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8.4
Editor’s Rating:
Best Overall
SYSPRO
  • Cloud, on-premise, or hybrid deployment
  • Accessible from any device
  • Parallel accounting supports both IFRS and global local regulations
8.2
Editor’s Rating:
Also Great
Global Shop Solutions ERP Software
  • Support for 30 industries and more than 25 countries
  • Windows and cloud deployment
  • Designed primarily for manufacturing industry
7.7
Editor’s Rating:
Best Ease of Use
JobBOSS² Shop Management
  • Detailed cost reports with access to historical data
  • Logical database structure
  • User-friendly interface

1 SYSPRO - Best Overall

SYSPRO is a flexible ERP system built for distributors and manufacturers. SYSPRO Delivers advanced tools to help users integrate AI, ML, cloud, IoT, and more into their ERP. Serving a variety of manufacturing industries, SYSPRO addresses discrete as well as mixed-mode operations. For distributors, SYSPRO maximizes profitability with inventory optimization tools.

Best Overall:
SYSPRO
★★★★★
★★★★★
(13)

Sales Order
Employee Performance
Schedule
Customer Query
AR Customer Maintenance
Stock Take
Structures & Routing
SYSPRO Overview
What We Like
Cloud, on-premise, or hybrid deployment
Accessible from any device
Parallel accounting supports both IFRS and global local regulations
Overview
Price Range: $$$$
Starting Price: $199/user/month
Client OS: Windows, Web

2 Global Shop Solutions - Also Great

Global Shop Solutions is an ERP system used to simplify manufacturing processes and ensure parts are delivered on time. Manage your shop, inventory, scheduling, accounting, CRM, quality control, and more, all with this complete system. Whether you choose on-premise or cloud, you can benefit from increased sales, improved delivery times, inventory accuracy, and lower administrative costs.

Also Great:
Global Shop Solutions ERP Software
★★★★★
★★★★★
(3)

Main Menu (Dark)
KPI
Workcenters
Supply and Demand
CRM
What We Like
Support for 30 industries and more than 25 countries
Windows and cloud deployment
Designed primarily for manufacturing industry
Overview
Price Range: $$$$$
Client OS: Web, Windows, iOS, Android

3 JobBOSS² - Best Ease of Use

JobBOSS² is a cloud-based ERP software designed to help make-to-order manufacturers and job shops maximize profits, increase productivity, and scale effectively. For accurate estimates and quotes, JobBOSS² gives users access to historical data and detailed cost reports. Shop floor tasks can be automated with workflows for inventory tracking, sales reports, managing materials, and more.

Best Ease of Use:
JobBOSS² Shop Management
★★★★★
★★★★★
(14)

Scheduling
Read Only Feature
Ordering
Order Breakdown
Modifiable Dashboard
Dashboard
Adjustable Scheduling Dashboard
What We Like
Detailed cost reports with access to historical data
Logical database structure
User-friendly interface
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Starting Price: $4,995 (perpetual license)
Client OS: Web, Windows

What is Job Shop Software?

Job shop software facilitates the complex processes of job shops and machine shops with manufacturing functionalities like job costing and estimating, inventory management, order management, scheduling, and material resource planning. While some of this functionality is offered by general manufacturing software, specific solutions are necessary to address the unique needs of job shops.

Job and machine shops are different from other types of manufacturing businesses since they often specialize in make-to-order or engineer-to-order manufacturing. This real-time demand makes it significantly more difficult to plan ahead for materials you'll need for a project, provide accurate estimates and quotes to clients, determine ROI, and predict labor requirements. Having the right job shop software will ease many of the challenges you face on a daily basis.

Features of Job Shop Software

Feature Functionality
Manufacturing Accounting Track your expenses and revenue with accounts receivable, accounts payable, and general ledger modules.
Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) Calculate and plan material requirements, and coordinate machine workloads and personnel.
Bill of Materials Provides instructions on the materials and assemblies required to create a product.
Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) Includes shop-floor control, scheduling, and corrective action guidance for performance and quality improvement.
Job Costing Assigns costs to materials, labor, and equipment needed to improve cost control and monitor the profitability of a job.
Inventory Management Tracks the materials and parts you have on-hand, so you can order more when needed.
Work Order Management Includes features like scheduling management, change orders, rules-based approval management, and reporting.
Purchase Orders Track important order information including costs, payment terms, type of product, product quantities, delivery timeframes, and vendor info.
Quoting Create an accurate quote based on the cost of materials, equipment, and labor needed to complete the job.
Project Management Coordinate the execution of tasks including planning, scheduling, quality management, document sharing, and time tracking; Common for engineer-to-order jobs.

Benefits of Job Shop Software

  • Accurate estimating and job costing. You know that quoting too low can make you lose money, but quoting too high is also an issue. If your quotes are significantly higher than your competition, you won't be able to close sales. Finding the right balance is easier with job shop software. You'll have a record of how much it actually costs to manufacture similar products, as well as have records of the costs of the materials, equipment, and labor you have available at the moment.
  • Put out quotes faster. Providing accurate quotes with a quick turnaround time will help you land more work. Job shop software has all of the records and documentation you need about the cost to complete a project, making quoting easier and faster. You don't have to spend hours, or even days, finding all the data you need and putting it together into a quote.
  • Complete more jobs on time. Managing production schedules on paper, in a spreadsheet, or on a whiteboard is not an efficient way to manage your jobs. Job shop software keeps track of production deadlines and lets you create reports on current projects to see if any issues might make the job late, allowing you to take corrective action to avoid delay.
  • Accurately determine ROI for your jobs. With job shop software, you can easily keep tabs on how much you're spending on a project vs. how much you made on a project down to the materials, labor, equipment, and any other expenses used to complete the job. This information provides valuable insight into where you're gaining and losing money, so you can make adjustments to pricing as needed.
  • More accurate billing. Job shop software tracks labor, equipment, and material costs back to specific production jobs to ensure accurate billing and cost capture.
  • Guidance in business development decision-making efforts. With job shop software, you will be able to project revenues and expenses in order to provide meaningful targets for performance management.
JobBOSS Software
Schedule jobs with JobBOSS shop management software.

Solving Common Pain Points with Software

In addition to the main benefits provide by job shop software, these solutions can solve common pain points:

  • Charging too much or too little for a job. Job shops and machine shops lose money when they make bad estimates. Job shop software identifies the costs of raw materials needed to provide accurate quotes, so you can develop competitive bids and see a better ROI.
  • Bottlenecks from sending scheduling and deadline information through one person. In many job shops, scheduling and deadline information is sent through a single supervisor or manager with an Excel spreadsheet. Too much being given to one person can result in bottlenecks which delay the lead times and slows down the manufacturing process. Job shop scheduling software coordinates amongst the entire team digitally, eliminating the one-person bottleneck.
  • Unexpected schedule changes. If an unforeseen issue arises during production, the entire schedule can be thrown off. Job management software keeps all of your scheduling deadlines well-organized, allowing you to move other projects around as needed to avoid delays.
  • The unpredictability of material and process requirements. Custom made-to-order products make it difficult to predict what materials and equipment you'll need for any particular project. Inventory management in job shop software lets you see what you have on-hand if any of the required materials are similar to other projects you've done.

What Does Your Business Need?

  • Small manufacturers: If you're a small or medium-sized job shop or machine shop, you'll want a software solution that keeps you organized to keep schedules on time and ensure you see a good ROI on all of your projects. Look for job shop software that has job costing, order tracking, and scheduling. A module-based software is ideal as it will let you add features as you grow. If you want to continue using QuickBooks or another software system, find a solution that will integrate easily.
  • Large businesses: Large job shops and machine shops should look for a solution that features a manufacturing execution system (MES) and an extensive MRP to improve production planning, workflow management, and quality management, as well as streamline the manufacturing process through production scheduling and purchase planning. Look for a solution that can be customized to the unique needs of your existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) as well.
Shoptech E2 Shop System Software
E2 Shop System gives you a clear overview of your vendors, customers, and shop.

Recent Industry Trends

  • Additive manufacturing technologies: According to Modern Machine Shop, 37% of Top Shops surveyed were using additive manufacturing and 3D printing equipment in 2017, up from 19% in 2016. About 74% of those using these technologies also 3D print their own fixturing and tooling. Additive manufacturing will improve the efficiency of your job shop by providing rapid prototype development and making manufacturing completely custom parts easier and at a lower cost.

  • Automation is becoming more accessible: Industry Today's article "Trends for Custom Manufacturers in 2018" noted that automation options are becoming a more affordable way to improve efficiency for job shop manufacturers. More businesses are incorporating things like work-holding devices, SMT (surface mount technology) systems (also referred to as pick-and-place machines), and automatic tool changers into their manufacturing operations.

Can QuickBooks be Used as Job Shop Software?

QuickBooks Enterprise is branded as a manufacturing accounting software and is popular with smaller job shops for managing accounts payable, accounts receivable, basic inventory, purchasing, and sales orders.

Medium to large businesses find QuickBooks lacks important core functionalities of job shop software, like material requirements planning, equipment maintenance, engineering, and production management. In fact, many manufacturing companies eventually replace QuickBooks with another solution like a true ERP system.

Manufacturer QuickBooks Replacement Choices
Many manufacturers replace QuickBooks.

All Products

No products found
INDUSTRIOS ERP Screenshot
INDUSTRIOS ERP is a robust, proven and complete set of manufacturing operations software applications, integrated with Sage 300cloud and QuickBooks Enterprise for treasury functions. INDUSTRIOS ERP helps discrete manufacturers better manage and control…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$177.95/user/month
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
On-Premises
Fishbowl Inventory Screenshot

Fishbowl Inventory

★★★★★
★★★★★
(20)
As companies grow they find that the QuickBooks Inventory control capabilities are no longer sufficient for their inventory control needs. They expand beyond multiple locations, the number of products they stock increases, they move into manufacturing…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$4,395 (perpetual license)
Client OS
Mac, Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Genius ERP Screenshot

Genius ERP

★★★★★
★★★★★
(15)
Genius Solutions delivers a complete enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution, including software, implementation services, and field expertise for small to mid-sized custom manufacturers across the US and Canada. Genius ERP is built for SME…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$1,500/user/year
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
JobBOSS² Shop Management Screenshot

JobBOSS² Shop Management

★★★★★
★★★★★
(14)
ECI Shoptech brings together industry-leading solutions E2 SHOP and JobBOSS to create the next evolution in job shop business management: JobBOSS². Designed specifically for job shops and make-to-order manufacturers, JobBOSS² is a trusted, cloud-based…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$4,995 (perpetual license)
Client OS
Web, Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Katana Manufacturing ERP Screenshot

Katana Manufacturing ERP

★★★★★
★★★★★
(6)
Katana is a manufacturing ERP to help get inventory control over materials and products in real time. Manage orders, raw materials, finished products, production recipes, manufacturing, sales, and stock. The solution integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$99/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
QT9 ERP Screenshot
QT9 ERP is a complete cloud-based or on-premise ERP software that helps businesses integrate data from multiple systems into one flexible and user-friendly platform. QT9 ERP includes modules to help a wide variety of professionals manage business…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$2,050/user/year
Client OS
Web, Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Total ETO Screenshot

Total ETO

★★★★★
★★★★★
(6)
Total ETO (formerly Questica ETO) is an ERP and MRP solution designed exclusively for Engineer To Order (ETO) and Custom Design Manufacturers. Featuring a nested BOM for each Job, Integration with CAD systems such as SolidWorks and Inventor, Consolidated…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$85/user/month
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
On-Premises
Aptean Industrial Manufacturing ERP Screenshot
Aptean Industrial Manufacturing ERP solutions meet your specific industry needs, as well as maintain profitability, streamline the supply chain and de-risk business operations. Their solutions deliver complete visibility into your shop floor, leading to…
Client OS
Mac, Windows, iOS, Android
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Plex Cloud ERP Screenshot
Plex Cloud ERP is a cloud manufacturing ERP software that helps lower costs while scaling seamlessly with your business. In a time when manufacturers are beset by an uncertain economy rising steel prices, and global competition, Plexus Online is a…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$3,000/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
Seradex ERP Software Screenshot
In 1992, Seradex became the first company to release a 100% Microsoft based ERP software package. Seradex software is designed from the ground up to use industry standard development tools and to integrate with industry standard applications. Seradex ERP…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
ManuDyn Cloud 9 Screenshot

ManuDyn Cloud 9

ManuDyn Cloud9 Is a Web-Based, MRP2 Solution Specifically Designed for Job Shop Manufacturers. From its beginnings in 1987, the ManuDyn family of manufacturing solutions has encompassed all of the necessary management, administrative & process tools…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
E2 Shop System Screenshot

E2 Shop System

★★★★★
★★★★★
(15)
The E2 Shop System enables shop owners to effectively control all aspects of shop activity, while simultaneously and effectively managing profitability. Whether it’s your front office or shop floor that you’re concerned about, the fully integrated E2 Shop…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$4,995 (perpetual license)
Client OS
Mac, Web, Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
SecturaFAB Screenshot
SecturaFAB integrated with your ERP creates a streamlined process for quote, work order and invoice creation. A one-way sync allows for organizational data to be push from your ERP to SecturaFAB. Within SecturaFAB, specialized quoting for the metal…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$3,995/user/year
Client OS
Mac, Web, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
WinMan Screenshot

WinMan

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
A highly capable solution, WinMan ERP software supports your business processes. WinMan provides visibility of data across the business empowering people to make informed, timely decisions. WinMan increases productivity, profitability and efficiency…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Global Shop Solutions ERP Software Screenshot

Global Shop Solutions ERP Software

★★★★★
★★★★★
(3)
Global Shop Solutions simplifies your manufacturing. Global Shop Solutions ERP software provides the applications needed to deliver a quality part on time, every time from quote to cash and everything in between including shop management, scheduling…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Web, Windows, iOS, Android
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Qview Screenshot

Qview

A Solution for High Mix Multi Station Shops. QView is an easy to use solution that allows your company to create orders that flow from Sales into Production and thru to order completion. The solution is designed with flexibility in mind as no two…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$150/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
Prodsmart Screenshot

Prodsmart

★★★★★
★★★★★
(4)
Prodsmart is the SMB manufacturers gateway to digitization. Its a complete, modular solution that gets any production environment ready for the future of manufacturing. Prodsmart empowers SMBs with data. By gathering insight on their entire production…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$600/month
Client OS
Web, iOS, Android
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
MIE Trak Pro Screenshot
MIE Trak Pro lets you run your manufacturing business through a modern workflow, robust capabilities, a connected supply chain, and enhanced teamwork. The solution is used by job shops, metal fabricators, and others in similar industries to improve their…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$5,000/user (perpetual license)
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Fulcrum Screenshot

Fulcrum

★★★★★
★★★★★
(4)
Fulcrum is a cloud-based ERP, MRP, and MES solution developed by Atlas Solutions for small to mid-sized manufacturers. This solution improves efficiency through automated data collection and workflow optimization. The manufacturing industry is full of…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
TRIMIT Furniture Screenshot
Customers—whether it is in the B2B or B2C market—often demand customized solutions that exactly match their needs. As a Kitchen or other Furniture manufacturer or dealer, you strive to meet their needs by offering kitchens and furniture in a variety of…
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted

We searched and searched, but we couldn’t find any products in our database that match your criteria. Perhaps our team of software experts can help? They’d be happy to provide a list of free job shop software recommendations that meet your exact requirements.

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