NetSuite vs Epicor: Which ERP Is Best for Distribution and Manufacturing?
When it’s time to choose an ERP to support your growth, two names often come up: NetSuite and Epicor. While both are recognized leaders, their approaches are fundamentally different, especially when it comes to industry-specific needs in distribution or manufacturing.
This article provides a clear, honest comparison of both solutions. We’ll start with the distribution sector by comparing Epicor Prophet 21 and Oracle SCM (NetSuite).
ERP Comparison for Distribution: Oracle SCM (NetSuite) vs Epicor Prophet 21
Distribution is a fast-paced industry where speed, accuracy, and operational efficiency make all the difference. A strong distribution ERP must go beyond inventory control—it should optimize your supply chain, speed up deliveries, and adapt to your network’s complexity.
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of the differences between Epicor Prophet 21 and Oracle SCM (NetSuite) in the context of distribution.
Why Epicor Prophet 21 Stands Out for Distribution
Epicor Prophet 21 is built by and for distributors. From warehouse management to purchasing, every module is designed to solve real distribution challenges. Key features include:
- Real-time inventory optimization
- Automated order processing
- User-friendly interface for fast operations
- Powerful integrations with industry-specific third-party tools
“Prophet 21 is the best single solution distribution software that I have worked with.
My overall experience with Epicor has been truly exceptional. Epicor provides a quality software solution, and Epicor strives to meet customers‘ needs by collaborating with the day-to-day users of its software.”
Source: Gartner ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Distributors also value how easy it is to customize—without months of development or heavy configurations.
What to Watch Out for with Oracle SCM (NetSuite) in Distribution
Oracle NetSuite SCM is a cloud-based ERP built for flexibility. However, its core logic is rooted in finance, which can be a drawback when adapting to real-world distribution operations.
Here are some common challenges:
- Standard reports are limited and often misaligned with distribution needs
- Frequent customization is required, leading to longer deployment times and higher costs
- Many users report a steep learning curve, especially for non-technical or non-finance staff
ERP Comparison for Manufacturing: Oracle NetSuite vs Epicor Kinetic
In manufacturing, an ERP can’t just be “versatile.” It must reflect the realities of the shop floor, provide full control over the supply chain, and support continuous improvement.
This is where Epicor Kinetic clearly outshines Oracle NetSuite, which is often seen as a finance-first solution with manufacturing features added on.
Why Epicor Prophet 21 Stands Out for Distribution
Epicor Prophet 21 is built by and for distributors. From warehouse management to purchasing, every module is designed to solve real distribution challenges. Key features include:
- Real-time inventory optimization
- Automated order processing
- User-friendly interface for fast operations
- Powerful integrations with industry-specific third-party tools
“The most valuable features of Epicor ERP are ease of use, powerful API, and comprehensive integration. It is a one-vendor solution, where other vendors need other software systems from multiple vendors.”
Source: peerspot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another key benefit? Kinetic is highly customizable without compromising system stability—ideal for manufacturing SMBs looking to tailor their processes without sky-high consulting fees.
“Epicor Kinetic is a very strong and robust ERP system. It is full of standard features right out of the box. It also allows for a lot of customization to help fit your business needs.”
Source: Gartner ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What to Watch Out for with Oracle NetSuite in Manufacturing
Oracle NetSuite is known for its strength in finance, but when it comes to manufacturing, several limitations emerge:
- Critical features like complex routings or advanced planning often require costly add-on modules or custom development
- The system is less intuitive for shop floor operations, with a structure rooted in accounting logic
“The system has a lot to offer, but is not very user-friendly. The overall interface is difficult to manage, training was not easy, and the capabilities are not used to their full advantage because we are unsure of how to use them, even with paying for the service.”
Source: Gartner ⭐⭐⭐
“NetSuite out of the box is very finance focused. Many of the deeper features for manufacturing are in the manufacturing module that you pay for on top of your base NS.”
Source: Reddit
Choose Epicor: The ERP Built for Your Operations
Whether you’re in distribution or manufacturing, Epicor offers ERP solutions tailored to your industry. Prophet 21 and Kinetic stand out for their specialization, flexibility, and ability to adapt to your business—without bloated customizations or performance trade-offs.
FAQ -NetSuite vs Epicor for Distribution and Manufacturing
The most suitable ERP for distribution is Epicor Prophet 21, specifically designed for distributors. NetSuite requires add-ons or customizations to match this level of industry specialization.
NetSuite can support discrete manufacturing, but Epicor Kinetic outperforms it. Kinetic is built for manufacturing, with native MRP, routings, planning, and quality control tools.
Epicor offers greater flexibility, with public, private, or hybrid cloud options. NetSuite is limited to public cloud only.
Customization is easier with Epicor thanks to its open platform. NetSuite often requires specialized developers and more complex configurations.
Implementation speed depends on your context, but with the right ERP implementation partner, Epicor is typically faster to deploy in manufacturing or distribution environments—without heavy customizations.