9.5
Editor’s Rating:
Best Overall
Katana Manufacturing ERP
  • Streamlined communication and integration
  • Real-time inventory tracking across locations
  • Data-driven decision-making support
9.0
Editor’s Rating:
Runner Up
MRPEasy
  • User-friendly interface
  • Fully-integrated system
  • Affordable pricing
8.9
Editor’s Rating:
Also Great
Fishbowl Inventory
  • Real-time inventory tracking
  • Improved production planning
  • Enhanced reporting and analytics

Managing a small manufacturing business is no easy task. There are so many things to keep track of, from inventory to production to accounting. That’s why it’s so important to have the right software to help you stay organized and efficient.

If you’re a small business manufacturer, you’ll likely want to go with a cloud-based manufacturing software for the month to month payment flexibility with no long term commitment. But more importantly, you’ll want something that helps you manage all aspects of your business. This could mean finding a fully integrated system (one that does it all) or finding something that lets you keep your existing accounting software but gives you the inventory and production planning you desire.

1 Katana Manufacturing ERP

Katana Manufacturing ERP is an excellent choice for small businesses seeking to improve efficiency and competitiveness with their peers who may be using more complicated systems.

Here are just a few of the benefits of using Katana:

  • Real-time visibility: Katana gives you real-time visibility into your inventory, production, and accounting data. This means you can make informed decisions about your business at any time.
  • Streamlined workflows: Katana streamlines your manufacturing workflows, so you can get more done in less time. With Katana, you can easily create and track orders, manage production schedules, and track inventory levels.
  • Automated tasks: Katana automates many of the tasks involved in manufacturing, so you can focus on running your business. With Katana, you can automatically generate purchase orders, track production costs, and generate reports.
  • Scalable: Katana is a scalable software that can grow with your business. As your business grows, you can easily add new users and features to Katana.

As a small business looking for your first manufacturing system, you may be unwilling to give up using certain programs, such as QuickBooks or Shopify. Katana offers integration with dozens of popular options or allows you to create workflows via API.

Here are some additional reasons why Katana is the best small business manufacturing software:

  • It’s affordable. Katana is one of the most affordable manufacturing software solutions on the market.
  • It’s easy to use. Katana is designed with small businesses in mind. The user interface is intuitive and easy to learn.
  • It’s reliable. Katana is a cloud-based software, so you can access it from anywhere.
  • It has a great support team. Katana’s support team is available 24/7 to help you with any questions you have.

As a cloud-based solution, it provides affordable access to powerful tools that rival high-cost enterprise software. The Essential version of Katana starts at $99/month and allows for up to 500 shipped sales order lines per month. If you aren’t sure, Katana offers a 14-day free trial.

Best Overall:
Katana Manufacturing ERP
★★★★★
★★★★★
(7)

Easy and accurate costing
Unite all your tools
Real-time inventory control
Total floor-level control
Track order fulfillment
Visual production planning
What We Like
Streamlined communication and integration
Real-time inventory tracking across locations
Data-driven decision-making support
Overview
Price Range: $$
Starting Price: $99/month
Client OS: Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

2 MRPEasy

MRPEasy helps small and medium-sized manufacturers streamline their production processes. It is also easy to use and affordable–making it the perfect choice for small businesses of all sizes.

It offers features such as:

  • Production planning: with automatic scheduling and dynamic rescheduling, based on current inventory levels, pending sales orders, and manufacturing resources that are available (such as employees or machines).
  • Inventory management: Ensure you have the right materials on hand to meet production needs by tracking stock movemements and optimizing stock levels through purchasing integration. Offers batch and serial number tracking
  • Order management: Helps manage orders from start to finish, including tracking order status, generating shipping labels, and sending invoices

MRPEasy stands out as one of the best manufacturing software for small businesses due to its affordability, ease of use, and comprehensive functionality. Its integrated system allows manufacturers to manage all aspects of production in one place, reducing the need for multiple software solutions. Additionally, its cloud-based platform allows for remote access, making it a flexible and convenient solution for manufacturer

Runner Up:
MRPEasy
★★★★★
★★★★★
(9)

Production Schedule
Sales Management
Costs and Prices of Customer Order
Book Goods For Customer Order
Inventory Shipments
Inventory Items
Manufacturing Orders Dashboard
Gantt Chart
Create a Manufacturing Order
Home
What We Like
User-friendly interface
Fully-integrated system
Affordable pricing
Overview
Price Range: $$
Starting Price: $49/user/month
Client OS: Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

3 Fishbowl

Fishbowl is mostly known for its inventory management capabilities. However, Fishbowl also has a number of manufacturing features that make it a great choice for small and growing manufacturers.

  • Customizable bill of materials: Define and manage simple or configurable builds, use sub=assemblies in your order of operations, and create unique BOMs for a single part.
  • Capacity planning: Schedule production around factors like seasonality and growth
  • Labor cost capture: Plan production around labor costs
  • Manufacturing work order management: Track order status, generate shipping labels, and send invoices
  • Quality control: Maintain the quality of the goods being produced from inspection to final reporting

Fishbowl has one of the most popular integrations with QuickBooks and can help ensure your accounting is synced exactly the way it needs to be. With your invoicing and budgeting in control, Fishbowl will then provide the added inventory and order management functions needs to ensure you have the right materials on hand in order to finish production on-time.

Also Great:
Fishbowl Inventory
★★★★★
★★★★★
(21)

Calendar
Dashboard
Part List
Purchase Orders & Sales Orders
What We Like
Real-time inventory tracking
Improved production planning
Enhanced reporting and analytics
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Starting Price: $4,395 (perpetual license)
Client OS: Windows, macOS
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises

What is Small Business Manufacturing Software?

Small business manufacturing software processes purchase orders more efficiently, gives you greater inventory control as your product line expands and sales orders ramp up, manages shop floor operations, and gives you greater visibility across your supply chain. Dedicated manufacturing software keeps your business more organized than tracking complex processes through manual methods or accounting software alone.

Manufacturing software designed for small manufacturers often features a multi-module system that allows you to pick and choose the functionality you want. This allows you to cut costs and have a system that isn’t too complex for your needs.

Small business manufacturing software includes a range of products that vary in functionality and specialty. Some businesses need a solution tailored to specific manufacturing industries like food manufacturing or medical device manufacturing to ensure regulatory compliance. Businesses that want to handle everything including human resources, accounting, production management, and more from a single system often choose a small business manufacturing enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that can be scaled with your business.

Features of Small Business Manufacturing Software

Feature Description
Manufacturing Inventory Management Manage real-time data on inventory levels of your finished products and raw materials. Manage prices and descriptions of your inventory.
Production Planning Assign schedules of labor and resources for each manufacturing job.
Bill of Materials (BOM) Includes instructions for manufacturing and lists of materials and equipment needed for the manufacturing process.
Sales Order Management Create and send invoices. Convert sales orders into work orders for fulfillment.
Supply Chain Management Track the flow of goods from acquiring the required materials to delivering the finished product.
Quality Control Track defects in finished products and raw materials, and take corrective action as needed.

Inventory Control with Small Business Manufacturing Software

Small business manufacturing software gives you better control of your inventory. Tracking inventory quantities and costs of inventory items manually is prone to errors and miscalculation. As your business grows and you have more inventory to manage, the right solution will help you track your growing inventory demands.

The manufacturing system will track the quantities and costs of your on-hand finished products and raw materials. When your supplies are running low, the system can automatically create and send a purchase order to the right vendor. This ensures you always have the necessary materials on-hand and allows you to focus on other aspects of your business.

Stock item management in DBA Manufacturing
Stock item management in DBA Manufacturing allows you to edit and view details such as item ID numbers, product descriptions and item categories, inventory costs and base prices, sales order notes, and more.

Production Planning with Small Business Manufacturing Software

As your business grows and takes on more manufacturing jobs, it becomes more difficult to manage production schedules. Small business manufacturing software includes production planning and scheduling features that allow you to assign materials, equipment, and labor to each job. The software also features calendar views and Gantt charts, making it easy to visualize work order progress and the schedules of employees and materials.

If there are any conflicts with double booking equipment, materials, or employee time, the system will alert you immediately. This allows you to take corrective action such as ordering more materials or reassigning jobs as needed.

The scheduling board in ECi M1
The scheduling board in ECi M1 provides a clear schedule of the tasks and status of each project.

QuickBooks for Small Business Manufacturers

Small manufacturing companies commonly use QuickBooks Enterprise as an alternative to ERP software. QuickBooks Enterprise helps small manufacturing businesses with income and expense tracking, invoicing, and job costing. Small manufacturers also benefit from advanced inventory tracking, sales order status management, and purchase order creation. QuickBooks also helps manufacturers calculate the true cost of manufactured products. The system factors in labor, freight, insurance, and other costs to help you determine prices for your products and increase your profit margins.

For a single user, QuickBooks Enterprise starts at $1,155/year for an on-premise solution and $140/month for cloud hosting - pricing goes up with additional users and higher-level plans.

Alternatives to QuickBooks

Some manufacturers quickly outgrow QuickBooks as their manufacturing system for a solution that offers features like material requirements planning, quality management, production scheduling, and BOM. Manufacturers can choose to either find a software solution that integrates with QuickBooks in order to keep accounting on a familiar platform, or completely replace QuickBooks with a fully integrated system.

In a survey we conducted, we’ve found that the most popular QuickBooks replacements among manufacturers were:

Popular QuickBooks Replacement Products
Popular QuickBooks Replacement Products

Small Business Manufacturing ERP Software

Small manufacturers may choose an ERP system instead of standalone manufacturing software to manage all business processes from one system. ERP solutions designed for small manufacturing businesses are often customizable while reducing overall costs. However, small manufacturers may find some ERP solutions too complex for their needs and find a manufacturing solution that fills in the functionality where their business is lacking.

Some common features in manufacturing ERP software include financial management, costing, customer relationship management (CRM), human resources management, inventory control, and material requirements planning (MRP).

ERP software can have other advanced features that can be added on as your business grows. Some ERP solutions feature ecommerce functionality for manufacturers that create and sell products directly to consumers. Some solutions feature warehouse management for manufacturers with a large number of inventory items to track.

The sales dashboard in OptiProERP
The sales dashboard in OptiProERP provides information on total sales, gross profit, open sales quotes, best selling products, and more.

Industry-Specific Small Business Manufacturing Software

Some small business manufacturing software solutions are distinctly designed for specific industries or certain types of manufacturers including:

Discrete Manufacturers

Small business discrete manufacturing software manages business operations for manufacturers that produce distinct products that can be counted individually. The software helps improve lead time and reduce costs through effective inventory control, production planning, and MRP. Made-to-stock, made-to-order, engineer-to-order, and mixed-mode manufacturers can find a solution specific to discrete manufacturing to improve their business processes.

Process Manufacturers

Small business process manufacturing software manages the manufacturing of products that are created with recipes or formulas and packaged as individual units. The process manufacturing solution will ensure your formulas and recipes are secure and consistent. These systems also assist with lot traceability and compliance management to ensure your products meet regulatory standards. Industries that use process manufacturing software include pharmaceutical, chemical, and food manufacturers.

All Products

No products found
MRPEasy Screenshot

MRPEasy

★★★★★
★★★★★
(9)
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 meets your requirements and access additional functionality as you grow your business. @youtube Production planning and scheduling; CRM with manufacturing cost and lead time estimating and quoting; Inventory management; BOM management; Supply
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$49/user/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
DBA Manufacturing Screenshot
DBA Manufacturing is a manufacturing software for small businesses. The solution replaces traditional forecasts and BOM explosions, reduces time to shipment, uses less inventory with fewer shortages, and reduces your workforce size. The demand driven MRP helps your business replace manual planning methods with a demand driven planning system to boost efficiency. Video Overview ; Features Accounts Payable ;; Accounts Receivable ;; Bank Reconciliation ;; Bill of Materials ;; General Ledger ;;
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$599/user/year
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
On-Premises
EnterpriseIQ Screenshot

EnterpriseIQ

★★★★★
★★★★★
(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 interfacing third-party add-ons. EnterpriseIQ natively integrates the front office and the plant floor with real-time production monitoring, accounting, scheduling, inventory control and reporting, as well as enabling manufacturers to manage additional
Client OS
Windows
Fishbowl Inventory Screenshot

Fishbowl Inventory

★★★★★
★★★★★
(21)
We recommend Fishbowl to small and midsize businesses seeking a robust and scalable inventory management software that provides the benefits of a low-cost ERP.
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$4,395 (perpetual license)
Client OS
Windows, macOS
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
SAP Business One Screenshot

SAP Business One

★★★★★
★★★★★
(11)
SAP Business One provides comprehensive business management capabilities for small and medium sized companies. This system provides integrated departmental support for finance, sales, supply chain management, production, project management, and production processes. @youtube Key business benefits of SAP Business One include: The ability to capture and manage all business information in a single, integrated software platform; Improved decision-making capabilities via extensive business
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$410/user/year
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
NetSuite ERP Screenshot

NetSuite ERP

★★★★★
★★★★★
(22)
We like NetSuite for its advanced features, extensive customization, and powerful integrations. NetSuite offers industry-specific software editions to generate leading practice reports and boost out-of-the-box functionality.
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$99/user/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
MISys Manufacturing Screenshot

MISys Manufacturing

★★★★★
★★★★★
(3)
MISys is a time-tested, fully integrated MRP system that can streamline a manufacturer’s process, saving them time and money. From basic Inventory and BOM needs, to complex Shop Floor Control and Serial/Lot Tracking, MISys offers a scalable solution for a very wide variety and size of manufacturers. MISys offers an extensive worldwide support channel offers local installation and support options in 40 countries. MISys gives manufacturers high-end functionality at a very affordable price. And,
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$3,995 (perpetual license)
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Katana Manufacturing ERP Screenshot

Katana Manufacturing ERP

★★★★★
★★★★★
(7)
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, Xero, Quickbooks Online, and more via Zapier, Integromat, and Katana’s open API. @youtube Live inventory management; Real-time master planning; Shop floor control; Omnichannel order management; End-to-end traceability; Production planning;
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$99/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
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.
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$1,500/user/year
Client OS
Windows
ECI M1 Screenshot

ECI M1

★★★★★
★★★★★
(13)
We like ECI M1 for its powerful scheduling module, built-in payroll capabilities, and multi-location inventory management.
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$5,000/month
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
E-Z-MRP Screenshot

E-Z-MRP

★★★★★
★★★★★
(4)
E-Z-MRP is an integrated manufacturing system that includes all the functions you need to control your manufacturing operations. E-Z-MRP” is designed for small manufacturers — from startup to $20 million. It works just as well in job shop or build to order environments as in build to stock or build to forecast operations. E-Z-MRP” has been successfully implemented in a remarkable variety of small manufacturing companies — medical instrumentation, appliances, automotive, pharmaceutical,
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$4,900 (perpetual license)
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
On-Premises
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 System takes the uncertainty out of shop management. Development of the E2 Shop System dates back to 1984. Our shop specific software was developed from an actual shop experience, real-life shop situations, shop know how and shop needs. Both
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$4,995 (perpetual license)
Client OS
Windows, macOS, Web
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 system that provides the flexibility manufacturers need to maximize productivity and profits, while scaling effectively. JobBOSS² gives you insight and visibility into your shop floor like never before. It assists with quick and accurate estimates
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$4,995 (perpetual license)
Client OS
Windows, Web
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Priority ERP Screenshot

Priority ERP

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
Priority offers tailored systems that meet the requirements of its core vertical markets, including manufacturing, professional services, customer service, retail (including a built-in PoS, the critical link between the front and back office), healthcare, construction, automotive, agriculture and more. Further, Priority provides logistics companies with fully-integrated supply chain management to optimize logistics networks, manage transportation and warehousing operations, and provide other
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$100/user/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
Global Shop Solutions ERP Software Screenshot

Global Shop Solutions ERP Software

★★★★★
★★★★★
(4)
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, inventory, accounting, quality control, CRM and 25 more. Available in the cloud or on premise, manufacturing customers benefit from real-time inventory accuracy, improved on-time delivery, lower administrative costs, increased sales and improved
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Windows, iOS, Android, Web
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
ERP123 Screenshot

ERP123

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
ERP123 is an innovative approach to ERP that combines highly functional ERP software with video-based implementation and training designed to reduce cost and risk while delivering a superior business solution for your company. ERP123 ERP software is flexible, easy to use and provides a complete end-to-end solution that small to mid-sized manufacturers and distributors can manage and afford. Built on a solid, proven technological foundation, ERP123 offers over 150 individual modules and 50 hours
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Accelerated ERP Screenshot
Accelerated ERP is a true multi-company/multi-location, complete, integrated software package that will manage your Business Operations from a Quote ~ to Production ~ to Cash business flow including After-market Sales and Warranty Management. Accelerated ERP is designed for discrete manufacturers who are in the MTO (make to order), ETO (engineer to order), CTO (configure to order), ATO (assemble to order) or mixed mode manufacturing operations. Product Configuration is an integrated element of
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
OptiProERP Screenshot

OptiProERP

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
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 and midsized businesses), delivering an affordable 21stcentury ERP solution for discrete manufacturers. This solution and R&D/innovation is 100% focused on the needs of discrete manufacturers. Functionality highlights include: primary and
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Web
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Infor VISUAL Screenshot

Infor VISUAL

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
Infor VISUAL Enterprise was the first true Windows-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution for custom, assemble-to-order, make-to-order, make-to-stock and mixed mode manufacturers. Its leading-edge technology is designed to manage the total production environment from quoting and estimating to shipping and billing. Infor ERP VISUAL delivers an integrated approach to all core manufacturing requirements, including MRP (material requirements planning), advanced planning and scheduling,
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$12,000 (perpetual license)
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Visual EstiTrack Screenshot

Visual EstiTrack

★★★★★
★★★★★
(6)
Visual EstiTrack is an ERP shop management system that makes it easy to create quotes, schedule processes, manage materials, and track orders. Small to midsize manufacturers and job shops will be able to deliver more jobs on-time and increase business sales with Visual EstiTrack. This solution offers user-friendly functionalities, providing smaller shops a huge advantage over their competition. Job shop managers and operators can communicate better by using the interactive monitors with Visual
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$3,000/user (perpetual license)
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
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 recommendations that meet your exact requirements.

Sort by 
Filter by User Rating
Filter by Price Range
Filter by Deployment
Filter by Client OS