Quick Overview
- 1#1: E2 Shop System - All-in-one ERP for job shops and fabrication businesses, streamlining quoting, scheduling, inventory, time tracking, and accounting tailored for welding operations.
- 2#2: JobBOSS² - Robust shop management software for make-to-order manufacturers like welding shops, handling estimating, order processing, inventory, and CRM.
- 3#3: Global Shop Solutions - Integrated ERP system providing end-to-end management for job shops, including welding project tracking, material management, and financials.
- 4#4: StruMIS - Specialized steel fabrication management software with nesting, production control, and welding tracking for structural steel shops.
- 5#5: FabSuite - Comprehensive management suite for steel fabrication shops, covering estimating, nesting, production scheduling, and welding quality control.
- 6#6: Cheetah - Flexible shop floor management software for custom fabrication and welding, with real-time job tracking, inventory, and quoting tools.
- 7#7: MIE Trak - Enterprise shop management solution for job shops including welding, featuring CAD integration, quoting, scheduling, and quality assurance.
- 8#8: Prodsmart - Real-time shop floor control software for manufacturing and welding shops, offering production tracking, quality checks, and performance analytics.
- 9#9: MRPeasy - Cloud MRP software for small to medium welding and fabrication shops, managing production planning, inventory, and CRM affordably.
- 10#10: Katana MRP - Inventory and manufacturing planning tool for make-to-order welding businesses, providing live inventory tracking and production scheduling.
We evaluated these tools based on industry-specific capabilities (including welding tracking, nesting, and scheduling), usability, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they address the unique challenges of welding job shops and fabrication businesses.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top welding shop management software tools, featuring E2 Shop System, JobBOSS², Global Shop Solutions, StruMIS, FabSuite, and more, to assist users in assessing their operational needs. By examining key functionalities, integration capabilities, and performance, readers will discover which software best aligns with tasks like project tracking, resource management, and workflow optimization for their welding business.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | E2 Shop System All-in-one ERP for job shops and fabrication businesses, streamlining quoting, scheduling, inventory, time tracking, and accounting tailored for welding operations. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | JobBOSS² Robust shop management software for make-to-order manufacturers like welding shops, handling estimating, order processing, inventory, and CRM. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | Global Shop Solutions Integrated ERP system providing end-to-end management for job shops, including welding project tracking, material management, and financials. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | StruMIS Specialized steel fabrication management software with nesting, production control, and welding tracking for structural steel shops. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 5 | FabSuite Comprehensive management suite for steel fabrication shops, covering estimating, nesting, production scheduling, and welding quality control. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Cheetah Flexible shop floor management software for custom fabrication and welding, with real-time job tracking, inventory, and quoting tools. | specialized | 6.5/10 | 6.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 7 | MIE Trak Enterprise shop management solution for job shops including welding, featuring CAD integration, quoting, scheduling, and quality assurance. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 8 | Prodsmart Real-time shop floor control software for manufacturing and welding shops, offering production tracking, quality checks, and performance analytics. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | MRPeasy Cloud MRP software for small to medium welding and fabrication shops, managing production planning, inventory, and CRM affordably. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | Katana MRP Inventory and manufacturing planning tool for make-to-order welding businesses, providing live inventory tracking and production scheduling. | specialized | 7.0/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
All-in-one ERP for job shops and fabrication businesses, streamlining quoting, scheduling, inventory, time tracking, and accounting tailored for welding operations.
Robust shop management software for make-to-order manufacturers like welding shops, handling estimating, order processing, inventory, and CRM.
Integrated ERP system providing end-to-end management for job shops, including welding project tracking, material management, and financials.
Specialized steel fabrication management software with nesting, production control, and welding tracking for structural steel shops.
Comprehensive management suite for steel fabrication shops, covering estimating, nesting, production scheduling, and welding quality control.
Flexible shop floor management software for custom fabrication and welding, with real-time job tracking, inventory, and quoting tools.
Enterprise shop management solution for job shops including welding, featuring CAD integration, quoting, scheduling, and quality assurance.
Real-time shop floor control software for manufacturing and welding shops, offering production tracking, quality checks, and performance analytics.
Cloud MRP software for small to medium welding and fabrication shops, managing production planning, inventory, and CRM affordably.
Inventory and manufacturing planning tool for make-to-order welding businesses, providing live inventory tracking and production scheduling.
E2 Shop System
enterpriseAll-in-one ERP for job shops and fabrication businesses, streamlining quoting, scheduling, inventory, time tracking, and accounting tailored for welding operations.
Advanced drag-and-drop scheduling engine with automatic rescheduling and finite capacity planning optimized for dynamic welding production flows
E2 Shop System by ShopTech is a comprehensive ERP/MRP solution tailored for job shops and make-to-order manufacturers, including welding and fabrication operations. It manages the full lifecycle from quoting and order entry to production scheduling, shop floor tracking, inventory control, quality assurance, and integrated accounting. Ideal for welding shops, it provides precise job costing, real-time labor tracking, and customizable workflows to handle complex multi-process jobs like cutting, welding, and assembly.
Pros
- Robust job costing and profitability analysis tailored for welding and fabrication workflows
- Real-time shop floor data collection via touchscreen kiosks and mobile devices for accurate labor tracking
- Seamless integration of quoting, scheduling, inventory, and accounting in one system
Cons
- On-premise deployment requires IT infrastructure and maintenance
- Steep initial learning curve despite intuitive interface updates
- Pricing is custom quote-only, lacking public transparency
Best For
Mid-sized welding shops and metal fabrication job shops needing an all-in-one ERP for complex order management and operational efficiency.
Pricing
Custom quote based on modules and users; typically $10,000+ upfront implementation with annual subscriptions from $5,000-$25,000.
JobBOSS²
enterpriseRobust shop management software for make-to-order manufacturers like welding shops, handling estimating, order processing, inventory, and CRM.
Advanced job costing with real-time labor collection and material traceability optimized for welding workflows
JobBOSS² by ECI Software Solutions is a robust ERP platform designed for job shops and make-to-order manufacturers, including welding and fabrication operations. It provides end-to-end management from quoting and order processing to shop floor scheduling, inventory control, quality management, and integrated accounting. For welding shops, it excels in handling complex bills of materials, labor tracking, and job costing for custom weldments and assemblies.
Pros
- Comprehensive ERP integration covering quoting, scheduling, inventory, and financials
- Strong job costing, labor tracking, and BOM/routing for complex welding projects
- Customizable reporting and integrations with nesting software like SigmaNEST
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for new users
- Higher pricing may not suit very small shops
- Limited native mobile app functionality
Best For
Mid-sized welding shops managing custom fabrication with needs for detailed job tracking and full ERP integration.
Pricing
Quote-based SaaS pricing, typically $200-$400 per user per month depending on modules and users.
Global Shop Solutions
enterpriseIntegrated ERP system providing end-to-end management for job shops, including welding project tracking, material management, and financials.
Patented finite capacity scheduler with drag-and-drop visual planning for precise welding job sequencing
Global Shop Solutions is a robust ERP/MRP system tailored for discrete manufacturers like welding shops, offering end-to-end management from quoting and order entry to production scheduling, inventory control, and financial reporting. It excels in handling complex job shop environments with features like finite capacity scheduling and real-time shop floor data collection. The software integrates seamlessly across departments, helping welding operations optimize material usage, track weld certifications, and improve throughput efficiency.
Pros
- Advanced finite capacity scheduling prevents overloading and optimizes welding production timelines
- Comprehensive inventory and BOM management handles raw materials, consumables, and custom weldments
- Strong MES integration for real-time tracking of welding jobs, quality inspections, and labor
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation, often requiring extensive training for welding shop staff
- High upfront costs and customization fees make it less accessible for smaller welding operations
- Interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-native alternatives, impacting daily usability
Best For
Mid-sized welding shops with complex, custom job requirements needing integrated ERP for scheduling, inventory, and shop floor control.
Pricing
Custom pricing with upfront implementation costs starting at $50,000+, plus annual maintenance fees around 15-20% of license; per-user modules available.
StruMIS
specializedSpecialized steel fabrication management software with nesting, production control, and welding tracking for structural steel shops.
Integrated 3D nesting engine that automatically optimizes weldment layouts across sheets for maximum material efficiency
StruMIS is a specialized ERP software tailored for structural steel fabrication shops, including those heavily involved in welding processes. It manages the full lifecycle from quoting, estimating, and drawing management to nesting, production scheduling, shop floor tracking, and job costing. The system excels in integrating design data with manufacturing execution, providing real-time visibility and optimization for complex fabrication workflows.
Pros
- Comprehensive end-to-end workflow for steel fabrication including welding tracking
- Advanced nesting and material optimization to reduce waste
- Robust reporting and job costing for precise profitability analysis
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its complexity and customization needs
- High implementation and ongoing costs unsuitable for small shops
- Primarily focused on structural steel, less flexible for general welding operations
Best For
Mid-to-large structural steel fabrication shops managing complex welding-intensive projects.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically $20,000+ annually depending on modules, users, and implementation.
FabSuite
specializedComprehensive management suite for steel fabrication shops, covering estimating, nesting, production scheduling, and welding quality control.
Advanced shop floor control with wireless data collection terminals for precise real-time tracking of welding and fabrication activities
FabSuite is a robust ERP solution designed specifically for metal fabrication and welding shops, managing the entire workflow from estimating and quoting to production scheduling, inventory control, and job costing. It provides real-time shop floor visibility through data collection terminals and supports complex fabrication processes like welding, cutting, and assembly. The software integrates with CAD systems, accounting packages, and nesting software for streamlined operations in structural steel and custom fab environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive end-to-end fabrication management including advanced scheduling and job tracking
- Strong integration with CAD, nesting, and accounting systems
- Real-time shop floor data collection for accurate labor and production monitoring
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its depth and traditional desktop interface
- Limited mobile accessibility compared to cloud-native competitors
- Custom pricing can be expensive for small shops
Best For
Mid-sized to large welding and fabrication shops handling complex structural steel projects that require detailed production control.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on modules, users, and shop size; typically perpetual licenses starting at $20,000+ with annual maintenance fees around 20%.
Cheetah
specializedFlexible shop floor management software for custom fabrication and welding, with real-time job tracking, inventory, and quoting tools.
One-click parts matrix for instant ordering from multiple suppliers
Cheetah is a cloud-based shop management software primarily designed for automotive repair shops, offering scheduling, inventory tracking, invoicing, and customer management tools that can be adapted for welding operations. It supports job tracking, parts ordering, and mobile access for technicians to update work orders in real-time. While versatile for general shop needs, it lacks deep specialization in welding-specific features like certification tracking or weld procedure management.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for real-time job updates
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks for accounting
- Affordable entry-level pricing with scalable plans
Cons
- Limited welding-specific tools like material takeoff or compliance tracking
- Reporting lacks customization for project-based welding jobs
- Primarily auto-shop focused, requiring workarounds for trade services
Best For
Small welding shops needing basic scheduling and invoicing without complex industry-specific requirements.
Pricing
Starts at $125/month for basic plan (1-5 users), up to $300+/month for advanced multi-location features; custom quotes available.
MIE Trak
enterpriseEnterprise shop management solution for job shops including welding, featuring CAD integration, quoting, scheduling, and quality assurance.
Seamless CAD/CAM integration with automated quoting and nesting specifically optimized for welding and fabrication processes
MIE Trak from MIE Solutions is a comprehensive ERP/MES platform tailored for manufacturing job shops, including welding operations, offering modules for quoting, order management, scheduling, inventory tracking, and quality control. It integrates CAD/CAM systems and provides real-time shop floor data collection to streamline welding workflows from estimation to delivery. The software supports weld tracking, certification management, and production efficiency tools, making it suitable for complex fabrication environments.
Pros
- Highly customizable modules with strong CAD/CAM integration for precise welding quoting and nesting
- Real-time shop floor monitoring and scheduling optimize production throughput
- Robust quality control and traceability features for weld certifications and compliance
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set requiring significant training
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for smaller welding shops
- Interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
Best For
Mid-sized welding shops with complex job shop operations needing integrated ERP for quoting, scheduling, and quality management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $10,000+ annually depending on modules, users, and deployment (on-premise or hosted).
Prodsmart
specializedReal-time shop floor control software for manufacturing and welding shops, offering production tracking, quality checks, and performance analytics.
Real-time job tracking with mobile barcode/QR scanning and geofencing for precise shop floor data
Prodsmart is a cloud-based Manufacturing Execution System (MES) designed for real-time shop floor management, offering production tracking, inventory control, and performance analytics via a mobile app. For welding shops, it enables job scheduling, material usage monitoring, and quality checks through barcode scanning and live dashboards. It streamlines operations by providing actionable insights into productivity and bottlenecks without requiring heavy IT infrastructure.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for real-time scanning and tracking
- Comprehensive dashboards for production visibility and KPIs
- Scalable inventory and quality management tools
Cons
- Lacks specialized welding features like weld tracking or compliance templates
- Custom integrations may require additional setup
- Pricing scales with usage, potentially costly for low-volume shops
Best For
Small to medium welding shops needing affordable real-time production monitoring and efficiency gains.
Pricing
Quote-based, starting around $500/month for basic plans, billed per production unit or user with volume scaling.
MRPeasy
specializedCloud MRP software for small to medium welding and fabrication shops, managing production planning, inventory, and CRM affordably.
Visual production scheduler with drag-and-drop Gantt charts for optimizing welding job sequences and resource allocation
MRPeasy is a cloud-based ERP/MRP system tailored for small to medium manufacturers, providing production planning, inventory tracking, CRM, and shop floor management. For welding shops, it supports managing bills of materials for fabricated assemblies, scheduling welding and assembly jobs, and monitoring material consumption like steel plates and welding rods. It streamlines operations from quoting custom jobs to invoicing, with real-time reporting for efficiency.
Pros
- Strong MRP for handling multi-level BOMs in welded products
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for shop floor reporting
- Real-time inventory and production scheduling to reduce waste
Cons
- No built-in welding-specific tools like WPS tracking or certification management
- Limited integrations with CAD/CAM software common in fabrication
- Advanced customizations may require developer support
Best For
Small to medium welding shops focused on custom fabrication and make-to-order production with moderate complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $59/user/month (Basic plan), up to $179/user/month (Enterprise); volume-based discounts and custom quotes available.
Katana MRP
specializedInventory and manufacturing planning tool for make-to-order welding businesses, providing live inventory tracking and production scheduling.
Visual manufacturing scheduler with live shop floor Kanban boards
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning (MRP) software designed for small to medium-sized manufacturers to streamline inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order management. It provides real-time visibility into shop floor operations through visual dashboards, bill of materials (BOM) management, and automated purchasing. While versatile for general fabrication, it supports welding shops with material inventory and job tracking but falls short on specialized welding workflows like weld logging or certification compliance.
Pros
- Intuitive visual dashboards for production scheduling and inventory
- Strong multi-location inventory tracking suitable for metal stocks
- Seamless integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks
Cons
- Lacks welding-specific features like weld tracking or quality assurance modules
- Limited customization for complex fabrication BOMs
- Reporting tools are basic and not tailored to shop management needs
Best For
Small welding shops needing straightforward inventory and production planning without advanced industry-specific requirements.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Lite plan for up to 50 orders), $299/month (Pro for unlimited), with Enterprise custom pricing; 14-day free trial.
Conclusion
The reviewed welding shop management software options each deliver specialized solutions, with E2 Shop System leading as the top choice for its comprehensive ERP features tailored to welding operations. JobBOSS² stands out for robust make-to-order management, and Global Shop Solutions excels with end-to-end enterprise control, offering strong alternatives based on business needs. Together, these tools provide effective ways to streamline welding workflows.
Don’t wait—explore E2 Shop System to unlock its integrated capabilities and take your welding business to the next level.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison