Epicor Prism Business Communications: AI-Powered RFQ Automation for Manufacturers
Epicor is bringing artificial intelligence directly into procurement workflows with Prism Business Communications, a solution designed to help manufacturers manage requests for quotations more efficiently. The AI agent is built for Epicor Kinetic and addresses a common operational challenge: managing supplier communications across fragmented email threads, attachments, spreadsheets, and disconnected processes.
Announced on September 3, 2025, the solution is part of Epicor’s broader Prism portfolio of industry-focused AI agents. Its objective is to reduce manual procurement work, improve quote visibility, and help purchasing teams make faster, more informed decisions.
Turning Supplier Emails into Structured ERP Data
Traditional RFQ processes often require procurement employees to send requests to multiple suppliers, review incoming emails, extract prices and lead times, and consolidate responses manually. Missing attachments, inconsistent formats, and incomplete quotations can introduce further delays.
Prism Business Communications uses AI to interpret supplier emails and attachments and extract relevant information, including pricing, lead times, and part identifiers. It organizes this information within Epicor Kinetic, allowing users to review supplier responses without repeatedly switching between inboxes and spreadsheets.
The solution is designed to work with familiar email communications rather than requiring suppliers to adopt a separate portal or rigid response template. <Cite refs={[“turn560265search1″,”turn560265search2”]}/>
Faster RFQ Management and Quote Comparison
Epicor’s solution supports several stages of the purchasing workflow:
- RFQ creation and distribution: Users can initiate quotation requests from Kinetic and send them to multiple suppliers.
- Automated quote processing: AI extracts relevant commercial and product details from incoming responses.
- Side-by-side comparisons: Procurement teams can review supplier prices, terms, and quote completeness in a structured format.
- Exception identification: Missing information and inconsistencies are highlighted for follow-up.
- Purchase order conversion: Accepted quotations can be converted into purchase orders within Kinetic, reducing manual re-entry.
- AI-generated summaries: Users receive concise summaries and suggested next steps to help prioritize outstanding work.
These capabilities are intended to reduce administrative effort and give procurement teams better visibility into supplier responsiveness and purchasing decisions. <Cite refs={[“turn560265search0″,”turn560265search1”]}/>
Embedded AI with a Focus on Security
Because the agent operates within the ERP workflow, supplier communications can be connected to relevant purchasing information and business processes. Epicor also highlights Azure-based security, model-agnostic flexibility, and safeguards guided by OWASP principles.
The approach reflects a wider ERP trend: moving AI beyond standalone chat interfaces and embedding it into the operational systems employees already use. Human review remains important when evaluating quotations, resolving discrepancies, and approving purchasing decisions.
Outcome-Based Pricing for Procurement Automation
Epicor differentiates Prism Business Communications through an outcomes-based pricing model. According to the company, customers pay for RFQs that convert into purchase orders rather than simply paying based on usage or effort.
For manufacturers, this pricing approach connects the solution’s commercial model to a measurable procurement outcome. Organizations should nevertheless evaluate the applicable pricing terms, expected conversion rates, integration requirements, and total cost before adoption.
What This Means for Manufacturing Businesses
AI-enabled RFQ management can help purchasing teams reduce repetitive administrative work, improve quotation visibility, and respond more quickly to material requirements. It may be particularly relevant for manufacturers managing multiple suppliers, high RFQ volumes, and complex part or material requirements.
Businesses evaluating this approach should examine their existing procurement workflows, supplier response patterns, data quality, ERP configuration, and approval controls. The greatest value is likely to come from combining automation with clear purchasing policies and human oversight.
The key takeaway: Epicor Prism Business Communications illustrates how embedded AI can turn fragmented supplier communications into a more structured, ERP-connected procurement process.