SAP MES vs Epicor Advanced MES

Last Updated:

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

Epicor Advanced MES Software Tool

Product Basics

SAP MES, a sophisticated software developed by SAP, Inc., is designed to streamline manufacturing execution systems (MES) within industries. It is particularly well-suited for large-scale manufacturing operations that seek to enhance efficiency, ensure compliance, and improve production processes. One of the key benefits of SAP MES is its ability to provide real-time visibility into manufacturing operations, which helps in making informed decisions and reducing downtime. Among its popular features are its capabilities for detailed scheduling, quality management, and maintenance management, which collectively contribute to optimizing production performance. When compared to similar products in the market, users often highlight SAP MES for its comprehensive integration capabilities with other enterprise systems, which facilitates a seamless flow of information across the organization. Pricing considerations for SAP MES typically involve a range of options based on the scale of deployment and may include per unit criteria and payment frequency, tailored to meet the diverse needs of its users.
read more...
Epicor Advanced MES uses Industry 4.0 tech to increase efficiency in production and performance. The on-site or cloud-support solution gathers live data automatically from operators and equipment. It removes the need for manual data collection and provides manufacturers with a seamless option for streamlining operations and production efficiency.

Real-time analysis allows users to catch exceptions early, cut down on waste and increase quality. The platform utilizes open connectivity protocol, programmable logic controllers, machine interface units and PC interfaces for added usability.
read more...
$124,512 Annually
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
$399/Feature, Monthly
Free Trial is unavailable →
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Facilitate Quality Control: Transmit quality control information in real time. Halt production processes as soon as issues are identified to reduce waste, scrap, rework and overages. 
  • Increase Uptime: Create robust production schedules by balancing personnel, material and equipment resources. Integrate scheduling and maintenance processes to maximize product flow and asset utilization to boost uptime and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). 
  • Manage Inventory: Update inventory records with real-time information about the new production, scrap and non-conforming material. It helps purchasing, shipping and scheduling departments gauge the inventory at hand. It reduces just-in-case and work-in-progress inventory and saves time and money on manufacturing, transportation, storage and inventory monitoring. 
  • Facilitate Paperless Shop Floor: Automate data collection to eliminate paperwork and reduce manual errors. Record data from the shop floor in real time and collaborate with the decision-makers across integrated systems to ensure data-driven decisions. 
  • Allocate Resources: Leverage real-time data to track and analyze resources status, including machines, labor, materials and more. Allocate resources based on their availability. 
read more...
  • Increased Efficiency: Epicor Advanced MES automates the monitoring of manufacturing processes, reducing manual data entry and errors, leading to a more efficient production line.
  • Real-Time Visibility: Provides instant access to critical production data, enabling managers to make informed decisions quickly and respond to issues before they escalate.
  • Cost Reduction: By optimizing production processes and reducing waste, Epicor Advanced MES helps lower operational costs and improve profit margins.
  • Quality Improvement: Enhances product quality by closely monitoring production standards and automatically flagging deviations, ensuring consistent output that meets customer expectations.
  • Scalability: Adapts to the growing needs of a business, whether it's expanding product lines, increasing production volume, or incorporating new technologies.
  • Compliance Management: Simplifies compliance with industry regulations by providing tools for documentation, audit trails, and quality control, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Facilitates better communication and collaboration across departments by providing a centralized platform for sharing production data and insights.
  • Downtime Reduction: Predictive maintenance features help anticipate equipment failures before they occur, minimizing unplanned downtime and keeping production schedules on track.
  • Energy Efficiency: Monitors and analyzes energy usage across operations, identifying opportunities to reduce consumption and lower utility costs.
  • Customizable Reporting: Offers flexible reporting tools that allow businesses to generate tailored reports, providing insights into performance metrics that matter most to them.
  • Improved Customer Satisfaction: By ensuring timely delivery of high-quality products, Epicor Advanced MES helps build trust with customers, leading to stronger relationships and repeat business.
  • Inventory Optimization: Provides accurate, real-time inventory data, helping businesses reduce excess stock, avoid shortages, and manage inventory levels more effectively.
  • Strategic Decision Making: Empowers leaders with comprehensive data analytics and forecasting tools, enabling strategic decisions that drive business growth and competitiveness.
  • Workforce Productivity: Tracks labor performance and identifies areas for improvement, helping to optimize workforce productivity and reduce labor costs.
read more...
  • Role-Based Interfaces: Provides role-based touch screen interfaces to support manufacturing workflows and manage the production of orders, lots or unique serialized items. 
  • Execute Trigger: Execute a predetermined non-conformance trigger if there are any deviations from production specifications. 
  • Performance Data: Analyze manufacturing performance data to gain visibility and insights into processes to increase efficiency and save costs. 
  • Centralized Operations: Control and manage manufacturing and shop floor operations using a centralized solution. 
  • Defect Tracking: Enforce stringent process rules, provide relevant instructions and track defects to ensure error-free manufacturing. 
read more...
  • Automated Data Collection: Utilize automated production and process data collected directly from the machines for analysis, reporting and planning. Eliminate manual data collection and drive continuous performance improvement with real-time data. 
  • Energy Optimization: Analyze and monitor energy consumption with the help of load patterns, production needs and live data accessed from browser-based scorecards. 
  • Automatic Alerts: Quicken resolution and response time with automated communication designed for the user’s plant environment. Establish automated alerts and notifications for machine downtime, cycles and abnormalities. 
  • Quality Control: Track cycles and machines 24/7 and automatically reject or accept products. Troubleshoot with SPC and SQC. 
  • Process Monitoring: Optimize resources with real-time insights into process parameters. Improve cost structures, manage machine time and compare cycle times. 
  • Maintenance Management: Use preventive maintenance planning to eliminate scheduled maintenance or unexpected repairs. Track MRO activity and set automated alerts for preventative maintenance. 
  • Real-time Planning: Change production schedules to meet new requirements instantly with visual drag-and-drop scheduling for machines and tools. View updated schedules and automatically adjust for performance. 
  • International Accessibility: Access the platform in 10 different languages via any internet-enabled mobile device or tablet. 
read more...

Product Ranking

#23

among all
MES Software

#37

among all
MES Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

71
68
16
16
78
80
79
77
Show More Show More
Reports and Dashboards
Production Dispatch and Execution
Reports and Dashboards

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

SAP MES
Epicor Advanced MES
+ Add Product + Add Product
Mobile Product And Parts Tracking Production Definition And Monitoring Production Dispatch And Execution Quality Management Reports And Dashboards Resources Management 16 78 79 94 53 100 82 16 80 77 81 78 98 76 0 25 50 75 100
0%
29%
71%
14%
0%
86%
67%
0%
33%
56%
22%
22%
60%
30%
10%
70%
10%
20%
86%
14%
0%
86%
0%
14%
33%
33%
34%
78%
0%
22%
100%
0%
0%
100%
0%
0%
56%
44%
0%
78%
0%
22%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

25%
50%
25%
25%
17%
58%

User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 111 reviews
Good User Sentiment 198 reviews
84%
of users recommend this product

SAP MES has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 84% when considering 111 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

75%
of users recommend this product

Epicor Advanced MES has a 'good' User Satisfaction Rating of 75% when considering 198 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

4.5 (5)
n/a
n/a
3.7 (73)
4.2 (104)
4.5 (23)
4.3 (2)
3.6 (102)

Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated SAP MES and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Reports and Dashboards.

Reports and Dashboards Award

we're gathering data

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Reduced Downtime: Real-time production monitoring allows for immediate detection and resolution of issues, minimizing downtime and keeping operations running smoothly.
Improved Quality: SAP MES enforces quality standards and specifications, leading to fewer defects and higher-quality products. The system's ability to track and trace materials and products throughout the production process helps to identify and address quality problems quickly.
Enhanced Visibility: Gaining real-time insights into production performance empowers better decision-making. Comprehensive data on production processes, inventory levels, and equipment performance enables informed choices that optimize operations.
Increased Efficiency: Automating tasks and streamlining workflows leads to increased efficiency and productivity. By eliminating manual data entry and automating routine tasks, SAP MES frees up employees to focus on more value-added activities.
Show more
Reduced Downtime: Real-time equipment monitoring helps identify and address potential issues before they cause downtime, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
Improved Quality Control: The system's ability to track and trace materials and products throughout the production process helps ensure quality standards are met and reduces the risk of defects or recalls.
Enhanced Visibility: Comprehensive data collection and reporting provide real-time insights into production performance, enabling data-driven decision-making and process optimization.
Increased Efficiency: Automation of manual tasks and streamlined workflows lead to reduced labor costs and improved operational efficiency.
Show more
Customization Challenges: Adapting SAP MES to specific production processes can be complex and time-consuming due to its rigid structure. This often necessitates significant development efforts, leading to increased implementation time and costs.
Integration Complexity: Integrating SAP MES with existing IT infrastructure, especially non-SAP systems, can pose challenges and require additional middleware or custom integration solutions. This can impact project timelines and budgets.
User Interface: The user interface of SAP MES is often perceived as complex and not intuitive, particularly for shop floor operators. This can lead to a steeper learning curve and potential resistance to adoption.
Total Cost of Ownership: Implementing and maintaining SAP MES can be expensive, especially for large-scale deployments. Factors such as licensing fees, infrastructure costs, and ongoing support contribute to the overall cost.
Show more
Customization Challenges: The system's complexity can make tailoring it to specific workflows or unique production processes a significant undertaking.
Integration Hurdles: Connecting Epicor Advanced MES with existing enterprise systems or shop floor machinery can pose integration challenges, potentially requiring specialized expertise or custom development efforts.
User Interface Complexity: The user interface, while feature-rich, can feel overwhelming for new users due to its extensive functionalities and options, potentially leading to a steeper learning curve.
Resource Requirements: Implementing and maintaining Epicor Advanced MES effectively often necessitates dedicated IT resources and ongoing support, which can be a consideration for organizations with limited IT staff or budgets.
Show more

SAP MES, a software solution designed to optimize manufacturing operations, has received mixed reviews from users over the past year. While many appreciate its comprehensive functionality, particularly in areas like production data tracking, inventory management, and report generation, some find its complexity and integration challenges to be significant drawbacks. Users have highlighted the software's ability to meticulously track production data as a major strength. This feature enables businesses to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as production output, cycle times, and defect rates, facilitating data-driven decision-making and process improvement. Additionally, SAP MES's robust inventory management capabilities allow for real-time visibility into stock levels, reducing the risk of stockouts and overstocking. The software's reporting tools further enhance its value by providing customizable reports that offer insights into various aspects of manufacturing operations. However, the complexity of SAP MES has been a recurring concern among users. Its extensive features and functionalities can lead to a steep learning curve, requiring significant time and resources for training and implementation. Furthermore, integrating SAP MES with existing systems, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) or supply chain management (SCM) software, can pose challenges due to compatibility issues and the need for specialized expertise. In conclusion, SAP MES is well-suited for large enterprises with complex manufacturing processes and the resources to invest in training and integration. Its comprehensive features and data-driven insights can significantly enhance operational efficiency and decision-making. However, businesses seeking a more user-friendly or easily integrated solution may want to explore alternative options that better align with their specific needs and constraints.

Show more

Let's dive into the world of manufacturing software and explore what users have to say about Epicor Advanced MES. Epicor Advanced MES has received positive feedback for its ability to enhance efficiency and productivity in manufacturing operations. Users appreciate its user-friendly interface, flexibility to adapt to different needs, and scalability to accommodate growth. The software's comprehensive features, including production planning, scheduling, inventory management, quality control, and traceability, have been highlighted as key strengths. One user noted that Epicor Advanced MES has significantly improved their operational efficiency and cost reduction, making it a valuable asset for their business. Another user praised the software's power and versatility, emphasizing its positive impact on various aspects of their manufacturing processes. The automation of data collection and real-time insights provided by Epicor Advanced MES have been particularly well-received, as they eliminate manual tasks and enable proactive decision-making. Epicor Advanced MES appears to be a suitable choice for manufacturers of all sizes due to its scalability and comprehensive features. Its ability to streamline operations, improve productivity, and reduce costs makes it a valuable tool for businesses seeking to optimize their manufacturing processes.

Show more

Screenshots

Top Alternatives in MES Software


AVEVA MES

Critical Manufacturing

DELMIAworks

Epicor Advanced MES

FactoryFour

FactoryTalk

iBASEt

Infor MES

Oracle MES

Proficy MES

Sepasoft

Siemens MES

Syncade

Tulip.co

Related Categories

Head-to-Head Comparison

WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more...

Compare products
Comparison Report
Just drag this link to the bookmark bar.
?
Table settings