Epicor, a business software company that develops ERP applications for manufacturing, distribution, building supply, retail and automotive sectors, has made its Prism AI portfolio generally available in the UK and selected European markets, extending its push to integrate AI functions into operational workflows.
The launch brings a set of more than 18 AI agents to customers using Epicor Kinetic, allowing employees to interact with ERP data and related documents through natural language. The company positions the approach as part of its broader Cognitive ERP strategy, which aims to move ERP systems beyond record keeping and toward decision support.
The rollout comes as manufacturers in Europe face pressure to improve productivity and manage supply chain disruptions while dealing with workforce shortages and a lack of digital skills. Although many companies have invested in ERP systems, converting operational information into actionable insight remains difficult.
“Businesses do not just need better data, they need help interpreting it and acting on it in the flow of work,” said Andy Coussins, Executive Vice President, International, Epicor. “Epicor Prism helps close that gap by bringing intelligence directly into everyday workflows and actively guiding people through complex decisions, even if they're not ERP experts.”
Prism operates inside Epicor Kinetic and provides access to live ERP information alongside spreadsheets, PDFs and other documents. According to the company, actions remain subject to human oversight and continue to follow existing governance policies and role-based security controls.
One component, the Prism Reasoning Agent, analyzes ERP data together with documents to answer operational questions. Users can investigate issues such as production delays or increases in overdue orders and receive explanations based on current ERP records rather than static reports.
Epicor said technical teams using Prism Developer for App Studio can reduce the time required to build and test ERP customizations by an average of 60%. The tool is intended for organizations that modify ERP screens and applications to fit internal processes.
The platform draws on what Epicor describes as a vertical-specific data ontology built from more than five decades of work across manufacturing and supply chain industries. The AI agents are designed to support tasks including interpreting Material Requirements Planning output logs, identifying patterns in shipment volumes and carrier performance, extracting information from accounts payable and compliance documents, and helping less experienced employees navigate ERP systems.
“Our vision for Cognitive ERP is software that doesn’t just store information, but actively helps people think, decide and act,” said Arturo Buzzalino, Chief Innovation Officer at Epicor. “With Epicor Prism, AI is built into everyday workflows, supporting frontline users with real-time insight while remaining grounded in the realities of their industry and data.”
