Epicor vs SAP Business ByDesign: Complete Comparison 2026
An in-depth comparison of features, pricing, and user experience to help you make the right choice.
Epicor
Manufacturing-focused ERP for discrete and mixed-mode manufacturers with deep shop floor capabilities.
SAP Business ByDesign
Cloud ERP from SAP built for mid-market subsidiaries, project-based firms, and growing businesses with 50-500 employees.
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Epicor | SAP Business ByDesign |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Discrete manufacturers | Subsidiaries of larger enterprises needing SAP-compatible cloud ERP |
| Pricing Model | Contact Sales | Contact Sales |
| Starting Price | Contact Sales | Contact Sales |
| Deployment | cloud, on premise, hybrid | cloud |
| Platforms | WEB, IOS, ANDROID, WINDOWS | WEB, IOS, ANDROID |
| Rating | 7.9/10 | 7.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
Epicor
Pros
- Deep manufacturing functionality
- Excellent for make-to-order environments
- Real shop floor control capabilities
- Strong engineer-to-order support
- Industry-specific knowledge
Cons
- Less suitable for non-manufacturing companies
- Complex implementation for full functionality
- Pricing not transparent
- UI modernization still in progress
- Partner network varies by region
SAP Business ByDesign
Pros
- Full-suite ERP with SAP-grade finance, projects, supply chain, and CRM in one cloud system
- Multi-company and multi-currency support works natively — ideal for international subsidiaries
- Project accounting module cuts month-end close time dramatically for services firms
- Implementation in 3-6 months, far faster than S/4HANA
- Built-in analytics with over 500 standard reports and KPIs
Cons
- Pricing is opaque — expect $150-300/user/month through SAP partners
- UI feels dated compared to modern cloud ERP competitors like NetSuite
- Customization requires niche ABSL scripting skills that are hard to find
- SAP's focus on S/4HANA Public Cloud raises long-term roadmap concerns
- Implementation quality depends heavily on which partner you choose
Pricing Comparison
| Product | Pricing Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Epicor | contact sales | Contact Sales |
| SAP Business ByDesign | contact sales | Contact Sales |
Our Verdict
Choose Epicor if...
Discrete manufacturers
Choose SAP Business ByDesign if...
Subsidiaries of larger enterprises needing SAP-compatible cloud ERP
Still Not Sure?
Explore more alternatives or read in-depth reviews to make your decision.