Epicor Kinetic vs ERPNext
Side-by-side comparison of Epicor Kinetic and ERPNext — features, pricing, modules, and deployment options.
Epicor Kinetic vs ERPNext at a Glance
| Criteria | Epicor Kinetic | ERPNext |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Discrete and mixed-mode manufacturers | Small businesses and startups wanting free, self-hosted ERP |
| Starting Price | $80/user/mo | $0 (self-hosted) |
| Pricing Model | per-user | open-source |
| Deployment | cloud, on-premise, hybrid | cloud, on-premise |
| Company Size | 51-250, 251-1000, 1001-5000 | 1-50, 51-250 |
| Implementation | 5–10 months | 1–3 months |
| Typical Cost | $100K–$500K | $0–$30K |
Module Comparison
| Module | Epicor Kinetic | ERPNext |
|---|---|---|
| Finance & Accounting | ★★ Moderate | ★★ Moderate |
| Manufacturing | ★★★ Strong | ★★ Moderate |
| Supply Chain | ★★★ Strong | ★★ Moderate |
| CRM | ★★ Moderate | ★★ Moderate |
| HR & Payroll | ★★ Moderate | ★★★ Strong |
| Project Management | ★★ Moderate | ★★ Moderate |
| Inventory Management | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| Procurement | ★★★ Strong | ★★ Moderate |
| Warehouse Management | ★★ Moderate | ★★ Moderate |
| Ecommerce | ★ Basic | ★★ Moderate |
| Business Intelligence | ★★ Moderate | ★ Basic |
| Quality Management | ★★★ Strong | ★★ Moderate |
| Field Service | ★★ Moderate | ★ Basic |
| Asset Management | ★★ Moderate | ★★ Moderate |
Pros & Cons
Epicor Kinetic
Pros
- +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
Cons
- -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
ERPNext
Pros
- +Completely free and open source (GPLv3)
- +Covers HR, manufacturing, inventory, CRM, and more
- +Easy to customise with Python and the Frappe framework
- +Active community with regular updates
Cons
- -Enterprise reporting is basic compared to paid ERPs
- -Self-hosting requires DevOps expertise
- -Fewer integrations than commercial ERP marketplaces
- -Limited partner ecosystem for implementation support
When to Choose Epicor Kinetic
- You need an ERP best suited for discrete and mixed-mode manufacturers
- Your company has 51-250 or 251-1000 or 1001-5000 employees
- You operate in Manufacturing, Automotive, Aerospace & Defense
- You prefer cloud / on-premise / hybrid deployment
- Your budget aligns with $80/user/mo starting price
When to Choose ERPNext
- You need an ERP best suited for small businesses and startups wanting free, self-hosted erp
- Your company has 1-50 or 51-250 employees
- You operate in Manufacturing, Retail, Education
- You prefer cloud / on-premise deployment
- Your budget aligns with $0 (self-hosted) starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Epicor Kinetic better than ERPNext?
It depends on your business needs. Epicor Kinetic is best for discrete and mixed-mode manufacturers, while ERPNext is best for small businesses and startups wanting free, self-hosted erp. Epicor Kinetic starts at $80/user/mo and ERPNext starts at $0 (self-hosted).
How does Epicor Kinetic pricing compare to ERPNext?
Epicor Kinetic uses a per-user pricing model starting at $80/user/mo, while ERPNext uses a open-source model starting at $0 (self-hosted). Epicor Kinetic typical total cost is $100K–$500K vs $0–$30K for ERPNext.
Which is better for manufacturing: Epicor Kinetic or ERPNext?
Both vendors serve manufacturing companies. Epicor Kinetic is typically chosen by 51-250, 251-1000, 1001-5000 employee organizations, while ERPNext targets 1-50, 51-250 employee companies. Consider your company size and specific module needs to decide.
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