Quick Overview
- 1#1: Katana - Cloud-based MRP software for managing inventory, production planning, and scheduling in manufacturing.
- 2#2: MRPeasy - Manufacturing ERP system that handles production planning, inventory, CRM, and procurement for SMBs.
- 3#3: Prodsmart - Real-time shop floor management and MES for tracking production, efficiency, and quality control.
- 4#4: Fishbowl - Inventory and manufacturing management software with order fulfillment and barcode tracking.
- 5#5: Odoo - Modular ERP platform with manufacturing apps for production orders, BOMs, and work orders.
- 6#6: ERPNext - Open-source ERP with production planning, job cards, and manufacturing modules.
- 7#7: PlanetTogether - Advanced planning and scheduling software for optimizing production capacity and resources.
- 8#8: Cin7 - Inventory management platform supporting production builds, multi-warehouse, and e-commerce integration.
- 9#9: Plex - Smart manufacturing platform combining MES, QMS, and ERP for end-to-end production control.
- 10#10: Epicor Kinetic - Cloud ERP solution with production management, scheduling, and supply chain features for manufacturers.
Tools were ranked based on key features (including inventory control, scheduling, and quality management), user-friendliness, platform reliability, and overall value, ensuring a balanced assessment of diverse manufacturing requirements.
Comparison Table
Production manager software simplifies optimizing workflows, tracking inventory, and managing operations, with tools tailored to diverse business needs. This comparison table features top options like Katana, MRPeasy, Prodsmart, Fishbowl, Odoo, and more, guiding readers to compare features, pricing, and usability for their production goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Katana Cloud-based MRP software for managing inventory, production planning, and scheduling in manufacturing. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | MRPeasy Manufacturing ERP system that handles production planning, inventory, CRM, and procurement for SMBs. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Prodsmart Real-time shop floor management and MES for tracking production, efficiency, and quality control. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Fishbowl Inventory and manufacturing management software with order fulfillment and barcode tracking. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | Odoo Modular ERP platform with manufacturing apps for production orders, BOMs, and work orders. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 6 | ERPNext Open-source ERP with production planning, job cards, and manufacturing modules. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | PlanetTogether Advanced planning and scheduling software for optimizing production capacity and resources. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Cin7 Inventory management platform supporting production builds, multi-warehouse, and e-commerce integration. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | Plex Smart manufacturing platform combining MES, QMS, and ERP for end-to-end production control. | enterprise | 1.8/10 | 0.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 1.2/10 |
| 10 | Epicor Kinetic Cloud ERP solution with production management, scheduling, and supply chain features for manufacturers. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.5/10 |
Cloud-based MRP software for managing inventory, production planning, and scheduling in manufacturing.
Manufacturing ERP system that handles production planning, inventory, CRM, and procurement for SMBs.
Real-time shop floor management and MES for tracking production, efficiency, and quality control.
Inventory and manufacturing management software with order fulfillment and barcode tracking.
Modular ERP platform with manufacturing apps for production orders, BOMs, and work orders.
Open-source ERP with production planning, job cards, and manufacturing modules.
Advanced planning and scheduling software for optimizing production capacity and resources.
Inventory management platform supporting production builds, multi-warehouse, and e-commerce integration.
Smart manufacturing platform combining MES, QMS, and ERP for end-to-end production control.
Cloud ERP solution with production management, scheduling, and supply chain features for manufacturers.
Katana
specializedCloud-based MRP software for managing inventory, production planning, and scheduling in manufacturing.
Live Inventory Sync that automatically updates stock levels across production, sales, and warehouses in real-time
Katana is a cloud-based Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order management. It automates bill of materials (BOM) processing, purchasing, and shop floor control, while providing visual dashboards for workflow optimization. With seamless integrations to e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks, Katana helps businesses scale production efficiently without stockouts or overproduction.
Pros
- Real-time inventory visibility across multiple locations and sales channels
- Intuitive visual production scheduler with drag-and-drop planning
- Robust integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and ERP systems
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may strain very small operations
- Advanced reporting requires custom setup or add-ons
- Mobile app lacks full desktop functionality
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers seeking scalable MRP to manage make-to-order or make-to-stock production with full visibility.
Pricing
Essentials starts at $99/mo (100 orders), Professional at $219/mo (500 orders), Business at $399/mo (2,500 orders), Enterprise custom pricing.
MRPeasy
specializedManufacturing ERP system that handles production planning, inventory, CRM, and procurement for SMBs.
Visual production scheduler with AI-driven rescheduling that dynamically balances workloads, materials, and deadlines via interactive Gantt charts
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP (Material Requirements Planning) software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering comprehensive tools for production planning, inventory management, and order processing. It features real-time scheduling with Gantt charts, bill of materials (BOM) management, shop floor control, and integrated CRM/purchasing modules to streamline end-to-end manufacturing operations. The platform emphasizes automation and mobile accessibility, helping users reduce waste, optimize capacity, and improve delivery times without complex setups.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop production scheduling with automatic adjustments for materials and capacity
- Real-time inventory tracking and demand forecasting to minimize stockouts and overstock
- All-in-one platform combining MRP, CRM, and reporting for seamless workflows
Cons
- Limited advanced customization options for complex enterprise needs
- Reporting dashboards lack deep drill-down analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Integrations with non-standard ERP systems can require custom work
Best For
Small to medium-sized make-to-order or make-to-stock manufacturers seeking an affordable, user-friendly MRP system to manage production without heavy IT involvement.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (billed annually) for Basic plan; scales to $99/user/month for Gold plan with unlimited production lines and advanced features; custom enterprise pricing available.
Prodsmart
specializedReal-time shop floor management and MES for tracking production, efficiency, and quality control.
Live Wallboards for instant shop floor dashboards and visual performance monitoring
Prodsmart is a cloud-based Manufacturing Execution System (MES) designed for small to medium-sized manufacturers, providing real-time visibility into shop floor operations. It tracks production performance, calculates OEE, manages downtime, quality control, and inventory through a mobile-first app that digitizes paper-based processes. Production managers can monitor live KPIs, schedule jobs, and analyze data to optimize efficiency and reduce waste.
Pros
- Real-time production tracking and OEE monitoring
- Mobile app for easy shop floor data capture
- Paperless workflows and downtime analysis
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can be costly for larger teams
- Limited customization for complex manufacturing needs
- Reporting tools lack depth compared to enterprise MES
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers in discrete industries seeking real-time shop floor visibility without heavy IT investment.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; typically starts at $75-150 per user/month, with tiers based on features and production volume.
Fishbowl
specializedInventory and manufacturing management software with order fulfillment and barcode tracking.
Deep, native integration with QuickBooks that automatically syncs inventory, sales, and production data in real-time
Fishbowl is a robust inventory management software with built-in manufacturing tools designed for small to mid-sized businesses, enabling precise tracking of inventory across multiple locations and supporting production processes like bill of materials (BOMs), work orders, and scheduling. It integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for accounting synchronization, streamlining operations from procurement to order fulfillment. While strong in inventory control, its production management features provide essential functionality for light manufacturing without the complexity of full-scale ERP systems.
Pros
- Excellent QuickBooks integration for real-time data sync
- Comprehensive multi-location inventory tracking with barcode support
- Solid manufacturing module for BOMs, work orders, and production planning
Cons
- Outdated user interface that feels clunky and Windows-centric
- Steep learning curve for setup and advanced production features
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting for complex production environments
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers relying on QuickBooks who need affordable inventory control with basic production scheduling.
Pricing
One-time perpetual license starting at $4,395 per user for the standard edition, plus annual maintenance fees around 20% of license cost; subscription options available.
Odoo
enterpriseModular ERP platform with manufacturing apps for production orders, BOMs, and work orders.
Fully integrated modular MRP system that combines production scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, and automated work orders in one platform
Odoo is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform with dedicated manufacturing modules designed for production management, including MRP, inventory control, production planning, and quality assurance. It supports multi-level BOMs, work orders, scheduling, traceability, and integration with other business functions like sales and accounting. Ideal for streamlining production processes in small to medium enterprises, it offers scalability and customization through its modular app-based structure.
Pros
- Highly modular with extensive manufacturing apps including MRP, PLM, and quality control
- Seamless integration across ERP functions for end-to-end visibility
- Open-source community edition provides excellent value with no licensing fees
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and customization without technical expertise
- Performance can lag with very large datasets or complex configurations
- Enterprise features require paid subscriptions and occasional developer support
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers seeking an affordable, scalable ERP with strong production planning capabilities.
Pricing
Free open-source Community edition; Enterprise edition starts at $24.90/user/month per app bundle, with custom pricing for larger deployments.
ERPNext
otherOpen-source ERP with production planning, job cards, and manufacturing modules.
Integrated Production Planning tool that automatically generates optimized work orders from sales orders, material requests, and capacity analysis
ERPNext is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform with robust manufacturing modules designed for production management. It handles bill of materials (BOM), production planning, work orders, job cards, serial/batch tracking, quality inspections, and shop floor execution. The system integrates production processes seamlessly with inventory, purchasing, sales, and accounting for end-to-end visibility.
Pros
- Fully open-source and free to self-host with no licensing fees
- Comprehensive production tools including BOM, work orders, and real-time shop floor tracking
- Highly customizable via low-code platform and extensive module integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup for non-technical users
- Requires developer expertise for advanced customizations and maintenance
- User interface feels dated and less intuitive than modern specialized tools
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers seeking a cost-effective, fully customizable ERP with integrated production planning and execution.
Pricing
Open-source core is free; Frappe Cloud hosted plans start at ~$10/user/month with tiered options for scale.
PlanetTogether
specializedAdvanced planning and scheduling software for optimizing production capacity and resources.
Bidirectional ERP integrations that automatically sync schedules, jobs, and constraints in real-time
PlanetTogether is an advanced planning and scheduling (APS) software tailored for manufacturing, enabling finite capacity scheduling and optimization of production plans. It features visual Gantt charts with drag-and-drop functionality, what-if scenario modeling, and real-time adjustments to handle complex constraints like material availability and machine capacities. The platform excels in integrating bidirectionally with major ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, and Epicor, streamlining data flow for production managers.
Pros
- Seamless bidirectional integrations with 40+ ERP systems
- Powerful finite capacity scheduling and optimization algorithms
- Scalable for multi-plant and multi-resource operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and setup
- High cost with quote-based enterprise pricing
- Implementation can take time due to customization needs
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturers with complex, multi-site operations needing robust ERP-integrated APS.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription pricing, typically starting at $20,000-$50,000 annually depending on users, modules, and integrations.
Cin7
specializedInventory management platform supporting production builds, multi-warehouse, and e-commerce integration.
Integrated production orders that automatically deduct raw materials and add finished goods to inventory in real-time across all channels
Cin7 is a cloud-based inventory and operations management platform that extends into production management with features like bill of materials (BOM), production orders, assemblies, and serial/batch tracking. It automates material allocation, work order processing, and integrates production data with sales channels, accounting, and 3PL fulfillment for end-to-end visibility. While strong in inventory control, its production tools suit light manufacturing rather than complex shop floor scheduling.
Pros
- Robust BOM and production order management with automatic stock adjustments
- Seamless integrations with e-commerce, POS, and accounting systems
- Real-time multi-location inventory tracking across production and sales
Cons
- Limited advanced production scheduling and capacity planning tools
- Steep learning curve for full feature set and custom configurations
- Higher pricing may not suit very small operations
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses handling light manufacturing alongside multichannel inventory and order management.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Core plan (up to 4 users, basic production features); scales to $599+/month for Pro/Enterprise with advanced manufacturing and unlimited users; custom quotes available.
Plex
enterpriseSmart manufacturing platform combining MES, QMS, and ERP for end-to-end production control.
Automatic metadata fetching and transcoding for seamless streaming to any device
Plex is a media server platform that enables users to organize, stream, and access personal media libraries including movies, TV shows, music, and photos across multiple devices. It automatically fetches metadata, artwork, and subtitles to create a polished library interface and supports remote access via apps on TVs, phones, and computers. While excellent for home entertainment, Plex provides no tools for production management such as scheduling, task tracking, resource allocation, or workflow automation.
Pros
- Free core media organization and streaming
- Intuitive interface for media library setup
- Strong cross-device compatibility and remote access
Cons
- Zero production management capabilities like scheduling or task tracking
- No support for team collaboration or workflows
- Irrelevant for professional production environments
Best For
Home users or hobbyists managing personal media libraries, not production managers.
Pricing
Free tier available; Plex Pass premium features at $4.99/month, $39.99/year, or $119.99 lifetime.
Epicor Kinetic
enterpriseCloud ERP solution with production management, scheduling, and supply chain features for manufacturers.
Embedded MES and IoT connectivity for seamless real-time production data capture and analytics
Epicor Kinetic is a cloud-based ERP platform tailored for manufacturing industries, providing robust production management tools including scheduling, shop floor control, and inventory optimization. It integrates MES functionalities for real-time monitoring of production processes, quality management, and supply chain coordination. As a comprehensive solution, it supports discrete, process, and mixed-mode manufacturing environments with scalable deployment options.
Pros
- Extensive manufacturing-specific modules for scheduling, MES, and traceability
- Real-time IoT integration for shop floor visibility
- Highly customizable with low-code tools for tailored workflows
Cons
- Complex implementation requiring significant time and expertise
- Steep learning curve for non-technical production managers
- Premium pricing that may not suit smaller operations
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturers needing an integrated ERP with advanced production planning and execution capabilities.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription model, typically starting at $200-$500 per user/month depending on modules, deployment, and company size.
Conclusion
In the competitive landscape of production manager software, Katana emerges as the top choice, offering a seamless cloud-based MRP solution that integrates inventory, planning, and scheduling for manufacturing needs. MRPeasy shines as a versatile ERP option tailored for small and medium businesses, while Prodsmart leads with real-time shop floor management to enhance efficiency and quality control. Together, these tools cover diverse requirements, ensuring every manufacturer finds a strong fit.
Don’t miss out—explore Katana today to elevate your production process and unlock streamlined operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison