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Manufacturing Engineering

Top 10 Best Production Control Software of 2026

Discover top production control software tools to optimize workflows. Compare features and choose the best fit today.

Gitnux Team

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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Effective production control is pivotal for modern manufacturers to optimize efficiency, minimize waste, and maintain timely delivery—yet navigating the landscape of options requires clarity. From cloud-based MRP systems to integrated ERP-MES platforms, the right tool aligns with unique operational needs. This curated list highlights the top 10 solutions, each designed to elevate planning, execution, and oversight for diverse manufacturing workflows.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: MRPeasy - Cloud-based MRP software that automates production planning, scheduling, inventory management, and procurement for small to medium manufacturers.
  2. 2#2: Katana MRP - Visual MRP platform for real-time production scheduling, inventory tracking, and order management tailored to make-to-order manufacturers.
  3. 3#3: PlanetTogether - Advanced planning and scheduling software that optimizes production capacity, resources, and delivery timelines across complex manufacturing environments.
  4. 4#4: Fishbowl Inventory - Inventory control and manufacturing software with production management, bill of materials, and multi-location warehouse support.
  5. 5#5: Prodsmart - Real-time shop floor control system providing production monitoring, quality checks, and performance analytics via mobile devices.
  6. 6#6: Odoo Manufacturing - Modular ERP platform with integrated manufacturing apps for production planning, work orders, and MRP processes.
  7. 7#7: ERPNext - Open-source ERP system offering production planning, BOM management, work orders, and shop floor execution for manufacturers.
  8. 8#8: Plex - Smart manufacturing platform delivering cloud-based MES, quality control, and end-to-end production traceability.
  9. 9#9: Epicor Kinetic - Cloud ERP solution with advanced MES capabilities for production scheduling, execution, and real-time shop floor visibility.
  10. 10#10: DELMIAworks - Integrated ERP and MES software for discrete manufacturing, covering quoting, planning, production control, and quality management.

Tools were evaluated based on functionality breadth (e.g., scheduling, inventory, quality management), user experience, scalability, and alignment with common manufacturing pain points, ensuring relevance across small to large operations.

Comparison Table

Discover a comparative overview of top production control software options, featuring MRPeasy, Katana MRP, PlanetTogether, Fishbowl Inventory, Prodsmart, and more. This table outlines key functionalities, strengths, and ideal use cases, guiding readers to select the right tool for their manufacturing operations.

1MRPeasy logo9.5/10

Cloud-based MRP software that automates production planning, scheduling, inventory management, and procurement for small to medium manufacturers.

Features
9.7/10
Ease
9.3/10
Value
9.2/10
2Katana MRP logo9.2/10

Visual MRP platform for real-time production scheduling, inventory tracking, and order management tailored to make-to-order manufacturers.

Features
9.4/10
Ease
9.6/10
Value
8.8/10

Advanced planning and scheduling software that optimizes production capacity, resources, and delivery timelines across complex manufacturing environments.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
8.0/10

Inventory control and manufacturing software with production management, bill of materials, and multi-location warehouse support.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
7.4/10
Value
7.9/10
5Prodsmart logo8.7/10

Real-time shop floor control system providing production monitoring, quality checks, and performance analytics via mobile devices.

Features
8.9/10
Ease
9.1/10
Value
8.2/10

Modular ERP platform with integrated manufacturing apps for production planning, work orders, and MRP processes.

Features
9.1/10
Ease
7.6/10
Value
9.0/10
7ERPNext logo8.1/10

Open-source ERP system offering production planning, BOM management, work orders, and shop floor execution for manufacturers.

Features
8.5/10
Ease
7.2/10
Value
9.4/10
8Plex logo8.2/10

Smart manufacturing platform delivering cloud-based MES, quality control, and end-to-end production traceability.

Features
8.8/10
Ease
7.9/10
Value
7.6/10

Cloud ERP solution with advanced MES capabilities for production scheduling, execution, and real-time shop floor visibility.

Features
9.1/10
Ease
7.2/10
Value
7.9/10
10DELMIAworks logo8.0/10

Integrated ERP and MES software for discrete manufacturing, covering quoting, planning, production control, and quality management.

Features
8.5/10
Ease
7.0/10
Value
7.5/10
1
MRPeasy logo

MRPeasy

specialized

Cloud-based MRP software that automates production planning, scheduling, inventory management, and procurement for small to medium manufacturers.

Overall Rating9.5/10
Features
9.7/10
Ease of Use
9.3/10
Value
9.2/10
Standout Feature

Intelligent MRP engine that automatically generates accurate production schedules, purchase plans, and capacity requirements from sales orders and inventory data

MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP (Material Requirements Planning) software designed specifically for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering comprehensive production control from quoting and planning to shop floor execution and delivery. It integrates inventory management, production scheduling, BOM handling, CRM, and real-time reporting to streamline manufacturing operations. With automation features like automatic purchase orders and capacity planning, it minimizes manual work and provides actionable insights for efficient production control.

Pros

  • Comprehensive MRP II and MES tools including dynamic scheduling and real-time shop floor tracking
  • Intuitive cloud interface with mobile access for quick adoption
  • Strong automation for BOMs, inventory, and procurement reducing errors

Cons

  • Pricing scales quickly with users and advanced features
  • Limited native support for process manufacturing or highly complex assemblies
  • Some integrations require custom development

Best For

Small to midsize discrete manufacturers needing an all-in-one platform for production planning, inventory control, and order fulfillment.

Pricing

Starts at $49/user/month (Basic, billed annually), $99/user/month (Production), $199/user/month (Pro); enterprise custom pricing available.

Visit MRPeasymrpeasy.com
2
Katana MRP logo

Katana MRP

specialized

Visual MRP platform for real-time production scheduling, inventory tracking, and order management tailored to make-to-order manufacturers.

Overall Rating9.2/10
Features
9.4/10
Ease of Use
9.6/10
Value
8.8/10
Standout Feature

Dynamic MRP engine that automatically generates and prioritizes production and purchase orders based on real-time demand and stock levels

Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning (MRP) software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, focusing on production scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, and order fulfillment. It automates purchase orders, tracks materials through multi-level bills of materials (BOMs), and provides visual production boards for efficient shop floor management. The platform excels in integrating with e-commerce tools like Shopify and accounting software like QuickBooks, enabling seamless operations from sales to delivery.

Pros

  • Intuitive drag-and-drop production scheduling for quick planning adjustments
  • Real-time inventory visibility with multi-location support and lot traceability
  • Seamless integrations with 100+ apps including Shopify, Xero, and QuickBooks

Cons

  • Limited advanced reporting and analytics for complex enterprise needs
  • Pricing scales quickly with users and features, less ideal for solo operations
  • Customization options are somewhat restricted without developer support

Best For

Small to medium manufacturers seeking an user-friendly MRP solution to streamline production control, inventory, and order management without extensive IT resources.

Pricing

Starts at $99/month (Essentials, up to 100 orders/mo), $299/month (Professional), $799+/month (Business), with custom Enterprise pricing; 14-day free trial available.

Visit Katana MRPkatanamrp.com
3
PlanetTogether logo

PlanetTogether

enterprise

Advanced planning and scheduling software that optimizes production capacity, resources, and delivery timelines across complex manufacturing environments.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Advanced multi-resource, finite capacity optimization engine that dynamically resolves scheduling conflicts

PlanetTogether is a cloud-based Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) software tailored for manufacturing industries, enabling optimized production planning across complex operations. It features visual Gantt charts, drag-and-drop scheduling, and constraint-based optimization to balance resources, materials, and deadlines. The platform excels in ERP integrations like SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics, supporting real-time scenario analysis and what-if simulations for better decision-making.

Pros

  • Powerful constraint-based scheduling algorithms for finite capacity planning
  • Seamless integrations with major ERP systems
  • Intuitive visual interface with real-time dashboards and what-if scenarios

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for advanced customization
  • High implementation and subscription costs
  • Limited native MES functionality for shop floor execution

Best For

Mid-to-large manufacturers with complex, multi-site production needing ERP-integrated scheduling optimization.

Pricing

Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $5,000–$20,000/month depending on users, modules, and deployment scale.

Visit PlanetTogetherplanettogether.com
4
Fishbowl Inventory logo

Fishbowl Inventory

specialized

Inventory control and manufacturing software with production management, bill of materials, and multi-location warehouse support.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
7.4/10
Value
7.9/10
Standout Feature

Real-time, two-way QuickBooks synchronization that keeps production data and financials perfectly aligned

Fishbowl Inventory is a comprehensive inventory and manufacturing management software designed for small to mid-sized businesses, offering robust tools for production control including bill of materials (BOM) management, work orders, and production scheduling. It excels in tracking raw materials, assemblies, and finished goods across multiple warehouses with barcode scanning and lot/serial number control. The platform integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for real-time accounting synchronization, making it ideal for manufacturers handling discrete production processes.

Pros

  • Deep QuickBooks integration for seamless accounting
  • Strong BOM, routing, and work order functionality for production planning
  • Multi-location inventory tracking with barcode and RFID support

Cons

  • Dated Windows-based interface feels clunky compared to modern web apps
  • Steep learning curve for advanced manufacturing modules
  • Limited native reporting and analytics without add-ons

Best For

Small to medium manufacturers with QuickBooks who need affordable production control without full ERP complexity.

Pricing

Perpetual license starts at $4,395 for standard edition plus $1,395/year maintenance; subscription from $129/month.

Visit Fishbowl Inventoryfishbowlinventory.com
5
Prodsmart logo

Prodsmart

specialized

Real-time shop floor control system providing production monitoring, quality checks, and performance analytics via mobile devices.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
8.9/10
Ease of Use
9.1/10
Value
8.2/10
Standout Feature

Mobile-first 'scan-to-start' production tracking that turns smartphones into shop floor terminals

Prodsmart is a cloud-based Manufacturing Execution System (MES) designed for real-time production monitoring and shop floor management. It enables manufacturers to track production orders, materials, labor, and equipment via mobile apps and interactive dashboards. Key capabilities include scheduling optimization, quality control, OEE tracking, and paperless workflows to streamline operations and reduce downtime.

Pros

  • Real-time visibility into production metrics with mobile scanning
  • Intuitive interface and quick setup for shop floor teams
  • Strong analytics for OEE, downtime, and performance insights

Cons

  • Pricing scales quickly for larger teams
  • Limited native integrations with some legacy ERPs
  • Advanced reporting requires customization

Best For

Small to medium-sized manufacturers needing mobile-first, real-time production control without heavy IT infrastructure.

Pricing

Custom quotes starting at around €99/user/month, with tiers based on users, production volume, and features.

Visit Prodsmartprodsmart.com
6
Odoo Manufacturing logo

Odoo Manufacturing

enterprise

Modular ERP platform with integrated manufacturing apps for production planning, work orders, and MRP processes.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
9.1/10
Ease of Use
7.6/10
Value
9.0/10
Standout Feature

Fully integrated PLM and MRP across discrete/process manufacturing with real-time IoT and barcode support

Odoo Manufacturing is a robust module within the open-source Odoo ERP platform, enabling end-to-end production control including MRP, work order management, scheduling, and quality assurance. It supports multi-level BOMs, real-time tracking, and integration with inventory, sales, and maintenance modules for seamless operations. This solution caters to discrete, process, and hybrid manufacturing environments with tools for traceability and efficiency optimization.

Pros

  • Deep integration with Odoo's full ERP suite eliminates data silos
  • Comprehensive MRP, PLM, and quality control tools in one platform
  • Cost-effective with free community edition and scalable enterprise options

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for complex customizations and setups
  • Performance can lag with very large-scale operations without optimization
  • Advanced analytics and AI-driven forecasting are less sophisticated than specialized tools

Best For

Small to mid-sized manufacturers seeking an affordable, all-in-one ERP with strong production control capabilities.

Pricing

Free open-source Community edition; Enterprise edition apps start at $0-$37/user/month (Manufacturing app ~$24/user/month), with implementation costs extra.

7
ERPNext logo

ERPNext

other

Open-source ERP system offering production planning, BOM management, work orders, and shop floor execution for manufacturers.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
8.5/10
Ease of Use
7.2/10
Value
9.4/10
Standout Feature

Open-source manufacturing module with advanced production planning and subcontracting support

ERPNext is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform with dedicated manufacturing modules for production control, including bill of materials (BOM), work orders, production planning, and shop floor management. It enables tracking of raw materials, production processes, quality checks, and serial/batch numbers, integrating seamlessly with inventory, purchasing, and accounting. This makes it suitable for streamlining end-to-end manufacturing operations in a single system.

Pros

  • Fully open-source and free for self-hosting, offering exceptional value
  • Robust production tools like multi-level BOM, capacity planning, and job cards
  • Highly customizable with strong integration across ERP modules

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
  • Requires technical expertise for customization and maintenance
  • Performance optimization needed for large-scale production data

Best For

Small to medium-sized manufacturers seeking a cost-effective, customizable open-source solution for integrated production control.

Pricing

Free open-source self-hosted version; Frappe Cloud hosting starts at $10/user/month for basic plans.

Visit ERPNexterpnext.com
8
Plex logo

Plex

enterprise

Smart manufacturing platform delivering cloud-based MES, quality control, and end-to-end production traceability.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
8.8/10
Ease of Use
7.9/10
Value
7.6/10
Standout Feature

Unified single-platform architecture that eliminates silos between production, quality, and supply chain management

Plex is a cloud-based smart manufacturing platform that serves as a comprehensive MES (Manufacturing Execution System) for production control, integrating planning, execution, quality management, supply chain, and analytics. It provides real-time visibility into shop floor operations, enabling automated scheduling, inventory tracking, and performance monitoring to optimize manufacturing efficiency. Ideal for discrete and process manufacturers, Plex leverages IoT connectivity and AI-driven insights to reduce downtime and improve decision-making across the production lifecycle.

Pros

  • Real-time production visibility and analytics
  • Seamless integration of MES, QMS, and SCM modules
  • Scalable cloud architecture with IoT support

Cons

  • High implementation and subscription costs
  • Steep learning curve for full customization
  • Limited flexibility for highly specialized legacy systems

Best For

Mid-sized to large manufacturers needing an integrated cloud platform for end-to-end production control and digital transformation.

Pricing

Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $5,000+ per month depending on modules, users, and scale.

Visit Plexplex.com
9
Epicor Kinetic logo

Epicor Kinetic

enterprise

Cloud ERP solution with advanced MES capabilities for production scheduling, execution, and real-time shop floor visibility.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
9.1/10
Ease of Use
7.2/10
Value
7.9/10
Standout Feature

Epicor Digital MES with AI-powered scheduling and real-time IoT data capture for dynamic production adjustments

Epicor Kinetic is a cloud-native ERP platform tailored for manufacturing enterprises, providing end-to-end production control capabilities including advanced planning, scheduling, shop floor execution, and real-time monitoring. It integrates manufacturing execution system (MES) functionalities with inventory management, quality control, and supply chain optimization to streamline production workflows. Designed for mid-to-large manufacturers, it leverages AI-driven insights and IoT connectivity for enhanced operational efficiency and traceability.

Pros

  • Comprehensive MES and APS for precise production scheduling and execution
  • Strong integration with IoT and real-time data analytics for shop floor visibility
  • Highly customizable low-code platform supporting complex manufacturing needs

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring expert implementation
  • High cost for customization and deployment, especially for smaller firms
  • Occasional performance lags in highly customized environments

Best For

Mid-to-large manufacturing companies seeking an integrated ERP with advanced production control and scalability.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at $175-$300/user/month for cloud subscriptions, with implementation fees often exceeding $100K depending on scope.

10
DELMIAworks logo

DELMIAworks

enterprise

Integrated ERP and MES software for discrete manufacturing, covering quoting, planning, production control, and quality management.

Overall Rating8.0/10
Features
8.5/10
Ease of Use
7.0/10
Value
7.5/10
Standout Feature

Integrated real-time MES within ERP for finite capacity scheduling and machine-level data capture

DELMIAworks is a comprehensive ERP/MES platform from Dassault Systèmes designed for discrete manufacturers, providing advanced production control through real-time shop floor monitoring, dynamic scheduling, and quality management. It enables end-to-end visibility into manufacturing operations, from order management to inventory control and machine integration. The software excels in complex environments with features like finite capacity scheduling and automated data collection.

Pros

  • Seamless ERP-MES integration for unified production data
  • Robust real-time scheduling and shop floor control
  • Scalable for mid-to-large manufacturers with strong analytics

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and complex setup
  • High implementation and customization costs
  • Less intuitive interface compared to modern cloud-native tools

Best For

Mid-sized discrete manufacturers requiring integrated ERP and production control for complex operations.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing, typically $100-200/user/month for cloud subscriptions plus significant one-time implementation fees ($50K+).

Visit DELMIAworksdelmiaworks.com

Conclusion

The reviewed production control software tools deliver strong solutions, with MRPeasy leading as the top choice, excelling in automating planning, scheduling, inventory, and procurement for small to medium manufacturers. Katana MRP stands out as a top alternative for make-to-order operations, offering real-time production visibility, while PlanetTogether distinguishes itself with advanced capacity optimization for complex manufacturing. Ultimately, the best fit depends on specific needs, but MRPeasy clearly sets the standard.

MRPeasy logo
Our Top Pick
MRPeasy

Take the first step toward streamlined production—try MRPeasy today to unlock seamless planning, efficient scheduling, and enhanced inventory management that boosts operational performance.