Epicor ERP Review: Features, Pros, Cons, and Better Alternatives

Imagine operating a business without an integrated system to manage finances, inventory, or procurement. Without an ERP system, companies risk inefficiencies, disorganized data, and delayed decision-making. In Malaysia’s regulated market, such shortcomings can hinder long-term performance and compliance.

The 2023 Auditor-General’s Report highlighted concerns over the financial statements of nine federal agencies. Notably, the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) received an ‘adverse opinion’ due to RM392.95 million in expenditures that could not be verified. This underscores how inadequate internal systems can lead to significant financial discrepancies. 

To address these challenges, Malaysian businesses are increasingly adopting ERP solutions. ERP systems integrate various business functions, ensuring better control and accurate reporting. They also provide real-time insights that align with local audit and tax requirements.

In this article, we’ll examine Epicor ERP and evaluate its suitability for Malaysian companies. We’ll discuss its features, advantages, disadvantages, and compare it with alternatives like HashMicro ERP software. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of whether Epicor ERP meets your operational and compliance needs.

What is Epicor ERP?

Epicor ERP is an all-in-one enterprise software solution that helps businesses streamline and manage core operations effectively. It offers a suite of powerful modules covering manufacturing, sales, finance, HR, and customer service functions.

Established in 1972 and based in Texas, USA, Epicor has expanded its ERP software solutions to serve companies worldwide, including those in the Philippines. Although it enhances operational efficiency, it’s important to evaluate if its capabilities suit your business requirements.

Features of Epicor ERP

For businesses in Malaysia, it is important to check whether Epicor ERP features are suitable for their operations. Here are some key features that companies, including businesses in Malaysia, should consider.

• Distribution planning: Helps streamline the distribution process by managing inventory allocation and optimizing delivery routes, leading to cost savings and enhanced customer satisfaction.
• Purchase order management: Automates the purchasing cycle — from order creation and approval to real-time delivery tracking — ensuring sufficient stock levels and improved cost control.
• Asset management: Centralizes oversight of company assets, enabling effective tracking of usage, maintenance expenses, and overall asset performance.
• Financial analysis: Delivers advanced financial tools for in-depth analysis of business performance, including comprehensive reporting and profit assessments.
• Global functionality: Facilitates international operations by supporting multiple languages, currencies, and local regulations, making it ideal for expanding enterprises.
• Traceability: Allows businesses to trace materials and products throughout the supply chain, promoting transparency, regulatory compliance, and faster issue resolution.

Pros of Epicor ERP

Epicor ERP is widely appreciated for its robust and all-encompassing functionality. It unifies core business processes into a single platform, improving data integration, workflow coordination, and overall operational efficiency.

One of its standout advantages is its high level of customization, enabling Malaysian businesses to tailor the cloud ERP software to fit their unique operational requirements across different industries. Epicor also offers comprehensive user manuals and training resources to ensure users can fully leverage the system’s capabilities.

Cons of Epicor ERP

Despite its strengths, Epicor ERP comes with several limitations that Malaysian businesses should evaluate carefully before adopting the system. Below are a few notable disadvantages reported by sources such as Forbes:

1. Steep learning curve

Due to its wide range of complex features, new users may find Epicor ERP difficult to navigate at first. This often results in longer training periods, which can temporarily impact team productivity during the adaptation phase

2. Slow data collection

Epicor ERP may encounter delays when processing large volumes of data. These slowdowns can hinder real-time decision-making and become a bottleneck for businesses that rely heavily on fast, data-driven operations..

3. No free trial

Epicor ERP does not offer a trial version, making it difficult for companies to evaluate the system before making a purchase. This lack of a test period may pose a risk for Malaysian businesses if the solution does not align well with their needs.

Streamline Your Business Operations with HashMicro ERP in Malaysia

HashMicro is a top ERP software provider in Southeast Asia, widely recognized for helping businesses streamline operations and enhance efficiency. In Malaysia, HashMicro delivers tailored ERP solutions for more than 15 industries, including manufacturing, wholesale distribution, construction, and professional services.

One of HashMicro’s most valuable advantages is its support for unlimited users without additional fees, making it ideal for growing companies. The system is also fully localized to comply with Malaysia’s tax and regulatory standards, ensuring a smoother implementation and higher relevance for domestic enterprises.

Compared to systems like Epicor ERP, HashMicro offers a more agile, customizable platform designed to boost productivity and drive long-term business success. With real-time analytics, automation, and seamless integration, HashMicro empowers Malaysian businesses to make faster decisions and scale efficiently.

Before exploring the various premium features of HashMicro ERP, you can view the pricing details first. With HashMicro, you will get a system that simplifies operations and accelerates your business decision-making process. Here’s what we offer:

Key Benefits of HashMicro ERP:

• Easy to Learn and Use: HashMicro ERP features a simplified interface with a minimal learning curve, enabling new users to get up to speed quickly, even those with limited technical expertise.
• Rapid and Accurate Data Handling: The system ensures fast data input and real-time synchronization, significantly reducing the chances of data inconsistencies or delays in reporting.
• Free Live Demo Available: Businesses in Malaysia can request a no-obligation demo to explore how HashMicro ERP works in real scenarios, helping them make an informed decision before purchase.
• Unlimited User Access at No Extra Cost: Unlike many ERP systems that charge per user, HashMicro offers unlimited user access, making it ideal for growing companies aiming to scale efficiently.
• User-Centric Interface: The intuitive UI/UX design ensures that even non-tech-savvy employees can navigate the platform easily, increasing system adoption across departments.
• Cloud ERP Accessibility: As a cloud ERP system, HashMicro allows users to access data and manage operations anytime and anywhere, boosting flexibility, especially for remote or multi-location teams.
• Robust Data Security: Equipped with enterprise-grade security protocols, HashMicro safeguards sensitive business data and minimizes the risks of data breaches or losses.
• Compliance with Malaysian Regulations: HashMicro’s ERP is built to align with local regulatory requirements, helping businesses ensure legal compliance while expanding both domestically and internationally.

HashMicro’s key features:

• Built-In Business Intelligence (BI): Gain actionable insights with dynamic BI tools that enable businesses to slice, filter, and analyze data from multiple dimensions to support smarter decision-making.
• WhatsApp Integration: Streamline internal and external communication by integrating WhatsApp directly into your ERP system for faster client interaction and team collaboration.
• Mobile App Availability: Access your ERP anytime, anywhere through mobile apps available on both iOS and Android platforms—perfect for businesses with on-the-go operations.
• Spreadsheet Automation and Management: Simplify spreadsheet-based workflows with automated tools that manage and analyze business documents, ensuring they stay secure and synced with ERP modules.
• Advanced Access Control: Assign specific access rights to users based on job roles or departments to maintain data confidentiality and limit access to sensitive features.

Conclusion

Epicor ERP is one of the most well-known ERP systems used by various companies, especially in the manufacturing and distribution sectors. This system offers a range of features, including distribution planning, purchase management, and financial analysis.

However, its steep learning curve, slower data processing, and the absence of a free trial may be limiting factors for some Malaysian businesses, especially those seeking faster onboarding and greater flexibility.

For companies in Southeast Asia seeking a more flexible alternative, HashMicro ERP software is a practical and scalable option. Designed to accommodate various industries, HashMicro offers user-friendly features such as unlimited user access, local compliance support, and high-level customization—all backed by responsive customer service.

By leveraging HashMicro’s ERP solution, companies can optimize their operations, respond to market changes more effectively, and support sustainable growth. Schedule a free demo now and learn how HashMicro’s ERP system can support your business performance.

Question About Epicor ERP

• What is Epicor ERP used for?

  Epicor ERP is used to manage core business processes such as finance, inventory, manufacturing, and supply chain. It aims to streamline operations by integrating these functions into a single platform. While it’s functional, many Malaysian companies are now turning to more localized and flexible ERP solutions like HashMicro, which offer better customization and compliance support.

• Is Epicor a good ERP system?

  Epicor is a good ERP system for companies looking for a traditional solution with industry-specific modules. However, it can be complex and require significant customization to meet local needs. In contrast, HashMicro ERP stands out with a user-friendly interface, unlimited user access, faster deployment, and strong customer support tailored to the Malaysian business environment.

• What is the function of Epicor ERP?

  The primary function of Epicor ERP is to centralize business processes such as accounting, procurement, and warehouse management. It helps improve visibility and coordination across departments. That said, if your business needs a faster, more intuitive, and cost-effective ERP with local compliance, HashMicro offers a superior alternative with features like built-in BI tools, mobile access, and WhatsApp integration.

• Which company uses Epicor ERP?

  Epicor ERP is used by mid-sized to large enterprises in the manufacturing, distribution, and retail industries. However, many businesses are now exploring more scalable and affordable options. HashMicro, for instance, has been trusted by over 1,750 clients in Southeast Asia—including well-known brands like Toyota—thanks to its customizable and industry-specific ERP solutions.