Quick Overview
- 1#1: MRPeasy - Cloud-based MRP software that streamlines make-to-order production planning, scheduling, and inventory for small manufacturers.
- 2#2: Katana MRP - Real-time manufacturing resource planning tool for make-to-order businesses to manage inventory, production orders, and shop floor operations.
- 3#3: Exact JobBOSS - Comprehensive shop management software designed for job shops and make-to-order manufacturers to handle quoting, scheduling, and job tracking.
- 4#4: Global Shop Solutions - ERP system tailored for contract manufacturers and make-to-order shops, providing end-to-end control from quoting to shipping.
- 5#5: E2 Shop System - CNC-focused shop floor management software that optimizes make-to-order job scheduling, nesting, and production efficiency.
- 6#6: Prodsmart - Real-time shop floor control platform for make-to-order manufacturing, offering production monitoring, quality control, and performance analytics.
- 7#7: Fishbowl - Inventory and manufacturing management software that supports make-to-order workflows with order fulfillment, BOMs, and multi-location tracking.
- 8#8: MIE Trak Pro - Integrated ERP solution for make-to-order and contract manufacturing, covering engineering, production, quality, and accounting.
- 9#9: Odoo Manufacturing - Modular open-source ERP with manufacturing apps for make-to-order processes, including PLM, MRP, and work orders.
- 10#10: ERPNext - Open-source ERP platform with robust manufacturing module for make-to-order production planning, BOM management, and serial/batch tracking.
Tools were ranked based on their alignment with MTO needs, including real-time planning, inventory control, and end-to-end job visibility, complemented by robust functionality, user-friendly design, and cost-effectiveness across varying business scales.
Comparison Table
Make to order (MTO) manufacturing software is critical for aligning production with customer demand, and this comparison table evaluates tools like MRPeasy, Katana MRP, Exact JobBOSS, and others. It breaks down key features, workflow efficiency, and integration abilities to help businesses identify the best fit for their operations, ensuring streamlined order fulfillment and resource management.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MRPeasy Cloud-based MRP software that streamlines make-to-order production planning, scheduling, and inventory for small manufacturers. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Katana MRP Real-time manufacturing resource planning tool for make-to-order businesses to manage inventory, production orders, and shop floor operations. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Exact JobBOSS Comprehensive shop management software designed for job shops and make-to-order manufacturers to handle quoting, scheduling, and job tracking. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Global Shop Solutions ERP system tailored for contract manufacturers and make-to-order shops, providing end-to-end control from quoting to shipping. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | E2 Shop System CNC-focused shop floor management software that optimizes make-to-order job scheduling, nesting, and production efficiency. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Prodsmart Real-time shop floor control platform for make-to-order manufacturing, offering production monitoring, quality control, and performance analytics. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Fishbowl Inventory and manufacturing management software that supports make-to-order workflows with order fulfillment, BOMs, and multi-location tracking. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | MIE Trak Pro Integrated ERP solution for make-to-order and contract manufacturing, covering engineering, production, quality, and accounting. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Odoo Manufacturing Modular open-source ERP with manufacturing apps for make-to-order processes, including PLM, MRP, and work orders. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | ERPNext Open-source ERP platform with robust manufacturing module for make-to-order production planning, BOM management, and serial/batch tracking. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.3/10 |
Cloud-based MRP software that streamlines make-to-order production planning, scheduling, and inventory for small manufacturers.
Real-time manufacturing resource planning tool for make-to-order businesses to manage inventory, production orders, and shop floor operations.
Comprehensive shop management software designed for job shops and make-to-order manufacturers to handle quoting, scheduling, and job tracking.
ERP system tailored for contract manufacturers and make-to-order shops, providing end-to-end control from quoting to shipping.
CNC-focused shop floor management software that optimizes make-to-order job scheduling, nesting, and production efficiency.
Real-time shop floor control platform for make-to-order manufacturing, offering production monitoring, quality control, and performance analytics.
Inventory and manufacturing management software that supports make-to-order workflows with order fulfillment, BOMs, and multi-location tracking.
Integrated ERP solution for make-to-order and contract manufacturing, covering engineering, production, quality, and accounting.
Modular open-source ERP with manufacturing apps for make-to-order processes, including PLM, MRP, and work orders.
Open-source ERP platform with robust manufacturing module for make-to-order production planning, BOM management, and serial/batch tracking.
MRPeasy
specializedCloud-based MRP software that streamlines make-to-order production planning, scheduling, and inventory for small manufacturers.
Drag-and-drop Gantt chart production scheduler that auto-generates from sales orders with built-in MRP for material and capacity checks
MRPeasy is a cloud-based ERP/MRP software designed specifically for small to medium-sized manufacturers, excelling in make-to-order (MTO) production by linking sales orders directly to production planning and material requirements. It provides end-to-end visibility from quoting and CRM to shop floor execution, inventory management, purchasing, and financials. With real-time data and mobile accessibility, it enables efficient handling of custom orders without excess inventory buildup.
Pros
- Seamless MTO workflow integrating sales orders with MRP and production scheduling
- Real-time shop floor tracking via mobile app for accurate execution
- Comprehensive all-in-one solution covering CRM, inventory, and finances at SMB-friendly pricing
Cons
- Limited support for multi-warehouse complex scenarios without add-ons
- Advanced reporting requires custom exports or integrations
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech users despite intuitive interface
Best For
Small to medium-sized MTO manufacturers seeking an affordable, integrated ERP to manage custom production runs efficiently without enterprise complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (Lite, billed annually) up to $79/user/month (Professional); scales by users and features, with custom enterprise plans available.
Katana MRP
specializedReal-time manufacturing resource planning tool for make-to-order businesses to manage inventory, production orders, and shop floor operations.
Live MRP engine that dynamically recalculates production plans and material needs in real-time across sales orders and inventory changes
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning software designed for make-to-order (MTO) manufacturers, offering real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order fulfillment. It integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms and accounting tools to streamline the entire MTO process from sales order to delivery. With visual kanban boards and live insights, it helps SMBs manage multi-location inventory and complex BOMs efficiently.
Pros
- Real-time inventory and production visibility
- Strong integrations with Shopify, QuickBooks, and Xero
- Intuitive visual scheduling for MTO workflows
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and capacity planning
- Customization options are basic for highly complex operations
- Pricing escalates quickly for larger teams
Best For
Small to medium-sized MTO manufacturers seeking an user-friendly MRP to control inventory and production without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Lite, up to 100 orders), $299/month (Pro), up to custom Enterprise pricing.
Exact JobBOSS
specializedComprehensive shop management software designed for job shops and make-to-order manufacturers to handle quoting, scheduling, and job tracking.
Advanced job costing engine with multi-level assemblies and real-time WIP tracking optimized for custom MTO production
Exact JobBOSS is a robust ERP system tailored for make-to-order (MTO) manufacturers and job shops, managing the entire process from quoting and order entry to production scheduling, inventory control, and accounting. It provides real-time shop floor visibility, precise job costing, and tools for handling custom orders with variable specifications. Ideal for complex, low-volume production environments, it integrates seamlessly across operations to reduce errors and improve throughput.
Pros
- Comprehensive job costing and tracking for accurate profitability analysis
- Integrated accounting and CRM for end-to-end MTO workflows
- Strong scheduling and shop floor control with real-time data
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Custom implementation often requires significant time and consulting
- Pricing lacks transparency and can be high for smaller shops
Best For
Mid-sized job shops and MTO manufacturers needing detailed production tracking and integrated ERP without mass customization limitations.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $150-$350 per user/month for cloud deployment, with additional costs for implementation and modules.
Global Shop Solutions
enterpriseERP system tailored for contract manufacturers and make-to-order shops, providing end-to-end control from quoting to shipping.
RapidQuote engine for instant, accurate job quoting that seamlessly converts to scheduled production orders with built-in profitability analysis
Global Shop Solutions is a robust ERP software tailored for make-to-order (MTO) manufacturers, especially job shops, offering end-to-end management from quoting and order entry to scheduling, inventory control, production execution, and accounting. It provides real-time shop floor visibility and advanced planning tools to optimize resource utilization and improve on-time delivery. The system excels in handling complex, custom jobs with features like job costing, quality management, and CRM integration.
Pros
- Comprehensive MTO workflow from quote to cash
- Powerful finite capacity scheduling with drag-and-drop interface
- Real-time data capture and dashboards for shop floor control
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation (6-12 months)
- Pricing lacks transparency; requires custom quotes
- Limited flexibility for highly unique customizations without add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized job shops and MTO manufacturers needing an integrated ERP for complex quoting, scheduling, and production tracking.
Pricing
Custom quote-based, typically $40,000-$150,000+ initial setup plus annual maintenance (10-20% of license); per-user licensing around $200-300/month for cloud-hosted options.
E2 Shop System
specializedCNC-focused shop floor management software that optimizes make-to-order job scheduling, nesting, and production efficiency.
Patented Critical Ratio Scheduling that dynamically prioritizes jobs based on due dates and capacity for optimal MTO dispatching.
E2 Shop System is an ERP software tailored for make-to-order (MTO) job shops and contract manufacturers, providing end-to-end management from instant quoting and order entry to production scheduling, shop floor control, inventory tracking, and invoicing. It offers real-time visibility into operations with tools like digital traveler packets and capacity planning to handle custom orders efficiently. Designed primarily for small to mid-sized shops, it integrates accounting and CRM features to streamline MTO workflows without needing extensive customizations.
Pros
- Comprehensive MTO support with rapid quoting and job tracking from order to shipment
- Real-time shop floor dispatching and critical ratio scheduling for efficient production
- Integrated accounting and inventory management reducing need for multiple systems
Cons
- Primarily on-premise deployment with limited cloud options
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and setup
- Pricing can escalate with add-on modules and customizations
Best For
Small to medium-sized MTO job shops and contract manufacturers needing robust, integrated shop floor and quoting capabilities.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting around $5,000-$10,000 for base system plus $1,000-$3,000 annual maintenance per user; modular add-ons increase costs.
Prodsmart
specializedReal-time shop floor control platform for make-to-order manufacturing, offering production monitoring, quality control, and performance analytics.
Live Production Control Tower with geofencing for precise operator and asset tracking in real-time
Prodsmart is a cloud-based Manufacturing Execution System (MES) that delivers real-time visibility into shop floor operations for make-to-order manufacturers. It digitizes production through a mobile-first app, enabling tracking of operators, materials, machines, and work orders with barcode/RFID support. The platform supports custom job scheduling, quality control, and performance analytics, integrating with ERPs like SAP and Dynamics for streamlined MTO workflows.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app for real-time shop floor data capture and operator guidance
- Strong material and production traceability ideal for custom MTO jobs
- Quick deployment with minimal hardware needs beyond standard scanners
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can escalate for larger operations or advanced modules
- Lacks built-in advanced production planning/APS compared to dedicated MRP systems
- Reporting customization is functional but not as flexible for complex analytics
Best For
Small to mid-sized make-to-order manufacturers focused on shop floor execution and real-time visibility rather than enterprise-level planning.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $100-200 per user/month, scaling with modules and production volume; free trial available.
Fishbowl
enterpriseInventory and manufacturing management software that supports make-to-order workflows with order fulfillment, BOMs, and multi-location tracking.
Direct conversion of sales orders into manufacturing work orders with automatic component allocation for efficient MTO fulfillment
Fishbowl is an inventory management platform designed for warehouses and light manufacturing, with strong support for make-to-order (MTO) processes through sales order-driven work orders and bill of materials management. It enables real-time tracking of components, assemblies, and production schedules, while integrating deeply with QuickBooks for accounting. Ideal for businesses needing precise inventory control alongside basic manufacturing workflows, it supports multi-location operations and customizable reporting.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for streamlined accounting in MTO environments
- Robust BOM and work order management tailored for custom production
- Advanced inventory tracking with lot/serial numbers and multi-location support
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- Dated user experience that feels outdated
- Higher upfront costs with add-ons for full manufacturing functionality
Best For
Small to mid-sized MTO manufacturers relying on QuickBooks who need strong inventory and basic production control without advanced ERP complexity.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$4,395 for Warehouse edition + annual maintenance (~20%); Manufacturing module add-on ~$1,500+; subscription options available.
MIE Trak Pro
enterpriseIntegrated ERP solution for make-to-order and contract manufacturing, covering engineering, production, quality, and accounting.
Patented CAD-to-quote integration that automatically generates precise bids from 2D/3D models, reducing engineering time dramatically
MIE Trak Pro is a comprehensive ERP software tailored for make-to-order (MTO) manufacturing, integrating CAD/CAM with core business processes like quoting, engineering, production scheduling, and inventory management. It excels in handling complex, custom orders by automating workflows from design to delivery, including quality control and shop floor execution. Designed for job shops and contract manufacturers, it provides real-time visibility and traceability throughout the production lifecycle.
Pros
- Deep CAD integration for accurate, automated quoting from engineering drawings
- Robust MTO-specific tools for production planning, scheduling, and shop floor control
- Highly customizable with strong support for complex manufacturing workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring significant training
- Custom quote-based pricing can be expensive for smaller operations
- Reporting and analytics are functional but less intuitive than modern cloud competitors
Best For
Mid-sized make-to-order manufacturers with CAD-heavy engineering processes that require integrated quoting and production management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; on-premise licenses start around $25,000-$50,000 plus annual maintenance (15-20%), with cloud options available at higher recurring fees.
Odoo Manufacturing
enterpriseModular open-source ERP with manufacturing apps for make-to-order processes, including PLM, MRP, and work orders.
Automatic manufacturing order generation directly from sales orders, ensuring true MTO with no pre-built stock
Odoo Manufacturing is a robust module in the open-source Odoo ERP suite tailored for make-to-order (MTO) operations, enabling seamless conversion of sales orders into manufacturing orders with multi-level bills of materials (BOMs) and production planning. It supports work centers, quality inspections, traceability via serial/lot numbers, and real-time inventory management to minimize waste in MTO workflows. The platform integrates deeply with sales, purchasing, and CRM modules for end-to-end visibility from quote to delivery.
Pros
- Fully integrated ERP ecosystem automates MTO from sales order to production
- Advanced BOM management with variants, kits, and by-products
- Free community edition with extensive customization options
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex setups without prior ERP experience
- Performance can lag in high-volume environments without optimization
- Some advanced manufacturing features (e.g., APS) require Enterprise edition
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers needing an affordable, integrated ERP for MTO processes without standalone inventory stocking.
Pricing
Community edition free; Enterprise edition starts at ~$25/user/month (billed annually) for full apps and support.
ERPNext
enterpriseOpen-source ERP platform with robust manufacturing module for make-to-order production planning, BOM management, and serial/batch tracking.
Automatic generation of work orders and material requests directly from sales orders, enabling true pull-based MTO manufacturing without excess inventory.
ERPNext is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform that supports Make To Order (MTO) manufacturing by linking sales orders directly to production work orders, managing multi-level Bills of Materials (BOMs), and handling subassemblies and job cards. It provides real-time inventory tracking, quality inspections, and integration with procurement and accounting for end-to-end visibility. Ideal for businesses needing a flexible, customizable system without vendor lock-in.
Pros
- Open-source and free for self-hosting, reducing long-term costs
- Robust MTO workflows with automatic work order generation from sales orders
- Highly customizable with low-code tools and full ERP integration
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Requires technical expertise for optimal self-hosting and customization
- User interface feels dated and less intuitive than modern SaaS alternatives
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers looking for a cost-effective, fully integrated open-source ERP to handle MTO production alongside other business functions.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted version; Frappe Cloud hosted plans start at $10/user/month for standard edition.
Conclusion
After reviewing ten standout make-to-order manufacturing tools, the top ranks reflect software that excels in streamlining planning, scheduling, and operations. Leading the pack is MRPeasy, a cloud-based solution that delivers robust support for small manufacturers, while Katana MRP and Exact JobBOSS offer equally strong alternatives—each tailored to distinct needs like real-time resource management or comprehensive job tracking. Together, these tools highlight the diversity of options available to optimize make-to-order workflows.
Ready to enhance your production efficiency? Start with MRPeasy, the top-rated choice, and explore how it can transform your make-to-order operations today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison