Quick Overview
- 1#1: E2 Shop System - Comprehensive ERP software tailored for job shops, handling quoting, scheduling, inventory, and shop floor control.
- 2#2: JobBOSS² - Robust shop management solution for job shops with advanced quoting, job tracking, CRM, and financial integration.
- 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: ProShop ERP - All-in-one ERP and MES for custom manufacturing job shops, featuring quality management and paperless workflows.
- 5#5: MIE Trak Pro - Integrated ERP system for job shops, covering quoting, scheduling, inventory, and CAD/CAM integration.
- 6#6: MRPeasy - Cloud-based MRP software for small job shops, streamlining production planning, inventory, and order management.
- 7#7: Katana MRP - Real-time MRP platform for job shops and makers, providing inventory tracking, production scheduling, and multi-location support.
- 8#8: Fishbowl Inventory - Inventory management software with manufacturing features for job shops, integrating with QuickBooks for order fulfillment.
- 9#9: Odoo Manufacturing - Modular open-source ERP with manufacturing apps for job shops, including PLM, MRP, and work orders.
- 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.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | E2 Shop System Comprehensive ERP software tailored for job shops, handling quoting, scheduling, inventory, and shop floor control. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | JobBOSS² Robust shop management solution for job shops with advanced quoting, job tracking, CRM, and financial integration. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | Global Shop Solutions Full-featured ERP for make-to-order manufacturers and job shops, optimizing production planning and real-time visibility. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | ProShop ERP All-in-one ERP and MES for custom manufacturing job shops, featuring quality management and paperless workflows. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | MIE Trak Pro Integrated ERP system for job shops, covering quoting, scheduling, inventory, and CAD/CAM integration. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | MRPeasy Cloud-based MRP software for small job shops, streamlining production planning, inventory, and order management. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Katana MRP Real-time MRP platform for job shops and makers, providing inventory tracking, production scheduling, and multi-location support. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Fishbowl Inventory Inventory management software with manufacturing features for job shops, integrating with QuickBooks for order fulfillment. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | Odoo Manufacturing Modular open-source ERP with manufacturing apps for job shops, including PLM, MRP, and work orders. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.1/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | ERPNext Open-source ERP with manufacturing module for job shops, supporting BOM, production planning, and quality control. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
Comprehensive ERP software tailored for job shops, handling quoting, scheduling, inventory, and shop floor control.
Robust shop management solution for job shops with advanced quoting, job tracking, CRM, and financial integration.
Full-featured ERP for make-to-order manufacturers and job shops, optimizing production planning and real-time visibility.
All-in-one ERP and MES for custom manufacturing job shops, featuring quality management and paperless workflows.
Integrated ERP system for job shops, covering quoting, scheduling, inventory, and CAD/CAM integration.
Cloud-based MRP software for small job shops, streamlining production planning, inventory, and order management.
Real-time MRP platform for job shops and makers, providing inventory tracking, production scheduling, and multi-location support.
Inventory management software with manufacturing features for job shops, integrating with QuickBooks for order fulfillment.
Modular open-source ERP with manufacturing apps for job shops, including PLM, MRP, and work orders.
Open-source ERP with manufacturing module for job shops, supporting BOM, production planning, and quality control.
E2 Shop System
specializedComprehensive ERP software tailored for job shops, handling quoting, scheduling, inventory, and shop floor control.
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.
JobBOSS²
enterpriseRobust shop management solution for job shops with advanced quoting, job tracking, CRM, and financial integration.
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.
Global Shop Solutions
enterpriseFull-featured ERP for make-to-order manufacturers and job shops, optimizing production planning and real-time visibility.
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.
ProShop ERP
specializedAll-in-one ERP and MES for custom manufacturing job shops, featuring quality management and paperless workflows.
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.
MIE Trak Pro
enterpriseIntegrated ERP system for job shops, covering quoting, scheduling, inventory, and CAD/CAM integration.
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.
MRPeasy
specializedCloud-based MRP software for small job shops, streamlining production planning, inventory, and order management.
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.
Katana MRP
specializedReal-time MRP platform for job shops and makers, providing inventory tracking, production scheduling, and multi-location support.
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.
Fishbowl Inventory
enterpriseInventory management software with manufacturing features for job shops, integrating with QuickBooks for order fulfillment.
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.
Odoo Manufacturing
enterpriseModular open-source ERP with manufacturing apps for job shops, including PLM, MRP, and work orders.
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).
ERPNext
enterpriseOpen-source ERP with manufacturing module for job shops, supporting BOM, production planning, and quality control.
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.
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.
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.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
