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Modern Cloud ERP to Replace Eclipse for Electrical Distributors

Home   •   Electrical ERP   •   Modern Cloud ERP to Replace Eclipse for Electrical Distributors

Eclipse served you well, but the world has changed. Today you need cloud access, real-time data, built-in eCommerce, and AI insights—without server headaches and expensive customizations. Ximple is the modern ERP electrical distributors are switching to.

Why Electrical Distributors Are Leaving Eclipse

Eclipse has been a dominant ERP in electrical distribution for decades. But distributors are increasingly frustrated with challenges that come from aging architecture and on-premise deployment.

Server Maintenance Burden

Managing servers, backups, patches, and upgrades takes IT time and budget that could go toward growth.

Remote Access Struggles

VPN connections are slow and unreliable. Remote workers and branch staff struggle with access issues.

Limited Reporting

Getting data out of Eclipse means exports, spreadsheets, and manual work. No real-time dashboards.

Dated User Interface

Green-screen style interfaces make training harder and frustrate younger employees.

Slow Performance

As data grows, Eclipse slows down. Month-end processing, reporting, and searches take longer every year.

Expensive Customizations

Every change requires expensive consulting. Simple modifications cost thousands and take months.

No Built-in eCommerce

Connecting a web store requires expensive middleware that’s never quite in sync with ERP.

No AI or Modern Analytics

No demand forecasting, no margin AI, no proactive alerts. You’re managing by looking backward.

Sound Familiar? These aren’t failures of Eclipse—they’re limitations of on-premise, legacy architecture. The good news: you don’t have to live with them anymore.

Eclipse ERP vs. Ximple ERP: Feature Comparison

See how Ximple compares to Eclipse across the capabilities that matter most to electrical distributors.

Capability Eclipse ERP Ximple ERP
Deployment On-premise servers you maintain Cloud-native; no servers to manage
User Interface Traditional character-based screens Modern web interface; intuitive design
Remote Access VPN required; often slow Browser-based; fast from anywhere
Updates & Upgrades Manual; scheduled downtime required Automatic; zero downtime
Matrix Pricing Supported but complex to configure Supported with easier management UI
SPAs & Rebates Supported with add-on modules Built-in with automated tracking
IDW / Trade Service Integration available Native integration with auto-sync
B2B eCommerce Third-party; requires middleware Built-in contractor portal
PunchOut & EDI Supported via partners Native support; no middleware
Warehouse Management Basic WMS included Full barcode WMS with mobile
Real-Time Dashboards Limited; requires BI tools Built-in role-based dashboards
AI Demand Forecasting Not available Built-in AI forecasting
AI Margin Protection Not available Automatic leakage detection
Implementation Time 6-12+ months typical 12-16 weeks typical
IT Overhead High (servers, backups, patches) Minimal (cloud-managed)

Built for Electrical Distribution: Ximple was developed with input from NAED, IMARK, and AD members. It’s not a generic ERP adapted for distribution—it’s purpose-built for how electrical wholesalers operate.

What You Gain by Switching to Ximple

Zero

Servers to maintain

75%

Faster month-end close

50%

Less IT overhead

Real-time

Data instead of exports

Cloud Freedom

Access ERP from any device, anywhere. No VPN, no slow connections, no “server is down” emergencies.

Modern Experience

Intuitive interface that new employees learn in days, not months. Less training, fewer mistakes.

Built-in eCommerce

Contractor portal with real-time pricing and ATP—no middleware to maintain or reconcile.

AI-Powered Insights

Demand forecasting, margin protection, and proactive alerts that Eclipse simply can’t provide.

Automatic Updates

Always on the latest version with new features delivered continuously—no upgrade projects.

Lower Total Cost

Predictable subscription vs. unpredictable server, maintenance, and customization costs.

Why Distributors Made the Switch

We needed an ERP that could support multiple companies without adding layers of complexity. Ximple made that easy. We now operate three companies on one platform, and our team moves between them with confidence. Shared accounting and effortless cross-coverage have improved our efficiency and reduced downtime. It’s a straightforward system that delivers meaningful operational value.

John Thomson, First Electric Supply

Ximple has brought clarity, consistency, and efficiency to our operation. The system is easy for our team to use, reduces manual work, and gives us the real-time visibility we need to make confident decisions. It’s a modern ERP that delivers value without adding complexity.

Geoff Calhoun, President, House Electric

Eclipse to Ximple: The Migration Process

Moving from Eclipse doesn’t have to be disruptive. Ximple’s team handles the technical heavy lifting while your business continues operating normally.

Week 1-2
Discovery

Map data, review customizations, plan migration

Week 3-6
Configuration

Set up Ximple to match your workflows

Week 7-10
Data Migration

Move masters, history, open transactions

Week 11-13
Testing & Training

Validate data, train teams by role

Week 14-16
Go-Live

Cutover with on-site support

What Gets Migrated

Customer and vendor master data
Item master with IDW/Trade Service mapping
Pricing rules, contracts, and SPAs
Inventory levels by branch/location
Open orders and purchase orders
AR/AP open items
Historical transactions (configurable)

Alternates and pricing intelligence speed decisions.

What About Customizations?

We review every customization during discovery
Many Eclipse customizations aren’t needed—Ximple includes the functionality natively
True custom requirements are evaluated for inclusion or alternative approaches
You won’t lose functionality that matters to your business

Parallel Operation: Most distributors run Eclipse and Ximple in parallel for 1-2 weeks before full cutover. This ensures confidence and allows for final validation before retiring Eclipse.

Common Concerns About Leaving Eclipse

“Eclipse knows electrical distribution”

So does Ximple. Built with NAED, IMARK, and AD members, Ximple handles matrix pricing, SPAs, rebates, IDW integration, branch ATP, and project management—all natively.

“We have years of customizations”

Many Eclipse customizations become unnecessary because Ximple includes the functionality. We evaluate every customization and ensure you don’t lose what matters.

“What about our integrations?”

Ximple has pre-built connectors for common integrations (payment processors, tax engines, shipping carriers). Custom integrations are evaluated during discovery.

“Migration will disrupt operations”

Ximple’s migration team handles the technical work while you focus on business. Most go-lives happen over a weekend with minimal disruption.

“Is cloud really secure?”

Ximple uses enterprise-grade security: SOC 2 compliance, encryption, automatic backups, and 24/7 monitoring. Most cloud ERP is more secure than on-premise.

“Our team knows Eclipse”

Ximple’s modern interface is easier to learn. Most users are productive within days. And they won’t miss the green screens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do electrical distributors switch from Eclipse ERP?

Common reasons include aging infrastructure requiring server maintenance, slow performance as data grows, difficulty with remote access, complex and expensive customizations, and lack of modern features like built-in eCommerce, real-time dashboards, and AI analytics.

How long does it take to migrate from Eclipse to Ximple?

Most Eclipse-to-Ximple migrations complete in 12-16 weeks, including data migration, configuration, testing, and training. Ximple’s team handles the technical migration while your business continues operating normally.

Will our pricing rules and SPAs migrate from Eclipse?

Yes. Ximple supports complex matrix pricing, customer contracts, SPAs, and rebate programs. Your existing pricing structures are mapped and migrated, often with improvements to how rules are managed.

What about our Eclipse customizations?

During discovery, Ximple reviews every customization. Many become unnecessary because Ximple includes the functionality natively. True custom requirements are evaluated for inclusion or alternative approaches.

Is Ximple as capable as Eclipse for electrical distribution?

Yes. Ximple was built specifically for electrical distribution with input from NAED, IMARK, and AD members. It includes matrix pricing, SPAs, rebates, IDW/Trade Service integration, branch ATP, WMS, and project management—plus capabilities Eclipse lacks.

How does pricing compare to Eclipse?

Ximple uses predictable subscription pricing with no server costs, no upgrade fees, and no surprise maintenance charges. Total cost of ownership is typically lower than Eclipse when you factor in IT overhead and customization costs.

What if we have problems after go-live?

Ximple provides intensive support during the first 30 days post-go-live, plus ongoing support via phone, email, and chat. You’re not left on your own after implementation.

Can we see Ximple before committing to migrate?

Absolutely. We offer personalized demos configured for electrical distribution, including your types of products, pricing scenarios, and workflows. Request a demo to see how Ximple would work for your business.

Explore Ximple Capabilities

Pricing, SPAs & Rebates →

Easier matrix pricing than Eclipse

B2B eCommerce →

Built-in portal Eclipse can’t match

Cloud + AI →

Analytics Eclipse doesn’t have

Ready to Explore Life After Eclipse?

See how Ximple compares for your specific situation. We’ll configure a demo around your product mix, pricing complexity, and operational requirements.

Considering an Eclipse alternative?