The Best Aerospace Manufacturing Software
- Real-time inventory tracking across locations
- Data-driven decision-making support
- Affordable, transparent pricing
- Can function as a light MRP system
- Integrates with QuickBooks
- Competitive pricing; does not require a subscription
- Simple inventory allocation and management
- Handling of multiple-stage production runs
- Flexible formula management
The best needs to have a mix of features of quality control, compliance management, and production planning to be effective. After review, here are our top picks for aerospace manufacturing software:
- Rootstock Cloud ERP: Best Overall
- SYSPRO: Best for AI and IoT Integrations
- Infor CloudSuite: Best for Bill of Materials
1 Rootstock Cloud ERP - Best Overall
Rootstock Cloud ERP provides businesses in the aerospace manufacturing sector a way to streamline complex manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain operations. One of the standout features is the Engineer to Order (ETO) manufacturing. Aerospace companies often deal with custom products based on unique customer requirements and engineering revisions, and Rootstock’s capabilities cater to these demands effectively.
Additionally, the software’s integration with Salesforce Cloud Platform adds a layer of flexibility and scalability, making it suitable for aerospace manufacturers of varying sizes. Rootstock’s capabilities in managing multi-division, multi-site operations, and project control make it a top solution for aerospace manufacturing businesses.
2 SYSPRO - Best for AI and IoT Integrations
SYSPRO is a manufacturing ERP which offers aerospace manufacturers a key advantage by using AI and IoT integrations to streamline operations. Those advanced features make it possible for businesses to stay competitive and innovative in the aerospace industry.
In addition to AI and IoT, industry-specific features and scalability make SYSPRO a suitable choice for aerospace manufacturers of all sizes. The software’s support for parallel accounting, hybrid deployment options, and specialized modules cater to the unique needs of aerospace companies operating globally.
3 Infor CloudSuite - Best for Bill of Materials
Infor CloudSuite Industrial, once known as Syteline, is a popular manufacturing ERP software. The system is well-equipped to automate and streamline complex manufacturing operations, making it particularly valuable for the intricate and precision-driven processes in aerospace manufacturing.
With support for various manufacturing modes, including engineer-to-order, Infor is an ideal ERP solution for aerospace manufacturing operations. The advanced planning and scheduling tools align well with this industry’s demands for optimized production workflows and improved resource management.
4 Acumatica Cloud ERP
Acumatica allows aerospace manufacturers to tailor the system to their specific needs with a modular approach. The software’s multi-entity support is particularly advantageous for global aerospace manufacturers dealing with multiple locations and entities. Acumatica is an excellent choice for aerospace manufacturers looking for a flexible and scalable ERP system tailored to their industry-specific requirements.
While this software is an attractive option for companies with varying operational requirements, there is a high learning curve for new users. Pricing details require a consultation.
5 Epicor Kinetic
Epicor Kinetic is an excellent choice for aerospace companies that often deal with made-to-order and engineer-to-order scenarios due to its extensive product configuration and discrete manufacturing capabilities. Its modular manufacturing and distribution approach, along with features like compliance management, supply chain management, and quality assurance, align well with intricate aerospace requirements.
One notable advantage of Epicor Kinetic is its low-code customization options, which enable aerospace manufacturers to adapt the platform to their specific business workflows without the need to alter the source code. The software is well-suited for small to enterprise-level aerospace manufacturers, though it may not be the ideal choice for multinational aerospace organizations with complex product lines and locations.
6 SAP S/4HANA
SAP S/4HANA is a powerful tool to manage complex manufacturing processes, improve regulatory compliance, and support global expansion efforts. The software’s in-memory database technology enables real-time data processing and analysis, which is crucial in a fast-paced industry like aerospace manufacturing. This feature allows companies to have an up-to-date and detailed view of their operational processes, helping them make informed decisions quickly.
The real-time data analytics and machine learning capabilities are particularly valuable for aerospace manufacturing, where precision, quality, and compliance are crucial for success. Additionally, SAP S/4HANA’s ability to handle global compliance and optimize supply chains makes it an excellent choice for multinational aerospace companies.
What is Aerospace Manufacturing Software?
Aerospace manufacturing software helps aircraft and parts manufacturers manage the complex processes inherent to the aerospace industry. The aerospace manufacturing industry needs everything from supply chain management and production planning to compliance management and quality control. The evolving software landscape is fueling competition in the aerospace market by giving manufacturers greater control and visibility over their processes.
Software needs can vary based on the type of aerospace manufacturing market you’re in. These markets include military and defense, commercial air transport, general aviation for civilians, and space technology. These markets have different manufacturing regulations to follow. The right aerospace manufacturing software will help ensure your processes and finished products are in line with the regulations for your market.
Many aerospace manufacturers opt for ERP software to handle manufacturing processes alongside other business processes like human resources or customer relationship management. The customer relationship management functionality is most important for manufacturers of restricted or classified products that need to send product information like shipment notifications and change requests directly to customers. ERP systems can also integrate with warehouse management to assist with overseeing all warehouse operations.
Features of Aerospace Manufacturing Software
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Supply Chain Management | Track the flow of goods from raw material acquisition to final product delivery. |
| Quality Management | Keep track of defects in supplied materials or finished products. Manage corrective actions to ensure the manufactured parts are up to code. |
| Manufacturing Project Management | Create task lists, manage schedules of employees and material deliveries, and set deadlines. |
| Inventory Management | Track quantities and prices of raw materials, assemblies, and finished parts that are currently on-hand. Purchase orders can be automated when supplies are running out. |
| Production Planning](/production-scheduling/) | Set schedules of the labor and resources needed for each job. |
| Compliance Management | Ensures manufacturers in the aerospace industry meet federal and international regulations including ITAR and AS9100 |
| Document Control | Securely store and maintain important documents for aerospace manufacturing jobs. |
Advanced Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Business Intelligence (BI) Tools | Provides detailed reports on financial and non-financial data including profitability, parts used for each manufacturing job, scrap materials, employee productivity, and more. |
| MRP | Includes shop floor control, demand forecasting, equipment maintenance scheduling, and purchase planning. |
| EDI | Automate secure data transfer between your business and vendors including invoices, shipping status, and customs information. |
Benefits of Aerospace Manufacturing Software
Software offers many benefits for the aerospace manufacturing industry including:
Improved Lead Times and Reduced Costs with Production Planning
Production planning for airframe and aerospace part manufacturing helps bridge personnel scheduling and material ordering while remaining flexible enough to respond to changing plans. Having the right amount of resources on-hand allows manufacturers to improve lead times and cut costs overall.
Production planning also allows you to have better control over engineering change orders. Unexpected changes need to be scheduled and planned for to avoid manufacturing delays.
Maintain Regulatory Compliance
Maintaining regulatory compliance is of prime concern to aerospace manufacturers, who operate in one of the most tightly regulated industries in the world. Some of the regulatory compliances that software assists with include:
ITAR: International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) governs the export of US military technology to foreign nations. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is an important part of maintaining an export compliance program.
AS9100: The AS9100 standard expands upon ISO 9001 requirements for the FAA and other federal agencies. A well-implemented quality management system (QMS) is vital to maintaining compliance for commercial and government contracts.
Markets for Aerospace Manufacturers
Each sector of the aerospace industry has its own unique challenges. Aerospace manufacturing software is available for these markets:
Commercial Air Transport
Commercial aerospace manufacturers deliver products for:
- Wide-body and narrow-body jet airliners
- Regional or short-haul airliners
- Commuter aircraft
Manufacturers of commercial airliners, parts, tooling, and support equipment feed a hyper-competitive market. They need robust software systems to cut out waste and eliminate risk throughout all of their processes.
General Aviation
Aerospace manufacturers for non-scheduled civil aviation focus on:
- Single-engine propeller aircraft
- Multi-engine propeller aircraft
- Very light jets
- Ultralight and unpowered aircraft
Software for general aviation manufacturing helps manufacturers and distributors streamline customer interactions due to the higher volume and lower value of each customer. A software solution designed for commercial air transport suppliers won’t deal with the unique challenges of the general aviation market.
Military/Defense Contractors
The aerospace defense industry builds airframes, systems and parts for:
- Fixed-wing and rotary aircraft
- Rockets and military spacecraft
- Missile systems
Defense manufacturing contractors deal with very stringent regulations governing the quality, supply chain security, labor and contract compliance. Poorly selected, built, or maintained software can threaten lucrative defense contracts and your relationship with governmental agencies.
Space Technology Manufacturing Software
Software for space technology manufacturing industries including:
- Private
- Government
- Military
Commercial spaceflight is a growing industry that is set to expand rapidly into space tourism and transport over the next few decades. Businesses trying to create these markets have to meet high standards in terms of agility and process controls that are practically unparalleled.
Software for Aerospace Replacement Part Manufacturers
Aerospace manufacturing companies can gain an edge in the replacement part industry with the right software.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts
OEMs need robust software to manage the supply of replacement parts for their customers. When aircraft operators are considering changes to their fleet, the reliability of the replacement parts supply chain is a serious concern. On-time production and delivery are vital to maintaining brand loyalty in an incredibly competitive market.
Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) Parts
PMA part manufacturers produce replacement and modification parts under the FAA. A fully-integrated software solution will track the relationships between the original components and the PMA parts. It should also help PMA manufacturers account for market trends, seasonality, and product life cycles to accurately predict demand.
