An ECI M1 alternative built around how you run.
ECI M1 is ECI Software Solutions' ERP for small and midsize discrete manufacturers, covering make-to-order, make-to-stock, engineer-to-order and repetitive production. thinkbridge builds quoting, shop-floor tracking and reporting around how your shop works, in a system you own at the end of the term.
Signs you've outgrown ECI M1
- Shop-floor tracking happens on paper or in spreadsheets beside M1.
- Pricing for custom orders depends on one person's spreadsheet.
- Add-ons and integrations each need their own support.
- Reports for customers or auditors are assembled by hand.
ECI M1 compared with a system you own
| ECI M1 | thinkbridge | |
|---|---|---|
| How it fits | Configured around the vendor's standard process; gaps are closed with customization, add-ons or spreadsheets | Modeled on how your business actually runs, including its exceptions |
| Who owns it | You license it; the vendor owns the code and the roadmap | You own the code, the data model and the business logic |
| How you pay | Subscription or license, plus implementation partner fees | Priced on outcomes, paid over an agreed term |
| After go-live | Changes go through a partner or an upgrade cycle | Managed care keeps improving it; low-risk changes ship to a beta you approve |
| AI | Added through the vendor's roadmap and add-ons | Built into the workflows from the start |
How the move works
- ObserveWe watch how the work runs today, including the workarounds.
- Model and buildThe system is modeled on your process and generated with
think One - Migrate and validateYour data moves over and your team tests it on real cases.
- Go liveIn about four months.
The four stages are a short version of the six-step method (see how it works). For what gets built, see ERP replacement and consolidation.
Questions about moving off ECI M1
Can thinkbridge replace ECI M1?
Yes. thinkbridge models how the shop runs, builds a system that fits and migrates the data from M1 before cutover. It can replace M1 outright or take over only the areas that don't fit.
ECI sells several ERP products. Does this cover them?
This page is written for M1. ECI also sells other manufacturing ERP products, including JobBOSS² and Deacom. thinkbridge starts from how your business runs, so ask an expert about the one you use.
Can the new system cover quoting through shipping?
Yes. thinkbridge models how your shop quotes, schedules, builds and ships, including the exceptions.
How long does an ECI M1 replacement take?
About four months to go live.
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