Quick Overview
- 1#1: Oracle NetSuite - Cloud-based ERP platform providing comprehensive inventory management, production planning, and supply chain control for manufacturers.
- 2#2: Epicor Kinetic - Industry-specific ERP software offering advanced manufacturing execution, inventory tracking, and real-time shop floor visibility.
- 3#3: Plex - Smart manufacturing platform that delivers end-to-end ERP functionality with real-time inventory and production management.
- 4#4: Microsoft Dynamics 365 - Cloud ERP solution with supply chain management modules for inventory optimization and manufacturing operations.
- 5#5: SAP S/4HANA - Intelligent ERP system featuring advanced inventory management, material requirements planning, and manufacturing intelligence.
- 6#6: Fishbowl Inventory - Robust inventory control software designed for manufacturers with support for bills of materials, work orders, and multi-warehouse tracking.
- 7#7: Katana - Visual MRP software that streamlines manufacturing planning, live inventory tracking, and production scheduling for small businesses.
- 8#8: MRPeasy - Cloud MRP system for small manufacturers handling production planning, inventory management, and procurement automation.
- 9#9: Odoo - Modular open-source ERP with integrated manufacturing apps for inventory control, PLM, and quality management.
- 10#10: ERPNext - Open-source ERP platform tailored for manufacturing with tools for inventory, BOM management, and production tracking.
We ranked these tools by evaluating key factors including comprehensive feature sets (such as real-time tracking and production planning), user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they deliver robust performance for diverse manufacturing scenarios.
Comparison Table
Inventory manufacturing software plays a vital role in modern operations, enabling efficient stock management, production coordination, and data-driven decision-making. This comparison table explores key features, strengths, and differences of leading tools like Oracle NetSuite, Epicor Kinetic, Plex, Microsoft Dynamics 365, SAP S/4HANA, and more, helping readers determine the optimal solution for their business requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oracle NetSuite Cloud-based ERP platform providing comprehensive inventory management, production planning, and supply chain control for manufacturers. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 2 | Epicor Kinetic Industry-specific ERP software offering advanced manufacturing execution, inventory tracking, and real-time shop floor visibility. | enterprise | 8.9/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Plex Smart manufacturing platform that delivers end-to-end ERP functionality with real-time inventory and production management. | enterprise | 8.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Microsoft Dynamics 365 Cloud ERP solution with supply chain management modules for inventory optimization and manufacturing operations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | SAP S/4HANA Intelligent ERP system featuring advanced inventory management, material requirements planning, and manufacturing intelligence. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Fishbowl Inventory Robust inventory control software designed for manufacturers with support for bills of materials, work orders, and multi-warehouse tracking. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Katana Visual MRP software that streamlines manufacturing planning, live inventory tracking, and production scheduling for small businesses. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | MRPeasy Cloud MRP system for small manufacturers handling production planning, inventory management, and procurement automation. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Odoo Modular open-source ERP with integrated manufacturing apps for inventory control, PLM, and quality management. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 10 | ERPNext Open-source ERP platform tailored for manufacturing with tools for inventory, BOM management, and production tracking. | other | 7.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.3/10 |
Cloud-based ERP platform providing comprehensive inventory management, production planning, and supply chain control for manufacturers.
Industry-specific ERP software offering advanced manufacturing execution, inventory tracking, and real-time shop floor visibility.
Smart manufacturing platform that delivers end-to-end ERP functionality with real-time inventory and production management.
Cloud ERP solution with supply chain management modules for inventory optimization and manufacturing operations.
Intelligent ERP system featuring advanced inventory management, material requirements planning, and manufacturing intelligence.
Robust inventory control software designed for manufacturers with support for bills of materials, work orders, and multi-warehouse tracking.
Visual MRP software that streamlines manufacturing planning, live inventory tracking, and production scheduling for small businesses.
Cloud MRP system for small manufacturers handling production planning, inventory management, and procurement automation.
Modular open-source ERP with integrated manufacturing apps for inventory control, PLM, and quality management.
Open-source ERP platform tailored for manufacturing with tools for inventory, BOM management, and production tracking.
Oracle NetSuite
enterpriseCloud-based ERP platform providing comprehensive inventory management, production planning, and supply chain control for manufacturers.
Unified real-time data platform delivering instant visibility and AI-driven insights across inventory, manufacturing, and supply chain.
Oracle NetSuite is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform that excels in inventory management and manufacturing, offering real-time visibility into stock levels, demand planning, and production processes. It includes advanced modules for MRP, MES, shop floor control, and supply chain optimization, enabling seamless integration of procurement, manufacturing, and fulfillment. NetSuite's unified data model provides actionable insights across finance, CRM, and operations, making it ideal for complex manufacturing environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive MRP and MES capabilities with real-time inventory tracking
- Scalable for global enterprises with multi-location and multi-currency support
- Deep integrations with financials, CRM, and third-party apps
Cons
- High implementation costs and lengthy setup time
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- Pricing is premium and quote-based, less ideal for small businesses
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturing enterprises needing an integrated ERP for end-to-end inventory and production management.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at ~$999/month base + $99-$199/user/month; totals often $20K-$100K+ annually depending on modules and users.
Epicor Kinetic
enterpriseIndustry-specific ERP software offering advanced manufacturing execution, inventory tracking, and real-time shop floor visibility.
Epicor Intelligent Attaché (EIA) for no-code, AI-powered customizations and process automation
Epicor Kinetic is a cloud-native ERP platform tailored for manufacturing enterprises, providing end-to-end inventory management, material requirements planning (MRP), and production scheduling. It offers real-time visibility across multi-site inventories, advanced forecasting, and seamless integration with shop floor systems for efficient manufacturing operations. The solution supports discrete, process, and mixed-mode manufacturing with robust traceability and compliance features.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory control with lot/serial tracking and demand forecasting
- Integrated MRP and APS for optimized production planning
- Scalable cloud deployment with strong industry-specific manufacturing modules
Cons
- Complex initial setup and customization requiring expert consultants
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Higher cost for smaller manufacturers
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturing businesses needing robust, integrated inventory and production management in complex environments.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription pricing, typically $175-$300+ per user/month depending on modules, users, and deployment scale.
Plex
enterpriseSmart manufacturing platform that delivers end-to-end ERP functionality with real-time inventory and production management.
Infinite traceability from raw materials to finished goods via real-time shop floor data capture
Plex is a cloud-based ERP and MES platform tailored for manufacturers, offering robust inventory management with real-time tracking of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods. It integrates shop floor data capture, production scheduling, and supply chain visibility to streamline manufacturing operations. Plex excels in providing accurate, actionable inventory insights through IoT-enabled machine connectivity and automated data collection.
Pros
- Real-time inventory visibility and traceability
- Seamless MES-ERP integration for end-to-end manufacturing
- Scalable cloud platform with strong IoT/machine connectivity
Cons
- High implementation costs and complexity for smaller operations
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Custom pricing lacks transparency upfront
Best For
Mid-sized to large manufacturers needing integrated real-time inventory control and production execution.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $5,000+ per month depending on users, plants, and modules.
Microsoft Dynamics 365
enterpriseCloud ERP solution with supply chain management modules for inventory optimization and manufacturing operations.
AI-powered production insights and mixed-mode manufacturing support for discrete, process, and lean production in one system
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a robust cloud-based ERP platform with dedicated modules for supply chain management, inventory control, and manufacturing operations. It enables real-time inventory tracking, bill of materials management, production scheduling, quality control, and warehouse automation. Ideal for complex manufacturing environments, it integrates seamlessly with other Dynamics apps and Microsoft tools like Power BI for analytics-driven decisions.
Pros
- Comprehensive manufacturing and inventory features including MRP, shop floor control, and demand forecasting
- Deep integration with Microsoft ecosystem for analytics, IoT, and automation
- Highly scalable for enterprise-level operations with strong customization options
Cons
- High implementation costs and lengthy setup often requiring specialized consultants
- Steep learning curve due to its extensive feature set and complexity
- Premium pricing may not suit small or mid-sized manufacturers
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturing enterprises requiring an integrated ERP for advanced inventory management and production planning.
Pricing
Subscription-based; starts at ~$180/user/month for Finance and Operations modules, plus implementation fees often exceeding $100K.
SAP S/4HANA
enterpriseIntelligent ERP system featuring advanced inventory management, material requirements planning, and manufacturing intelligence.
SAP HANA in-memory computing enabling real-time inventory analytics and predictive manufacturing insights
SAP S/4HANA is a next-generation ERP suite designed for enterprise-level inventory and manufacturing management, powered by the in-memory SAP HANA database for real-time data processing and analytics. It provides advanced capabilities in material requirements planning (MRP), production planning and execution, inventory optimization, and warehouse management. The platform integrates inventory control with broader supply chain, finance, and sales functions to enable efficient, data-driven manufacturing operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive MRP, production scheduling, and inventory tracking with real-time visibility
- Seamless integration across enterprise modules for end-to-end manufacturing processes
- Scalable for global operations with advanced analytics and AI-driven insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation requiring specialized expertise
- High upfront and ongoing costs
- Customization can be time-intensive and expensive
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, high-volume manufacturing operations needing integrated ERP for inventory and production.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise licensing; typically starts at $100,000+ annually for cloud deployments, scaling with users, modules, and customization.
Fishbowl Inventory
specializedRobust inventory control software designed for manufacturers with support for bills of materials, work orders, and multi-warehouse tracking.
Deep, bidirectional QuickBooks integration that automatically syncs inventory transactions with accounting entries
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust inventory management software tailored for manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution businesses, offering tools for tracking inventory across multiple locations, managing bills of materials (BOMs), and processing work orders. It excels in real-time visibility into stock levels, serial and lot tracking, and production planning, making it suitable for small to mid-sized manufacturers. The software integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for synchronized financial and inventory data.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for real-time financial syncing
- Comprehensive manufacturing tools including BOMs, assemblies, and work orders
- Strong multi-location inventory tracking with lot/serial number support
Cons
- Steep learning curve and dated user interface
- On-premise deployment option feels legacy compared to cloud-native competitors
- Pricing can escalate with add-ons and user licenses
Best For
Small to mid-sized manufacturers relying on QuickBooks who need detailed inventory and production management.
Pricing
Starts at approximately $4,395/year for the Standard edition (5 users), with Advanced at $13,995/year; additional fees for plugins, users, and support.
Katana
specializedVisual MRP software that streamlines manufacturing planning, live inventory tracking, and production scheduling for small businesses.
Dynamic, real-time MRP engine that automatically plans production and procurement based on live sales, stock levels, and lead times
Katana is a cloud-based MRP (Material Requirements Planning) and inventory management platform tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers. It offers real-time inventory tracking, automated production scheduling, and shop floor control, helping businesses manage raw materials, work orders, and finished goods efficiently. With strong integrations to e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks, Katana streamlines operations from purchasing to shipping for make-to-stock and make-to-order scenarios.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory visibility and synchronization
- Automated MRP for generating purchase and production orders
- Robust integrations with e-commerce and accounting software
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or multiple locations
- Reporting and analytics are somewhat basic compared to enterprise solutions
- Steeper learning curve for complex multi-step manufacturing processes
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers (1-50 employees) focused on light assembly, make-to-order production, and online sales needing automated inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at $99/mo (Starter, 1 location), $179/mo (Pro), $399/mo (Business); annual billing discounts available, 14-day free trial, custom enterprise plans.
MRPeasy
specializedCloud MRP system for small manufacturers handling production planning, inventory management, and procurement automation.
Wireless shop floor data collection with live production insights and automatic scheduling adjustments
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP/ERP software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, focusing on production planning, inventory management, and order fulfillment. It enables real-time tracking of materials, work orders, and shop floor activities through features like BOM management, scheduling, and mobile data collection. The platform also includes CRM, purchasing, and reporting tools to support discrete manufacturing operations end-to-end.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick onboarding for non-technical users
- Real-time shop floor monitoring via mobile app and barcode scanning
- Unlimited users and scalable for growing manufacturers
Cons
- Pricing can be high for very small teams due to per-user model
- Limited native integrations with advanced accounting systems
- Reporting lacks depth in higher-level analytics without custom work
Best For
Small to medium-sized discrete manufacturers focused on make-to-order or engineer-to-order production needing an all-in-one MRP without heavy IT involvement.
Pricing
Starts at $49 per user per month (billed annually), with tiered plans (Gold, Platinum) adding advanced features; minimum users apply for smaller ops.
Odoo
enterpriseModular open-source ERP with integrated manufacturing apps for inventory control, PLM, and quality management.
Fully integrated MRP module with real-time production planning and automatic inventory adjustments across the entire ERP suite
Odoo is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform with dedicated modules for inventory management and manufacturing resource planning (MRP). It enables real-time stock tracking across multiple warehouses, production order management, bill of materials (BOM) handling, and work order scheduling. The software integrates manufacturing processes seamlessly with purchasing, sales, and accounting for end-to-end visibility.
Pros
- Highly modular with extensive inventory and MRP features including multi-level BOMs and quality control
- Strong integrations across business functions without third-party tools
- Free Community edition offers core functionality for small operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring technical expertise
- Performance can lag with very large datasets or high customization
- Advanced features like IoT integration locked behind Enterprise pricing
Best For
Small to mid-sized manufacturers seeking an affordable, all-in-one ERP with scalable inventory and production management.
Pricing
Community edition free; Enterprise starts at ~$25/user/month (per app bundle).
ERPNext
otherOpen-source ERP platform tailored for manufacturing with tools for inventory, BOM management, and production tracking.
100% open-source ERP with deeply integrated manufacturing modules and no vendor lock-in
ERPNext is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform that excels in inventory and manufacturing management, offering tools for multi-level Bills of Materials (BOMs), production planning, work orders, and quality inspections. It provides robust inventory tracking with serial/batch numbers, warehouse management, and seamless integration across procurement, sales, and accounting modules. Ideal for businesses seeking a customizable, all-in-one solution without licensing fees.
Pros
- Open-source and completely free to self-host with no licensing costs
- Advanced manufacturing features like multi-level BOMs, production planning, and job costing
- Highly customizable with low-code tools and full ERP integration
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring technical expertise
- Self-hosting demands server management; cloud options add costs
- UI feels dated compared to modern SaaS competitors
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers needing a cost-effective, customizable open-source ERP for inventory and production management.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosting; Frappe Cloud hosting starts at $25/month for 5 users, scaling with resources and users.
Conclusion
The reviewed inventory manufacturing software offers a mix of robust features, with the top 3 leading the pack. Oracle NetSuite stands out as the top choice, thanks to its comprehensive cloud-based ERP that integrates inventory, production planning, and supply chain control. Epicor Kinetic and Plex, meanwhile, excel as strong alternatives—Epicor for its industry-specific ERP and real-time shop floor visibility, and Plex for its end-to-end functionality. Each tool caters to different needs, but Oracle NetSuite emerges as the most well-rounded option for manufacturers.
Explore the top-ranked Oracle NetSuite to experience its seamless integration and comprehensive capabilities firsthand, finding the solution that best fits your manufacturing needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
