Prophet 21 Reviews & Pricing

by Epicor Software Corporation | Founded 1972, Austin, TX

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What is Prophet 21?

Industry Specialties: Wholesale Distributors

Epicor Prophet 21, powered by Microsoft Azure, is a business management system for distributors. It streamlines distribution processes and helps overcome modern distribution industry challenges. It’s designed to grow with your business without making extensive modifications and is available for SaaS or on-premise deployment.

It has numerous capabilities, such as CRM, sales order management, e-commerce, inventory management, product management and wireless warehouse management. Other functionalities include financial management, manufacturing and production management, rentals, VMI, service and maintenance, SCM, business intelligence and analytics and enterprise content management.

Pros

Easy to use
Scalable
Affordable
Cloud-based
Mobile app

Cons

Limited features
Not customizable
Poor customer support
Lacks integrations
Security concerns

PRICE

COMPANY SIZE

DEPLOYMENT

PLATFORM

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User Sentiment i

Based on 158 reviews:

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Product Screenshots and Videos

#6

Prophet 21 is ranked #6 on the top 10 Distribution Software leaderboard based on a comprehensive analysis performed by SelectHub research analysts. Compare the leaders with our In-Depth Report.

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Prophet 21 Pricing

Based on our most recent analysis, Prophet 21 pricing starts at $200 (Per User, Monthly).

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Starting From: $200
Pricing Model: Per User, Monthly
Free Trial: No

Training Resources

Prophet 21 is supported with the following types of training:

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars

Support

The following support services are available for Prophet 21:

Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Help Desk
Knowledge Base
Tickets
Training
24/7 Live Support

Prophet 21 Benefits and Insights

Why use Prophet 21?

Key differentiators & advantages of Prophet 21

Configurability and Scalability: The system adapts to business requirements and needs using an application programming interface (API). This flexibility allows businesses to build on specialized functionality and increase efficiency and productivity by connecting business processes with the partners, vendors and customers they need.
Flexible Deployment: The user can deploy the system on-premise or in the cloud and can then change the deployment down the road as their business evolves.
Forecasting Capabilities: Advanced demand forecasting predicts how much inventory is needed, contact management tracks customers’ buying patterns and customer buying trend analysis anticipates customer issues. The business analytics module provides various reports through the executive dashboard, accounts receivable dashboard and sales rep dashboard.
Increase Sales: Drive sales with e-commerce capabilities and pull in repeat business by responding to buying trends and providing excellent customer service. Additionally, mobile solutions allow for more sales because a business can serve customers from anywhere.
Improve Margins: Maximize profits with inventory management, analytics and pricing optimization. The integrated wireless warehouse solution allows you to take control of warehouse tasks.
Drive Employee Productivity: Build workflows, create mobile portals and leverage learning management systems. It also provides user personalization without having to work with source code.

Industry Expertise

Epicor Prophet 21 provides industry-leading solutions for distributors of all sizes. It manages various distribution industries’ requirements, including consumer packaged goods, electrical, fasteners, fluid power, HVAC, industrial/safety, irrigation and landscape, janitorial and sanitation. Other industries they serve include medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, paper and packaging, pipe/valve/fittings (PVF), petroleum, plumbing, tile and flooring and welding supply/packaged gases. Some of their customers are Jergens Industrial Supply, Standard Supply and Hodges Supply.

Prophet 21 Reviews

Average customer reviews & user sentiment summary for Prophet 21:

158 reviews

82%

of users would recommend this product

Prophet 21 has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 82% when considering 158 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Based on an aggregate of Prophet 21 reviews taken from the sources above, the following pros & cons have been curated by a SelectHub Market Analyst.

Pros

Comprehensive Customization: The solution offers extensive customization, according to 84% of users. It’s versatile and can customize many fields and screens.
Usability: According to 89% of users who reviewed this pro, the solution is easy to use. Navigating the system through the function menus is intuitive.
Integration: About 100% of users who mentioned this pro said it provides advanced integration capabilities. Integration with credit card processing and sales tax software enables the business to conduct financial analysis in a hassle-free manner.

Cons

Limited Scalability: While Prophet 21 offers robust features, its scalability may not be sufficient for rapidly growing businesses or those with complex distribution networks.
Steep Learning Curve: The user interface and features of Prophet 21 can be complex and require significant training for users to become proficient.
Customization Challenges: While Prophet 21 offers some customization options, it may not be flexible enough for businesses with unique needs or workflows.
Limited Third-Party Integrations: Compared to other ERP solutions, Prophet 21 may have a smaller selection of pre-built integrations with popular third-party applications.
High Implementation Costs: The cost of implementing Prophet 21, including software licenses, hardware upgrades, and consulting services, can be significant for small and medium-sized businesses.

Researcher's Summary:

User reviews of Epicor Prophet 21 paint a mixed picture, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. Many users praise its robust features and functionality, particularly for sales, purchasing, and inventory control. One user describes it as "really easy to navigate and one of the better ERP systems out there." Others appreciate its deep functionalities and flexibility, noting how it can be tailored to specific business needs. One user commented, "The strong and multiple functionalities from P21 allowed us to address all aspects in a 'deep enough' manner." However, some users also raise concerns about Prophet 21's complexity and learning curve. One user found it "impossible to work with and antiquated," while another said it takes "a minute to understand" and requires patience. This complexity can be a significant drawback for smaller businesses or those with limited IT resources. Some users also criticize its scalability, suggesting it might not be suitable for rapidly growing businesses or those with complex distribution networks. Additionally, the limited number of pre-built third-party integrations compared to other ERP solutions can hinder integration with existing business applications. This lack of seamless integration can lead to manual data entry and inefficient workflows. Despite these weaknesses, many users believe Prophet 21's strengths outweigh its weaknesses, especially for mid-sized distribution companies. They particularly value its ease of use compared to competitors like Infor M3, which one user described as "too big for the business." Furthermore, users appreciate the exceptional partnership and responsive customer service offered by Epicor, which helps overcome initial challenges with implementation and customization. Overall, user reviews suggest that Prophet 21 is a powerful and flexible ERP solution, particularly for mid-sized distributors. However, its complexity and limited scalability may pose challenges for smaller businesses or those with rapid growth plans. Considering the trade-offs and carefully evaluating your specific needs is crucial before making a decision.

Key Features

Customer Relationship Management: It contains multiple tools designed to manage and improve customer relationships. A mobile sales system, contact management, marketing management and lead and opportunity management are all usable for daily CRM tasks.
Finance and Accounting: The system comes equipped with several financial and accounting tools, including a general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, Avalara Tax Connect and XL Connect and vendor rebates. Avalara Tax Connect manages sales tax compliance, and XL Connect allows users to generate reports in Microsoft Excel.
Business Analytics: The Business Analytics feature comes with an executive dashboard, accounts receivable dashboard and a sales rep dashboard. It also has a customer buying trend analysis function that predicts future customer issues.
Supply Chain Management: Manage the entire supply chain with a full range of SCM capabilities. Purchase management, sourcing and procurement, inventory management, advanced material management and warehouse management features are included.
Enterprise Content Management: Manage content throughout its entire lifecycle. Document imaging converts paper documents into digital files.
Contact Management: The CRM module supplies users with next-generation customer contact management. It tracks customers’ buying patterns, prospect and client information while displaying key information on one screen for easy access.
Service and Maintenance: The service and maintenance module comes with tools to deliver an excellent customer experience. Service order management, service dispatch, preventative maintenance and warranty capabilities streamline service and maintenance processes are all available with this system.
eCommerce Website Management: Manage multiple branded websites with the Epicor Commerce Connect feature.
Epicor Virtual Agent: The EVA app allows users to interact with the solution via voice or text commands.

Approach to Common Distribution Challenges

Inventory Management: Prophet 21 provides real-time visibility into inventory levels across locations, enabling accurate forecasting and optimized purchasing.
Order Fulfillment: The streamlined order processing engine facilitates faster picking, packing, and shipping, leading to improved customer satisfaction.
Demand Planning: Advanced forecasting tools help anticipate future demand and allocate resources appropriately, preventing stockouts and overstocking.
Warehouse Management: Integrated warehouse management features optimize space utilization, streamline picking and packing processes, and improve warehouse efficiency.
Sales & Marketing: Mobile CRM tools enable sales teams to manage customer relationships and generate leads on the go, driving sales growth.
Financial Management: Comprehensive financial reporting and analytics tools provide insights into business performance, enabling informed decision-making.
Supply Chain Visibility: Real-time tracking of orders and shipments throughout the supply chain enhances collaboration and improves overall supply chain responsiveness.
E-commerce Integration: Seamless integration with popular e-commerce platforms simplifies online sales and order management.
Scalability: The cloud-based architecture allows for easy scalability to accommodate future growth without expensive hardware upgrades.
Cost-Effectiveness: Prophet 21 offers flexible subscription plans to fit diverse budgets, ensuring a cost-effective solution for distributors of all sizes.

Cost Of Ownership

Frequently asked questions regarding Epicor Prophet 21 pricing include:

Q: What are the initial costs of implementing Epicor Prophet 21?
A: Initial costs vary based on individual business needs and chosen modules. However, they typically include software licensing fees, implementation services, training, and data migration costs. For a small business with basic needs, expect an upfront investment of around $20,000 - $50,000. Larger businesses requiring extensive customization and additional modules may face initial costs exceeding $100,000.
Q: What are the ongoing monthly or yearly costs of using Epicor Prophet 21?
A: Ongoing costs are primarily determined by the chosen subscription plan and number of users. Entry-level plans start around $40 per user per month. For more comprehensive plans with advanced features, expect to pay closer to $100 per user per month. Additionally, annual maintenance fees typically range between 15-20% of the total license cost.
Q: What are the potential hidden costs associated with Epicor Prophet 21?
A: While upfront and monthly costs are clearly defined, additional expenses can arise during implementation and ongoing usage. Hidden costs may include hardware upgrades, additional training sessions, customization fees, third-party integrations, and data migration complications. It's crucial to carefully evaluate all potential costs before committing to Prophet 21 to avoid budget surprises.

Suite Support

Epicor offers a customer support portal, EpicCare, and they provide over 600 support analysts across 12 global support centers. They have two different support plans for their customers; the Essential Support Plan or the Pro Support plan. The Pro Support plan comes with 24/7 support and senior support experts.

Email: All support requests are processed through the EpicCare service portal. If there are any issues with the portal, send an email to the customer account manager.

Phone: All support requests are handled through EpicCare.

Training: Epicor Learning Center is a web-based learning management system that is accessed from one single location. A self-paced training module, embedded education, is the training installation that comes with Epicor ERP. Other training tools include live instructor-led training, documentation and on-demand videos.

Demo Resources

Resources that provide Epicor Prophet 21 demo insights include:

Webinar: Prophet 21 New Features: Explore the latest functionalities and enhancements offered in Prophet 21 through a dedicated webinar. Learn how to leverage these features for improved efficiency and productivity.
Product Overview: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the core capabilities and functionalities of Epicor Prophet 21 through a detailed product overview. This resource provides a solid foundation for further exploration.
Case Studies: Discover how other businesses have successfully implemented Prophet 21 to achieve their desired outcomes. These real-world examples showcase the product's potential and provide valuable insights for your own implementation.
Interactive Demo: Get hands-on experience with Prophet 21 through an interactive demo. This allows you to explore the user interface, test key features, and get a feel for how the product can work for your specific needs.
Industry-Specific Solutions: Explore industry-specific solutions tailored to your business vertical. These solutions leverage the power of Prophet 21 to address the unique challenges and opportunities within your industry.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions regarding Epicor Prophet 21 include:

Q: How easy is it to migrate from a legacy ERP system to Prophet 21?
A: Epicor offers dedicated migration tools and services to ensure a smooth and efficient transition from your existing system to Prophet 21. This minimizes downtime and disruption, enabling a faster time to value.
Q: How well does Prophet 21 integrate with other business applications?
A: Prophet 21 boasts a robust API and pre-built connectors to popular business applications, including CRM, eCommerce, and WMS solutions. This allows for seamless data exchange and eliminates manual data entry, streamlining workflows.
Q: What level of customization is available with Prophet 21?
A: Prophet 21 offers flexible customization options to adapt the software to your specific business needs. This includes configuration tools, scripting capabilities, and a comprehensive developer toolkit, enabling you to tailor the system to your unique workflows.
Q: How does Prophet 21 help improve inventory management?
A: Prophet 21 offers real-time inventory visibility across all locations, enabling better forecasting, demand planning, and stock control. Features like ABC analysis and cycle counting help optimize inventory levels, reducing costs and improving customer service.
Q: What reporting and analytics capabilities does Prophet 21 offer?
A: Prophet 21 provides comprehensive reporting and analytics tools that offer valuable insights into your business performance. Pre-built reports and dashboards cover key areas like sales, finance, inventory, and operations, while customizable reports allow you to tailor your analysis to specific needs.