When it comes to ERP solutions, manufacturers can’t afford to settle for a system that tries to be everything for everyone. Generic ERPs might work for retail, finance, or service industries, but manufacturing has unique demands that require an ERP purpose-built for the shop floor.
That’s where Epicor stands out. Unlike other ERP systems, Epicor was designed from the ground up for manufacturers. From real-time production control to advanced supply chain automation, it delivers what other ERPs struggle to provide.
Let’s take a closer look at how Epicor outperforms the competition in key areas that matter most to manufacturers.
Built for Manufacturing, Not Just Business
| Feature | Epicor | Other ERPs |
| Manufacturing-first design | ✅ Yes, designed specifically for manufacturers | ❌ Most ERPs are generalized and require customization |
| Supports MTO, ETO, CTO, and mixed-mode | ✅ Fully integrated, no extra modules needed | ❌ Requires add-ons or third-party tools |
| Built-in MES (Manufacturing Execution System) | ✅ Real-time production tracking and IoT integration | ❌ Often requires a separate MES solution |
| Advanced scheduling and APS | ✅ AI-powered scheduling and capacity planning | ❌ Basic scheduling, lacks real-time AI |
Most ERPs try to fit manufacturing into pre-built workflows, forcing companies to create costly customizations. Epicor was built for the shop floor, so manufacturers get the tools they need without workarounds.
Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Cloud ERP for Product-Centric Enterprises highlights that ERP vendors with deep industry-specific functionality tend to perform better in real-world manufacturing environments. See Gartner’s full analysis here.
Unmatched Shop Floor and Production Control
Manufacturers need complete visibility over their production process, from raw materials to finished goods. Unlike generic ERPs, Epicor delivers:
- Real-time machine connectivity with built-in MES and IoT integration
- AI-driven scheduling and advanced planning to optimize production runs
- Live work-in-progress tracking
- Seamless BOM (Bill of Materials) and routing updates to eliminate errors
| Feature | Epicor | Other ERPs |
| Real-time shop floor integration | ✅ Yes, MES and IoT built-in | ❌Requires separate MES software |
| AI-driven scheduling and APS | ✅ Optimizes production runs | ❌Basic scheduling, no AI |
| Live work-in-progress tracking | ✅ End-to-end visibility | ❌ Often reliant on manual data entry |
| Seamless BOM & routing updates | ✅ Fully automated | ❌ Requires third-party tools |
Manufacturers using Epicor reduce WIP by 25% and improve production efficiency by 30%.
Aptean, an industry expert states that manufacturers who choose industry-specific ERP solutions experience faster ROI and smoother implementation compared to general ERP systems. See Panorama’s full ERP research here.
Multi-Site and Multi-Company Coordination Without the Complexity
For manufacturers operating multiple plants, warehouses, or business entities, disconnected systems can create inefficiencies. Epicor eliminates these challenges with:
- Seamless intercompany transactions and inventory transfers between facilities
- Real-time demand planning across locations
- Multi-company financials and reporting in a single system
| Feature | Epicor | Other ERPs |
| Multi-plant coordination | ✅ Native support for multiple facilities | ❌Requires complex integrations |
| Intercompany transactions | ✅ Automated inventory transfers | ❌Often requires manual processes |
| Multi-company financials | ✅ Real-time, centralized financials | ❌Disconnected accounting modules |
Many ERPs require complex integrations to support multi-entity operations. Epicor natively supports these workflows, reducing inefficiencies and ensuring data flows seamlessly between locations. Manufacturers using Epicor cut production delays by 40% and reduce material shortages.
Smarter Supply Chain and Inventory Management
Manufacturing ERP isn’t just about production—it also needs to optimize procurement, inventory, and fulfillment. Epicor leads in this area with:
- AI-driven demand forecasting to eliminate excess inventory and stockouts
- Supplier performance tracking for better procurement decisions
- Automated drop shipping and subcontracting workflows
- Full lot and serial tracking for compliance
| Feature | Epicor | Other ERPs |
| AI-powered demand forecasting | ✅ Yes, built-in | ❌Often requires third-party analytics tools |
| Supplier performance tracking | ✅ Real-time vendor insights | ❌Limited functionality in most ERPs |
| Automated drop shipping & subcontracting | ✅ Integrated workflows | ❌Requires external plugins |
| Lot & serial tracking | ✅ End-to-end traceability | ❌Not included in standard ERP packages |
Many ERPs struggle with real-time supply chain visibility, relying on manual data entry or spreadsheets. This can lead to inefficiencies and errors that impact production timelines. Epicor helps manufacturers reduce inventory carrying costs by 20 to 30 percent while improving order fulfillment rates.
Future-Ready with AI, IoT, and Smart Manufacturing
Manufacturers need an ERP that evolves with technology, not one that requires costly upgrades just to stay relevant. Epicor offers:
- AI-powered forecasting and automation to reduce manual workloads
- IoT-enabled shop floor visibility for real-time machine monitoring
- Smart production scheduling to eliminate bottlenecks before they occur
- Flexible deployment options, including cloud, on-premises, and hybrid
| Feature | Epicor | Other ERPs |
| AI-powered automation | ✅ Reduces manual workload | ❌Lacks built-in AI capabilities |
| IoT-enabled shop floor visibility | ✅ Real-time machine monitoring | ❌Requires third-party IoT platforms |
| Smart production scheduling | ✅ Predicts and prevents bottlenecks | ❌Basic scheduling with no AI support |
| Cloud, on-premises, hybrid | ✅ Fully flexible | ❌Some ERPs are cloud-only or require full migration |
Many ERPs lag behind in AI, IoT, and automation, forcing manufacturers to rely on legacy tools that slow them down. Manufacturers using Epicor’s smart automation see a 25 percent increase in operational efficiency.
Why Manufacturers Choose Epicor
- More than 50 years of manufacturing expertise
- A true manufacturing-first ERP without unnecessary modules or forced customizations
- Real-time shop floor and supply chain control with built-in MES and AI-driven planning
- Faster ROI and lower total cost of ownership with fewer add-ons and less customization If your ERP wasn’t built for manufacturing, it’s holding you back. It’s time for an ERP that actually works for you.
If your ERP wasn’t built for manufacturing, it’s holding you back. It’s time for an ERP that actually works for you.
BISCIT – Leading the Way in Epicor Manufacturing Solutions
At BISCIT, we bring over 20 years of experience working with Epicor, helping manufacturers streamline operations, improve efficiency, and future-proof their business.
We don’t just integrate with Epicor—we build fully embedded manufacturing solutions that work natively within the ERP ecosystem. Our custom-built solutions extend Epicor’s capabilities while maintaining the seamless user experience and performance manufacturers need.
Whether you’re looking to implement Epicor for the first time, optimize your current system, or take advantage of our embedded manufacturing enhancements, BISCIT has the expertise to help.
If you’d like to find out more, complete our Contact Us Form
