Exploring Epicor API Integration [Benefits + Alternatives]

Epicor ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is a powerful and comprehensive solution designed to streamline business processes across various industries. One of its significant features is the ability to interact seamlessly with other applications through APIs, enabling smooth data flow and integration. However, the scope of Epicor APIs is limited to the cloud version of the software, and detailed information about their functionalities is scarce.

In this blog, we aim to explore the possible alternatives to Epicor APIs and help you find the best solution for your needs. Let’s take a closer look.

Understanding Epicor API

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are tools that allow different platforms to communicate and share data with each other. They are essential in enterprise software for enabling integration between various systems and automating processes. 

Epicor ERP provides a powerful API that allows users to interact with and enhance the software’s capabilities. It supports two widely used protocols for web service communication: SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) and REST (Representational State Transfer).

• SOAP API: An older protocol that uses XML for communication. It’s robust but can be more complex and heavier to work with.
• REST API: A modern and flexible protocol that typically uses JSON for communication. REST has become more popular due to its simplicity, speed, and better performance over networks.

While the Epicor API offers these capabilities, it is available only in the cloud version, and information about its functionalities is limited due to Epicor being a closed community. This is where exploring alternatives becomes important for businesses looking for more control and flexibility in their Epicor integrations. 

Exploring Alternatives To Epicor APIs

Epicor APIs are useful but may not fulfill every organization’s requirements, especially for on-premises systems or complex custom workflows. This is where DCKAP Integrator proves to be a great alternative.

DCKAP Integrator Features and Benefits:

• Custom API Development for Cloud and On-Premises Epicor Systems: DCKAP Integrator can create tailor-made APIs for both cloud and on-premises versions of Epicor ERP. This ensures businesses with on-premises systems are not left out and can benefit from seamless integrations.

• Flexibility and Control: Custom APIs can be built to align with your specific business processes, giving you greater control over integrations.

• Enhanced Scalability: Designed to handle growth, custom APIs developed by DCKAP Integrator adapt to increasing data and system complexity as your business evolves.

• Seamless Integration: Whether on-premises or cloud-based, DCKAP Integrator ensures smooth, reliable connections between Epicor ERP and other platforms.

• Time and Cost Efficiency: With a focus on reducing development time, DCKAP Integrator accelerates integration projects while keeping costs manageable.

Recommended reads: EDI vs APIs in B2B Supply Chain Integrations

Benefits Of Epicor API Integrations

When it comes to integrating Epicor ERP with other applications, businesses have two primary options: using Epicor’s native APIs or opting for custom API development. While native APIs offer a quick and straightforward solution, they may lack the flexibility and scalability that custom APIs provide. On the other hand, custom APIs allow organizations to tailor their integrations to specific workflows and unique business needs, ensuring greater control and adaptability.

Regardless of the method chosen, integrating Epicor ERP—whether through native or custom APIs—delivers significant benefits, particularly when it comes to leveraging real-time data, streamlining processes, and improving decision-making.

• Real-Time Data: Seamless data flow ensures up-to-date insights for faster responses.
• Process Automation: Reduces manual tasks, saving time and minimizing errors.
• Enhanced Security: Maintains robust data protection during system interactions.
• Better Decisions: Access to accurate, real-time reports aids informed decision-making.
• Operational Efficiency: Connects systems to eliminate redundancies and optimize workflows.
• Scalability: Grows with your business to meet future needs.
• Improved Customer Service: Faster, more accurate responses enhance customer satisfaction.
• Lower IT Overhead: Automated processes reduce the need for manual troubleshooting. However, if you choose Epicor Native APIs, you will need in-house technical expertise to facilitate the integration. 

Recommended Reads: Top 18 ERP Integration Tools & Platforms (Reviewed) 

Top Epicor API Integration Use Cases

Order Management

The Epicor API enables organizations to streamline their order management procedures. Organizations can automatically generate orders, update order status, access order details, and track shipments by integrating the API with their ecommerce platform or other order processing systems.

Key Outcomes:

• More accurate orders
• Speedier order fulfillment
• Happier customers

Inventory control

Epicor API allows real-time inventory tracking, allowing organizations to monitor stock levels, get inventory updates, and manage inventory replenishment. They allow integrating the API with their warehouse management system or third-party logistics provider.

Key Outcomes:

• Smoother inventory management processes
• Minimize stockouts
• Timely information

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Integration of Epicor API with CRM systems provides firms with a unified view of customer data. Organizations can improve their CRM capabilities by retrieving customer information from Epicor, such as managing customer contacts, recording interactions, and analyzing customer behavior.

Key Outcomes:

• More personalized marketing campaigns
• Better post-purchase experiences
• Improved client retention

Financial Management

Businesses can automate financial procedures and improve data accuracy by integrating Epicor API with financial management solutions. The API integration platform provides the easy transfer of financial data between Epicor and accounting software, such as invoices, payments, and general ledger entries.

Key Outcomes:

• Eliminates manual data entry
• Reduced human error
• Real-time financial insights

Business Intelligence and Analytics

The integration of Epicor API with BI and analytics tools enable organizations to obtain deeper insights into their procurement and operational performance. Businesses can perform advanced analytics, generate reports, and visualize key performance indicators by taking data from Epicor and integrating it with data from other sources.

Key Outcomes:

• Get to know your customers (and their purchasing habits) better
• Identify threats and opportunities

Supplier Management

Epicor API enables companies to link supplier management operations with third-party supplier systems. Supplier onboarding can be automated, supplier information can be retrieved, supplier performance can be tracked, and supplier contracts and price can be managed.

Key Outcomes:

• Better teamwork between departments
• Improved supplier relationships
• Timely deliveries

Reporting and Dashboards

Organizations can produce customized reports and real-time dashboards by integrating Epicor API with reporting and dashboard solutions. Businesses may extract data from Epicor and visualize it in a meaningful way, delivering actionable insights and performance indicators to important stakeholders.

Key Outcomes:

• Avoid missing key data
• Real-time bird’s eye view of the business
• Promote organizational transparency

Relevant Reading: Lisa Pope, President of Epicor, Shares Distribution Industry Insights on the DCKAP Driven Podcast

Your Epicor API Integration Partner- DCKAP Integrator

DCKAP Integrator is a cutting-edge integration platform that empowers distributors to efficiently manage the data flow between various applications, ensuring seamless operations based on evolving business requirements. With its comprehensive suite of integration solutions, DCKAP Integrator enables distributors to make direct updates without relying on developers, eliminating the need for manual synchronization.

As a custom integration platform, DCKAP Integrator offers flexible and tailored solutions to meet the unique integration needs of distributors. It seamlessly connects disparate systems, applications, and databases, allowing for the smooth exchange of data and information across the entire business ecosystem.

Let’s delve into how DCKAP Integrator can revolutionize your Epicor ERP integration, enabling you to make data-driven decisions, enhance collaboration, and optimize your business processes.

Eliminate Manual Data Transfer:

Say goodbye to the cumbersome task of manually transferring data between systems. DCKAP Integrator enables you to automate data synchronization between your Epicor ERP and other business applications, such as CRM, ecommerce platforms, and PIM. By eliminating manual data entry, you save time, reduce errors, and ensure data accuracy throughout your organization.

Data-Driven Decision Making:

Unlock the power of data-driven decision-making by integrating your Epicor ERP with DCKAP Integrator. With a seamless data flow and workflow, you gain valuable insights into your business processes, enabling you to make informed decisions that drive profitability. Access real-time data, analyze trends, and identify areas for improvement, all from a centralized location.

Improved Data Accuracy & Speed:

By integrating your Epicor ERP with DCKAP Integrator, you ensure that changes made within your ERP are immediately reflected across all connected systems. With automated data synchronization, you can trust the accuracy and consistency of your data, avoiding discrepancies and delays. Focus on driving business growth instead of wasting time waiting for data to sync.

Better Sales Funnel Optimization:

Integrating your Epicor ERP with your CRM empowers you with a holistic view of your customers. DCKAP Integrator enables you to gain valuable customer insights, allowing you to optimize your sales funnel and improve conversion rates. Seamlessly track leads, manage customer interactions, and nurture prospects through a streamlined and integrated system.

Prioritize Tasks and Goals:

When your data is synchronized through Epicor API integration, workflow visibility improves, enabling you to prioritize tasks and goals effectively. Seamlessly connect your ERP with project management apps and other systems to enhance collaboration, transparency, and efficiency across your organization. Streamline processes, allocate resources wisely, and drive productivity.

Flexibility & Customization:

DCKAP Integrator eliminates the hassle of customizing product information for dynamic pricing, custom products, and more. With easy mapping and modifiers, non-technical users can integrate all ERP data fields effortlessly. Make changes once, and watch them update across your entire digital ecosystem, ensuring consistency and saving valuable time.

Multi-Platform Integration:

Extend the power of your Epicor ERP by integrating it with other critical business applications such as CRM, ecommerce platforms, PIM, and more. DCKAP Integrator offers seamless integration capabilities across multiple platforms, providing a unified and comprehensive view of your business operations.

Real-Time Data Synchronization:

With DCKAP Integrator, data synchronization is instant and in real-time. Any updates or changes made within your Epicor ERP are immediately propagated across your entire digital ecosystem. Stay on top of your business with accurate, up-to-date information at all times.

Automated Scheduling:

Effortlessly schedule data synchronization from your Epicor ERP to other systems based on your business needs. DCKAP Integrator allows you to define the frequency and timing of data transfers, ensuring smooth operations and eliminating the need for manual intervention.

Advanced Logging and Secure Transactions:

Rest easy knowing that every piece of information transferred to and from your Epicor ERP is logged and backed up automatically. DCKAP Integrator ensures a secure data transfer process with encrypted transactions, protecting your sensitive business data.

Similar Reading: Shopify Epicor Connector: How The P21 Integration Works

Sunrise Electric Supply’s Success Story: Qubesense – Epicor P21 Integration

Sunrise Electric Supply, a leading electrical distributor in the Chicagoland area, faced the challenge of manual data transfer between their ERP system, P21, and their online business platform, Qubesense. Recognizing the need for automation, Sunrise Electric Supply turned to DCKAP Integrator to develop a robust API that would revolutionize their operations and drive growth.

Challenges:

• Time-consuming manual data transfer: The flow of data between P21 and Qubesense was a labor-intensive process, draining valuable time and resources from employees.

• Lack of consistency: Manual data transfer often led to inconsistencies and errors, impacting the accuracy and reliability of critical business information.

• Limited visibility: Without real-time data synchronization, Sunrise Electric Supply faced challenges in gaining visibility into stock levels and making informed business decisions.

Solution:

DCKAP Integrator worked closely with Sunrise Electric Supply to develop a powerful API that seamlessly connected P21 with Qubesense. The integration encompassed a wide range of critical data points, including customer synchronization, inventory updates, order management, product search, and more. With real-time data synchronization, the company could enhance efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making processes.

Benefits:

• Enhanced visibility and decision-making: Real-time data synchronization provided Sunrise Electric Supply with accurate and up-to-date information, allowing them to make informed business decisions swiftly and confidently.

• Reduced manual efforts and errors: Automation eliminated the need for manual data transfer, significantly reducing the risk of errors and freeing up employees’ time for more strategic tasks.

• Improved customer experience: By integrating the ERP data with their ecommerce storefront, Sunrise Electric Supply ensured that customers had access to the most updated product information, pricing, and inventory levels.

• Unified access to real-time data: The integration facilitated seamless communication and collaboration by providing a unified platform for accessing real-time data from P21, fostering smoother internal processes and reducing data transfer errors.

Read the full case study here

Harness the Power of Epicor API Integration with DCKAP Integrator

DCKAP Integrator is a powerful low-code integration platform designed to simplify the integration process for manufacturers and distributors. It enables seamless connections between your ERP system and other software components in your business. Equipped with pre-built connectors and supported by an expert team with years of experience, it provides ongoing support throughout the integration process.

This versatile tool can connect virtually any system, whether it’s ERP, CRM, EDI, or other business applications, ensuring smooth data flow across platforms. By consolidating data from multiple data sources into a centralized view, DCKAP Integrator enhances visibility, supports better decision-making, and streamlines operations.  

To streamline your ERP integration, get in touch with us today!

FAQs

What is an API, and how does it facilitate ERP integration?

An API (Application Programming Interface) acts as a bridge that enables different software systems to communicate and exchange data seamlessly. In ERP integration, APIs help connect your ERP system with other business tools like CRM, ecommerce platforms, or inventory systems. This connection facilitates real-time data sharing, process automation, and enhanced decision-making, allowing leaders to focus on core activities rather than managing disconnected systems.

Does Epicor have its own APIs?

Yes, Epicor provides its own set of APIs, primarily available for its cloud-based products like Epicor Kinetic. These APIs allow users to connect their ERP with other software solutions to facilitate data sharing and process automation. However, Epicor’s native APIs may have limitations in terms of flexibility and customization. Businesses with unique needs often turn to custom API development or third-party tools like DCKAP Integrator for more control and scalability.

What is the best way to integrate Epicor ERP with other systems?

The best way to integrate Epicor depends on your business goals, resources, and level of customization required.

• Native API Integration: Ideal for businesses seeking a quick, straightforward connection between systems without heavy customization
• Third-Party Tools: Platforms like DCKAP Integrator are excellent for low-code integration, offering pre-built connectors, a centralized data view, and ongoing support from a team with extensive experience. These tools help optimize resource use, ensuring smooth integration even for businesses with limited resources. 
• Custom API Development: Recommended for organizations needing tailored solutions, greater flexibility, and scalability to handle big data and complex workflows. Remember third-party tools can provide Custom API development for custom needs and pre-built connectors for ordinary needs.