In the fast-moving world of B2B eCommerce, selecting the right platform is as critical as choosing a long-term business partner. Two names often surface in distributor conversations: Epicor Commerce Connect (ECC) and DCKAP Commerce. Below is a comprehensive feature-by-feature comparison to help you identify the best fit for your business.
Built for Modern B2B Workflows
Epicor Commerce Connect (ECC) is Epicor’s native eCommerce add-on designed primarily for companies already running an Epicor ERP. While it offers tight integration with Epicor ERP, it remains heavily tied to Epicor’s ecosystem. Core B2B features such as company hierarchy, advanced pricing rules, or bulk ordering are limited and often require custom development or additional licensing.
• Limited Headless Capability – ECC is not a true headless platform; separating the front end from the back end for custom experiences is difficult.
• Customization Challenges – Even small UI or workflow changes generally require Epicor professional services, increasing both cost and timeline.
• Closed Ecosystem – Third-party integrations are constrained because ECC lacks open REST and GraphQL APIs.
DCKAP Commerce is purpose-built for distributors, with B2B functionality integrated from day one and an open, headless-ready architecture.
• Headless & API-Driven – Full REST and GraphQL APIs make it easy to connect with any ERP (including Epicor), PIM, CRM, or custom app.
• Rapid Customization – A flexible CMS, webhooks, and drag-and-drop tools allow quick design or workflow changes without heavy coding.
• Third-Party Friendly – Open architecture welcomes outside integrations, from payment providers to marketing automation platforms.
Core B2B Features: Side-by-Side
Features
Description
Epicor Commerce Connect (ECC)
Headless Ecommerce
Separates the eCommerce platform from backend services.
Highly Customisable
Equipped with tools like CMS, APIs, and Webhooks.
Open RESTful APIs
REST APIs simplify integrating and developing third-party apps.
Open GraphQL APIs
GraphQL APIs simplify third-party app integrations.
Company Hierarchy
Create company account, adding multiple users and roles.
Corporate Structure
A parent company can manage multiple subsidiaries.
Sales Representative
Sales reps can manage accounts and place orders for customers.
24/7 Support
Email and ticketing support for critical issues.
Multiple Warehouses
Create and manage multiple warehouses for inventory.
Shared Shopping List
Create shared shopping lists for company-wide access.
Price Lists
Organize multiple companies and create custom price lists.
Real-time Price
Prices and Taxes are dynamically retrieved from the ERP system.
Approve Orders
Approval from the company administrator before processing.
Company Specific Products
Product sets can be customized for each customer.
Quick & Bulk Ordering
Users can easily buy in bulk or select multiple products swiftly.
Register using ERP Id
ERP-linked companies can register in the store directly.
Roles & Permissions
Specific roles with permissions can be assigned to users.
Grouped / Bundled Products
Grouped items are sold as a set, while bundled combine as one.
Available
Not Available
Limited
Extra Cost
ECC Alternatives
DCKAP Commerce
Performance & Maintenance
Epicor Commerce Connect depends on the same infrastructure as your Epicor ERP. Scaling for traffic spikes can require additional Epicor hosting or hardware. Updates and patches are tied to Epicor’s release cycle, creating delays and additional costs.
DCKAP Commerce offers cloud or self-hosted options with efficient resource use. Updates, security patches, and feature releases are continuous and independent of any ERP schedule, ensuring your site stays fast and secure.
Customization & Ease of Use
ECC: Custom development typically requires Epicor consultants. Even small design changes can involve lengthy service requests.
DCKAP Commerce: An intuitive admin panel with drag-and-drop tools lets non-technical users modify layouts, create promotions, and adjust workflows quickly.
Why Distributors Choose DCKAP Commerce
Distributors such as Quest Safety Products, Spruce Industries, and Robertson Lighting have left platforms like ECC, Magento, and BigCommerce because they needed faster deployments, easier ERP integrations (not limited to Epicor), reduced manual work and complex pricing updates, and an open, API-first platform that grows with their business.
Conclusion
While Epicor Commerce Connect suits companies wanting a simple storefront tightly bound to Epicor ERP, it struggles to deliver the flexibility, open integrations, and modern B2B features today’s distributors demand.
DCKAP Commerce stands out with integrated B2B functionality out of the box, open APIs and headless capability for future-proof integrations, rapid customization without heavy consulting fees, and high performance with simplified maintenance. For distributors looking to scale eCommerce operations, DCKAP Commerce provides a faster, more adaptable, and cost-efficient path forward.