Quick Overview
- 1#1: JobBOSS² - Comprehensive ERP solution tailored for job shops and fabrication businesses, managing quoting, scheduling, inventory, and shop floor operations.
- 2#2: E2 Shop System - Robust ERP for make-to-order manufacturers and fabricators, offering real-time shop floor control, nesting, and production scheduling.
- 3#3: Global Shop Solutions - All-in-one ERP platform for job shops and fabricators, providing advanced scheduling, quoting, inventory management, and quality control.
- 4#4: Epicor Kinetic - Scalable manufacturing ERP with strong fabrication capabilities, including MES integration, supply chain management, and financials.
- 5#5: DELMIAworks - Integrated ERP/MES for discrete manufacturers and fabricators, focusing on production monitoring, quality assurance, and traceability.
- 6#6: FabSuite - Specialized ERP for steel fabrication shops, handling estimating, nesting, production control, and project management.
- 7#7: MRPeasy - Cloud-based ERP for small to mid-size fabricators, streamlining production planning, inventory, and CRM in one platform.
- 8#8: Plex - Cloud ERP/MES for manufacturers including fabricators, delivering real-time visibility into operations, quality, and supply chain.
- 9#9: Katana MRP - Visual manufacturing ERP for fabricators, enabling live inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order fulfillment.
- 10#10: Prodsmart - Shop floor management software integrated with ERP for fabricators, providing real-time production data and performance analytics.
The tools were selected and ranked based on feature depth, user-friendliness, real-world performance, and value proposition, ensuring a balanced assessment that prioritizes both functionality and practicality for fabricators of all sizes.
Comparison Table
Fabrication ERP software is critical for operational efficiency, and comparing tools helps businesses select the right fit. This table features popular options like JobBOSS², E2 Shop System, Global Shop Solutions, Epicor Kinetic, DELMIAworks, and more, outlining key features to guide informed decisions.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JobBOSS² Comprehensive ERP solution tailored for job shops and fabrication businesses, managing quoting, scheduling, inventory, and shop floor operations. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | E2 Shop System Robust ERP for make-to-order manufacturers and fabricators, offering real-time shop floor control, nesting, and production scheduling. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Global Shop Solutions All-in-one ERP platform for job shops and fabricators, providing advanced scheduling, quoting, inventory management, and quality control. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Epicor Kinetic Scalable manufacturing ERP with strong fabrication capabilities, including MES integration, supply chain management, and financials. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | DELMIAworks Integrated ERP/MES for discrete manufacturers and fabricators, focusing on production monitoring, quality assurance, and traceability. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | FabSuite Specialized ERP for steel fabrication shops, handling estimating, nesting, production control, and project management. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | MRPeasy Cloud-based ERP for small to mid-size fabricators, streamlining production planning, inventory, and CRM in one platform. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 8 | Plex Cloud ERP/MES for manufacturers including fabricators, delivering real-time visibility into operations, quality, and supply chain. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Katana MRP Visual manufacturing ERP for fabricators, enabling live inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order fulfillment. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Prodsmart Shop floor management software integrated with ERP for fabricators, providing real-time production data and performance analytics. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 |
Comprehensive ERP solution tailored for job shops and fabrication businesses, managing quoting, scheduling, inventory, and shop floor operations.
Robust ERP for make-to-order manufacturers and fabricators, offering real-time shop floor control, nesting, and production scheduling.
All-in-one ERP platform for job shops and fabricators, providing advanced scheduling, quoting, inventory management, and quality control.
Scalable manufacturing ERP with strong fabrication capabilities, including MES integration, supply chain management, and financials.
Integrated ERP/MES for discrete manufacturers and fabricators, focusing on production monitoring, quality assurance, and traceability.
Specialized ERP for steel fabrication shops, handling estimating, nesting, production control, and project management.
Cloud-based ERP for small to mid-size fabricators, streamlining production planning, inventory, and CRM in one platform.
Cloud ERP/MES for manufacturers including fabricators, delivering real-time visibility into operations, quality, and supply chain.
Visual manufacturing ERP for fabricators, enabling live inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order fulfillment.
Shop floor management software integrated with ERP for fabricators, providing real-time production data and performance analytics.
JobBOSS²
enterpriseComprehensive ERP solution tailored for job shops and fabrication businesses, managing quoting, scheduling, inventory, and shop floor operations.
Advanced quoting engine with automatic material optimization and cost roll-up for precise fabrication estimates
JobBOSS² is a robust ERP software tailored for job shops and make-to-order manufacturers in the fabrication industry, handling everything from quoting and estimating to production scheduling and financial management. It provides real-time shop floor visibility, inventory control, and integrated accounting to streamline complex fabrication workflows. Designed for metal fabricators, welders, and custom manufacturers, it optimizes efficiency and profitability in dynamic shop environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive fabrication-specific tools like advanced estimating and nesting integration
- Real-time job tracking and shop floor control for improved visibility
- Seamless integration of CRM, inventory, and accounting in one platform
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Pricing can be high for very small shops
- Some advanced customizations require additional modules or consulting
Best For
Mid-sized fabrication shops and job shops needing a full-featured ERP to manage quoting, scheduling, and production in high-mix, low-volume environments.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription pricing starting at around $300/user/month, modular and scalable based on shop size and features.
E2 Shop System
enterpriseRobust ERP for make-to-order manufacturers and fabricators, offering real-time shop floor control, nesting, and production scheduling.
iShopFloor real-time digital job traveler and exception-based alerting for proactive shop floor management
E2 Shop System by ShopTech is a robust ERP solution tailored for job shops and make-to-order fabricators, managing everything from quoting and order entry to production scheduling, inventory control, and accounting. It excels in providing real-time shop floor visibility through its iShopFloor module, enabling precise job costing, resource tracking, and quality management. Designed for fabrication environments like machining, welding, and assembly, it integrates seamlessly with CAD/CAM and nesting software to optimize material utilization and throughput.
Pros
- Exceptional real-time shop floor monitoring and data capture via iShopFloor
- Advanced finite capacity scheduling that handles complex job routings effectively
- Comprehensive job costing with traceability from quote to invoice
Cons
- Steep learning curve for full utilization, especially for non-technical users
- Interface appears somewhat dated compared to modern cloud-native ERPs
- Pricing requires custom quotes, lacking transparent tiers
Best For
Small to mid-sized fabrication job shops with custom, make-to-order production needing precise scheduling and costing control.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; typically $20,000-$100,000+ initial setup depending on modules/users, plus annual maintenance around 15-20%.
Global Shop Solutions
enterpriseAll-in-one ERP platform for job shops and fabricators, providing advanced scheduling, quoting, inventory management, and quality control.
Infinity Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) with true finite capacity and drag-and-drop visual scheduling optimized for fabrication constraints.
Global Shop Solutions is a comprehensive ERP and MES platform tailored for discrete manufacturers, including fabrication shops, offering end-to-end management from quoting and CRM to production scheduling, shop floor control, inventory, quality management, and accounting. It excels in handling complex job shop environments with real-time data collection via terminals and mobile devices. The software supports fabrication-specific processes like nesting optimization, material requirements planning, and finite capacity scheduling through its Infinity APS module.
Pros
- Robust advanced planning and scheduling (Infinity APS) for complex fabrication jobs
- Real-time shop floor data capture and execution control
- Deep integration across quoting, inventory, and financials tailored for job shops
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- High implementation costs and timeline
- Limited flexibility for highly customized workflows without add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized fabrication and job shops requiring integrated ERP/MES for make-to-order production with advanced scheduling needs.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically $1,000-$3,000 per user/month plus $50,000+ implementation fees depending on modules and deployment (on-premise or cloud).
Epicor Kinetic
enterpriseScalable manufacturing ERP with strong fabrication capabilities, including MES integration, supply chain management, and financials.
Advanced MES integration with finite scheduling and real-time production monitoring optimized for fabrication workflows
Epicor Kinetic is a cloud-native ERP platform tailored for manufacturing industries, including metal fabrication and custom job shops, offering end-to-end management from quoting and estimating to production scheduling, inventory control, and financials. It supports discrete manufacturing processes with tools for job costing, shop floor control, quality management, and supply chain optimization. As a robust solution for mid-to-large enterprises, it integrates advanced MES capabilities and real-time analytics to streamline fabrication operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive fabrication modules including advanced quoting, estimating, and job costing for make-to-order environments
- Strong integration with MES for real-time shop floor visibility and finite capacity scheduling
- Scalable cloud platform with customizable dashboards and robust reporting for enterprise-level operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options and complex configuration
- High implementation costs and lengthy deployment timelines for full rollout
- Pricing can be prohibitive for smaller fabrication shops without significant scale
Best For
Mid-sized to large fabrication businesses with complex, custom manufacturing needs that require integrated ERP and MES functionality.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription pricing, typically starting at $150-$300 per user/month with annual contracts from $50,000+, depending on modules and users.
DELMIAworks
enterpriseIntegrated ERP/MES for discrete manufacturers and fabricators, focusing on production monitoring, quality assurance, and traceability.
Fully integrated ERP and MES with real-time wireless shop floor data capture, eliminating middleware needs
DELMIAworks is a comprehensive ERP and MES platform tailored for discrete manufacturers, including fabrication shops, offering end-to-end management from quoting and scheduling to production execution and quality control. It excels in real-time shop floor data collection, advanced planning, and inventory optimization specific to fabrication processes like metal cutting, welding, and assembly. The software supports both on-premise and cloud deployments, enabling scalability for growing operations.
Pros
- Seamless ERP-MES integration for real-time visibility
- Industry-specific tools for fabrication quoting and nesting
- Strong scalability and customization options
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup
- High initial implementation costs
- Pricing lacks transparency without a quote
Best For
Mid-to-large fabrication shops needing integrated production control and advanced scheduling.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $150-$300 per user/month for cloud, plus implementation fees often exceeding $50K.
FabSuite
enterpriseSpecialized ERP for steel fabrication shops, handling estimating, nesting, production control, and project management.
Bi-directional integration with major CAD detailing tools for automated data flow from design to production
FabSuite is a specialized ERP software tailored for the metal fabrication industry, particularly structural steel fabricators, providing end-to-end management from estimating and detailing to production scheduling, inventory control, and financials. It excels in integrating with CAD tools like Tekla Structures and SDS/2 for seamless data exchange between design and shop floor operations. The platform offers real-time visibility and automation to streamline workflows, reduce material waste, and improve project delivery times.
Pros
- Deep industry-specific features for metal fabrication including advanced nesting and scheduling
- Strong integrations with CAD/Detailing software like Tekla and SDS/2
- Real-time shop floor tracking and reporting for operational efficiency
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to comprehensive functionality
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller shops
- Limited flexibility for non-structural fabrication workflows
Best For
Mid-to-large structural steel fabrication shops seeking integrated ERP with CAD compatibility.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on modules, users, and deployment; typically $50,000+ annually for full suite with on-premise or cloud options.
MRPeasy
enterpriseCloud-based ERP for small to mid-size fabricators, streamlining production planning, inventory, and CRM in one platform.
Mobile pShop floor app for real-time operation reporting and progress tracking directly from the fabrication floor
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP/ERP software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturing businesses, including fabrication shops, offering production planning, inventory management, and shop floor control. It handles make-to-order and repetitive production with features like BOM management, visual scheduling, real-time stock tracking, and CRM integration. The system streamlines fabrication workflows from quoting and purchasing to delivery, with mobile apps for shop floor data capture.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with fast onboarding, often under a week
- Unlimited users and strong visual production scheduling via Gantt charts
- Real-time shop floor reporting through mobile app for accurate fabrication tracking
Cons
- Limited advanced customization and integrations for complex fabrication needs
- Reporting tools lack depth for detailed analytics and forecasting
- Scalability caps at mid-sized operations; not ideal for high-volume enterprise fabrication
Best For
Small to medium fabrication shops seeking an affordable, user-friendly ERP for discrete manufacturing without enterprise complexity.
Pricing
Starts at €49/month (Basic, up to 20 work orders/month), €99/month (Gold, up to 200), €199/month (Pro, up to 1,000), with custom Enterprise pricing based on production volume; 14-day free trial.
Plex
enterpriseCloud ERP/MES for manufacturers including fabricators, delivering real-time visibility into operations, quality, and supply chain.
Real-time machine monitoring and Connected Worker platform for instant shop floor insights
Plex is a cloud-native ERP and MES platform designed for manufacturers, providing real-time visibility into production processes, supply chain management, and quality control. It excels in integrating shop floor data with enterprise functions, supporting discrete manufacturing like fabrication through features such as scheduling, inventory tracking, and machine connectivity. Ideal for scaling operations with IoT-enabled insights, it automates workflows from quoting to shipping.
Pros
- Seamless ERP-MES integration for real-time production monitoring
- Strong machine connectivity and IoT support for fabrication shops
- Scalable cloud platform with robust quality and supply chain tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex configurations
- Pricing can be high for smaller fabrication businesses
- Limited native support for advanced nesting or CAD/CAM compared to specialized tools
Best For
Mid-sized fabrication manufacturers seeking integrated real-time shop floor control and scalability.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting around $1,000/month, scaled by users, modules, and production volume.
Katana MRP
enterpriseVisual manufacturing ERP for fabricators, enabling live inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order fulfillment.
Live MRP engine that automatically calculates material needs and generates purchase orders in real-time based on production plans
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning (MRP) software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, including fabricators, focusing on real-time inventory management, production scheduling, and order fulfillment. It supports bill of materials (BOM) management, automated procurement, and multi-location inventory tracking to minimize stockouts and overstock. While versatile for make-to-order and make-to-stock fabrication workflows, it excels in visual planning but lacks deep industry-specific tools like CAD integration or advanced nesting.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop production scheduling
- Real-time inventory visibility across locations
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Shopify, and Xero
Cons
- Limited advanced shop floor control for complex fabrication
- Reporting and analytics not as robust as enterprise solutions
- Pricing scales quickly with users and features
Best For
Small to medium fabrication shops needing simple, visual MRP for inventory and basic production planning without heavy customization.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Starter, 1 user) up to $799/month (Enterprise, unlimited users); annual discounts and custom plans available.
Prodsmart
enterpriseShop floor management software integrated with ERP for fabricators, providing real-time production data and performance analytics.
Paperless real-time production execution via smartphones and QR/barcode scanning for instant data capture
Prodsmart is a cloud-based Manufacturing Execution System (MES) tailored for fabrication, assembly, and discrete manufacturing operations, providing real-time visibility into shop floor activities. It enables paperless production tracking, inventory management, scheduling, and OEE monitoring through mobile apps and barcode scanning. Ideal for small to medium-sized fabricators seeking to optimize workflows without a full ERP overhaul, it integrates with existing systems for enhanced traceability and quality control.
Pros
- Real-time shop floor tracking with mobile scanning reduces errors and downtime
- Strong OEE and performance analytics for lean manufacturing
- Quick deployment with minimal hardware needs
Cons
- Lacks comprehensive ERP modules like accounting or CRM
- Pricing scales with devices/users, potentially costly for larger shops
- Reporting customization is somewhat limited
Best For
Small to medium fabrication shops (10-100 employees) focused on real-time production control and efficiency gains.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~$600/month for basic plans; scales per device/user (typically $50-100/device/month).
Conclusion
The top 10 fabrication ERP tools reviewed provide tailored solutions, with JobBOSS² leading as the top choice, offering comprehensive quoting, scheduling, and shop floor management. E2 Shop System and Global Shop Solutions follow closely, excelling in real-time control and integrated quality management respectively, making them strong alternatives for specific business needs. Whatever the focus—from small-scale operations to large fabricators—the list ensures there’s a reliable option to streamline processes.
Don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your fabrication workflow; start exploring JobBOSS² to experience its robust capabilities and transform your operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison