Prophet 21 vs Infor CloudSuite Distribution

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Our analysts compared Prophet 21 vs Infor CloudSuite Distribution 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
Infor CloudSuite Distribution 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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Infor CloudSuite Distribution helps businesses manage inventory, finances, distribution and purchasing. It’s available through cloud-based deployment and specializes in assisting enterprises in centralizing their workflows.

All of the data is stored by AWS, making it exceptionally secure. It’s also highly integrative to the outside modules, and new functionalities are continually being offered — it adds more capabilities every 30 days. It’s personalizable and allows users to track key metrics through dashboards and centralized notifications.
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$200/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
Small 
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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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  • Accessibility: Deploy the solution through the cloud to make it accessible to remote users. Access the system at any time and from any location, as long as there is an internet connection. This allows employees to use the system while working on the production floor, away from their desks. 
  • Increase Revenue: Boost revenue through the purchasing tool. It provides visualization of opportunities for improvement regarding purchasing. It reduces the amount of money wasted on unwanted products or waste materials that never go into production. 
  • Boost Productivity: Increase productivity through a range of features. With automation, employees perform fewer manual tasks, which frees up time to work on other activities. For example, the solution can handle complex pricing changes without employees having to constantly monitor discounts to ensure the correct implementation. 
  • Centralize Operations: Centralized inventory management, financial management and distribution management operations allows data to be shared across departments. It helps users develop insights and reduce duplicated work. 
  • High-Security System: Protect data from cyberattacks with robust physical and network security systems. 
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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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  • Order Entry: Streamline order fulfillment workflow and speed up the process of entering orders. Specific functionality includes item recommendations, optimized counter sales and non-stock or special order options. 
  • Complex Pricing Requirements: Develop and implement complex pricing rules. The system can handle discounts, contract pricing, SPAs and packaging breaks, among other unique pricing needs. 
  • Inventory Control:  Achieve inventory visibility and control with tools for inventory turns, optimized levels, demand and ultimate profitability. 
  • Financial Management: Centralize financial information from multiple locations, companies and currencies. The financial management feature can manage global operations. 
  • Comprehensive Services: Provide detailed solutions to distributors with key features such as kitting, private labeling, light manufacturing and assembly. 
  • Rebate Claim Management:  Manage the entire rebate claim process, recover rebates and monitor profit margins. 
  • Purchasing: A centralized interface with color-coded notifications for problems and exceptions allows users to visualize the purchasing workflow and make informed decisions. 
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Product Ranking

#8

among all
Distribution Software

#3

among all
Distribution Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

88
84
91
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62
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64
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Inventory Management
Customer Relationship Management
E-commerce Capabilities
Reports, Dashboards and Business Intelligence
Mobile capabilities
Inventory Management
Purchase Order Management and Procurement
Reports, Dashboards and Business Intelligence
Warehouse and Transportation Management
Accounting and Financial Management

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Prophet 21
Infor CloudSuite Distribution
+ 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 93 62 64 39 98 76 97 97 84 97 0 25 50 75 100
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User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 158 reviews
Great User Sentiment 83 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.

82%
of users recommend this product

Infor CloudSuite Distribution has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 82% when considering 83 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

n/a
4.2 (7)
3.9 (82)
3.9 (34)
4.4 (24)
4.5 (11)
4.3 (52)
4.2 (31)

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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User-Friendly: The solution is user-friendly and intuitive, according to 78% of users.
Integration: According to 71% of users who reviewed this pro, it can be well-integrated with other systems, such as Excel, for further data analysis.
Navigation: About 80% of users who mentioned this pro said the system is easy to navigate.
Customization: Regarding this feature, approximately 67% of users said it provides a plethora of customization options.
Customer Support: According to 67% of users who reviewed this, the support team is knowledgeable, and user queries are resolved immediately.
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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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Speed: The tool’s speed is considerably slow, according to 100% of users.
Training and Documentation: According to 80% of users who reviewed this con, the experts don't provide sufficient user training and the documentation isn’t easy to comprehend.
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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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Is Infor CloudSuite Distribution the "in" thing for managing your supply chain? Infor CloudSuite Distribution has garnered praise for its user-friendly interface and ability to scale with businesses as they grow, enabling them to handle more orders, customers, and inventory without breaking a sweat. One user raved about how it streamlined their operations and boosted customer service, claiming they couldn't function as efficiently without it. This highlights the software's capacity to simplify complex processes and enhance customer satisfaction, key factors for success in today's cutthroat market. However, some users have expressed concerns about the software's price tag and occasional difficulty of use. One user described it as a powerful tool but acknowledged its steep learning curve. This suggests that while Infor CloudSuite Distribution offers robust functionality, it may require significant investment and training to fully leverage its capabilities. Overall, Infor CloudSuite Distribution appears to be a good fit for large wholesale distributors with complex operations who need a comprehensive solution to manage their entire supply chain. Its scalability and industry-specific features make it particularly well-suited for businesses in sectors like building materials, electrical, industrial, plumbing, and HVAC supplies. However, smaller businesses with simpler needs may find the cost and complexity prohibitive.

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