Quick Overview
- 1#1: PlanetTogether - Advanced planning and scheduling software that creates optimized master production schedules for complex manufacturing environments.
- 2#2: MRPeasy - Cloud-based MRP system that automates accurate master production scheduling for small to medium manufacturers.
- 3#3: Katana - Real-time MRP platform that generates dynamic master schedules for inventory and production planning.
- 4#4: Asprova - High-performance APS tool for detailed finite capacity master scheduling in make-to-order production.
- 5#5: Prodio - Shop floor management software with AI-driven master scheduling for real-time production control.
- 6#6: Fishbowl - Inventory control system with integrated MRP for generating master production schedules in job shops.
- 7#7: Odoo - Modular ERP platform with manufacturing app for creating and managing master production schedules.
- 8#8: ERPNext - Open-source ERP that supports comprehensive master scheduling and production planning workflows.
- 9#9: NetSuite - Cloud ERP with manufacturing edition for advanced master production scheduling and demand planning.
- 10#10: SAP Business One - ERP solution for SMBs with production planning module to build and track master schedules.
These tools were carefully selected based on critical factors including feature richness (for complex environments), user experience, integration capabilities, and overall value, prioritizing software that delivers tangible operational benefits across small to large-scale operations.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines top master schedule software tools, featuring PlanetTogether, MRPeasy, Katana, Asprova, Prodio, and more, to help readers analyze key features, usability, and integration. By exploring these platforms, users can identify the solution that best fits their production planning needs, from streamlining workflows to optimizing resource management.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PlanetTogether Advanced planning and scheduling software that creates optimized master production schedules for complex manufacturing environments. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | MRPeasy Cloud-based MRP system that automates accurate master production scheduling for small to medium manufacturers. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Katana Real-time MRP platform that generates dynamic master schedules for inventory and production planning. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Asprova High-performance APS tool for detailed finite capacity master scheduling in make-to-order production. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Prodio Shop floor management software with AI-driven master scheduling for real-time production control. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Fishbowl Inventory control system with integrated MRP for generating master production schedules in job shops. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 6.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | Odoo Modular ERP platform with manufacturing app for creating and managing master production schedules. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 8 | ERPNext Open-source ERP that supports comprehensive master scheduling and production planning workflows. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.7/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 9 | NetSuite Cloud ERP with manufacturing edition for advanced master production scheduling and demand planning. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.7/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 10 | SAP Business One ERP solution for SMBs with production planning module to build and track master schedules. | enterprise | 7.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 5.8/10 | 6.4/10 |
Advanced planning and scheduling software that creates optimized master production schedules for complex manufacturing environments.
Cloud-based MRP system that automates accurate master production scheduling for small to medium manufacturers.
Real-time MRP platform that generates dynamic master schedules for inventory and production planning.
High-performance APS tool for detailed finite capacity master scheduling in make-to-order production.
Shop floor management software with AI-driven master scheduling for real-time production control.
Inventory control system with integrated MRP for generating master production schedules in job shops.
Modular ERP platform with manufacturing app for creating and managing master production schedules.
Open-source ERP that supports comprehensive master scheduling and production planning workflows.
Cloud ERP with manufacturing edition for advanced master production scheduling and demand planning.
ERP solution for SMBs with production planning module to build and track master schedules.
PlanetTogether
specializedAdvanced planning and scheduling software that creates optimized master production schedules for complex manufacturing environments.
Smart Feasibility Engine that automatically resolves scheduling conflicts and optimizes across infinite constraints in seconds
PlanetTogether is a premier Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) software tailored for manufacturing master scheduling, enabling optimized production plans across complex environments. It handles finite capacity constraints, material availability, sequencing rules, and multi-site operations through intuitive visual Gantt charts and drag-and-drop interfaces. The platform integrates seamlessly with major ERPs like SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics, delivering real-time visibility and what-if scenario analysis to boost efficiency and on-time delivery.
Pros
- Exceptional constraint-based optimization for finite capacity scheduling
- Robust ERP integrations and real-time data synchronization
- Powerful visual tools including interactive Gantt charts and what-if simulations
Cons
- Steep initial learning curve for non-expert users
- Pricing can be premium for smaller operations
- Advanced customizations may require professional services
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturers with complex, multi-site production needing precise master scheduling and ERP integration.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at around $1,000/month per factory/module, scaling with users and features; free trial available.
MRPeasy
specializedCloud-based MRP system that automates accurate master production scheduling for small to medium manufacturers.
Dynamic Gantt chart scheduling with automatic adjustments for material shortages and demand shifts
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP/ERP software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, providing robust master production scheduling (MPS) capabilities through visual Gantt charts and capacity planning tools. It enables real-time production planning, automatic rescheduling based on material availability and demand changes, and integrates scheduling with inventory, procurement, and shop floor execution. This all-in-one solution helps optimize manufacturing workflows, reduce lead times, and improve on-time delivery rates.
Pros
- Advanced visual Gantt scheduling with drag-and-drop rescheduling
- Real-time capacity and material-driven planning
- Seamless integration with inventory and CRM modules
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-manufacturing users
- Limited advanced analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Pricing scales quickly with additional users
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers seeking an integrated MRP system for precise master scheduling and production control.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (billed annually) for Basic plan; Standard at $59/user/month and Pro at $99/user/month, with custom enterprise pricing available.
Katana
specializedReal-time MRP platform that generates dynamic master schedules for inventory and production planning.
Live MRP engine that dynamically generates and adjusts production schedules based on real-time sales demand and inventory levels
Katana is a cloud-based MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning) software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, focusing on inventory management, production planning, and master scheduling. It offers real-time visibility into stock levels across multiple locations, automates purchase orders, and provides a drag-and-drop scheduling board to create and adjust master production schedules efficiently. By integrating sales orders directly into production planning, Katana helps businesses balance demand with capacity without the complexity of full-scale ERPs.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop production scheduling for easy master schedule creation
- Real-time inventory tracking and automatic reorder points
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, Shopify, and other tools
Cons
- Limited advanced demand forecasting and capacity planning for complex scenarios
- Pricing scales quickly with additional users and locations
- Reporting and analytics lack deep customization options
Best For
Small to medium make-to-order manufacturers seeking simple, visual master scheduling integrated with inventory and sales.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (billed annually) for Essentials plan; Pro at $299/month; Enterprise custom pricing based on users and features.
Asprova
specializedHigh-performance APS tool for detailed finite capacity master scheduling in make-to-order production.
Ultra-fast automatic finite scheduling engine that optimizes thousands of jobs across multi-level bills of materials in seconds
Asprova is an advanced planning and scheduling (APS) software tailored for manufacturing, specializing in creating optimized master production schedules. It uses a constraint-based engine to automatically generate feasible schedules considering finite capacities, material availability, setup times, and sequence dependencies. The tool supports visual Gantt charts for manual adjustments, what-if simulations, and seamless ERP/MRP integration for real-time data synchronization.
Pros
- Powerful finite capacity scheduling engine handles complex constraints accurately
- High-performance for large-scale production with thousands of orders
- Strong ERP integration and visual simulation tools for what-if analysis
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring expertise
- Dated user interface compared to modern SaaS alternatives
- High enterprise pricing with additional costs for customization and support
Best For
Manufacturers with complex, make-to-order or engineer-to-order processes needing precise finite scheduling across multiple resources.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise licensing; typically $25,000+ annually depending on modules, users, and implementation scale.
Prodio
specializedShop floor management software with AI-driven master scheduling for real-time production control.
Real-time operator feedback and automatic rescheduling that pulls live data from the shop floor to keep the master schedule dynamically accurate.
Prodio is a cloud-based manufacturing execution system (MES) designed for small to medium-sized manufacturers to streamline production scheduling and shop floor management. It features a visual drag-and-drop scheduler, real-time job tracking via kiosks and mobile apps, and integrations with ERPs like QuickBooks and JobBOSS. The software optimizes capacity planning, reduces downtime, and provides actionable insights through customizable dashboards to improve on-time delivery.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop Gantt chart for easy scheduling adjustments
- Real-time shop floor updates from operators via kiosks and apps
- Seamless integrations with popular ERPs and accounting software
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Pricing can add up for multi-site operations
- Some customization requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers seeking straightforward, visual production scheduling without needing a full ERP overhaul.
Pricing
Starts at $295/month for Starter plan (1 shop floor, basic features); Pro at $595/month and Enterprise custom pricing.
Fishbowl
enterpriseInventory control system with integrated MRP for generating master production schedules in job shops.
Native QuickBooks two-way sync for real-time master schedule adjustments based on sales and inventory data
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust inventory management platform with manufacturing capabilities, including master scheduling through its MRP and work order modules. It allows users to plan production runs, track material needs, and schedule operations based on inventory levels and demand forecasts. While primarily an inventory solution, its scheduling tools integrate seamlessly with accounting software like QuickBooks for end-to-end visibility.
Pros
- Deep QuickBooks integration for synchronized scheduling and inventory data
- Strong MRP functionality for material planning and basic production scheduling
- Multi-location support for distributed manufacturing schedules
Cons
- Desktop-based interface feels dated compared to modern cloud schedulers
- Limited advanced features like finite capacity planning or AI-driven optimization
- Steep learning curve for full scheduling module utilization
Best For
Small to mid-sized manufacturers using QuickBooks who need integrated inventory control with basic master production scheduling.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at $4,395 for standard edition, plus ~20% annual maintenance; subscription options from $439/month.
Odoo
enterpriseModular ERP platform with manufacturing app for creating and managing master production schedules.
Intelligent forecasting in Planning module predicts staffing and resource needs from historical data
Odoo is a versatile open-source ERP platform featuring Planning and Calendar modules tailored for master scheduling across HR, manufacturing, services, and projects. It supports drag-and-drop scheduling, skill-based resource allocation, shift management, and real-time collaboration to create and maintain comprehensive master schedules. With deep integration into other business apps like inventory and CRM, it streamlines operations for growing enterprises.
Pros
- Highly customizable with modular apps for various scheduling needs
- Seamless integration with ERP functions like inventory and CRM
- Free Community edition with strong core scheduling capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and customization
- Performance can lag with very large-scale complex schedules
- Lacks specialized optimization algorithms found in dedicated master scheduling tools
Best For
Mid-sized businesses needing integrated ERP scheduling rather than standalone master schedule software.
Pricing
Community edition free; Enterprise from ~$25/user/month, app-based pricing.
ERPNext
enterpriseOpen-source ERP that supports comprehensive master scheduling and production planning workflows.
Integrated Master Production Schedule (MPS) generator that pulls from sales forecasts and auto-creates work orders
ERPNext is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform that includes manufacturing modules for master scheduling, such as production planning, capacity management, and work order scheduling. It integrates master production schedules (MPS) with material requirements planning (MRP), inventory, sales, and procurement for end-to-end operations. While versatile for small to mid-sized businesses, it functions best as part of a broader ERP rather than a standalone scheduling specialist.
Pros
- Open-source and completely free core software
- Seamless integration of scheduling with ERP functions like inventory and CRM
- Customizable production plans, BOMs, and Gantt-based capacity views
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to ERP complexity
- Lacks advanced AI-driven optimization found in specialized tools
- Customization and scaling require technical expertise
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers seeking affordable, integrated scheduling within a full ERP system.
Pricing
Free open-source edition; hosted Frappe Cloud plans start at $10/user/month with support.
NetSuite
enterpriseCloud ERP with manufacturing edition for advanced master production scheduling and demand planning.
Unified ERP integration that embeds master scheduling directly into financials, CRM, and supply chain for holistic operational control
NetSuite is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform from Oracle that includes manufacturing and supply chain modules for master production scheduling, demand planning, and resource optimization. It enables businesses to create and manage master schedules by integrating production orders, inventory levels, and capacity constraints within a unified system. While not a dedicated APS tool, its scheduling capabilities support finite/infinite planning and real-time adjustments tied to broader ERP functions like finance and CRM.
Pros
- Seamless integration with full ERP suite for end-to-end visibility
- Scalable for enterprise-level operations with robust customization
- Real-time data syncing across scheduling, inventory, and finance
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring expertise
- High cost may not justify for scheduling-only needs
- Basic native scheduling lacks advanced finite capacity optimization without add-ons
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturers needing integrated ERP with master scheduling rather than standalone tools.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; typically $999-$2,500+ per user/month for full ERP modules, with minimums starting at $10,000-$50,000 annually.
SAP Business One
enterpriseERP solution for SMBs with production planning module to build and track master schedules.
Integrated MRP I/II with real-time capacity leveling for demand-driven scheduling
SAP Business One is an ERP platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, providing integrated management of financials, sales, inventory, procurement, and production processes. For master scheduling, it offers MRP functionality, production order planning, capacity management, and resource scheduling to streamline manufacturing operations. While robust in an enterprise context, its scheduling tools are part of a broader suite rather than a standalone solution.
Pros
- Deep integration with full ERP modules for end-to-end visibility
- Strong MRP and capacity planning for complex production schedules
- Scalable for growing SMB manufacturers
Cons
- Complex interface with steep learning curve for scheduling tasks
- High implementation and customization costs
- Overkill for businesses needing only master scheduling without ERP
Best For
Manufacturing SMBs seeking integrated ERP with reliable scheduling as part of comprehensive business management.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$3,000 per user plus 18-22% annual maintenance; cloud subscriptions from $100-200/user/month (custom quotes typical).
Conclusion
Evaluating master schedule software highlights a range of specialized tools, with PlanetTogether emerging as the top pick for its optimized scheduling in complex environments. MRPeasy impresses as a robust cloud-based option for small to medium manufacturers, while Katana stands out for real-time, dynamic workflows. Each solution caters to unique needs, ensuring users find a strong fit regardless of their production focus.
Start optimizing your production planning today—explore PlanetTogether to unlock its advanced scheduling capabilities and enhance your operational efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
