital transformation and prepare a company to compete with the best, both today and in the future.    

Epicor ERP—basic information

  Epicor has operated in the market for 50 years. Working closely with customers, the company develops industry solutions and specialized services that help drive and improve their businesses. One result of this cooperation is Epicor ERP, now called Kinetic. It is flexible software tailored to the specific requirements of manufacturing and incorporates Epicor’s many years of experience. The system is available in the cloud, as a hosted solution, or through a traditional on-premises deployment.    

Epicor ERP—useful modules and functions

  ERP systems are suites of applications and tools that improve processes in nearly every area of an organization while ensuring effective information exchange throughout the solution. The system integrates every aspect of enterprise operations into one comprehensive IT environment. Planning and scheduling employees therefore access the same data as finance employees, and all information is available in real time. Employees—and management in particular—can consequently make more rational business decisions faster. We previously discussed which information in ERP helps a CEO manage a company on our blog. Epicor ERP modules cover every key business function, including manufacturing, finance, human resources, marketing, sales, and purchasing. Each connects to the system, reading and writing information in a central data source that is always current and consistent. Kinetic’s key modules include Epicor Advanced MES, responsible for real-time production and process monitoring in discrete-manufacturing organizations; Epicor Commerce Connect, which supports complex B2B transactions and streamlines purchasing; Epicor CPQ, which reduces sales-to-production complexity through visual CPQ; and Epicor Quick Ship, which provides fast, flexible, and cost-effective product-shipping management directly within Kinetic.    

Epicor ERP implementation—what should you consider, and whom should you choose?

  As the discussion above demonstrates, implementing a new Epicor ERP system is a complex undertaking and requires a substantial investment of organizational time and resources. Its complexity makes mistakes easy, and their consequences can harm company operations. Selecting and implementing a system that does not fit the organization’s needs and requires extensive adaptation may restrict growth and generate significant costs. The general approach is relatively straightforward and can be summarized in several points:

• Understand every business process and key requirement, taking time to document them with particular attention to problem areas.
• Build a business case for ERP implementation and estimate the return on investment.
• Ensure proper project management and organization-wide resource involvement, including management.
• Plan the entire project appropriately to reduce the time required for full implementation.
• Define requirements, establish metrics, and build a business plan that clearly states the expected achievements and benefits.
• Focus on data migration early in the implementation process and decide how much historical data, and which data, must be transferred to the new system.

Following these recommendations and best practices will make the implementation process substantially smoother. Observing certain rules can help ensure a successful Kinetic implementation. One critical condition for success remains: external assistance from the right implementation partner, one that understands manufacturing and can uncover every need of your organization. Support can be obtained at any implementation stage, but cooperation should ideally begin at the outset so that the partner’s knowledge and experience can be used fully. A partner is particularly valuable in controlling implementation costs, which can easily escalate. It can advise how to estimate costs, where savings can be made, and when reducing expenditure should not be the priority. We discuss this in more detail in our blog article How to Minimize ERP Implementation Costs—Best Advice.  

Why choose Epicor ERP?

  Epicor has operated in the market for nearly half a century. During that time, it has accumulated extensive knowledge and experience and developed a deep understanding of the needs of entire industries and individual customers. The company operates in 150 countries and has 3,800 employees serving 27,000 customers, including 120,000 cloud users. Kinetic, formerly Epicor ERP, is a future-ready solution that accelerates an organization’s digital transformation and creates conditions for growth. It is intuitive, scalable, and equipped with all necessary modules and tools. Customers say Epicor ERP integrates their organizations and processes from end to end—from order placement through on-time delivery to the customer. This makes it a key component of their success.    

What other products does Epicor offer?

  Epicor develops solutions not only for manufacturing but also for distribution and retail. Epicor Distribution is a flexible solution that helps address challenges such as warehouse and inventory management amid unstable demand. It offers a complete set of functions, including detailed supply-chain solutions, customer-relationship management, business intelligence, and more.