Quick Overview
- 1#1: Plex - Cloud-native MES/ERP platform providing real-time visibility, traceability, and FDA compliance for medical device manufacturing.
- 2#2: DELMIAworks - Integrated ERP/MES solution optimized for medical device production with quality management, lot traceability, and regulatory reporting.
- 3#3: QAD - Adaptive ERP designed for life sciences and medical device manufacturers ensuring supply chain compliance and advanced planning.
- 4#4: Epicor Kinetic - Robust manufacturing ERP with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance tools, inventory control, and production scheduling for medical devices.
- 5#5: SAP S/4HANA - Comprehensive enterprise ERP with medical device industry extensions for quality assurance, serialization, and global compliance.
- 6#6: Infor CloudSuite Industrial - SaaS-based ERP for discrete manufacturing including medical devices, featuring engineer-to-order capabilities and regulatory support.
- 7#7: NetSuite - Cloud ERP with manufacturing module offering demand planning, lot tracking, and quality control for regulated medical production.
- 8#8: Microsoft Dynamics 365 - Intelligent cloud ERP for supply chain and manufacturing with ISO 13485 support and mixed-mode production for medical devices.
- 9#9: Acumatica - Flexible cloud ERP with manufacturing edition providing inventory traceability and compliance workflows for medical device makers.
- 10#10: SYSPRO - ERP system for light manufacturing with quality management and serial/lot traceability suited for medical device operations.
Tools were evaluated based on key features such as real-time traceability, FDA compliance, MES integration, and quality management capabilities, complemented by user experience, scalability, and value, ensuring alignment with the unique challenges of medical device production.
Comparison Table
Medical device manufacturing demands robust ERP systems to manage compliance, workflows, and scaling; this comparison table evaluates top tools like Plex, DELMIAworks, QAD, Epicor Kinetic, and SAP S/4HANA, highlighting key features and suitability. Readers will gain insights to identify software that aligns with their operational needs, from regulatory support to integration capabilities, ensuring efficient, compliant operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plex Cloud-native MES/ERP platform providing real-time visibility, traceability, and FDA compliance for medical device manufacturing. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | DELMIAworks Integrated ERP/MES solution optimized for medical device production with quality management, lot traceability, and regulatory reporting. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | QAD Adaptive ERP designed for life sciences and medical device manufacturers ensuring supply chain compliance and advanced planning. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Epicor Kinetic Robust manufacturing ERP with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance tools, inventory control, and production scheduling for medical devices. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | SAP S/4HANA Comprehensive enterprise ERP with medical device industry extensions for quality assurance, serialization, and global compliance. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Infor CloudSuite Industrial SaaS-based ERP for discrete manufacturing including medical devices, featuring engineer-to-order capabilities and regulatory support. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | NetSuite Cloud ERP with manufacturing module offering demand planning, lot tracking, and quality control for regulated medical production. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Microsoft Dynamics 365 Intelligent cloud ERP for supply chain and manufacturing with ISO 13485 support and mixed-mode production for medical devices. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Acumatica Flexible cloud ERP with manufacturing edition providing inventory traceability and compliance workflows for medical device makers. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | SYSPRO ERP system for light manufacturing with quality management and serial/lot traceability suited for medical device operations. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
Cloud-native MES/ERP platform providing real-time visibility, traceability, and FDA compliance for medical device manufacturing.
Integrated ERP/MES solution optimized for medical device production with quality management, lot traceability, and regulatory reporting.
Adaptive ERP designed for life sciences and medical device manufacturers ensuring supply chain compliance and advanced planning.
Robust manufacturing ERP with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance tools, inventory control, and production scheduling for medical devices.
Comprehensive enterprise ERP with medical device industry extensions for quality assurance, serialization, and global compliance.
SaaS-based ERP for discrete manufacturing including medical devices, featuring engineer-to-order capabilities and regulatory support.
Cloud ERP with manufacturing module offering demand planning, lot tracking, and quality control for regulated medical production.
Intelligent cloud ERP for supply chain and manufacturing with ISO 13485 support and mixed-mode production for medical devices.
Flexible cloud ERP with manufacturing edition providing inventory traceability and compliance workflows for medical device makers.
ERP system for light manufacturing with quality management and serial/lot traceability suited for medical device operations.
Plex
enterpriseCloud-native MES/ERP platform providing real-time visibility, traceability, and FDA compliance for medical device manufacturing.
Infinite Traceability, providing unbreakable, real-time lineage from raw materials to finished devices for ultimate regulatory compliance
Plex is a cloud-native Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) platform that serves as a comprehensive ERP solution for discrete manufacturers, including medical device production. It provides real-time visibility across the supply chain, production floor, quality control, and compliance processes, with built-in tools for FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO 13485, and traceability requirements. The system integrates MES, ERP, QMS, and analytics to streamline operations from planning to shipping, enabling data-driven decisions in regulated environments.
Pros
- Exceptional end-to-end traceability for medical devices, ensuring full lot and serial number tracking
- Robust QMS with automated CAPA, audits, and FDA-compliant electronic signatures
- Real-time shop floor control and analytics for lean manufacturing and predictive maintenance
Cons
- Steep initial learning curve due to extensive configurability
- Pricing can be high for small-scale operations
- Limited flexibility for highly custom non-manufacturing workflows
Best For
Mid-to-large medical device manufacturers needing integrated ERP/MES with strict regulatory compliance and real-time production insights.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at ~$150/user/month for core modules, plus implementation fees; scales with users, sites, and add-ons.
DELMIAworks
enterpriseIntegrated ERP/MES solution optimized for medical device production with quality management, lot traceability, and regulatory reporting.
Seamless integration of ERP and MES in a single platform, delivering real-time traceability and compliance from raw materials to finished devices.
DELMIAworks is a comprehensive ERP solution from Dassault Systèmes, formerly IQMS, designed specifically for discrete manufacturers including medical device companies. It provides end-to-end management of production, quality control, supply chain, inventory, and financials with strong emphasis on regulatory compliance such as FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO 13485, and traceability for lots and serial numbers. The platform integrates ERP and MES functionalities for real-time shop floor visibility and efficient operations in highly regulated environments.
Pros
- Robust compliance and quality management tools tailored for medical devices
- Integrated ERP/MES for real-time production monitoring and traceability
- Scalable for mid-to-large manufacturers with strong customization options
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial implementation
- High cost suitable only for established enterprises
- User interface can feel dated compared to modern cloud-native ERPs
Best For
Mid-to-large medical device manufacturers needing an all-in-one ERP/MES platform with deep regulatory compliance and shop floor control.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing; typically starts at $100,000+ annually depending on users and modules, with SaaS or on-premise options.
QAD
enterpriseAdaptive ERP designed for life sciences and medical device manufacturers ensuring supply chain compliance and advanced planning.
Integrated Quality Management System (QMS) with automated compliance workflows for FDA and ISO standards, including electronic signatures and audit trails
QAD ERP is a robust, industry-specific enterprise resource planning solution designed for manufacturing sectors, including medical devices, offering end-to-end management of production, supply chain, and quality processes. It excels in regulatory compliance with built-in support for FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO 13485, and Unique Device Identification (UDI) requirements, ensuring traceability from raw materials to finished devices. The cloud-based QAD Adaptive ERP provides real-time visibility, advanced manufacturing execution, and integration capabilities for global operations.
Pros
- Deep manufacturing and compliance features tailored for medical devices, including lot traceability and QMS integration
- Scalable for global supply chains with strong inventory and production planning tools
- Proven track record in discrete manufacturing with customizable workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring significant training
- High implementation and customization costs
- User interface, while improved, lags behind more modern SaaS ERPs in intuitiveness
Best For
Mid-to-large medical device manufacturers needing specialized ERP for complex, regulated production environments.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription pricing; typically $50,000+ annually for small deployments, scaling to $500,000+ for enterprise with modules and users.
Epicor Kinetic
enterpriseRobust manufacturing ERP with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance tools, inventory control, and production scheduling for medical devices.
Advanced lot/serial traceability and electronic records management for seamless FDA/ISO compliance
Epicor Kinetic is a cloud-native ERP platform designed for mid-market manufacturers, providing robust tools for production planning, inventory management, supply chain optimization, and quality assurance tailored to regulated industries like medical device manufacturing. It supports critical requirements such as lot and serial number traceability, ISO 13485 compliance, FDA 21 CFR Part 11 reporting, and integrated quality management systems (QMS) to handle CAPA, audits, and non-conformances. With AI-driven insights and modern browser-based UI, it enables real-time visibility and scalability for complex manufacturing operations.
Pros
- Excellent traceability and serialization for regulatory compliance in medical devices
- Integrated QMS with CAPA, audits, and document control
- Scalable cloud architecture with AI analytics for predictive manufacturing
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring consultants
- Customization often needed for niche medical device workflows
- Higher pricing for full feature set compared to simpler ERPs
Best For
Mid-sized medical device manufacturers seeking a comprehensive, compliant ERP with strong manufacturing and quality management capabilities.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription pricing, typically $175-$350 per user/month for cloud deployment, varying by modules, users, and implementation scope.
SAP S/4HANA
enterpriseComprehensive enterprise ERP with medical device industry extensions for quality assurance, serialization, and global compliance.
Integrated serialization and track-and-trace with automated regulatory reporting for FDA, EMA, and global standards
SAP S/4HANA is a next-generation ERP system built on the in-memory HANA database, providing real-time analytics and intelligent automation for enterprise manufacturing, including medical devices. It excels in managing complex supply chains, quality control, batch/lot traceability, and regulatory compliance (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO 13485, EU MDR) through integrated modules like Quality Management (QM), Materials Management (MM), and Production Planning (PP). The platform supports end-to-end processes from procurement and production to distribution, with AI/ML-driven predictive maintenance and demand forecasting tailored for regulated industries.
Pros
- Robust compliance and traceability tools for medical device regulations
- Real-time analytics and AI for optimized manufacturing and quality control
- Scalable for global operations with deep integration across supply chain
Cons
- High implementation costs and long deployment timelines
- Steep learning curve and complex user interface
- Ongoing licensing fees can strain smaller manufacturers
Best For
Large-scale medical device manufacturers with global operations needing enterprise-grade compliance, traceability, and intelligent automation.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription model; typically $100K+ annually for mid-sized deployments, scaling with users, modules, and cloud/on-premise options.
Infor CloudSuite Industrial
enterpriseSaaS-based ERP for discrete manufacturing including medical devices, featuring engineer-to-order capabilities and regulatory support.
Integrated Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) with MES for dynamic, real-time production optimization in regulated environments
Infor CloudSuite Industrial is a cloud-based ERP solution tailored for discrete manufacturers, providing comprehensive tools for production planning, inventory management, quality control, and supply chain operations. It excels in handling complex processes like engineer-to-order and configure-to-order manufacturing, with built-in support for lot/serial traceability, compliance reporting, and regulatory standards such as FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and ISO 13485 relevant to medical devices. The platform integrates MES, APS, and financials for end-to-end visibility, making it suitable for mid-to-large medical device firms navigating regulated environments.
Pros
- Robust MES and APS for real-time shop floor control and precise scheduling
- Strong traceability, serialization, and quality management for regulatory compliance
- Scalable cloud architecture with ION middleware for seamless integrations
Cons
- Steep implementation curve requiring significant customization
- Higher enterprise pricing may not suit smaller manufacturers
- User interface can feel complex and less intuitive for non-experts
Best For
Mid-to-large medical device manufacturers with complex discrete production processes needing deep customization and regulatory traceability.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription pricing, typically $175-$300 per user/month for cloud access, plus implementation and customization fees.
NetSuite
enterpriseCloud ERP with manufacturing module offering demand planning, lot tracking, and quality control for regulated medical production.
Advanced Manufacturing Suite with lot-level traceability and built-in FDA compliance workflows
NetSuite is a cloud-based ERP solution from Oracle that delivers comprehensive manufacturing capabilities for medical device producers, including advanced production planning, inventory tracking with lot and serial number control, and quality management tools. It integrates financials, supply chain, CRM, and compliance features to support FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO 13485, and other regulatory requirements essential for the industry. With real-time analytics and customizable workflows, it enables efficient operations from design to distribution in complex manufacturing environments.
Pros
- Seamless integration of ERP, financials, and CRM for end-to-end visibility
- Robust compliance tools including audit trails and electronic signatures
- Scalable cloud platform with real-time dashboards and global support
Cons
- Steep implementation curve often requiring certified partners
- High customization costs for specialized medical device needs
- Premium pricing may not suit smaller manufacturers
Best For
Enterprise medical device manufacturers with complex global operations seeking an integrated ERP for compliance and scalability.
Pricing
Quote-based; typically starts at $1,000+/month for core modules plus $99-$150/user/month, with implementation fees adding $50K+.
Microsoft Dynamics 365
enterpriseIntelligent cloud ERP for supply chain and manufacturing with ISO 13485 support and mixed-mode production for medical devices.
Embedded AI-driven predictive maintenance and quality insights via Copilot, optimized for regulated manufacturing traceability
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform that unifies finance, supply chain management, manufacturing operations, and CRM functionalities. Tailored for medical device manufacturing, it provides robust lot and serial number traceability, quality management systems compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and ISO 13485, and production planning tools for regulated environments. It excels in integrating with Microsoft Azure, Power BI, and IoT for real-time analytics and scalable operations across global enterprises.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Microsoft ecosystem including Power BI and Azure IoT for advanced analytics and device monitoring
- Strong regulatory compliance tools with automated traceability, validation, and reporting for FDA and ISO standards
- Highly scalable for complex, multi-site medical device production with robust supply chain and inventory management
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring skilled consultants or partners
- High licensing and implementation costs that may overwhelm smaller manufacturers
- Customization often demands additional development time and expertise
Best For
Enterprise-level medical device manufacturers needing a fully integrated, compliant ERP with deep Microsoft tool integrations for global operations.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $120-$300 per user/month depending on modules (e.g., Supply Chain Management at ~$180/user/month), plus implementation fees often $100K+.
Acumatica
enterpriseFlexible cloud ERP with manufacturing edition providing inventory traceability and compliance workflows for medical device makers.
Advanced multi-level BOM and production scheduling with real-time shop floor visibility
Acumatica is a cloud-based ERP platform designed for manufacturing, offering modules for production management, inventory control, financials, and CRM. For medical device manufacturing, it provides tools like bill of materials (BOM), shop floor control, lot/serial number traceability, and quality management to support compliance with FDA regulations and ISO 13485. While highly customizable, it excels in discrete manufacturing processes but may require partner extensions for advanced regulatory reporting.
Pros
- Scalable cloud architecture with unlimited users
- Strong inventory and traceability for lot/serial tracking
- Flexible customization and integrations via partner ecosystem
Cons
- Requires add-ons or customization for full FDA/ISO compliance
- Complex initial setup for manufacturing-specific configurations
- Pricing can escalate with resource usage for larger operations
Best For
Mid-sized medical device manufacturers with IT resources needing a customizable, scalable ERP for discrete production.
Pricing
Resource-based subscription starting at ~$1,000/month for basic setups, scaling to $5,000+/month; unlimited users, contact for custom quote.
SYSPRO
enterpriseERP system for light manufacturing with quality management and serial/lot traceability suited for medical device operations.
Advanced traceability and expiry management with full audit trails for regulatory compliance
SYSPRO is a comprehensive ERP solution tailored for manufacturing industries, including medical devices, providing end-to-end management of production, inventory, supply chain, and financials. It excels in supporting discrete, process, and mixed-mode manufacturing with robust features for lot/serial traceability, quality control, and regulatory compliance like FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and ISO 13485. The platform offers customizable workflows and real-time visibility to streamline operations in highly regulated environments.
Pros
- Excellent lot and serial number traceability for compliance
- Highly customizable modules for medical device production
- Strong inventory optimization and MRP capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Implementation timelines can be lengthy
- Pricing lacks transparency without a quote
Best For
Mid-sized medical device manufacturers needing scalable, compliance-focused ERP with advanced manufacturing controls.
Pricing
Quote-based; perpetual licenses start around $5,000-$10,000 per module plus annual maintenance, or subscription from $175/user/month.
Conclusion
This review of medical device manufacturing ERP solutions solidifies Plex as the top choice, delivering exceptional real-time visibility, traceability, and FDA compliance to meet industry demands. DELMIAworks and QAD, while trailing, emerge as strong alternatives, each excelling in specific areas like integrated MES tools or adaptive supply chain planning to suit varied operational needs. Together, these platforms demonstrate the essential role of specialized ERP systems in navigating regulatory complexities and optimizing production workflows.
To enhance efficiency, compliance, and scalability in medical device manufacturing, exploring Plex—our top-ranked solution—is a strategic step for any operations team aiming to lead in the field.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
