Business Central vs. Epicor for Distributors
DISTRIBUTION ERP REINVENTED: CLOUD VS. CUSTOM-HEAVY
Epicor has been a long-standing ERP option for distributors, but many mid-market businesses struggle with its complexity, upgrade challenges, and reliance on industry-specific versions.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central offers a modern, cloud-based alternative built to unify finance, supply chain, and warehouse operations in a system that scales without the cost and maintenance burden of legacy ERP.
For wholesalers, import/export businesses, suppliers, kitting operations, independent retailers with multiple locations, and ecommerce distributors — Business Central is the flexible, future-ready ERP that keeps pace with growth.
Side-by-Side Features
Business Central vs Epicor
Feature
Business Central
Epicor
Multi-warehouse inventory & bin track
- Limited, manual workaround
Tariff & landed cost management
- Not available
Sales orders processing & order promising
- Basic order entry
E-commerce integration (Shopify connector)
- Add-ons, limited scope
Supply chain & replenishment planning
- Spreadsheets
Reporting & dashboards
- Static, limited
Business Central & Its Benefits for Distributors
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a modern, cloud ERP that integrates finance, operations, and distribution workflows in one system. It’s designed for agility, with rapid deployment, Microsoft 365 integration, and scalability across multiple warehouses and locations.
- SMB distributors seeking a flexible, lower-maintenance ERP
- Teams that want real-time reporting and Microsoft 365 integration
- Businesses that prefer fixed-scope, rapid implementation without the heavy footprint of legacy ERP
Business Central vs. Epicor for Distribution
Epicor offers industry-specific ERP systems (Prophet 21, Eclipse, etc.) with deep distribution functionality. However, these products often require heavy customization, complex upgrades, and separate product lines depending on industry focus.
- Distributors needing highly specialized functionality and willing to manage complexity
- Larger teams with dedicated IT resources for upgrades and customizations
- Businesses already heavily invested in Epicor environments
Book Your Free Discovery Session
Ready to see how Business Central compares to Epicor for your distribution business?
ERP Upgrades, Complexity, and Cost
Epicor’s total cost of ownership grows over time — from lengthy implementation projects to high support fees and disruptive upgrades.
Business Central reduces TCO with a subscription model, cloud hosting, and updates delivered automatically. You get a modern ERP that scales with your distribution business without ballooning IT costs.
RESOURCES TO GUIDE YOUR DECISION
Resources for Distributors Considering Epicor Alternatives
Considering a change from Epicor? These resources show how Business Central supports distributors with modern cloud ERP and provide a lightweight checklist to guide your migration planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Epicor vs Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central for Distribution – Common Questions
Is Epicor better than Business Central for distributors?
Epicor products like Prophet 21 and Eclipse have strong distribution features but can be complex to implement and maintain. Business Central provides a modern, cloud-first alternative that balances distribution functionality with lower cost and maintenance.
Why would a distributor switch from Epicor to Business Central?
Many distributors move to Business Central to reduce upgrade headaches, cut IT costs, and gain real-time visibility with Microsoft 365 and Power BI integration.
Is migrating from Epicor to Business Central difficult?
It doesn’t have to be. Epicor migrations can feel overwhelming because of the system’s complexity and customizations, but Bond Consulting has deep experience moving distributors from Epicor to Business Central. Our proven methodology covers data migration, process alignment, and user training, so you get a smooth transition without starting from scratch. Many clients find they actually reduce IT burden and costs once they’re live on Business Central’s cloud platform.
How do costs compare between Epicor and Business Central?
Epicor often requires higher upfront investment, ongoing customization, and costly upgrades. Business Central offers subscription-based pricing with predictable costs and built-in scalability. (licensing page If it’s live)
How does reporting compare between Epicor and Business Central?
Epicor reporting varies by product line and often requires custom tools. Business Central integrates with Power BI for real-time dashboards and forecasting.
What industries does Business Central for Distribution cover?
Wholesale, import/export, suppliers, kitting, multi-location retail, and ecommerce — any distributor needing a modern cloud ERP beyond accounting software or legacy systems.
Does Business Central cover the same depth of functionality as Epicor?
Yes, Business Central covers core distribution needs — finance, supply chain, warehouse, order management, landed costs, and forecasting — but without the fragmented product lines and heavy customizations often required in Epicor.
How does Business Central handle upgrades compared to Epicor?
Business Central is delivered as a true SaaS ERP with continuous, automatic updates. That means no more disruptive upgrade projects or product-line migrations.
Is Business Central secure and compliant for distribution businesses?
Yes. Built on Microsoft Azure, Business Central provides enterprise-grade security, compliance certifications, and disaster recovery — out of the box
