Quick Overview
- 1#1: MRPeasy - Cloud-based MRP software designed for small manufacturers to plan production, manage inventory, procure materials, and track shop floor activities.
- 2#2: Katana - Real-time MRP platform that provides visual production planning, inventory management, and order tracking for makers and small manufacturers.
- 3#3: Fishbowl - Inventory control and MRP software that integrates with QuickBooks to handle manufacturing orders, BOMs, and multi-location inventory.
- 4#4: Odoo - Modular open-source ERP with a powerful MRP app for production planning, work orders, inventory forecasting, and PLM integration.
- 5#5: ERPNext - Open-source ERP system offering MRP tools for material planning, production scheduling, BOM management, and quality control.
- 6#6: NetSuite - Cloud ERP platform with advanced MRP features for demand planning, production management, and supply chain optimization in manufacturing.
- 7#7: Plex - Smart manufacturing platform combining MRP, MES, and QMS to enable real-time production monitoring and resource planning.
- 8#8: Epicor Kinetic - Industry-specific ERP with MRP capabilities for production scheduling, inventory control, and advanced planning in discrete manufacturing.
- 9#9: SAP Business One - ERP solution for SMBs featuring MRP modules for material requirements planning, production orders, and inventory management.
- 10#10: SYSPRO - ERP software providing MRP functionality for supply chain planning, production control, and lot traceability in manufacturing operations.
These tools were selected based on feature breadth, usability, technical integrity, and value, ensuring a balanced ranking that caters to manufacturers of all sizes and operational needs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading MRP manufacturing software tools like MRPeasy, Katana, Fishbowl, Odoo, ERPNext, and more, offering a clear overview of their key capabilities and suitability for diverse production needs. It breaks down features such as inventory tracking, scheduling, and integration, helping readers identify the right solution to optimize their operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MRPeasy Cloud-based MRP software designed for small manufacturers to plan production, manage inventory, procure materials, and track shop floor activities. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Katana Real-time MRP platform that provides visual production planning, inventory management, and order tracking for makers and small manufacturers. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Fishbowl Inventory control and MRP software that integrates with QuickBooks to handle manufacturing orders, BOMs, and multi-location inventory. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Odoo Modular open-source ERP with a powerful MRP app for production planning, work orders, inventory forecasting, and PLM integration. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 5 | ERPNext Open-source ERP system offering MRP tools for material planning, production scheduling, BOM management, and quality control. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | NetSuite Cloud ERP platform with advanced MRP features for demand planning, production management, and supply chain optimization in manufacturing. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Plex Smart manufacturing platform combining MRP, MES, and QMS to enable real-time production monitoring and resource planning. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 8 | Epicor Kinetic Industry-specific ERP with MRP capabilities for production scheduling, inventory control, and advanced planning in discrete manufacturing. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | SAP Business One ERP solution for SMBs featuring MRP modules for material requirements planning, production orders, and inventory management. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | SYSPRO ERP software providing MRP functionality for supply chain planning, production control, and lot traceability in manufacturing operations. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
Cloud-based MRP software designed for small manufacturers to plan production, manage inventory, procure materials, and track shop floor activities.
Real-time MRP platform that provides visual production planning, inventory management, and order tracking for makers and small manufacturers.
Inventory control and MRP software that integrates with QuickBooks to handle manufacturing orders, BOMs, and multi-location inventory.
Modular open-source ERP with a powerful MRP app for production planning, work orders, inventory forecasting, and PLM integration.
Open-source ERP system offering MRP tools for material planning, production scheduling, BOM management, and quality control.
Cloud ERP platform with advanced MRP features for demand planning, production management, and supply chain optimization in manufacturing.
Smart manufacturing platform combining MRP, MES, and QMS to enable real-time production monitoring and resource planning.
Industry-specific ERP with MRP capabilities for production scheduling, inventory control, and advanced planning in discrete manufacturing.
ERP solution for SMBs featuring MRP modules for material requirements planning, production orders, and inventory management.
ERP software providing MRP functionality for supply chain planning, production control, and lot traceability in manufacturing operations.
MRPeasy
enterpriseCloud-based MRP software designed for small manufacturers to plan production, manage inventory, procure materials, and track shop floor activities.
Visual drag-and-drop production scheduler with infinite capacity planning and automatic rescheduling for optimal efficiency.
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP and ERP software designed specifically for small to medium-sized make-to-order and make-to-stock manufacturers. It offers comprehensive tools for production planning, inventory management, procurement, CRM, and shop floor control, all integrated into a single intuitive platform. The software provides real-time visibility into operations, enabling efficient scheduling, cost tracking, and waste reduction to streamline the entire manufacturing process.
Pros
- Comprehensive end-to-end MRP functionality including multi-level BOMs and production scheduling
- Intuitive, visual interface with mobile app for real-time shop floor access
- Strong customer support and regular updates based on user feedback
Cons
- Pricing scales with users and features, which can be costly for very small shops
- Limited advanced customization options compared to enterprise-level ERPs
- Some integrations with external tools require additional setup
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers needing an all-in-one, user-friendly MRP system for make-to-order production without complex IT overhead.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (minimum 10 users) for Production Scheduling; $79 for Manufacturing; $99 for full ERP/MRP, billed annually.
Katana
specializedReal-time MRP platform that provides visual production planning, inventory management, and order tracking for makers and small manufacturers.
The live capacity planning board with color-coded visual scheduling for instant bottleneck detection and drag-and-drop adjustments
Katana is a cloud-based MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning) software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order management. It excels in managing bills of materials (BOMs), shop floor execution via mobile apps, and multi-location stock visibility. The platform integrates seamlessly with e-commerce tools like Shopify and accounting software such as QuickBooks, enabling end-to-end visibility from sales orders to fulfillment.
Pros
- Intuitive, visual interface with drag-and-drop scheduling
- Real-time inventory and production insights across locations
- Robust integrations with accounting and e-commerce platforms
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with order volume or users
- Limited advanced reporting and custom analytics
- Less suited for highly complex, large-scale manufacturing
Best For
Small to medium-sized make-to-order or make-to-stock manufacturers seeking an user-friendly MRP to optimize inventory and production without extensive IT support.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Essentials) for up to 100 orders/month, $299/month (Professional) for higher volumes, with Enterprise custom pricing; billed annually.
Fishbowl
enterpriseInventory control and MRP software that integrates with QuickBooks to handle manufacturing orders, BOMs, and multi-location inventory.
Deep, native QuickBooks integration that syncs inventory, orders, and manufacturing data in real-time without third-party connectors
Fishbowl is a comprehensive inventory management software with robust MRP capabilities tailored for manufacturers, offering tools for bill of materials (BOM) management, production scheduling, work orders, and material requirements planning. It excels in multi-location inventory tracking, barcode scanning, and seamless integration with accounting systems like QuickBooks for real-time data synchronization. Ideal for small to mid-sized manufacturers, it supports order fulfillment, purchasing, and sales processes while providing visibility into manufacturing operations.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for automated accounting sync
- Strong MRP tools including BOM, routings, and production planning
- Advanced inventory features like cycle counting and barcode support
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced manufacturing modules
- Interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-native solutions
- Pricing can escalate with users and add-ons
Best For
Small to mid-sized manufacturers already using QuickBooks who need affordable MRP without a full ERP overhaul.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $439/month for standard edition; manufacturing add-on extra; one-time licenses from $4,395 plus annual maintenance.
Odoo
enterpriseModular open-source ERP with a powerful MRP app for production planning, work orders, inventory forecasting, and PLM integration.
Unrivaled modular integration across 70+ apps, allowing MRP to sync effortlessly with CRM, inventory, and finance in a single platform
Odoo is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform with a powerful MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning) module that manages the entire production lifecycle, including bills of materials (BOMs), work orders, production scheduling, and quality control. It integrates seamlessly with other Odoo apps like inventory, purchasing, sales, and accounting for end-to-end manufacturing operations. The modular design allows customization to fit specific manufacturing needs, from discrete to process manufacturing.
Pros
- Highly integrated MRP with full ERP suite for streamlined operations
- Open-source community edition is free and highly customizable
- Supports advanced features like multi-level BOMs, PLM, and real-time tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and customization
- Performance can lag with very large datasets without optimization
- Advanced features and support require paid Enterprise edition or partners
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers seeking an affordable, all-in-one ERP with robust MRP capabilities that can scale with growth.
Pricing
Community edition free; Enterprise starts at $24.90/user/month (billed annually) plus implementation fees; one-time setup costs vary.
ERPNext
enterpriseOpen-source ERP system offering MRP tools for material planning, production scheduling, BOM management, and quality control.
Open-source Manufacturing Workbench for real-time shop floor tracking and interactive production execution
ERPNext is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform with robust MRP manufacturing capabilities, including bill of materials (BOM) management, production planning, work orders, shop floor execution, and inventory control. It enables manufacturers to plan material requirements, track production in real-time, and integrate seamlessly with sales, purchasing, accounting, and quality management modules. Designed for scalability, it supports multi-level BOMs, subcontracting, and serial/batch tracking, making it suitable for discrete and process manufacturing.
Pros
- Fully open-source with no licensing fees
- Comprehensive MRP tools including multi-level BOMs, production planning, and quality inspections
- Deep customization via low-code framework and full ERP integration
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Self-hosting demands technical expertise for maintenance
- UI feels dated compared to modern SaaS competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers seeking a customizable, cost-free open-source MRP solution integrated with broader ERP functions.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted version; Frappe Cloud hosting starts at $10/user/month for basic plans, scaling up for enterprise needs.
NetSuite
enterpriseCloud ERP platform with advanced MRP features for demand planning, production management, and supply chain optimization in manufacturing.
Unified SuiteAnalytics for real-time MRP forecasting and production visibility across the entire enterprise
NetSuite is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform that includes robust MRP manufacturing capabilities, enabling precise material requirements planning, bill of materials management, production scheduling, and inventory optimization. It integrates MRP seamlessly with financials, supply chain, CRM, and order fulfillment for end-to-end manufacturing visibility. Designed for scalability, it supports discrete, process, and mixed-mode manufacturing environments with real-time analytics and automation.
Pros
- Highly scalable for enterprise-level operations
- Deep integration across ERP modules including financials and supply chain
- Advanced analytics and real-time dashboards for production insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex customization
- High implementation costs and long setup time
- Overkill and expensive for small to mid-sized manufacturers
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturers requiring a fully integrated ERP system with advanced MRP functionality.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at around $10,000-$20,000 annually plus $99+ per user/month; implementation often adds $50,000+.
Plex
enterpriseSmart manufacturing platform combining MRP, MES, and QMS to enable real-time production monitoring and resource planning.
Unified single-database architecture that seamlessly integrates MRP, MES, and enterprise functions without data replication or interfaces
Plex is a cloud-native ERP and MES platform designed specifically for discrete manufacturers, offering robust MRP functionalities including material requirements planning, inventory control, production scheduling, and supply chain management. It integrates shop floor execution, quality management, finance, and CRM into a single system for real-time visibility and decision-making. Plex supports complex manufacturing processes with IoT connectivity and advanced analytics, making it suitable for mid-to-large enterprises.
Pros
- Comprehensive MRP with real-time inventory and production planning
- Fully integrated ERP/MES/QMS eliminating data silos
- Scalable cloud platform with strong IoT and analytics capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex implementations
- High cost unsuitable for small manufacturers
- Limited flexibility for heavy customizations
Best For
Mid-sized to large discrete manufacturers needing an all-in-one cloud-based MRP and ERP solution for end-to-end operations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $150-300 per user/month depending on modules, company size, and implementation scope.
Epicor Kinetic
enterpriseIndustry-specific ERP with MRP capabilities for production scheduling, inventory control, and advanced planning in discrete manufacturing.
Integrated Advanced MES with real-time shop floor data syncing directly into MRP for seamless production-to-planning visibility
Epicor Kinetic is a cloud-native ERP platform tailored for manufacturing enterprises, providing robust MRP functionality to optimize material requirements planning, production scheduling, and inventory control across discrete, process, and mixed-mode operations. It integrates advanced tools like shop floor execution, quality management, and supply chain visibility to drive operational efficiency. The platform leverages real-time analytics and AI-driven insights to support scalable growth and data-driven decision-making in complex manufacturing environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive MRP with advanced planning and scheduling (APS) integration
- Deep industry-specific modules for discrete and mixed-mode manufacturing
- Cloud scalability and real-time analytics for operational insights
Cons
- Complex implementation requiring significant customization
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- High pricing for smaller manufacturers
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturers with complex, discrete or mixed-mode production needing an integrated ERP with strong MRP and MES capabilities.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription pricing, typically starting at $175/user/month for cloud, scaling with users, modules, and customizations.
SAP Business One
enterpriseERP solution for SMBs featuring MRP modules for material requirements planning, production orders, and inventory management.
MRP Wizard for automated, demand-driven material planning across complex BOM structures
SAP Business One is an integrated ERP system designed for small and medium-sized businesses, providing robust MRP capabilities for manufacturing through modules like Bill of Materials (BOM), production orders, and material requirements planning. It automates inventory management, production scheduling, and demand forecasting to optimize manufacturing processes. The solution supports both discrete and process manufacturing, with real-time visibility across the supply chain.
Pros
- Comprehensive MRP with multi-level BOM explosion and capacity planning
- Full ERP integration linking manufacturing to finance, sales, and CRM
- Scalable for growing SMBs with strong customization via SDK
Cons
- Steep implementation and learning curve requiring certified partners
- Higher pricing compared to dedicated MRP tools
- Limited advanced analytics without add-ons
Best For
Growing SMB manufacturers seeking an all-in-one ERP with solid MRP functionality rather than standalone planning software.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$3,000-$5,000 per user plus 20-22% annual maintenance; cloud subscriptions from $100-$200/user/month.
SYSPRO
enterpriseERP software providing MRP functionality for supply chain planning, production control, and lot traceability in manufacturing operations.
Infinite Customization Engine allowing business rules to be tailored via drag-and-drop without programming
SYSPRO is a robust ERP system with strong MRP capabilities designed for manufacturing, distribution, and service industries, enabling precise material requirements planning, production scheduling, and inventory management. It supports discrete, repetitive, process, and mixed-mode manufacturing through features like multi-level BOMs, forecasting, and capacity planning. Scalable for mid-sized enterprises, it offers on-premise, cloud, or hybrid deployment with extensive customization options.
Pros
- Comprehensive MRP with advanced planning and scheduling tools
- Highly customizable without extensive coding
- Strong multi-site and global manufacturing support
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Higher pricing suitable mainly for mid-to-large enterprises
- Limited modern mobile app functionality compared to newer competitors
Best For
Mid-sized manufacturers seeking a flexible, enterprise-grade MRP solution integrated with full ERP capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; subscription starts around $175/user/month, with perpetual licenses available for larger implementations.
Conclusion
While all ten tools offer unique benefits, the top three—MRPeasy, Katana, and Fishbowl—rise above the rest. MRPeasy leads as the top choice, excelling with its cloud-based design tailored for small manufacturers. Katana stands out for real-time visual planning, making it ideal for those prioritizing dynamic production oversight, and Fishbowl impresses through its QuickBooks integration, a strong fit for seamless financial and inventory alignment.
Ready to enhance your manufacturing workflow? MRPeasy’s intuitive features and comprehensive toolset make it the perfect starting point—explore its capabilities today to transform production planning and inventory management.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison