ERP Software for Manufacturing: 15 Best Systems

Manufacturing businesses face intense competition. Those trying to stay afloat amid growing competition use ERP software to stay ahead of the curve. This is why manufacturing ERP software has become a necessary tool for businesses to stay ahead. These tools enable manufacturers to optimize production, manage supply chains, and streamline overall operations.

According to WP ERP, the global ERP market is projected to reach $78.40 billion by 2026. And this is substantiated by the findings of Comparesoft, which stresses that 47% of manufacturers are now implementing ERP systems to boost their efficiency.

The right ERP can transform your operations by improving production visibility, minimizing downtime, and enhancing supply chain agility. Whether you’re a small business looking to scale or a large enterprise seeking to optimize complex processes, we’ve curated the top 15 ERP solutions specifically designed for manufacturing.

What is ERP Software for Manufacturing

ERP, or Enterprise Resource Planning software, provides functions that connect core business processes within a single platform.

In particular, manufacturing ERP software is tailored to handle production tasks like scheduling, inventory tracking, and supply chain management.

This manufacturing ERP software includes ERP production planning modules and other key features, such as material requirements planning (MRP) and shop floor control.

These systems often integrate with other software‑such as CRM, HR, and warehouse management, to create a complete view of operations.

How Can Manufacturing Companies Benefit from ERP Implementation?

Manufacturing ERP software integrates essential business functions like production planning, inventory control, and supply chain management into one platform.

Leverage it for better, smoother manufacturing operations that drive visibility across different stages of production.

Below are some of the key benefits of ERP software for manufacturing:

• Centralized Data Management: Connecting departments like production, finance, and supply chain to reduce data silos.
• Improved Production Planning: Promotes optimized scheduling to reduce bottlenecks and downtime.
• Enhanced Inventory Control: Managing inventory levels accurately to prevent overstocking and shortages.
• Real‑Time Decision Making: Accessing live data for quicker decision-making across the shop floor.
• Better Compliance Management: Ensuring processes meet regulatory standards.

Top 15 ERP Systems for Manufacturing Companies

Now that you know what ERP is and how manufacturing businesses benefit from it, let’s explore the top 15 ERP solutions that help manufacturers.

First, let’s quickly compare each.

Kladana

A cloud‑based ERP solution where small and medium‑sized manufacturers can leverage its dedicated modules. It can be used to simplify operations with its inventory control, production management, and financial tracking features.

Key Features

• Production Management: Create and manage multi‑level Bills of Materials (BOMs) and track work‑in‑progress.
• Inventory Control: Real‑time stock tracking and automated reordering to prevent stockouts.
• Order Management: Simplifies order processing, tracking, and fulfillment.
• Workflow Automation: Automate routine tasks to save time and reduce manual errors.
• CRM Integration: Manage customer relationships, monitor buying patterns, and create personalized offers.

Pros & Cons

Here are some pros & cons of adopting Kladana as your manufacturing ERP:

Pros:

• Affordable for small businesses
• Easy cloud access with solid inventory management
• Flexibility to integrate with existing tools

Cons:

• Advanced features might be optional for micro‑businesses
• Customization may be required for niche operations
• Less suitable for large‑scale manufacturers

Pricing

Starts at $60/year.

SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing Solutions

Suitable for large‑scale manufacturing environments needing robust production planning, scheduling, and operations management capabilities. Manufacturers can optimize every aspect of production by integrating planning, execution, and analytics within a unified platform.

Key Features

• Advanced Production Planning: Exception‑based planning and detailed scheduling that relies on real‑time capacity and resource constraints.
• Integrated Supply Chain Management: Connects demand forecasting, material procurement, and shop floor execution.
• Digital Manufacturing Collaboration: Ensures collaboration across design, engineering, and production teams.

Pros & Cons

Here are some pros and cons of using S/4HANA as a manufacturing ERP:

Pros:

• Ideal for complex production environments requiring multi‑site and global collaboration
• Built‑in analytics and automation features that support advanced manufacturing setups
• Provides real‑time visibility and control over the entire supply chain

Cons:

• High cost and complexity make it better suited for large enterprises
• Requires a skilled implementation team for deep customization and performance
• Can get too complex for smaller businesses and hence is ideal only for highly scalable manufacturers

Pricing

Custom quotation based on request

Acumatica Manufacturing Management Software

This one is a cloud‑based ERP solution designed to meet the unique needs of small and midsize manufacturers. It provides tools for different stages of production and has built‑in automation capabilities.

Key Features

• Supply Chain Visibility: Gives you transparency across the supply chain to optimize material flow and procurement.
• Inventory Tracking: Monitors inventory in real‑time, reducing the risk of stockouts and overproduction.
• Quality Control: Integrates quality checks into every production stage.

Pros & Cons

Let’s review some of its pros and cons:

Pros:

• Specifically tailored for small to mid‑sized manufacturers
• User‑friendly design makes adoption easy for teams with limited tech expertise
• Flexible integration with other business tools

Cons:

• Lacks advanced features required by larger enterprises
• Cloud‑only deployment
• Less offline support

Pricing

On request.

Oracle NetSuite for Manufacturing

This cloud‑based ERP solution is designed for manufacturers that need to manage complex production processes. It provides end‑to‑end visibility into production, inventory, and supply chain activities for improved decision‑making.

Key Features

• Order Management: Automates order‑to‑cash processes for accurate order tracking and fulfillment.
• Quality Management: Built‑in tools help define inspection plans and track quality metrics.
• Demand Planning: Forecasts customer demand and aligns production schedules to avoid overproduction and stockouts.

Pros & Cons

Let’s check the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Suitable for both small and large manufacturers
• Advanced features for global supply chain management and multi‑location support
• Cloud deployment reduces the need for heavy IT infrastructure

Cons:

• Higher costs may limit it to larger‑scale businesses
• A steep learning curve for first‑timers
• Complex implementation

Pricing

Custom pricing on request.

Zoho Manufacturing ERP Software

Zoho’s manufacturing ERP is a low‑code solution that streamlines operations with customizable modules. The focus is on improving productivity by automating manual tasks and providing complete visibility into production and inventory management.

Key Features

• Inventory Management: Centralized control to track raw materials, finished goods, and MRO (maintenance, repair, operations) items.
• Material Procurement: Create purchase orders, invoices, and approvals optimized supply chain.
• Customizable Workflows: Drag‑and‑drop builder to create workflows for unique business requirements.

Pros & Cons

Major pros and cons of Zoho’s manufacturing ERP:

Pros:

• Quick customizations without extensive coding knowledge
• Scalable for businesses of all sizes
• Strong integration capabilities with third‑party tools

Cons:

• High learning period for teams new to low‑code platforms
• Add‑ons required for advanced features
• When billed annually, the price ranges between $6/user/month to $8/user/month, depending on your country/region.

Pricing

When billed annually, the price ranges between $6/user/month to $8/user/month, depending on your country/region.

Infor SyteLine

Infor SyteLine (also known as CloudSuite Industrial) is an ERP solution built for manufacturing companies needing a range of production models. It’s a helpful tool with engineer‑to‑order, configure‑to‑order, and repetitive manufacturing features.

Key Features

• Material Requirements Planning (MRP): Converts materials requirements directly into purchase orders and jobs to ensure smooth production flows.
• Quality Management System (QMS): Tracks quality checks throughout the manufacturing cycle.
• Customizable Reporting with DataViews: Enables creating and saving personalized reports for easy analysis of material requirements.

Pros & Cons

Let’s review some of its pros and cons:

Pros:

• Extensive customization options to tailor the system for specific manufacturing needs
• Advanced features for production and material management
• Multi‑mode support for different manufacturing processes

Cons:

• Complex navigation between modules
• Limited advanced QMS functionality

Pricing

On‑request only.

Plex Manufacturing Execution System (MES/MOM)

This is a cloud‑native ERP solution built specifically for manufacturing execution and operations management (MES/MOM) capabilities. It focuses on continuous improvement and lean manufacturing, so choose the same for its flexibility and scalability.

Key Features

• Real‑Time Production Monitoring: Instant insights into production metrics, quality checks, and machine performance.
• Shop Floor Control: Track work orders in real time to minimize production bottlenecks.
• ERP Integration: Combines MES capabilities with core ERP functions like finance and human resources.

Pros & Cons

Let’s find out the pros and cons of using Plex manufacturing ERP:

Pros:

• Cloud‑native design for faster deployment and easier upgrades
• Strong shop floor control features supporting lean manufacturing principles
• Real‑time data analytics to identify areas for improvement

Cons:

• Requires significant customization for complex manufacturing setups
• High cost for small manufacturers
• Requires more time in training

Pricing

Customized on request.

Sage X3 for Manufacturing

A manufacturing ERP system designed for those needing more control over production, inventory, and supply chain operations. It offers an agile solution for industry‑specific requirements like process manufacturing, food and beverage, and chemicals.

Key Features

• Cost Management: Real‑time visibility into production costs to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Quality Assurance: Tracks compliance requirements and automates quality inspections.
• Global Compliance: Supports multi‑language, multi‑currency, and multi‑legislation for international operations.

Pros & Cons

Here are some pros and cons to know:

Pros:

• Flexible configuration options
• Strong support for global manufacturing operations
• Integrated project management features

Cons:

• A complex implementation requires skilled resources to set up
• Higher learning curve for small teams
• Customization adds to implementation costs

Pricing

On request.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management (SCM) is a comprehensive ERP solution providing manufacturers with the tools to optimize production. It can improve supply chain efficiency and provide real‑time visibility into operations.

Key Features

• MES Integration: Connects with third‑party Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) that eliminate data silos.
• IoT and AI‑Driven Operations: Leverages machine learning and IoT to predict maintenance needs.
• Advanced Analytics with Power BI: Delivers real‑time data and insights to identify trends and make informed decisions.

Pros & Cons

Let’s review some pros and cons of this software:

Pros:

• Rich set of features for end‑to‑end supply chain management
• AI and IoT integrations support intelligent decision‑making and predictive maintenance
• Powerful real‑time analytics to optimize production and logistics

Cons:

• Integrating with legacy systems or third‑party tools requires extensive configuration
• A high level of customization overhead needs a skilled technical team

Pricing

Starts at $210 user/month

IFS Cloud for Manufacturing

IFS Cloud has complex, global manufacturers seeking a unified solution for ERP, supply chain, and asset management.

It provides deep industry‑specific functionality and supports multiple modes of manufacturing, making it a strong fit for engineer-to-order and project‑based manufacturing environments.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Asset Management: Help manage asset lifecycle from procurement to retirement.
• Integrated Project Management: Combine project and production management to align resources and schedules.
• Advanced Manufacturing Module: Supports mixed‑mode manufacturing, such as discrete, process, and project‑based, for different production setups.

Pros & Cons

Let’s review some of the pros and cons of the IFS cloud.

Pros:

• Strong project management and asset management capabilities
• Supports multiple manufacturing modes within a single solution
• Scalable and adaptable, making it suitable for large enterprises

Cons:

• High initial implementation cost, though it provides a solid ROI for large‑scale operations
• Potential over‑engineering for small teams resulting in underutilization and wasted investment

Pricing

Available on request.

Odoo Manufacturing

Odoo manufacturing ERP is a highly adaptable tool for small‑to‑medium‑sized manufacturers. Its open‑source nature and modular structure allow businesses to start small and add more features as they grow.

Key Features

• MRP Integration: Combines Material Requirements Planning (MRP) with production scheduling to ensure smooth operations.
• Customization and Open Source: Offers extensive customization capabilities and a vibrant community for support.
• PLM (Product Lifecycle Management): Manage engineering changes, track versions, and collaborate with the design team.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Modular and flexible design that can be adapted to fit any business size or need
• Lower cost compared to many competitors, making it ideal for growing businesses
• Open‑source that allows deep customization

Cons:

• Lacks advanced features needed by large enterprises
• Customization demands more time and resources

Pricing

When paid yearly, it starts at around $6 per user/month to $24 per user/month, depending on your geographic location.

QAD Adaptive ERP

QAD Adaptive ERP is preferred by manufacturers operating in complex and fast‑changing environments like automotive, life sciences, and consumer goods.

This ERP supports global manufacturers with complex supply chains and regulatory requirements. You’ll have highly customizable tools for lean manufacturing, precision inventory management, and real‑time analytics for each industry sector.

Key Features

• Production and Supply Chain Management: Offers end‑to‑end visibility into production processes and supply chain activities for optimal efficiency.
• Process Manufacturing: Supports batch tracking, formula management, and process data collection to optimize operations for process manufacturers.
• IoT and Automation: Leverages IoT integrations for real‑time monitoring of equipment and production metrics to enhance efficiency and predictive maintenance.

Pros & Cons

Below are the major pros and cons of QAD Adaptive ERP:

Pros:

• Flexible and scalable ERP for mid‑to‑large‑sized manufacturing companies operating globally
• Comprehensive compliance and quality management features tailored for industries like automotive, life sciences, and food & beverage
• Cloud‑based architecture provides flexibility and ease of deployment

Cons:

• Implementation and customization can be time‑consuming and skill‑demanding
• The difficult learning curve as vast features may overwhelm smaller businesses or teams without dedicated ERP experts

Pricing

On request.

Eresource ERP for Manufacturing

This one is a complete solution for manufacturers of all sizes since it provides end‑to‑end modules for production planning, quality management, and supply chain optimization.

You should choose it because of its easy implementation and strong focus on the Indian manufacturing sectors.

VasyERP for Manufacturing

VasyERP provides a lightweight ERP solution that suits small — to mid‑sized manufacturers who want a more straightforward tool to manage their production, inventory, and finances.

The user‑friendly interface and quick deployment are two factors that make it an ideal choice for manufacturers seeking affordability without sacrificing essential features.

Captivea ERP Manufacturing

Captivea specializes in implementing Odoo‑based ERP systems for manufacturing that allow high customization and flexibility.

If you are looking for an adaptable solution that evolves with your business changes and integrates quickly with other business applications, consider this.

Watch our extensive webinar that will help you understand how you can automate your manufacturing operations using Kladana:

Manufacturing ERP System Features

When using ERP for manufacturing, you’ll also have to check its features, some of which are mentioned below.

Production Planning & Scheduling

Plan production runs, allocate resources, and meet production timelines to minimize delays and optimize shop floor efficiency.

Bill of Materials (BOM) Management

Create multi‑level BOMs, handle complex assemblies, and track costs for each component when dealing with detailed assemblies.

Kladana helps you create bill of materials easily. Watch this to explore how you can use our features to manage your BOMs:

Material Requirements Planning (MRP)

Forecast demand, plan purchases, and manage production materials to prevent stockouts and excess inventory.

Shop Floor Control

Get real‑time data on the status of production orders, machine performance, and operator efficiency.

Inventory Management

Enable maintaining optimal stock levels, tracking material usage, and reducing carriage costs with automated inventory tracking.

Quality Management

Manufacturing ERP lets you track quality inspections, manage non‑conformance reports, and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Financial Management Integration

Link production costs to your accounting system and get real‑time profitability analysis and financial tracking.

Automation & Workflow Management

Automate repetitive tasks, establish approval workflows, and optimize process flow for better efficiency.

Maintenance Scheduling

Schedule preventive maintenance to keep machinery in top shape and avoid unexpected breakdowns.

Signs Your Manufacturing Company Needs an ERP System

There are some signs in your manufacturing business indicating you need to consider using ERP software now. Usually, you experience it when your current tech stack can’t keep up with growing orders.

The result is scattered data across systems, and inventory management remains a constant challenge. Here are those key indicators:

Operational Inefficiencies

Repeated manual errors, production delays, and wasted resources suggest that an ERP is needed to streamline your operations.

Lack of Real‑Time Data

Struggling to make timely decisions because you can’t see accurate data across all departments.

Scattered Business Processes

If your team uses separate systems for production, accounting, and inventory, it’s time to integrate everything.

Poor Inventory Management

Difficulty tracking stock levels, frequent stockouts, or overstocking are red flags indicating the need for better inventory controls.

How to Choose the Right ERP for Your Manufacturing Business

Selecting a manufacturing ERP system requires breaking the process into simple steps to consider its essential aspects.

Step 1: Determine Business Size

First, think about how big your business is and where you see it in a few years.

A small business just starting out doesn’t need a massive system. So, choose a solution that is simple and easy to implement, like Kladana.

Medium‑to‑large companies with complex setups may need a solution that scales like SAP S/4HANA or Microsoft Dynamics 365.

Step 2: Consider the Industry

The ERP you choose should match your specific industry.

For example, if you’re in the food and beverage industry, you’d need features like traceability and quality checks. Contrarily, automotive manufacturers need strong supply chains and inventory controls.

Step 3: Decide Between Cloud or On‑Premises

Next, figure out whether you want a cloud‑based ERP or an on‑premises solution.

Cloud ERP: Ideal if you want to have access anywhere, anytime, while providing the flexibility in managing multiple sites.

On‑premises: This option works well for businesses wanting tight data control and possessing in‑house IT to handle maintenance. However, the higher initial costs and maintenance effort can be a hurdle early on.

Step 4: Check the Vendor’s Experience

Check for your manufacturing ERP vendor who knows about your industry by checking their track record with similar companies.

Also, the training and support after implementation and assistance in ERP customization should be considered.

Assessing these aspects upfront can save the challenges you face later on.

Step 5: Think About Future Growth

Your business will evolve, and so will the ERP you choose. Hence, look for options with modular add‑ons that allow you to start small and add features as you expand.

Standard ERP vs Manufacturing ERP

A standard ERP is suitable for service‑based or product‑selling businesses to streamline operations, reduce manual processes, and provide visibility across the organization.

However, manufacturers using standard ERP might fall short. It’s because the standard ERP lacks modules specific to production processes, such as MRP, shop floor management, or quality control.

With manufacturing ERP, you can integrate the supply chain, drive quality management, and perform production planning for streamlined operations.

Here are the key differences:

Types of ERP Systems for Manufacturing

When choosing an ERP system, manufacturers need to understand the different types available to meet their unique needs. Let’s look at the three main types and when each is best suited for manufacturing operations.

Cloud‑Based ERP

Cloud‑based ERP systems are hosted on the vendor’s servers and accessed via the internet — perfect if your business needs flexibility, scalability, and remote access.

Use cloud ERP if you have to manage manufacturing from multiple locations or want to lower IT costs because the provider handles updates and maintenance.

Pros

• Lower upfront cost compared to on‑premises.
• Easily scalable as your business grows.
• Accessible from any location, supporting remote work and multiple sites.

Best For: Small to mid‑sized businesses, multi‑location operations, and manufacturers seeking rapid deployment without investing heavily in IT infrastructure.

Example Systems: Kladana is often a popular cloud‑based option for manufacturers.

On‑Premises ERP

On‑premises ERP systems are installed locally on your company’s servers and hardware, offering more control over data. This is a preferred choice for manufacturers with strict data compliance requirements or who need to customize the system extensively.

Pros

• More control over data and system security.
• Customizable to meet specific business needs.

Best For: Larger enterprises with robust IT teams, manufacturers handling sensitive data, or those needing unique configurations.

Example Systems: Infor CloudSuite Industrial and Epicor Kinetic.

Hybrid ERP

Hybrid ERP blends the benefits of both cloud and on‑premises systems. It allows businesses to keep some data and applications on local servers while leveraging the flexibility of the cloud for other operations.

Pros

• Allows gradual migration to the cloud while keeping critical systems on‑premises.
• Offers flexibility in managing different business units or geographical sites.

Best For: Companies in transition between on‑premises and cloud or those needing to follow specific regulations that require on‑site data storage.

Example Systems: SAP S/4HANA provides hybrid options for diverse operational setups.

Kladana’s Manufacturing Future for Your Business

Kladana is more than just an ERP — it’s a strategic partner for small and medium‑sized manufacturers looking to simplify production, gain real‑time visibility, and leverage smooth operations.

You choose Kladana for its features, such as detailed cost tracking and multi‑level BOM management, which set it apart from generic ERPs.

These features make Kladana ideal for businesses aiming to grow and adapt to changing demands.

Jtronix Technologies, one of our highly satisfied customers share their experience on how they migrated from using Excel sheets for everything to using Kladana as ERP to manage their manufacturing operations. Hear what Jay Senghani, founder of Jtronix has to say:

Jtronix chose Kladana ERP for its competitive pricing, user‑friendly interface, and ability to manage product details in one section. The quick onboarding process and easy‑to‑use features allowed the team to streamline production management, saving valuable time.

Planning Modules for Production in ERP

ERP production planning systems use specific modules that help manufacturers stay organized and responsive when managing production.

These tools cover every detail needed to plan efficiently, from scheduling the deliveries to forecasting demand and even tracking material availability.

What’s Included?

• Production scheduling: Helps decide what to produce and when.
• Material Requirements Planning (MRP): Ensuring you have enough materials on hand.
• Capacity Planning: Matching production needs to available resources.

3 Critical ERP Implementation Success Factors You Can’t Ignore

Implementing ERP for a manufacturing business requires considering a few factors that determine its success. Make sure you don’t overlook these factors when implementing an ERP system in manufacturing.

Building a Skilled Internal Project Team

Your ERP project needs a strong internal team that understands both the system and your business. Stakeholders from different departments should be involved and prioritize this project alongside their regular duties.

Improving Business Processes Before ERP Selection

Before choosing a manufacturing ERP, map out and refine your business processes to identify pain points. This helps you choose software that aligns with your business’s actual needs.

Having a Strong Change Management Plan

A solid change management strategy ensures that your employees are not resistant to ERP change. Consider a transition based on training and communication.

FAQs Around Implementing ERP for Manufacturing

Let’s answer some of the most common questions for deploying manufacturing ERP software.

What is ERP in simple terms?

ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning. It is software that businesses can use to manage and automate their daily operations.

How does ERP benefit manufacturing businesses?

Manufacturers use ERP to simplify their day‑to‑day operations, reduce manual errors, and get a real‑time view of inventory and supply chain activities.

Why do some ERP implementations fail?

Your manufacturing ERP implementation can fail if —

• You do not plan well.
• Change management is absent.
• You choose a solution that aligns differently with business needs.

What are the key steps in a successful manufacturing ERP implementation?

Start by defining clear goals, choosing the right system, mapping your business processes, and building a skilled team that focuses more on training.

How long does it take to implement a manufacturing ERP system?

Implementing manufacturing can take anywhere from 6 months to over a year, depending on the company’s size, complexity, and customization needs.

Can small manufacturers benefit from ERP?

Absolutely. Even smaller manufacturers can use manufacturing ERP systems to reduce manual work and get better insights into operations.

Can ERP help with compliance and quality control?

Yes! A top‑quality ERP system comes with quality management modules, allowing you to track product compliance, conduct audits, and maintain documentation.

What is MRP, and how does it work in ERP systems?

MRP (Material Requirements Planning) is a prominent ERP module that ensures the right materials are available at the right time to automate production scheduling and order management.

What makes Kladana ideal for small manufacturers?

It’s easy to set up, budget‑friendly, and packed with features that are often reserved for larger ERPs.

How does Kladana support business growth in manufacturing?

Kladana is built to support small and medium manufacturers, providing essential features like production tracking, cost management, and multi‑level BOM management.