Prophet 21 vs Aptean ERP

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Our analysts compared Prophet 21 vs Aptean ERP based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Distribution Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Prophet 21 Software Tool
Aptean ERP Software Tool

Product Basics

Epicor Prophet 21, powered by Microsoft Azure, is a business management system for distributors. It streamlines distribution processes and helps overcome modern distribution industry challenges. It’s designed to grow with your business without making extensive modifications and is available for SaaS or on-premise deployment.

It has numerous capabilities, such as CRM, sales order management, e-commerce, inventory management, product management and wireless warehouse management. Other functionalities include financial management, manufacturing and production management, rentals, VMI, service and maintenance, SCM, business intelligence and analytics and enterprise content management.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Scalable
  • Affordable
  • Cloud-based
  • Mobile app

Cons

  • Limited features
  • Not customizable
  • Poor customer support
  • Lacks integrations
  • Security concerns
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Aptean ERP is a comprehensive software solution designed to streamline and automate the core processes of businesses across various industries. It is particularly well-suited for manufacturing and distribution companies looking for an integrated approach to manage their operations, from supply chain management to financials and beyond. One of the key benefits of Aptean ERP is its ability to provide real-time insights into business performance, enabling more informed decision-making. Users appreciate its robust feature set, which includes inventory management, quality control, and customer relationship management, among others. When compared to similar products, Aptean ERP stands out for its industry-specific functionalities that cater to the unique needs of its users. Pricing considerations for Aptean ERP typically involve a range that varies based on the size of the business, the specific modules required, and the payment frequency, which could be monthly or annually, ensuring that businesses can find a plan that fits their budget and operational needs.

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$200/User, Monthly
Free Trial is unavailable →
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Tailored to your specific needs
$250/User, Monthly
Free Trial is unavailable →
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
Small 
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Large 
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Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Configurability and Scalability:  The system adapts to business requirements and needs using an application programming interface (API). This flexibility allows businesses to build on specialized functionality and increase efficiency and productivity by connecting business processes with the partners, vendors and customers they need. 
  • Flexible Deployment: The user can deploy the system on-premise or in the cloud and can then change the deployment down the road as their business evolves. 
  • Forecasting Capabilities: Advanced demand forecasting predicts how much inventory is needed, contact management tracks customers’ buying patterns and customer buying trend analysis anticipates customer issues. The business analytics module provides various reports through the executive dashboard, accounts receivable dashboard and sales rep dashboard.  
  • Increase Sales: Drive sales with e-commerce capabilities and pull in repeat business by responding to buying trends and providing excellent customer service. Additionally, mobile solutions allow for more sales because a business can serve customers from anywhere. 
  • Improve Margins:  Maximize profits with inventory management, analytics and pricing optimization. The integrated wireless warehouse solution allows you to take control of warehouse tasks. 
  • Drive Employee Productivity:  Build workflows, create mobile portals and leverage learning management systems. It also provides user personalization without having to work with source code. 
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  • Supply Chain Planning: Build a robust business model by planning and forecasting demand proactively, minimizing inventory costs and optimizing production schedules. 
  • Streamline Operations: Streamline business operations to identify opportunities for cost savings and increase ROI. 
  • Ensures Efficiency: Plan, schedule, execute and track business operations to ensure efficient and flexible business processes. 
  • Improve Production Planning: Take into account the availability of resources, including raw materials, packaging supplies, equipment and labor required for production accurately. 
  • Understand your Costs: Make accurate cost predictions, track project costs, develop budgets and analyze actual-to-estimated costs any time during the project. 
  • Automate Business Processes: Automate business processes end-to-end from the initial request for quote (RFQ) to the shipment of completed orders. 
  • Leverage Data and Analytics: Access and analyze critical data to make strategic, data-driven business decisions. 
  • Optimize Product Management: Optimize product management with seamless distribution of product information across various departments in the organization. 
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  • Customer Relationship Management: It contains multiple tools designed to manage and improve customer relationships. A mobile sales system, contact management, marketing management and lead and opportunity management are all usable for daily CRM tasks. 
  • Finance and Accounting: The system comes equipped with several financial and accounting tools, including a general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, Avalara Tax Connect and XL Connect and vendor rebates. Avalara Tax Connect manages sales tax compliance, and XL Connect allows users to generate reports in Microsoft Excel. 
  • Business Analytics: The Business Analytics feature comes with an executive dashboard, accounts receivable dashboard and a sales rep dashboard. It also has a customer buying trend analysis function that predicts future customer issues. 
  • Supply Chain Management: Manage the entire supply chain with a full range of SCM capabilities. Purchase management, sourcing and procurement, inventory management, advanced material management and warehouse management features are included.  
  • Enterprise Content Management: Manage content throughout its entire lifecycle. Document imaging converts paper documents into digital files. 
  • Contact Management: The CRM module supplies users with next-generation customer contact management. It tracks customers’ buying patterns, prospect and client information while displaying key information on one screen for easy access. 
  • Service and Maintenance: The service and maintenance module comes with tools to deliver an excellent customer experience. Service order management, service dispatch, preventative maintenance and warranty capabilities streamline service and maintenance processes are all available with this system. 
  • eCommerce Website Management: Manage multiple branded websites with the Epicor Commerce Connect feature. 
  • Epicor Virtual Agent: The EVA app allows users to interact with the solution via voice or text commands. 
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  • Intelligent Inventory Management: Get a clear picture of stock in real-time visibility across all sales channels and operations. Align the demand and supply ratio and make sure the orders are fulfilled efficiently. 
  • Role-Based Dashboards: Use role-based management dashboards equipped with drill-down capability to monitor and analyze business processes effectively. Leverage pre-built charts and graphs to create intuitive dashboards. 
  • Production Management: Use production scheduling tools to determine what to produce, when to produce and what resources to use to facilitate optimal production. 
  • Robust CRM: Store comprehensive customer information in a central database and integrate it with the solution, giving employees access in different departments. It enables them to identify sales opportunities, foster customer relationships and improve customer service. 
  • Real-Time Reporting: Enable precise tracking of customer orders and shipping information to provide accurate status updates with real-time reporting tools. 
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Product Ranking

#8

among all
Distribution Software

#80

among all
Distribution Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

88
86
91
97
96
60
96
60
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Inventory Management
Customer Relationship Management
E-commerce Capabilities
Reports, Dashboards and Business Intelligence
Mobile capabilities
Inventory Management
Warehouse and Transportation Management
Accounting and Financial Management
Purchase Order Management and Procurement
Reports, Dashboards and Business Intelligence

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Prophet 21
Aptean ERP
+ Add Product + Add Product
Accounting And Financial Management Customer Relationship Management E-commerce Capabilities Integrations And Extensibility Inventory Management Mobile Capabilities Purchase Order Management And Procurement Reports, Dashboards And Business Intelligence Sales Order Management Warehouse And Transportation Management 91 96 96 50 98 95 86 96 91 76 97 60 60 50 98 74 97 96 92 98 0 25 50 75 100
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User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 158 reviews
Great User Sentiment 40 reviews
82%
of users recommend this product

Prophet 21 has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 82% when considering 158 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

83%
of users recommend this product

Aptean ERP has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 83% when considering 40 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

3.9 (82)
4.0 (11)
4.4 (24)
n/a
n/a
4.5 (13)
n/a
4.5 (6)
4.3 (52)
3.6 (10)

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Comprehensive Customization: The solution offers extensive customization, according to 84% of users. It’s versatile and can customize many fields and screens.
Usability: According to 89% of users who reviewed this pro, the solution is easy to use. Navigating the system through the function menus is intuitive.
Integration: About 100% of users who mentioned this pro said it provides advanced integration capabilities. Integration with credit card processing and sales tax software enables the business to conduct financial analysis in a hassle-free manner.
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Industry-Specific Functionality: Aptean caters to specific industries like manufacturing, distribution, and food and beverage with tailored features and modules that address unique challenges and compliance requirements.
Scalability and Flexibility: Aptean is designed to grow alongside businesses, accommodating increasing data volumes and user numbers without compromising performance. Its modular structure allows companies to add or remove features as needed.
Cloud-Based or On-Premise Deployment: Aptean offers both cloud-based and on-premise deployment options, providing flexibility for businesses with varying IT infrastructures and preferences.
User-Friendly Interface: Aptean prioritizes user experience with an intuitive interface that simplifies navigation and reduces the learning curve for new users. The system's dashboards and reporting tools provide easy access to critical business data.
Comprehensive Functionality: Aptean encompasses a wide range of ERP functionalities, including financials, supply chain management, inventory control, customer relationship management (CRM), and human resources, providing a centralized platform for managing core business processes.
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Limited Scalability: While Prophet 21 offers robust features, its scalability may not be sufficient for rapidly growing businesses or those with complex distribution networks.
Steep Learning Curve: The user interface and features of Prophet 21 can be complex and require significant training for users to become proficient.
Customization Challenges: While Prophet 21 offers some customization options, it may not be flexible enough for businesses with unique needs or workflows.
Limited Third-Party Integrations: Compared to other ERP solutions, Prophet 21 may have a smaller selection of pre-built integrations with popular third-party applications.
High Implementation Costs: The cost of implementing Prophet 21, including software licenses, hardware upgrades, and consulting services, can be significant for small and medium-sized businesses.
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Customization Challenges: Modifying the system to fit specific business needs can be difficult and time-consuming, often requiring specialized developer knowledge.
Reporting Limitations: Generating reports with desired levels of detail can be cumbersome, sometimes necessitating manual data exports and manipulation in external tools like Excel.
Usability Concerns: The user interface can feel outdated and unintuitive, leading to a steeper learning curve for new users and occasional frustration during daily tasks.
Integration Complexities: Connecting Aptean ERP with other essential business systems or third-party applications can pose technical challenges and may require additional development effort or middleware solutions.
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User reviews of Epicor Prophet 21 paint a mixed picture, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. Many users praise its robust features and functionality, particularly for sales, purchasing, and inventory control. One user describes it as "really easy to navigate and one of the better ERP systems out there." Others appreciate its deep functionalities and flexibility, noting how it can be tailored to specific business needs. One user commented, "The strong and multiple functionalities from P21 allowed us to address all aspects in a 'deep enough' manner." However, some users also raise concerns about Prophet 21's complexity and learning curve. One user found it "impossible to work with and antiquated," while another said it takes "a minute to understand" and requires patience. This complexity can be a significant drawback for smaller businesses or those with limited IT resources. Some users also criticize its scalability, suggesting it might not be suitable for rapidly growing businesses or those with complex distribution networks. Additionally, the limited number of pre-built third-party integrations compared to other ERP solutions can hinder integration with existing business applications. This lack of seamless integration can lead to manual data entry and inefficient workflows. Despite these weaknesses, many users believe Prophet 21's strengths outweigh its weaknesses, especially for mid-sized distribution companies. They particularly value its ease of use compared to competitors like Infor M3, which one user described as "too big for the business." Furthermore, users appreciate the exceptional partnership and responsive customer service offered by Epicor, which helps overcome initial challenges with implementation and customization. Overall, user reviews suggest that Prophet 21 is a powerful and flexible ERP solution, particularly for mid-sized distributors. However, its complexity and limited scalability may pose challenges for smaller businesses or those with rapid growth plans. Considering the trade-offs and carefully evaluating your specific needs is crucial before making a decision.

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Aptean ERP has garnered a range of user feedback, highlighting both its strengths and areas for improvement. Users frequently commend its user-friendly interface, making it accessible even for those without prior ERP experience. The software's flexibility to adapt to various business needs through customization is also a significant advantage. However, some users have expressed concerns regarding its cost, which can be a barrier for smaller businesses. Additionally, the complexity of certain features and occasional challenges with customer support have been noted. When compared to similar products like SAP and Oracle NetSuite, Aptean ERP stands out for its ease of use and affordability, particularly for mid-sized businesses. While it may not offer the same level of advanced functionality as its larger competitors, it provides a comprehensive solution that caters to the core needs of many organizations. Its industry-specific modules, such as those for manufacturing and distribution, further enhance its value proposition. Aptean ERP is best suited for mid-sized businesses seeking a balance between functionality, affordability, and ease of use. Its industry-specific solutions and customization options make it a versatile choice for companies with unique requirements. However, businesses with complex needs or those requiring extensive customer support may want to consider alternative options.

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Screenshots

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