Microsoft Dynamics SL vs Epicor Kinetic

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Our analysts compared Microsoft Dynamics SL vs Epicor Kinetic based on data from our 400+ point analysis of ERP Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Microsoft Dynamics SL Software Tool
Epicor Kinetic Software Tool

Product Basics

Microsoft Dynamics SL combines the power of an ERP solution with robust project and financial management features. It helps users deal with fluctuating demand while providing accurate budgeting support to keep financial records organized.

It functions within businesses of any size and can help boost sales, reduce job costs, provide insight into company data and ensure all compliances are met. It comes in two versions, Business Essentials or Advanced Management, that can come as a complete package or users can choose a la carte.

Pros
  • Strong financial management
  • Robust project accounting
  • User-friendly interface
  • Customizable features
  • Reliable support
Cons
  • Limited customization options
  • Potentially complex setup
  • Costly add-ons
  • Reporting could be enhanced
  • Some integration challenges
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Kinetic (formerly Epicor ERP) is a cloud-based ERP that supports on-premise and hybrid deployment. It connects diverse production workflows and departments into one focused hub for medium and enterprise-level companies. Top modules include project management, project contracts, data analytics, accounts management, core financials and IoT.

Its flexibility and connectivity reduce communication issues and human mistakes while automating processes. The cloud-based deployment option allows employees to leverage its capabilities regardless of physical location. It contains advanced reporting and analysis tools that enable users to develop actionable insights to improve day-to-day operations with real-time information.

Positive user feedback highlights its manufacturing-focused configuration and functionality, with support for financial accounting. There are some negative reviews about poor tech support and limited learning materials, however, overall user sentiment is positive.

In terms of pricing, Kinetic offers a flexible subscription model based on the modules and features required by each business. Specific pricing details may vary depending on customization and implementation needs.

To explore other popular solutions that Epicor offers, visit our Epicor company page.
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$1,800/User, Annually
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$125/User, Monthly
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Boyer Machine and Tool Company

Product Assistance

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Product Insights

  • Quick Startup: This system leverages the simplicity of Microsoft Office apps to cut down on training time and get everyone up and running fast. 
  • Stay Mobile: Users can perform all of their necessary data entry, project management, expense entry, setup and approval from desktops, laptops and internet-enabled mobile devices. 
  • Scalable: The system is scalable and can adapt to the changing requirements of a business. Use what you need and expand as the company grows. 
  • Inclusive Project and Accounting Management: Microsoft Dynamics SL combines project management with accounting support for an accessible, end-to-end platform. 
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  • Chronicle Cash Flow: Save project fees and allocate on-time invoices to manage costs and ensure clients receive their bills. Boost cash flow forecasting via effective financial management.
  • Access In-Depth Business Analytics: Make wiser business decisions based on company-specific profit margins, sales information and workflow performance data. Access dashboards and custom reports that analyze real-time data and present actionable insights.
  • Simplify Demand and Order Management: Capture customer orders, manage product configurations and automate order fulfillment with a tightly integrated CPQ and eCommerce platform.
  • Use Simple MES Data Exchanges: Reduce double-data entries, leverage accurate data between interfaces consistently, and import and export information for advanced MES practices for easier data collecting and transfers.
  • Deliver Centralized Client Management: Govern contacts, leads, patrons and more from any mobile device, making it easy to maintain and manage relationships and data anywhere. Supervise region, team and proposal insights in one centralized location instead of traveling to all worksites.
  • Exhibit Supply Chain Visibility: Use advanced electronic data interchange (EDI), material requirements planning (MRP), and advanced planning and scheduling (APS) to review inventory levels, manage demand fluctuations and ensure on-time deliveries.
  • Access Resources From Anywhere: Review operations, dashboards and vendors on the go with mobile access. Monitor processes on your preferred iOS or Android device via the CRM mobile app.
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    Financial Management
  • Accounts Payable: Keep track of when payments are due, discounts, predict funding requirements and monitor payments as they process. 
  • General Ledgers: This feature helps users analyze financial data for informed decision-making processes. 
  • Cash Manager: The Microsoft Dynamics SL Cash Manager gives users instant access to current balances and bank reconciliation tools. 
  • Multi-Company Support: Users can monitor and analyze information from multiple companies. Keep track of multiple divisions within companies, run processes and report results based on multiple businesses. 
  • Business Intelligence
  • Business Analyzer: Users can view SQL reports, Excel charts and Management Reporter documents from internet-enabled devices.  
  • Microsoft Forecaster: This feature can be integrated to boost budgeting and planning processes through the creation of accurate and realistic budgets. 
  • Quick Query and Quick Query Web App: Users can leverage over 100 predefined views of financial information. Filter and save custom financial views with Refreshable Excel documents and Pivot tables. 
  • Project Management
  • Communicator: It features automatic alerts that inform users of upcoming deadlines, approvals, rising costs and more. This way project managers can step in before problems spiral out of control. 
  • Contract Management: Gain better control over change orders, subcontractor disbursements and document tracking. 
  • Resource Management: This included web app gives users an accessible visualization of resources to make assigning them easier. Boost profitability, track availability of personnel, billable time and more. 
  • Microsoft Project Connector: Integrate directly with Microsoft Project. Data flows directly from the original Microsoft Dynamics system without being compromised. 
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  • Project Management
    • Planning and Analysis: Leverage user-established cost analytics throughout work breakdown structures (WBS), defining all project components and creating WBS templates for quick reference. Record all general ledger and project transactions in one centralized ledger for base reconciliations and reporting.
    • Contract Management: Meet contractual obligations while protecting profitability. Rely on the system to define source cost rates across levels, monitor resource ceilings, link planning contracts with projects and seamlessly develop claims for any or all contract lines on one screen.
    • Billing Types: Obtain several billing types, such as progress, fixed price, milestone and quantity. Use bill plans, recurring payment, subscriptions, time and expenses, part price lists, and markups.
  • Manufacturing
    • Lean Manufacturing: Optimize production processes, reduce waste and manage manufacturing operations by incorporating lean principles. Apply Kanban systems, enable manufacturing without work orders and automatically process material flow.
    • Job Management: Access detailed job tracking and reduce overproduction with drag-and-drop planning and material availability checks. Ensure quality and production with job manager assistance and production planners.
    • Manufacturing Execution System (MES): Monitor production activities and automatic data collection from equipment via touchscreen interfaces. Support operators in making smart decisions regarding productivity, waste reduction and risk mitigation.
    • Quality Assurance: Enhances quality control by providing tools for managing quality processes, inspections, supplier returns and automated debit processing within the manufacturing environment.
  • Analytics and Reporting
    • Sales and CRM: Uncover more detailed business patterns and obtain deeper awareness of accounts, regions, orders and more. Review net sales, shipped and ordered quantities, material costs, fixed and variable burdens and labor fees.
    • Materials Management: Optimize purchase spending and evaluate vendor performances. Track shipment progress and review costs, on-hand amounts, in-transit, bill of lading information and shipped on time, amongst others.
    • Financials: Govern cash flows for more trends with a holistic filter for payables, receivables, customer payment cycles and vendor payment conditions. Drill down into organized accounts and payments on income statements and balance sheets.
    • Production: Verify high-quality, manufactured products for the ideal client at the right time. Monitor tool quantities, good values, actual setup hours, defined labor rates, production run standards and more.
    • Preventive Maintenance: Employ the EDA equipment maintenance data and dashboard to inspect maintenance data for suppliers, tasks, plants and open and closed requests. Boost preventive maintenance services and average response times for obstacles so managers can catch production bottlenecks.
    • Field Service: Use EDA data to oversee consumers, parts, service call types and warranty eligibility linked with service requests. Summarize totals, call counts for each service representative and other relevant indications.
  • Data Exchange
    • Integrations: Import and export data quickly to avoid manual data entry mistakes while maintaining data integrity. Manage specific information, data amounts and file formats for easy storage and sharing. Allocate data expeditiously and handle detailed tasks for IT teams and administrators.
    • In and Outbound Data: Import master information from ERP systems and send production details between MRP and ERP solutions. Regulate where data goes and how to handle it with ease.
  • Financials Core
    • General Ledger: Process and post all purchases made across this and other solutions. Manage manual entries, meet economic compliances, boost productivity and push enterprise efficiency.
    • Accounts Payable: Implement petty cash to manage in and outbound cash activities, employee fees and advances, vendor expenditures and customer receipts. Track promissory notes, post-dated checks and other credit tools.
    • Accounts Receivable: Establish coherent tools to monitor invoicing, credit, cash and client requirements. Create automatic invoices via order releases to reduce more work and typos.
    • Business Architecture: Use the data discovery function to access pre-made financial management, accounts receivable and payable content. The human capital management link transfers information to payroll providers, benefit vendors and more.
    • Global Engines: Support financial management across locations, vendors and global boundaries with country-specific implementation packs. Support multi-currency transactions, automate conversions and accurate financial reporting.
  • Epicor Automation Studio: Let users connect data and automate workflows across various apps with Epicor Automation Studio, a built-in low-code iPaaS solution. Access an integration marketplace, pre-built workflow automation templates and other native tools.
  • Virtual Agents: Rely on chatbots to pinpoint supply chain disruptions and recommend sourcing options based on predictive events.
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Product Ranking

#93

among all
ERP Software

#11

among all
ERP Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

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Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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Analytics And Reporting Asset Management Customer Relationship Management Finance And Accounting Human Resource Management Inventory Management Manufacturing Order Management Procurement Project Management Service Management Supply Chain Management Warehouse Management 99 80 71 91 30 91 81 92 96 100 87 60 76 0 25 50 75 100
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User Sentiment Summary

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Good User Sentiment 935 reviews
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78%
of users recommend this product

Epicor Kinetic has a 'good' User Satisfaction Rating of 78% when considering 935 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

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4.3 (11)
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3.7 (409)
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3.9 (175)
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4.2 (229)
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3.9 (111)

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Familiar Interface: Microsoft interface makes it easy to learn and use for users familiar with other Microsoft products.
Project-Centric Focus: Strong project accounting features cater to industries like construction and engineering.
Financial Management: Robust financial management tools provide accurate insights and control.
Customization Options: While not as extensive as some, it offers flexibility through configuration and add-ons.
Reliable Support: Microsoft and partner support options provide assistance and guidance.
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Modern Interface: Approximately 52% of users say this solution has a flexible, user-friendly UI.
Flexibility and Customization: Approximately 87% of the users said Kinetic is easy to configure and has great customization options for multi-mode manufacturers.
Modules: Of the users who discussed features, 60% said this system offers a wide range of practical tools (i.e., KPI dashboards, accounting and financial management, part tracking and more).
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Limited Customization: May not be as customizable as some other ERP systems, especially for complex needs.
Potential Setup Complexity: Initial setup can be complex, requiring IT expertise or partner assistance.
Costly Add-ons: Additional features and modules can be expensive, increasing overall cost.
Reporting Enhancements Needed: While reporting capabilities exist, some users find them lacking in flexibility and customization.
Integration Challenges: Integrating with other systems can be complex, requiring additional tools or expertise.
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Overall Performance: Roughly 40% of users indicated that the system is buggy, cumbersome and has a clunky UI.
Customer Support: About 55% of users agree that the support team is ineffective and has poor quality.
Training: Approximately 77% of users mentioned a steep learning curve and limited training resources.
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User reviews for Microsoft Dynamics SL paint a mixed picture. While lauded for its user-friendly interface and familiar Microsoft look-and-feel, especially for existing Office users, its strengths seem geared towards specific needs. "It shines in project-based industries like construction," commented one reviewer, praising its robust project accounting features. However, some find its customization options limited compared to competitors like Acumatica or NetSuite, especially for complex businesses. "Setting it up initially can be a beast," another user shared, highlighting the potential complexity and need for expert assistance. Cost is another key factor in reviews. While praised for its reliable Microsoft support, users raise concerns about additional costs. "Add-ons can get pricey," a reviewer noted, comparing it to more cost-effective options like Dynamics 365 Business Central. Reporting capabilities also drew mixed reactions. Some appreciate the standard reports and Power BI integration, while others wish for more flexibility and customization. "I miss the advanced reporting features I had in [competitive product]," shared one user, emphasizing the importance of reporting for data-driven decisions. Overall, Microsoft Dynamics SL seems like a solid choice for project-centric businesses who value familiarity and appreciate its strengths in financial management and project accounting. However, limitations in customization, setup complexity, and potentially higher costs for add-ons and integrations should be carefully considered against its competitors, especially for businesses with complex needs or strong reporting requirements.

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Kinetic offers a comprehensive ERP solution designed for multimodal manufacturers. It offers a robust combination of core financials, extensive integrations and country-specific implementation support. The advanced overlaid manufacturing module addresses future scalability needs. Its modern interface supports various business models through manufacturing processes.The user-based subscription model lets businesses adjust costs based on their specific needs. The solution is available in both perpetual and subscription licensing models, providing businesses with the flexibility to choose the most suitable option.Features like MES data exchange and Kanban systems manage production processes and reduce waste. Additionally, in-depth business analytics provide valuable insights into sales, profit margins and workflow performance for informed decision-making.Users praise this vendor’s configurable options and range of functions that cater to their unique business needs. Positive feedback also includes mentions of a unified platform for customer interactions. Despite its robust customization and integration options, many users report a steep learning curve and limited training resources.Overall, Kinetic is a comprehensive ERP solution that offers significant benefits to manufacturers looking to improve their operational efficiency, decision-making and profitability.

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