8.7
Editor’s Rating:
Best Digital Work Instructions
Parsable Connected Worker: Mobile App
Parsable Connected Worker
  • Allows for real-time communication among team members
  • Users can attach files, videos, and operating procedures to tasks
8.3
Editor’s Rating:
Best Real-Time Visibility
DELMIAWorks: Overall Equipment Efficiency Dashboard
DELMIAWorks
  • Streamlines manufacturing operations
  • Real-time visibility into the manufacturing process
  • Integration with other systems for improved efficiency and productivity
8.2
Editor’s Rating:
Best for Small Businesses
Katana MRP: Easy and accurate costing
Katana MRP
  • Affordable, transparent pricing
  • Real-time inventory tracking across locations
  • Data-driven decision-making support

We’ve used our in-depth software review methodology to test dozens of the top systems, helping you choose the perfect solution to boost productivity and meet business goals.

Parsable - Best Digital Work Instructions

Parsable offers comprehensive digital work instruction features designed to enhance shop floor management by providing accessible and clear guidance to frontline workers. Your employees can easily create and upload content, allowing for quick adaptation to evolving standard operating procedures and regulations.

You can include images, videos, and animations to enrich your instructions, making complex tasks more engaging and understandable to workers. You can also utilize clickable buttons, hyperlinks, and checklists to create dynamic content that facilitates user interaction and ensures thorough task completion.

These instructions are deployed to frontline workers’ mobile devices, providing real-time, step-by-step guidance. As shop floor staff perform tasks, the platform collects data on their execution, allowing you to monitor compliance and analyze performance metrics.

Best Digital Work Instructions:
Parsable Connected Worker

Parsable Connected Worker: Mobile App
What We Like
Allows for real-time communication among team members
Users can attach files, videos, and operating procedures to tasks
What We Don’t Like
Lacks advanced filtering capabilties, such as by department or machine
Requires implementation investment and process improvements
Overview
Price Range: $
Starting Price: $30/employee/month

DELMIAWorks - Best Real-Time Visibility

DELMIAWorks is known for its efficiency-enhancing capabilities. As a manufacturing execution system (MES) developed by Dassault Systèmes, we found it offers a comprehensive range of features such as inventory barcoding, customizable reporting, and shop floor control. What sets DELMIAWorks apart is its ability to provide real-time visibility into the manufacturing process, enabling manufacturers to easily identify bottlenecks and optimize production for maximum efficiency.

However, some users have reported drawbacks with DELMIAWorks, such as its reliance on Microsoft Remote Desktop for application access and the lack of a web interface. Despite these minor cons, the software remains a top choice for businesses seeking a solution that streamlines manufacturing operations while providing real-time insights.

Best Real-Time Visibility:
DELMIAWorks
★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)

DELMIAWorks: Overall Equipment Efficiency Dashboard
DELMIAWorks: Real-time Plant Floor Dashboard
DELMIAWorks: VIN Generator
DELMIAWorks: Manufacturing Scheduling and Production Planning
DELMIAWorks: Customizable BI Dashboard
DELMIAWorks: Open Order Report
What We Like
Streamlines manufacturing operations
Real-time visibility into the manufacturing process
Integration with other systems for improved efficiency and productivity
What We Don’t Like
Not all modules are accessible via mobile app
Pricing details are unavailable from the developer
No web interface
Overview
Client OS: Windows
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises

Katana MRP - Best for Small Businesses

Katana MRP offers real-time inventory management, production optimization, and data-driven insights to help businesses reduce manufacturing costs and improve efficiency.

One of the standout features of Katana MRP is its custom API integrations, which allow for seamless communication with various tools, including:

  • E-commerce platforms
  • Accounting software
  • CRM systems
  • Reporting tools
  • Automation software

With its user-friendly interface and powerful features, Katana MRP is the top choice for small and medium-sized manufacturers looking to streamline their operations and make data-driven decisions.

Best for Small Businesses:
Katana MRP
★★★★★
★★★★★
(10)

Katana MRP: Easy and accurate costing
Katana MRP: Unite all your tools
Katana MRP: Real-time inventory control
Katana MRP: Total floor-level control
Katana MRP: Track order fulfillment
Katana MRP: Visual production planning
What We Like
Affordable, transparent pricing
Real-time inventory tracking across locations
Data-driven decision-making support
What We Don’t Like
Only one full-access included in paid plans
Essential plan lacks batch tracking and shop floor operators
Overview
Price Range: $$
Starting Price: $179/month
Client OS: Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

MachineMetrics - Best for Predictive Analytics

MachineMetrics, a manufacturing analytics platform, provides real-time insights into machine performance, earning its place as a standout performer in shop floor management software. By collecting and analyzing machine data, including:

  • Performance
  • Health
  • Breakdowns
  • Changeovers
  • Quality loss
  • Downtime

MachineMetrics enables manufacturers to optimize their operations and reduce downtime.

The platform’s predictive analytics capabilities are particularly valuable, allowing manufacturers to anticipate maintenance needs and prevent costly breakdowns. While pricing information for MachineMetrics is not readily available, its impressive features and real-time data analysis make it a top choice for businesses seeking to optimize their manufacturing processes and stay ahead of the curve.

Best for Predictive Analytics:
MachineMetrics

MachineMetrics: Overview
MachineMetrics: Machine Downtime Tracking
MachineMetrics: OEE Performance Reporting
MachineMetrics: Quality Tracking and reporting
MachineMetrics: Job Setup/Changeover Tracking
MachineMetrics: Detailed Machine Production Analytics
MachineMetrics: Detailed Part Number and Job Analytics
What We Like
Real-time visibility into machine performance
Data-driven insights for process optimization
Predictive analytics for maintenance planning
What We Don’t Like
Enterprise-level pricing details require a developer quote
Specific to manufacturing operations
Overview
Price Range: $$
Starting Price: $150/machine/month
Client OS: Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

Rover ERP - Best for Customization

Rover ERP, a cloud manufacturing software known for its customizability, offers a broad range of features and modules to streamline and automate business processes, distinguishing itself in the shop floor management software market. With Rover ERP, businesses can:

  • Track inventory
  • Manage sales and purchases
  • Handle financial transactions
  • Generate reports for better decision-making

The software’s high level of customization enables businesses to tailor the system to their specific needs, making it an excellent choice for companies with unique requirements.

While Rover ERP may require some training for new users and falls on the higher end of the price spectrum, its powerful features and customization options make it a top choice for businesses seeking a robust and adaptable shop floor management solution.

Best for Customization:
Rover ERP
★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)

What We Like
Comprehensive features and modules
Customizable to meet specific business needs
Streamlines and automates business processes
What We Don’t Like
May require training for new users
Higher price range
Overview
Price Range: $$$$
Client OS: Windows, Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

MRPeasy - Most User Friendly

MRPeasy provides small manufacturers with comprehensive functionality and a user-friendly interface. Some key features of MRPeasy include project management, production planning, inventory management, CRM, and procurement.

With these features, MRPeasy streamlines production processes, tracks manufacturing costs, and improves efficiency by effectively managing production data.

One of the standout features of MRPeasy is its seamless integration with popular accounting systems like Xero and Shopify, making it easy to manage all aspects of the manufacturing process and eliminate manual data entry. With its user-friendly design and powerful features, MRPeasy is an excellent choice for small businesses looking for a comprehensive manufacturing software solution.

Most User Friendly:
MRPeasy
★★★★★
★★★★★
(9)

MRPeasy: MRPeasy
MRPeasy: MRPeasy Dashboard
MRPeasy: MRPeasy CRM
MRPeasy: MRPeasy Order Management
MRPeasy: MRP Easy Bill of Materials BOM
MRPeasy: MRPeasy Stock Inventory
MRPeasy: MRPeasy Production Plan
MRPeasy: MRPeasy Gantt Chart
MRPeasy: MRPeasy Master Production Schedule
MRPeasy: MRPeasy Invoices
What We Like
Affordable pricing
User-friendly interface
Integrates with Xero and Shopify
What We Don’t Like
Limited technical support
Cumbersome CSV export
Overview
Price Range: $$
Starting Price: $49/user/month
Client OS: Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

QT9 ERP - Best for Health Sciences

QT9 ERP, a lesser-known entity in the shop floor management software market, offers a host of benefits and features waiting to be tapped into by businesses. Designed for life sciences, medical device manufacturers, pharmaceuticals, and biotech industries, QT9 ERP consolidates various business processes. It provides comprehensive features in inventory and supply chain management, sales management, and value-added services.

Although it may not be as well-known as some other options on our list, QT9 ERP is worth considering for businesses seeking a powerful and versatile shop floor management solution.

Best for Health Sciences:
QT9 ERP
★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)

QT9 ERP: MRP
QT9 ERP: Job Manager
QT9 ERP: Invoices
QT9 ERP: Inventory
QT9 ERP: Accounting Credit Memo
What We Like

“Hot Links” for quick navigation

History tracking of products sold
Integration with QT9 QMS
What We Don’t Like
Confusing inventory and job scheduling integration
Difficult to customize reports
Pricing requires a custom quotation
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Client OS: Windows, Web
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises

MasterControl - Best for Compliance

MasterControl, known for its focus on compliance, offers a top-tier Quality Management System (QMS) designed specifically for the Life Sciences industry, cementing its place in the shop floor management software market. With comprehensive features and tools, MasterControl helps organizations streamline their quality processes and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

One of the standout features of MasterControl is its seamless integration between the Documents and Training modules, allowing for efficient collaboration and ensuring that employees are properly trained and qualified. Although some users have reported issues with system upgrades and a lack of a complete training compliance report, MasterControl remains a top choice for businesses in the Life Sciences industry seeking a powerful and efficient QMS solution.

Best for Compliance:
MasterControl Manufacturing Excellence
★★★★★
★★★★★
(3)

MasterControl Manufacturing Excellence: Master Templates, Variants, and Deviations
MasterControl Manufacturing Excellence: Production Records - Clear the Line
MasterControl Manufacturing Excellence: Production Records - Review by Exception
What We Like
Designed specifically for the Life Sciences industry
Comprehensive set of features and tools for quality process management
Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements
What We Don’t Like
System upgrades sometimes bring unexpected issues
Lack of a complete training compliance report
Exact pricing details not provided by the developer
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Client OS: Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

Global Shop Solutions - Best Full Manufacturing ERP

Global Shop Solutions is a great ERP solution for manufacturers looking for better shop floor control because it combines production, inventory, and accounting into a single, integrated platform. It is ideal for smaller to mid-sized manufacturers such as aerospace, automotive, and custom job shops that want to move away from disconnected systems or traditional spreadsheet methods.

With features like real-time production tracking, job costing, and integrated payroll, Global Shop Solutions helps manufacturers manage both their shop floor operations and finances without relying on third-party systems. This keeps your data consolidated, reduces manual entries, and reduces the risk of errors. Pricing for Global Shop Solutions starts at around $1,500 per month, making it a cost-effective option for manufacturers looking for an all-in-one shop floor ERP.

One drawback of Global Shop Solutions is that dealing with issues after upgrades can be a hassle. Given the complexity of the software and the fact that it is often customized for each user, issues tend to arise after updates, and support for older versions can be limited.

Best for Manufacturing ERP:
Global Shop Solutions
★★★★★
★★★★★
(5)

Global Shop Solutions: Main Menu (Dark)
Global Shop Solutions: KPI
Global Shop Solutions: Workcenters
Global Shop Solutions: Supply and Demand
Global Shop Solutions: CRM
What We Like
Support for 30 industries and more than 25 countries
Windows and cloud deployment
Mixed-mode manufacturing support
What We Don’t Like
Need for extensive training
Occasional system lag
Traditional user interface
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Starting Price: $1,500/month
Client OS: Windows, iOS, Android, Web
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises

What is Shop Floor Management Software?

Shop floor management software is designed to prioritize, track, and report on production activities and ensure your manufacturing operations run smoothly. It plays a key role in managing the flow of materials, labor, machines, and production time within a manufacturing environment. This software provides real-time data on work order progress, machine usage, and inventory levels, allowing shop floor supervisors or business owners to make more informed decisions and maintain control over production schedules.

When integrated with other manufacturing systems, such as manufacturing execution systems (MES) or material resource planning (MRP) software, you will be able to stay more informed through real-time access to shop floor activities. Linking with MES software will help identify production inefficiencies and machine downtime reports and provide actionable insights into any bottlenecks. Integrations with MRP capabilities will allow you to optimize inventory management, ensuring that raw materials and components are available when needed while minimizing excess stock.

Shop floor management software enables you to identify and address potential issues in real-time before they escalate into major problems. By providing early insights, you can maintain better control over production efficiency, keep operations running on schedule, and ultimately improve overall productivity.

Key Features

  • Production Monitoring: Monitor production performances and identify production inefficiencies. Define performance and measurement parameters for each item or tooling configuration. Receive job-specific statistics or entire work center performance efforts. Break down production feedback into total parts created, production time, downtime, scrap, rejects, parts remaining to be produced, and more.
  • Production Planning: Plan production on your shop floor by determining the need for materials and capacity to complete a manufacturing production order. Create a highly detailed master production schedule that accounts for resource, staffing, and inventory needs to complete and optimize production.
  • Inventory Management: Track finished goods and material availability by allocating raw materials to production or finished goods to sales orders. Move inventory to and from locations depending on need.
  • Bill of Materials: Specifies the raw materials, parts, and sub-assemblies needed to manufacture each specific product. Make automatic inventory adjustments and help calculate manufacturing costs.
  • Task Management: Create to-do lists and assign tasks to various departments or specific employees. Optimize time and resources by giving full visibility of the project lifecycle and who is responsible at each step within a manufacturing work order.
Shop Floor IQ Dispatch Screen Shop Floor Management Software
Maintain dispatch records for maintenance requests in your shop floor with Shop Floor IQ.

Benefits

Manage and Reduce Manufacturing Costs

Manufacturing production systems such as shop floor management software can only perform as well as the data entered into it.

  • Older systems required a hefty amount of manual data entry–meaning the solution would only be as beneficial to your business as quickly as you could key in data. And there’s plenty of paperwork and spreadsheets.
  • Newer systems tend to alleviate these production costs through automation tools–meaning your workers are spending less time entering data and identifying areas where productivity needs improvement. Digitizing records allows for paperless operations, further decreasing on-the-job waste.
Shop Floor Management Software Exenta
Manage your shop floor in Exenta Shopfloor.

Run “What If” Analysis Scenarios

What-if scenarios let manufacturing managers analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), visualize production scheduling outcomes, and look for potential disruptions.

Examples of disruptions include a lack of supply, meaning the scenarios examine inventory management, facility capacity, and your overall supply chain. When production schedules can be visualized before being implemented, you can test out different variables and choose the best production scheduling method.

Accurate demand planning in shop floor management is beneficial for short-term and long-term planning, as it helps visualize and locate disruptions in production and offers cost-effective methods to complete processes. This involves collecting historical data on metrics like order volumes and inventory turns while mixing it with continually updated forecasts from your sales personnel.

Manufacturing Scheduling and Production Planning Software EnterpriseIQ
Manage manufacturing scheduling and production planning in EnterpriseIQ from IQMS.

Maintain Shipment Dates

Shop floor control systems allow you to identify your projected ship dates for manufacturing orders quickly. This is a huge asset when taking new orders–giving you a date you can quote to a customer and a promise you can live by.

With late shipments come paying overtime to employees to meet deadlines or breaking promises to customers with late shipments–which could negatively impact future business.

Real-time production data tracking can release WIP orders by knowing when they will be complete. When bottlenecks occur in production (which at times are inevitable), adjustments can be made to your production schedule and some jobs can be routed to available resources. Also known as constraint management, this covers activities that are delayed due to resource capacity and/or material availability limits.

Equipment Setup MasterControl Shop Floor Control Software
Set up equipment in MasterControl Manufacturing Excellence.

Integrate with ERP Systems

Shop floor management systems are a great addition to your existing manufacturing ERP software environments. Integration wizards are included in a few shop floor control solutions and may aid with data collection for other systems, such as CRM software.

Alternatively, an SFM software vendor may specialize in integrating their solution with a specific ERP or MES. The biggest benefit of complete integration with other business management systems is having a complete view of your operations.

Businesses want to avoid duplicate entries or data transfers from one system to another whenever they receive new sales orders, hire new workers, or purchase new machines. They want a system that seamlessly transfers data from the planning and scheduling phase into their ERP solution.

Plex Cloud ERP Software Job Control
Manage your jobs in Plex Cloud ERP

Pricing Guide

Small Business Systems

Small business shop floor management software generally costs between $1,000 and $10,000 per year. These systems offer basic features for work order and inventory tracking and real-time data reporting with minimal integrations. Cloud systems are common at this level, making it more affordable for smaller manufacturers.

Mid-Tier Systems

These systems typically start at around $10,000 per year and can cost upwards of $40,000 annually. Mid-tier options offer more advanced features, including customizable dashboards, enhanced reporting, and integration with ERP/MES systems. They are best suited for growing manufacturers who need greater scalability and functionality.

High-Tier Systems

For larger businesses, the total cost can range from $50,000 to $100,000 annually. These systems include predictive analytics and machine integration and can support multiple sites, which is ideal for manufacturers with complex production or many locations.

Enterprise

For global enterprises with multiple manufacturing facilities, expect costs to start around $150,000 annually and go up from there. These programs will offer full customization, AI-driven analytics, and robust integrations with ERP/MES solutions. The annual cost will cover both the purchase and the support and customization of the software.

Still not sure which option is best for your manufacturing business? Get free shop floor control recommendations from our team today!

How to Choose

Examining various solutions’ features, pricing, and user reviews will help you pinpoint the best software for your business, paving the way for a seamless production process.

When selecting a shop floor management software, it is important to consider aspects such as:

  • Functionality
  • Real-time data
  • Integration
  • User-based permissions
  • Scalability
  • Cost

Each software option listed above offers unique advantages and features that cater to different manufacturing needs. By comparing these options and considering your specific requirements, you can make an informed decision and invest in a software solution to help your business grow and thrive.

By meticulously assessing your business needs, comparing features, pricing, and user reviews, and contemplating the unique advantages of each software solution, you can zero in on the ideal shop floor control software.

A shop floor management system will help streamline manufacturing processes, enhance efficiency, and boost profit margins by effectively utilizing shop floor data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can shop floor management software improve my manufacturing processes?

 
Shop floor management software can streamline and optimize your production processes, automate planning, track inventory levels, monitor machine performance, and provide real-time analytics, helping you make data-driven decisions and improve efficiency.

What factors should I consider when selecting a shop floor management software?

 
When selecting a shop floor management software, consider functionality, real-time data, integration, user-based permissions, scalability, and cost to ensure the right fit for your company.
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