Packaging businesses split into two ERP camps. Converters and printers often run a packaging-specific system built around presses and plants. Distributors usually run a general ERP, such as Microsoft Business Central, Pronto Xi or Epicor Prophet 21, and add apps for the packaging parts.
This roundup covers both camps, with a focus on Microsoft Business Central because it is common among Australian mid-size businesses and has a growing set of packaging add-ons.
How we chose
We included ERPs and ERP add-ons with public evidence of use by packaging or print businesses in Australia, New Zealand or the USA. We have not ranked general ERPs against each other; the right choice depends far more on your business than on packaging. Pricing is shown only where published, and none of the vendors below publishes it.
What to look for
- Manufacturer or distributor. Plant scheduling matters to a converter and not at all to a trader.
- Customer-specific SKUs. Printed packaging means one SKU per brand design and version.
- Stock held for brands. Check how the ERP records stock you hold on behalf of a customer.
- Apps and connections. Look at the add-ons and APIs available, not just the core product.
- Local support. An ERP is a long relationship; check who supports it in your region.
Packaging ERPs for converters
| Tool | What it does | Best for | AU and US presence | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kiwiplan | Corrugated ERP, scheduling and plant software | Mid to large box plants | Both, founded in New Zealand | Not public |
| ePS (Radius, Tharstern) | Packaging ERP, estimating and customer portal | Carton, label, flexibles and corrugated converters | US strong | Not public |
| Amtech (EnCore, Label Traxx) | Packaging and label ERP | Small to mid plants | US strong | Not public |
Kiwiplan began in Auckland in 1981 and is owned by Advantive. ePS sells its CommandCore platform with Radius at its centre to more than 700 customers. Amtech combined with Label Traxx in April 2024.
Microsoft Business Central and its packaging add-ons
| Tool | What it does | Best for | AU and US presence | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Dynamics (Business Central) | General ERP for small and mid-size businesses | Distributors and manufacturers | Both | Not captured here |
| PrintVis | Print and packaging management inside Business Central | Printers and packaging makers | Australian and New Zealand localisations | Not public |
| DynamicsPrint | Print ERP on Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations | Enterprise converters with 100 or more staff | Not confirmed | Not public |
| MachShip apps (Fenwick, DMSi) | Freight booking inside Business Central | Distributors | Australia and New Zealand | Not public |
| Wiise | Business Central localised for Australia | Australian small and mid-size businesses | Australia | Not public |
PrintVis is the one print and packaging management system built into Business Central, with more than 350 customers. Add-on offers such as Evincible Solutions add carton, label and corrugated quote templates. We found no Business Central app built for packaging distributors’ reorders, call-offs or stockholding.
General ERPs common with distributors
| Tool | What it does | Best for | AU and US presence | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronto Xi | Australian mid-market ERP | Manufacturers and distributors | Australia | Not public |
| Epicor Prophet 21 | Distribution ERP | US distributors, usually above US$10M revenue | USA | Not public |
| NetSuite | Cloud ERP | Growing businesses | Both | Not captured here |
| SAP Business One | ERP for small and mid-size businesses | Growing businesses | Both | Not captured here |
Where Otopack fits
Otopack is not an ERP and does not replace one. It works on top of whichever ERP you run and does the packaging work around it: quoting from spec sheets, proof rounds, supplier RFQs, new brand setup, reorders, call-offs and dispatch. Your ERP stays the record for customers, prices, stock and invoices. See how Otopack connects or follow one order from brief to pallet.
If you run one of these systems, see how Otopack connects: Microsoft Dynamics, PrintVis, Pronto Xi, Epicor Prophet 21, Kiwiplan, ePS, Amtech, NetSuite or SAP Business One.
