The 4 Best ERP for Manufacturing: Software Buyer's Guide

Today there are countless software solutions for automating the manufacturing process. From product design through to production planning, nearly every aspect of building and selling products can be streamlined with modern tools.

The problem with so many options is that it's difficult to determine which one is right for your specific needs. The best enterprise resource planning (ERP) for manufacturing will vary, contingent upon the unique challenges you’re seeking to solve.

We’ve curated this list of the best ERP for manufacturers by identifying what makes great manufacturing ERP software and comparing the top-rated products currently on the market.

What makes the best ERP for manufacturing?

When it comes to shopping for software, finding the right solution begins with needs identification and an efficiency audit of your existing workflows. The best ERP for manufacturing is one that addresses the core needs of the industry: streamlining production processes, improving manufacturing efficiency, and integrating various business functions.

The best ERP software for manufacturing should resolve key problems such as:

• Integration of business processes: Businesses often struggle with disjointed systems where different departments use separate software for their Manufacturing ERP software with robust integration capabilities allows seamless data flow across functions like finance, manufacturing inventory management, and sales.
• Real-time data access: Delays in accessing up-to-date information can hinder decision-making. The best ERP software for manufacturers offers real-time data processing and reporting features.
• Sustainable growth: Your needs change as your business grows, and you need software that can scale with you. Effective manufacturing ERP software can handle increased data and user load and offers modular options to add new functionalities.

When conducting our research for this list, we identified ERP software with features designed to help with these key issues.

For example, we determined that the best ERP for manufacturing should offer functionality around real-time data analytics, inventory management, process automation, supply chain planning, and production scheduling.

We also considered the reliability of the software vendors and how positively they’re reviewed by real-life users.

Let’s dive into the findings of our research.

The 4 best ERP software for manufacturing: Quick look

After comparing the results from our research, we identified four solutions that best serve the different needs of manufacturing businesses.

In the landscape of ERP software for manufacturing, these solutions stand out:

• Unleashed: Best for manufacturing inventory management
• Microsoft Dynamics 365: Best for sustainable-minded small manufacturers
• SYSPRO: Best for large and scaling enterprises
• QT9: Best for highly regulated industries

Related: The Top 5 Manufacturing Software Systems for 2024

Comparing the best manufacturing ERP systems

We also looked at key features, such as cost-effectiveness, reliability, the software provider's reputation, and the level of customer support offered.

Best manufacturing ERP software for supply chain and inventory management

The best manufacturing ERP system for supply chain and inventory management should automate core workflows related to inventory control, bill of materials management, and procurement.

In the area of manufacturing and inventory control, businesses often grapple with the complexities of managing vast amounts of data, ensuring accurate inventory tracking, and optimising production processes.

Implementing the right manufacturing ERP software can transform these challenges into strengths, providing functionality that supports real-time visibility into inventory levels, seamlessly integrates vital supply chain management processes, and automates production scheduling.

Unleashed

Unleashed is a manufacturing inventory management system that solves problems across every stage of the supply chain, from purchasing and supplier management to stock control and production planning.

By automating daily production tasks, providing real-time visibility of stock levels, and centralising crucial inventory and sales data Unleashed helps manufacturers save time and money without sacrificing product quality.

Unleashed seamlessly integrates with over 30 applications, including Xero, QuickBooks, Shopify, Salesforce, and Amazon – enabling a build-as-you-scale manufacturing ERP alternative that keeps data consistent and up to date across the business.

Unleashed pros

• Unleashed automates and streamlines production processes, significantly reducing administrative time and total manufacturing costs.
• Real-time inventory tracking updates stock levels instantly and improves your inventory accuracy, enabling accurate purchasing decisions and minimisation of waste.
• User-friendly dashboards provide real-time insights into business performance and KPI tracking, enhancing overall operational efficiency
• Strong customer support ensures that any issues can be addressed promptly, maintaining smooth operations.
• Built-in bill of materials software that boosts production visibility and streamlines the manufacturing process.

Positive reviews of Unleashed:

Source: Trustpilot

Source: Software Advice

Unleashed cons

• While Unleashed offers robust inventory management features, it may not be the best fit for very large enterprises seeking highly customised solutions.
• The lack of accounting capabilities within Unleashed itself means it needs to be integrated with financial management software such as Xero or Quickbooks.
• Potential improvements have been noted to enhance and further streamline purchase order receipting.

Negative reviews of Unleashed:

Source: Trustpilot

Unleashed pricing

Unleashed offers a tiered pricing structure based on a monthly subscription model, catering to businesses of various sizes.

Here's a breakdown of Unleashed plans:

The Medium Plan starts at $359 per month and is designed for mid-sized businesses. It includes 3 user accounts, and unlimited access to products, customers, suppliers, and transactions. Unlimited warehouses and currencies, free access to the mobile sales app, and API access with 125,000 calls are also included.

The Large Plan has a monthly subscription fee of $649 and is tailored for scaling businesses. It comes with 8 user accounts, all features of the medium plan, and enhanced API access with 250,000 calls.

The Large Plus Plan has a monthly cost of $999 and is best suited for emerging enterprises. It provides 20 user accounts and incorporates all features of the large plan, along with the maximum API access of 500,000 calls.

• Note: Unleashed helps manufacturers unlock efficiency across all areas of the business. Reduce your production costs, minimise administrative time, and maximise productivity with the world’s most-loved manufacturing inventory software. Start a free 14-day trial of Unleashed today.

Best manufacturing ERP software for sustainability-driven SMEs

The best ERP for manufacturing companies seeking to implement sustainability into their operations should provide data-driven solutions to reduce the environmental impact of operations and help organisations meet sustainability goals while also fostering business growth.

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is an ERP software that provides sustainability solutions designed to drive operational and cost efficiencies by leveraging Microsoft's AI and data analytics technologies.

With capabilities for monitoring and managing sustainability efforts, Microsoft Dynamics 365 helps businesses better understand and improve their Environmental, Social, and Governance performance.

It offers features to help organisations manage their environmental impact, such as tracking greenhouse gas emissions and providing insights for sustainability management.

Dynamics 365 integrates with Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability and Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing to provide a comprehensive set of tools that enable manufacturers to record, report, and reduce their environmental footprint.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 pros

• Helps organisations to become more agile and data-driven, which is essential for addressing modern product development challenges.
• Customisation capabilities make it possible to add new functionalities tailored to specific business needs.
• Supports customers in overcoming business challenges by enabling continuous innovation through integrated cloud solutions.

Positive reviews of Microsoft Dynamics 365:

Source: GetApp

Microsoft Dynamics 365 cons

• May require additional training for users not familiar with Microsoft's ecosystem.
• Integration with non-Microsoft products can potentially lead to compatibility issues.
• The extensive range of features might be overwhelming for SMEs requiring a simpler solution.

Negative reviews of Microsoft Dynamics 365:

Source: Capterra

Microsoft Dynamics 365 pricing

Microsoft Dynamics 365 offers a free 30-day trial. There are different pricing structures for various aspects of operations. The following pricing is based on the Dynamics 365 Business Central plan

The Essentials plan starts at $70 per user per month, depending on the modules and features you select, and does not include manufacturing functionality.

The Premium plan starts at $100 per user per month and includes advanced service management and manufacturing capabilities.

Best manufacturing ERP software for scalability

The best manufacturing ERP software for scalability should offer solutions for each step of the manufacturing process, offer critical insights across the company that can inform strategy decisions, and be large enough to support businesses at every stage of their growth.

SYSPRO

SYSPRO is a reliable ERP system for manufacturing businesses, recognised for its scalability and flexibility, that can adapt and grow with your company.

SYSPRO offers a range of features that support manufacturing operations, including production management and supply chain management, along with numerous solutions that touch on nearly every aspect of a company’s operations.

SYSPRO pros

• Industry-specific ERP solutions tailored for manufacturing and distribution industries, providing deep insights into supply chain management.
• User-friendly intuitive interface, that can feature either a ribbon toolbar or a vertical pane toolbar for easy navigation.
• The modular nature of SYSPRO allows for scalability, making it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses and adaptable as they grow.

Positive reviews of SYSPRO:

Source: Forbes Advisor

Source: Capterra

SYSPRO cons

• SYSPRO can be more expensive than some of its competitors, which might be a significant factor for small to medium-sized businesses.
• The software lacks human resources-related features, which means businesses may need to invest in additional software to handle HR tasks.
• Limited flexibility with some users reporting difficulties integrating SYSPRO with other systems.

Negative reviews of SYSPRO:

Source: G2

SYSPRO pricing

SYSPRO offers a subscription-based pricing model, which is typically charged on a monthly or annual basis.

The subscription cost can range from $150 to $250 per user per month, depending on the number of users and the modules selected. SYSPRO does not offer a free version, but there is a free trial available to test the software before committing to a paid subscription.

Users can opt for a perpetual software license with a one-time fee or a subscription license with ongoing fees. Implementation costs may include consulting fees, data migration, customisation, and integration with other systems.

Best manufacturing ERP software for highly regulated industries

Highly regulated industries – such as pharmaceuticals, aerospace, and food and beverage – face stringent compliance requirements. The challenge for these companies lies in balancing compliance with efficiency and profitability.

The best manufacturing ERP software for these industries should help customers adhere to strict quality control standards, manage complex supply chains, and maintain meticulous records for audit purposes.

QT9 ERP

QT9 ERP offers specialised compliance management tools that help businesses adhere to industry standards and regulations, ensuring that they can maintain the highest levels of quality and compliance.

QT9 pros

• Compliance support helps businesses meet quality and ISO compliance, along with industry-specific standards, ensuring regulatory requirements are met efficiently.
• QT9 is known for its ease of use and intuitive navigation, which enhances user experience and operational efficiency.
• QT9 automates data from multiple systems into a scalable solution, reducing the risk of errors and increasing productivity.

Positive reviews of QT9:

Source: Capterra

QT9 cons

• Some users find QT9 software initially overwhelming and complicated, which may lead to a challenging onboarding process.
• Configuring custom reports can be problematic for some users, potentially affecting the software's overall utility.
• There are reports of performance delays during data input, which could hinder efficiency.

Negative reviews of QT9:

Source: Capterra

QT9 pricing

QT9's ERP software offers a scalable solution that can be customised to fit the needs of various business sizes. A 30-day free trial is available to test the software before committing.

The Small Business Plan is ideal for startups and SMEs and includes basic ERP functionalities, such as inventory management, sales management, and basic financials.

The Mid-Size Business Plan is targeted towards growing businesses, expanding on the Small Business Plan with advanced features like manufacturing and production tracking, more comprehensive financial tools, and additional user licenses to accommodate a larger workforce.

The Enterprise Plan is suited to large organisations, offering full access to all ERP features, including customisable dashboards, automated data entry updates, and integration capabilities with other business systems. It supports multi-location, multi-departmental operations, and provides extensive training and support.

QT9 also offers the option to create a custom plan that allows companies to select specific modules and features relevant to their operations.

Other ERPs for manufacturing to consider

In addition to the four systems we identified as being the best ERPs for manufacturing, a few solutions didn’t make our list for one reason or another. If you’d like to investigate them yourself, we’ve included them below for transparency.

Other ERP for manufacturing tools to consider include:

• SAP Business One Professional
• Katana Manufacturing ERP
• Epicor Kinetic
• Infor CloudSuite Industrial
• MRPeasy

What’s the best ERP for manufacturing overall?

We may be a bit biased, but for most manufacturers, we believe Unleashed is the best manufacturing ERP software. In addition to our comprehensive production management functionality, Unleashed also empowers you to maximise manufacturing efficiency across your operational workflows.

Here’s why we think Unleashed is the best ERP for manufacturing companies:

• Comprehensive integration: Unleashed offers seamless integration with other business systems – including your accounting software, ecommerce platform, and CRM system – enhancing operational efficiency and data accuracy.
• Real-time inventory management: Gain easy access to real-time data on stock levels – crucial for effectively managing and optimising manufacturing inventory.
• User-friendly interface: Unleashed has a user-friendly, intuitive interface, making it easier for staff to adopt and use the system without extensive training.
• Manufacturing-specific features: Unleashed is designed with manufacturing businesses in mind, offering essential features like bill of materials management, batch tracking, and demand planning.
• Positive user feedback: Our users love Unleashed, which is why we have the highest Trustpilot score in the industry, citing its feature set and customer support as significant advantages.
• Flexibility and scalability: Unleashed offers flexibility and the ability to scale with the growth of your business, accommodating a range of manufacturing processes and sizes.
• Value for money: Reviewers have highlighted that Unleashed provides a good balance between cost and functionality, offering a robust solution without excessive fees.
• B2B eCommerce: Unleashed offers a dedicated platform for B2B transactions that improves customer experience and reduces manual errors.

Streamline manufacturing and cut costs today with Unleashed

Does Unleashed sound like the right solution for you?

If manufacturing efficiency, inventory optimisation, and total visibility across all your production costs are what you’re looking for, Unleashed is the perfect manufacturing ERP solution to help your business thrive.

Here are some next steps to help you get started with Unleashed:

1. Start a free trial. Dive into the software and explore our manufacturing ERP system with a no-risk 14-day free trial.

2. Watch an Unleashed demo. Check out a live video of Unleashed in action to see how the software can save your company time and money while boosting production efficiency.

3. Speak to a manufacturing software expert. Not quite sure Unleashed is the right fit for you? Speak with one of our local experts for a fair and honest assessment of your software needs.

Manufacturing ERP FAQs

What is ERP for manufacturing?

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) for manufacturing is a software solution that integrates the management of multiple facets of an organisation’s manufacturing processes – such as inventory management, production planning, and quality control – into one unified system.

What are the core benefits of manufacturing ERP software?

The main benefits of manufacturing ERP software include enhanced operational efficiency, improved inventory and production management, access to real-time data and insights, streamlined supply chain processes, higher product quality, and greater customer satisfaction.

What’s the difference between manufacturing ERP software and MES software?

Manufacturing ERP software specifically focuses on integrating manufacturing operations, whereas Manufacturing Execution Software (MES) systems typically cater to broader business processes or specific production floor activities without full integration.