What is ECI Software Solutions and is it the right ERP for your business?

ECI Software Solutions offers industry-specific ERP platforms designed for small to mid-sized manufacturers, distributors, and field service organisations.

With a strong footprint in ANZ, the US, and the UK, ECI delivers tailored solutions for job shops, make-to-order manufacturers, office equipment providers, and trade-based businesses.

Rather than offering a single ERP system, ECI provides a portfolio of specialised products—such as JobBOSS², M1, Macola, and DDMS—each built for the operational needs of a specific industry. This focus on vertical specialisation helps ECI customers reduce manual processes, improve shop floor visibility, and scale without adopting overly complex enterprise systems.

This page outlines what ECI Software offers, who it suits best, and how to evaluate whether it aligns with your operational model and growth strategy.

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Key features of ECI ERP platforms

  • Industry-specific solutions for manufacturing, distribution, and field services
  • Core financials, quoting, order management, and invoicing
  • Job scheduling, routing, BOM management, and production control
  • Inventory management with barcode and lot tracking
  • CRM and sales order integration
  • Shop floor control and time tracking
  • Quality control, MRP, and procurement tools

Cloud-hosted, on-premise, or hybrid deployment options

Which organisations is ECI Software best suited for?

ECI ERP solutions are typically a strong fit for:

  • Small to mid-sized manufacturers and job shops with low-to-medium complexity
  • Distributors and wholesalers looking for local support and industry fit
  • Trades, building supply, and field service organisations with job costing needs
  • Businesses replacing spreadsheets or entry-level systems
  • Sectors such as fabricated metals, machining, packaging, electronics, furniture, and building products

Pros and cons of ECI Software Solutions

Where ECI delivers value:

  • ERP platforms tailored to specific industry workflows
  • Faster implementation and user adoption compared to enterprise platforms
  • Strong shop floor and job management tools
  • Modular functionality for phased rollout
  • Localised support and ANZ presence for select products (e.g. M1 ERP)

Where it may fall short:

  • Limited scalability for complex, multi-site, or international operations
  • Separate product lines can vary in UX and features
  • Smaller ecosystem of integration partners compared to tier-one ERPs
  • May require switching platforms as the business grows in size or complexity

Alternatives to ECI ERP platforms

Depending on your needs, industry, and growth plans, alternatives to ECI’s ERP systems may include:

  • Global Shop Solutions – ERP for job shops and discrete manufacturers
  • NetSuite – cloud ERP for growing mid-market manufacturers and distributors
  • Infor CloudSuite Industrial (SyteLine) – strong for advanced production and planning
  • Epicor – designed for small to mid-sized manufacturers and supply chain control
  • MYOB Advanced – cloud ERP with local support for ANZ SMEs

Compare these in our Manufacturing ERP Guide and Distribution ERP Guide.

Planning your ECI ERP journey

Whether you’re considering M1, JobBOSS², or another ECI product, SMC can help you compare options and choose the best-fit platform for your business.

Expert insights from SMC

At Solution Minds Consulting, we’ve supported growing manufacturers, distributors, and field-based businesses to assess and implement ERP systems like ECI’s M1 and JobBOSS².

ECI ERP solutions often hit the sweet spot for SMEs that want operational control without the complexity or cost of enterprise software. Our advisory team helps clients clarify functional needs, assess growth fit, and ensure ERP decisions support business goals—not just technical requirements.

Explore our services in ERP Selection, Implementation Planning, and Business Process Improvement.