Compare Flowlens vs. Epicor Kinetic

Flowlens Service Management connects the equipment you dispatch with its serial number, original bill of materials (BOM), and manufacturing history. This allows you to quickly identify the appropriate spare part when a customer reaches out, and review any prior work completed. You can monitor service tasks, job cards, tickets, and labor expenses associated with each product. This solution is specifically designed for manufacturers that produce and maintain their own equipment, rather than being an afterthought generic helpdesk. Service Management functions as an additional module within the Flowlens platform.

Flowlens meticulously logs batch and lot numbers upon receipt of inventory, while also documenting serial numbers for completed products and essential components. Each job is linked to specific batches and serials, enabling you to track a finished product back to its individual parts and suppliers, or trace forward from a supplier's batch to all the units it influenced. The system accommodates unit-of-measure conversions for purchasing in bulk and utilizing single items. Additionally, inspections of incoming goods and instances of non-conformance are integrated into the workflow, eliminating the need for separate documentation and ensuring that valuable insights remain directly associated with the tasks at hand.

Flowlens specializes in managing complex, hierarchical Bill of Materials (BOMs). Each sub-assembly is assigned a distinct part number and follows its unique workflow, ultimately contributing to the overall parent job card. Customers often work with BOMs containing more than 1,500 lines. The platform allows for easy imports from spreadsheets or CAD files, supports multiple suppliers for each part, tracks revisions, and enables real-time modifications to parts on an active job if changes occur during the build process. By employing standardized templates for frequently produced items, the Cap Coder streamlined its operations, reducing its BOMs from 48,000 to 24,000. BOMs are seamlessly integrated with job cards, purchasing, and inventory management, while batch and serial tracking extends through to the service phase.

Flowlens offers a comprehensive inventory management solution that allows users to monitor stock by location using various costing methods such as FIFO, LIFO, or average costing. It supports an unlimited number of parts and SKUs, alongside built-in traceability for both batch and serial numbers. The platform features a real-time shortage report that generates purchase requests based on unfulfilled job cards and sales orders while adhering to supplier minimum order quantities and pack-size conversions. Additionally, it automatically pre-fills purchase orders, providing clarity on what items need to be ordered and which are already accounted for. Incoming goods inspections facilitate quality control upon arrival, and stock is allocated according to specific job requirements. Tailored for manufacturers of devices, equipment, and machinery, Flowlens ensures that inventory is linked to the corresponding builds. Furthermore, purchase and stock ledgers can seamlessly integrate with accounting software such as Xero, QuickBooks, or Sage 50.

Flowlens offers a cloud-based manufacturing solution tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises that specialize in creating intricate devices, equipment, and machinery based on customer orders. The software seamlessly manages multi-level bills of materials (BOMs), sub-assemblies, job costing, procurement, inventory management, production oversight, quality data collection, and sales/service operations within a single platform, eliminating the need for spreadsheets, shared drives, and various disconnected tools. Users can easily add or replace components directly on an active job card, while recurring projects can be initiated using predefined templates. Flowlens integrates smoothly with accounting software such as Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage 50. A specialized implementation team in the UK is available to assist with setup, data migration, and user training. The basic package starts at £479+VAT per month, accommodating 4 office users and 2 production users.

Flowlens is intentionally designed not to be a typical ERP system. Instead, it focuses specifically on the manufacturing and after-sales aspects of operations, offering comprehensive tools for managing BOMs, procurement, inventory, production, quality control, sales orders, and service management. Financial management remains within your existing accounting software, seamlessly integrating with Xero and QuickBooks (with Sage 50 available as an option), ensuring that customer, supplier, invoice, and ledger information is synchronized without the need for manual data entry. For instance, Cap Coder, a manufacturer of capping and filling machinery, experienced a reduction in spare parts and sales order processing time by 18 to 20% after consolidating their operations from two separate systems into one. Flowlens is ideal for expanding manufacturers with a workforce of up to approximately 100 employees.

Flowlens dissects each task into distinct workflow stages, each associated with specific personnel, equipment, operational guidelines, and material requirements. Operators can access their assignments through a tablet app on the shop floor, where they can track time, document quality metrics, and finalize their tasks. Managers have real-time visibility into the production schedule, allowing them to monitor which items are on schedule, currently being worked on, or overdue. As components are utilized and products are assembled, batch and serial numbers are logged, ensuring traceability from incoming goods to the final output. This step-by-step management is integrated within the same platform that handles your bill of materials, inventory, and sales orders, eliminating the need for a separate manufacturing execution system (MES).

Flowlens offers a real-time materials planning solution based on verified demand. Job cards, sales orders, and warehouse requests contribute to an ongoing shortage report, eliminating unexpected supply gaps. The system automatically breaks down multi-level BOMs, ensuring that each sub-assembly has its own workflow linked to the main job. Purchase orders are generated with identified shortages in mind while adhering to supplier minimum order requirements. It accurately monitors actual labor and material expenses for each project, utilizing FIFO or average costing methods. Tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers that produce intricate products on demand, Flowlens is not a scaled-down version of enterprise software. The foundational platform starts at £479 plus VAT per month.

Epicor Kinetic is an accounting solution designed with a cloud-first approach, integrated into a comprehensive manufacturing ERP platform. It seamlessly links various financial components such as general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, project accounting, fixed assets, bank connectivity, and financial reporting with essential data from production, inventory, and supply chain activities. This integration allows manufacturers to gain enhanced insights into costs, profit margins, work in progress, and financial performance across multiple sites. Kinetic is ideal for businesses that require accounting software closely aligned with shop floor operations and supply chain processes, offering browser-based access and accommodating cloud, on-premises, or hybrid deployment options.

Epicor Kinetic serves aerospace manufacturing settings where robust oversight of production, quality assurance, traceability, regulatory compliance, and coordination across multiple locations is essential. This cloud-first ERP system integrates various functions such as planning, inventory management, procurement, shop floor operations, service, and financial analysis into a single platform. By doing so, it enables aerospace manufacturers to efficiently handle intricate part flows, project-oriented tasks, supplier interactions, and documentation processes. Kinetic is particularly suited for aerospace and defense enterprises seeking a comprehensive solution for governance, compliance, analytics, and global business oversight, all within a unified system.

Epicor Kinetic is an AI-enhanced ERP solution designed specifically for manufacturers seeking to integrate automation and intelligent decision-making into their essential business operations. By leveraging Epicor Prism, it incorporates AI-driven functionalities that enhance information retrieval, facilitate workflow management, and introduce innovative applications like RFQ and supplier interactions. This helps to minimize manual tasks and boosts responsiveness across various departments, including finance, supply chain, production, inventory, quality, service, and analytics. Kinetic is ideal for businesses looking for AI-powered ERP software that seamlessly integrates with their daily operational activities rather than functioning as an isolated tool.

Epicor Kinetic enhances supply chain management through its integration of various functions such as procurement, supplier relationship management, inventory control, warehouse operations, shipping and receiving, analytics, and planning, all within a single ERP platform. With the addition of Epicor Prism, it offers AI-driven features for Request for Quotation (RFQ) and supplier communication processes. This empowers manufacturers to tackle supply chain interruptions with greater insight and reduced manual effort. Kinetic is ideal for businesses looking for a cloud-centric, AI-enhanced supply chain solution that is linked to production, quality assurance, and financial information.

Epicor Kinetic offers sophisticated advanced planning and scheduling (APS) features tailored for manufacturers seeking enhanced oversight of capacity, timing, and resource management. This solution facilitates forecasting, master production scheduling, materials planning, and resource-oriented scheduling, enabling teams to synchronize supply with production requirements. As a result, organizations can experience better schedule transparency, improved on-time delivery, and optimized utilization of machines and work centers. Kinetic is ideally suited for manufacturers requiring APS software that integrates seamlessly with ERP data, inventory management, purchasing activities, and shop floor operations.

Epicor Kinetic is a comprehensive ERP solution tailored for automotive manufacturers and suppliers seeking to streamline their planning, production, inventory management, quality assurance, supply chain processes, and financial operations. This platform enables businesses to adapt swiftly to fluctuating demand, enhance supplier collaboration, ensure traceability, and manage operations across multiple locations by utilizing a unified set of operational and financial information. Kinetic encompasses essential features such as MRP, scheduling, shop floor management, analytics, and global business oversight all within a single platform. It is particularly well-suited for automotive companies that require a cloud-centric ERP system, browser-based operations, and integration capabilities across their facilities and supplier networks.

Epicor Kinetic is an ERP solution specifically designed for manufacturers who require comprehensive oversight of various aspects such as jobs, materials, scheduling, inventory management, quality control, and financial performance. This system encompasses functionalities like part structuring, routing, job monitoring, traceability, material requirements planning (MRP), and shop floor coordination, all integrated within a single platform. Kinetic is ideal for discrete manufacturing environments, including make-to-order, engineer-to-order, and mixed-mode operations, offering browser-based access, visibility across multiple sites, and flexible deployment options—whether cloud-based, on-premises, or a hybrid approach. Additionally, Epicor Prism enhances certain ERP processes with AI-driven features.

Epicor Kinetic enhances distribution accounting by integrating financial operations with inventory management, procurement, warehouse functions, shipping logistics, and order fulfillment within a singular ERP system. This platform enables organizations to monitor receivables, payables, costs associated with inventory, profit margins, and financial performance across multiple sites, all within a more comprehensive operational framework. It is particularly beneficial for companies engaged in both manufacturing and distribution activities. Kinetic is ideally suited for businesses seeking distribution accounting solutions that are seamlessly tied to the movement of physical goods, supply chain processes, and web-based ERP functionalities.

Epicor Kinetic is designed for the electronics manufacturing sector, where enhanced collaboration across various functions such as supply chain management, inventory control, production processes, quality assurance, service delivery, and reporting is essential. This solution empowers electronics manufacturers to oversee planning, track component availability, execute shop floor operations, ensure traceability, and manage multi-site activities all within a single ERP platform tailored for manufacturing. This capability is crucial in dynamic, specification-driven markets that demand robust analytics, effective product management, and adherence to governance and compliance standards. Kinetic is particularly well-suited for high-tech and electronics manufacturers seeking a cloud-centric ERP solution with web-based workflows to support distributed teams and operations on a global scale.

Epicor Kinetic represents a modern, cloud-centric ERP solution designed specifically for manufacturers seeking integrated operational and financial processes. This platform consolidates various functions such as finance, supply chain management, production, inventory control, quality assurance, service delivery, analytics, and reporting into a single, cohesive system. By leveraging shared data, teams can operate more efficiently rather than relying on disjointed systems. Ideal for discrete, make-to-order, engineer-to-order, and mixed-mode manufacturing environments, Kinetic offers web-based workflows, role-specific access, and flexible deployment options, including cloud, on-premises, or hybrid setups. Additionally, Epicor Prism enhances this experience by incorporating AI-driven automation and decision-making assistance for certain ERP tasks.

Epicor Kinetic is a robust software solution designed for manufacturers seeking seamless integration of workflows in areas such as production, planning, inventory management, quality assurance, supply chain logistics, finance, and service operations. It addresses essential manufacturing requirements like job oversight, materials planning, scheduling, coordination on the shop floor, traceability, and operational insights. Kinetic is suitable for various manufacturing operations, including discrete, make-to-order, engineer-to-order, and mixed-mode environments, offering capabilities for multi-site visibility, web-based accessibility, and options for cloud, on-premises, or hybrid deployment models.

Epicor Kinetic is an advanced manufacturing ERP solution that operates in the cloud and leverages artificial intelligence to integrate various functions such as finance, supply chain, production, inventory management, quality control, service, analytics, and reporting into a single platform. This system provides manufacturers with comprehensive visibility throughout the entire process, from quoting and planning to production, shipping, and financial reconciliation. Kinetic is particularly suited for discrete, make-to-order, engineer-to-order, and mixed-mode manufacturing environments that require browser-based functionality, material requirements planning (MRP), planning and scheduling, and global business oversight, with options for deployment in cloud, on-premises, or hybrid formats. Additionally, Epicor Prism enhances certain manufacturing ERP workflows with AI-driven features.

Epicor Kinetic enhances manufacturing execution processes with its robust production management features, seamlessly integrated with Epicor Advanced MES. This solution enables manufacturers to effectively manage job coordination, scheduling, materials, quality assurance, and production analytics while providing enhanced visibility on the shop floor through real-time data capture from operators and machines. Such capabilities facilitate better tracking of work-in-process, improve traceability, and support ongoing efforts for continuous improvement. Kinetic is ideal for manufacturers seeking a unified manufacturing execution system that harmonizes with ERP, planning, and operational reporting in a single, interconnected platform.

Epicor Kinetic offers comprehensive inventory management features specifically designed for the manufacturing sector. It allows businesses to monitor materials, inventory levels, warehouse operations, restocking processes, and other inventory-related planning tasks, all integrated within a wider ERP framework. This solution aids manufacturers in overseeing raw materials, work-in-progress items, and finished products, while also managing purchasing, production timelines, shipping, and quality control processes. By enhancing stock visibility and minimizing shortages, it facilitates more precise planning across different plants or operational divisions. Kinetic is ideal for manufacturers seeking inventory management software that is seamlessly linked to MRP, supply chain logistics, and financial information.

Epicor Kinetic is designed specifically for metal fabrication settings that require robust oversight in areas such as quoting, job tracking, scheduling, material management, quality assurance, and delivery efficiency. This solution facilitates seamless integration of estimating, procurement, inventory management, production processes, and financial reporting through a cloud-centric manufacturing ERP platform. By doing so, it enhances cost transparency, traceability, and coordination on the shop floor for various fabrication workflows, including make-to-order, engineer-to-order, and mixed-mode operations. Kinetic is ideal for expanding fabrication enterprises seeking comprehensive analytics, visibility across multiple locations, and adaptable deployment options.

Epicor Kinetic is a versatile ERP solution tailored for manufacturers operating under diverse production models within a single organization. This integrated platform streamlines various functions, including planning, inventory management, supply chain logistics, production processes, quality assurance, financial tracking, and reporting. By consolidating these capabilities, teams can effectively oversee custom projects, repetitive manufacturing, service tasks, and project-driven activities without the need for multiple systems. This functionality aids manufacturers in establishing consistent workflows across different operational frameworks. Kinetic is ideal for businesses seeking a mixed-mode ERP that offers web-based accessibility, visibility across multiple locations, and options for cloud, on-premises, or hybrid deployment.

Epicor Kinetic offers robust material requirements planning (MRP) features designed for manufacturers seeking to align supply with demand, manage inventory levels, and coordinate production schedules. This comprehensive manufacturing ERP solution encompasses essential functions such as forecasting, master production scheduling, procurement, job oversight, and a planning workbench, all integrated into one system. By analyzing demand signals, available materials, and established planning parameters, Kinetic aids manufacturers in generating recommendations for purchasing, production, and transfers. It is particularly suited for discrete, make-to-order, engineer-to-order, and mixed-mode manufacturers that require MRP capabilities linked to shop floor operations, inventory management, and financial insights.

Epicor Kinetic is particularly beneficial for process manufacturing sectors, especially those that function in mixed-mode settings where process-driven workflows intersect with discrete manufacturing practices. This comprehensive manufacturing ERP solution encompasses various functionalities, including planning, inventory management, supply chain oversight, quality control, project management, service operations, and financial administration. By integrating these aspects into a single system, Kinetic aids businesses in harmonizing materials management, scheduling tasks, ensuring compliance, generating reports, and managing overall business operations across various production methodologies. It is ideally suited for manufacturers seeking a unified platform to streamline their diverse operational needs.

Epicor Kinetic offers robust product data management as a key feature of its manufacturing ERP and PLM systems. This solution enables manufacturers to integrate product structures, component information, engineering data, document management, and production processes into a single platform. Such integration is beneficial for overseeing engineering modifications, customizable products, and ensuring product data consistency throughout quoting, planning, procurement, and manufacturing stages. Kinetic is well-suited for discrete, engineer-to-order, and mixed-mode manufacturers seeking to link product information with operational workflows, while providing browser-based accessibility for teams.

Epicor Kinetic offers a comprehensive suite of supply chain management features as part of its cloud-centric manufacturing ERP solution. This platform encompasses a range of functionalities, including procurement, supplier management, inventory control, warehouse operations, shipping and receiving processes, and supply chain analytics. These tools are designed to assist manufacturers in streamlining their material coordination and fulfillment processes, enhancing visibility into supplier interactions, inventory levels, production timelines, and order processing. Kinetic is well-suited for manufacturers seeking an integrated supply chain software that aligns with their production, quality assurance, and financial reporting needs, and it provides integration capabilities with third-party applications like SourceDay, Avalara, and Sovos.