Quick Overview
- 1#1: Epicor Kinetic - Comprehensive ERP platform tailored for discrete and custom manufacturers with advanced job costing, scheduling, and quoting capabilities.
- 2#2: Infor CloudSuite Industrial - Cloud-based ERP designed for make-to-order and engineer-to-order manufacturing, featuring robust shop floor control and custom production management.
- 3#3: Plex - Smart manufacturing platform providing real-time ERP for custom production with integrated MES, quality control, and supply chain tools.
- 4#4: JobBOSS² - Specialized ERP for job shops and custom fabricators offering quoting, job tracking, and inventory management optimized for contract manufacturing.
- 5#5: Global Shop Solutions - ERP system built for custom machine shops with advanced scheduling, capacity planning, and profitability analysis for complex jobs.
- 6#6: DELMIAworks - Integrated ERP and MES for discrete custom manufacturing, excelling in real-time production monitoring and quality assurance.
- 7#7: SYSPRO - Flexible ERP solution supporting custom and project-based manufacturing with strong supply chain and financial integration.
- 8#8: QAD Enterprise Applications - ERP focused on complex manufacturing environments like automotive custom parts, with adaptive planning and execution tools.
- 9#9: E2 Shop System - Shop management software for custom fabricators providing nesting, scheduling, and quoting for make-to-order operations.
- 10#10: MRPeasy - Cloud MRP/ERP for small custom manufacturers handling production planning, inventory, and CRM in a user-friendly interface.
These tools were selected and ranked based on their ability to deliver specialized features (such as advanced job costing, real-time scheduling, and seamless quote integration), proven quality, user-friendly design, and overall value in aligning with the complex demands of custom manufacturing operations.
Comparison Table
Custom manufacturing ERP software is vital for optimizing operations, and this comparison table breaks down top tools such as Epicor Kinetic, Infor CloudSuite Industrial, Plex, JobBOSS², and Global Shop Solutions. Readers will discover key features, strengths, and practical considerations to select the best fit for their specific production workflows.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Epicor Kinetic Comprehensive ERP platform tailored for discrete and custom manufacturers with advanced job costing, scheduling, and quoting capabilities. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Infor CloudSuite Industrial Cloud-based ERP designed for make-to-order and engineer-to-order manufacturing, featuring robust shop floor control and custom production management. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Plex Smart manufacturing platform providing real-time ERP for custom production with integrated MES, quality control, and supply chain tools. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | JobBOSS² Specialized ERP for job shops and custom fabricators offering quoting, job tracking, and inventory management optimized for contract manufacturing. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Global Shop Solutions ERP system built for custom machine shops with advanced scheduling, capacity planning, and profitability analysis for complex jobs. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | DELMIAworks Integrated ERP and MES for discrete custom manufacturing, excelling in real-time production monitoring and quality assurance. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | SYSPRO Flexible ERP solution supporting custom and project-based manufacturing with strong supply chain and financial integration. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | QAD Enterprise Applications ERP focused on complex manufacturing environments like automotive custom parts, with adaptive planning and execution tools. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | E2 Shop System Shop management software for custom fabricators providing nesting, scheduling, and quoting for make-to-order operations. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | MRPeasy Cloud MRP/ERP for small custom manufacturers handling production planning, inventory, and CRM in a user-friendly interface. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
Comprehensive ERP platform tailored for discrete and custom manufacturers with advanced job costing, scheduling, and quoting capabilities.
Cloud-based ERP designed for make-to-order and engineer-to-order manufacturing, featuring robust shop floor control and custom production management.
Smart manufacturing platform providing real-time ERP for custom production with integrated MES, quality control, and supply chain tools.
Specialized ERP for job shops and custom fabricators offering quoting, job tracking, and inventory management optimized for contract manufacturing.
ERP system built for custom machine shops with advanced scheduling, capacity planning, and profitability analysis for complex jobs.
Integrated ERP and MES for discrete custom manufacturing, excelling in real-time production monitoring and quality assurance.
Flexible ERP solution supporting custom and project-based manufacturing with strong supply chain and financial integration.
ERP focused on complex manufacturing environments like automotive custom parts, with adaptive planning and execution tools.
Shop management software for custom fabricators providing nesting, scheduling, and quoting for make-to-order operations.
Cloud MRP/ERP for small custom manufacturers handling production planning, inventory, and CRM in a user-friendly interface.
Epicor Kinetic
enterpriseComprehensive ERP platform tailored for discrete and custom manufacturers with advanced job costing, scheduling, and quoting capabilities.
Advanced Engineer-to-Order (ETO) module with dynamic job configurators and multi-level bill of materials for handling highly customized products
Epicor Kinetic is a cloud-native ERP platform tailored for manufacturing, offering comprehensive support for custom manufacturing processes like engineer-to-order (ETO), configure-to-order (CTO), and make-to-order (MTO). It delivers end-to-end functionality from quoting and design through production scheduling, shop floor execution, inventory management, and financials. With advanced analytics, MES integration, and low-code customization, it enables precise job costing, quality control, and scalability for complex, discrete manufacturing environments.
Pros
- Robust ETO/CTO capabilities with advanced job management and configurator tools
- Integrated MES and real-time shop floor control for precise custom production
- Highly customizable via low-code platform and strong API ecosystem
Cons
- Steep initial learning curve due to depth of features
- Implementation can be time-intensive and costly for large deployments
- Premium pricing may deter smaller custom shops
Best For
Mid-sized to large custom manufacturers handling complex ETO or CTO processes that require deep integration of engineering, production, and supply chain management.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~$175/user/month for cloud; enterprise deployments typically require custom quotes based on modules and users (annual contracts common).
Infor CloudSuite Industrial
enterpriseCloud-based ERP designed for make-to-order and engineer-to-order manufacturing, featuring robust shop floor control and custom production management.
Structured Quote and Order Management for rapid, accurate handling of highly customizable ETO proposals with automated cost roll-ups and multi-level configurations
Infor CloudSuite Industrial (CSI) is a cloud-native ERP solution tailored for discrete and process manufacturers, particularly those in engineer-to-order (ETO), make-to-order (MTO), and configure-to-order (CTO) environments like industrial machinery and equipment. It delivers comprehensive functionality across quoting, engineering change management, production control, supply chain planning, quality assurance, and financials, all optimized for complex custom manufacturing workflows. With deep industry-specific templates and analytics, CSI enables precise cost control, on-time delivery, and scalability in dynamic production settings.
Pros
- Industry-specific depth for ETO/MTO with advanced quoting, engineering, and multi-level BOM management
- Powerful APS (Advanced Planning & Scheduling) and real-time shop floor control for custom production
- Extensive integrations via Infor ION with CAD, PLM, CRM, and IoT for end-to-end visibility
Cons
- Complex initial setup and customization requiring significant consulting expertise
- Steeper learning curve due to feature richness, challenging for smaller teams
- Higher total cost of ownership compared to more generalist ERPs
Best For
Mid-to-large custom manufacturers in machinery, aerospace, or equipment sectors needing robust handling of complex configurations and engineering changes.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription pricing, typically $150-300/user/month plus implementation fees starting at $100K+ depending on scope and users.
Plex
enterpriseSmart manufacturing platform providing real-time ERP for custom production with integrated MES, quality control, and supply chain tools.
Plex Real-Time Operations Management, providing unified, live data across the entire manufacturing ecosystem for instant decision-making
Plex is a cloud-native ERP and MES platform tailored for manufacturers, offering real-time visibility and control over operations from quoting and order management to production scheduling, inventory, quality control, and shipping. It integrates supply chain, CRM, and financials into a single system, making it ideal for complex, custom manufacturing environments like automotive and aerospace. The platform leverages IIoT data for predictive analytics and continuous improvement, eliminating the need for on-premise hardware.
Pros
- Real-time operational intelligence with IIoT integration
- Seamless MES-ERP unification for end-to-end manufacturing control
- Highly scalable cloud architecture with no hardware maintenance
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation (6-12 months)
- Premium pricing may strain smaller manufacturers
- Customization often requires partner involvement
Best For
Mid-to-large custom manufacturers in complex industries like automotive or aerospace needing real-time data-driven operations.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing; typically $150-$300 per user/month based on modules, users, and production volume, with annual contracts and setup fees.
JobBOSS²
specializedSpecialized ERP for job shops and custom fabricators offering quoting, job tracking, and inventory management optimized for contract manufacturing.
Advanced dynamic scheduling engine that optimizes job sequencing and resource allocation in real-time for custom job shops
JobBOSS² is a cloud-based ERP software tailored for job shops and custom make-to-order manufacturers, providing end-to-end management from quoting and order entry to production scheduling, inventory control, and invoicing. It integrates CRM, accounting, quality management, and shop floor tracking to optimize operations in dynamic custom manufacturing environments. The platform emphasizes real-time visibility and job costing accuracy, helping businesses handle complex, short-run production efficiently.
Pros
- Comprehensive job costing and real-time production tracking
- Integrated accounting and CRM for streamlined workflows
- Highly customizable reporting and scalability for growing shops
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and training
- Limited native mobile app capabilities
- Quote-based pricing can feel opaque for smaller businesses
Best For
Small to mid-sized job shops and custom manufacturers focused on make-to-order production needing robust shop floor and job management.
Pricing
Subscription-based with quote-based pricing; typically starts at $150-$250 per user per month depending on modules and user count.
Global Shop Solutions
specializedERP system built for custom machine shops with advanced scheduling, capacity planning, and profitability analysis for complex jobs.
Manufacturing Resource Intelligence (MRI) dashboard for real-time production monitoring and decision-making
Global Shop Solutions is a robust ERP software tailored for job shops and custom manufacturers, offering end-to-end management from quoting and job costing to production scheduling, inventory control, and financial reporting. It excels in handling complex make-to-order processes with real-time shop floor data collection and advanced planning tools. The system integrates CRM, quality management, and traceability features to streamline operations in dynamic manufacturing environments.
Pros
- Specialized for job shops with advanced quoting and job costing
- Powerful APS scheduling and real-time shop floor visibility
- Comprehensive integration across manufacturing, quality, and accounting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex customization
- Lengthy and costly implementation process
- Primarily on-premise with limited cloud flexibility
Best For
Small to mid-sized custom manufacturers and job shops needing deep specialization in make-to-order production management.
Pricing
Quote-based; typically $40,000-$100,000+ initial license and setup, plus 15-20% annual maintenance.
DELMIAworks
enterpriseIntegrated ERP and MES for discrete custom manufacturing, excelling in real-time production monitoring and quality assurance.
Single-database architecture that delivers seamless, real-time integration of ERP and MES without data silos or middleware
DELMIAworks is a comprehensive ERP and MES solution from Dassault Systèmes, formerly IQMS EnterpriseIQ, designed for custom, discrete, and mixed-mode manufacturers. It integrates core functions like production planning, real-time shop floor control, inventory management, quality assurance, CRM, and financial accounting into a single-database platform. The software excels in providing end-to-end visibility and automation for make-to-order and engineer-to-order processes, helping optimize efficiency and compliance.
Pros
- Fully integrated ERP and MES in a single database for real-time data synchronization
- Robust industry-specific modules for custom manufacturing, including quoting, scheduling, and quality management
- Scalable for growing mid-sized operations with strong compliance and traceability tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature depth and complex interface
- High implementation costs and lengthy setup time (often 6-12 months)
- Pricing can be prohibitive for small shops without significant ROI justification
Best For
Mid-sized custom manufacturers in discrete or job shop environments needing deep ERP/MES integration for complex production workflows.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically $250-$600 per user/month for SaaS, plus $50K+ implementation fees depending on modules and customization.
SYSPRO
enterpriseFlexible ERP solution supporting custom and project-based manufacturing with strong supply chain and financial integration.
Advanced multi-mode manufacturing engine that seamlessly handles ETO, CTO, and mixed production modes without rigid constraints
SYSPRO is a comprehensive ERP software tailored for manufacturing and distribution, with strong capabilities in custom manufacturing processes like engineer-to-order (ETO), configure-to-order (CTO), and make-to-order (MTO). It provides end-to-end functionality including inventory control, production management, supply chain planning, financials, and CRM, all highly customizable to match complex, discrete manufacturing needs. The platform supports on-premise, cloud, and hybrid deployments, enabling scalability for mid-sized enterprises.
Pros
- Exceptional customization for complex BOMs and production workflows
- Robust multi-mode manufacturing support (ETO, CTO, MTO)
- Strong inventory and supply chain management with real-time visibility
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Dated user interface compared to modern SaaS ERPs
- High implementation and customization costs
Best For
Mid-sized custom manufacturers requiring deep configurability for engineer-to-order and complex production processes.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; perpetual licenses or subscriptions typically start at $200-$400 per user/month, depending on modules, users, and deployment.
QAD Enterprise Applications
enterpriseERP focused on complex manufacturing environments like automotive custom parts, with adaptive planning and execution tools.
Precision Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS), which optimizes high-mix, low-volume custom production with constraint-based finite scheduling and real-time adaptability.
QAD Enterprise Applications is a robust ERP platform tailored for manufacturing enterprises, offering end-to-end visibility across supply chain, production, quality, and financials. It excels in supporting complex custom manufacturing processes like engineer-to-order (ETO), configure-to-order (CTO), and high-mix/low-volume production. With its adaptive architecture, it enables agile responses to market changes and integrates seamlessly with MES and IoT systems for real-time manufacturing intelligence.
Pros
- Deep manufacturing-specific modules for ETO/CTO workflows and advanced planning/scheduling
- Strong global multi-site support with real-time supply chain visibility
- Flexible deployment options including cloud, on-premise, and hybrid
Cons
- High upfront implementation costs and lengthy deployment timelines
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users due to complex configuration
- Limited out-of-the-box integrations with non-manufacturing tools
Best For
Mid-to-large custom manufacturers in automotive, industrial machinery, or consumer goods industries needing industry-tailored ERP for complex production.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise licensing; typically $150,000–$500,000+ annually for mid-sized deployments, scaling with users, modules, and customization.
E2 Shop System
specializedShop management software for custom fabricators providing nesting, scheduling, and quoting for make-to-order operations.
Infinite Scheduler with visual drag-and-drop planning for dynamic, real-time production optimization
E2 Shop System by Shoptech is a robust ERP/MRP solution tailored for job shops and make-to-order custom manufacturers, handling everything from quoting and order management to production scheduling, inventory control, and accounting. It provides real-time shop floor visibility through integrated MES features, enabling efficient job tracking and resource allocation. Designed for small to mid-sized operations, it emphasizes simplicity and shop-floor usability over enterprise-scale complexity.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with strong shop floor data collection and real-time tracking
- Comprehensive job costing, quoting, and scheduling optimized for custom manufacturing
- Built-in accounting integration eliminates need for multiple systems
Cons
- Limited scalability and advanced analytics for larger enterprises
- Customization often requires vendor assistance
- Reporting flexibility lags behind more modern cloud-native ERPs
Best For
Small to mid-sized job shops and custom manufacturers prioritizing ease of use and shop floor efficiency over enterprise-level scalability.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting around $1,000/month for basic setups, scaling with users, modules, and company size; includes implementation fees.
MRPeasy
specializedCloud MRP/ERP for small custom manufacturers handling production planning, inventory, and CRM in a user-friendly interface.
Dynamic production scheduling with drag-and-drop Gantt charts and real-time capacity planning
MRPeasy is a cloud-based ERP software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, especially those handling custom, make-to-order, or engineer-to-order production. It provides end-to-end functionality including MRP, production scheduling, inventory management, procurement, CRM, and basic accounting, all accessible via a web or mobile app. The platform emphasizes real-time data visibility and streamlined workflows to help businesses manage complex manufacturing processes efficiently.
Pros
- Intuitive, modern interface with minimal training required
- Strong MRP and production scheduling for custom manufacturing
- Affordable pricing with no hidden fees
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting
- Fewer third-party integrations than enterprise competitors
- Scalability challenges for very large or high-volume operations
Best For
Small to medium-sized custom manufacturers needing an easy-to-use, all-in-one ERP without complex setup.
Pricing
Starts at $49 per user/month (billed annually) for Standard plan; scales to $149/user/month for Full plan with more advanced features.
Conclusion
The custom manufacturing ERP landscape offers exceptional tools, with Epicor Kinetic leading as the top choice, boasting comprehensive features for discrete and custom manufacturers. Infor CloudSuite Industrial and Plex follow closely, excelling in make-to-order/engineer-to-order workflows and real-time integration, respectively, each addressing unique operational needs. Together, these three set a benchmark for efficiency, making them ideal starting points for any custom production environment.
Start with Epicor Kinetic to leverage its advanced capabilities for seamless job costing, scheduling, and quoting, or explore Infor CloudSuite Industrial or Plex based on your specific workflow priorities—each tool offers distinct strengths to drive success in custom manufacturing.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison