15 Best ERP Systems for Manufacturing in 2024

Manufacturing businesses manage many moving parts in a highly time-sensitive environment. These processes are interlinked to each other, and failure in one can mean failure in others. Hence, a single costly mistake can jeopardize the whole organization. To organize these better, manufacturing businesses use ERP software tools to remove process siloes and manage all aspects of their operations using a single command center.

In this article, we will list and briefly discuss the best ERP systems for manufacturing—popular enterprise-level business solutions that can be used for enterprise resource planning (ERP) in the manufacturing industry. Many of these are standalone suites. Others are function-specific systems that offer specialized features for key functions like approval workflows, manufacturing CRM, and global payment processing. In this way, you can find the right solution or mix to cover all the bases in your organization.

The manufacturing industry in the United States has expanded year-on-year in March 2022 by 4.9%. But since April 2021, it saw a sharp decline from 22.9% of manufacturing production to its current figure. Also, this could still be partially attributed to the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, which pulled down the total GDP by 10.1%. Moreover, manufacturing value added to the GDP during this time decreased by 12.2%.

The size of the manufacturing industry in the US market, however, is still large. It is valued at $6 trillion in 2022. Furthermore, it accounts for 78% of total production in the country. And, the segments with the largest share when it comes to production measures are Chemicals (12%); Food, Drink, and Tobacco (11%); Machinery (6%), Fabricated Metal Products (6%), Computer and Electronic Products (6%), and Motor Vehicles and Parts (6%).

Considering this, the manufacturing industry still remains an integral component of the US economy. This is why many experts recommend technology adoption to optimize operations and cut inefficiencies. It is unfortunate, however, that many SME operations have been reluctant to adopt new technologies because they are uncertain of the benefits of adoption. But given the overall trend of digitalization, we should expect manufacturers to come around. This brings us to the best ERP systems for manufacturing.

Best ERP Systems for Manufacturing

1. NetSuite ERP

NetSuite ERP is a popular end-to-end business solution for manufacturing businesses. In fact, many manufacturing companies like P3 Medical, Camp Chef, and Baily Hydraulics have switched to the system from their old ERP platforms. There are two general reasons: customizability and ease of use. Hence, they essentially make NetSuite ERP fit into their operations and not the other way around.

Key manufacturing-specific features include shop floor management, manufacturing routing, product costing, bill of materials, and, of course, resource planning. Also, the platform provides other modules to make it an end-to-end business solution. Thus, you can have NetSuite ERP as the main control center for your operations.

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Additional modules include those for purchasing and vendor management, inventory control and warehouse management, accounting, fixed-asset management, demand planning, payment management, and billing management and invoicing. In fact, the platform even has core HRIS features like human capital management (HCM) and payroll services should you need them.

The platform also integrates with other products from the software provider like the popular NetSuite CRM. Also, it works seamlessly with other third-party solutions, including G Suite, HubSpot, and LeadExec. Moreover, it has native applications for both Android and iOS devices. Thus, frontline workers can access it on the go and keep themselves in the loop.

Price range: The software provider offers NetSuite ERP only via custom subscription plans.

2. Rossum

Rossum is another go-to business solution for manufacturing companies that rely heavily on document-based workflows. The platform, through the help of its mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, can quickly scan, categorize, and validate important documents like bills of materials and purchase orders. Then, users can train Rossum’s self-learning AI technology to set up workflows according to their business needs. These include task creation, approvals protocols, and the building of databases. With this, Rossum can be an ERP and collaboration software solution rolled into one.

Moreover, its key features include a single document gateway, unified mail channels, intelligent document creation, customizable extension functions, and analytics and reporting. Through its document-based workflow, the platform has a zero-friction rollout and maintenance. Thus, unlike other business solutions, it actually adapts to your operations more than you adapt to it. Hence, it is also very popular among medium to large manufacturing businesses that already have established workflows.

Rossum is popularly used to manage documents and workflows for material safety, product release, consignment reports, maintenance reports, material requisition, and certificate of analysis. Furthermore, the platform offers real-time accurate insights and reports. This allows users to make data-driven decisions to optimize their operations. And, it also seamlessly integrates with third-party solutions like Google Drive, Zoho Books, and Microsoft Dynamics AX.

Price range: Because Rossum is customized to fit your workflows, it is only available via custom subscription plans.

3. Method:CRM

Method:CRM is a widely-used QuickBooks-based platform that integrates manufacturing processes with CRM and sales operations. Its key features include inventory management, task automation, data centralization, lead generation, and sales management. It is also fitted with collaboration tools that connect your field workers to the back office. Moreover, it has native mobile applications for Android and iOS devices that you can use to create estimates, lookup customers, and schedule tasks.

Other key features include invoice customization, QuickBooks list syncing, document sharing with roles, custom screens, custom reporting and analytics, and customer payment portals. Furthermore, its payment management module makes paying suppliers or receiving payments from clients easy.

Aside from its integration with QuickBooks, it also works seamlessly with third-party applications like PayPal, Zapier, and MailChimp. Lastly, the software provider also offers consultation services for further customization of its manufacturing CRM platform.

Price range: The product has three pricing plans: Contact Management at $28 per user per month, CRM Pro for $49 per user per month, and CRM Enterprise for $85 per user monthly.

4. Sage Intacct

Sage Intacct is a go-to business solution for manufacturing businesses of all sizes. In fact, it is a very flexible and scalable software that is widely used across regions. It is prized for its easy-to-use financial controls and smooth workflow management capabilities. Moreover, Sage Intacct also offers a great user experience, thanks to its interface that follows solid UX design principles.

The product is fitted with modules for basic accounting, fixed assets management, job/project management, and workflow customization. These modules include features such as inventory management, a general ledger, business activity statements, depreciation tracking, and tax compliance. Also, it has multicurrency support. Hence, it is popular among manufacturing businesses with international operations.

Furthermore, you can access it through its native mobile applications for Android and iOS devices. Lastly, it integrates with other third-party solutions like Clarizen and Salesforce.

Price range: Sage Intacct is deployed according to an organization’s needs. Hence, it is only available via quote-based plans.

5. SYSPRO

SYSPRO is a widely-used ERP solution in the manufacturing industry. In fact, it is one of the platforms that is specifically designed for manufacturing use. It provides end-to-end solutions, ranging from back-end process management features to sales process and payment management. The product also has collaboration tools.

Key features include accounting management, inventory management, order management, quote management, inventory optimization, document management, and supply chain planning. Moreover, it also has automation capabilities, including those for billing, scheduling, and reports. These comprehensive set of features are fitted in an easy-to-use UI that makes using it quite enjoyable.

Also, you can access these features and important business information on the go. This is thanks to its web-based deployment and its native mobile applications for both iOS and Android operating systems. Moreover, SYSPRO integrates seamlessly with other business solutions, including Microsoft Office 365.

Price range: SYSPRO, like other top manufacturing ERP products, is deployed according to your needs. Hence, it is only available via quote-based subscription plans.

6. Tipalti

Tipalti is a billing and invoicing software solution that is popularly used in the manufacturing industry. This is because it provides users with easy-to-use end-to-end AP solutions, complete with secure automated global payment capabilities. In this way, manufacturing companies can easily make and receive payments.

The product is fitted with features such as supplier management, payment fraud detection, payment risk management, PayPal mass payment processing, and payment issue resolution. Furthermore, Tipalti provides users with tax management and compliance capabilities as well. These include 1042-S tax reports and 1099 form generation.

As a global payment platform, Tipalti offers multiple currency support. It also ensures that all financial transactions are safe and secure as it uses enterprise-grade security measures. The product integrates with various third-party solutions. These include QuickBooks, NetSuite, and Sage Intacct.

Price range: The software provider offers Tipalti according to the modules and services that you require. Thus, it is only available in custom quote-based plans.

7. Odoo

Odoo is another highly-customizable ERP software solution popularly used among manufacturing businesses of all sizes. It is prized for its manufacturing resource planning capabilities with integrated modules for managing quality, maintenance, and product lifecycle management (PLM). Hence, it is touted as a revolutionary manufacturing tool by many of its users.

Moreover, the product provides key features such as shop floor automation, real-time communication, and supply chain management. It also has modules for manufacturing engineering, manufacturing planning, and work order management. All of these are fitted in a sleek and clean UI with easy-to-understand dashboards.

It is also praised for its Workcenter Control Panel feature that allows engineering and designers to sketch products and provide detailed work instructions for production, assembly, and quality control. Furthermore, Odoo is accessible via its native applications for Android and iOS devices. Hence, you can be in the loop at all times.

The product integrates with third-party solutions such as Office 365 and Magento. Moreover, there are more than 23,000 customizable user-created tools in its community library.

Price range: Odoo is priced at a very affordable $6 per user per month. Additional applications are priced separately. Some are free.

8. Oracle ERP

Oracle ERP is one of the most popular ERP platforms used across different industries and among medium to large businesses. It provides end-to-end business solutions from procurement to product lifecycle management (PLM).

Key features include order management, risk management, accounting management, revenue recognition, and supply chain management. Hence, it is widely recommended in the manufacturing industry.

It also has features for managing inventory, planning projects, and project management. Also, as it has a cloud deployment, you can access it anytime, anywhere. Moreover, you can access the platform via its native applications for iOS and Android devices.

Price range: Oracle ERP has three pricing plans with different features. Its Financial Reporting Compliance plan costs $175 per user a month, Advanced Financial Controls is priced at $80 per user per month, and Advanced Access Controls at $150 per user per month.

9. Scoro

Scoro is a project management solution widely used in the manufacturing industry. This is because it is fitted with end-to-end solutions, ranging from resource planning to lead management. Hence, manufacturing businesses can manage time-sensitive and ordered processes from procurement to sales.

Key features include financial reporting, resource planning, real-time Gantt charts, work-time billing, task management, quote management, customer management, and, of course, project management. It also provides communication and collaboration tools such as company news feeds and task workflows.

Moreover, Scoro has native mobile applications via the Play Store and the App Store. Furthermore, the product integrates with third-party solutions, including QuickBooks, Zapier, and Google Calendar, among many others.

Price range: Scoro is offered in four-tiered plans. The Essential plan costs $26 per user monthly. Its Ultimate plan is only available via a quote-based subscription.

10. Kechie

Kechie is an ERP solution prized for its comprehensive materials requirement planning (MRP) features among manufacturing businesses. Also, it is popular for being an end-to-end solution that connects key operations from procurement to production and from sales to CRM. Moreover, it is also recognized for its top-notch inventory management capabilities.

Its main features include job order tracking, procurement management, order management, financial management, production management, serialization, lot tracking, bin location, and transfer order. It also has multi-location warehouse management capabilities. Moreover, it has great analytics features for sales data and customer trends.

Furthermore, Kechie integrates seamlessly with other business solutions. The list includes Avalara, QuickBooks, Shopify, and Salesforce, among many others. Hence, as it runs on the cloud, you can access it anytime, anywhere.

Price range: Kechie is one of the software products that are deployed according to your specific requirements. So, it is only made available via quote-based subscription plans.

11. Sage Business Cloud Enterprise Management

Sage Business Cloud Enterprise Management is an ERP solution that helps manufacturing businesses simplify and integrate important processes, including finances, supply chain, and production. It is fitted with end-to-end features that cover back-end to front-end needs. They range from financial management to CRM.

Its key features include those for managing manufacturing, services, payment processing, warehouses, logistics, and human resources. Moreover, it has an ecommerce feature that is complete with CRM capabilities. Hence, users will be able to engage customers and even suppliers across different touchpoints.

Moreover, the platform is mobile-ready. Thus, you can access it even when you are out of the office. Of course, as it is also deployed via the cloud, you can enter the platform from any browser. Furthermore, the product integrates well with other third-party systems. These include Symphony eCommerce, Edisoft, Process Weaver, and Procession by Provenio.

Price range: The platform is rolled out according to a business’s needs. Thus, it is only made available via quote-based plans.

12. Epicor ERP

Epicor ERP is designed for the needs of medium to large enterprises. It has comprehensive end-to-end business solutions that fit the needs of those in the manufacturing industry. In fact, users may customize the product as it is flexible enough to be configured to look and feel like a personalized software.

Key features include financial management, production management, service management, supply chain management, and project management. It also helps users by providing planning and scheduling tools. Moreover, it has useful external-facing features as well such as its CRM module. Also, it helps users build a knowledge base, thanks to its enterprise content management capabilities.

Furthermore, you can access Epicor ERP on the go through its native applications for Android and iOS devices. Also, the software provider can help users integrate Epicor ERP with third-party solutions.

Price range: Pricing starts at $175 per user per month.

13. SAP ERP

SAP ERP is maybe one of the most popular ERP solutions for all types of businesses in the world. It offers a comprehensive list of features, including PLM and HCM. Its supply and financial management features allow users to have financial benchmarks for every juncture of value creation.

Key modules include plan-to-product, request-to-service, core finance, procure-to-pay, order-to-cash, and core HR. These provide users with end-to-end process management and have an assortment of customizable automation options.

You can also access these features using its native mobile applications for both Android and iOS devices. Lastly, it integrates with other SAP products like the SAP Business Suite to increase its capabilities.

Price range: The software provider deploys SAP ERP according to a particular organization’s requirements. Hence, they make it available via custom quote-based plans.

14. FinancialForce ERP

FinancialForce ERP is another easy-to-use ERP solution, complete with modules, from supply chain management to accounting and order management to CRM. Its key features include HCM, inventory management, revenue recognition, multi-location management, analytics, reporting, and a CRM engine.

The platform also offers collaboration tools and many automation options. This allows users to work together and be on the same page at all times. This is thanks to its centralized dashboards, which are also customizable and are powered by a powerful analytics engine.

Moreover, the solution also integrates with other FinancialForce products such as FinancialForce PSA. And, it works seamlessly with Salesforce.

Price range: FinancialForce ERP is only available via quote-based plans.

15. SAP Business One

SAP Business One is another ERP tool that is popular among small manufacturing businesses. It connects seemingly disparate business processes to prevent siloes and provides a 360-degree view of all operations. It offers end-to-end solutions from purchasing and procurement to CRM and reporting.

Moreover, it offers manufacturing organizations tools to manage their warehouse and production. Also, it is known for its accounting and financial management capabilities that are complete with advanced analytics and reporting tools. Furthermore, it has manufacturing-specific features that help users shorten cycle times while minimizing reworks and scraps.

Furthermore, the software provider lets you choose between on-premise or cloud versions. Of course, the software provider also provides you with the option to have both deployment types. Also, you can access the product via its native mobile applications for both Android and iOS devices. Lastly, it integrates with SAP products and other third-party solutions like Dell Boomi and MuleSoft.

Price range: The software provider offers SAP Business One only in custom pricing plans.

What is the best ERP tool for your manufacturing business?

Leading the best ERP systems for manufacturing is NetSuite ERP. As shown, it provides end-to-end solutions that cover key aspects, from planning to production and from procurement to payment. For non-technical users, the product is also very easy to use. This makes it a go-to platform for more than 40,000 organizations around the world. Its parent company, Oracle, holds a good 12% of the ERP market around the globe.

Oracle holds a strong 7.3% worldwide market share in manufacturing organizations. Most customers, too, are top companies across different industries. In fact, organizations such as North Carolina’s Channel Advisor and DWA media use it as their main ERP platform. Hence, you would be in good company if you should choose to adopt the product. Of course, you need not take anyone’s word for it. You could simply test-drive its free trial offer and see for yourself.

Even so, there are NetSuite ERP alternatives out there. But only a few can truly rival the comprehensiveness of its features and the high out-of-the-box usability it offers.

By Jenny Chang

Jenny Chang is a senior writer specializing in SaaS and B2B software solutions. Her decision to focus on these two industries was spurred by their explosive growth in the last decade, much of it she attributes to the emergence of disruptive technologies and the quick adoption by businesses that were quick to recognize their values to their organizations. She has covered all the major developments in SaaS and B2B software solutions, from the introduction of massive ERPs to small business platforms to help startups on their way to success.