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Manufacturing Engineering

Top 10 Best Job Shop Software of 2026

Discover the top 10 best job shop software tools to optimize workflows & boost productivity. Explore now!

Alexander Schmidt

Alexander Schmidt

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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In the dynamic world of job shop operations, precision, efficiency, and adaptability are critical—and the right software is the cornerstone of success. From streamlining quoting to optimizing shop floor workflows, the tools below offer diverse capabilities to meet the unique demands of custom manufacturing, ensuring you can scale, innovate, and stay ahead. Whether you prioritize ERP integration, real-time visibility, or cloud-based flexibility, this curated list showcases solutions designed to elevate your operation.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: E2 Shop System - Comprehensive ERP software tailored for job shops, handling quoting, scheduling, inventory, and shop floor control.
  2. 2#2: JobBOSS² - Robust shop management solution for job shops with advanced quoting, job tracking, CRM, and financial integration.
  3. 3#3: Global Shop Solutions - Full-featured ERP for make-to-order manufacturers and job shops, optimizing production planning and real-time visibility.
  4. 4#4: ProShop ERP - All-in-one ERP and MES for custom manufacturing job shops, featuring quality management and paperless workflows.
  5. 5#5: MIE Trak Pro - Integrated ERP system for job shops, covering quoting, scheduling, inventory, and CAD/CAM integration.
  6. 6#6: MRPeasy - Cloud-based MRP software for small job shops, streamlining production planning, inventory, and order management.
  7. 7#7: Katana MRP - Real-time MRP platform for job shops and makers, providing inventory tracking, production scheduling, and multi-location support.
  8. 8#8: Fishbowl Inventory - Inventory management software with manufacturing features for job shops, integrating with QuickBooks for order fulfillment.
  9. 9#9: Odoo Manufacturing - Modular open-source ERP with manufacturing apps for job shops, including PLM, MRP, and work orders.
  10. 10#10: ERPNext - Open-source ERP with manufacturing module for job shops, supporting BOM, production planning, and quality control.

We identified top tools by evaluating feature depth (quoting, scheduling, inventory, and integration), performance reliability, user-friendliness, and overall value, ensuring they align with the core needs of job shops and offer actionable insights to drive profitability.

Comparison Table

This comparison table explores key job shop software tools, including E2 Shop System, JobBOSS², Global Shop Solutions, ProShop ERP, and MIE Trak Pro, to guide readers in understanding their distinct features and capabilities. It outlines scalability, integration potential, and operational focus, helping users identify the best fit for their workflow needs. By comparing these platforms, readers can gain clarity on how each software aligns with their production goals and efficiency priorities.

Comprehensive ERP software tailored for job shops, handling quoting, scheduling, inventory, and shop floor control.

Features
9.7/10
Ease
9.2/10
Value
9.0/10
2JobBOSS² logo8.7/10

Robust shop management solution for job shops with advanced quoting, job tracking, CRM, and financial integration.

Features
9.3/10
Ease
7.2/10
Value
8.1/10

Full-featured ERP for make-to-order manufacturers and job shops, optimizing production planning and real-time visibility.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
8.3/10

All-in-one ERP and MES for custom manufacturing job shops, featuring quality management and paperless workflows.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
7.7/10
Value
8.1/10

Integrated ERP system for job shops, covering quoting, scheduling, inventory, and CAD/CAM integration.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
6.9/10
Value
7.6/10
6MRPeasy logo8.1/10

Cloud-based MRP software for small job shops, streamlining production planning, inventory, and order management.

Features
8.3/10
Ease
8.4/10
Value
8.0/10
7Katana MRP logo8.1/10

Real-time MRP platform for job shops and makers, providing inventory tracking, production scheduling, and multi-location support.

Features
7.9/10
Ease
9.2/10
Value
7.6/10

Inventory management software with manufacturing features for job shops, integrating with QuickBooks for order fulfillment.

Features
7.5/10
Ease
8.2/10
Value
8.5/10

Modular open-source ERP with manufacturing apps for job shops, including PLM, MRP, and work orders.

Features
8.4/10
Ease
7.1/10
Value
9.2/10
10ERPNext logo7.6/10

Open-source ERP with manufacturing module for job shops, supporting BOM, production planning, and quality control.

Features
8.2/10
Ease
6.4/10
Value
9.1/10
1
E2 Shop System logo

E2 Shop System

specialized

Comprehensive ERP software tailored for job shops, handling quoting, scheduling, inventory, and shop floor control.

Overall Rating9.5/10
Features
9.7/10
Ease of Use
9.2/10
Value
9.0/10
Standout Feature

Real-time shop floor data collection via E2 Bridge for instant visibility and paperless operations

E2 Shop System by Shoptech is a comprehensive ERP software tailored for job shops and make-to-order manufacturers, handling everything from instant quoting and order management to real-time shop floor control, scheduling, inventory, quality management, and integrated accounting. It enables paperless operations with barcode scanning, time clocks, and traveler packets, providing full visibility across the production process. Designed for small to mid-sized shops, it replaces disparate spreadsheets and legacy systems with a unified platform that scales with business growth.

Pros

  • Job shop-specific features like dynamic scheduling and real-time floor monitoring
  • Quick implementation with pre-configured workflows
  • Strong customer support and regular updates

Cons

  • Higher upfront costs for full modules
  • Steep learning curve for advanced customization
  • Primarily Windows-based, limited mobile native support

Best For

Growing job shops with 10-100 employees needing an all-in-one ERP for quoting, production, and accounting.

Pricing

Subscription from $995/month (basic) to $3,000+/month (enterprise); perpetual licenses start at $25,000+ with annual maintenance.

2
JobBOSS² logo

JobBOSS²

enterprise

Robust shop management solution for job shops with advanced quoting, job tracking, CRM, and financial integration.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.3/10
Ease of Use
7.2/10
Value
8.1/10
Standout Feature

Advanced job costing engine that tracks variances in real-time across labor, materials, and overhead for precise profitability analysis

JobBOSS² is a robust ERP software tailored for job shops, contract manufacturers, and make-to-order operations, providing end-to-end management from quoting and order entry to production scheduling, inventory control, quality assurance, and accounting. It offers real-time shop floor visibility, advanced job costing, and seamless integration between sales, operations, and finance. Designed to handle complex, variable production environments, it helps manufacturers improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance profitability.

Pros

  • Comprehensive job tracking with detailed costing and variance analysis
  • Powerful scheduling tools including finite capacity planning
  • Integrated quoting-to-invoicing workflow that minimizes data entry

Cons

  • Steep learning curve due to dense, legacy-style interface
  • High implementation and customization costs
  • Limited native mobile app functionality

Best For

Mid-sized job shops and contract manufacturers handling complex, custom orders that need full ERP integration.

Pricing

Custom quote-based pricing; typically $10,000–$50,000+ annually depending on modules, users, and shop size, plus one-time setup fees.

Visit JobBOSS²jobboss.com
3
Global Shop Solutions logo

Global Shop Solutions

enterprise

Full-featured ERP for make-to-order manufacturers and job shops, optimizing production planning and real-time visibility.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
8.3/10
Standout Feature

Visual Scheduler with drag-and-drop finite capacity planning for real-time job shop optimization

Global Shop Solutions is a robust ERP/MRP system tailored for job shops and custom manufacturers, offering end-to-end functionality from instant quoting and order management to advanced scheduling, shop floor control, inventory tracking, and financials. It provides real-time visibility into production processes with tools like graphical scheduling and job tracking to handle complex, make-to-order environments. The software excels in optimizing resource utilization and throughput for metal fabrication, machining, and similar job shop operations.

Pros

  • Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) for dynamic job shop optimization
  • Comprehensive quoting module that generates accurate bids quickly
  • Real-time shop floor data collection and visibility

Cons

  • Steep learning curve due to extensive features and customization
  • High implementation costs and time (often 6-12 months)
  • Interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-native solutions

Best For

Mid-sized job shops with complex quoting, scheduling, and production tracking needs that require deep manufacturing-specific functionality.

Pricing

Custom quote-based pricing; typically $50,000+ upfront for perpetual licenses plus 20% annual maintenance, or SaaS starting at $200-400/user/month depending on modules.

Visit Global Shop Solutionsglobalshopsolutions.com
4
ProShop ERP logo

ProShop ERP

specialized

All-in-one ERP and MES for custom manufacturing job shops, featuring quality management and paperless workflows.

Overall Rating8.6/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
7.7/10
Value
8.1/10
Standout Feature

Fully integrated paperless quoting-to-execution engine that eliminates data re-entry and provides instant job costing visibility

ProShop ERP is a comprehensive, web-based ERP/MES solution tailored for job shops and contract manufacturers, particularly in precision industries like aerospace, medical, and defense. It manages the entire workflow from instant quoting and order management to production scheduling, real-time shop floor execution, inventory control, quality assurance, and shipping. The system emphasizes paperless operations, compliance tracking (e.g., AS9100, ITAR), and data-driven decision-making with no silos between modules.

Pros

  • Deep customization for complex job shop workflows
  • Integrated quoting-to-shipping with real-time MES data capture
  • Robust quality and compliance tools for regulated industries

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and extensive training required
  • High implementation time and costs for full setup
  • Pricing opaque without a demo, less ideal for very small shops

Best For

Mid-sized job shops in high-precision, regulated manufacturing needing an all-in-one ERP/MES for custom orders.

Pricing

Custom quote-based; typically $100-$300/user/month depending on modules, users, and hosting, with one-time setup fees.

Visit ProShop ERPproshoperp.com
5
MIE Trak Pro logo

MIE Trak Pro

enterprise

Integrated ERP system for job shops, covering quoting, scheduling, inventory, and CAD/CAM integration.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
6.9/10
Value
7.6/10
Standout Feature

Direct CAD file quoting and reverse engineering capabilities for accurate estimates without full design software licenses

MIE Trak Pro is a robust ERP and MES software suite tailored for job shops and contract manufacturers, automating processes from quoting and estimating to production scheduling, inventory control, and quality management. It excels in handling complex, made-to-order production with real-time shop floor data capture and CAD/CAM integration for seamless design-to-manufacture workflows. The system supports traceability, preventive maintenance, and financial reporting to optimize operational efficiency in dynamic manufacturing environments.

Pros

  • Comprehensive quoting and estimating with CAD integration
  • Real-time shop floor control and scheduling
  • Highly customizable modules for job shop needs

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and complex setup
  • Dated user interface requiring training
  • Custom pricing leads to high upfront costs

Best For

Mid-sized job shops with complex quoting requirements and CAD/CAM workflows needing end-to-end manufacturing control.

Pricing

Custom quote-based pricing; typically $25,000+ for base on-premise license plus modules, implementation fees, and annual support.

Visit MIE Trak Promiesolutions.com
6
MRPeasy logo

MRPeasy

specialized

Cloud-based MRP software for small job shops, streamlining production planning, inventory, and order management.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
8.3/10
Ease of Use
8.4/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Dynamic production scheduling with automatic Gantt chart generation based on real-time capacity and material availability

MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP (Material Requirements Planning) software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, including job shops handling make-to-order production. It streamlines operations with tools for production scheduling via Gantt charts, inventory management, BOM creation, procurement, and CRM integration. The platform provides real-time shop floor data capture and reporting to optimize job workflows and resource utilization.

Pros

  • Comprehensive MRP suite covering production, inventory, and sales in one platform
  • Intuitive interface with mobile app for shop floor reporting
  • Strong scheduling tools with Gantt charts and capacity planning

Cons

  • Limited advanced customization for complex job shop routing
  • Reporting lacks deep drill-down for very large operations
  • Per-user pricing can add up for teams with many shop floor users

Best For

Small to medium job shops seeking an affordable, all-in-one MRP system for custom manufacturing without needing heavy customization.

Pricing

Starts at $49/user/month (billed annually) for Basic plan; scales to Enterprise at custom pricing, with free trial available.

Visit MRPeasymrpeasy.com
7
Katana MRP logo

Katana MRP

specialized

Real-time MRP platform for job shops and makers, providing inventory tracking, production scheduling, and multi-location support.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
7.9/10
Ease of Use
9.2/10
Value
7.6/10
Standout Feature

Live inventory dashboard with automatic reorder points and multi-warehouse visibility

Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning software designed to provide real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order management for small to medium-sized manufacturers, including job shops handling custom orders. It supports bill of materials (BOM) management, work orders, and multi-location inventory, automating procurement and integrating with e-commerce and accounting platforms like Shopify and QuickBooks. While effective for streamlining make-to-order workflows, it focuses more on inventory visibility than advanced job shop-specific features like detailed routings or machine capacity planning.

Pros

  • Intuitive, modern interface with drag-and-drop scheduling
  • Real-time inventory tracking across multiple locations
  • Strong integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and CRM tools

Cons

  • Limited advanced job costing, labor tracking, and complex routing capabilities
  • Reporting and analytics are functional but not deeply customizable
  • Pricing can become expensive as users and features scale

Best For

Small to medium job shops prioritizing easy inventory management and basic production planning over complex custom job scheduling.

Pricing

Starts at $99/month (billed annually) for Workshop plan; Essentials at $299/month, Professional at $799/month; custom Enterprise pricing.

Visit Katana MRPkatanamrp.com
8
Fishbowl Inventory logo

Fishbowl Inventory

enterprise

Inventory management software with manufacturing features for job shops, integrating with QuickBooks for order fulfillment.

Overall Rating7.8/10
Features
7.5/10
Ease of Use
8.2/10
Value
8.5/10
Standout Feature

Deep, real-time QuickBooks integration that syncs inventory, sales, and manufacturing data automatically

Fishbowl Inventory is a robust inventory management software that provides real-time tracking, order fulfillment, and light manufacturing capabilities through bills of materials (BOMs) and work orders. Designed primarily for small to mid-sized businesses, it excels in warehouse operations with barcode scanning and multi-location support. For job shops, it handles basic production scheduling, job costing, and material requirements planning, but lacks advanced features like capacity planning or complex routing found in dedicated ERP systems.

Pros

  • Seamless integration with QuickBooks for automated accounting
  • Strong inventory control with barcode scanning and cycle counting
  • Flexible manufacturing module for BOMs and work orders suitable for simpler job shops

Cons

  • Limited advanced job shop tools like production scheduling or capacity planning
  • Steeper learning curve for manufacturing setup without prior experience
  • Primarily on-premise deployment, with cloud options adding extra cost

Best For

Small to mid-sized job shops with straightforward manufacturing needs that rely on QuickBooks for accounting.

Pricing

One-time license starts at $4,395 plus ~20% annual maintenance; cloud subscription from ~$450/month.

Visit Fishbowl Inventoryfishbowlinventory.com
9
Odoo Manufacturing logo

Odoo Manufacturing

enterprise

Modular open-source ERP with manufacturing apps for job shops, including PLM, MRP, and work orders.

Overall Rating7.9/10
Features
8.4/10
Ease of Use
7.1/10
Value
9.2/10
Standout Feature

Seamless all-in-one integration of manufacturing with CRM, inventory, sales, and accounting without third-party connectors.

Odoo Manufacturing is a modular component of the open-source Odoo ERP platform, tailored for production management including job shop operations like custom orders, routings, and work orders. It supports make-to-order manufacturing with features for bills of materials, scheduling, quality control, and real-time tracking across shop floor activities. Integrated seamlessly with Odoo's sales, inventory, and accounting modules, it provides end-to-end visibility for job shops handling varied, low-volume production runs.

Pros

  • Fully integrated ERP reduces need for multiple tools
  • Open-source customization for job-specific workflows
  • Strong real-time tracking and reporting capabilities

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
  • Advanced job shop scheduling may need add-ons or dev work
  • Enterprise features locked behind subscription paywall

Best For

Small to mid-sized job shops wanting an affordable, scalable ERP with manufacturing tools rather than standalone job shop software.

Pricing

Free Community edition; Enterprise from $24.90/user/month (includes Manufacturing app).

10
ERPNext logo

ERPNext

enterprise

Open-source ERP with manufacturing module for job shops, supporting BOM, production planning, and quality control.

Overall Rating7.6/10
Features
8.2/10
Ease of Use
6.4/10
Value
9.1/10
Standout Feature

Job Cards module for granular tracking of labor time, operations, and costs per individual job

ERPNext is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform that integrates manufacturing, project management, accounting, and CRM functionalities. For job shops, it provides tools like job cards, work orders, timesheets, and bill of materials to handle custom production jobs, track labor and materials, and monitor job costs. Its modular design supports detailed quoting, scheduling, and profitability analysis, making it adaptable for discrete manufacturing environments.

Pros

  • Fully open-source with no licensing fees
  • Highly customizable via low-code framework
  • Strong integration of manufacturing, projects, and accounting
  • Robust reporting and analytics for job profitability

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
  • Requires technical expertise for optimal configuration
  • UI feels dated compared to modern specialized tools
  • Performance can lag with very large datasets

Best For

Small to medium job shops seeking a free, extensible all-in-one ERP that can be tailored to custom manufacturing workflows.

Pricing

Free open-source self-hosted version; cloud hosting from $10/user/month; paid support and enterprise editions available.

Visit ERPNexterpnext.com

Conclusion

The top tools deliver versatile solutions, but E2 Shop System leads as the top choice, boasting a comprehensive ERP suite for quoting, scheduling, inventory, and shop floor control. JobBOSS² and Global Shop Solutions closely follow, offering robust management and production planning capabilities, making them strong alternatives for varying operational needs.

E2 Shop System logo
Our Top Pick
E2 Shop System

Ready to enhance your job shop efficiency? Start with E2 Shop System—explore its full range of features to align with your workflow, and uncover why it’s the leading pick for many.