Top 10 Best Manufacturing Estimating Software of 2026

aPriori is a leading cloud-based manufacturing insights platform designed for discrete manufacturers to automate accurate cost estimation, design analysis, and process optimization. It uses physics-based digital twins and machine learning to simulate real-world manufacturing scenarios, delivering 'should-cost' insights from early design through production. The software integrates with CAD, PLM, and ERP systems to reduce quoting time by up to 90% and cut costs by identifying inefficiencies upfront.

Costimator, from Montage Systems, is a feature-based manufacturing cost estimating software tailored for job shops and OEMs in machining-intensive industries. Users input geometric features like holes, pockets, threads, and surfaces into its intuitive interface, and the software leverages a vast database of machining parameters, materials, and labor rates to generate precise quotes in minutes. It supports prismatic milled parts, turned components, assemblies, and some fabrication processes, with options for CAD import and integration with ERP/CRM systems.

Global Shop Solutions is a comprehensive ERP platform designed specifically for discrete manufacturing, featuring a powerful estimating module that calculates precise costs for materials, labor, tooling, and overheads based on routings and historical data. It enables quick quote generation with customizable templates and integrates seamlessly with scheduling, inventory, and shop floor control for end-to-end manufacturing management. This solution excels in handling complex job shop and make-to-order environments, providing real-time insights to improve bidding accuracy and win rates.

JobBOSS² is a robust ERP solution tailored for small to medium-sized job shops and make-to-order manufacturers, with strong estimating capabilities for generating accurate quotes. It automates cost calculations including materials, labor, overheads, and tooling, while integrating with CAD/CAM and shop floor controls for precise manufacturing estimates. The software streamlines the transition from quote to production, providing real-time visibility into job costs and profitability.

E2 Shop System from Shoptech is an ERP platform designed specifically for job shops and make-to-order manufacturers, with robust estimating capabilities at its core. It automates quote generation, cost calculations for labor, materials, and overhead, and integrates seamlessly with production scheduling and shop floor control. The software supports complex routings, CAD imports, and nesting optimization, making it efficient for custom fabrication environments.

Plex is a cloud-based ERP platform designed for manufacturers, featuring integrated estimating and quoting tools that leverage real-time data from inventory, production, and supply chain modules to generate accurate cost estimates. It supports job costing, material takeoffs, labor calculations, and scenario modeling within a comprehensive manufacturing operations suite. While not a standalone estimating tool, Plex excels in environments requiring seamless integration between quoting and execution.

Epicor Kinetic is a cloud-based ERP platform tailored for manufacturing, offering advanced estimating tools that integrate cost data from inventory, labor, materials, and overheads for precise quoting and bidding. It supports complex multi-level BOMs, what-if scenarios, and job costing to streamline the estimating process within broader production planning. As a full-suite solution, it excels in connecting estimates to execution, making it suitable for data-driven manufacturers.

SYSPRO is a robust ERP system tailored for manufacturing and distribution, featuring dedicated estimating tools within its production management modules. It enables precise cost calculations using bills of materials (BOMs), routings, labor rates, overheads, and material costs to generate accurate quotes and production estimates. The software supports both standard and actual costing methods, with integration across inventory, CRM, and financials for comprehensive planning.

Infor CloudSuite Industrial is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform designed for discrete manufacturers, with robust estimating tools that support accurate cost calculations, quoting, and job management for make-to-order and engineer-to-order environments. It integrates advanced product configurators, real-time data analytics, and formula-based estimating to handle complex assemblies and custom products efficiently. The solution provides end-to-end visibility from initial estimates to production execution, making it suitable for mid-to-large industrial manufacturers seeking scalability.

QAD Adaptive ERP is a comprehensive manufacturing-focused ERP system that includes estimating capabilities through its quoting, costing, and advanced planning modules. It enables precise cost calculations using bills of materials (BOMs), routings, labor rates, and overhead absorption for discrete and process manufacturing. While powerful for integrated operations, it functions more as part of a full ERP suite rather than a dedicated standalone estimating tool.