When businesses begin reviewing their ERP plans for the coming years, one question keeps popping up: Is Epicor still supporting the pace of growth, or is it time to consider NetSuite?
This is happening in manufacturing, distribution, wholesale, retail, and service industries alike. Many companies that relied on Epicor for years are now rethinking their path as processes become more complex, reporting slows down, or maintenance absorbs more time than expected.
Because of this shift, more leaders are exploring an Epicor to NetSuite Migration as they plan their long-term finance and operations strategy. This guide gives you a clear, simple, and complete view of what that means. You’ll understand how both systems compare, why many companies switch, what challenges to expect, and how to plan the move without disrupting daily work.
Let’s break down everything you need to know in 2025.
Why More Businesses Are Moving from Epicor ERP to NetSuite
You don’t need to look far to notice what’s happening in the ERP world. Many companies that once saw Epicor as their long-term solution are starting to look at cloud-native ERP systems. NetSuite often ends up at the top of their shortlist.
Businesses usually begin exploring an Epicor to NetSuite Migration because daily operations start feeling heavier over time. Tasks that once ran smoothly begin slowing down. Reports take longer. The system grows harder to update. Integrations need ongoing fixes. Costs around servers, upgrades, and support begin rising.
Epicor still works well for companies that need deeper manufacturing features or rely on long-standing processes built inside the system. But once businesses scale, expand to new locations, or introduce new revenue models, the limits become more visible.
NetSuite solves many of these issues because it is designed as a full cloud ERP. You don’t deal with hosting, server updates, or version conflicts. You also don’t wait months for upgrades because the system updates itself twice per year.
Here are the top reasons companies move toward NetSuite:
- Lower technical maintenance
- Faster reporting and real-time dashboards
- Built-in global features
- Smoother consolidation for multiple entities
- More automation across finance and operations
- Better control over workflows
- Easier integration with modern tools
When companies map out these changes, an Epicor to NetSuite Migration usually starts to feel more like a strategic upgrade than a software replacement.
Epicor vs NetSuite: A Clear and Updated Comparison for 2025
A successful ERP decision begins with understanding how each platform performs today. Much has changed in recent years, and companies now expect more flexibility, better analytics, and faster updates. Here’s a refreshed comparison built around what business leaders ask most often.
1. Deployment Model
Epicor ERP
Still widely used in on-premise environments. Some companies adopt the cloud version, but many rely on older installations with local servers.
NetSuite
One hundred percent cloud. You do not host or manage anything internally.
For leaders trying to reduce technical overhead, this difference alone pushes them toward an Epicor to NetSuite Migration.
2. Customization Approach
Epicor customizations can be deep but often require development work. Many companies hesitate to update their version because upgrades may disrupt custom modules.
NetSuite customizations use configuration tools and SuiteScript. Most updates run smoothly without breaking functions.
3. Multi-Entity and Global Use
NetSuite is designed for companies with several locations or international operations. It includes multi-currency, multi-entity consolidation, intercompany workflows, and tax features built into the core product.
Epicor can handle these needs but often requires more setup and maintenance.
4. Reporting and Analytics
Epicor reporting is strong but more technical. Building complex dashboards may require IT support or custom development.
NetSuite offers real-time dashboards, saved searches, automated reporting, and native drill-down features. You get visibility instantly without calling your IT team.
5. Integration Capabilities
Epicor integrations typically depend on older frameworks or custom-built links.
NetSuite offers a wide integration ecosystem, modern APIs, SuiteApp marketplace tools, and pre-built connectors for many popular platforms.
For fast-moving companies, this becomes one of the strongest arguments for an Epicor to NetSuite Migration.
6. Updates and Support
Epicor updates depend on your hosting choice. Many businesses avoid updating due to fear of breaking customizations.
NetSuite rolls out two updates per year automatically. You also get access to a sandbox environment during each release to test changes.
Signs Your Business May Have Outgrown Epicor ERP
Businesses rarely plan major ERP migrations without a good reason. Usually, they reach a tipping point where staying on Epicor introduces more risk than switching.
Here are the indicators we see most often:
- Daily decisions rely on spreadsheets because data isn’t accessible in real time
- Inventory errors appear more often
- Custom modules slow down reporting
- Each new workflow requires development work
- Upgrades feel risky or disruptive
- Remote teams struggle with access
- Integrations require constant maintenance
- Finance teams spend too much time fixing data issues
When these patterns continue for months, leaders start looking at alternative systems. This is usually where the conversation around an Epicor to NetSuite Migration begins.
What Actually Happens During an Epicor to NetSuite Migration
Migrating from one ERP to another feels overwhelming, but once you understand the structure, the process becomes easier to plan. Here’s what to expect during the transition.
1. Reviewing Your Current Epicor Setup
Before anything is moved, your migration team examines:
- Modules in use
- Custom screens
- Third-party integrations
- Data structure
- Inventory configuration
- Financial setups
This review determines how much of your current system is still needed and what can be redesigned for NetSuite.
2. Cleaning and Preparing Data
Epicor databases often contain years of legacy records, unnecessary fields, and old transactions. Cleaning this data early avoids issues when the information moves into NetSuite.
Data prep typically includes:
- Checking customer, vendor, and item records
- Reviewing chart of accounts
- Fixing inconsistent codes
- Removing duplicates
- Validating historical transactions
Companies that prepare data well enjoy smoother migrations and cleaner reporting after go-live.
3. Mapping Workflows Between the Two Systems
This step compares how your processes work today versus how NetSuite handles them. Most businesses choose to improve their processes instead of copying old ones.
Your team reviews:
- Order-to-cash flow
- Procure-to-pay flow
- Inventory control
- Production workflows
- Financial closing activities
- Approval chains
This is where you identify automation opportunities that were not possible inside Epicor.
4. Planning Integrations
NetSuite integrations do not match Epicor one-to-one.
Your team identifies:
- Which integrations should stay
- Which should be rebuilt
- Which can be replaced by NetSuite native tools
You also plan APIs, SuiteApps, or connectors depending on your ecosystem.
5. Building and Configuring NetSuite
This includes:
- Chart of accounts setup
- Subsidiary structure
- Tax and compliance settings
- Inventory rules
- Pricing and discount rules
- Dashboards and KPIs
- Advanced workflows
- Roles and permissions
This is one of the most creative parts of an Epicor to NetSuite Migration because the system can be shaped around how your business works today—not ten years ago.
6. Testing
Testing is where teams catch issues before go-live.
You test:
- Imported data
- Approval flows
- Transactions
- Inventory adjustments
- Reporting
- Integrations
- Multi-entity consolidation
Testing repeats until the system behaves correctly.
7. Training Your Users
NetSuite is simpler to use, but users still need time to adjust. Training sessions help them learn:
- New screens
- New navigation
- How transactions flow
- How approvals work
- How dashboards behave
- How to raise support questions
Well-trained teams adopt NetSuite much faster after an Epicor to NetSuite Migration.
8. Go-Live and Support
On go-live day:
- Epicor becomes read-only
- NetSuite becomes the active ERP
- Your team works inside the new system
- Migration specialists monitor early issues
- You receive post-launch support and adjustments
A typical migration takes several weeks or months depending on complexity.
Common Challenges During an Epicor to NetSuite Migration (and Practical Solutions)
ERP migrations include predictable challenges. The good news: most can be solved with the right approach.
Challenge 1: Legacy Data Formatting
Epicor stores information in complex tables, and older versions include unique fields built years ago.
Solution: Clean your data before moving it. Don’t try to fix records after they land in NetSuite.
Challenge 2: Custom Modules That No Longer Fit
Some companies rely on custom Epicor modules that once made sense but now slow them down.
Solution: Use this transition to redesign processes. Many custom workflows can be replaced with NetSuite’s built-in tools.
Challenge 3: Integration Gaps
Some Epicor integrations use outdated technology that doesn’t align with NetSuite’s cloud model.
Solution: Adopt modern APIs or SuiteApps that are easier to maintain and update.
Challenge 4: User Resistance
People who spent years in Epicor may worry about losing familiar screens.
Solution: Provide early access to NetSuite sandboxes and run real training sessions, not quick demonstrations.
Challenge 5: Inventory Differences
Epicor and NetSuite handle costing, location tracking, and production details differently.
Solution: Review inventory rules early and involve warehouse or production managers in the mapping stage.
Challenge 6: Reporting Adjustments
Epicor reports rarely match NetSuite reports exactly.
Solution: Build dashboards that reflect how leadership actually works—not how Epicor used to display data.
The Full Roadmap for a Successful Epicor to NetSuite Migration
Here is the complete, structured path that most companies follow when switching:
1. Assessment
Review current Epicor modules, systems, and data.
2. Data Preparation
Clean and validate everything before migration.
3. Migration Build
Configure NetSuite, map fields, set workflows, and build integrations.
4. Validation and Testing
Test transactions, dashboards, roles, inventory, and reporting.
5. Training
Help your team understand the new environment before launch.
6. Go-Live
Switch from Epicor to NetSuite and begin using the new system.
7. Ongoing Support
Fine-tune workflows and help teams adopt new features.
This roadmap keeps the process controlled, predictable, and aligned with real business needs.
How Cloud Accounting Supports Your Epicor to NetSuite Migration
Cloud Accounting helps companies move from Epicor to NetSuite with a structured, accounting-led approach. Many migration partners focus only on software, but we place equal importance on financial accuracy, operational clarity, and long-term scalability.
Here’s how we support your transition:
1. Experience With Complex ERP Moves
We work with manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, software firms, and service companies. Each migration follows a process that focuses on accuracy and long-term reliability.
2. Clean and Verified Data Migration
We place a strong emphasis on preparing your data correctly. Clean data makes your NetSuite experience smoother and reduces the risk of errors.
3. Accounting Expertise
NetSuite is powerful, but correct financial setup matters most. We ensure chart of accounts mapping, tax settings, reporting structures, and multi-entity consolidation work from day one.
4. User Training and Post-Go-Live Support
Your team receives guidance through training sessions, documentation, and hands-on support after the system goes live.
5. Future-Focused Workflow Design
We help redesign processes so your business grows with NetSuite instead of being held back by old habits from Epicor.
Mini Case Example
A distribution company in the USA used Epicor for nearly a decade. Reporting delays, manual adjustments, and inventory issues slowed their monthly close.
During their Epicor to NetSuite Migration, we rebuilt their workflows, cleaned their master data, and introduced automated dashboards.
After go-live, the company reduced month-end closing time from 10 days to 4 and improved order accuracy across multiple warehouses.
Is Now the Right Time to Move from Epicor to NetSuite?
Many companies ask this question during budgeting season or while planning their next growth cycle. The answer depends on your current challenges and future goals.
You may be ready for NetSuite if:
- Reporting feels too slow
- The business is expanding
- Teams use spreadsheets to fill system gaps
- Integrations take too long to maintain
- You’re planning new locations or entities
- You want more automation
- Epicor upgrades feel disruptive
An Epicor to NetSuite Migration can help your business move faster, adapt easily, and gain more visibility across finance and operations.
If you’re unsure, a readiness assessment can help you compare costs, timelines, and benefits.
Ready to Explore Your Epicor to NetSuite Migration? If you’re planning a move or simply want clarity before making a decision, we can help you evaluate your options. Book your NetSuite migration consultation today.
