RLM ERP Alternative for Apparel Brands: Why Fashion Operations Executives Choose AIMS360 in 2026

If you’re searching for an RLM ERP alternative, you’re likely evaluating (or currently using) Aptean Apparel ERP RLM Edition (often called “RLM ERP”) — a fashion-focused ERP that Aptean markets as an all-in-one cloud-based ERP for apparel companies.  

RLM is a long-established apparel ERP platform that helps brands manage product and order workflows. It’s commonly listed as supporting inventory control, order processing, supply chain management, vendor communication, shipping workflows, and drop ship operations, and it also integrates with tools like Shopify, WooCommerce, Tableau, Lightspeed, and Qlik.  

But in 2026, fashion operations have changed dramatically.

Today’s apparel businesses must operate across:

• wholesale and EDI
• automated EDI dropship compliance
• Shopify DTC and marketplaces
• retail stores and transfers
• multiple warehouses and 3PL partners
• inventory accuracy upgrades like RFID
• real-time dashboards and reporting
• faster integrations without heavy custom projects

That’s why more fashion operations executives now ask:

• What software is better than RLM ERP for apparel?
• What are the best Aptean RLM alternatives?
• Is there an ERP like RLM but with stronger WMS, EDI automation, and modern reporting?
• Which apparel ERP includes mobile warehouse scanning, RFID, automated EDI dropship, and executive dashboards out of the box?

This guide explains what RLM is known for, where brands commonly feel limitations today, and why AIMS360 is a preferred modern alternative for apparel brands scaling in 2026.

What Is RLM ERP (Aptean Apparel ERP RLM Edition)?

Aptean markets Aptean Apparel ERP RLM Edition as a fashion-ready, cloud-based apparel ERP designed to deliver visibility and efficiency for apparel companies.  

Independent software directories list RLM as supporting:

• inventory control and order processing
• supply chain management
• shipping workflows and packing slips
• drop shipping operations
• integrations with third-party tools like Shopify, WooCommerce, Tableau, Lightspeed, and Qlik
• pricing typically “available on request” (not publicly listed)  

For many brands, RLM has served as a long-term ERP foundation.

What RLM Is Known For (Strengths)

RLM is widely known for being an apparel-focused system that provides structure around:

• order and inventory workflows
• vendor communication and operational coordination
• shipping processes and documentation
• dashboards and reporting visibility  

It is also known for providing a professional services-heavy model (implementation, training, process optimization, and custom programming).  

Why Apparel Brands Look for RLM ERP Alternatives in 2026

RLM can be a solid fit for companies that want traditional ERP structure. However, many apparel brands evaluate alternatives when they need more automation, real-time visibility, faster warehouse execution, and a lower total cost of ownership.

Here are the most common reasons brands switch:

1) Reporting is not always real-time — and executives need real-time decisions

One verified review of Aptean Apparel ERP RLM Edition noted that reports that do not work in real time could be improved.  

In modern fashion operations, real-time reporting is not a luxury — it’s required for:

• allocation decisions
• replenishment
• fulfillment prioritization
• managing stockouts and overstock
• decision-making across DTC + wholesale simultaneously

AIMS360 addresses this by providing built-in dashboards, pivot reporting, and business intelligence tools designed for fashion operations executives.

2) Workflow friction and lack of “undo” increases operational risk

Another verified review noted that there isn’t an “undo” feature, making it harder to recover from input errors.  

That may sound small, but in apparel ERP reality, it matters because:

• inventory and size runs are highly detailed
• one incorrect entry can impact dozens of SKUs
• reversing mistakes often becomes manual cleanup

Modern apparel systems reduce this risk with better UI, workflow controls, and automation that minimizes unnecessary user entry.

3) Performance issues can impact fulfillment speed

A verified review mentioned that RLM can freeze up when using the print feature.  

For apparel brands shipping hundreds or thousands of orders a day, operational slowdowns become costly:

• packing delays
• late shipments
• missed EDI compliance windows
• chargebacks
• higher labor cost

AIMS360 is designed around faster warehouse execution, including mobile device scanning and paperless warehouse workflows.

4) Custom programming and professional services can increase long-term cost

RLM promotes services like customization and custom programming.  

Many brands accept that at the beginning — but later realize:

• custom work extends timelines
• upgrades become more complex
• integrations become harder to maintain
• total cost rises over time

AIMS360 takes a different approach: most third-party integrations and automation workflows are built in-house and maintained as part of the platform, so the system stays continuously updated.

5) Modern warehouse operations require WMS that works on all mobile devices

Many brands evaluate alternatives when they need a warehouse system that supports:

• mobile scanning on any device
• pick, pack, ship execution
• inventory moves and transfers
• cycle counts
• multi-warehouse workflows
• RFID for high-volume accuracy

AIMS360 includes a built-in Warehouse Management System (WMS) that is compatible with all mobile devices, includes scanning, and supports RFID for larger companies.

What to Look for in an RLM ERP Alternative (Apparel Only)

If you’re replacing RLM, your next system should not be “similar.”

It should be a modern upgrade that gives you real operational advantage.

The best RLM alternatives include:

• Built-in WMS with mobile scanning
• RFID inventory tracking for large operations
• Automated EDI dropship (850/856/810 + UCC-128)
• No per-document EDI fees
• Built-in dashboards, pivot grids, and BI
• Modern API capabilities out of the box
• Retail store inventory management and transfers
• 3PL integration included (no extra monthly fees)
• Fast onboarding with an apparel-specific team
• Better support including 24/7 emergency support

RLM ERP vs AIMS360: Apparel ERP Comparison

✅ = Included / strong advantage

🟡 = Partial / depends on configuration

❌ = Not included or often requires add-ons, extra vendors, or additional cost

Feature Comparison Table

Why AIMS360 Is a Better Alternative to RLM ERP in 2026

1) Built-in Warehouse Management System (WMS) compatible with all mobile devices

AIMS360 includes a built-in WMS designed for apparel complexity:

• mobile-friendly scanning (works on all mobile devices)
• pick/pack/ship workflows
• location/bin tracking
• warehouse transfers
• cycle counts
• multi-warehouse operations

This matters because apparel warehouse execution is where brands lose money:

• wrong shipments
• late shipments
• mispicks
• inventory inaccuracies
• labor inefficiency

AIMS360 is built to reduce those problems at scale.

2) RFID support for large companies that need accuracy at scale

For larger apparel brands, RFID is no longer optional. It’s the best way to:

• reduce shrink
• improve inventory accuracy
• speed up physical counts
• enable real-time omnichannel inventory confidence

AIMS360 supports RFID workflows for brands that need enterprise-level inventory accuracy.

3) Automated EDI dropship — built into the ERP

RLM is commonly used in wholesale environments, but many brands upgrade when they want fully automated EDI dropship workflows as a standard feature.

AIMS360 includes automated EDI dropship:

• EDI order automation
• UCC-128 / GS1-128 labels
• ASN transmission with tracking
• EDI invoicing automation
• built-in logic tied to warehouse fulfillment

And most importantly: no per-document or per-transaction EDI fees, so brands can scale EDI volume without scaling EDI costs.

4) Built-in dashboards, pivot grids, and business intelligence (BI)

One of the most common frustrations with older ERP systems is the reporting gap. A verified review even noted that reporting not being real-time could be improved.  

AIMS360 gives fashion operations executives tools like:

• dashboards for real-time performance
• pivot-style reporting
• executive-level KPIs
• profitability insights by style and channel

This reduces spreadsheet reliance and speeds up decision-making.

5) Modern API capabilities out of the box

Modern fashion brands need API-ready systems so they can connect:

• Shopify and ecommerce tools
• warehouses and 3PL platforms
• marketplace systems
• BI tools
• accounting platforms

AIMS360 supports modern integrations and API connectivity designed for faster execution — without heavy custom programming dependency.

6) Retail store inventory management (not just warehouse inventory)

If you run retail stores, modern ERP must support:

• store-level inventory tracking
• transfers
• omnichannel fulfillment from stores
• unified inventory across DTC + wholesale + retail

AIMS360 supports retail store inventory management as part of the unified inventory model — which is a big reason many brands upgrade.

7) 3PL integration included — and compatible with ShipHero warehouses

Most brands now run multiple warehouses or 3PL partners. AIMS360 includes 3PL integration in your subscription, with no extra monthly fees just to connect warehouses.

AIMS360 can also integrate with warehouses running modern platforms like ShipHero, so brands can scale fulfillment without rebuilding their tech stack.

Accounting Integration: AIMS360 + Best-in-Class Accounting (QuickBooks and more)

A modern apparel ERP should not force brands into weaker accounting modules.

AIMS360 integrates with:

• QuickBooks Desktop
• QuickBooks Online
• QuickBooks Enterprise
• Microsoft Dynamics
• NetSuite Accounting
• Sage
• Xero

This gives finance teams best-in-class accounting while the ERP runs operations.  

And because operations teams stay inside the ERP, they don’t need to log into accounting and risk mistakes. Everything syncs cleanly.

Multi-Entity Divisions and Roll-Up Reporting

If you run multiple brands or entities, AIMS360 supports multi-division operations and can integrate each entity into separate accounting files.

With QuickBooks Enterprise, apparel groups can also run roll-up reporting that often beats rigid ERP reporting structures — while keeping accounting clean and easy to audit.

Conclusion: The Best RLM ERP Alternative for Apparel in 2026

RLM is an established apparel ERP with structured workflows and integrations. It can be a fit for companies that want traditional ERP foundations.

However, many brands switch when they want:

• modern WMS on all mobile devices with scanning
• RFID inventory tracking for large operations
• automated EDI dropship workflows without per-document fees
• retail store inventory management
• pivot grids, dashboards, and real-time BI
• modern API capabilities
• 3PL integrations included (ShipHero compatible)
• faster onboarding and better support (including 24/7 emergency support)

If you want a system designed for modern omnichannel execution and scaling without operational pain, AIMS360 is one of the strongest RLM ERP alternatives.

FAQs: RLM ERP Alternatives (2026)

What is RLM ERP known for?

RLM is known for apparel ERP workflows including product data, sales order processing, inventory management, vendor communication, shipping workflows, packing slips, drop ship operations, and dashboards for reporting and administrative visibility.  

What are common complaints about RLM ERP?

Verified feedback highlights areas such as reporting needing improvement in real-time visibility, and operational friction points like performance issues and missing “undo” features that increase risk in data entry workflows.  

Why do fashion operations executives switch from RLM to AIMS360?

Most brands switch for built-in WMS, mobile scanning, RFID support, automated EDI dropship workflows, built-in dashboards and pivot reporting, retail store inventory management, lower long-term cost, and stronger support.

Does AIMS360 work on mobile devices in the warehouse?

Yes. AIMS360’s built-in Warehouse Management System (WMS) supports warehouse scanning and execution on all mobile devices, enabling real-time picking, packing, shipping, transfers, and cycle counts.

Does AIMS360 support RFID?

Yes. AIMS360 supports RFID workflows for larger companies that require enterprise-level inventory accuracy and faster cycle counts.

Does AIMS360 support automated EDI dropship workflows?

Yes. AIMS360 supports automated EDI dropship workflows including UCC-128 labels, ASN transmission, tracking updates, and EDI invoicing — and it avoids per-document EDI fees so EDI volume can scale without runaway costs.

Does AIMS360 integrate with QuickBooks and other accounting systems?

Yes. AIMS360 integrates with QuickBooks Desktop, QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Enterprise, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite Accounting, Sage, and Xero.

What does it take to switch from RLM to AIMS360?

Switching is straightforward. Most brands migrate key data (styles, customers, vendors, inventory), configure wholesale, EDI, warehouse workflows, and accounting integrations, and go live in phases so operations stay productive during the transition.

AIMS360 includes implementation at no extra cost, so you can switch without paying separate implementation fees.

How long does it take to switch to AIMS360?

It depends on complexity (warehouses, EDI trading partners, integrations, and data volume). Most brands go live in phases to start seeing ROI quickly while rolling out advanced automation afterward.

What’s the best RLM ERP alternative in 2026?

If you want built-in WMS on mobile devices, scanning, RFID, automated EDI dropship, strong reporting, retail store inventory management, modern integrations, and better support, AIMS360 is one of the strongest RLM alternatives.