Quick Overview
- 1#1: MRPeasy - Cloud-based MRP software for small manufacturers to plan production, manage inventory, track orders, and handle procurement.
- 2#2: Katana MRP - Visual manufacturing ERP that syncs inventory, sales channels, and production planning for small makers and workshops.
- 3#3: Odoo - Open-source all-in-one ERP platform with manufacturing, inventory, CRM, and accounting modules for small businesses.
- 4#4: Fishbowl - Inventory management software with manufacturing, warehousing, and QuickBooks integration for small operations.
- 5#5: ERPNext - Open-source ERP system offering production planning, inventory control, and project management for small manufacturers.
- 6#6: Cin7 - Cloud inventory platform with manufacturing orders, B2B sales, and multichannel e-commerce integration.
- 7#7: Unleashed - Cloud-based inventory and manufacturing software for tracking stock, production, and supply chain in real-time.
- 8#8: Prodsmart - Real-time shop floor management app for tracking production, materials, and performance in small factories.
- 9#9: JobBOSS² - Shop management software for job shops handling quoting, scheduling, inventory, and accounting.
- 10#10: E2 SHOP SYSTEM - ERP/MRP solution for small to mid-sized job shops with quoting, scheduling, and quality control features.
We evaluated solutions based on feature depth (tailored to small-scale needs), user experience (intuitive design for non-technical teams), reliability, and value, prioritizing tools that deliver tangible ROI through streamlined processes.
Comparison Table
Small manufacturing businesses depend on tailored software to optimize operations, and this comparison table simplifies the choice with tools like MRPeasy, Katana MRP, Odoo, Fishbowl, ERPNext, and more. Readers will gain insights into key features, pricing models, and integration strengths to find software that aligns with their production, inventory, and order management needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MRPeasy Cloud-based MRP software for small manufacturers to plan production, manage inventory, track orders, and handle procurement. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | Katana MRP Visual manufacturing ERP that syncs inventory, sales channels, and production planning for small makers and workshops. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Odoo Open-source all-in-one ERP platform with manufacturing, inventory, CRM, and accounting modules for small businesses. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | Fishbowl Inventory management software with manufacturing, warehousing, and QuickBooks integration for small operations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | ERPNext Open-source ERP system offering production planning, inventory control, and project management for small manufacturers. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.1/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 6 | Cin7 Cloud inventory platform with manufacturing orders, B2B sales, and multichannel e-commerce integration. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Unleashed Cloud-based inventory and manufacturing software for tracking stock, production, and supply chain in real-time. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Prodsmart Real-time shop floor management app for tracking production, materials, and performance in small factories. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | JobBOSS² Shop management software for job shops handling quoting, scheduling, inventory, and accounting. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.7/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | E2 SHOP SYSTEM ERP/MRP solution for small to mid-sized job shops with quoting, scheduling, and quality control features. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.2/10 | 7.1/10 |
Cloud-based MRP software for small manufacturers to plan production, manage inventory, track orders, and handle procurement.
Visual manufacturing ERP that syncs inventory, sales channels, and production planning for small makers and workshops.
Open-source all-in-one ERP platform with manufacturing, inventory, CRM, and accounting modules for small businesses.
Inventory management software with manufacturing, warehousing, and QuickBooks integration for small operations.
Open-source ERP system offering production planning, inventory control, and project management for small manufacturers.
Cloud inventory platform with manufacturing orders, B2B sales, and multichannel e-commerce integration.
Cloud-based inventory and manufacturing software for tracking stock, production, and supply chain in real-time.
Real-time shop floor management app for tracking production, materials, and performance in small factories.
Shop management software for job shops handling quoting, scheduling, inventory, and accounting.
ERP/MRP solution for small to mid-sized job shops with quoting, scheduling, and quality control features.
MRPeasy
enterpriseCloud-based MRP software for small manufacturers to plan production, manage inventory, track orders, and handle procurement.
Real-time MRP with automatic forward/backward scheduling and infinite capacity planning for dynamic production adjustments
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP and ERP software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering comprehensive tools for production planning, inventory management, CRM, procurement, and shop floor control. It enables real-time visibility into operations, accurate material requirements planning (MRP), and efficient scheduling to eliminate spreadsheets and manual errors. Ideal for discrete and repetitive manufacturing, it scales with business growth while remaining intuitive and cost-effective.
Pros
- Powerful MRP engine handles multi-level BOMs and real-time recalculations for precise planning
- Intuitive interface with mobile app support for shop floor execution
- Excellent value with unlimited production orders and strong integrations like QuickBooks
Cons
- Customization options are somewhat limited compared to enterprise ERPs
- Advanced analytics and forecasting require higher-tier plans
- Steeper initial learning curve for complex production setups
Best For
Small manufacturing businesses with discrete or repetitive production needing an affordable, all-in-one MRP solution to manage inventory and scheduling efficiently.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month for the first user + $29/additional user (billed annually); scales with users, includes 30-day free trial.
Katana MRP
specializedVisual manufacturing ERP that syncs inventory, sales channels, and production planning for small makers and workshops.
Live GPS-tracked inventory that auto-syncs stock levels across all sales channels and locations in real-time
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning 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 execution, with seamless integrations to e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks. The platform excels in providing visual production planning and multi-warehouse support, helping businesses scale without the complexity of traditional ERPs.
Pros
- Real-time inventory synchronization across sales channels and warehouses
- Intuitive visual production scheduling and automated reorder points
- Strong integrations with popular e-commerce and accounting software
Cons
- Higher-tier plans can become expensive for multi-facility operations
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise ERPs
- Initial setup requires accurate BOM data entry which can take time
Best For
Small make-to-order or make-to-stock manufacturers seeking an intuitive MRP to manage inventory and production without overwhelming complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Starter plan for single facility, up to 100 orders/month), Pro at $299/month, Business at $799/month; annual discounts available, free trial offered.
Odoo
enterpriseOpen-source all-in-one ERP platform with manufacturing, inventory, CRM, and accounting modules for small businesses.
Advanced MRP II module with real-time shop floor execution, multi-level BoMs, and IoT integration for automated production tracking
Odoo is an open-source, all-in-one ERP platform with a robust Manufacturing module designed for small businesses, handling production planning, bills of materials (BoMs), work orders, inventory tracking, and quality control. It integrates seamlessly with sales, purchasing, CRM, and accounting to streamline end-to-end operations. Ideal for small manufacturers, it supports scalability from basic shop floor management to advanced PLM and IoT-enabled production monitoring.
Pros
- Highly modular with deep manufacturing capabilities including MRP, routings, and serial/lot traceability
- Integrated ecosystem covering inventory, procurement, and sales without needing third-party tools
- Free community edition with strong open-source community support
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring configuration expertise
- Performance can lag with large datasets or heavy customizations
- Enterprise features and premium support add significant ongoing costs
Best For
Small manufacturing businesses needing a scalable, integrated ERP that grows from basic production to full operations management.
Pricing
Free open-source Community edition; Enterprise plans start at $24.90/user/month (billed annually) plus optional hosting from $10/user/month.
Fishbowl
enterpriseInventory management software with manufacturing, warehousing, and QuickBooks integration for small operations.
Deep, bidirectional QuickBooks integration that automates inventory and financial data synchronization
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust, QuickBooks-integrated inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturing and distribution businesses. It provides advanced tools for multi-location tracking, bill of materials (BOM) management, work orders, and production planning. The platform excels in real-time inventory visibility and order fulfillment, making it suitable for manufacturers needing precise control over production processes.
Pros
- Seamless two-way integration with QuickBooks for accounting sync
- Comprehensive manufacturing modules including BOM, nesting, and scheduling
- Strong multi-location inventory tracking and reporting capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- Primarily desktop-based (Windows only), limiting mobility
- High upfront licensing costs with annual maintenance fees
Best For
Small manufacturers using QuickBooks who require advanced inventory and production management without changing their accounting system.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $4,395 for Warehouse edition and $5,995 for Manufacturing; includes annual maintenance (~25% of license cost).
ERPNext
enterpriseOpen-source ERP system offering production planning, inventory control, and project management for small manufacturers.
Advanced manufacturing module with real-time shop floor tracking, perpetual inventory, and integrated quality management
ERPNext is a comprehensive open-source ERP system tailored for small to medium businesses, with robust modules for manufacturing including Bill of Materials (BOM), production planning, work orders, quality control, and inventory management. It integrates seamlessly with accounting, sales, CRM, HR, and procurement to streamline operations end-to-end. Ideal for manufacturers seeking a flexible, customizable solution without vendor lock-in.
Pros
- Open-source and completely free core software with no licensing fees
- Powerful manufacturing tools like multi-level BOM, serial/batch tracking, and shop floor execution
- Highly customizable via low-code platform and extensive app ecosystem
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Initial setup requires IT expertise or paid hosting/services
- UI feels dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
Best For
Cost-conscious small manufacturers needing scalable, customizable ERP for production, inventory, and multi-site operations.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted version; Frappe Cloud hosting starts at $10/user/month for basic plans.
Cin7
enterpriseCloud inventory platform with manufacturing orders, B2B sales, and multichannel e-commerce integration.
Seamless multi-channel synchronization that unifies inventory, orders, and production across retail, wholesale, and online sales in real-time.
Cin7 is a cloud-based operations platform that provides comprehensive inventory management, order fulfillment, and light manufacturing tools for multi-channel businesses. It supports bill of materials (BOMs), production orders, assemblies, and real-time stock tracking across multiple warehouses and sales channels like e-commerce, POS, and marketplaces. Ideal for small manufacturers handling both production and distribution, it integrates deeply with accounting and sales platforms to streamline operations.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce (Shopify, Amazon), POS, and accounting (Xero, QuickBooks)
- Real-time multi-warehouse inventory and production tracking with BOM support
- Built-in B2B portal and automated order fulfillment
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Pricing is relatively high for very small operations
- Lacks advanced manufacturing features like full MRP or shop floor control
Best For
Small manufacturers with multi-channel sales who need strong inventory visibility and light production management alongside e-commerce integration.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Core (up to 100 orders/month), scales to $649+ for Pro/Advanced tiers; custom enterprise pricing available.
Unleashed
enterpriseCloud-based inventory and manufacturing software for tracking stock, production, and supply chain in real-time.
Advanced multi-warehouse inventory tracking with automated replenishment and demand forecasting
Unleashed is a cloud-based inventory management platform tailored for small to medium businesses in wholesale, distribution, and light manufacturing sectors. It excels in real-time stock tracking across multiple locations, bill of materials (BOM) management, product assemblies, purchase orders, and sales fulfillment. While not a full ERP, it integrates seamlessly with accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks, making it suitable for streamlined operations in smaller manufacturing setups.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory visibility and forecasting
- Robust BOM and assembly tools for light manufacturing
- Strong integrations with e-commerce and accounting platforms
Cons
- Limited advanced production scheduling or shop floor control
- Pricing scales quickly with order volume, potentially costly for growth
- Reporting lacks depth for complex manufacturing analytics
Best For
Small manufacturers focused on inventory-intensive assembly and distribution rather than heavy discrete production.
Pricing
Usage-based tiers starting at $349 AUD/month for up to 200 orders, scaling to $1,499+ for higher volumes; no per-user fees.
Prodsmart
specializedReal-time shop floor management app for tracking production, materials, and performance in small factories.
Live OEE dashboards with drill-down analytics accessible via any mobile device
Prodsmart is a cloud-based Manufacturing Execution System (MES) tailored for small and medium-sized manufacturers, providing real-time visibility into shop floor operations. It enables paperless production management, tracks work orders, monitors machine utilization and downtime, and calculates OEE to drive efficiency improvements. The mobile-first platform supports operators with digital instructions and quality checks, helping businesses reduce waste and optimize production schedules.
Pros
- Real-time production tracking and OEE analytics
- Intuitive mobile app for shop floor operators
- Paperless workflows that reduce errors and waste
Cons
- Quote-based pricing lacks transparency
- Limited advanced ERP integrations out-of-the-box
- Customization options are somewhat restricted
Best For
Small manufacturers transitioning to digital shop floor management who need quick real-time insights without heavy IT involvement.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $200-$500/month for basic setups, scaling with users, production lines, and features.
JobBOSS²
enterpriseShop management software for job shops handling quoting, scheduling, inventory, and accounting.
Real-time job costing engine that breaks down labor, materials, and overhead for accurate profitability analysis per job
JobBOSS² is a robust ERP software tailored for small to medium-sized job shops and make-to-order manufacturers, handling everything from quoting and order management to production scheduling, inventory control, and integrated accounting. It provides real-time job tracking, resource management, and detailed cost analysis to optimize shop floor operations and profitability. The platform supports barcode scanning, quality control, and CRM features, making it a comprehensive solution for complex manufacturing workflows.
Pros
- Comprehensive job costing and tracking for precise profitability insights
- Integrated accounting and inventory management reduces need for multiple tools
- Strong scheduling and shop floor control tailored to job shops
Cons
- Steep learning curve and outdated user interface
- High implementation time and costs
- Limited native mobile app functionality
Best For
Small job shops and custom manufacturers needing detailed production tracking and ERP integration without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically $150-$350 per user/month for cloud version, with modular add-ons and on-premise options available.
E2 SHOP SYSTEM
enterpriseERP/MRP solution for small to mid-sized job shops with quoting, scheduling, and quality control features.
Finite capacity scheduling with real-time visual dispatching boards
E2 Shop System by Shoptech is an on-premise ERP software designed specifically for job shops and make-to-order manufacturers in small to mid-sized businesses. It offers end-to-end functionality including quoting, finite capacity scheduling, real-time shop floor data collection, inventory management, and integrated accounting. The system emphasizes operational efficiency through visual dispatching boards and paperless shop floor execution, helping manufacturers streamline production workflows.
Pros
- Powerful finite capacity scheduling for job shops
- Real-time shop floor visibility and data collection
- Seamless integration of manufacturing and accounting modules
Cons
- On-premise deployment only, no cloud option
- Steep learning curve and complex setup
- High upfront costs with ongoing maintenance fees
Best For
Small job shops and make-to-order manufacturers seeking robust on-premise scheduling and shop floor control.
Pricing
Quote-based; typically $15,000-$30,000 one-time license fee plus 15-20% annual maintenance.
Conclusion
The top 10 tools offer diverse solutions for small manufacturers, but MRPeasy leads as the top choice, excelling in comprehensive production planning and inventory management. Katana MRP and Odoo follow closely, with Katana impressing through its visual, synced workflow and Odoo standing out for its open-source all-in-one flexibility. Whether prioritizing simplicity, integration, or customization, these tools empower growth. Don’t miss out—start with MRPeasy to streamline your manufacturing processes and unlock operational excellence.
Ready to elevate your small manufacturing business? Dive into MRPeasy today and experience how its robust features simplify production planning, inventory management, and order tracking—turning challenges into opportunities for success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison