Quick Overview
- 1#1: E2 Shop System - Comprehensive ERP software for job shops and make-to-order manufacturers, integrating quoting, scheduling, inventory, production control, and accounting.
- 2#2: JobBOSS² - All-in-one shop management solution for small to mid-sized machine shops, handling estimating, order processing, inventory, quality, and financials.
- 3#3: Global Shop Solutions - Full-featured ERP platform for machine and fabrication shops, providing end-to-end management of production, supply chain, CRM, and finances.
- 4#4: ProShop ERP - Quality management-focused ERP and MES for precision machine shops, with quoting, scheduling, ISO compliance, and shop floor execution tools.
- 5#5: MIE Trak Pro - Integrated CAD/CAM/ERP suite for machine shops, streamlining engineering, quoting, production planning, inventory, and enterprise operations.
- 6#6: HERO - Cloud-based shop management software for machine shops, offering real-time job tracking, scheduling, quoting, inventory, and CRM capabilities.
- 7#7: MRPeasy - Cloud MRP system for small machine shops and manufacturers, providing production scheduling, inventory tracking, procurement, and reporting.
- 8#8: Katana MRP - Real-time cloud manufacturing software for job shops, managing inventory, production orders, sales, and multi-location operations.
- 9#9: Prodio - Digital MES and shop floor management tool for machine shops, enabling live production tracking, scheduling, and performance analytics.
- 10#10: VersaCloud ERP - Modular cloud ERP for make-to-order machine shops, covering quoting, job management, inventory, quality control, and financial integration.
We prioritized tools based on core functionality (scheduling, inventory, quoting, quality control), user-friendliness, robust performance, and value, ensuring solutions that meet the unique demands of machine shops across scales.
Comparison Table
This comparison table details key machine shop management software tools—including E2 Shop System, JobBOSS², Global Shop Solutions, ProShop ERP, MIE Trak Pro, and more—to guide readers in evaluating their options. It highlights core features, integration capabilities, and unique strengths, helping identify the best fit for operational efficiency and business goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | E2 Shop System Comprehensive ERP software for job shops and make-to-order manufacturers, integrating quoting, scheduling, inventory, production control, and accounting. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | JobBOSS² All-in-one shop management solution for small to mid-sized machine shops, handling estimating, order processing, inventory, quality, and financials. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | Global Shop Solutions Full-featured ERP platform for machine and fabrication shops, providing end-to-end management of production, supply chain, CRM, and finances. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | ProShop ERP Quality management-focused ERP and MES for precision machine shops, with quoting, scheduling, ISO compliance, and shop floor execution tools. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 5 | MIE Trak Pro Integrated CAD/CAM/ERP suite for machine shops, streamlining engineering, quoting, production planning, inventory, and enterprise operations. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | HERO Cloud-based shop management software for machine shops, offering real-time job tracking, scheduling, quoting, inventory, and CRM capabilities. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 7 | MRPeasy Cloud MRP system for small machine shops and manufacturers, providing production scheduling, inventory tracking, procurement, and reporting. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Katana MRP Real-time cloud manufacturing software for job shops, managing inventory, production orders, sales, and multi-location operations. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | Prodio Digital MES and shop floor management tool for machine shops, enabling live production tracking, scheduling, and performance analytics. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 10 | VersaCloud ERP Modular cloud ERP for make-to-order machine shops, covering quoting, job management, inventory, quality control, and financial integration. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
Comprehensive ERP software for job shops and make-to-order manufacturers, integrating quoting, scheduling, inventory, production control, and accounting.
All-in-one shop management solution for small to mid-sized machine shops, handling estimating, order processing, inventory, quality, and financials.
Full-featured ERP platform for machine and fabrication shops, providing end-to-end management of production, supply chain, CRM, and finances.
Quality management-focused ERP and MES for precision machine shops, with quoting, scheduling, ISO compliance, and shop floor execution tools.
Integrated CAD/CAM/ERP suite for machine shops, streamlining engineering, quoting, production planning, inventory, and enterprise operations.
Cloud-based shop management software for machine shops, offering real-time job tracking, scheduling, quoting, inventory, and CRM capabilities.
Cloud MRP system for small machine shops and manufacturers, providing production scheduling, inventory tracking, procurement, and reporting.
Real-time cloud manufacturing software for job shops, managing inventory, production orders, sales, and multi-location operations.
Digital MES and shop floor management tool for machine shops, enabling live production tracking, scheduling, and performance analytics.
Modular cloud ERP for make-to-order machine shops, covering quoting, job management, inventory, quality control, and financial integration.
E2 Shop System
enterpriseComprehensive ERP software for job shops and make-to-order manufacturers, integrating quoting, scheduling, inventory, production control, and accounting.
Drag-and-drop graphical scheduler with automatic capacity leveling and infinite rescheduling for dynamic shop floor management
E2 Shop System by Shoptech is a robust ERP platform designed specifically for machine shops, job shops, and make-to-order manufacturers. It provides end-to-end management including instant quoting, order processing, advanced scheduling, real-time shop floor tracking, inventory control, quality management, and integrated accounting. With tools like drag-and-drop graphical scheduling and profitability analysis, it optimizes production efficiency and shop floor visibility for complex manufacturing environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one ERP tailored for job shops with real-time data collection
- Powerful drag-and-drop scheduling and nesting optimization for efficient production planning
- Integrated quoting system with built-in profitability calculators and CRM tools
Cons
- Higher upfront costs may deter very small shops
- Initial setup and training require time investment
- Customization often needs professional services or add-ons
Best For
Small to mid-sized machine shops and contract manufacturers handling custom, make-to-order jobs that need precise shop floor control and scheduling.
Pricing
Quote-based; on-premise starts at ~$10,000+ for base system plus annual maintenance (~20%), cloud/SaaS options from $150/user/month.
JobBOSS²
enterpriseAll-in-one shop management solution for small to mid-sized machine shops, handling estimating, order processing, inventory, quality, and financials.
Advanced dynamic scheduling engine that optimizes machine and labor utilization in real-time for job shops.
JobBOSS² is a robust ERP software tailored for job shops, contract manufacturers, and machine shops, offering end-to-end management from quoting and order processing to shop floor control and accounting. It excels in handling complex, make-to-order production with features like real-time scheduling, inventory tracking, and quality management. The platform integrates CRM, purchasing, and financials to provide comprehensive visibility and streamline operations for small to mid-sized shops.
Pros
- Comprehensive ERP integration covering quoting, scheduling, inventory, and accounting
- Powerful job costing and profitability tracking for precise shop performance analysis
- Strong shop floor management with real-time data and mobile access
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for new users
- Implementation can be lengthy and resource-intensive
- Custom pricing lacks transparency and can be costly for smaller shops
Best For
Mid-sized machine shops and job shops needing a full-featured ERP to handle complex, custom manufacturing workflows.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically $5,000+ per month for full suite depending on users, modules, and customizations.
Global Shop Solutions
enterpriseFull-featured ERP platform for machine and fabrication shops, providing end-to-end management of production, supply chain, CRM, and finances.
Integrated Quoting and APS that seamlessly converts estimates into optimized production schedules using real-time shop floor feedback
Global Shop Solutions is a robust ERP/MRP system designed specifically for machine shops, job shops, and make-to-order manufacturers. It streamlines operations from quoting and estimating through production scheduling, inventory management, shop floor control, quality assurance, and integrated accounting. The software emphasizes real-time data collection and advanced planning to handle complex, custom manufacturing workflows efficiently.
Pros
- Comprehensive end-to-end functionality tailored for machine shops, including quoting-to-production integration
- Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) with real-time shop floor data collection
- Highly customizable to fit specific manufacturing processes and strong reporting tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation process
- User interface feels dated and less intuitive than modern cloud-based competitors
- High upfront costs and dependency on customization for optimal use
Best For
Mid-to-large machine shops and job shops managing complex custom orders that need integrated quoting, scheduling, and shop floor control.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $40,000-$100,000+ for initial setup including modules, users, and implementation, with ongoing annual maintenance.
ProShop ERP
specializedQuality management-focused ERP and MES for precision machine shops, with quoting, scheduling, ISO compliance, and shop floor execution tools.
No-programming configurator that allows users to fully customize workflows, screens, and processes via an intuitive drag-and-drop interface
ProShop ERP is a comprehensive, web-based ERP/MES platform tailored for machine shops and precision contract manufacturers, handling everything from instant quoting and order management to advanced scheduling, inventory control, and quality assurance. It integrates seamlessly with CAD/CAM, CMMs, and ERP accounting systems, providing real-time shop floor visibility and compliance tools for ISO/AS9100 standards. The software emphasizes configurability without coding, enabling shops to adapt it to unique workflows while supporting multi-location operations.
Pros
- Deeply tailored features for machine shops including dynamic quoting, resource scheduling, and SPC quality management
- No-code customization for workflows, forms, and reports
- Strong integrations with shop tools like CMMs and real-time production tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options
- Higher cost with quote-based pricing and implementation services
- Initial setup requires significant time and expertise
Best For
Mid-sized precision machine shops and contract manufacturers needing a highly configurable all-in-one ERP/MES for complex, compliant operations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; modular SaaS subscriptions typically start at $295/user/month with additional implementation and training fees.
MIE Trak Pro
enterpriseIntegrated CAD/CAM/ERP suite for machine shops, streamlining engineering, quoting, production planning, inventory, and enterprise operations.
Advanced CAD-driven quoting engine that automates precise cost estimates from design files
MIE Trak Pro is a comprehensive ERP software designed specifically for machine shops and contract manufacturers, offering end-to-end management of quoting, order entry, production scheduling, inventory control, and quality assurance. It integrates shop floor data collection for real-time tracking of jobs, resources, and machine utilization. The platform supports customization to fit complex manufacturing workflows, including CAD import for accurate estimating.
Pros
- Robust quoting and estimating with CAD integration
- Real-time shop floor control and scheduling
- Highly customizable for machine shop needs
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complexity
- Primarily on-premise deployment limits flexibility
- Customization requires significant setup time
Best For
Medium-sized machine shops needing a customizable ERP for complex quoting and production management.
Pricing
Quote-based; perpetual licenses start around $15,000-$30,000 plus annual maintenance (15-20% of license cost).
HERO
specializedCloud-based shop management software for machine shops, offering real-time job tracking, scheduling, quoting, inventory, and CRM capabilities.
Visual drag-and-drop scheduling board with real-time capacity planning and job prioritization
HERO is a cloud-based ERP solution designed specifically for machine shops, job shops, and make-to-order manufacturers, providing end-to-end management from quoting and order entry to production scheduling, inventory control, and invoicing. It offers real-time shop floor visibility through mobile apps and dashboards, enabling efficient job tracking, resource allocation, and quality management. The software integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks and other accounting tools, making it ideal for streamlining operations in dynamic manufacturing environments.
Pros
- User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop scheduling
- Strong QuickBooks integration and real-time reporting
- Responsive customer support and quick implementation
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics compared to enterprise solutions
- Customization options can be restrictive for very complex workflows
- Mobile app lacks some desktop-level functionality
Best For
Small to mid-sized machine shops seeking an affordable, intuitive all-in-one platform for daily operations without heavy IT overhead.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for basic plans (up to 5 users), scales to $299+/month for Pro/Enterprise with unlimited users; custom quotes available.
MRPeasy
specializedCloud MRP system for small machine shops and manufacturers, providing production scheduling, inventory tracking, procurement, and reporting.
Visual drag-and-drop production scheduling with infinite capacity planning and real-time updates
MRPeasy is a cloud-based ERP/MRP software designed for small to medium-sized manufacturers, including machine shops, offering comprehensive tools for production planning, inventory management, purchasing, and sales order fulfillment. It features real-time scheduling with visual Gantt charts, shop floor data collection via mobile apps, and MRP functionality to handle make-to-order and discrete manufacturing workflows. The platform provides end-to-end visibility, from quoting and BOM management to quality control and reporting, making it suitable for streamlining machine shop operations.
Pros
- Intuitive, user-friendly interface with minimal setup time
- Strong MRP and real-time production scheduling for discrete manufacturing
- Affordable pricing with good integrations (e.g., QuickBooks, Shopify)
- Mobile app for shop floor data capture and execution
Cons
- Lacks deep machine shop-specific features like native CAD/CAM or nesting optimization
- Limited customization and advanced quoting tools compared to shop-focused alternatives
- Reporting and analytics could be more robust and flexible
Best For
Small to medium machine shops focused on custom or low-volume production seeking an easy-to-implement, all-in-one MRP system without heavy IT requirements.
Pricing
Starts at $49 per user/month (billed annually) for Basic plan; Production plan at $59/user/month; Business plan at $79/user/month; minimum 5-10 users depending on tier.
Katana MRP
specializedReal-time cloud manufacturing software for job shops, managing inventory, production orders, sales, and multi-location operations.
Visual kanban production board for real-time shop floor scheduling and live inventory insights
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning (MRP) software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, including machine shops, focusing on real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order management. It supports bill of materials (BOM) creation, automated purchasing, and shop floor execution through a visual kanban-style interface. While versatile for make-to-order operations, it integrates with accounting tools like QuickBooks to provide end-to-end visibility without deep machine-specific tools like CAD/CAM or advanced quoting.
Pros
- Intuitive, visual interface for quick adoption
- Real-time multi-location inventory syncing
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks and Xero
Cons
- Lacks dedicated job quoting and estimating tools
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Not ideal for complex, high-volume custom machining workflows
Best For
Small to medium machine shops seeking simple, visual inventory and production management without needing specialized job shop features.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Essentials, billed annually) for basic features, $299/month (Professional) for advanced planning, with custom Enterprise pricing.
Prodio
specializedDigital MES and shop floor management tool for machine shops, enabling live production tracking, scheduling, and performance analytics.
Operator tablet kiosks for seamless, real-time job tracking and data capture directly from the shop floor
Prodio is a cloud-based shop floor management software designed specifically for small to medium-sized machine shops and make-to-order manufacturers. It enables real-time production tracking via tablet kiosks, intelligent scheduling, job costing, and capacity planning to optimize workflows from quoting to delivery. The platform emphasizes simplicity, helping shops reduce lead times, improve on-time delivery, and gain visibility into shop floor operations without requiring complex ERP systems.
Pros
- Intuitive tablet-based data entry accessible to non-technical shop floor workers
- Real-time scheduling and capacity planning that adapts to changes
- Strong focus on job shop workflows with quick setup and ROI
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to full ERP solutions
- Fewer native integrations with CAD/CAM or enterprise tools
- Scalability may be challenging for shops with over 50 machines
Best For
Small to medium machine shops looking for straightforward, affordable shop floor visibility and scheduling without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $295/month for up to 10 machines (billed annually), scaling with machine count and features; custom enterprise plans available.
VersaCloud ERP
enterpriseModular cloud ERP for make-to-order machine shops, covering quoting, job management, inventory, quality control, and financial integration.
Modular, pay-as-you-grow structure with seamless CRM-to-production integration
VersaCloud ERP is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning platform tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, including machine shops, offering integrated modules for CRM, sales, inventory, production planning, purchasing, and accounting. It streamlines operations from quoting and job scheduling to shop floor execution and invoicing, with real-time data access and customizable workflows. While versatile for general manufacturing, it supports work orders, BOMs, and basic routing suitable for job shop environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive ERP integration covering sales to production
- Cloud-based with real-time dashboards and mobile access
- Affordable modular pricing for growing shops
Cons
- Limited advanced machine shop tools like CAD/CAM or nesting
- Steep initial setup for custom configurations
- Reporting lacks deep analytics for complex job costing
Best For
Small to mid-sized machine shops seeking an all-in-one cloud ERP without specialized shop floor depth.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $99/user/month, scalable by modules and users with custom enterprise quotes.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools, from E2 Shop System's comprehensive integration to Global Shop Solutions' end-to-end management, each excel in addressing unique operational needs, yet all prioritize streamlining critical workflows. E2 Shop System stands out as the top choice, a robust solution that seamlessly merges quoting, scheduling, and accounting for job shops. JobBOSS² and Global Shop Solutions, however, offer exceptional alternatives—with JobBOSS² ideal for small to mid-sized operations and Global Shop Solutions for full supply chain and CRM management.
Don’t miss out on optimizing your operations—leverage E2 Shop System’s integrated power to elevate your shop’s efficiency and productivity.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison