ERP COMPARISON GUIDE
ECI vs MYOB Advanced
Selecting the right ERP system for your business is difficult with all the options out there. Do you go with a on-premise solution or a cloud-based one? Does the system support your manufacturing methods and industry specific requirements? In this guide we compare two commonly used solution in the manufacturing space: ECI and MYOB Advanced.
Deciding between ECI and MYOB Advanced
ECI
ECI and MYOB Advanced are both cloud-based ERP solutions designed for medium-sized businesses. While they share some similarities, they also have some key differences. ECI is an a solution designed to manage most aspects of a business, including accounting, inventory, payroll, and human resources. ECI offers a wide range of features, including customer relationship management, supply chain management, and financial management.
One of the standout features of ECI is its strong accounting capabilities, which include advanced financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting tools. It should also be noted that its target market leans heavily towards smaller sized businesses.
MYOB Advanced ERP
MYOB Advanced is a cloud-based ERP solution designed to meet the needs of fast-growing, success-driven medium-sized Australian businesses. It also has a manufacturing edition made specifically for the Australian manufacturing industry.
It boasts a range of features, such as financial management, inventory management, customer relationship management, and project management. MYOB Advanced has a strong focus on the Australian and New Zealand markets, with local support and compliance with local tax and reporting requirements.
Which one is best?
One of the key differences between ECI and MYOB Advanced is their target markets. While both are designed for medium-sized businesses, MYOB Advanced has a strong focus on the Australian and New Zealand markets, while ECI is more focused on the US market. ECI is also targeted to smaller businesses.
Another key difference is their pricing structures, with MYOB Advanced offering a subscription-based pricing model and ECI offering a more traditional software licensing model.
Ultimately, your choice between ECI and MYOB Advanced will depend on the specific needs and requirements of your business. It’s important to carefully evaluate the features and capabilities of each system, as well as their pricing structures, support options, and user reviews, before making a decision.
In this comparison guide, we do just that.
ECI:
An in-depth look
ECi M1 is a ERP system available both on-premise or in the cloud. The products key goal is to automate financial, stock, production, sales, quoting and production planning processes.
It’s target market are smaller US-based manufacturers.
This is one of the first areas that should give you a clue as to its suitability. Because how can something suited for small businesses but also work for medium sized businesses?
More on this point later.
A key feature is ECI’s product configurator that builds product configurations from a BOM. This includes all sub-assemblies, which can be handy. It also offers inventory barcoding, shop floor control and reporting – which is done through an integration with a product called Crystal reports.
It also features a free design studio which is helpful because it’s free and you don’t have to access the source code. Unfortunately, it does require the user to know how to use the program, which users commonly refer to as cumbersome.
It also offers free licence for users who only need to view and edit reports, which again, is handy.
Lastly, ECI boasts what it calls, “Smart Screen Technology”, which basically changes what is shown to you based on your input.
ECI:
What real users are saying?
When you’re deciding on new software, one of the first things you do is to go online and look at the reviews. So we did the leg work for you and went on a number of leading review websites to see what actual users of the system are saying.
We have taken the information we found and divided it into a list of positives some users have experienced and the main negatives most users have found.
Pros
+ The dashboard provides enough information
+ Suited for smaller businesses who focus on making 1000s of components in production runs
+ Some support staff are knowledgeable at their job
+ The sales team is good
+ General consensus that ECi is best suited for small businesses
+ No added cost for users to only view information
+ Technically, the system works and most functions are understandable
+ Straight-forward backup and database restoration capabilities
Cons
– Sometimes the software just doesn’t load, and no one really knows why – so it can become a waiting game
– There are many concerns over security holes in the software
– ECi has been plagued by complaints of their sales teams over selling the product, saying it does things it actually doesn’t – this issue is so prominant that many users have received partial refunds following lawsuits
– Some issues simply cannot be resolved by the development team – there are countless examples of clients getting orphan records in the database weekly, and there is nothing anyone can do about it
– Slow rollout of bugfixes. Trawling through review forums one comment keeps coming up, the lack of bugfixes makes many feel that M1 is being slowly phased out
– The scheduling module is poor, and ECi has displayed a lack of effort in improving these issues
– Tech support response times are slow and support resonses can be vague, giving the impression that are not all trained to the same level
– The software is extremely clunky
– Completing simple tasks takes much longer than on other systems
– Sales teams more focussed on getting the sale, rather than providing a solution that is fit for purpose
Disadvantages of ECI
While ECI has many advantages, it also has some potential downsides that businesses should be aware of before choosing this software:
Steep Learning Curve
ECI has many complicated features, which can make it challenging for new users to learn and navigate the software. Constant training and support will be required to ensure users can utilise the software.
Cost
ECI is very expensive, particularly for small businesses or those on a tight budget. It typically charges a one-time licensing fee and ongoing maintenance costs, which add up over time – and that’s not taking into account constant licence fee hikes.
Poor Scalability
ECI is not as scalable as MYOB Advanced, or almost any other ERP solution. As a result, rapidly growing or expanding businesses will need to upgrade from ECI to a different ERP solution in the future.
Limited Customisability
ECI is not be as customisable as other ERP solutions, particularly in terms of branding and user interface.
Integration Challenges
Overall, ECI will not be the best fit for many manufacturing businesses, especially those that prioritise customisability, scalability, or affordability. Our advice, you should carefully evaluate your needs and consider all the potential downsides of ECI before deciding if it is the right software solution for you.
MYOB Advanced:
How does Australia’s leading ERP differ?
Manufacturers across industry segments rely on MYOB Advanced Manufacturing to maximise resources, reduce costs and improve profits.
An extensive suite of connected and mobile business applications provides unparalleled manufacturing depth for production, estimating, engineering, material planning, scheduling, product configuration, and manufacturing data collection.
Last-mile features such as disassembly, engineering change control, demand forecasting, and outside processing streamline critical manufacturing processes.
MYOB Advanced supports make-to-stock, make-to-order, batch process, and other manufacturing methodologies.
Project Accounting provides project centric manufacturers with a comprehensive production and resource planning system.
Commerce and mobile field service extend MYOB Advanced for manufacturers who sell online or provide on-site services. Balance supply and demand with inventory, sales, and purchasing on top of a comprehensive suite of accounting applications.
Leverage automation, workflows, and document management to connect data and processes throughout all parts of the manufacturing business for improved customer service, customer retention and growth.
MYOB Advanced provides ease of use and rapid integrations to connect modern technologies, including cloud computing, big data and analytics, additive manufacturing, robotics, and the Industrial Internet of Things for streamlined processes and meaningful insights into manufacturing operations.
In conclusion, we believe that MYOB Advanced is one of the best business and industry management solutions available on the market today that helps businesses thrive in the new digital economy.
MYOB Advanced:
Where does MYOB Advanced win over ECI?
MYOB Advanced has several advantages over ECI that make it a preferred choice for most businesses. Here are some of the advantages MYOB Advanced has over ECI:
Ease of use
MYOB Advanced has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it simpler for users to learn and use the software.
Customisable
MYOB Advanced is highly customisable, allowing businesses to tailor the software to meet their specific needs. It offers various modules and add-ons that can be easily integrated.
Local support
MYOB Advanced has localised support, which means that businesses can receive support and assistance from experts in their region. For example, we’re located in Docklands, Victoria. You can literally come into the office and meet the team. Being local also ensures that you will be sure that you will always comply all tax and regulatory requirements.
Cost-effectiveness
MYOB Advanced offers a subscription-based pricing model that can be more cost-effective for businesses, particularly those with limited budgets.
Flexibility
MYOB Advanced is a cloud-based solution, making it accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. It can be accessed on any device, including smartphones and tablets, providing greater flexibility for users.
Scalability
MYOB Advanced is highly scalable, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes. It can grow with a business, ensuring that it can continue to meet their needs as they expand and evolve.
Discover the benefits of MYOB Advanced
Ready to reap the benefits of an integrated ERP built for your manufacturing business? Complete the form below for your free MYOB Advanced demo.