In real-world ERP for Manufacturing and Distribution, inventory is rarely as simple as “in stock or out of stock.” Many manufacturers buy materials in one unit (for example, weight), store them in a dimensional form (for example, bars/sheets), consume them in production in another unit (for example, length), and sell them in yet another unit (for example, pieces). When UOM conversions are handled manually or treated as a fixed conversion factor, companies typically see the same set of issues: inaccurate costing, less reliable MRP signals, cycle counts that don’t match the physical reality, and slower picking and fulfillment.
Epicor Kinetic (Epicor ERP) addresses this challenge with Advanced Unit of Measure (UOM), enabling transactional Dual UOM and attribute-based (dimensional) inventory management so supply and demand planning becomes more precise and operations move faster.
Why Advanced UOM matters in an Epicor Kinetic implementation
Advanced UOM directly targets two operational metrics that often drive cost and service performance: inventory accuracy and speed of finding the right stock. The business impact typically shows up as:
- Lower inventory carrying costs due to better visibility and more accurate planning.
- Faster identification of the correct inventory for production and customer fulfillment.
- Higher end-to-end transaction accuracy, because Dual UOM stays consistent throughout ERP processes, not only at receiving or shipping.
- More accurate demand forecasting by segmenting inventory by meaningful attributes.
For organizations running an Implementasi Epicor Kinetic program (or planning an Epicor Kinetic rollout), Advanced UOM is a strong foundation, especially when materials are dimensional and/or high value.
What “attribute-based inventory” means (and why it changes the game)
Advanced UOM allows inventory to be segmented and managed by inventory attributes, for example, hardness, strength, modulus of elasticity, density, and other relevant technical attributes. With this approach, operations teams no longer have to “guess” which material is suitable. They can locate and allocate the correct inventory based on defined attributes.
The outcome is straightforward:
- faster picking and allocation,
- more meaningful inventory counting,
- and more accurate planning because demand can be aligned to specific attribute requirements.
Key capabilities of Advanced UOM in Epicor ERP
1) Transactional Dual Unit of Measure across the full process
Advanced UOM supports transactions in two units of measure across the end-to-end flow, helping keep inventory and costing accurate while keeping shop-floor and warehouse execution simple (for example, transacting in “pieces” without manual recalculation of length/weight on the floor).
Typical scenario: you buy by weight, stock by dimension, issue to production by length, and sell by pieces, while maintaining consistency in one ERP system.
2) Dynamic attributes for conversions beyond fixed factors
Advanced UOM supports conversions that account for dynamic attributes, including conversions from weight (pounds/grams) to length (feet/meters) or each, and the ability to reflect theoretical versus actual dimensions (for example, 4.0 m vs 4.1 m) for more accurate conversion results.
This is particularly useful when a business buys and sells in one UOM but manages inventory and production in another.
3) Attribute Sets for faster setup and cleaner governance
Attribute sets help standardize configuration: attributes are packaged into sets and then assigned to parts automatically or manually across processes like quoting, sales orders, purchase orders, and receiving.
In practice, this improves data governance, speeds user adoption, and reduces attribute inconsistencies.
4) Attribute-driven replenishment and MRP planning
Advanced UOM supports replenishment targets by attribute down to the bin level, while MRP generates purchasing recommendations to keep required inventory available.
For engineered products, attributes can be applied to semi-finished and finished goods, including scenarios with value-added services. BOM usage can leverage attributed materials so MRP can automate production suggestions based on demand/forecast more accurately.
5) Cycle counting that matches physical reality
Cycle counts become easier and more meaningful because counting can be performed in whole units and tracked by attribute, which better reflects real-world material variation.
Embedded end-to-end in Epicor Kinetic
A key advantage of Advanced UOM is that it is deeply embedded across many Epicor Kinetic transaction areas. The fact sheet highlights coverage across processes such as quoting, quantity adjustments, cycle counting, MRP, purchasing, receiving, material queue, part tracker, inventory transfer, material issue, job receipt to inventory, available to promise, engineering, PCID, order fulfillment, Epicor Mobile Wireless Warehouse, and customer shipment entry.
Translation: this isn’t a standalone “nice-to-have.” It’s a capability that strengthens data accuracy across the full transaction chain in Epicor ERP.
Industries that benefit most
While especially valuable for metals (high-value, dimensional inventory), Advanced UOM also applies to textiles, fabricated metals, landscaping materials (soil/gravel), packaging, furniture and fixtures, footwear, eyewear, sporting goods, and more.
If your business has any of these characteristics, Advanced UOM is usually worth prioritizing:
- dimensional inventory (length/width/thickness/density/grade),
- buy/sell/consume in different UOMs,
- high material variability,
- or high inventory costs where planning accuracy directly impacts cash flow.
Best practices for implementing Advanced UOM in Epicor Kinetic
To ensure Advanced UOM delivers outcomes, not just configuration, these steps typically create the cleanest path:
- Attribute blueprint and governance
Define which attributes actually drive quality/spec/fit decisions, standardize allowed values, and set clear ownership and validation rules. - A clear UOM strategy
Lock down the primary UOM by process (procurement, stocking, consumption, sales) and apply Dual UOM consistently. - MRP + Replenishment alignment
Ensure planning parameters “understand” attribute requirements so purchase and production suggestions don’t create false shortages. - Shop-floor and warehouse adoption
Make attribute entry fast and user-friendly (attribute sets, defaulting rules, role-based training) so the system is used correctly from day one.
KANO’s role as an Epicor consulting partner
As a Konsultan Epicor Indonesia, KANO typically positions Advanced UOM as part of an Implementasi Epicor Kinetic roadmap to deliver two outcomes: auditable data accuracy and agile operational execution. The focus is not only on enabling the feature, but on ensuring procurement, warehouse, production, shipping runs with consistent numbers, so leadership can make decisions with confidence.
If you want to validate whether Advanced UOM fits your inventory profile (metals, plastics, packaging, engineered products), KANO can run a focused assessment to map process-level UOM, define attribute requirements, and quantify the impact on MRP and cycle counting, creating a solid baseline for your Implementasi Epicor Kinetic.
