Choosing Between P21 and Exact ERP: A Practical Guide for Distributors

Selecting the right ERP system is one of the most important decisions a distribution business can make. The two compared are Epicor Prophet 21 (P21) vs. Exact ERP. While both platforms support distribution, they differ significantly in depth, scalability, and long-term fit.

At Scaled Solutions Group, we help distributors evaluate these systems every day. Here’s what you need to know—and how we help you make the right choice.

🏗️ Core Purpose & Ideal Fit

P21 (Epicor Prophet 21)

• Designed for inventory-heavy, order-driven wholesale operations.
• Includes strong purchasing, replenishment, pricing, warehouse, and counter sales tools.
• Scales effectively for mid-sized and growing distributors.

Exact ERP

• Strong financials and simple workflows.
• Often used by companies needing basic ERP with lighter distribution needs.
• Less suited for high-volume or complex wholesale operations.

🔑 Feature-by-Feature Comparison

1. Inventory & Warehouse Management

• P21: Advanced forecasting, replenishment algorithms, automated purchasing, vendor scoring, and detailed warehouse workflows.
• Exact: Good basic inventory capabilities, but limited forecasting and replenishment sophistication.

2. Order Management & Purchasing

• P21: Fast order entry, counter sales, CPQ tools, and robust distributor-specific purchasing automation.
• Exact: Solid order and purchasing tools, but lighter functionality for complex pricing or high-volume distribution.

3. Reporting & Analytics

• P21: Distributor-focused dashboards for turns, margins, fill rates, and buyer/vendor performance.
• Exact: Good financial reporting; distribution KPIs require configuration.

4. Customization & Integrations

• P21: Flexible and built to integrate with WMS, CRM, eCommerce, and automation tools.
• Exact: More limited customization; best used within its standard structure.

5. Scalability

• P21: Ideal for mid-sized distributors and those planning to grow.
• Exact: Strong for smaller operations but less suited for larger or rapidly scaling distributors.

⭐ Why P21 Is the Better Choice for Most Distributors

P21 is typically the stronger option for distributors because it provides deeper distribution workflows, more advanced replenishment and pricing capabilities, stronger warehouse tools, and far greater scalability than Exact ERP. As companies grow, P21 supports expansion without requiring system replacement.

🤝 How Scaled Solutions Group Helps You Decide

At Scaled Solutions Group, we specialize in helping businesses not only compare platforms, but understand which solution supports their long-term strategy.

Our goal is to help you make a confident informed decision, not sell you a system that isn’t the right fit. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, from evaluation to implementation and beyond.

Ready to See Prophet 21 in Action?

Make your ERP decision with clarity.
Experience a personalized walkthrough based on your distribution workflows.

👉 Request a Demo