Simio vs QAD ERP

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Our analysts compared Simio vs QAD ERP based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Manufacturing Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

QAD ERP Software Tool

Product Basics

Simio is a simulation software that offers a 3D modeling environment that permits users to build 3D models in one step. Users may browse and pick from a repository of objects. It also links to GoogleWarehouse and users can pick from a variety of 3D symbols.

Multiple modeling, 3D object-based modeling and risk-based optimal scheduling are some of its quintessential features.
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QAD ERP is a comprehensive manufacturing software solution designed to streamline and integrate core business processes across manufacturing organizations. It's particularly well-suited for mid-sized to large manufacturers in industries such as automotive, consumer products, food and beverage, life sciences, and industrial equipment. Key benefits include improved visibility and control over operations, enhanced collaboration, and boosted productivity. Popular features encompass financial management, supply chain management, production planning, inventory management, quality management, and customer relationship management. According to user experiences, QAD ERP stands out for its deep industry-specific capabilities, user-friendly interface, and strong customer support. Pricing is typically based on a per-user, per-month subscription model, with costs varying depending on the number of users, modules, and deployment options.

Pros
  • Industry-specific features
  • User-friendly interface
  • Strong customer support
  • Improved visibility and control
  • Enhanced collaboration
Cons
  • Complex implementation
  • High customization costs
  • Steeper learning curve
  • Limited reporting capabilities
  • Potential integration challenges
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Product Assistance

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Live Online
Videos
Webinars
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Email
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Chat
FAQ
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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
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24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Easy Learning Curve: Leverage Simio's tools to create models whether users are experienced or not. 
  • Single Model: Work with one model no matter if it's large or intricate rather than working with individual parts. 
  • Realistic Models: Make models realistic and test them in various atmospheres and scenarios. 
  • Interactive Workpieces: Create "intelligent" workpieces that communicate with each other, enabling detached yet continuous systems. 
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  • Improve Communication: Communicate with suppliers by providing them access to the QAD Supplier Portal. Additionally, QAD Cloud EDI provides translation and communication services that work with QAD Cloud eCommerce. The result is end-to-end communication with trade partners. 
  • Increase Throughput: The system uses “Drum-Buffer-Rope” techniques to optimize the supply chain. Employees can receive automatic notifications when there are backorders or shortages that will affect the manufacturing process. 
  • Better Visibility: Better visibility allows you to be aware of demand changes and work quickly to accommodate them. The analytics dashboard provides the user with unified data from multiple sources and the product genealogy feature tracks products. Other features that provide better visibility include the CRM feature, which supplies customer service technicians with all customer information they could need. The financial management module allows the user to view key financial information. 
  • Maximize Productivity: QAD Warehousing reduces the need for additional labor and makes current warehouse employees more productive. The system uses consolidated picking to reduce traffic and enable multiple tasks within each trip in the warehouse. 
  • Make Strategic Business Decisions:  From analytics to budgeting, the system supplies users with the tools to make well-informed and data-driven business decisions. The user has instant access to this information from any mobile device, so you’re able to make business decisions anytime, anywhere.  
  • Governance, Risk and Compliance:  Ensure you are staying compliant with your financial reports concerning regulations such as Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) or J-SOX. 
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  • Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation: Integrate data from enterprise relationship solutions, customer relationship systems and other databanks to produce effective simulation models that obtain through results due to this capability. 
  • Discrete Event Modeling and Simulation: Work with a library of stationary workpieces and tools in addition to stimulating workflows and integrating custom models that represent shop floor resources via this attribute. 
  • Continuous Simulation and Modeling: Integrate real-time and previous data from process workflows, supply chains and material flow to understand shop floor procedures with this tool's data analytics tool. 
  • 3D Object-Based Modeling: Craft graphic models step by step and swiftly make objects via the 3D object-based modeling apparatus. 
  • Numerous Modeling: Manage multiple standard and "intelligent" objects that can interact with each other with various modeling functionalities. 
  • Optimal Scheduling: Initiate models to perform risk-based ideal scheduling via this feature 
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  • Manufacturing: Track products throughout the production process, print labels, gain visibility into plans, schedules and supporting data. Lean manufacturing improves quality and eliminates waste. The Master Scheduling Workbench allows you to simulate changes to the schedule before you confirm changes to it.  
  • Supply Chain Management: You can plan, track and manage costs through the Distribution Requirements Planning feature. The QAD Supplier Portal allows you to share information about inventory, scheduling, purchase orders, shipments and more with your suppliers. QAD Warehousing handles complex warehouses and high volume picking. You can access pending acquisitions from your mobile device.  
  • Customer Management: The CRM feature provides a 360-degree view of your customer interactions and processes sales orders and invoices. The Customer Self Service feature provides the user with a web store-front that you can match to your own website’s branding. The configurator allows for mass production of customized products that may be delivered from any facility, no matter where the user initially did the configuration. Customer service and support run the entire services lifecycle, from managing service orders to providing all customer information that servicing personnel could need to perform their job. 
  • Financial Management: A general ledger, accounts receivable and payable are made available to you through the financial management feature. Other capabilities include multi-currency, cost management, credit management, budgeting and financial analysis. The system generates periodic or ad-hoc corporate and governmental reports, consolidates financial records and manages and tracks freight costs.  
  • Analytics: QAD BI displays your data at a single source, and users can access this information from any mobile device. You can create and run reports while managing your business processes with this feature.  
  • Integration: The software comes with robust ERP system integration solutions. QAD Cloud EDI streamlines communication between customers and suppliers, while QAD EDI eCommerce provides tighter integration with your trading partners. QAD Boomi AtomSphere can connect cloud applications to on-premise applications without requiring any additional hardware. QAD Q-Xtend automates data synchronization and eliminates both manual data entry and custom interfaces maintenance.  
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Product Ranking

#44

among all
Manufacturing Software

#18

among all
Manufacturing Software

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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 103 reviews
Good User Sentiment 54 reviews
94%
of users recommend this product

Simio has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 94% when considering 103 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites.

74%
of users recommend this product

QAD ERP has a 'good' User Satisfaction Rating of 74% when considering 54 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

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3.4 (12)
4.68 (103)
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3.9 (14)
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3.7 (28)

Awards

Simio stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Ease of Use for Beginners: Simio is praised for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners to learn and use, even without extensive coding experience. Users find the drag-and-drop functionality intuitive and appreciate the readily available learning resources.
Powerful 3D Visualization: The software's 3D modeling capabilities allow users to create realistic simulations of their manufacturing processes, making it easier to visualize bottlenecks, optimize layouts, and communicate ideas to stakeholders.
Flexibility for Complex Systems: Simio is capable of handling complex systems with a high level of detail, allowing users to model intricate processes, including material handling, staffing, and equipment utilization, to identify areas for improvement.
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Enhanced Visibility and Control: Gain real-time insights into production, inventory, and finances to make informed decisions and proactively address issues.
Streamlined Operations: Automate manual tasks, reduce errors, and improve process efficiency across various manufacturing functions.
Improved Collaboration: Facilitate better communication and data sharing between departments, breaking down silos and enhancing teamwork.
Scalability and Flexibility: Adapt to changing business needs and growth, accommodating new users, locations, and processes seamlessly.
Industry-Specific Features: Benefit from pre-built functionality and best practices tailored to specific manufacturing industries, such as automotive, food and beverage, and life sciences.
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Cost: Simio can be expensive, especially for smaller businesses or those with limited budgets. The pricing structure can be complex, with different tiers and add-ons that can quickly add up.
Learning Curve: Simio has a steeper learning curve compared to some other simulation software options. Users may need to invest significant time and effort in training and tutorials to become proficient.
Customization Limitations: While Simio offers a range of customization options, some users find it restrictive for highly specific or unique modeling needs. Advanced customization may require coding or scripting, which can be challenging for users without programming experience.
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Complex Implementation: Requires significant upfront investment and technical expertise for setup and configuration.
High Customization Costs: Extensive customization can be expensive and time-consuming.
Steeper Learning Curve: User interface can be complex and require training for efficient use.
Limited Reporting Capabilities: Out-of-the-box reporting may not meet all needs, requiring additional development.
Potential Integration Challenges: Integrating with existing systems can be complex and require specialized skills.
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Simio is a powerful and versatile software known for its ability to manage a wide range of manufacturing tasks. Users praise its user-friendly interface and ability to generate accurate reports, finding it superior to other products in terms of ease of use and reporting capabilities. However, some users have reported a steep learning curve and unclear documentation, suggesting that Simio might require more upfront investment in training compared to competitors like AnyLogic or Arena. Despite these drawbacks, Simio is lauded for its object-oriented approach, which allows for more flexible and customizable modeling compared to traditional process-based simulation software. This makes it particularly well-suited for complex manufacturing environments where adaptability is key. While the software's pricing has been a point of contention for some, its robust features and positive user feedback position it as a valuable tool for manufacturing companies of all sizes. However, its complexity might make it more suitable for larger organizations with dedicated resources for training and implementation. Smaller companies with limited resources might find simpler, more affordable alternatives more appealing.

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User reviews of QAD ERP reveal a love-hate relationship. Fans tout its industry-specific muscle and enhanced control, with one user gushing, "It's like SAP on steroids for automakers; we finally have real-time visibility into production flows." However, its complexity can be daunting. "Compared to Acumatica," admits another, "QAD has a steeper learning curve, but its customization blows it out of the water, especially for our intricate assembly lines." The customization aspect is a double-edged sword. "Implementing QAD was an Everest-sized task," laments one reviewer, "and ongoing tweaks can be pricey compared to something like NetSuite." In the end, user experiences suggest QAD shines for manufacturers craving a highly configurable and industry-specific platform, but be prepared to invest sweat and tears (and dollars) in implementation and training.

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Top Alternatives in Manufacturing Software


Acumatica

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Cetec ERP

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Dynamics 365 Business Central

Dynamics 365 SCM

Epicor Kinetic

JobBOSS²

Katana MRP

MIE Trak Pro

MRPEasy

NetSuite

Oracle Fusion Cloud

Plex Systems

Sage 100 Cloud

SAP S/4HANA Cloud

SYSPRO

SyteLine

Visibility ERP

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