In short: Business Central is the stronger choice for most UK manufacturing and distribution SMEs, offering native Microsoft 365 and Power BI integration, predictable subscription pricing, and a platform that scales without heavy customisation. Epicor is a capable, manufacturing-specialist ERP with genuine depth for complex, engineer-to-order and discrete manufacturing environments, but typically comes with a higher customisation burden and a steeper, more specialist implementation than Business Central.
The customisation question UK manufacturers should ask first
Epicor's strength in complex, engineer-to-order manufacturing comes with a trade-off: deeper customisation typically means more specialist consultants, longer implementation timelines, and higher ongoing maintenance costs at upgrade. Business Central's AppSource extension model and Power Platform tools generally achieve a similar outcome with less bespoke development. It is worth scoping carefully before comparing headline licence costs.
Feature comparison at a glance
All pricing excludes VAT and is indicative as of early 2026. Epicor pricing is not published and varies by partner, module selection, and deployment model.
| Business Central | Epicor | Advantage view | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deployment model | Cloud-first On-premise also available |
Cloud or on-premise On-premise still common |
Cloud-first gives BC a lower IT overhead for most growing SMEs |
| Starting licence cost | Published & predictable ~£61/user/month (Essentials) |
Not published Varies by module, user type, deployment |
Epicor's per-module pricing and named users can add up quickly at scale |
| Microsoft 365 integration | Native & deep Outlook, Teams, Excel, SharePoint |
Limited Middleware or custom development usually required |
This is BC's clearest advantage for Microsoft-centric businesses |
| Reporting & analytics | Power BI native Real-time dashboards |
Epicor BI / third-party reporting tools | Power BI gives FDs self-serve, real-time insight without extra licensing |
| AI & Copilot | Microsoft Copilot built in and expanding rapidly | Limited roadmap | BC's AI trajectory is a major long-term differentiator |
| Scalability | Scales without platform change | Scalable but often needs extensive customisation and IT effort | BC avoids a costly re-platform as headcount and complexity grows |
| Manufacturing depth | Strong for SME and mid-market manufacturing | Very strong Complex, engineer-to-order, discrete processes |
Epicor has the genuine edge for highly complex ETO and aerospace-grade production |
| User experience | Modern, Microsoft-style interface | Functional but dated Steeper learning curve |
BC's familiarity with Excel/Outlook reduces training time and speeds adoption |
| Implementation timescale | 8–20 weeks (typical SME) | Typically longer due to higher customisation needs | Both require proper scoping, since rushed implementations cost more long-term |
| Customisation | AL language extensions; AppSource marketplace | Deep customisation available; often needs specialist consultants | BC's AppSource ecosystem is broader and easier to maintain on upgrade |
Understanding each system
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
Business Central is Microsoft's ERP for small and mid-sized businesses, built cloud-first on Azure. It covers finance, supply chain, manufacturing, sales, project management, and service, and sits within the broader Microsoft ecosystem alongside Teams, Power Platform, and Microsoft 365.
- Continuous updates via Microsoft, with no manual upgrades
- Native Power BI and Copilot AI integration
- AppSource marketplace with hundreds of extensions
- Strong multi-currency and multi-entity support
- Scales without changing platform as you grow
Epicor
Epicor is an established ERP with deep roots in discrete manufacturing, particularly in automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery. It offers strong production planning, shop floor control, and engineer-to-order functionality, with cloud and on-premise deployment options.
- Deep functionality for complex, engineer-to-order production
- Strong shop floor control and production planning tools
- Long track record in automotive and aerospace manufacturing
- Industry-specific modules for discrete manufacturers
- Established partner network in core manufacturing verticals
Which system fits your business?
Choose Business Central if…
- You're already using Microsoft 365 and want a unified platform
- You need strong Power BI analytics for leadership reporting
- You're planning growth and don't want to re-platform in 3–5 years
- You operate in manufacturing, distribution, food and beverage, or technology
- AI and automation are part of your technology roadmap
- You want cloud-first with predictable monthly subscription costs
- Your processes are evolving and you need flexibility without heavy customisation
Consider Epicor if…
- You operate in highly complex, engineer-to-order manufacturing
- Your production processes need deep shop floor and planning tools beyond standard ERP
- You're in automotive, aerospace, or industrial machinery with sector-specific requirements
- You have the in-house IT resource to support ongoing customisation
- An Epicor partner relationship is already established and valued
- On-premise deployment is a firm requirement
Why your implementation partner matters as much as the platform
Choosing between Business Central and Epicor is only part of the decision. ERP implementations fail most often not because of the software, but because of poor scoping, inadequate data migration planning, or insufficient training and support after go-live. At Advantage, we use a structured three-phase methodology to give implementations the best chance of success.
The Advantage methodology
As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, Advantage holds competencies across Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and Microsoft 365, with sector-specific experience in manufacturing, distribution, professional services, and healthcare.
We map your current processes, identify gaps, and define scope before any configuration begins. This avoids costly change requests mid-project.
Configuration, data migration, integrations, and training, delivered against a clear plan with regular progress checkpoints and stakeholder sign-off.
Post-go-live support, optimisation, and access to our UK-based team, not a ticketing system. We stay engaged as your business evolves.
Frequently Asked Questions: Business Central vs Epicor
Common questions from UK manufacturing and distribution businesses evaluating Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Epicor, answered honestly by Advantage, Microsoft Solutions Partner.
Is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central better than Epicor?
It depends on the complexity of your manufacturing processes. Business Central is generally the stronger choice for UK SMEs that want deep Microsoft 365 integration, Power BI reporting, and a cloud-first platform that scales without heavy customisation.
Epicor suits businesses with highly complex, engineer-to-order manufacturing requirements, particularly in automotive, aerospace, or industrial machinery, where deep shop floor functionality is a priority. There is no single “better” system; the right answer depends on your manufacturing complexity, sector, growth plans, and existing technology. Advantage can walk you through a detailed comparison based on your specific situation. Call us on 020 3004 4600.
How much does Business Central cost compared to Epicor?
Business Central is licensed on a per-user, per-month subscription basis, typically from around £57 per user per month for Essentials or £82 per user per month for Premium (as of 2025, excluding VAT). Epicor pricing varies considerably depending on modules, user types, and deployment model, and is typically quoted directly by an Epicor partner rather than published.
Implementation costs for both systems depend on complexity, data migration requirements, and the level of customisation needed. Epicor implementations often carry higher customisation costs due to the depth of configuration required for complex manufacturing processes. Advantage can provide a detailed cost comparison based on your specific requirements. Call us on 020 3004 4600 to discuss.
Can Business Central integrate with Microsoft 365 and Teams?
Yes. Business Central has native, deep integration with the full Microsoft 365 suite including Outlook, Teams, Excel, SharePoint, and Power BI. Your team can raise purchase orders from Outlook, collaborate on production data in Teams, and build live dashboards in Power BI connected directly to your Business Central data.
This is one of Business Central's most significant advantages over Epicor, which typically requires middleware or custom development to achieve similar Microsoft 365 connectivity. Advantage configures all relevant integrations as part of every Business Central implementation.
Is Business Central suitable for complex manufacturing businesses?
Yes, for the majority of UK manufacturing SMEs. Business Central includes strong built-in functionality for production orders, bills of materials, capacity planning, supply chain management, and quality control. For businesses with highly complex, engineer-to-order, or discrete manufacturing requirements, such as aerospace or specialist automotive production, Epicor's deeper, industry-specific shop floor tools may offer more out-of-the-box depth.
Advantage has hands-on implementation experience with UK manufacturing and distribution businesses, and understands the operational requirements across food and beverage, industrial, and technology manufacturing. Learn more about our logistics and distribution expertise.
How long does it take to implement Business Central versus Epicor?
A typical Business Central implementation for an SME with moderate complexity takes between 8 and 20 weeks from project kick-off to go-live. Epicor implementations are often longer, reflecting the higher level of customisation typically required for complex manufacturing processes. Both are significantly affected by data migration complexity, the number of integrations required, and the level of custom configuration needed.
Advantage uses a structured Analyse, Activate, Aftercare methodology to keep implementations on time and on budget. During an initial scoping conversation our team will provide a realistic timeline for your specific situation.
Can I migrate from Epicor to Business Central?
Yes. Migration from Epicor to Business Central is achievable for most manufacturing and distribution businesses. Key steps include mapping your chart of accounts and bill of materials structures, migrating open transactions and master data (customers, suppliers, inventory items, routings), and setting up integrations.
Advantage has experience managing ERP migrations for UK manufacturing and distribution SMEs and can advise on data cleansing, parallel running, and cutover strategy. Get in touch or call 020 3004 4600 to discuss your current Epicor setup.
Which system has better reporting and analytics?
Business Central has the stronger analytics capability, primarily through its native Power BI integration. This gives operations directors and finance leaders access to real-time, interactive dashboards without the need for additional software or manual data exports.
Epicor offers its own BI tools and supports third-party reporting, which is capable but typically requires more setup and licensing to reach the same level of self-serve, real-time insight that Power BI delivers natively within Business Central. Advantage builds Power BI dashboards connected directly to Business Central data as part of every implementation.
Does Business Central include Microsoft Copilot?
Yes. Microsoft Copilot is embedded throughout Business Central and expanding rapidly with each Microsoft update. Copilot assists with bank reconciliation, purchase order suggestions, sales line recommendations, and financial narrative generation, with new capabilities added continuously.
Epicor has a limited AI roadmap by comparison. For manufacturing businesses where AI-assisted operations are part of the technology strategy, Business Central's Copilot trajectory is a significant long-term differentiator.
Does Advantage implement both Business Central and Epicor?
Advantage is a Microsoft Solutions Partner and specialises in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Power Platform, and Microsoft 365. We do not implement Epicor.
However, we regularly work with manufacturing and distribution businesses migrating from Epicor to Business Central and have the tools and experience to make that transition smooth. Contact us or call 020 3004 4600 to discuss your current system and what a move to Business Central would involve.
How do I get started with Business Central through Advantage?
The simplest starting point is a conversation with our team. We'll take the time to understand your current systems, goals, and the challenges you want to solve, then give you an honest view of what Business Central would deliver, including a realistic timescale and cost indication.
You can book a discovery call via our contact page, call us on 020 3004 4600, or email hello@advantage.co.uk.
