Preparing for the Epicor Smart Client Sunset in 2026
The countdown is on. The plan to retire the legacy Epicor Smart Client by 2026 signals a major shift for manufacturers relying on Kinetic ERP. What might feel like a simple interface update is a much broader leap into a modern, cloud-first strategy, one that redefines how users interact with enterprise data and workflows.
So why phase out the Smart Client? The answer lies in Epicor’s vision for a more accessible, secure, and intuitive experience. The classic interface, while reliable, has grown out of sync with how manufacturers operate today. In its place, Epicor is introducing a sleek browser-based UI that supports flexible access from any device, improves onboarding for new users, and unlocks the power of integrated cloud services like Azure. It is a move designed not just for convenience, but to foster agility and resilience across operations.
Transitioning to the new UI requires deliberate planning. A key starting point is evaluating which screens, reports, and customizations still depend on the older interface. Some may already have browser-based counterparts, while others might need rebuilding with Application Studio, Epicor’s low-code tool for personalization. Speaking of Application Studio, this will soon become the heart of ERP customization, letting teams drag and drop interface elements or embed workflows without touching code.
As with any platform change, preparing your workforce is essential. Training is available from Epicor and through preview environments, which give employees hands-on experience before the final switch. Addressing user feedback early reduces friction and builds confidence in the modern design.
Security is also getting an upgrade. Epicor’s browser-first approach aligns with modern standards like Zero Trust architecture, meaning it is the perfect moment to reevaluate role-based permissions, multi-factor authentication, and audit logging to reinforce your compliance posture.
For those still hosting Epicor on-premises, this UI shift may serve as the ideal gateway to a broader cloud modernization effort. Migrating to Azure unlocks scalability, availability, and access to intelligent services like Epicor Prism, an emerging AI tool that simplifies system queries and automates tasks.
The retirement of Smart Client is not a loss; it is a launchpad. By embracing browser-based Epicor Kinetic, manufacturers gain a more powerful, future-ready ERP experience. With thoughtful preparation and a strong change management strategy, organizations can transform a UI transition into a competitive advantage that lasts well beyond 2026.
Waiting until 2026 to transition from Epicor’s Smart Client to the modern browser-based interface risks more than just a time crunch, it can derail productivity, increase technical debt, and create unnecessary friction for end users. Early planning means your team can adapt gradually, test configurations, and avoid costly last-minute disruptions. As an Epicor Platinum Elite Partner, 2W Tech specializes in guiding manufacturers through ERP transitions with precision and ease. From interface redesign to user training and cloud readiness, our experts ensure your shift to Epicor Kinetic is seamless, strategic, and aligned with your business goals.
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