Epicor extends Ascend with Epicor to include more ERP deployments

As Epicor Insights get underway, the make, move and sell ERP announced the extension of Ascend with Epicor, its implementation methodology. Ascend with Epicor was launched last year to deliver a proven methodology for migrating Epicor on-premise customers to Epicor Cloud ERP.

The latest iteration of the methodology sees the company commit to a 90-day go-live target for qualified ERP cloud implementations. It aims to achieve this by using AI-powered tools that automate some of the more laborious tasks that companies face as they look to deploy ERP solutions.

Epicor has defined three use cases for the qualified ERP implementations:

• Existing Epicor customers moving from on-premises systems to the cloud
• Existing Epicor customers integrating acquisitions or new business units
• New customers replacing legacy or non-Epicor ERP platforms

The result of using these tools is that Epicor feels it can commit to delivering implementations within that 90-day period. It is perhaps the first use case that is the most impressive and it will be interesting to see which systems it can migrate from.

A 90-day Target

Also, Epicor does not clearly define what a qualified implementation is. I asked Epicor about this omission. Epicor replied, “The 90-day go-live target is designed for qualified implementations that align with a defined scope and deployment profile.

“For enterprise customers with more complex operational requirements, broader customisation needs, or larger-scale transformation initiatives, Epicor offers expanded Ascend implementation packages tailored to those environments.

“These customers still benefit from the same AI-driven tooling, structured methodology, and expert guidance, while following a timeline and engagement model designed to support more complex implementations successfully.”

What seems likely is that the methodology is applicable to all sizes of customers, but the 90-day target only applies to simpler use cases. However, the edge and more complex cases will still save significant time on implementation.

Vaibhav Vohra, President and Chief Product and Technology Officer at Epicor, commented, “Innovation only creates value when customers can put it to work quickly inside their ERP systems. That’s why Epicor is delivering industry‑first AI capabilities and applying AI across the implementation process.

“By working closely across our product and services teams, we’re reducing complexity, accelerating adoption, and enabling qualified ERP deployments in as little as 90 days, without compromising the security and rigor ERP demands.” 

How Ascend with Epicor works

Each of the three use cases is slightly different in approach. However, the key objectives are the same: reduce implementation friction and accelerate time to value. AI is used in multiple ways during the process:

AI is used for an initial audit of the customer’s environment. The AI is used to extract and organise data and create a migration plan for the client and consultants to check and validate. This reduces what is often a very time-consuming manual task for the implementation team. The AI will surface anomalies and risks during the process, enabling the team to correct or mitigate issues before they occur during or after the go-live.

The AI also assists with the ETL (Extract, Transition and Load) processes. It means that the extracted data from any legacy system is understood within the context of the business. And any data changes are made so the data flows seamlessly into Epicor in the right format. Again this reduces the time spent manipulating spreadsheets to ensure the loaded data is in the right format.

Cloud Migrations

Cloud Migrations for existing Epicor customers is what Ascend with Epicor was originally designed for. Ascend with Epicor accelerates the transition to the cloud with a complete understanding of the data structures and workflows in both on-premises Epicor systems and the cloud version.

Ascend with Epicor has pre-defined templates and uses repeatable, proven methodology to help firms move to the cloud. Customers are giving confidence in the process and the methodology delivers three clear advantages in this use case:

• Plan and scope migrations with greater accuracy and less manual effort
• Minimise disruption while keeping operations running smoothly
• Simplify budgeting with fixed-fee pricing

Ascend for ERP Implementations

For new customers, Ascend with Epicor offers a methodology that provides AI-powered tools to support the often complex migration. The AI tools understand legacy systems and can help accelerate deployment with the aim of deploying the new solution in 90 days.

It is not, however, clear what a qualified Cloud ERP deployment means in this instance. But the framework helps organisations to guide their implementations using a best practice approach.

Again, Epicor is targeting a 90-day implementation without “compromising the security, rigor, and performance your business demands.” It achieves this by breaking down the processes into common workflow-based processes such as quote-to-cash.

For firms looking to replicate or introduce customised workflows based on existing practices, the methodology may still assist, but may not hit the 90-day target. It will be interesting to hear about use cases. Customers may also find that further customisations and integrations need addressing in later phases. Importantly, the future state and configuration of Epicor is likely to be fairly standard using existing templates.

The approach focuses on three benefits:

• Achieve a faster, more predictable go-live with a proven, structured approach
• Reduce complexity and risk through continuous alignment, validation, and guided execution
• Accelerate adoption and ROI with AI-powered capabilities that streamline implementation and reduce manual effort

Ascend for Data Conversion

Another new use case is for companies looking to expand their operations. Either adding new sites or merging acquisitions into the current Epicor platform. The advantage of this is the Epicor platform, and configurations are well-defined and meet the needs of the organisation already.

In these cases, the AI understands the future state of data and workflows. It automates the extraction processes, organises and maps the data collections to the target data maps. Epicor estimates that implementation times can be reduced by as much as 40% using Ascend with Epicor in these use cases. Some use cases have seen implementation measured in weeks rather than months.

After an acquisition, Cornell Pump Company faced migrating a NetSuite system into the corporate Epicor instance. Todd Arntson, IT Manager at Cornell Pump Company, commented, “Facing a complex acquisition, we had days — not months — to keep operations running. With Epicor as our partner, we deployed Kinetic in just two weeks without losing a single piece of data from our previous ERP, NetSuite.

“Epicor AI migration tools that are part of the Ascend Program helped us minimize disruption and reduce risk, transforming a high-stakes moment into a confident go-live.” 

Key benefits of this approach include:

• Automate data extraction and mapping
• Improve data quality as you bring new sites or entities online
• Reduce complexity, accelerate timelines, and move faster in high-stakes scenarios like acquisitions

While Cornell Pump Company migrated from an existing NetSuite implementation, Enterprise Times asked Epicor what other ERP systems the methodology is able to migrate from.

Epicor responded saying, “Currently, Epicor is using Ascend with several customers across the manufacturing, distribution, and building supply industries. These organizations are transitioning from platforms including Infor, Spruce, and TecSys.”

Can partners get involved?

The release makes no mention of Epicor partners using the methodology. Enterprise Times asked Epicor about this. Epicor replied, “Partners have had access to the Ascend for Cloud Migrations program since its launch last year. As Epicor expands Ascend into broader ERP implementation scenarios, we are evaluating how to extend access to the AI-driven tools and implementation methodology to partners in the near future.

“Our goal is to enable partners to deliver the same accelerated time-to-value and implementation efficiencies that customers are experiencing through the Ascend program today.”

What about cost

Most businesses are concerned about the cost of implementation. Faster implementation means less consultants, and potentially a lower cost of implementation. Epicor was slightly evasive on whether the methodology reduces implementation costs, responding to that question by saying:

“Ascend helps reduce implementation timelines while accelerating time-to-value for customers. By applying AI to automate and streamline traditionally manual implementation tasks — such as discovery, data preparation, and migration planning — organisations can reduce project complexity, improve predictability, and minimise operational disruption.

“The combination of faster deployment, AI-driven efficiencies, and earlier business value realisation can positively impact the overall cost and return on ERP transformation projects.”

In addition, the use of AI is likely to deliver two other benefits. The first is that the employer’s own resources may need to spend less time on the project, if the project is shorter. Secondly, the data that is migrated is likely to be more accurate. It will be interesting to see whether that is the case as the case studies roll in.

Enterprise Times: What does this mean?

Epicor is not alone in leveraging AI to reduce implementation times. It should be noted that whilst the target is 90 days, it does not mean it will always achieve that, as there are a lot of variables around it.

However, as the Cornell Pump Company indicated, the methodology works very well when creating new subsidiaries or during mergers. In fact, the fact that it took less than 90 days shows that the methodology is both flexible and likely to achieve its targeted 90 days.

The expansion is also good news for partners, as it will help them target organisations with either legacy solutions or other cloud-based solutions that they are unhappy with.

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