Why look for an Acumatica alternative?
You need a retail-tailored software
Run by former Microsoft executives, Acumatica is a cloud ERP service that has been designed to fit the general customer.
Retail requires a more specialized approach to improve business management. As such, a one-size-fits-all ERP system could see you pay for various functionalities that you don’t need and increase pricing for customizations to meet your needs, too.
For ecommerce and retail, a more agile and flexible plan will add the most value to your business. Look for a configurable workflow to take advantage of your company’s growth potential and will allow you to provide a consistent and professional service for your customers.
You need native ecommerce integrations
Acumatica is a software solution designed for mainstream use. It does not supply pre-built ecommerce platform integrations. This means that, should you need these resources, you will have to pay extra fees, plus there will be significant wait time while they are built and integrated.
In addition, Acumatica’s integrations are solely handled by their resellers. This means that it is hard to ensure flawless and consistent integration.
You want a hassle-free and flawless implementation
Given that Acumatica is sold and implemented through various resellers, your implementation experience will depend on those resellers and the independent software vendors from whom you purchase the platform.
User reviews collected and hosted on G2.com highlight this issue:
“The key to your initial success is to find an implementation company that is a good fit and realize the additional modules even if Acumatica certified can be a hassle to get to work properly.”
“Third-party providers lack accountability and surely lack deep knowledge you would expect from a recommended source.”
You don’t have in-house IT resources
Buying Acumatica through a third-party means that support for platform extensions and customization is limited, and fixes to problems can be hard to come by.
Acumatica cloud ERP alternatives will be more beneficial if your business wants instant support and expertise.
Better in-house customer support
Services provided by resellers can be inconsistent and differ depending on where you have purchased your software.
If you run into issues, contacting Acumatica themselves can lead to slow response times and additional charges for extra support hours.
5 Best Acumatica alternatives for merchants
Acumatica is a one-size-fits-all ERP system. It has limited functionality for businesses that require a more customized approach to managing their omnichannel operations.
If you’re looking for software that allows for a range of integrations and access to knowledgeable customer service teams, consider these top Acumatica alternatives.
1. Brightpearl
Brightpearl is the number one solution for the retail and wholesale sector. It provides flexible software solutions with smooth integration and opportunities for scalability. It’s the best choice for merchants looking for a complete, retail specialized, and customizable system. Unlike generic ERP solutions, you won’t be paying for unnecessary functionalities or customizations.
Brightpearl services include inventory management, financial management, and supplier management. It has full CRM capabilities alongside fulfillment, warehouse, reporting, accounting software, and business intelligence solutions.
Uniquely, Brightpearl also offers high-performing integrations with major ecommerce platforms like Shopify, Magento, and BigCommerce. It works with their APIs to provide a high-speed service.
Brightpearl’s features are ready-made and designed for the retail sector. Unlike traditional cloud ERP solutions, Brightpearl offers native connectors with leading marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, with integrations specifically designed to manage high order volumes. It can assist with forecasting your business needs.
One of Brightpearl’s most appealing features is the system’s market disrupting, rule-based Automation Engine. It’s intuitive to set up and alters operations based on your company’s workflow. From procurement of goods and services to fulfillment of orders and invoicing, it can accelerate your most time-consuming operations.
Brightpearl’s in-house customer service also stands out from the competition. Retail experts are on-hand throughout your business journey with real-time support. Indeed, the average response time is just 26 minutes.
Unlike ERPs sold through third-party distributors, Brightpearl offers reliable and widely accessible support. Customer relationships are at the forefront of how the service operates and truly sets them apart from other business management solutions.
2. OdooERP
Odoo is an ERP solution consisting of an open-source suite of business applications. It’s aimed at self-employed entrepreneurs and small businesses. Odoo starts at $20 a month before the addition of apps and further integrations.
As an open-source solution, Odoo’s source code is publicly available. This requires your business to have its own in-house technical support for implementation. Should you require help, an Odoo consultant can be hired for a fee.
Other drawbacks of using Odoo include:
- Not retail or ecommerce specialized, with no connectors to leading marketplaces.
- Does not have 24/7 real-time customer support.
- Customization is complex and costly.
- Difficult to use for large scale project management and order fulfillment operations.
3. EpicorERP
Epicor is a traditional cloud-based ERP that focuses on providing solutions for the manufacturing industry. As a long-established brand, it’s trustworthy but somewhat outdated software. Indeed, it’s not built for larger companies or those focused on sales.
User reviews on trustradius.com highlight the difficulty of installing and upgrading the platform. Comments explain that third-party implementation partners lack up-to-date training and that support can be slow to receive.
Issues with this system include:
- Compatible with Android, but doesn’t work with Mac desktop computers.
- Offers only limited integrations.
- Doesn’t provide real-time reporting or updates.
- Customizations are costly and difficult to integrate.
4. SAP Business One
SAP Business One is an ERP software for small and mid-sized enterprises. It’s not specialized in retail management and is therefore not suited to businesses of this nature. Indeed, integrations are purely SaaS-focused.
Queries on their social media accounts highlight issues with a lack of training and the inability to raise tickets.
Other problems include:
- No annual subscription options.
- Integrations with ecommerce platforms are unavailable.
- Doesn’t provide inventory and supply chain management.
5. NetSuite
Acquired by Oracle in 2016, NetSuite is a popular cloud-based ERP. While the system supports ecommerce and retail, it is not specifically tailored to these businesses.
If you’re a high-growth retailer looking to scale your business processes, consider management software custom-made for your sector. Numerous NetSuite customers have moved to Brightpearl for a cost-effective and efficient omnichannel retail solution.
Disadvantages of NetSuite software include:
- It implements solutions exclusively on cloud
- Difficult to configure and manage
- Does not support third-party retail integrations
Why merchants trust Brightpearl vs. Acumatica
Built for retail and wholesale
Brightpearl goes beyond the traditional one-size-fits-all ERP experience. The platform is specifically tailored to retail and wholesale businesses and is adaptive to your unique workflows.
Expand your business with tons of integrations
Supporting world-class ecommerce integrations, Brightpearl makes it easy to manage post-purchase operations without the need for pricey customizations.
Software with services
Brightpearl implementations are in-house and fixed cost. Expert support will accompany you throughout the partnership, from initial implementation to onboarding training, ongoing business consulting, and beyond.
Unlike old-fashioned ERPs, Brightpearl has modernized in line with today’s omnichannel world. If you’re looking for a unique and flexible approach to retail operations, Brightpearl is the right choice for your business.
Frequently asked questions
What is Acumatica?
Acumatica is a one-size-fits-all ERP software solution that offers various tools and features for business management. It allows for forward planning with workflow automation from a single location and provides services like CRM and inventory control.
As a non-specialized platform, it supplies a general service with limited support for merchants looking for more customization, assistance in implementation, and ongoing consultation.
Who uses Acumatica?
Customers looking to scale their business by implementing an ERP solution might consider Acumatica. However, a retail-focused company should explore a more specialized platform.
Do I need an ERP?
Whether or not an ERP system suits your business depends on your ongoing needs. As a general solution, ERPs may be more suited to companies that work in manufacturing rather than retail.
ERPs are also more likely to complement those with existing IT resources available to customize their own system. For retailers looking to expand their business with ease and keep up to date with the latest ecommerce platforms, an ERP solution will require substantial and costly customizations.
How much does Acumatica cost?
Acumatica’s pricing plan is based on individual business needs. However, for the average business, the licensing fee is approximately $1000 a month.
How long does it take to implement Acumatica?
Implementation time will depend on the number of customizations required. On average, the implementation life cycle is 6-12 months. That’s far longer than it takes to get up and running with Brightpearl.