Quick Overview
- 1#1: MRPeasy - Cloud-based MRP system tailored for small manufacturers to handle production planning, inventory, purchasing, and CRM in one platform.
- 2#2: Katana MRP - Visual manufacturing platform that provides real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and sales order management for small businesses.
- 3#3: Odoo - Open-source ERP with a comprehensive MRP module for managing manufacturing, inventory, and supply chain operations affordably.
- 4#4: Fishbowl - Inventory management software with MRP features that integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for small business manufacturing.
- 5#5: ERPNext - Free open-source ERP system offering full MRP functionality including BOMs, production planning, and quality control for SMBs.
- 6#6: Cin7 - Cloud inventory and order management platform with MRP capabilities for multichannel small businesses in manufacturing and retail.
- 7#7: Unleashed - Inventory control software with light MRP features for tracking stock, assemblies, and multi-location operations in small firms.
- 8#8: Prodsmart - Real-time shop floor management tool with MRP elements for production tracking, scheduling, and performance analytics in small shops.
- 9#9: Dolibarr - Open-source ERP and CRM with MRP module for simple production management, inventory, and invoicing suited to very small businesses.
- 10#10: Exact Online - Cloud ERP solution with MRP for manufacturing processes, project management, and financials targeted at growing small businesses.
We evaluated tools based on core functionality (production scheduling, inventory tracking, CRM), user-friendliness, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring they meet the unique needs of small businesses across manufacturing and retail
Comparison Table
Selecting the right MRP software is essential for small businesses looking to optimize operations, track inventory, and improve productivity. This comparison table details popular tools like MRPeasy, Katana MRP, Odoo, Fishbowl, and ERPNext, examining features, usability, and ideal use cases. Readers will discover key insights to match software capabilities with their specific business needs, from manufacturing to retail.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MRPeasy Cloud-based MRP system tailored for small manufacturers to handle production planning, inventory, purchasing, and CRM in one platform. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | Katana MRP Visual manufacturing platform that provides real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and sales order management for small businesses. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Odoo Open-source ERP with a comprehensive MRP module for managing manufacturing, inventory, and supply chain operations affordably. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | Fishbowl Inventory management software with MRP features that integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for small business manufacturing. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | ERPNext Free open-source ERP system offering full MRP functionality including BOMs, production planning, and quality control for SMBs. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | Cin7 Cloud inventory and order management platform with MRP capabilities for multichannel small businesses in manufacturing and retail. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | Unleashed Inventory control software with light MRP features for tracking stock, assemblies, and multi-location operations in small firms. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | Prodsmart Real-time shop floor management tool with MRP elements for production tracking, scheduling, and performance analytics in small shops. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Dolibarr Open-source ERP and CRM with MRP module for simple production management, inventory, and invoicing suited to very small businesses. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | Exact Online Cloud ERP solution with MRP for manufacturing processes, project management, and financials targeted at growing small businesses. | enterprise | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
Cloud-based MRP system tailored for small manufacturers to handle production planning, inventory, purchasing, and CRM in one platform.
Visual manufacturing platform that provides real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and sales order management for small businesses.
Open-source ERP with a comprehensive MRP module for managing manufacturing, inventory, and supply chain operations affordably.
Inventory management software with MRP features that integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for small business manufacturing.
Free open-source ERP system offering full MRP functionality including BOMs, production planning, and quality control for SMBs.
Cloud inventory and order management platform with MRP capabilities for multichannel small businesses in manufacturing and retail.
Inventory control software with light MRP features for tracking stock, assemblies, and multi-location operations in small firms.
Real-time shop floor management tool with MRP elements for production tracking, scheduling, and performance analytics in small shops.
Open-source ERP and CRM with MRP module for simple production management, inventory, and invoicing suited to very small businesses.
Cloud ERP solution with MRP for manufacturing processes, project management, and financials targeted at growing small businesses.
MRPeasy
enterpriseCloud-based MRP system tailored for small manufacturers to handle production planning, inventory, purchasing, and CRM in one platform.
Visual drag-and-drop production scheduler that automatically calculates material needs and capacities in real-time
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, BOM handling, purchasing, and shop floor execution. It integrates CRM, reporting, and real-time scheduling to provide end-to-end visibility and control over manufacturing operations. Ideal for make-to-order and job shop environments, it helps businesses optimize material usage, reduce lead times, and boost profitability without the complexity of enterprise systems.
Pros
- Comprehensive MRP functionality including real-time production scheduling and multi-level BOM support
- Intuitive, user-friendly interface with mobile app for shop floor access
- Excellent value with scalable plans and no hidden fees
Cons
- Limited advanced customization options compared to enterprise solutions
- Reporting features could be more flexible for complex data analysis
- Customer support response times can vary during peak periods
Best For
Small manufacturers and job shops seeking an all-in-one, easy-to-implement MRP system to manage production, inventory, and orders efficiently.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (billed annually) for the Standard plan; scales to Gold ($59/user/month) and Platinum ($79/user/month) with more features; custom Enterprise pricing available.
Katana MRP
specializedVisual manufacturing platform that provides real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and sales order management for small businesses.
Visual live inventory and production planner with color-coded demand forecasting and drag-and-drop scheduling
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, focusing on inventory management, production scheduling, and order fulfillment. It provides real-time visibility into stock levels across multiple locations, supports complex bills of materials (BOMs), and enables visual drag-and-drop planning for efficient shop floor execution. Seamless integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks make it ideal for streamlining operations from sales to delivery.
Pros
- Intuitive visual interface with drag-and-drop production scheduling
- Real-time multi-location inventory tracking and low-stock alerts
- Robust integrations with Shopify, QuickBooks, and Xero
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with multiple locations or high order volumes
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Customization options for complex manufacturing processes can feel restrictive
Best For
Small manufacturers and makers handling make-to-order or make-to-stock production who prioritize ease of use and real-time insights over deep customization.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Maker plan) for basic features, up to $799+/month (Industrial plan) for advanced multi-location support; annual billing discounts available.
Odoo
enterpriseOpen-source ERP with a comprehensive MRP module for managing manufacturing, inventory, and supply chain operations affordably.
Modular app ecosystem with one-click installation of MRP-specific extensions like advanced planning and IoT integration
Odoo is an open-source, all-in-one ERP platform with robust MRP capabilities tailored for small businesses, enabling efficient management of manufacturing processes from bill of materials (BOM) creation to production scheduling, work orders, and quality control. It integrates seamlessly with inventory, sales, CRM, and accounting modules for a unified business operation. Its modular architecture allows customization and scalability without high upfront costs.
Pros
- Comprehensive MRP tools including multi-level BOMs, real-time production tracking, and PLM integration
- Free community edition with unlimited users and full MRP functionality
- Highly customizable via apps and open-source code for tailored workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring technical expertise
- Performance can lag with large datasets in the free version
- Advanced features and official support locked behind Enterprise paywall
Best For
Small manufacturing businesses needing an affordable, integrated MRP solution that scales with growth.
Pricing
Free Community edition; Enterprise starts at $24.90/user/month (billed annually) with app-based pricing.
Fishbowl
enterpriseInventory management software with MRP features that integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for small business manufacturing.
Advanced QuickBooks two-way sync for real-time inventory and financial data synchronization
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust MRP and inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, particularly in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution. It provides tools for tracking inventory across multiple locations, managing bills of materials (BOM), production scheduling, and order fulfillment with barcode support. The software stands out for its deep integration with QuickBooks, enabling seamless accounting synchronization without double-entry.
Pros
- Seamless two-way QuickBooks integration
- Comprehensive manufacturing and MRP tools including BOM and production planning
- Multi-location inventory tracking with barcode and RFID support
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Higher upfront costs compared to cloud-only competitors
- Occasional performance issues with large datasets
Best For
Small manufacturing businesses reliant on QuickBooks that need advanced inventory and production management.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at $4,395 for a single user, plus ~20% annual maintenance; cloud subscription options available from $169/month.
ERPNext
enterpriseFree open-source ERP system offering full MRP functionality including BOMs, production planning, and quality control for SMBs.
100% open-source architecture with no vendor lock-in, enabling unlimited customization and data ownership
ERPNext is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform tailored for small businesses, offering robust MRP capabilities including bill of materials (BOM), production planning, work orders, and inventory management. It integrates seamlessly with accounting, sales, purchasing, HR, and CRM modules to streamline operations. Designed for manufacturing and distribution, it provides end-to-end visibility without licensing costs.
Pros
- Fully open-source and free to self-host, minimizing costs
- Advanced MRP tools like multi-level BOMs, serial/batch tracking, and shop floor management
- Highly customizable with low-code tools and a large community ecosystem
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Self-hosting demands technical expertise for maintenance
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
Best For
Small manufacturing businesses seeking a cost-effective, customizable ERP with strong MRP features and the technical resources to handle self-hosting.
Pricing
Free open-source core; Frappe Cloud hosting starts at $10/site/month for basic plans, scaling to $25+/user/month for enterprise.
Cin7
enterpriseCloud inventory and order management platform with MRP capabilities for multichannel small businesses in manufacturing and retail.
3-way inventory matching across sales channels, suppliers, and warehouses for unmatched accuracy.
Cin7 is a cloud-based inventory and operations platform tailored for small to medium businesses, offering MRP capabilities like bill of materials, production planning, and multi-location stock control. It centralizes inventory across multiple sales channels including e-commerce, retail POS, and wholesale. The software automates order fulfillment, purchasing, and reporting to streamline operations for growing businesses with complex inventory needs.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with 700+ apps like Shopify, Amazon, and QuickBooks
- Real-time multi-channel inventory visibility and 3-way stock syncing
- Robust MRP tools including BOMs, kitting, and production scheduling
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Pricing can be high for very small businesses
- Occasional reports of customer support delays
Best For
Small businesses with multi-channel sales (e-commerce, retail, wholesale) needing integrated inventory and light MRP for growth.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Core plan (100 orders/month), scales to $649+ for higher volumes; annual discounts available, no free tier.
Unleashed
specializedInventory control software with light MRP features for tracking stock, assemblies, and multi-location operations in small firms.
Live, multi-currency inventory synchronization across unlimited warehouses and sales channels
Unleashed is a cloud-based inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, providing real-time tracking across multiple warehouses, purchase and sales order automation, and MRP tools like bills of materials (BOMs), production planning, and work orders. It integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms such as Shopify and Amazon, as well as accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks, enabling efficient order fulfillment and stock control. While strong in inventory visibility and light manufacturing, it focuses more on wholesale and distribution than complex production scheduling.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory tracking with no stock limits
- Strong e-commerce and accounting integrations for streamlined operations
- Comprehensive MRP module including BOMs, kits, and production reporting
Cons
- Pricing scales with monthly order volume, potentially expensive for high-volume users
- Manufacturing features lack advanced forecasting and capacity planning
- Initial setup and customization can have a learning curve
Best For
Small wholesalers, distributors, and light manufacturers needing accurate multi-channel inventory control without enterprise complexity.
Pricing
Tiered plans starting at ~$85 USD/month for up to 240 orders, scaling based on monthly order volume; annual discounts and custom enterprise options available.
Prodsmart
specializedReal-time shop floor management tool with MRP elements for production tracking, scheduling, and performance analytics in small shops.
Smartphone-based real-time data capture for shop floor operations, turning any mobile device into a production tracking tool
Prodsmart is a cloud-based Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and MRP solution tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering real-time shop floor visibility and control. It enables production tracking, inventory management, scheduling, and quality assurance through a mobile-first app that uses smartphones for data capture without specialized hardware. The platform helps reduce waste, improve efficiency, and provide actionable insights via dashboards and reports.
Pros
- Real-time production monitoring and traceability
- Mobile app eliminates need for scanners or hardware
- Strong focus on waste reduction and efficiency gains
Cons
- Limited advanced ERP integrations
- Pricing scales with production volume which can get costly
- Customization options are somewhat basic
Best For
Small manufacturers needing simple, mobile-driven shop floor management and real-time insights without heavy IT investment.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting around $200/month based on shop floor size, users, and production volume; free trial available.
Dolibarr
enterpriseOpen-source ERP and CRM with MRP module for simple production management, inventory, and invoicing suited to very small businesses.
Modular architecture lets users enable/disable MRP modules independently for a tailored, lightweight deployment
Dolibarr is a free, open-source ERP and CRM platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses, offering MRP capabilities through modules for inventory management, bills of materials (BOMs), manufacturing orders, and production planning. It integrates these with sales, purchasing, accounting, and HR functions for a comprehensive business management solution. While not a dedicated MRP powerhouse, it provides essential tools for basic manufacturing resource planning in resource-limited environments.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Highly modular system allowing activation of only needed MRP and ERP features
- Strong community support and extensive customization options
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels clunky and less intuitive
- MRP features are basic and lack advanced planning tools like APS or finite capacity scheduling
- Requires technical setup for self-hosting and can have a steep learning curve
Best For
Cost-conscious small manufacturers or workshops needing basic MRP integrated with general ERP functions without high expenses.
Pricing
Free open-source software; optional paid hosting starts at around €10/month, with enterprise support available.
Exact Online
enterpriseCloud ERP solution with MRP for manufacturing processes, project management, and financials targeted at growing small businesses.
Seamless real-time synchronization between production orders, inventory levels, and financial reporting.
Exact Online is a cloud-based ERP platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses, providing MRP capabilities including bill of materials (BOM) management, production planning, inventory tracking, and shop floor control. It integrates MRP seamlessly with financials, CRM, HR, and project management for comprehensive business oversight. This makes it suitable for manufacturers needing an all-in-one solution without dedicated MRP silos.
Pros
- Strong integration of MRP with accounting and inventory for real-time visibility
- Cloud-based accessibility with mobile apps for on-the-go management
- Compliance-focused features ideal for European SMBs
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for full MRP functionality
- Steep learning curve for non-accounting users in manufacturing modules
- Limited advanced analytics compared to specialized MRP tools
Best For
Small manufacturers in Europe needing integrated ERP with reliable MRP for inventory and production planning.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at €39/user/month for basics; MRP features in Premium (€89+/user/month) or Optimal plans.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 small business MRP tools reveals a range of solutions, each tailored to specific needs. MRPeasy earns the top spot, integrating production planning, inventory, purchasing, and CRM in one platform. Close behind, Katana MRP’s real-time visuals and scheduling, and Odoo’s affordable open-source ERP with comprehensive MRP, stand as strong alternatives for varied requirements.
To maximize efficiency and find the best fit for your small business, start by exploring MRPeasy—the top-ranked tool—and discover how it can transform your operational workflows.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison