Quick Overview
- 1#1: DELMIAworks - All-in-one ERP/MES platform specifically designed for plastic injection molding with real-time production monitoring and quality control.
- 2#2: Plex - Cloud-based smart manufacturing platform providing end-to-end ERP for plastics production including traceability and analytics.
- 3#3: Epicor Kinetic - Comprehensive ERP solution for discrete manufacturing like plastics with advanced planning, inventory, and shop floor management.
- 4#4: SYSPRO - Flexible ERP system tailored for manufacturing industries including plastics, offering supply chain and production optimization.
- 5#5: Infor CloudSuite Industrial - Industry-specific ERP for engineered and plastics manufacturing with strong support for make-to-order processes.
- 6#6: MRPeasy - Cloud MRP software for small to medium plastic manufacturers streamlining production planning, scheduling, and inventory.
- 7#7: Katana MRP - Visual production planning tool for plastic fabrication managing inventory, orders, and manufacturing workflows in real-time.
- 8#8: Autodesk Moldflow - Advanced simulation software for predicting and optimizing plastic injection molding processes and material behavior.
- 9#9: SOLIDWORKS Plastics - CAD-integrated simulation tool for designing and validating plastic parts and injection molds early in the process.
- 10#10: Fishbowl - Inventory and manufacturing management software with QuickBooks integration suitable for plastic job shops.
Tools were selected based on industry-specific effectiveness—including real-time monitoring, traceability, and process optimization capabilities—paired with usability, reliability, and value, ensuring a balance of advanced features and accessibility for businesses of all sizes.
Comparison Table
Plastic manufacturing software is key to boosting operational efficiency and product quality; this comparison table explores tools like DELMIAworks, Plex, Epicor Kinetic, SYSPRO, Infor CloudSuite Industrial, and more, helping readers grasp their unique strengths and ideal use cases. By examining features, integration potential, and industry-specific benefits, users can identify the right software to align with their production goals and workflows.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DELMIAworks All-in-one ERP/MES platform specifically designed for plastic injection molding with real-time production monitoring and quality control. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Plex Cloud-based smart manufacturing platform providing end-to-end ERP for plastics production including traceability and analytics. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Epicor Kinetic Comprehensive ERP solution for discrete manufacturing like plastics with advanced planning, inventory, and shop floor management. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | SYSPRO Flexible ERP system tailored for manufacturing industries including plastics, offering supply chain and production optimization. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Infor CloudSuite Industrial Industry-specific ERP for engineered and plastics manufacturing with strong support for make-to-order processes. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | MRPeasy Cloud MRP software for small to medium plastic manufacturers streamlining production planning, scheduling, and inventory. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Katana MRP Visual production planning tool for plastic fabrication managing inventory, orders, and manufacturing workflows in real-time. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Autodesk Moldflow Advanced simulation software for predicting and optimizing plastic injection molding processes and material behavior. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | SOLIDWORKS Plastics CAD-integrated simulation tool for designing and validating plastic parts and injection molds early in the process. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Fishbowl Inventory and manufacturing management software with QuickBooks integration suitable for plastic job shops. | other | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
All-in-one ERP/MES platform specifically designed for plastic injection molding with real-time production monitoring and quality control.
Cloud-based smart manufacturing platform providing end-to-end ERP for plastics production including traceability and analytics.
Comprehensive ERP solution for discrete manufacturing like plastics with advanced planning, inventory, and shop floor management.
Flexible ERP system tailored for manufacturing industries including plastics, offering supply chain and production optimization.
Industry-specific ERP for engineered and plastics manufacturing with strong support for make-to-order processes.
Cloud MRP software for small to medium plastic manufacturers streamlining production planning, scheduling, and inventory.
Visual production planning tool for plastic fabrication managing inventory, orders, and manufacturing workflows in real-time.
Advanced simulation software for predicting and optimizing plastic injection molding processes and material behavior.
CAD-integrated simulation tool for designing and validating plastic parts and injection molds early in the process.
Inventory and manufacturing management software with QuickBooks integration suitable for plastic job shops.
DELMIAworks
enterpriseAll-in-one ERP/MES platform specifically designed for plastic injection molding with real-time production monitoring and quality control.
One-platform ERP/MES integration with real-time production monitoring and machine connectivity, eliminating data silos common in plastics manufacturing.
DELMIAworks is a comprehensive ERP and MES platform designed specifically for discrete, repetitive, and process manufacturers, with robust support for the plastics industry including injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding. It offers end-to-end functionality from quoting, planning, and production scheduling to quality control, inventory management, and traceability. The software excels in real-time shop floor control, recipe management, and compliance with industry standards like ISO and FDA for plastic products.
Pros
- Fully integrated ERP and MES on a single database for seamless real-time data flow
- Advanced process manufacturing tools including formulas, batch tracking, and yield analysis tailored for plastics
- Extensive automation and Industry 4.0 capabilities like machine integration and predictive maintenance
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation for complex setups
- High initial cost and customization expenses
- Limited flexibility for very small operations without scaling down modules
Best For
Mid-to-large plastic manufacturers with complex, high-volume production needing integrated ERP/MES for efficiency and compliance.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically starting at $50,000-$100,000 annually for base implementations, scaling with users, modules, and customizations.
Plex
enterpriseCloud-based smart manufacturing platform providing end-to-end ERP for plastics production including traceability and analytics.
Embedded real-time MES within the ERP for instant production adjustments and zero-latency visibility across the shop floor
Plex is a cloud-based ERP and MES platform designed for smart manufacturing, providing end-to-end visibility into production processes, supply chain, quality control, and inventory management. For plastic manufacturers, it excels in areas like real-time machine monitoring, Statistical Process Control (SPC), mold and tool management, and traceability for compliance with industry standards. Its IoT integrations and analytics enable data-driven decisions to optimize injection molding, extrusion, and assembly operations.
Pros
- Seamless ERP-MES integration for real-time production insights
- Robust quality management with SPC and defect tracking tailored for plastics
- Scalable cloud architecture with IoT connectivity for machine data capture
Cons
- High implementation costs and time for full deployment
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Pricing can be prohibitive for small-scale plastic shops
Best For
Mid-to-large plastic manufacturers needing comprehensive, real-time operational control and compliance tools.
Pricing
Subscription-based with custom quotes; starts around $1,000-$5,000/month depending on modules, users, and scale, plus implementation fees.
Epicor Kinetic
enterpriseComprehensive ERP solution for discrete manufacturing like plastics with advanced planning, inventory, and shop floor management.
Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) with AI-driven optimization for complex plastic production runs and material constraints
Epicor Kinetic is a comprehensive, cloud-based ERP platform designed for manufacturing industries, with strong capabilities for plastic manufacturers handling injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming. It integrates production planning, inventory management, quality control, supply chain optimization, and financials into a unified system. The software supports complex BOMs, lot traceability, and real-time shop floor monitoring, enabling efficient operations for discrete and mixed-mode plastics production. Its modern UI and low-code customization enhance adaptability to industry-specific needs.
Pros
- Robust industry-specific modules for plastics including APS and MES integration
- Scalable cloud deployment with strong analytics and reporting
- Excellent traceability and compliance tools for quality management
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation for complex setups
- High upfront costs and customization expenses
- Overkill for very small plastic shops with basic needs
Best For
Mid-to-large plastic manufacturers needing a scalable ERP with deep production and supply chain control.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $175-$350 per user/month for cloud subscriptions, plus implementation fees starting at $50,000+.
SYSPRO
enterpriseFlexible ERP system tailored for manufacturing industries including plastics, offering supply chain and production optimization.
Advanced multi-level BOM and WIP tracking optimized for variable plastic formulations and process manufacturing
SYSPRO is a comprehensive ERP software tailored for manufacturing sectors, including plastics, providing end-to-end management of production processes like injection molding, extrusion, and custom fabrication. It excels in inventory control for raw materials such as resins and additives, bill of materials (BOM) management, and shop floor execution with real-time tracking. The platform integrates financials, supply chain, and quality control to optimize operations for mid-sized manufacturers.
Pros
- Highly customizable modules for plastics-specific workflows like lot traceability and formula management
- Robust MRP and production scheduling for complex manufacturing
- Strong scalability for multi-site operations with global support
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation for non-technical users
- User interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-native ERPs
- Pricing can be premium for smaller plastic fabricators
Best For
Mid-sized plastic manufacturers seeking a deeply customizable ERP for complex production and inventory needs.
Pricing
Quote-based licensing; perpetual licenses start at ~$5,000 per module plus annual maintenance (~20%), or subscription from $175/user/month.
Infor CloudSuite Industrial
enterpriseIndustry-specific ERP for engineered and plastics manufacturing with strong support for make-to-order processes.
Integrated Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) that optimizes multi-step plastic production sequences in real-time
Infor CloudSuite Industrial is a cloud-based ERP solution tailored for discrete and mixed-mode manufacturers, including plastics production through injection molding, extrusion, and assembly. It provides end-to-end capabilities for production planning, inventory control, quality management, and supply chain optimization, with real-time visibility into shop floor operations. The platform integrates financials, CRM, and analytics to streamline operations for plastic manufacturers handling make-to-order or configure-to-order scenarios.
Pros
- Robust manufacturing execution system (MES) with shop floor control suited for plastics
- Advanced planning and scheduling for complex production runs
- Strong traceability and quality modules for regulatory compliance in plastics
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Higher implementation costs and time for customization
- Less intuitive interface compared to modern SaaS ERPs
Best For
Mid-sized plastic manufacturers needing scalable ERP with deep discrete manufacturing functionality.
Pricing
Subscription-based, custom quotes starting around $150/user/month; enterprise licensing varies by modules and scale.
MRPeasy
specializedCloud MRP software for small to medium plastic manufacturers streamlining production planning, scheduling, and inventory.
Dynamic production scheduling with visual Gantt charts and automatic capacity leveling tailored for multi-step manufacturing workflows.
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP (Material Requirements Planning) software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, providing tools for production scheduling, inventory management, BOM handling, and shop floor control. It supports discrete and repetitive manufacturing processes common in plastics production, such as batch processing of resins, molding operations, and finished goods tracking with lot traceability. The platform integrates CRM, purchasing, and reporting to streamline operations from quote to delivery.
Pros
- User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop scheduling
- Strong inventory and lot tracking for plastics batches
- Mobile app for real-time shop floor data collection
- Scalable for growing SMB manufacturers
Cons
- Limited customization for highly complex plastic processes like custom molding simulations
- Pricing scales with users and production volume, potentially costly for larger teams
- Reporting lacks advanced plastics-specific analytics out-of-the-box
Best For
Small to medium plastic manufacturers handling make-to-order or repetitive batch production who need an all-in-one MRP without heavy IT investment.
Pricing
Starts at €49 per user/month for Standard plan; scales to €99+ for Production and Enterprise tiers based on users and manufacturing output.
Katana MRP
specializedVisual production planning tool for plastic fabrication managing inventory, orders, and manufacturing workflows in real-time.
Dynamic production scheduling that auto-adjusts based on real-time inventory, demand, and capacity constraints
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, providing real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order management. It excels in handling bills of materials (BOMs), shop floor execution, and multi-location inventory, making it suitable for plastic manufacturers dealing with injection molding, extrusion, and assembly processes. The platform integrates seamlessly with e-commerce and accounting tools to streamline operations from raw resin procurement to finished goods dispatch.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop production scheduling for quick planning adjustments
- Real-time inventory visibility across multiple warehouses prevents stockouts
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Shopify, and Xero for end-to-end workflows
Cons
- Lacks deep process manufacturing tools like batch recipes or yield tracking specific to plastics
- Reporting and analytics are basic compared to enterprise-level solutions
- Pricing scales quickly for high-volume plastic operations with many users
Best For
Small to medium plastic manufacturers producing custom molded parts or assemblies with make-to-order needs and moderate complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Essentials, up to 100 orders/mo), $299/month (Professional), custom Enterprise pricing.
Autodesk Moldflow
specializedAdvanced simulation software for predicting and optimizing plastic injection molding processes and material behavior.
Advanced 3D warpage prediction with automatic compensation for design iterations
Autodesk Moldflow is a comprehensive CAE simulation software suite designed for plastic injection molding analysis, allowing engineers to predict mold filling, cooling, warpage, and shrinkage before production. It supports advanced simulations for fiber-reinforced materials, gas-assist molding, and process optimization using Design of Experiments (DoE). Integrated with Autodesk CAD tools like Inventor and Fusion 360, it streamlines the design-to-manufacturing workflow for high-precision plastic parts.
Pros
- Vast material database with over 13,000 validated plastics
- Highly accurate warpage and fiber orientation predictions reducing prototypes
- Seamless integration with Autodesk CAD ecosystem
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring specialized training
- High subscription costs and resource-intensive simulations
- Limited beginner-friendly interfaces
Best For
Large-scale plastic manufacturers and engineering teams in automotive, electronics, and consumer goods needing precise molding simulations to optimize high-volume production.
Pricing
Annual subscription-based licensing starting at ~$7,500 for basic modules (e.g., Moldflow Adviser) up to $25,000+ for advanced Insight/Synergy editions, often bundled in Autodesk Product Design & Manufacturing Collection.
SOLIDWORKS Plastics
specializedCAD-integrated simulation tool for designing and validating plastic parts and injection molds early in the process.
True 3D, CAD-embedded simulation with automatic meshing and associative updates to design changes
SOLIDWORKS Plastics is a CAD-embedded simulation software specialized for plastic injection molding analysis, integrated directly into the SOLIDWORKS design environment. It simulates the complete molding process—including fill, pack, cool, and warp—to predict defects like short shots, sink marks, and warpage, while optimizing gate locations, runner systems, and cooling channels. This tool helps plastic part designers and mold makers validate designs virtually, reducing the need for costly physical prototypes and iterations.
Pros
- Seamless integration with SOLIDWORKS CAD for associative updates
- Accurate 3D simulations supporting multi-cavity and multi-component molds
- Comprehensive optimization tools for gates, runners, and cooling
Cons
- High cost, especially for small businesses or standalone use
- Steep learning curve for users new to injection molding simulation
- Requires existing SOLIDWORKS license, limiting accessibility
Best For
SOLIDWORKS users in plastic product design and mold making who need integrated, accurate molding simulation to streamline development.
Pricing
Subscription-based; starts at ~$5,000/year for Standard, $10,000+ for Premium; requires SOLIDWORKS license (contact sales for quotes).
Fishbowl
otherInventory and manufacturing management software with QuickBooks integration suitable for plastic job shops.
Native, two-way QuickBooks integration that automatically syncs inventory, sales, and purchases without double-entry.
Fishbowl is a robust inventory management software designed for small to mid-sized businesses, offering real-time tracking, multi-location warehouse management, and light manufacturing capabilities via bills of materials (BOMs) and work orders. It integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for accounting synchronization, making it suitable for plastic manufacturers handling raw materials like resins and additives through to finished products. While effective for basic production planning and order fulfillment, it lacks deep industry-specific tools for plastics such as advanced batch traceability or mold management.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for streamlined accounting and inventory syncing
- Strong multi-location inventory tracking and barcode support for efficient warehouse operations
- Affordable manufacturing module with BOMs and production scheduling for assemblies
Cons
- On-premise deployment with a dated interface and steeper learning curve
- Limited plastics-specific features like recipe formulation or injection molding integration
- Customization requires developer support or plugins, adding complexity
Best For
Small to mid-sized plastic manufacturers using QuickBooks who need cost-effective inventory control and basic production management without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $4,395 for Standard edition, $5,495 for Manufacturing, plus ~20-25% annual support fees; no subscription model.
Conclusion
After a comprehensive review, DELMIAworks rises as the top choice, offering an all-in-one ERP/MES platform tailored for plastic injection molding with real-time production monitoring and quality control. Plex and Epicor Kinetic follow strongly—Plex for cloud-based end-to-end ERP with traceability, and Epicor for advanced planning in discrete manufacturing. Each tool addresses distinct needs, underscoring the software's critical role in modern plastic production.
Start optimizing your processes by exploring DELMIAworks, the top-ranked solution, and consider Plex or Epicor Kinetic to find the ideal fit for your unique manufacturing requirements.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison