The automotive industry, whether you’re manufacturing components, distributing aftermarket parts, or running service and install operations, faces unique and growing demands: global supply chains, just-in-time delivery, traceability, fitment data, aftermarket part management, and rapid e-commerce growth. Automotive-specific ERP solutions need to support not just core financials and inventory, but specialized functions like MMOG/LE, APQP, fitment and vehicle-application data, VIN tracking, and more.
In this post, we rank our top 10 picks for automotive-industry ERP in 2025. Full disclosure: we’re highlighting Acumatica Cloud ERP with PC Bennett’s aftermarket add-on as #1, while also providing an objective overview of other ERP options.
1. Acumatica Cloud ERP
Why #1: Acumatica is a modern, flexible, cloud-first ERP platform with strong capabilities for the automotive distribution and aftermarket sector. Its cloud architecture, user-friendly design, and robust partner ecosystem make it ideal for fast-growing businesses that need a solution tailored to automotive.
Acumatica handles every aspect of your business from end to end. From inventory and financials to eCommerce integration and real-time dashboards, it brings together everything you need to scale.
What makes Acumatica truly stand out in the automotive aftermarket space is its partnership with PC Bennett Solutions. PC Bennett’s exclusive AutoFitmentPlus add-on provides integrated fitment data, ACES/PIES standards, and VIN decoding directly within Acumatica. This gives you a centralized view of your inventory, sales, and vehicle compatibility in one place.
Customers such as Auto Action Technologies have used this powerful combination to improve visibility, manage fitment data, and streamline dispatch and mobile workflows.
Considerations: As with any ERP system, success depends heavily on selecting the right modules, working with an experienced partner, and planning your implementation carefully.
2. QAD Adaptive ERP
QAD Adaptive ERP is built specifically for manufacturing industries and has a long-standing focus on automotive. It includes industry-specific functionality such as MMOG/LE compliance, supply chain visibility, and IATF 16949 quality management support.
QAD enables companies to automate the flow of demand from customers down to suppliers with full traceability. It’s particularly strong in environments where lean manufacturing, supplier collaboration, and program lifecycle management are essential.
Strengths: Deep supply chain and manufacturing features, compliance readiness, and industry best practices.
Considerations: May be a better fit for part manufacturers and OEM suppliers than for aftermarket distributors or retailers.
3. Epicor Kinetic
Epicor Kinetic, formerly Epicor ERP, has strong roots in discrete manufacturing and is widely used in automotive environments. It supports demand planning, EDI integration, supply chain management, and traceability.
Its modern interface and cloud readiness make it suitable for organizations that need both on-prem and cloud options. Epicor is a solid choice for automotive manufacturers who want comprehensive production management tools.
Strengths: Strong manufacturing and supply chain capabilities, global-ready, flexible deployment.
Considerations: For aftermarket businesses or those focused on fitment, additional configuration or industry add-ons may be required.
4. Plex Systems
Plex Manufacturing Cloud has long focused on the automotive sector, offering deep shop-floor integration and manufacturing execution system (MES) capabilities built into its ERP suite.
Plex excels in real-time visibility across production, inventory, and quality control. Automotive suppliers often use it for managing complex supply chains, plant-floor operations, and industry compliance.
Strengths: Embedded MES functionality, real-time data visibility, great for complex manufacturing.
Considerations: More suitable for manufacturing operations than distribution or aftermarket sales. Lacks some aftermarket-specific features out of the box.
5. Infor CloudSuite Automotive
Infor CloudSuite Automotive is a specialized ERP offering designed for automotive suppliers and manufacturers. It supports assembly sequence control, just-in-time production, and complex multi-mode manufacturing.
Its automotive tools are well-suited to managing compliance and collaboration across the value chain, especially for Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers.
Strengths: Comprehensive manufacturing focus, built-in compliance features, global supply chain support.
Considerations: Less targeted toward aftermarket or distribution operations unless paired with specific add-ons.
6. SAP S/4HANA
SAP S/4HANA is a powerhouse in enterprise ERP and is used by many large automotive OEMs and suppliers worldwide. Its capabilities cover virtually every aspect of a business, from financials and manufacturing to supply chain and customer service.
SAP is best suited to very large operations that need a comprehensive, global ERP system with deep customization potential.
Strengths: Global scale, unmatched functionality, robust industry templates.
Considerations: High implementation costs and complexity. May be overkill for mid-market businesses or those focused on aftermarket distribution.
7. Oracle Cloud ERP / NetSuite
Oracle’s ERP Cloud and its NetSuite platform are used by a range of companies in manufacturing, distribution, and services. With strong financials, supply chain, and inventory management, they offer flexible deployment and scalability.
NetSuite, in particular, is popular among growing automotive businesses due to its modular design and cloud-native platform.
Strengths: Good scalability, strong cloud functionality, broad feature set.
Considerations: May require significant customization to meet the specific needs of the automotive aftermarket, including fitment data and eCommerce integration.
8. SYSPRO
SYSPRO serves both manufacturers and distributors and has been adopted in automotive sectors for its flexibility and solid mid-market fit.
It supports production, inventory, sales, and financials with a relatively lightweight footprint. It’s often used by small to mid-sized businesses seeking robust functionality without overwhelming complexity.
Strengths: Easy to implement, tailored for manufacturers and distributors, good support for core operations.
Considerations: May lack built-in automotive-specific features like fitment lookup or VIN decoding.
9. Odoo
Odoo is a modular, open-source ERP that can be configured to serve a variety of industries, including automotive. It includes applications for inventory, manufacturing, CRM, and sales, and offers strong flexibility.
For small automotive businesses or startups looking for a customizable, low-cost solution, Odoo can be a viable option.
Strengths: Affordable, flexible, customizable.
Considerations: Heavy reliance on partner support and custom configuration. Out-of-the-box automotive functionality is limited.
10. Microsoft Dynamics 365
Microsoft Dynamics 365 (both Finance and Supply Chain, and Business Central) is a versatile ERP used across many industries, including automotive.
It integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft ecosystem, making it a good choice for businesses already using Microsoft products. With the right implementation partner, it can be tailored for automotive distribution or manufacturing.
Strengths: Strong Microsoft integration, cloud-based, good user experience.
Considerations: Industry-specific features such as ACES/PIES data and aftermarket workflows require third-party solutions or custom development.
Why Acumatica + AutoFitmentPlus Wins for Aftermarket Distribution
If you’re in the business of distributing automotive parts, managing eCommerce, or installing aftermarket products, Acumatica combined with AutoFitmentPlus delivers unmatched value.
AutoFitmentPlus includes ACES/PIES vehicle-application data, VIN decoding, and part compatibility tools all built into your ERP system. This eliminates the need for external databases or custom integrations.
You also benefit from a fully unified system—financials, inventory, purchasing, sales, and customer service—all in one platform. That means fewer errors, better visibility, and faster fulfillment.
PC Bennett Solutions brings deep expertise in the automotive aftermarket and is Acumatica’s longest-tenured partner in the space. PC Bennett’s implementation team understands the real challenges of fitment accuracy, eCommerce integration, warehouse management, and rapid growth.
The cloud-based architecture of Acumatica ensures your system grows with your business. Whether you’re expanding into new sales channels, opening more warehouses, or mobilizing your service team, Acumatica has the flexibility to keep pace.
How to Choose the Right ERP for Your Automotive Business
Here are some key factors to consider when comparing ERP solutions:
Fit for Your Business Model
- Manufacturers need strong shop-floor control, BOM management, and traceability.
- Distributors need inventory accuracy, multi-channel order processing, and fulfillment tools.
- Installers need mobile tools, scheduling, and field service integration.
Industry-Specific Capabilities
- Automotive compliance (IATF 16949, MMOG/LE)
- Fitment data (ACES/PIES), VIN lookup
- Multi-site and international operations support
- Real-time reporting and analytics
Deployment and Scalability
- Cloud vs on-premise
- Licensing models (user-based, transaction-based)
- Multi-company and multi-location support
- Implementation partners with automotive experience
Total Cost and ROI
- License fees, services, training, support, and customizations
- Time to implement and user adoption speed
- Long-term adaptability to business growth
Ecosystem and Partner Network
- Availability of automotive add-ons and integrations
- Access to trained consultants and industry experts
- Product roadmap and commitment to innovation
Final Recommendation
If you’re in the automotive aftermarket business—selling parts, managing inventory, servicing vehicles, or running an eCommerce storefront—Acumatica Cloud ERP combined with AutoFitmentPlus from PC Bennett Solutions is a top choice in 2025. It’s purpose-built for your industry, backed by deep expertise, and designed to scale as your business grows.
Of course, if you’re a larger-scale OEM supplier or Tier 1 manufacturer, ERP systems like QAD, Plex, or Epicor Kinetic may offer deeper manufacturing functionality tailored to your needs.
Choose the ERP that aligns best with your operational focus, industry requirements, and growth trajectory.
