Epicor Prophet 21

Epicor Prophet 21 emerged from decades of focus on the distribution industry and has evolved into a comprehensive enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution specifically tailored for wholesale distributors. Unlike generalized ERP systems that require extensive customization for distribution operations, Prophet 21 was designed from the ground up to support the unique business processes within distribution companies. It's pre-configured and ready to use out-of-the-box.

The system takes an end-to-end approach, connecting the front counter to the back office to the warehouse. This integrated design helps distributors manage their entire supply chain from a single, cloud-based platform, providing complete visibility throughout all aspects of the business. This helps employees to work more efficiently while leaders gain important insights into inventory, margins, and profitability. The system allows businesses to migrate paper documents to electronic files, eliminate manual data entry with automated processes, and break down data silos for complete visibility of the entire supply chain from one centralized solution.

Prophet 21 is a pre-configured, industry-specific solution that typically delivers faster time to value than generalized ERPs that require extensive customization. Prophet 21 offers out-of-the-box functionality designed for immediate use in distribution environments.

Digital transformation has become a necessity rather than a luxury for wholesale and industrial distributors. Prophet 21 addresses this need by helping businesses build connected digital ecosystems for greater transparency, efficiency, and predictability. The platform allows distributors to measure crucial performance indicators like inventory turnover ratios, sell-through rates, stockouts, and shipping metrics. This data-driven approach helps distribution leaders make more informed decisions about inventory investments, operational efficiency, and growth opportunities.

Digital Supply Chain Management

Epicor Prophet 21 builds digital supply chains by connecting industry ecosystems to provide greater transparency, efficiency, and predictability. This connected approach is particularly valuable in today's distribution landscape, where businesses must coordinate complex networks of suppliers, logistics providers, and customers.

The system enables distributors to digitize and automate document-intensive processes, track inventory across multiple locations in real-time, and connect directly with suppliers and customers through integrated portals.

AI-Powered Business Intelligence

Where Prophet 21 distinguishes itself from many competitors is in its application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to distribution operations. Utilizing AI and ML, Prophet 21 provides performance and operational efficiencies, allowing distributors to spend more time serving customers and growing sales. The system helps unlock the insight advantage by optimizing processes, performance, and profitability. Automated demand forecasting learns from historical patterns, while intelligent inventory optimization recommendations help distributors maintain optimal stock levels. Automated workflows eliminate mundane tasks, freeing employees to focus on higher-value activities.

Prophet 21's Prism solution focuses on practical applications that deliver tangible business value rather than just technological novelty.

Inventory Management

Inventory management is the lifeblood of distribution businesses, and Prophet 21 provides this functionality. It has many features that help distributors plan, forecast, and manage inventory. For distributors struggling with excess inventory or stockouts, these capabilities offer significant potential for improvement. Multiple dynamic inventory replenishment methods adapt to changing business conditions, while automated forecasting with seasonal adjustments helps anticipate demand fluctuations.

The Epicor Inventory Planning & Optimization (IP&O) software extends the capabilities already in Prophet 21 to help distributors better forecast and fine-tune their inventory management, providing even more sophisticated tools for inventory optimization.

Warehouse Management

Prophet 21's warehouse management functionality brings accuracy and efficiency to warehouse operations. The Warehouse Management Solution (WMS) is fully integrated with the core ERP and available on mobile devices, streamlining essential tasks throughout the warehouse. Warehouse management solutions streamline the flow of goods in and out of the warehouse, from receiving and put-away to directed picking and shipping. The system guides warehouse staff through optimized workflows that reduce errors and improve efficiency. The mobile-first design of Prophet 21's warehouse capabilities is particularly valuable for distribution businesses seeking to improve productivity and accuracy in their facilities.

Financial Management

Prophet 21 includes comprehensive financial management tools that provide real-time visibility into the financial health of the business. It's financial capabilities are tightly integrated with operational functions, providing distribution leaders with a clear understanding of how operational decisions impact financial performance. Robust accounting and reporting features provide the data distributors need to effectively manage their business. General ledger with real-time financial statements eliminates time-consuming month-end closing processes, while advanced collections capabilities help distributors manage cash flow more effectively.

Pricing and Margin Management

For distributors operating in competitive markets with thin margins, Prophet 21's pricing capabilities are noteworthy. Prophet 21 has robust pricing and accounting capabilities that allow distributors to actively manage and adjust pricing. The system includes a comprehensive matrix for customer/item combinations, contract and project-based pricing, and margin analysis tools. Accounting capabilities make it easy to collect on AR for better cash flow management. Third-party integration with SPARXiQ further augments Prophet 21's pricing capabilities with more advanced, robust solutions.

Customer Relationship Management

Prophet 21's CRM functionality helps distributors manage interactions with prospects and customers throughout the sales cycle. Epicor has a new ISV partner, Endowance, who offers a white glove service program through their Duet 360 product, which seamlessly integrates Prophet 21 into Salesforce. The tight integration with order processing and inventory provides a unified view of customer interactions that many specialized CRM systems cannot match. Sales teams can access complete customer information, track opportunities, and analyze buying trends to identify cross-selling and upselling opportunities.

Order Management

The system streamlines the order-to-cash process with comprehensive order management capabilities designed specifically for distribution workflows. Quote and order entry from a single screen improves efficiency, while counter sales support with signature capture addresses the needs of distributors with walk-in business.

eCommerce Integration

Recognizing the growing importance of online sales channels for distributors, Prophet 21 offers integrated eCommerce capabilities through Epicor Commerce. Epicor recently acquired KYKLO, a PIM and e-Commerce company. Customers can choose either eCommerce option, depending on the best option for their organization. This integrated approach eliminates the need to synchronize data between separate systems, providing customers with real-time inventory availability and account-specific pricing directly from the ERP.