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Why Companies Are Replacing aPriori with xcPEP

Disclaimer

This article is based on our own experiences and customer feedback. The information presented here reflects our understanding of the differences between xcPEP and aPriori and should not be interpreted as a definitive analysis. We encourage prospective users to evaluate both solutions independently based on their unique business needs. All trademarks and product names mentioned belong to their respective owners.

Introduction

In the world of cost engineering and product cost management, companies have long relied on aPriori for should-cost analysis. However, a growing number of enterprises are making the switch to xcPEP, citing its superior capabilities, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. This blog explores the reasons why companies are replacing aPriori with xcPEP and how it delivers a competitive edge in cost engineering.

1. xcPEP vs. aPriori: More Accurate Should-Costing for Complex Products

xcPEP Delivers Higher Precision in Cost Estimation Compared to aPriori

While aPriori provides a generic approach to cost modeling, xcPEP takes a more detailed and customizable approachthat aligns with real-world manufacturing processes. Companies that have transitioned from aPriori to xcPEP report:

More accurate cost estimates, especially for automotive, consumer durables, and off-highway vehicles
Better alignment with actual supplier costs, reducing negotiation mismatches
Stronger adaptability for new materials, processes, and emerging manufacturing technologies
Higher adaptability to organization-level IT security and integration using SSO and APIs, allowing seamless data exchange with on-premise and enterprise SaaS tools.
Ability to perform electronics should-costing, a key capability missing in aPriori.

2. xcPEP vs. aPriori: Faster Implementation and Easier Integration

Why xcPEP Integrates More Seamlessly Than aPriori

aPriori’s implementation can be time-consuming and often requires extensive configuration to fit business needs. xcPEP, on the other hand, is designed for rapid deployment and seamless integration with:

ERP, PLM, and procurement systems
Cloud-hosted environments, ensuring accessibility from anywhere
Flexible APIs, making data exchange smooth and automated between xcPEP and other enterprise systems

This means businesses can start seeing ROI in weeks rather than months.

3. xcPEP vs. aPriori: A Cloud-Native, Scalable, and Cost-Effective Solution

Built for Enterprise Security and Compliance

While aPriori relies on traditional licensing and on-premise setups, xcPEP is a modern, cloud-based solution that has undergone rigorous security assessments and has been successfully adopted by global corporations. The benefits include:

Enterprise-grade security and compliance
Lower IT overhead and maintenance costs
Scalability for enterprises of any size
Considerably lower cost compared to aPriori, ensuring a better return on investment.

4. Fully Customizable for Every Industry

Why xcPEP’s Customization Outperforms aPriori’s Generic Approach

Unlike aPriori’s generic approach, every xcPEP deployment is customized for each company's unique products, locations, and supply chain variables. This includes:

Raw material rates specific to each region
Labor rates and productivity factors for different locations
Machine libraries configured for in-house and supplier capabilities
Custom cost models that match the company’s internal processes

This ensures that xcPEP aligns perfectly with each company’s operational realities.

5. More Transparent and Customizable Cost Models

How Companies Use xcPEP Cost Labs vs. aPriori

One of the biggest complaints about aPriori is its black-box approach to cost estimation. xcPEP provides:

Full transparency into cost drivers
Customizable costing templates to match internal methodologies
User-controlled assumptions, so teams can refine their cost models as needed

This level of customization ensures that companies get cost insights that align with their specific manufacturing processes and supply chains.

6. Cost Labs: Driving Internal and Competitive Cost Reduction

Beyond Should-Costing: A Holistic Cost Engineering Platform

Many customers have built Cost Labs around xcPEP to maximize value. These labs help companies:

Conduct should-costing for their own purchases to optimize procurement
Perform should-costing on proprietary parts to strengthen supplier negotiations
Analyze competitor products to generate automated cost reduction ideas

This means that xcPEP is not just a costing tool but a strategic cost reduction enabler.

7. ASI’s In-House Services Team: A Key Differentiator

How ASI’s Support Gives xcPEP Users an Advantage Over aPriori Users

A critical advantage of switching to xcPEP is the support provided by Advanced Structures India’s in-house services team. Customers benefit from:

Seamless migration of past costing data, ensuring continuity
Setup of costing methodologies and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Knowledge-based and capacity-based services to support internal teams as needed
Periodic cost engineering support to help optimize operations and improve accuracy

This ensures that xcPEP customers experience minimal disruption and maximum efficiency when transitioning from other solutions like aPriori.

8. Superior Development and Update Cycle

xcPEP Listens to Customers and Evolves Rapidly

Another common frustration with aPriori is its slow response to customer requests and long feature development cycles. xcPEP offers:

Rapid updates based on real user feedback
Proactive customer support that helps companies maximize value
A roadmap that aligns with industry trends and emerging technologies

Companies that have switched to xcPEP often highlight better responsiveness, quicker enhancements, and a stronger customer-centric approach.

Conclusion: A Superior Apriori Alternative

The transition from aPriori to xcPEP is happening across industries for clear reasons: better accuracy, faster implementation, superior customization, AI-driven insights, and lower cost. Companies looking to optimize their product costs, improve supplier negotiations, and future-proof their cost engineering strategies are making the switch to xcPEP.

If your company is considering moving beyond aPriori, now is the time to explore xcPEP. Book a demo today and see the difference for yourself.