Quick Overview
- 1#1: Katana MRP - Cloud-based visual MRP software that streamlines inventory management, production planning, and order fulfillment for small manufacturers.
- 2#2: MRPeasy - All-in-one cloud MRP system for small to medium manufacturers handling production scheduling, inventory tracking, procurement, and CRM.
- 3#3: Odoo Manufacturing - Modular open-source ERP with a robust manufacturing app for production planning, work orders, inventory, and PLM tailored to small businesses.
- 4#4: Fishbowl - Inventory management software with advanced manufacturing features like bill of materials, work orders, and QuickBooks integration for SMBs.
- 5#5: ERPNext - Open-source ERP platform offering comprehensive manufacturing tools including BOM, production planning, quality control, and serial tracking.
- 6#6: JobBOSS² - Shop management software for job shops and make-to-order manufacturers managing quoting, scheduling, inventory, and accounting.
- 7#7: Prodsmart - Real-time shop floor control software that tracks production, monitors efficiency, and provides actionable insights for small manufacturers.
- 8#8: E2 Shop System - Integrated ERP solution for job shops automating quoting, scheduling, inventory, quality, and accounting processes.
- 9#9: Cin7 Core - Cloud inventory management platform supporting light manufacturing, multi-channel sales, and B2B order automation for small businesses.
- 10#10: QT9 ERP - Cloud-based ERP for small manufacturers providing BOM management, production scheduling, inventory control, and compliance tools.
Tools were selected based on robust functionality (including inventory tracking, production planning, and integration), user experience, and value, ensuring they meet the unique demands of small businesses.
Comparison Table
Selecting the best manufacturing software is vital for small businesses to optimize workflows, but with diverse tools available, making the right choice requires clarity. This comparison table explores top options like Katana MRP, MRPeasy, Odoo Manufacturing, Fishbowl, ERPNext, and more, detailing key features, integration capabilities, and ease of use. Readers will discover which solution aligns with their specific needs, from inventory tracking to order management.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Katana MRP Cloud-based visual MRP software that streamlines inventory management, production planning, and order fulfillment for small manufacturers. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | MRPeasy All-in-one cloud MRP system for small to medium manufacturers handling production scheduling, inventory tracking, procurement, and CRM. | specialized | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 3 | Odoo Manufacturing Modular open-source ERP with a robust manufacturing app for production planning, work orders, inventory, and PLM tailored to small businesses. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | Fishbowl Inventory management software with advanced manufacturing features like bill of materials, work orders, and QuickBooks integration for SMBs. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | ERPNext Open-source ERP platform offering comprehensive manufacturing tools including BOM, production planning, quality control, and serial tracking. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | JobBOSS² Shop management software for job shops and make-to-order manufacturers managing quoting, scheduling, inventory, and accounting. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Prodsmart Real-time shop floor control software that tracks production, monitors efficiency, and provides actionable insights for small manufacturers. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | E2 Shop System Integrated ERP solution for job shops automating quoting, scheduling, inventory, quality, and accounting processes. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Cin7 Core Cloud inventory management platform supporting light manufacturing, multi-channel sales, and B2B order automation for small businesses. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | QT9 ERP Cloud-based ERP for small manufacturers providing BOM management, production scheduling, inventory control, and compliance tools. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
Cloud-based visual MRP software that streamlines inventory management, production planning, and order fulfillment for small manufacturers.
All-in-one cloud MRP system for small to medium manufacturers handling production scheduling, inventory tracking, procurement, and CRM.
Modular open-source ERP with a robust manufacturing app for production planning, work orders, inventory, and PLM tailored to small businesses.
Inventory management software with advanced manufacturing features like bill of materials, work orders, and QuickBooks integration for SMBs.
Open-source ERP platform offering comprehensive manufacturing tools including BOM, production planning, quality control, and serial tracking.
Shop management software for job shops and make-to-order manufacturers managing quoting, scheduling, inventory, and accounting.
Real-time shop floor control software that tracks production, monitors efficiency, and provides actionable insights for small manufacturers.
Integrated ERP solution for job shops automating quoting, scheduling, inventory, quality, and accounting processes.
Cloud inventory management platform supporting light manufacturing, multi-channel sales, and B2B order automation for small businesses.
Cloud-based ERP for small manufacturers providing BOM management, production scheduling, inventory control, and compliance tools.
Katana MRP
specializedCloud-based visual MRP software that streamlines inventory management, production planning, and order fulfillment for small manufacturers.
Live inventory syncing and visual production board that updates in real-time across sales channels, warehouses, and shop floor.
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning (MRP) software designed specifically for small to medium-sized manufacturers handling make-to-order or make-to-stock production. It offers real-time inventory tracking, visual production scheduling, bill of materials (BOM) management, and seamless order fulfillment. With robust integrations to e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks, Katana streamlines operations from sales orders to shop floor execution.
Pros
- Intuitive, visual interface with drag-and-drop scheduling
- Real-time multi-location inventory visibility and traceability
- Seamless integrations with 100+ apps including Shopify and Xero
Cons
- Reporting and analytics lack depth for complex needs
- Pricing scales quickly with additional users and locations
- Limited customization for highly specialized workflows
Best For
Small manufacturers with 1-50 employees needing an easy-to-implement MRP for inventory, production planning, and e-commerce order management.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Essentials for up to 5 users), $299/month (Professional), $799+/month (Enterprise); billed annually with a 14-day free trial.
MRPeasy
specializedAll-in-one cloud MRP system for small to medium manufacturers handling production scheduling, inventory tracking, procurement, and CRM.
Visual drag-and-drop production scheduling with automatic capacity planning and real-time rescheduling based on material availability and priorities
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP and ERP software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering end-to-end management from quoting and sales orders to production planning, inventory control, procurement, and shop floor execution. It provides real-time visibility into operations with features like BOM management, lot traceability, and automated scheduling to streamline workflows and reduce waste. Designed for discrete manufacturing environments such as make-to-order or engineer-to-order, it integrates CRM and basic accounting without requiring complex IT setups.
Pros
- Comprehensive MRP functionality including production scheduling, inventory tracking, and procurement in one platform
- Intuitive, web-based interface with minimal training needed for shop floor and office users
- Real-time data and mobile access for on-the-go manufacturing oversight
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with additional users, potentially costly for growing teams
- Limited support for process manufacturing or highly complex assemblies
- Reporting and customization options are functional but not as advanced as enterprise solutions
Best For
Small to midsize discrete manufacturers needing an affordable, all-in-one cloud MRP system for make-to-order or engineer-to-order production.
Pricing
Starts at $49 per user per month (annual billing) for basic plans, scaling with user count up to enterprise tiers around $99+ per user.
Odoo Manufacturing
enterpriseModular open-source ERP with a robust manufacturing app for production planning, work orders, inventory, and PLM tailored to small businesses.
Real-time manufacturing dashboard with seamless cross-module integration for sales-to-production workflows
Odoo Manufacturing is a robust module within the open-source Odoo ERP suite, enabling small businesses to manage end-to-end production processes including MRP, work orders, inventory tracking, and quality control. It supports discrete, batch, and flow manufacturing with real-time planning and scheduling tools. The platform's modularity allows seamless integration with sales, purchasing, and accounting apps for a unified workflow.
Pros
- Comprehensive MRP and production planning tools
- Fully integrated ERP ecosystem
- Open-source with high customizability
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and configuration
- Advanced features often require Enterprise edition
- Performance can lag with large datasets without optimization
Best For
Small to mid-sized manufacturers needing an affordable, scalable ERP that integrates manufacturing with business operations.
Pricing
Free Community edition; Enterprise starts at $24/user/month (annual billing) with app-based pricing.
Fishbowl
specializedInventory management software with advanced manufacturing features like bill of materials, work orders, and QuickBooks integration for SMBs.
Two-way, real-time QuickBooks integration that keeps inventory, orders, and financials perfectly synchronized without manual data entry.
Fishbowl is a robust inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses in manufacturing, distribution, and warehousing. It provides advanced features like bill of materials (BOM), work order management, multi-location inventory tracking, and barcode scanning for efficient production and fulfillment. The platform excels in seamless integration with QuickBooks, enabling real-time synchronization of inventory, sales, and accounting data.
Pros
- Deep QuickBooks integration for effortless accounting sync
- Comprehensive manufacturing tools including BOM, production planning, and lot/serial tracking
- Multi-warehouse support with mobile barcode scanning
Cons
- Desktop application with a steeper learning curve and setup time
- High upfront perpetual license costs
- Reporting and analytics not as intuitive or customizable as cloud-native competitors
Best For
Small manufacturers using QuickBooks who need affordable, feature-rich inventory and light MRP capabilities.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses from $4,395 (Warehouse edition) to $13,195 (Manufacturing edition), plus ~20% annual maintenance; subscription options available via partners.
ERPNext
enterpriseOpen-source ERP platform offering comprehensive manufacturing tools including BOM, production planning, quality control, and serial tracking.
Fully open-source architecture enabling unlimited customization and scalability without licensing fees
ERPNext is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering robust manufacturing modules including Bill of Materials (BOM), production planning, work orders, quality inspections, and shop floor management. It integrates seamlessly with accounting, inventory, CRM, HR, and project management, providing an all-in-one solution without the need for multiple tools. As a fully customizable system built on the Frappe framework, it supports serial and batch tracking, subcontracting, and multi-level manufacturing processes, making it suitable for diverse production environments.
Pros
- Extensive manufacturing capabilities like BOM management, production planning, and quality control at no core licensing cost
- Open-source and highly customizable with low-code tools, avoiding vendor lock-in
- Integrated ecosystem covering inventory, accounting, and sales for streamlined operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring technical expertise
- Outdated user interface compared to modern SaaS competitors
- Self-hosting demands IT resources; cloud hosting adds recurring costs
Best For
Small manufacturing businesses with technical staff seeking a free, customizable all-in-one ERP without subscription lock-in.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted version; Frappe Cloud hosting from $10/user/month (Standard) to $25/user/month (Enterprise); one-time implementation fees for support.
JobBOSS²
specializedShop management software for job shops and make-to-order manufacturers managing quoting, scheduling, inventory, and accounting.
Advanced job traveler system for real-time shop floor monitoring and paperless production control
JobBOSS² is a robust ERP software designed specifically for job shops and make-to-order manufacturers in small to mid-sized businesses. It handles end-to-end operations including quoting, job scheduling, inventory management, purchasing, production tracking, and integrated accounting. The platform provides detailed shop floor visibility and customizable workflows to optimize custom manufacturing processes.
Pros
- Comprehensive job costing and real-time production tracking
- Integrated accounting and ERP modules reduce need for multiple tools
- Strong customization for make-to-order workflows
Cons
- Outdated interface with steep learning curve
- Complex implementation often requiring extensive training
- Pricing can be high for very small shops
Best For
Small to mid-sized job shops and custom manufacturers needing detailed shop floor management and job tracking.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at around $150-$250 per user/month, plus implementation and training fees.
Prodsmart
specializedReal-time shop floor control software that tracks production, monitors efficiency, and provides actionable insights for small manufacturers.
Live Production Control Center for instant shop floor visibility and operator guidance via QR codes and digital instructions
Prodsmart is a cloud-based Manufacturing Execution System (MES) designed for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering real-time shop floor visibility, production tracking, and performance analytics. It enables digital work instructions, inventory management, quality control, and OEE optimization through mobile apps and rugged devices. The platform helps streamline discrete manufacturing processes, reduce waste, and ensure traceability without requiring extensive IT infrastructure.
Pros
- Real-time production monitoring and OEE tracking via intuitive dashboards
- Mobile-first design with rugged tablet support for shop floor use
- Quick deployment and minimal hardware needs for small businesses
Cons
- Pricing scales with machines/users, potentially costly for very small operations
- Limited advanced ERP integrations compared to enterprise MES solutions
- Customization options can feel restrictive for highly unique workflows
Best For
Small to medium discrete manufacturers seeking affordable shop floor digitization and real-time efficiency gains.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $250/month for basic plans, scaling by number of machines/users (typically $50-100 per machine/month).
E2 Shop System
enterpriseIntegrated ERP solution for job shops automating quoting, scheduling, inventory, quality, and accounting processes.
Automatic machine data collection for real-time production tracking and efficiency analytics
E2 Shop System from Shoptech is an on-premise ERP software tailored for small to mid-sized job shops and make-to-order manufacturers. It manages the full workflow from quoting and order entry to production scheduling, shop floor control, inventory, quality management, and accounting. The system emphasizes real-time data collection and visibility, integrating with CNC machines and CAD/CAM tools for efficient operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive end-to-end job shop management
- Real-time shop floor data collection and monitoring
- Strong integrations with manufacturing tools like CNC and nesting software
Cons
- Outdated Windows-based interface feels legacy
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- High upfront costs with perpetual licensing model
Best For
Small to mid-sized job shops and contract manufacturers needing robust on-premise ERP for quote-to-cash processes.
Pricing
Quote-based perpetual licenses starting around $10,000-$20,000 for base systems, plus annual maintenance fees of 15-20%.
Cin7 Core
specializedCloud inventory management platform supporting light manufacturing, multi-channel sales, and B2B order automation for small businesses.
Unified real-time inventory syncing across e-commerce platforms and physical stock for seamless omnichannel operations
Cin7 Core is a cloud-based inventory management software tailored for small businesses, providing real-time stock tracking across multiple sales channels like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay. It supports light manufacturing needs with bill of materials (BOM), assemblies, kitting, and basic work orders for production planning. While not a full MRP system, it streamlines order fulfillment, purchasing, and reporting for growing manufacturers.
Pros
- Strong e-commerce integrations for omnichannel sales
- Real-time inventory visibility across locations
- Straightforward BOM and assembly tools for basic manufacturing
Cons
- Limited to 2 users, requiring upgrade for teams
- Lacks advanced features like production scheduling or capacity planning
- Pricing can escalate quickly when scaling beyond core needs
Best For
Small manufacturers with online sales channels needing simple inventory control and light production without complex ERP.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month (USD equivalent) for 2 users with unlimited products and orders; scales up for more users and features.
QT9 ERP
enterpriseCloud-based ERP for small manufacturers providing BOM management, production scheduling, inventory control, and compliance tools.
No-code drag-and-drop form builder for creating unlimited custom apps and workflows without IT support
QT9 ERP is a cloud-based, paperless ERP solution tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, integrating robust quality management with core manufacturing functions like inventory control, BOM management, production scheduling, and MRP. It excels in compliance-heavy environments with tools for CAPA, audits, nonconformance tracking, supplier management, and training records. The platform emphasizes customization through no-code form builders and real-time dashboards to streamline operations from procurement to shipping.
Pros
- Integrated QMS with manufacturing ERP reduces need for multiple tools
- Highly customizable no-code forms and workflows adapt to specific processes
- Real-time analytics and mobile access for shop floor efficiency
Cons
- Steep learning curve for configuring advanced modules
- Pricing requires custom quotes, lacking transparency for small budgets
- Limited native integrations with popular accounting or CRM systems
Best For
Small manufacturers in regulated industries like medical devices or aerospace that prioritize quality compliance alongside basic ERP needs.
Pricing
Custom quote required; typically starts around $2,000/month for base modules with per-user scaling.
Conclusion
After assessing a spectrum of tools designed for small manufacturers, the top rankings highlight software that excels at streamlining operations. Katana MRP stands out as the top choice, offering seamless integration of inventory, production, and order fulfillment. MRPeasy and Odoo Manufacturing follow closely, each providing unique strengths in all-in-one management or modular flexibility, ensuring there’s a strong option for diverse business needs.
Take the first step toward optimized manufacturing—explore Katana MRP today and discover how it can transform your workflow, boost efficiency, and drive growth for your small business.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison