Epicor® vs NetSuite

Epicor vs. NetSuite

Epicor and NetSuite Comparison 

In our oversaturated enterprise software marketplace, it’s harder than ever for manufacturers and distributors to decide on the right ERP vendor. To offer a little assistance in the selection process, we’ve pitted together two top providers in an ERP smackdown.  

In corner one, we have NetSuite. Acquired by Oracle in 2016, NetSuite is a leader in Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) ERP solutions. In our other corner is Epicor. For over 45 years, Epicor has developed sophisticated ERP systems for a wide variety of manufacturers and distributors.  

Both are strong contenders, but which one comes out ahead? In our Epicor and NetSuite comparison, we evaluate three essential ERP criteria to help businesses determine which vendor is best for them.  

Vertical Functionality 

NetSuite includes a robust set of features designed to support an array of general business needs. However, getting your solution to align with the nuances of your manufacturing or distribution company requires additional applications and customizations. Out-of-the-box functionality isn’t deep for many manufacturing and distribution verticals, making NetSuite a poor fit for meeting the highly specific processes of various industries.  

In contrast, Epicor is known for designing tools and solutions for precise industry needs. For aerospace and automotive manufacturers, there’s the tightly integrated Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) feature to manage digital documentation. For industrial machinery manufacturers, there’s support for various ISO quality standards. For medical device manufacturers, full traceability enables users to meet strict industry requirements. Epicor’s flexibility and comprehensive functionality ensure that each business receives the right tools to fulfill its unique goals.  

Deployment Options 

NetSuite is a pioneer in cloud-hosted ERP software. Its SuiteCloud platform provides high-level security and data management, making it a reliable and scalable infrastructure. But in its commitment to multi-tenant cloud solutions, it has robbed businesses of the power of choice. NetSuite is a pure-play SaaS provider, meaning its customers can’t easily select a different deployment model. 

Epicor has always made it a priority to deliver options to its customers. The vendor has long provided an array of deployment methods, including on-premises, hosted and cloud-based SaaS. Enterprises can even operate multiple servers and databases to manage multiple sites.  

Epicor understands that every business has unique software requirements, but it also recognizes that the future is in the cloud. That’s why Epicor is standardizing its cloud deployments on the Microsoft Azure public cloud. Azure offers the strongest cloud platform on the market, with robust security measures and high-speed connectivity across global locations. Even as Epicor embarks on a cloud-first approach, it remains committed to empowering businesses by offering multiple deployment options, ensuring each customer receives the ideal solution to optimize their performance.  

Cost 

When comparing ERP vendor costs, it’s critical to look beyond the initial price tag. Other software expenses include customer support, contract renewals, upgrades and any necessary customizations. All these costs must then be measured against the predicted return on investment (ROI): will the software pay for itself by offering the desired business improvements? 

NetSuite users pay a hefty price, in more ways than one. The monthly fee is higher than many of its competitors, but maintenance and support is where the costs really add up. NetSuite has high maintenance costs, and in-house support is not only expensive but often ineffective. Plus, when it’s time to renew the contract, you could incur a 100 percent increase in pricing.  

Epicor offers a lot more bang for your buck. When you need support, you can reach out through various channels such as phone or live chat. You can also explore its comprehensive knowledge center, which includes detailed documentation and training. Users gain industry-specific functionality, intuitive dashboards and a variety of robust modules right out of the package. Quite frankly, a strong ERP solution isn’t cheap, but when you go for a reasonably priced, flexible system such as Epicor, you can generate substantial ROI and avoid additional steep costs.  

Wrap Up 

Both NetSuite and Epicor have established themselves as leading ERP vendors, but Epicor proves a better choice for many manufacturers and distributors because of its deep vertical functionality, deployment flexibility and lower cost. Epicor’s sophisticated solution has the power to add greater agility and productivity to your enterprise.  

Make sure you’re getting the right software solution to optimize your business strategies. Reach out to one of our ERP experts today!

This post was created on August 30, 2016.