Epicor Kinetic vs IFS

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

Epicor Kinetic Software Tool
IFS Software Tool

Product Basics

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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IFS offers is a suite of connected workflows such as accounting, warehouse management, distribution, sales and HCM. By integrating a range of front- and back-office workflows, the program aims to alleviate internal snags and streamline operations.

The software contains real-time insights and can be accessed either through the cloud or via on-premise installation. It’s intended for use by medium and large companies. The program is highly integrative and contains various online support and training options for users.

To learn more about their primary ERP offering, visit our IFS Cloud page.
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$125/User, Monthly
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$8,000 Monthly
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Boyer Machine and Tool Company
Cheerpack
Chief Industries
CleaverBrooks
Heaven Hill
Hexagon
Hexpol
KLN
Lou-Rich
Valmost
Vigor Industrial

Product Assistance

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Product Insights

  • 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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  • Accessibility: IFS solutions can be deployed through different avenues: SaaS, cloud service models, IFS Managed Cloud or on-premise. With cloud deployment, the program can be accessed at any time and any location as long as there is an internet connection available. 
  • Real-Time Data: The program includes real-time data and visualizations. For example, engineering changes, bottlenecks in the production system and any material shortages can be analyzed as they occur. Barcode scanning is also included to track the movement of products and materials throughout the supply chain. 
  • Revenue Boost: By identifying and reducing bottlenecks, forecasting demand and honing the sales process, revenue can be increased. IFS includes a range of features that can maximize revenue through elements such as reduction in spoilage and increased efficiency. 
  • Increase Productivity: IFS helps streamline and automate facets of workflows such as sales, manufacturing and distribution. By reducing the amount of time that employees spend on tasks such as supplier invoicing, which can be automated through this tool, more time is freed up for staff to work on other important tasks. 
  • Legal Compliance: This program helps to ensure company compliance with a range of industry or governmental standards and regulations. For example, IFS Human Capital Management can keep track of and manage employee health and safety measures in accordance with legal requirements. A dedicated maintenance tool is also available to help ensure that the company adheres to rules. 
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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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  • IFS Financials: IFS includes basic accounting tools such as general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable and fixed assets. It also contains business planning functionality that uses customer-defined planning models to enable demand-driven planning. The eInvoice tool automates supplier invoicing and enables electronic invoicing. Consolidation can also be conducted across multiple companies and with multiple reporting currencies. 
  • IFS Human Capital Management: This system allows employees to manage their own data as well as perform tasks such as applying for leave and updating time and expense reports. HR personnel can also manage payroll procedures, maintain health and safety information in accordance with government regulations and develop internal training programs through the tool. Recruitment can be done through the program’s connectivity with third-party applicant tracking systems (ATS). 
  • IFS Engineering: This feature includes the ability for continuously updated data related to factors such as design elements, products and facilities to be accessed throughout an organization. Change management capabilities allow users to view, approve and check changes before going ahead with change orders. The commissioning tool also ensures that facility components are designed, tested, etc. in accordance with operational requirements through the use of punch lists and mechanical completion packages. 
  • IFS Projects: IFS includes project management, risk management, project reporting and project budgeting features. Specific functionality consists of the ability to process project cost transactions, create projects using WBS, develop project schedules and develop forecasts using multiple versions of project estimates, reviews, budgets, etc. Estimate to Complete (ETC) and Estimate at Complete (EAC) principles are supported and spreading rules are available. 
  • IFS Manufacturing: This tool can calculate capacity requirements, conduct Master Scheduling for finished goods, manage the production to order process and enable employees to report production information quickly. Project-based, discrete, repetitive and batch process manufacturing are also supported through the system. Visualization of the production plan is included and enables users to identify bottlenecks and material shortages. 
  • IFS Supply Chain: IFS offers demand forecasting, supply chain planning, inventory replenishment, sales order management, procurement, rental management, warehouse management and shipment management features. The inventory function is connected to the demand forecasting tool and includes different planning strategies such as economic order quantity and service level-driven safety stocks. Item traceability is also supported through barcode functionality, which provides real-time stock information. 
  • IFS Sales & Service: This feature controls the customer lifecycle from the time a lead comes in to the time that a product reaches its final destination. It assists with transportation by allowing users to visualize driving routes. It also supports service quote and contract management. Sales efforts can be streamlined through the sales configurator, which includes a product advisor that uses a series of questions to define requirements and recommend products. 
  • IFS Maintenance: IFS enables users to evaluate potential improvements in equipment performance, communicate with subcontractors through a collaboration portal, develop leaner MRO operations and manage preventive maintenance schedules. It also makes regulatory compliance for vehicle fleets easier and manages tasks such as fault reporting, preparation, execution and final reporting for maintenance-related matters. 
  • IFS Business Enablers: This solution includes role-based portals and personalized access to ensure that employees, customers and suppliers view the most relevant information and that no one has access to privileged information that they should not be able to review. The solution contains real-time data and allows for the connection of internal and external programs through web services. Add-ins and add-ons can be implemented to customize the solution through RESTful oData APIs from IFS. 
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Product Ranking

#11

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#147

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Analyst Rating Summary

84
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Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Epicor Kinetic
IFS
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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

Good User Sentiment 935 reviews
Great User Sentiment 121 reviews
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.

80%
of users recommend this product

IFS has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 80% when considering 121 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

4.3 (11)
n/a
3.7 (409)
3.6 (20)
3.9 (175)
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3.7 (22)
4.2 (229)
4.2 (65)
3.9 (111)
4.1 (14)

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

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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Intuitive interface: Users consistently praise IFS for its user-friendly design and easy-to-navigate interface, which reduces training time and improves adoption rates.
Flexibility and customization: The system's modular architecture allows for a high degree of customization, enabling businesses to tailor it to their unique processes and requirements without extensive coding.
Strong industry focus: IFS is particularly well-suited for industries such as aerospace, manufacturing, and energy, offering deep functionality and expertise in these areas.
Mobile accessibility: Users can access the system from any device, including smartphones and tablets, enabling them to stay connected and productive while on the go.
Robust project management: IFS provides comprehensive project management capabilities, from planning and scheduling to resource allocation and cost tracking, helping businesses deliver projects on time and within budget.
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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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High upfront investment: IFS can require a significant initial investment for implementation and customization, potentially exceeding budgets for smaller businesses.
Steep learning curve: The system's complexity can lead to a steeper learning curve for users, requiring extensive training and support to achieve full proficiency.
Limited out-of-the-box functionality: While configurable, IFS may not offer pre-built features for specific industry needs, necessitating additional development or workarounds.
Integration complexities: Integrating IFS with existing systems can be challenging, requiring specialized expertise and potentially leading to data silos.
Performance bottlenecks: Large or complex implementations may experience performance issues, requiring careful optimization and infrastructure considerations.
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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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User reviews for IFS paint a picture of a powerful and flexible ERP system, but one that demands investment and expertise. Fans praise its intuitive interface and industry-specific depth, especially in sectors like aerospace and manufacturing. "The power of IFS is amazing and overwhelming," one user gushes, noting its ability to handle 95% of their business processes. The modular architecture allows for significant customization, a major draw for many. "It can be tailored to fit almost any business environment," says another reviewer, contrasting it with the "rigid" feel of competing products like SAP. However, IFS isn't for everyone. The initial investment and customization needs can be daunting, particularly for smaller companies. "The cost can be high," admits a user, comparing it to the "more affordable" options like Microsoft Dynamics 365. Additionally, the complexity can lead to a steep learning curve. "It's not as user-friendly as NetSuite," says another reviewer, highlighting the need for extensive training. Integration challenges and potential performance bottlenecks are also mentioned as drawbacks. Ultimately, IFS seems best suited for companies with specific industry needs and the resources to invest in its extensive capabilities. "If you're looking for a deep dive into your industry, IFS is amazing," one user concludes. "But if you need something quick and easy, there are other options."

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