Manufacturing Software Showdown: Functional Comparison of SAP vs. Oracle
As recently outlined in our white paper on executing a successful SAP implementation, we recently compiled client feedback on key functionality of the two leading manufacturing software packages: SAP and Oracle eBusiness Suite (EBS). These metrics, which are based on our database of client employees’ quantitative rating of the two packages as they relate to their business requirements, identify the key strengths, weaknesses, and tradeoffs of the two packages. The data was compiled exclusively from our manufacturing clients that short-listed both SAP and Oracle EBS as part of their ERP selection process.
The data reveals a number of interesting facts. First, SAP and Oracle rate very closely in a number of functional areas, with a statistically insignificant difference of .1 or less:
- Logistics
- Customer Service
- Production Operations
- Quality Control
There are some modules and functional areas, however, where SAP scores higher than Oracle:
- Product Scheduling
- Regulatory Compliance
- Human Resources (HR)
On the other hand, Oracle scored higher in a number of areas as well:
- Sales and Marketing
- Product and Manufacturing Engineering
- Product Configurator
- e-Portals
- Finance and Accounting
Obviously, these are just averages of much more detailed client evaluation metrics, but they provide a general sense of where the perceived strengths and weaknesses of each of the software packages lie. It is important to note that a client’s evaluation of a software’s functionality is likely to vary based on it’s unique business needs and requirements. However, this is one of several data points that can be considered during an evaluation of potential manufacturing software packages such as SAP and Oracle.
Manufacturing Software Functional Comparison of SAP vs. Oracle
| Functionality | SAP | Oracle |
|---|---|---|
| Sales & Marketing | 2.7 | 3.0 |
| Production Scheduling | 3.3 | 3.1 |
| Quality Control and Lab | 3.0 | 2.9 |
| Regulatory Compliance | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| Finance and Accounting | 3.4 | 3.7 |
| Logistics | 3.5 | 3.4 |
| Human Resources (HR) | 4.9 | 3.9 |
| Customer Service | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| Production Operations | 3.0 | 3.1 |
| e-Portals | 3.1 | 3.3 |
| Product and Manufacturing Engineering | 3.0 | 3.2 |
| Product Configurator | 2.5 | 3.1 |
Want to view more independent research related to SAP and Oracle? View our ERP video that highlights additional data comparing these two ERP systems. In addition, visit our resource center for the SAP white paper on the topic and watch for additional research from other leading manufacturing software providers.
About Eric Kimberling
After 15 years of ERP consulting at large firms including PricewaterhouseCoopers and SchlumbergerSema, Eric realized the need for an independent consulting firm that really understands ERP. He began his career as an ERP organizational change management consultant and eventually broadened his background to include implementation project management and software selection. Eric’s background includes extensive ERP software selection, ERP organizational change, and ERP implementation project management experience. Throughout his career, Eric has helped dozens of high-profile and global companies with their ERP initiatives, including Kodak, Samsonite, Coors, Duke Energy, and Lucent Technologies to name a few. In addition to extensive ERP experience, Eric has also helped clients with business process re-engineering, merger and acquisition integration, strategic planning, and six sigma. Eric holds an MBA from Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver.
This makes for interesting reading. It looks like SAP is strongest in HCM and people/workforce management while Oracle are better with product management and manufacturing.
As an SAP HCM Consultant I can certainly vouch for the power and flexibility of SAP’s HCM modules.
Interesting article.
Good to know that Oracle scores high on the Product management and manufacturing front.
Flexibility has been a core strength of Oracle and therefore its upper hand in Manufacturing only proves that.