Microsoft Dynamics 365 supports your business with best-in-class technological capabilities and greater flexibility.
A Quick Comparison of Epicor vs. Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations
When it comes to deciding on an ERP solution, comparing the various ERP systems available in the market can be a daunting task. Judging by the pace at which businesses are evolving today, it is imperative to choose the right ERP solution that is most suited to your company’s operations. As market leaders, Epicor ERP and Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations (F&O) are some of the most popular ERPs. However, both ERP systems have distinct advantages over the other.
In this blog, we provide an overview and a comparison of Epicor ERP vs. Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O. Comparing these two popular mid-market ERP systems will help you pick the solution to support your needs. Let’s learn below the features and aspects of Epicor ERP and Dynamics 365 that will enhance your operations and boost your business success.
Epicor ERP – Overview
Epicor is a mid-tier industry-specific ERP system targeted at mid to large-sized businesses. Epicor ERP is known as Kinetic. Their cloud ERP can help companies perform various business tasks from accounting to inventory management to maximize momentum and profitability. It is an end-to-end solution that helps companies manage their business with various modules. Epicor ERP is focused on the future of manufacturing, and it embraces the latest technologies like AI, IoT, Big Data, and Business Intelligence to encourage businesses to keep pace with the digital revolution.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations – Overview
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a suite of cloud-based business applications that combine CRM and ERP features to assist in managing specific business functions.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O comprises two applications:
- Dynamics 365 Finance
- Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management
Microsoft Dynamics 365 supports your business with best-in-class technological capabilities and greater flexibility. Although Microsoft Dynamics 365 is designed to be a pure Software as a Service (SaaS) solution, it also has on-premises deployment options.
Comparison – Epicor ERP vs. Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations
| Features | Epicor ERP | Dynamics 365 F&O |
| User Interface | Has a UI that is intuitive and easy to navigate. | Has a common UI across the suite of business applications making end-user adoption easier with less training. |
| Upgrades | Mobile apps, system upgrades and other features may carry additional costs. | Microsoft offers regular upgrades to Dynamics 365 F&O to enhance the user experience and efficiency. |
| Customization | Easy to customize for reporting and data storage. | Offers greater flexibility and seamless customizations to fit every business requirement with purpose-built apps. |
| Integration | Integrations with other software or tools are limited. | Easily integrates with Microsoft Products, Microsoft Office 365 and LinkedIn to boost productivity. |
| Cost | Epicor ERP is expensive software so the total cost to implement the end-to-end solution is quite high. | Simple and cost-effective licensing and pricing options. |
| Analytics | Embraces established technologies like AI, IoT, Big Data, and Business Intelligence. | Strong business analytics features with built-in Microsoft Power BI, Cortana Intelligence, and Azure Machine Learning. |
| Deployment | Deployment includes on-premises, hosted, and cloud. | Dynamics 365 allows you to choose the deployment model including on-premises, hybrid, and online. |
| Support | It is relatively new to the cloud so it has a limited partner network and support service. | Microsoft offers 24/7 support. The subscription to Dynamics 365 also includes Microsoft phone support. |
| Reports | Reports lack out-of-box features, payroll and customer support. Scheduling is cumbersome. | Enhanced reporting with customizable features and interactive data visuals. |
Epicor or Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations – Which ERP has a Better Edge?
Though both Epicor and Dynamics 365 F&O have similar characteristics, the key difference between them concerns the scale of the business. For example, Dynamics 365 F&O offers more flexibility and robust business analytics features, while Epicor ERP has better end-to-end grasp on financial management. More differences exist around cost, deployment options, support services and usability.
The decision between Epicor and Microsoft Dynamics 365 boils down to what you require from your ERP system. Both options have a lot of valuable features. However, when comparing the ERP systems, Microsoft Dynamics 365 has a clear edge and is an excellent solution for smaller firms searching for specific business operations.
Advantages of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations:
- Dynamics 365 F&O has a simple interface, it is easy to customize, and it has a quick setup.
- Undeniably, the seamless integration of Dynamics 365 F&O with other Microsoft business products is a significant advantage.
- Dynamics 365 offers the flexibility of operating both on-premises and on the cloud without having to worry about where they are positioned.
- Dynamics 365 F&O comes with a flexible licensing plan and scalable architecture.
The key to choosing the best ERP system for your company is identifying your business needs and understanding how the solution will streamline your operations. If you would like to determine which ERP is the best fit for your business, reach out to us!
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