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8.1
Editor’s Rating:
Best Overall
ECI M1
  • User-friendly inventory tracking
  • Responsive customer support
  • Easily access sales & marketing data
7.7
Editor’s Rating:
Best for Excel Users
Epicor Kinetic
  • Seamless workflow for ordering and tracking parts
  • Customizable and extensive reporting
  • Easily-integrated with applications like Excel
7.4
Editor’s Rating:
Best Cloud-Based
Infor CloudSuite Industrial (SyteLine)
  • Functionality for a broad range of industries
  • Scalable for growing businesses
  • Ideal for mid-market to enterprise level companies

1 ECI M1 - Best Overall

ECI M1 is a business system designed to control inventory of raw materials and finished goods, manage customer and supplier relationships, and monitor real-time operations. Easily integrated with applications like Microsoft Word® and Microsoft Outlook®, M1 CRM delivers robust scheduling accuracy and efficiency on the shop floor.

Essential functions include advanced planning and scheduling, product configuration, system security, and quoting and estimating. M1 CRM capabilities also cover inventory, job, labor, customer, and order management.

Best Overall:
ECI M1
★★★★★
★★★★★
(13)

Business Analysis Graphs
User Security
Scheduling Board
Powerful Search Grids
Reports
Start Page
Entry Screen
What We Like
User-friendly inventory tracking
Responsive customer support
Easily access sales & marketing data
Overview
Price Range: $$$$
Starting Price: $5,000/month
Client OS: Windows

2 Kinetic - Best for Excel Users

Kinetic (formerly Epicor E10 ERP) is a global enterprise planning resource that provides up-to-the-minute metrics on your company's performance. Available on premise, hosted, or in the cloud, this solution adheres to IAS, IFRS, GAAP, and international trade standards.

Kinetic offers oversight into a variety of features, including compliance, financial, enterprise performance, maintenance, master data, multicompany, production, and customer relationship management (CRM). Quality assurance and planning and scheduling capabilities allow you to streamline your workflows.

Best for Excel Users:
Kinetic
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(6)

Dashboard
Accounts Receivable
Shop Load
Purchase Order
Supplier Relationship Management
Shop Floor Interface (MES)
Kanban Warehouse Monitor
Job Scheduling Board
CRM Flight Control
What We Like
Seamless workflow for ordering and tracking parts
Customizable and extensive reporting
Easily-integrated with applications like Excel
Overview
Price Range: $$$$
Starting Price: $175/user/month
Client OS: Mac, Web, Windows, iOS, Android

3 Infor SyteLine - Best Cloud-Based

Infor CloudSuite Industrial (SyteLine) is a manufacturing ERP software utilized by over 5,000 mid-market to enterprise level companies all over the globe. Requiring less customization and shorter implementation time, Infor SyteLine boosts forecasting accuracy and speed, optimizes inventory management, and allows you to efficiently meet customer demand.

Available through Software as a Service (SaaS) hosted and subscription models, Infor SyteLine features include advanced planning and scheduling, product configuration, field service management, and quality control systems.

Best Cloud-Based:
Infor Syteline
★★★★★
★★★★★
(4)

Product Configuration
Inventory
PL Projection
Estimate
Customer Service Homepage
What We Like
Functionality for a broad range of industries
Scalable for growing businesses
Ideal for mid-market to enterprise level companies
Overview
Price Range: $$$$$
Starting Price: $25,000/user (perpetual license)
Client OS: Web, Windows

What Is Manufacturing ERP Software?

Manufacturing ERP software is a tool meant to prevent machine downtime and improve upon the quality and efficiency of the products being created by your business. Sometimes known as manufacturing resource planning (MRP) software, most manufacturing software tracks your raw materials against current stock levels to ensure you always have what you need for production on-hand and don't have to wait on materials to start a new order. Manufacturing systems can also keep records of in-progress work orders and finished products.

Over 70% of buyers listed purchase planning, demand forecasting, and master production scheduling as required features when seeking a software solution. Manufacturing ERP software buyers also look for functionalities related to general business processes as well, with 54% of buyers wanting purchase order capabilities and 60% looking for accounting and order management.

Manufacturing ERP software for production planning and scheduling helps estimate the quantity and timing of material and labor inputs you need to complete jobs as efficiently as possible. This is typically used by manufacturers which specialize in made-to-order/engineer-to-order/custom products and large amounts of small or limited runs of products.

Katana MRP Sales order Dashboard Manufacturing ERP Software
View the real-time status of sales orders in Katana MRP.

Are MRP and Manufacturing ERP Software The Same?

When some businesses refer to manufacturing ERP software, they are actually referring to a manufacturing or material resource planning solution, shortened to MRP software. Though there are similarities, MRP provides purchase planning, demand forecasting, and overall shop floor control. Some will also include business management applications such as accounting, human resources, and payroll.

In contrast, manufacturing ERP software covers a wide range of applications and functionalities which together can be thought of as an industry-specific ERP software. The user-friendly tools available for managing the manufacturing process can be even more varied depending on the type of manufacturing software your business needs.

Unfortunately, businesses started to refer to any manufacturing products as "MRP", which has blurred the lines between what the software truly is, if it's a general manufacturing software, or a completely separate ERP software. In fact, some providers may refer to their product as a manufacturing ERP software, which simply means it's a manufacturing solution that can handle a variety of tasks. Not sure what you need? Talk with a software expert at Software Connect.

IQMS EnterpriseIQ Manfacturing ERP Software
IQMS EnterpriseIQ can provide manufacturing scheduling and production planning.

Features of Manufacturing ERP Software

Feature Functionality
MRP Provides complete integration and visibility of the production process. Includes purchase planning, production planning, demand forecasting, shop floor control, and equipment maintenance scheduling. Ties in with a broad range of financial management functionalities including accounting (for monitoring job costs and purchase orders for proper inventory control), invoicing, and order processing (demand forecasting).
MES Improves performance and quality with functionalities like scheduling, corrective action guidance, and shop-floor control. Occasionally purchased as a standalone software to be integrated alongside MRP systems.
Inventory Management Keeps track of the on-hand physical inventory levels of raw materials and finished goods for manufacturing production orders.
Quality Management Includes safety and quality control features like compliance and risk analysis, quality objectives, workflow management, monitoring and reporting, parts non-conformance, corrective action management, and approval management to ensure regulatory compliance and reduce the risk of defects and errors.
Bill of Materials Provides instructions on the materials and assemblies needed to manufacture a product.
Epicor Kinetic Shop Load Manufacturing ERP Software
Epicor Kinetic (formerly Epicor ERP) allows you to manage shop loads.

Benefits of Manufacturing ERP Software

The right manufacturing ERP software can give your shop a competitive edge by increasing operational efficiency all along the production lifecycle. A manufacturing management software solution can further improve your manufacturing operations via a strong supply chain management. And a better supply chain process starts with a strong production management tool:

Company-Wide Visibility and Collaboration

Decision-makers for manufacturing companies need better visibility into key performance indicators (KPIs) both in the back office and on the manufacturing floor. An integrated manufacturing accounting software program provides the ability to share critical operational information across departments. Synchronizing manufacturing controls to better plan production runs, meet delivery dates, order inventory without over or under-stocking, and forecast future revenues and expenses.

SYSPRO Production Schedule Manufacturing ERP Software
Easily view pending production jobs in SYSPRO.

More Efficiency and Productivity

The ability to increase profitability relies on reducing costs and lead times, utilizing technology to bring products to market faster, and leveraging information resources to manage advanced services. Manufacturing software systems provide a systematic approach to data management that allows for the discovery, refinement, and adoption of best practices across your operation.

Grow Your Business with Scalability

While many service-based companies can rely on carving out a local market, manufacturing companies typically compete on a regional, national, or even international level. For manufacturers, the pressures of the global economy require a constant commitment to establishing competitive advantages.

Access to new technology fostering business growth has never been more important than now. To ensure the healthy growth of your company, it is imperative to identify the best manufacturing ERP software for your current and future production processes. Fortunately, many can scale to grow with your expanding operations. Which software package you select is likely to be one of the most critical business decisions your manufacturing company will make.

Infor CloudSuite Industrial Configure products
Infor CloudSuite Industrial (formerly Infor SyteLine) is a fully-integrated manufacturing ERP solution.

What Does Manufacturing ERP Software Cost?

The price of manufacturing software varies greatly depending on the functionalities you need, the size of your business, and the industry you're in. Key factors that affect price include:

  • Module additions
  • Training requirements
  • Initial implementation
  • Number of total users
  • Ongoing support and maintenance

A low cost software intended for small businesses often starts around $49 per month and includes production planning and scheduling modules, basic inventory management features, and shop floor tracking. The solution may not provide accounting functionality but can integrate with popular programs such as QuickBooks Online and Xero.

A more expensive software would be a full ERP solution built exclusively for manufacturers. These solutions will vary widely depending on the deployment:

  • On-premise software (locally installed) will have large upfront fees for licensing, implementation, and training. These solutions can start at $25,000 upfront.
  • Cloud-based options (SaaS) typically have lower upfront fees, as the cost of the software will be spread out over the course of ownership as an ongoing charge. These solutions may start at $10,000 upfront with $10,000/year thereafter for service and support.

What Does Your Business Need?

The best manufacturing software will provide automation to your manufacturing process via an equal mix of inventory management, production planning, shop floor control, and job costing modules. Given how broad the term is, there are many types of software considered to be a manufacturing program. There are:

  • Fully-integrated options that provide everything needed to manage your business (commonly referred to as ERP software, but sometimes as MRP software).
  • Application-specific tools such as manufacturing execution systems or quality management software.
  • Manufacturing management software to streamline your production scheduling and requires integration with other tools for accounting or inventory management.

Manufacturing Software by Type

  • Additive manufacturing: Enables successful 3D printing jobs by preparing all work, optimizing designs, and minimizing design to manufacturing lead times.
  • Chemical manufacturers: Assists in tracking and reporting compliance with regulatory agencies including the FDA, EPA, DEA, ATF, and FSIS. Features recipe management, quality assurance, inventory storage planning, expiration tracking, and recall management.
  • Discrete manufacturing: Manages the production and assembly of distinct individual products that can be counted.
  • Process manufacturing: Combines your machines, tools, and resources to maximize efficiencies in your formulas and recipes. Common in the food/beverage, chemical, and pharmaceuticals industries.

Manufacturing Software by Industry

You should also take your specific industry into account when selecting a manufacturing ERP software:

Manufacturing by Industry
Apparel and textile Aerospace Cosmetics
Food and beverage Furniture Jewelry
Job shops and machine shops Medical devices Pharmaceuticals

Each industry has specific needs to address. For instance, medical device distributors need to meet ISO 13485 standards, meaning they need software which covers regulatory compliance and product traceability. Apparel manufacturers won't have those same standards and instead will want eCommerce functionality. By looking at industry-specific solutions, you can narrow down your search.. You should also keep in mind functionality you will need as your business grows - you can find a solution that lets you add modules on later when you expand.

Additionally, small business manufacturing is designed for use by a small business. Generally includes basic features at a lower price point.

Is QuickBooks A Manufacturing Software?

QuickBooks Enterprise is referred to as an alternative to ERP and is a common solution for smaller manufacturing businesses as well as wholesalers. However, many manufacturing companies outgrow QuickBooks, finding they need support beyond core accounting including:

  • Advanced material requirements planning
  • Quality control
  • Production management
  • Bill of materials
Most Popular QuickBooks Replacement Products Among Manufacturers
There was an equal mix of generic and industry-specific solutions in our QuickBooks replacement survey.

Technology Trends in Modern Manufacturing

Technology is always changing in the world of manufacturing, from the automation of the earliest assembly line to the rise of augmented and virtual reality. Today, manufacturing ERP distributors are always looking for new ways to incorporate evolving tech into software solutions.

3D Printing

Additive manufacturing and new 3D printing technologies now allow manufacturers to build parts and products that were once deemed too difficult or outright impossible to make. As a result, the additive manufacturing market value is projected to grow over $6 billion by 2022 according to MarketWatch.

Cloud Hosting

According to Manufacturing.net's article "10 Ways Cloud Computing Will Drive Manufacturing Growth in 2018", "global spending on Cloud Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is predicted to increase from $19.1B in 2017 to $28.8B in 2028". Cloud ERP software makes it possible to see real-time data, like customer details and order information from anywhere and at any time.

Whatever your industry, you can opt for cloud manufacturing software which is accessible on any computer connected to the Internet or through mobile apps on smartphones and tablets. These options typically offer lower upfront costs via subscription-based SaaS pricing.

Growing Technology Use

The use of specialized technology in the manufacturing industry has been growing steadily. Along with 3D printing, there are an increasing number of robotics, augmented/virtual reality R&D, and more pushing the limits of manufacturing. According to Forbes' article, "The Future of Manufacturing Technologies, 2018", the "top technology investment areas for manufacturers include advanced analytics, cloud computing, modeling and simulation, Internet of Things (IoT) platforms, and optimization and predictive analytics."

Technologies that Manufacturers Currently Use
In a survey of 154 small to midsize manufacturers in North America, 21% are currently using an MES, 20% are using robotics, and 18% are using 3D printing.

Some examples of the most widely used manufacturing software options include:

★★★★★
★★★★★
(3)
Global Shop Solutions
Global Shop Solutions Screenshot
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Web, Windows, iOS, Android
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Global Shop Solutions is an ERP system for all sizes of business. The solution has been successfully implemented into dozens of industries. The software is a great choice for companies looking for a fully-integrated manufacturing ERP system.
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(15)
Bluestreak
Bluestreak Screenshot
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$600/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Bluestreak is an MES and quality management system (QMS) in one, developed for the service-based manufacturing industry. This system is designed to integrate easily with existing ERP and MRP software.
★★★★★
★★★★★
(3)
MISys Manufacturing
MISys Manufacturing Screenshot
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$3,995 (perpetual license)
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
MISys Manufacturing is a fully integrated, scalable MRP system that streamlines processes for manufacturers. This system works best for material resource planning.

All Products

No products found
ECI M1 Screenshot

ECI M1

★★★★★
★★★★★
(13)
ECI M1 is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution, providing total integration and automation of jobs from quoting through invoicing. M1 is a business system designed for small-to-medium manufacturers including job shops, custom, mixed-mode and…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$5,000/month
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Epicor Kinetic Screenshot

Epicor Kinetic

★★★★★
★★★★★
(6)
Kinetic (the new name for Epicor ERP) is the cloud ERP that can help you maximize momentum and profitability. Guided by the need of today’s users, Kinetic is a global enterprise resource planning solution that delivers the choice, flexibility and agility…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$175/user/month
Client OS
Mac, Web, Windows, iOS, Android
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
xTuple Screenshot

xTuple

★★★★★
★★★★★
(3)
xTuple is The TOP ERP for Small to Mid-Sized Manufacturers and Distributors. On-Premises or in the Cloud—xTuple growth solutions power profits. xTuple understand that SMBs need an intuitive, turnkey system that saves them time and money—their Core ERP…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$175/user/month
Client OS
Mac, Windows, Linux
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Acumatica Cloud ERP Screenshot

Acumatica Cloud ERP

★★★★★
★★★★★
(18)
Acumtaica Cloud ERP is a discrete and batch process manufacturing software. The solution manages every aspect of your manufacturing business in one place which helps boost efficiency with a comprehensive, mobile, manufacturing ERP designed for you…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Web, iOS, Android
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
JobBOSS² Shop Management Screenshot

JobBOSS² Shop Management

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★★★★★
(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
SYSPRO Screenshot

SYSPRO

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★★★★★
(13)
SYSPRO is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution designed to simplify business complexity for manufacturers and distributors. SYSPRO can be deployed in the cloud, on premise, or through a hybrid model, and is accessed from any device, at anytime…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$199/user/month
Client OS
Web, Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Infor CloudSuite Industrial (SyteLine) Screenshot

Infor CloudSuite Industrial (SyteLine)

★★★★★
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(4)
Infor CloudSuite Industrial (SyteLine) is the solution of choice for over 5,000 manufacturers around the world. From repetitive to engineer-to-order, Infor SyteLine enables the processes you need to accelerate production and meet customer demand more…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$25,000/user (perpetual license)
Client OS
Web, Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Aptean Industrial Manufacturing ERP Workwise Edition Screenshot

Aptean Industrial Manufacturing ERP Workwise Edition

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★★★★★
(3)
Aptean Industrial Manufacturing ERP Workwise Edition is an intelligent ERP that can be deployed on-premise or in the cloud. The solution is primarily used by manufacturers who need complete visibility into their shop floor and delivery operations in order…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Deployment
On-Premises
Masterplan ERP Screenshot
Masterplan ERP is a leading provider of cloud business and process integration software for manufacturers and distributors. Masterplan ERP partners with their customers to reduce their costs and maximize profit by providing quality & flexible ERP…
Starting Price
$200/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
Datacor ERP Screenshot
@wistia Your software should work harder than you do. Enterprise Resource Planning increases your productivity and incorporates all aspects of your business into one streamlined operation. Provide clearer, faster communication channels for your company…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$4,000/user (perpetual license)
Client OS
Web, Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Global Shop Solutions ERP Software Screenshot

Global Shop Solutions ERP Software

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(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
NetSuite ERP Screenshot

NetSuite ERP

★★★★★
★★★★★
(17)
Netsuite is a cloud ERP built for manufacturers. The solution reduces time to market of new products, improves order processing efficiency, monitors and controls costing, delivers better quality products, and reduces IT support and resource costs…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$99/user/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
Oracle ERP Cloud Screenshot

Oracle ERP Cloud

★★★★★
★★★★★
(4)
Oracle Manufacturing improves production efficiencies while reducinsg costs. The software streamlines mixed-mode manufacturing to make anything, anywher,e with an intelligent and integrated solution powered by the Internet of Things (IoT) and AI…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$175/user/month
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
Fishbowl Inventory Screenshot

Fishbowl Inventory

★★★★★
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(20)
Fishbowl is a manufacturing inventory management software for QuickBooks that includes advanced work orders, bill of materials, barcode scanning, and more. The solution offers all the functionality of an enterprise ERP at 20% of the cost…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$4,395 (perpetual license)
Client OS
Mac, Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
QAD Enterprise Applications Screenshot

QAD Enterprise Applications

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
QAD Enterprise Applications is a complete suite to support the needs of global manufacturers. QAD Enterprise Applications consists of functional suites, which address business processes. The suite includes: Enterprise Financials: Addresses complex…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
MRPEasy Screenshot

MRPEasy

★★★★★
★★★★★
(8)
MRPeasy is a cloud-based and user-friendly production planning software for small manufacturers. The tool helps manage production scheduling, inventory, sales, procurement and shop-floor in one place. MRPeasy allows you to select the features plan that…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$49/user/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
OptiProERP Screenshot
OptiProERP is a cloud and on-premise manufacturing ERP solution for small and midsize businesses (SMBs) in discrete manufacturing and distribution. OptiProERP’s manufacturing-specific solution is built into SAP Business One (the #1 ERP platform for small…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Mac, Web, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
EnterpriseIQ Screenshot

EnterpriseIQ

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(1)
EnterpriseIQ by IQMS provides a wealth of business management functionality from a single source, on a single database. Only EnterpriseIQ totally integrates manufacturing and accounting with a complete suite of modules, eliminating the need for…
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
SAP S/4HANA Screenshot

SAP S/4HANA

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(4)
Run intelligent manufacturing production processes and turn innovations into market sucess with SAP S/4HANA Cloud. The solution provides real-time insights into work center and resource capability utilization to understand load distribution…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Web, Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises

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 manufacturing ERP software recommendations that meet your exact requirements.

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