
Epicor Kinetic
mid-rangeby Epicor Software
ERP built for manufacturers — from job shop to enterprise
Starting price
$100/user/mo
per user / mo
Company size
51–5,000 employees
ideal fit
Go-live
5–10 months
typical timeline
Total project cost
$100K–$500K
software + implementation
Best for: Discrete and mixed-mode manufacturers
20,000+ manufacturers rely on Epicor — a leader in discrete manufacturing ERP
What is Epicor ERP?
Epicor ERP, now branded Epicor Kinetic, is a manufacturing- and distribution-focused enterprise resource planning system from Epicor Software Corporation. It targets mid-market discrete, mixed-mode and engineer-to-order manufacturers with modules for production, MRP, supply chain, quality and finance, deployable in the cloud or on-premise, and is frequently shortlisted among the best ERP for manufacturing options for mid-market product businesses.

Epicor Kinetic
User Interface
A closer look at how Epicor Kinetic is laid out: AP Expense Dashboard, Home Dashboard, AR/AP Aging Dashboard, Opportunity Quote Pipeline, Business Activity Query, Supplier Maintenance, Mobile Order Picking, Shipment Pack Out, Sales Order Line Detail, and Purchase Orders List.
Pros & Cons
Deep manufacturing capabilities (MES, APS, quality)
Strong shop floor control and production scheduling
Good fit for make-to-order and engineer-to-order
Modern Kinetic UI with browser-based access
Financials not as strong as SAP or Oracle
Ecommerce and retail modules are limited
Customisations can be complex to upgrade
Reporting relies heavily on SSRS — can feel dated
Module Strengths
●●● Strong · ●●○ Moderate · ●○○ Basic
View full pricing, implementation costs & get a quoteSee the full modules breakdownIs Epicor Kinetic the right fit?
The question that decides whether Epicor Kinetic is even the right shape of ERP for your evaluation — including whether "Epicor ERP" and "Epicor Kinetic" mean what you think they mean.
Runs discrete, mixed-mode, or engineer-to-order manufacturing in the 51-1,000 employee / $5M-$100M revenue range
Epicor KineticIs a wholesale distributor rather than a manufacturer
Epicor Prophet 21Runs Epicor as the subsidiary or divisional tier alongside a corporate SAP or Oracle system (two-tier ERP)
Epicor KineticWants a simpler, lower-cost entry point and doesn't need Epicor's manufacturing depth
SAP Business One
Key Differentiators
Deep manufacturing & MES depth
Strong shop-floor control, advanced planning and scheduling (APS) and quality functionality for product-centric and regulated manufacturers.
Deployment flexibility
Available as Cloud (multi-tenant or single-tenant) or On-Premise, with the ability to move between them.
Global Engines for multi-jurisdiction tax
A configurable tax engine that lets Epicor ERP users set their own tax, legal and reporting rules to meet the needs of different jurisdictions.
Built for engineer-to-order and mixed-mode
Bill of materials, configuration and job costing in one system, for manufacturers that need all three together.
Modernized Kinetic interface
A browser-based UI and low-code application studio layered onto the established E10 architecture in 2020–2021 — existing Epicor 10 customers were migrated onto it rather than moved to a different product.
Two-tier ERP ready
Popular with small and medium-sized manufacturers, and commonly deployed as the subsidiary or divisional tier alongside a corporate-tier system at headquarters.
Epicor Kinetic Buyer's Guide
Download our free Epicor Kinetic research guide — covering functionality, modules, pricing, and implementation considerations.
ERP Cost Estimator
Get an instant cost range based on your company profile
5 – 5,000 active ERP users
Epicor ERP vs Epicor Kinetic: Same Product, New Name
There is no separate product called "Epicor Kinetic" — it is simply the current name for what was previously sold as Epicor ERP, and before that Epicor ERP 10 (E10). Epicor began rolling out the Kinetic brand around 2020–2021, pairing it with a modernized, browser-based user interface and a low-code application studio, while retaining the same underlying data model and business architecture.
In practice this means searches for "epicor erp" and "epicor kinetic" refer to the same system. If you are evaluating quotes, documentation or partner references, treat the two names as interchangeable: "Kinetic" is the marketing name, "Epicor ERP" remains the widely understood category description. Existing Epicor 10 customers were migrated onto the Kinetic UI rather than to a different product, so historical Epicor ERP knowledge still applies.
One product that is genuinely separate, however, is Epicor Prophet 21 — Epicor's distribution ERP, which runs on its own architecture and release roadmap. If your business is wholesale distribution rather than manufacturing, that is the Epicor product to evaluate, and quotes or partner references for Kinetic do not carry across to it.
Epicor ERP Pricing at a Glance
Epicor Kinetic is licensed on a subscription basis, typically billed per named or concurrent user on an annual cloud contract. Because Epicor publishes no public list price, the realistic way to budget is to model users and modules against comparable deployments rather than relying on a single headline figure.
Licensing model
Per named or concurrent user, on an annual cloud contract, with cost driven by user count, the depth of modules you enable, and any third-party extensions.
Implementation cost
A separate cost that usually runs a multiple of the annual license fee, depending on scope, data migration and customization.
Full cost breakdown
See our Epicor ERP pricing and cost breakdown guide for full ranges and a worked example rather than a single headline figure.
Learn more →Epicor ERP Modules
Financials
General ledger, accounts receivable and payable, fixed assets, budgeting, consolidations, financial analysis, internationalization, banking and cash management, and credit management. Global Engines let users configure their own tax rules to meet the needs of different jurisdictions.
Read more →Supply Chain Management
Inventory management, advanced material management, purchasing management, contracts, supplier relationship management, shipping and receiving, warehouse management, distribution requirements planning, purchase order approvals, requisition management, stock status, MRP and serial tracking.
Read more →Planning, Scheduling & Production
MRP, lead times, forecasting and master production scheduling, multisite and multiplant management, advanced planning and scheduling, and shop-floor support for made-to-order, make-to-stock, engineer-to-order and configure-to-order manufacturing, including MES, KANBAN, jobs management and manufacturing intelligence.
Read more →Quality & Compliance
Quality assurance, traceability, audit trails, inspection and compliance tracking built into shop-floor and production workflows.
Read more →Product Data Management
Bill of materials (BOM) management, product lifecycle management, product configuration, engineering documents, quality documentation, CAD, audit tracking, and product costings.
Human Capital Management
Payroll, human resources management, training and recruitment, employee self service, timesheets, and holiday and absence management.
Read more →Sales Management
Estimates, quotations, order management, sales orders, demand management, and a storefront feature for end-to-end sales-to-delivery processes.
Read more →●●● Strong · ●●○ Moderate · ●○○ Basic
For a deeper look at how these capabilities map to shop-floor and engineering workflows, see our Epicor for manufacturing modules guide. Before you talk to sales, you can also work through our ERP requirements checklist.
ERP Evaluation Toolkit
Not sure which Epicor modules you actually need?
Map your requirements against Epicor Kinetic's standard scope before you scope a project with Epicor or a partner.
Epicor Kinetic Industry Solutions
Add-Ons That Extend Epicor ERP (Kinetic)
Epicor ships deep manufacturing functionality, but these are the gaps buyers hit most often once the rest of the business needs software too:
Opportunity, marketing and service-case tracking alongside Epicor's order management.
Compare all 15 tools →Why it matters: Sales Management covers quotes, orders and a storefront, but not opportunity or marketing tracking
A full online storefront, catalog and checkout experience beyond Epicor's built-in Storefront feature.
Compare all 13 tools →Why it matters: Storefront is the only ecommerce capability named in the Sales Management module
Dedicated benefits enrollment and administration alongside Epicor's core HCM.
Compare all 14 tools →Why it matters: Human Capital Management covers payroll, HR and training, but not benefits administration
Browse the full ERP add-ons directory for vendor-by-vendor detail on each category.
Alternatives to Epicor ERP
The systems most often evaluated head-to-head against Epicor ERP:
Infor (Koch Industries)
Industry-specific cloud ERP suites on AWS
Best for: Large enterprises wanting industry-specific cloud ERP
SAP SE
SMB-friendly ERP from the SAP ecosystem
Best for: Small to midsize businesses wanting SAP reliability
Purpose-built ERP for manufacturers and distributors
Best for: SMB manufacturers and distributors in 50–500 employee range
All-in-one ERP for small to midsize manufacturers
Best for: Small to midsize job shops and discrete manufacturers
For head-to-head analysis, read our Epicor vs Infor comparison and NetSuite vs Epicor breakdowns, or browse the full list of Epicor alternatives and competitors to see where Epicor fits against the wider market.
Compare these systems side by side
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Deep, mature manufacturing and MES depth, with strong shop-floor control, advanced planning and scheduling (APS) and quality functionality for product-centric and regulated businesses.
- Deployment flexibility with both Cloud (multitenant & single tenant) and On-Premise offerings, and the ability to move between them.
- Global Engines support country-specific tax, legal and reporting rules, making multi-jurisdiction operations easier to configure.
- Strong fit for engineer-to-order and mixed-mode manufacturers that need BOM, configuration and job costing in one system.
Cons:
- The user interface, although improved with the Kinetic rebrand, still has a learning curve for new users.
- Can be complex and costly to implement for smaller manufacturers with simpler requirements.
- Heavier customizations and integrations often rely on implementation partners, which adds to cost and timeline. See our guide to Epicor partners for how the channel is structured and what the tier badges do and do not verify.
Get the free Epicor Kinetic Buyer's Guide
Independent research covering modules, pricing, implementation, and competitive analysis.
Companies Using Epicor ERP
Epicor reports serving roughly 20,000 customers worldwide, with its installed base concentrated in discrete and mixed-mode manufacturing rather than process industries or services-only firms. Typical Epicor ERP users include metal fabrication shops, automotive parts manufacturers and suppliers, electronics and high-tech producers, industrial machinery and equipment makers, aerospace and defense manufacturers, and wholesale distributors.
Industry Fit
Epicor ERP is a flexible and adaptable solution, but it's particularly well-suited to certain sectors due to its specialized features and modules:
Manufacturing
Widely used in manufacturing businesses, with modules for production, supply chain, quality and maintenance across make-to-order, make-to-stock, engineer-to-order, project-centric, job shop, repetitive and batch processing modes.
Distribution
Supply chain management, inventory management and warehouse management features help distributors optimize inventory levels, streamline order-to-delivery processes and improve customer service.
Retail
Point-of-sale (POS), ecommerce and CRM features that integrate with various sales channels, giving retailers a unified view of customers and operations.
Services
Project, resource and financial management, plus a field service module for scheduling and tracking field operations.
Construction and Engineering
Project management, job costing and resource management tools for managing projects, tracking costs and optimizing resource usage.
Automotive
Production planning, quality control and compliance management features suited to parts manufacturers and suppliers.
History
Here's how Epicor arrived at Kinetic:
1972
Epicor's history traces back to Triad Systems, founded to provide hardware, software and services for automotive parts wholesalers.
1984
The company's flagship software, Eagle, launched, marking its transition to a software and services provider.
1992
Triad Systems went public, continuing to focus on software and services for the manufacturing, distribution, retail, hospitality and services industries.
2003
The company changed its name to Activant Solutions; two years later, in 2005, it was acquired by investment firms and taken private.
2005-2011
Activant acquired several companies, expanding its product offerings and entering new markets.
2011
Activant Solutions merged with Epicor Software Corporation. The merged company retained the Epicor name, and Epicor ERP became one of its flagship products.
2011-2020
Epicor continued to evolve its ERP solution, integrating cloud computing, AI and machine learning. Epicor ERP 10 was built with a new business architecture bringing together modular, connected capabilities.
2020-2021
Epicor rebranded Epicor ERP as Epicor Kinetic, introducing a modernized, browser-based interface and low-code application studio on top of the established E10 architecture.
Today
Epicor Software Corporation is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and privately owned by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R), which acquired the business in 2020. Epicor serves roughly 20,000 customers worldwide across manufacturing, distribution, retail and services.
Deployment
Epicor ERP is offered both as an On-Premise and a Cloud solution. Customers can also move Epicor ERP from Cloud to On-Premise and back again, which is a differentiator for customers looking for maximum flexibility. See our Epicor implementation guide for how a rollout is typically run.
Integration
Epicor is API-first for custom connections, and provides multiple pre-built options for connecting other business systems:
REST and OData APIs
Standard APIs that let business systems connect to Epicor ERP directly.
Epicor Automation Studio (iPaaS)
Low-code connectors for linking Epicor to other systems without custom development.
EDI for trading partners
EDI software for trading-partner exchange of orders, invoices and shipping documents.
Pre-built connectors
Pre-built integrations to CRM, BI, ecommerce platforms and CAD/PLM tools, commonly used to link financials, shop-floor data collection, warehouse systems and customer-facing storefronts.
Epicor User Interface (UI)
Configurable dashboards
Dashboards and views can be tailored to the user accessing the system, so the interface can be made as simple or as complex as necessary for each user.
Legacy UI option
With the rebrand to Kinetic, Epicor rolled out a new user interface, but Epicor 10 veterans can stick with the old style if they prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Epicor ERP used for?
Epicor ERP (Kinetic) is used to run end-to-end operations for manufacturers and distributors — production and shop-floor control, MRP and scheduling, inventory and supply chain, quality, and financials — in one connected system with real-time visibility.
What is the difference between Epicor ERP and Epicor Kinetic?
There is no functional difference. Epicor Kinetic is the current name for the product previously sold as Epicor ERP (and Epicor ERP 10). Epicor rebranded it Kinetic around 2020-2021 with a modernized, browser-based user interface.
Is Epicor ERP cloud-based?
Yes. Epicor Kinetic is available as multi-tenant or single-tenant cloud SaaS and as an on-premise deployment. Customers can also migrate between cloud and on-premise, which is unusual flexibility among manufacturing ERP vendors.
What industries is Epicor ERP best for?
Epicor ERP fits discrete, mixed-mode and engineer-to-order manufacturing best — metal fabrication, industrial machinery, automotive parts, electronics and aerospace — plus wholesale distribution. It is less specialised for heavy process or services-only businesses.
How much does Epicor ERP cost?
Epicor Kinetic is licensed per user on an annual subscription, with cost driven by user count, module depth and extensions. Implementation is a separate cost that typically runs a multiple of annual license fees. See our Epicor pricing guide for ranges.
Who owns Epicor?
Epicor Software Corporation is a private company headquartered in Austin, Texas, founded in 1972 and owned by private-equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R). It serves roughly 20,000 customers worldwide.
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