Welcome to SelectHub’s ultimate Visibility ERP review.

We’re here to provide you with a detailed tour and our unbiased perspective on Visibility’s Enterprise Resource Planning system, commonly referred to as Visibility ERP.

If you’re more of a binge watcher than a bookworm, good news! We’ve also recorded a 10-part video series. Check out the first video in the Visibility ERP series below.

You’re here because you understand Visibility ERP is a significant player in the ERP market. Now, you’re evaluating its suitability for your business and how it compares to other options. This Visibility ERP review is here to guide you like a bloodhound on a hot trail. Let’s go!

This Visibility ERP review is here to guide you like a bloodhound on a hot trail. Let’s go.

Table of Contents

• What Does Visibility ERP Do?
• In-Depth Visibility ERP Review
  • Who Is Visibility ERP Best Suited For?
  • Who Is Visibility ERP NOT Suited For?
  • Top Visibility ERP Features
  • Features Not Supported by Visibility ERP
  • Visibility ERP Pricing: How Much Does It Cost?
  • Visibility ERP Alternatives: How Do They Stack Up?
  • Visibility ERP Review Themes From Users
• Final Visibility ERP Review
• What’s Next?

What Does Visibility ERP Do?

Visibility ERP is a versatile enterprise resource planning system that streamlines operations for businesses within the to-order manufacturing sectors, such as engineer-to-order (ETO), make-to-order (MTO), configure-to-order (CTO), and custom manufacturing, and others.

Here is an overview of Visibility ERP’s key functions.

• Supply Chain Management: Visibility ERP offers robust tools to manage the entire supply chain process. This includes procurement, inventory management, order processing and logistics. It ensures that materials are procured at the right time, inventory levels are optimized, and customer orders are fulfilled efficiently.
• Manufacturing Operations: Visibility ERP excels in managing manufacturing operations, from production planning and scheduling to shop floor management. It supports various manufacturing modes, including make-to-order, make-to-stock and mixed-mode operations.
• Project Management: Visibility ERP integrates project management tools, enabling businesses to plan, execute, and monitor projects efficiently. This includes resource allocation, time tracking and cost management, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Financial Management: Visibility ERP provides comprehensive financial management capabilities, such as general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting, ensuring accurate financial data for decision-making.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Visibility ERP’s system includes basic CRM functionalities to manage customer interactions, sales processes and customer service, helping businesses improve customer satisfaction and retention.
• Business Intelligence and Reporting: Visibility ERP offers advanced analytics and reporting tools, providing businesses with insights into various operations and enabling data-driven decision-making.

By integrating these key aspects into a single system, Visibility ERP helps complex manufacturers with a modern, easy-to-use design and robust functionality.

Many ERP platforms can achieve the outcomes listed above; however, there are several key differences that Visibility ERP claims to offer over its competitors, including the following.

• Advanced Configurability: Visibility ERP tailors its features to fit the unique processes and needs of different businesses and roles within an organization, ensuring a high degree of flexibility and adaptability.
• Real-Time Data Processing: Visibility ERP provides real-time insights into business operations, allowing for quick and informed decisions.
• Scalability: Businesses of any size — from small manufacturers to large-scale defense contractors — are able to make Visibility ERP work for both current and future needs.
• Integrated Business Operations and APIs: On top of offering tools for core business functions, Visibility ERP provides 20+ APIs and 25+ system import utilities designed to make data transfer from external sources into and out of the ERP extremely simple.
• Global Compatibility: Visibility ERP supports three languages out of the box (English, French and Spanish) and has the ability to import other languages quickly, making it suitable for global businesses with operations in different countries.
• Extensive Modules: Visibility ERP offers a long list of optional modules that can supercharge its core functionality, including VisMobile WMS (allows users to execute shop floor transactions on mobile devices), Schedule Advisor (a drag-and-drop application for shop floor scheduling) and Business Intelligence (pre-built and configurable KPIs, dashboards, and charts).
• Industry-Leading Customer Support Visibility ERP prides itself on offering world-class customer support and training to ensure smooth implementation and ongoing usage. They’ve been around since 1988 and still have customers from back then — no small feat.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into our deep dive.

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In-Depth Visibility ERP Review

As a platform designed to cater to the evolving needs of make-to-order manufacturers, Visibility ERP stands out in its field. However, popularity isn’t always synonymous with suitability for every organization.

Let’s explore who Visibility ERP is best suited for, its standout features, pricing, alternatives, user feedback, and our final review.

Who Is Visibility ERP Best Suited For?

Visibility ERP is best suited for businesses operating within the to-order manufacturing sectors, such as engineer-to-order (ETO), make-to-order (MTO), configure-to-order (CTO), project manufacturing and custom manufacturing industries.

Its comprehensive features are designed to address the challenges of managing intricate manufacturing processes, particularly for those with complex machinery and related products. As such, these companies are typically low-volume, high-dollar manufacturers.

Here’s a detailed look at the specific use cases and scenarios where Visibility ERP excels.

1. Small, Medium and Large Manufacturing Businesses: Visibility ERP caters to any size manufacturer. These companies often deal with complex supply chains, extensive inventory, multiple production lines and a need for precise project management. The software’s ability to integrate various facets of manufacturing operations makes it an ideal choice for these businesses.
2. Businesses with Complex Project Management Needs: Organizations such as custom industrial machinery manufacturing firms, defense contractors and aerospace companies can leverage Visibility ERP’s project management tools. These tools offer detailed resource planning, budget management and progress tracking, ensuring projects are completed efficiently and cost-effectively.
3. Enterprises Requiring Advanced Financial Management: Visibility ERP is a strong fit for businesses that require sophisticated financial management capabilities. This includes manufacturing companies that need robust features for general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, budgeting and financial reporting.
4. Organizations Seeking to Integrate Business Functions: Visibility ERP is ideal for companies that currently use multiple, unconnected software solutions for CRM, supply chain management and financial management, and are looking to consolidate these functions for better efficiency and data accuracy.
5. Industries with Dynamic Regulatory Compliance Requirements: Industries that are subject to stringent regulatory compliance, such as aerospace and defense sectors, will find Visibility ERP’s compliance management features useful. The system helps in ensuring that all operations adhere to industry-specific regulations and standards.
6. Industrial Manufacturers. Manufacturers building custom solutions for their customers — think unique packaging equipment for CPG businesses, oil and gas companies needing specialized rigs and drilling vehicles, marine manufacturers requiring custom components — are great fits for Visibility ERP’s system.

Get a Free Demo for Visibility ERP

Who Is Visibility ERP NOT Suited For?

As explained in the previous section, Visibility ERP works well across most verticals for businesses requiring an ERP that’s scalable and highly configurable.

Here are three scenarios in which Visibility ERP may not be a perfect fit.

Repetitive Manufacturing

Visibility ERP is best suited for project-based and custom manufacturing, focusing on detailed planning and tracking for unique products. This specialization limits its effectiveness in repetitive manufacturing, where the emphasis is on continuous, high-volume production with minimal variation.

Repetitive manufacturers require ERP systems that streamline production flows, optimize schedules and reduce costs through economies of scale. Therefore, Visibility ERP’s project-centric features may not meet the efficiency and standardization needs of a repetitive manufacturing environment.

Process Manufacturing & Distribution-Focused Companies

Visibility ERP is not ideally suited for process manufacturing, which involves the production of goods in bulk using formulas or recipes and often requires mixing, blending or chemical transformation of ingredients. These operations require ERPs with specific functionalities to manage batch processing, track ingredient lineage, control quality, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

Visibility ERP, with its focus on managing discrete projects and custom product manufacturing, lacks the inherent features necessary to efficiently handle the continuous flow and quality control demands of process manufacturing.

Furthermore, Visibility ERP is not suited for distribution companies without significant manufacturing operations. Visibility ERP’s lack of functionalities for logistics makes it less suited for companies with a distribution focus.

Companies Needing Advanced CRM and HR Functionality

While offering many features found in CRMs, HR systems, and others, Visibility ERP does not claim to be best-of-breed in any of those categories. While it incorporates features that facilitate management of customer relationships and HR tasks, its core strengths lie elsewhere. It aims to provide a cohesive operational framework rather than excelling as a specialized tool in advanced CRM or HR.

Compare Visibility ERP to the Top Competitors

Top 10 Visibility ERP Features

Visibility ERP has a lot of features packed into one product. Here are the top 10 differentiating capabilities that SelectHub found in its review.

Deep Engineering Functionality

At the heart of Visibility ERP is its advanced engineering functionality, specifically designed for to-order manufacturing businesses. It supports highly complex Bill of Materials (BOMs) that can extend dozens of levels deep, making it efficient for creating and managing intricate product designs.

The system’s BOM copy and comparison features simplify the process of designing and building new BOMs. Extensive standard fields for parts (over 80) significantly benefit ETO and MTO manufacturers. Furthermore, its engineering change control functionality ensures that any modifications to product designs are meticulously tracked and managed, maintaining product integrity and version control.

Robust Project Accounting

Visibility ERP excels in project accounting, offering to-order customers the ability to establish a detailed PTC structure (project, task, cost type). This functionality provides a comprehensive framework for managing project finances, enabling precise tracking of project status and budget to ensure profitability and accountability.

The system’s project accounting tools facilitate close monitoring of costs and revenues, giving businesses the insights needed to make informed decisions and effectively manage project finances from inception to completion.

One-Click Hyperlink Functionality

Simplifying users’ experience is a key benefit of Visibility ERP, exemplified by its one-click hyperlink functionality. This feature allows users to click on information, data or reports from within an inquiry or report and access further details on that data point, thus streamlining the process of analyzing data. It eliminates the need for running multiple reports or navigating through complex menus, enhancing productivity and user satisfaction by making it easier to retrieve information.

User-Friendly Global Features

Users can configure the system extensively without needing custom coding. Features such as customizable comments, unlimited user-defined fields and the ability to attach unlimited documents to ERP objects enhance the system’s flexibility.

Additionally, extension tables let users add fields to screens without custom coding. Drag-and-drop lists along with customizable filters improve data management and user experience, making the system adaptable to a wide range of business requirements.

Extensive Reporting Capabilities

With 800+ standard reports available out of the box, Visibility ERP ensures that businesses have access to a wide array of analytics and insights. The included toolkit for modifying existing reports and creating new ones empowers users to tailor reporting to their specific needs.

This extensive reporting capability is crucial for informed decision-making and strategic planning, providing a solid foundation for analyzing performance, trends and operational efficiencies. And if the out-of-the-box reports aren’t enough, there’s an optional Business Intelligence module that allows users to create KPIs, dashboards and charts displaying more-detailed information.

Get a Free Demo for Visibility ERP

Flexible Solution Offerings

Recognizing the diverse needs of its customers, Visibility ERP offers a variety of solution options that can be discussed and implemented during the system setup. This includes innovative solutions like barcode scanning for job travelers, which streamlines time tracking on the shop floor, and a touch screen kiosk option for easy access to system functionalities.

These flexible offerings are designed to enhance operational efficiency and adapt to the unique workflows of different businesses, providing a customizable ERP experience.

Advanced MRP and Procurement

Visibility ERP’s material requirements planning (MRP) and procurement functionalities significantly reduce manual processes, enhancing the accuracy and speed of purchasing operations.

The system automates procurement tasks, from demand forecasting to purchase order generation, ensuring that inventory levels are well managed. This functionality enhances supply chain management, reducing lead times and improving the overall purchasing process.

Outside Processing Work Order Management

A distinctive feature of Visibility ERP is its capability to manage outside processing work orders, a functionality not commonly available in other ERPs. This feature allows businesses to seamlessly integrate external manufacturing processes into their production planning and control systems, offering greater flexibility in how products are produced and ensuring that quality standards are maintained across all manufacturing stages.

Sophisticated Product Configurator

Visibility ERP’s Product Configurator is a highly sophisticated tool that enables the creation of complex product configurations. It supports the input of formulas, dependencies and multi-level configurations. This ensures the final product configuration is not only buildable but also meets all specified requirements. This tool is invaluable for businesses that offer customizable products, allowing for a high degree of customization while ensuring product feasibility.

Proven Stability and Innovation

Having been in the business since 1988, Visibility has established itself as a stable and innovative ERP provider. The company’s commitment to continuous technology upgrades and its extensive testing in the field demonstrate its dedication to delivering reliable solutions. This long-standing history makes Visibility ERP a trusted choice for businesses looking for a proven ERP solution that can adapt to the evolving needs of the manufacturing industry.

Get a Free Demo for Visibility ERP

Features Not Supported by Visibility ERP

The following are features that SelectHub found to be missing or still in development with Visibility ERP. Context about workarounds and whether or not these are planned is mentioned where possible.

• Dated User Interface: While certainly robust, Visibility ERP’s user interface (UI) is somewhat dated compared to others in the space. The company has recognized the need to modernize its look and feel, and are actively working to transform the experience by introducing a more modern and streamlined UI in coming quarters. The first of these UI updates is expected to roll out as soon as Q3/Q4 2024.
• Advanced AI Capabilities: There is currently no AI functionality within either Visibility ERP’s existing system or its near-term roadmap. Some customers have been able to integrate it with their own AI tools, but overall it is not as much of a focus as it is with other ERP providers.
• Advanced CRM and HR Functionality: While it incorporates features that facilitate management of customer relationships and HR tasks, Visibility ERP’s core strengths lie elsewhere, aiming to provide a cohesive operational framework rather than excelling in specialized tools.

Realistically, many of the areas above aren’t relevant for every organization. Rest assured that Visibility ERP is a comprehensive solution for most teams in need of a cohesive ERP.

Compare Visibility ERP to the Top Competitors

Visibility ERP Pricing: How Much Does It Cost?

Visibility ERP can be purchased as either an on-premise or SaaS/cloud-deployed system. Here are the pricing details and benefits of both to help you make an informed decision.

On-Premise Deployment: Starting at $3,000/user

For businesses seeking complete control over their ERP system, Visibility ERP offers on-premise deployment. This model is ideal for companies with existing server infrastructure or those with specific corporate or defense requirements necessitating on-site hosting. The on-premise deployment allows businesses to own and host the licenses and hardware, offering a high degree of customization and control.

Benefits of on-premise deployment include the following:

• Suits companies with pre-existing server infrastructure
• Meets specific corporate or defense on-site hosting requirements
• Provides flexibility and control over the system within on-premise server infrastructure

SaaS/Cloud Deployment: Starting at $119/user/month

Visibility ERP’s SaaS deployment model is designed for businesses looking for a cost-effective, hassle-free ERP solution. The SaaS model is comprehensive, covering security, access, backups, restorations, database management, technical troubleshooting, upgrades and more, all managed by Visibility ERP.

Benefits of SaaS/Cloud Deployment include the following:

• Managed security and access with SSL
• Geo-redundant backups, restorations and database management provided
• Simplified remote access for support
• Annual maintenance, SQL Server licenses, OS licenses and Visibility Information Security Program protections
• Access through any internet browser (no hardware requirements)
• Quarterly SaaS payments for budget simplicity and cash flow advantage
• Access to Visibility’s thoroughly tested disaster recovery plan

Selecting between on-premise and SaaS deployment depends on your business’s needs, infrastructure and strategic direction. On-premise offers control over the server infrastructure and is suited for businesses with specific hosting requirements or existing servers. In contrast, the SaaS model provides a managed solution ideal for companies seeking minimal upfront investment and ease of access.

Regardless, it’s important to note that all implementations start at $45,000 and are tailored to ensure a smooth transition and setup.

To get more details about the pricing of Visibility ERP, request a free price quote. It’s also advisable to get a demo and discuss pricing scenarios relevant to your organization’s unique requirements.

Get a Free Visibility ERP Price Quote For Your Specific Needs

Visibility ERP Alternatives: How Do They Stack Up?

Googling “Visibility ERP alternatives” will lead you down a rabbit hole of ERP solutions.

The most common — and most competitive — would be the likes of Epicor, Infor, Global Shop, Made2Manage, JobBoss, SAP Business One, Acumatica, NetSuite and ECI’s M1 ERP.

In reviewing why businesses choose Visibility ERP alternatives, reasons include the following.

• Better Suitability for Distribution, Repetitive, and Process Manufacturing: Competitors of Visibility ERP have the upper hand when it comes to serving distribution-focused companies, repetitive manufacturers and process manufacturers. Since Visibility ERP is tailored toward to-order manufacturing, competitors with a broader focus or specific capabilities for other manufacturing and distribution types can be more appealing in certain sectors.
• Perceived Stability of Bigger Brands: Many of Visibility ERP’s competitors benefit from having larger marketing budgets and bigger brand names (e.g., SAP, NetSuite). Some customers may express concerns about partnering with smaller vendors like Visibility ERP, as the comfort and perceived stability offered by bigger brands can sway customers despite the benefits that smaller vendors may offer.
• Decision-Maker Preferences: Certain decision makers, particularly CIOs and Directors of IT, may have previous experience with other systems or want a particular brand name (e.g., Oracle or SAP) implementation on their resume for the purposes of job growth. These bigger ERP brands tend to use third-party implementers and value-added resellers (VARs). Visibility does not follow this model and keeps all support, sales, implementation and development in house. Visibility ERP is confident in its ability to implement much faster than their alternatives by using a smaller team of consultants who are full-time employees of Visibility with expertise in manufacturing and ERP.

Now that we’ve covered the reasons why businesses might choose alternatives, here are several reasons why you should choose Visibility ERP over the competition.

• Superior “To-Order” and “Make-to-Order” Manufacturing: Visibility ERP offers expert support for complex, customized production processes. Its deep functionality in managing detailed Bill of Materials (BOMs), sophisticated engineering change controls and precise project tracking ensures that manufacturers can efficiently handle the nuances of custom orders.
• Lean Implementation Methodology: Visibility ERP sets itself apart with a lean implementation methodology that directly involves internal Visibility experts, bypassing Value-Added Resellers (VARs) and third-party consultants. This approach ensures a quicker, less expensive and more effective ERP implementation compared to competitors. By working directly with customers, Visibility’s experts can tailor the implementation to meet specific business needs, ensuring faster time to value.
• Customer Input Into R&D: A key advantage of Visibility ERP is its commitment to incorporating customer feedback into its research and development efforts. This collaborative approach ensures that the ERP system continuously evolves to meet the changing needs of its users, reflecting real-world use cases and challenges.

Despite a crowded space and a long list of alternatives, Visibility ERP is a solid category leader for organizations looking for a highly configurable ERP system.

Get a Free Demo for Visibility ERP

Visibility ERP Review Themes From Users

There are many customer stories about how Visibility ERP has helped organizations. Here are three themes commonly mentioned in Visibility ERP reviews.

• Exceptional Customer Relationships: Visibility ERP is celebrated for its focus on customer service. They treat customers as partners and even incorporate requested enhancements into the standard software. This approach has led to highly responsive and personalized support, with the R&D process being significantly influenced by customer feedback.

• Expert Implementation Team: Users frequently praise Visibility ERP for the expertise of its implementation team. Every in-house employee is trained on manufacturing best-practices. Experts on the implementation team work directly with customers on process improvements and implementing best practices, making the transition to Visibility ERP smooth.

• Intuitive System With a Focus on People: Visibility ERP is lauded for its simple yet powerful user experience and robust functionality that scales with customer needs. The fact that the entire team is based in the U.S. and U.K. and consists of full-time employees adds to the reliability and quality of service provided.

In terms of cons, most of what users say they would like to see improved revolve around the somewhat dated user interface. Individual experiences with Visibility ERP vary, and user reviews may not be representative of all users’ experiences. It’s essential if you’re considering Visibility ERP to evaluate the platform based on your specific requirements and to get a demo to better understand its capabilities and potential fit with your business.

Get a Free Demo for Visibility ERP

Final Visibility ERP Review

Visibility ERP is a highly configurable solution for to-order and make-to-order manufacturing, including ETO, MTO and custom manufacturing industries. Its strength lies in deep engineering functionalities, such as complex BOM management and extensive customization capabilities. It also distinguishes itself with a lean implementation methodology, ensuring efficient deployment supported by its in-house team, bypassing the need for VARs or third-party consultants.

Available in both on-premise and SaaS models, Visibility ERP provides flexible deployment options to meet various business needs. While its user interface may seem dated compared to others in the space, Visibility is currently working on updating its UI and, overall, development is driven by customer feedback, with enhancements regularly integrated into the standard offering.

Ultimately, if a friend said, “Hey, I’m thinking about using Visibility ERP” here’s what I would say…

If your business is in the engineer-to-order or make-to-order manufacturing sectors, Visibility ERP is a great choice. It offers deep engineering capabilities and robust project accounting features that are ideal for managing complex, customizable manufacturing processes. Also, with both on-premise and SaaS/Cloud options available, as well as their lean implementation methodology, you’ll be able to get up and running quickly with a system that meets your organization’s specific deployment needs and at an affordable price. What’s not to like about that?

What’s Next?

Still haven’t decided on the right ERP? Behold these resources.

Get Visibility ERP Demo

Get Visibility ERP Pricing Quote

About the Author

About Devon Hennig: Devon is SelectHub’s sultan of software selection. He most recently served as VP of Marketing for Docebo (Nasdaq: DCBO) and, prior to that, he was VP of Demand Generation at Vendasta, the leading provider of white-label products and services for global resellers. His passion is helping companies find the right solutions for their tech stack.