Quick Overview
- 1#1: MRPeasy - Cloud-based MRP software that automates production planning, inventory management, and purchasing for small to medium manufacturers.
- 2#2: Katana - Real-time cloud MRP and inventory platform designed for small manufacturers to track production and materials seamlessly.
- 3#3: Fishbowl - Inventory management and MRP solution with advanced manufacturing features that integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks.
- 4#4: Plex - Smart manufacturing platform combining MES, ERP, and MRP for end-to-end shop floor and supply chain control.
- 5#5: Epicor Kinetic - Comprehensive ERP system with powerful MRP modules for planning materials and production in discrete manufacturing.
- 6#6: Oracle NetSuite - Cloud ERP with integrated manufacturing and MRP capabilities for demand planning and inventory optimization.
- 7#7: Odoo - Modular open-source ERP featuring MRP apps for production scheduling, BOM management, and material forecasting.
- 8#8: ERPNext - Open-source ERP with built-in MRP tools for manufacturing workflows, inventory tracking, and production orders.
- 9#9: Prodsmart - Cloud MES and MRP software providing real-time production tracking, scheduling, and material requirements planning.
- 10#10: SYSPRO - ERP solution tailored for manufacturing with advanced MRP for inventory control and production planning.
Tools were ranked by core functionality (e.g., BOM management, real-time tracking), usability, reliability, and value, ensuring they prioritize both small businesses and large-scale operations.
Comparison Table
Manufacturing MRP software is vital for optimizing production, inventory, and resource management. This comparison table explores tools like MRPeasy, Katana, Fishbowl, Plex, Epicor Kinetic, and more, offering insights into their features, strengths, and best-fit scenarios. Readers will gain clarity to select software that aligns with their operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MRPeasy Cloud-based MRP software that automates production planning, inventory management, and purchasing for small to medium manufacturers. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 2 | Katana Real-time cloud MRP and inventory platform designed for small manufacturers to track production and materials seamlessly. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Fishbowl Inventory management and MRP solution with advanced manufacturing features that integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | Plex Smart manufacturing platform combining MES, ERP, and MRP for end-to-end shop floor and supply chain control. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Epicor Kinetic Comprehensive ERP system with powerful MRP modules for planning materials and production in discrete manufacturing. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Oracle NetSuite Cloud ERP with integrated manufacturing and MRP capabilities for demand planning and inventory optimization. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Odoo Modular open-source ERP featuring MRP apps for production scheduling, BOM management, and material forecasting. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 8 | ERPNext Open-source ERP with built-in MRP tools for manufacturing workflows, inventory tracking, and production orders. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | Prodsmart Cloud MES and MRP software providing real-time production tracking, scheduling, and material requirements planning. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | SYSPRO ERP solution tailored for manufacturing with advanced MRP for inventory control and production planning. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
Cloud-based MRP software that automates production planning, inventory management, and purchasing for small to medium manufacturers.
Real-time cloud MRP and inventory platform designed for small manufacturers to track production and materials seamlessly.
Inventory management and MRP solution with advanced manufacturing features that integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks.
Smart manufacturing platform combining MES, ERP, and MRP for end-to-end shop floor and supply chain control.
Comprehensive ERP system with powerful MRP modules for planning materials and production in discrete manufacturing.
Cloud ERP with integrated manufacturing and MRP capabilities for demand planning and inventory optimization.
Modular open-source ERP featuring MRP apps for production scheduling, BOM management, and material forecasting.
Open-source ERP with built-in MRP tools for manufacturing workflows, inventory tracking, and production orders.
Cloud MES and MRP software providing real-time production tracking, scheduling, and material requirements planning.
ERP solution tailored for manufacturing with advanced MRP for inventory control and production planning.
MRPeasy
specializedCloud-based MRP software that automates production planning, inventory management, and purchasing for small to medium manufacturers.
Dynamic visual production scheduling with drag-and-drop Gantt charts and automatic rescheduling for real-time adjustments.
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP (Material Requirements Planning) software designed specifically for small to medium-sized manufacturing businesses handling make-to-order, make-to-stock, and engineer-to-order production. It integrates production planning, inventory management, BOM handling, procurement, CRM, and shop floor control into a single intuitive platform, providing real-time visibility and automation to streamline operations. With features like dynamic scheduling, lot tracing, and detailed reporting, it helps manufacturers reduce waste, improve delivery times, and scale efficiently without needing IT expertise.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one MRP suite covering planning, inventory, and shop floor execution
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for real-time shop floor reporting
- Strong automation for scheduling and procurement with excellent ROI for SMBs
Cons
- Limited advanced customization without professional services
- Reporting flexibility could be enhanced for complex data exports
- Best suited for discrete manufacturing, less ideal for process-heavy industries
Best For
Small to medium-sized discrete manufacturers seeking an affordable, user-friendly MRP system to manage complex production without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Starts at €49 per user/month (Basic plan), scales to €99+ for Gold/Enterprise with volume-based shop floor user pricing; free trial available.
Katana
specializedReal-time cloud MRP and inventory platform designed for small manufacturers to track production and materials seamlessly.
Live MRP engine providing real-time visibility into inventory, production capacity, and order status in a single dashboard
Katana is a cloud-based MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning) software designed for small to medium-sized manufacturers, focusing on real-time inventory management, production scheduling, and order fulfillment. It supports bill of materials (BOM) management, shop floor control, and seamless integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks. The platform enables make-to-order and make-to-stock operations with visual planning tools to optimize manufacturing workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop production scheduling for quick planning
- Real-time inventory tracking across multiple warehouses
- Robust integrations with e-commerce and accounting software
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and forecasting for complex needs
- Pricing can escalate quickly for multi-location operations
- Customization options are somewhat restricted compared to enterprise solutions
Best For
Small to medium-sized make-to-order or make-to-stock manufacturers seeking an user-friendly MRP with strong real-time visibility and integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Maker plan) for basic features, $299/month (Professional), $799/month (Business), with custom Enterprise pricing.
Fishbowl
specializedInventory management and MRP solution with advanced manufacturing features that integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks.
Native, two-way integration with QuickBooks for real-time accounting sync
Fishbowl Inventory is a comprehensive inventory management platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses, with strong MRP capabilities for manufacturing operations. It enables bill of materials (BOM) management, production scheduling, work orders, and material requirements planning to optimize manufacturing workflows. The software supports real-time inventory tracking, barcode scanning, and multi-location management, making it suitable for warehouses and light manufacturing. Its primary appeal is seamless integration with QuickBooks for accounting synchronization.
Pros
- Seamless native integration with QuickBooks
- Robust MRP tools including multi-level BOMs and production planning
- Strong inventory tracking with barcode and RFID support
Cons
- Dated user interface requiring training
- Heavy reliance on QuickBooks limits standalone use
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to full ERPs
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers using QuickBooks who need affordable MRP and inventory control without a complex ERP system.
Pricing
Perpetual license starting at $4,395 for Warehouse edition; Manufacturing edition ~$5,945; annual maintenance ~20% of license cost; optional cloud hosting available.
Plex
enterpriseSmart manufacturing platform combining MES, ERP, and MRP for end-to-end shop floor and supply chain control.
Plex Smart Manufacturing Apps, which deliver configurable, AI-powered dashboards and workflows tailored to specific manufacturing processes
Plex Manufacturing Cloud is a comprehensive, cloud-native ERP platform designed specifically for manufacturers, integrating MRP, MES, QMS, and supply chain management into a single system. It provides real-time visibility into production processes, inventory, and operations through IoT connectivity and smart analytics. The software automates material requirements planning, shop floor control, and quality management to streamline manufacturing workflows and support Industry 4.0 initiatives.
Pros
- Extensive integration of MRP, MES, and analytics in one platform
- Real-time data and IoT connectivity for smart manufacturing
- Scalable cloud architecture suitable for growing operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- High pricing that may not suit small manufacturers
- Limited customization without professional services
Best For
Mid-sized to large manufacturers seeking an all-in-one cloud ERP/MRP solution for complex, data-driven operations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $1,000/month for basic implementations, scaling with users, modules, and production volume.
Epicor Kinetic
enterpriseComprehensive ERP system with powerful MRP modules for planning materials and production in discrete manufacturing.
Kinetic Design Studio for no-code/low-code customization of manufacturing workflows and dashboards
Epicor Kinetic is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform designed specifically for manufacturing operations, offering robust MRP functionalities for material requirements planning, production scheduling, and inventory management. It provides end-to-end visibility across supply chain, quality control, and financials, supporting discrete, process, and mixed-mode manufacturing environments. With modern UI and AI-driven insights, it enables real-time decision-making and scalability for growing enterprises.
Pros
- Advanced MRP with real-time forecasting and multi-level BOM support
- Deep integration with MES, CRM, and shop floor control for seamless operations
- Scalable architecture with strong analytics and industry-specific manufacturing tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial configuration
- High implementation costs and timeline for full deployment
- Pricing can be prohibitive for small to mid-sized manufacturers
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturing enterprises needing a scalable, industry-tailored ERP with sophisticated MRP capabilities.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at $175/user/month or $10,000+ annually, depending on modules, users, and deployment scale.
Oracle NetSuite
enterpriseCloud ERP with integrated manufacturing and MRP capabilities for demand planning and inventory optimization.
Advanced Production Scheduling with AI-driven forecasting and real-time adjustments for optimized resource allocation
Oracle NetSuite is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform with robust Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) capabilities designed for streamlining production processes in manufacturing environments. It supports bill of materials (BOM) management, production scheduling, work order processing, inventory optimization, and shop floor control, all integrated with financials, CRM, and supply chain modules. NetSuite provides real-time visibility, demand forecasting, and capacity planning to help manufacturers improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Pros
- Fully integrated ERP ecosystem eliminates data silos across manufacturing, finance, and supply chain
- Advanced MRP with real-time analytics, demand planning, and capacity management for scalable operations
- Cloud-native with strong customization, mobile access, and global multi-subsidiary support
Cons
- High implementation costs and complexity often require certified consultants
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users and smaller teams
- Premium pricing may not suit very small or simple manufacturing operations
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise manufacturers needing a scalable, all-in-one ERP with deep MRP integration for complex production environments.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at ~$10,000-$25,000 annually for base plans, plus per-user fees (~$99/user/month) and add-ons; manufacturing modules significantly increase costs.
Odoo
enterpriseModular open-source ERP featuring MRP apps for production scheduling, BOM management, and material forecasting.
Native multi-module integration in a single database, enabling real-time MRP synchronization with sales, inventory, and procurement without third-party tools
Odoo is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform with a powerful Manufacturing module that functions as a full MRP solution, handling bills of materials (BOMs), production planning, work orders, inventory tracking, and quality control. It supports discrete, process, and kit manufacturing types, with features like serial/lot tracking, maintenance management, and PLM for product lifecycle. The module integrates natively with Odoo's sales, purchasing, inventory, and accounting apps for end-to-end visibility and automation.
Pros
- Highly modular and customizable with open-source community edition
- Seamless integration across ERP modules for real-time MRP data
- Advanced planning tools like unconstrained scheduling and capacity management
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex setups and customizations
- Performance can lag with very large-scale operations in community version
- Advanced MRP features require paid Enterprise edition
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers seeking an affordable, all-in-one ERP with scalable MRP capabilities.
Pricing
Free Community edition; Enterprise starts at $24.90/user/month per app (Odoo Online) or $31.10/user/month for full Apps, self-hosted options available.
ERPNext
enterpriseOpen-source ERP with built-in MRP tools for manufacturing workflows, inventory tracking, and production orders.
Integrated multi-level production planning that automates material requirements across complex BOMs and routings
ERPNext is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform with robust Manufacturing MRP capabilities, including Bill of Materials (BOM) management, production planning, work orders, serial and batch tracking, and capacity planning. It enables end-to-end manufacturing processes from raw material procurement to finished goods dispatch, integrated seamlessly with inventory, accounting, and CRM modules. Designed for customization, it supports multi-level BOMs, subcontracting, and quality inspections, making it suitable for discrete and process manufacturing.
Pros
- Fully open-source with no licensing fees for self-hosting
- Comprehensive MRP tools including multi-level BOM explosion and production planning
- Highly customizable via low-code framework and extensive module integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring technical expertise
- UI feels dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
- Performance issues with large-scale operations without optimization
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers seeking a cost-effective, customizable open-source MRP solution without vendor lock-in.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted version; hosted on Frappe Cloud starting at $10/user/month for Standard plan.
Prodsmart
specializedCloud MES and MRP software providing real-time production tracking, scheduling, and material requirements planning.
Live geolocation-based task assignment and material scanning via smartphones for precise shop floor execution
Prodsmart is a cloud-based Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and MRP software designed for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering real-time visibility into shop floor operations. It enables paperless production management, tracks materials, labor, and machine performance via mobile devices, and integrates with ERPs for streamlined scheduling and inventory control. The platform focuses on reducing waste, improving OEE, and providing actionable insights to boost efficiency.
Pros
- Real-time production tracking with mobile app for shop floor workers
- Paperless workflows that reduce errors and waste
- Strong OEE monitoring and downtime analysis
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics compared to enterprise solutions
- Pricing can scale quickly with production lines or users
- ERP integrations may require custom setup
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers needing intuitive, mobile-first real-time shop floor control without complex IT overhead.
Pricing
Custom subscription starting at around $500/month based on users, devices, or production lines; free trial available, contact for quote.
SYSPRO
enterpriseERP solution tailored for manufacturing with advanced MRP for inventory control and production planning.
Advanced 'Where-Used' BOM traceability for complete visibility into material dependencies across multi-level assemblies
SYSPRO is a comprehensive ERP platform tailored for manufacturing and distribution industries, with robust MRP functionalities for material requirements planning, production scheduling, inventory management, and supply chain optimization. It supports various manufacturing types including discrete, process, and engineer-to-order, offering modular components for finance, CRM, quality control, and business intelligence. Deployable on-premise or in the cloud, SYSPRO emphasizes configurability to adapt to complex operational needs.
Pros
- Highly customizable modules for diverse manufacturing processes
- Advanced MRP with multi-level BOM management and pegging
- Strong scalability and integration capabilities for enterprises
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup
- Dated user interface in some areas
- High implementation and customization costs
Best For
Mid-sized to large manufacturers with complex, customizable production requirements needing precise MRP control.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically $100,000+ for initial implementation with perpetual licenses or subscription models starting at $200/user/month for cloud deployments.
Conclusion
After examining a spectrum of manufacturing MRP tools, MRPeasy emerges as the top choice, excelling at automating production planning, inventory management, and purchasing for small to medium manufacturers. Katana follows closely with its real-time tracking for seamless production workflows, while Fishbowl stands out for its strong integration with accounting software like QuickBooks. Each option has distinct strengths, but their collective performance highlights the importance of robust MRP in boosting operational efficiency.
Don’t miss out—explore MRPeasy today to streamline your manufacturing processes and unlock greater productivity.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
