Epicor launches Prism AI agents in ANZ ERP markets
Mon, 3rd Aug 2026 (Today)
Epicor has launched Epicor Prism across Australia and New Zealand, with the product now generally available in both markets.
The rollout brings a set of industry-focused AI agents to Epicor's cloud ERP products, Kinetic and Prophet 21, for manufacturers and distributors in the region.
Prism gives users conversational access to live ERP data and related documents without the need for separate analytics tools or specialist data skills. It can also support configuration work and let tasks take pre-approved actions with human oversight.
The launch is part of Epicor's broader push to expand what it calls Cognitive ERP, a model that shifts ERP systems beyond record-keeping toward tools that help staff interpret operational data and respond within workflows.
Regional pressures
Epicor framed the regional release around labour shortages, cost pressures and supply chain disruption affecting manufacturers and distributors in Australia and New Zealand.
Graeme Evans, Regional Vice President AU/NZ & Pacific at Epicor, outlined that position in comments accompanying the launch.
"Across Australia and New Zealand, manufacturers and distributors are operating in an increasingly complex environment, balancing workforce challenges, rising costs, supply chain pressures and the need to remain competitive. While many organisations have access to vast amounts of data, turning that information into timely and informed decisions remains a challenge," Evans said.
Prism is designed to work with a customer's own ERP data while following existing governance settings and role-based security controls. Any actions taken through the system remain subject to human approval.
One element of the product is the Prism Reasoning Agent, which can analyse live ERP data alongside documents, spreadsheets and PDFs to answer operational questions in context. Epicor gave examples such as asking why a production line is behind schedule or what is causing a rise in overdue orders.
Another tool, Epicor Prism Developer for Application Studio, is aimed at teams that customise ERP screens and workflows. Epicor said it cuts the time needed to build and test those changes by an average of 60%.
Workflow focus
The regional offering includes more than 18 pre-built AI agents aimed at high-value workflows in supply chain industries. These include tools for interpreting Material Requirements Planning output logs, identifying patterns in shipment volume and carrier performance, extracting and validating documents in accounts payable and compliance work, and helping less experienced employees use ERP systems.
Epicor said the system draws on a sector-specific data model shaped by its long presence in manufacturing, distribution, building supply, retail and automotive markets. It presented that industry context as a point of difference from more general AI assistants.
Evans said the aim is to bring analysis closer to day-to-day operations rather than add another layer of software for teams to manage.
"There is a growing need for technology that helps teams make sense of operational data in the context of their day-to-day responsibilities. By bringing relevant insights directly into business processes, Epicor Prism can help organisations identify issues earlier, support more informed decisions and improve productivity without adding complexity," Evans said.
The release comes as software suppliers across the ERP market race to embed AI functions into core business systems used for production, inventory, procurement and fulfilment. For manufacturers and distributors, the commercial case often rests on making existing staff more effective at a time when hiring skilled workers remains difficult.
In that context, Epicor is positioning Prism as a tool for frontline and back-office users rather than only for analysts or IT teams. The emphasis on natural-language queries, embedded assistance and pre-built agents suggests a push to broaden access to ERP data within routine tasks.
The company also highlighted maintenance planning, operational visibility and planning support as practical use cases for the software in the region's industrial sectors.
"Whether predicting maintenance issues, aiding planning, or boosting frontline visibility, the real value is empowering teams to act with confidence and consistency. For manufacturers and distributors in our region, that's increasingly important as they look to improve resilience, efficiency and long-term growth," Evans said.