The 10 best MRP software on the market in 2024
Spreadsheets spreading you too thin and your patience even thinner?
Good ol’ Excel spreadsheets were great in the beginning. An inexpensive solution to the problem of running every aspect of your business. But, as the numbers of orders grow, so to do the number of spreadsheets you have to update manually.
And what was once a nice little fix is becoming a major bottleneck for growth.
At this stage, many manufacturers turn to automated solutions to help them manage their business.
But, with so many options, where do you start? That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the 10 best MRP software for manufacturing businesses. Here you’ll learn all about MRP systems and have a list of 10 to get you started on your search for a solution.
Let’s begin.
What is the best MRP?
The best MRP software for a company will depend on its specific needs and requirements. However, here are some general criteria that may help identify high-quality MRP software:
- User-friendly interface: The software should have an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate and use.
- Comprehensive feature set: The software should offer a wide range of features for inventory management, production scheduling, and material requirements planning. It should also provide the ability to track real-time data, generate reports, and integrate with other systems.
- Customization and flexibility: The software should be customizable and flexible to meet the specific needs of a business. It should allow for the customization of workflows, dashboards, and reports and provide the ability to add new features and functionalities.
- Scalability: The software should be scalable to accommodate future growth and changing business needs.
- Integration: The software should be able to integrate with other systems, such as accounting, CRM, and e-commerce platforms.
- Reliability and support: The software should be reliable, with minimal downtime or data loss. It should also have a responsive and knowledgeable support team available to address any issues or concerns.
- Cost-effectiveness: The software should be cost-effective and offer a reasonable return on investment (ROI) for a business.
Overall, the best MRP software for manufacturing meets a company’s specific needs and requirements of a company while also offering a comprehensive feature set, user-friendly interface, customization options, scalability, and good support at a reasonable cost.
Not sure exactly which software is best for your manufacturing business?
If reading into the best MRP systems has left you more confused about understanding what is best for your business, be sure to check out our other guides on the best manufacturing software:
What are the best MRP softwares available?
Now you know what MRP software is and have a basic checklist to follow when selecting one for your business, let’s dive down into the nitty-gritty.
Here are the 10 best MRP software available right now.
1. Katana MRP
Price: Starts at $99.00 per month
Free trial: Demo
Katana is first on the list of the best MRP software for manufacturing, designed for small and medium-sized businesses. The software integrates production planning, inventory management, and sales order management into a single platform, allowing manufacturers to manage their entire production process from one place.
The software also comes with automatic inventory updates, purchase order management, and integrations with e-commerce and accounting platforms like QuickBooks Online, Xero, Shopify, and WooCommerce, to provide a comprehensive business management solution.
However, the benefits and features of Katana don’t stop there. With Katana, you can get:
Multichannel sales and manufacturing management
Maintain complete visibility of your inventory, operations, and orders across your numerous sales channels at various locations to stay ahead of deadlines. This allows you to easily distinguish between your stock when you’re selling both online and offline.
Barcode scanning
Users can configure barcode inventory scanning in Katana to simplify and enhance how they receive and monitor inventory. You can give barcode numbers to items with Katana MRP, examine barcode numbers in the Katana platform, and recognize items with barcodes.
SKU management
SKU numbers are crucial for inventory management because they make it easier to locate the precise item and product variant in your stock. SKUs can assist your e-commerce platforms, such as Shopify, and direct clients to other products on your websites.
Automatically generate SKUs
Track your product variants and inventory levels with a free SKU generator.
Batch tracking
Some businesses, such as those that deal with perishable inventories, are legally required to use batch tracking. However, firms producing items for both stock and custom orders can readily distinguish their stocks using batch tracking with MRP software.
Multilocation
Katana MRP software can assist you in managing your products from any location if you are a producer with several facilities, warehouses, or have items on consignment. Therefore, you can easily arrange a stock transfer and keep up with demand if one site has low stock levels.
Integrations
Integrations are a feature of the top online inventory management programs. Either by accessing the API, the codeless templates, or the native integrations. Users of Katana have access to all the tools required to synchronize and interface with their preferred:
- E-commerce
- Accounting
- Reporting
- CRM
- Other systems
2. Fishbowl Manufacturing
Price: Quotation based
Free trial: 14 days
Fishbowl Manufacturing is another many consider up there with the best MRP systems for small and medium-sized manufacturers.
The software offers various features to help manufacturers manage their production processes, including:
- Inventory management
- Production scheduling
- Material requirements planning
Fishbowl Manufacturing offers real-time information on inventory levels and sales orders, enabling firms to plan production effectively and allocate resources efficiently. The software also includes barcode scanning, automatic reorder points, and custom reports to help manufacturers streamline their inventory management.
In addition to inventory management, Fishbowl Manufacturing includes production scheduling tools, which allow manufacturers to create and manage work orders, track labor costs, and monitor production progress. The software also integrates with various accounting and e-commerce platforms.
Overall, Fishbowl Manufacturing is a robust and flexible MRP software that offers a wide range of features to help manufacturers optimize their production processes and improve their inventory management.
3. Statii
Price: Starts at $130.00 per month
Free trial: 14 days
Statii is a cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software for small and medium-sized manufacturers.
The software offers a range of features to help organizations manage their production process, from quote to invoice, including:
- Inventory management
- Production planning
- Quality management
Statii provides real-time data on various aspects of the production process, including inventory levels, production progress, and delivery schedules, allowing manufacturers to make informed business decisions. The software offers visual dashboards and reports to help businesses track performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
The software includes advanced features such as material requirements planning (MRP), production scheduling, shop floor control, quality management, and traceability, making it suitable for various manufacturing industries, including aerospace, automotive, and medical devices.
Statii is highly customizable and can be tailored to fit the organization’s specific needs. It offers various integrations with third-party systems, including CAD, CAM, and accounting, enabling companies to increase the program’s capability.
Statii is a comprehensive and flexible ERP software that offers a range of features to help manufacturers optimize their production processes and improve their business operations. Small and medium-sized manufacturers can benefit from Statii as it provides an affordable solution with robust features to help them streamline their production process, increase efficiency and productivity, and grow their business.
4. JobBOSS
Price: Quotation based
Free trial: 7 days
Halfway through now, and here’s one of the best MRP software for small businesses, job shops, and contract manufacturers.
JobBOSS offers a range of features to help manufacturers manage their production processes, including:
- Inventory management
- Production planning
- Job scheduling
In addition to manufacturing, JobBOSS also includes features such as quoting and estimating job costing and shipping management. The program is highly adaptable and may be customized to meet the organization’s unique needs.
JobBOSS is an all-inclusive, adaptable MRP solution that provides a number of features to help job shops and contract manufacturers enhance their operational efficiency and production process optimization.
5. MIE Trak Pro
Price: Quotation based
Free trial: Demo
The next best MRP software on this list is MIE Trak Pro, designed for small and medium-sized manufacturers.
The software offers a range of features to help manufacturers manage their production processes, including:
- Inventory management
- Production planning
- Scheduling
In addition to manufacturing, MIE Trak Pro also includes features such as project management, document management, and quality control. The software can be significantly customized to meet the organization’s unique requirements.
Overall, MIE Trak Pro is a thorough and adaptable MRP tool that provides a number of features to assist firms in streamlining their production procedures and enhancing manufacturing operations.
6. NetSuite
Price: Quotation based
Free trial: Free product tour
No best MRP software list would be complete without a nod toward NetSuite, a cloud-based ERP software designed for businesses of all sizes and across various industries.
The software offers a range of features to help organizations manage their entire business operations, including:
- Financial
- Inventory
- Procurement
NetSuite provides real-time data on various aspects of the business, allowing organizations to make informed decisions and improve their business operations. The software offers visual dashboards and reports to help businesses track performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
Because of its extensive customizability, NetSuite can be configured to meet the unique demands of any enterprise. It offers various integrations with third-party systems, enabling companies to increase the software’s functionality.
NetSuite is a complete and adaptable ERP system that provides several features to assist organizations in streamlining their processes and enhancing overall performance.
7. Plex Manufacturing Cloud
Price: Quotation based
Free trial: Demo
Next on our best MRP software list is Plex Manufacturing Cloud, another cloud-based ERP software designed for manufacturing companies.
The software offers a range of features to help organizations manage their entire production process, from the shop floor to the top floor, including:
- Inventory management
- Production planning
- Scheduling
Plex Manufacturing Cloud offers visual dashboards and reports to help businesses track performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
Plex Manufacturing Cloud is very adaptable and can be customized to meet the enterprise’s circumstances. It offers various integrations with third-party systems, including CAD, CAM, and accounting, enabling organizations to expand the software’s capabilities.
Overall, Plex Manufacturing Cloud is a complete and adaptable ERP system that provides a number of features to assist manufacturers in streamlining their business operations and optimizing their production processes.
8. Prodsmart
Price: $9,925 a year
Free trial: 14 days or a product demo
Adding a little spice to this best MRP system list, Prodsmart is a cloud-based Manufacturing Execution System (MES) designed for small and medium-sized manufacturers.
The software offers a range of features to help manufacturers manage their production processes, including:
- Inventory management
- Production planning
- Scheduling
The software offers visual dashboards and reports to help businesses track performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
Prodsmart is very adaptable and may be customized to meet the organization’s unique requirements. It offers various integrations with third-party systems, including accounting and CRM, enabling organizations to increase the program’s capabilities.
Prodsmart is an all-inclusive and adaptable MES software that provides a variety of capabilities to assist manufacturers in streamlining their production procedures and enhancing business operations.
9. WorkClout
Price: Starts at $25 per month
Free trial: Request a free trial and demo
Next in this best MRP software article is WorkClout, another cloud-based MES designed for small and medium-sized manufacturers. The software offers a range of features to help organizations manage their manufacturing processes, including:
- Inventory management
- Production planning
- Scheduling
WorkClout is adaptable and may be customized to meet the business’s requirements. It offers various integrations with third-party systems, including accounting and ERP, enabling companies to increase the software’s functionality.
Overall, WorkClout is a thorough and adaptable MES software that provides a number of functions to assist businesses in streamlining their company operations and optimizing their production processes.
10. MRPeasy
Price: Starts at $49.00 per month
Free trial: 15 days
And finally, MRPeasy is the last cloud-based entry on this best MRP software, designed for small and medium-sized manufacturers.
The software offers a range of features to help manufacturers manage their production processes, including:
- Inventory management
- Production planning
- Purchasing
It uses visual dashboards and reports to help manufacturers track performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
In addition, MRPeasy offers mobile apps for Android and iOS devices, allowing manufacturers to access the software from anywhere. The software also offers multi-language and multicurrency support, making it a good fit for companies with an international presence.
MRPeasy is an affordable and user-friendly solution for manufacturers looking to streamline their production processes and improve their inventory management.
What is manufacturing resource planning?
Manufacturing resource planning (MRP) is a computer-based inventory management system that helps manufacturers plan and control their production processes.
It uses software to manage production schedules, track inventory levels, and plan material requirements. MRP helps manufacturers optimize their production processes by ensuring they have the necessary materials, labor, and equipment to meet production demands while minimizing carrying costs and other associated costs.
Want to learn more about MRP systems?
Check out this article on MRP systems for manufacturers: the ultimate guide to learn everything about the world of MRP and help you understand how to choose the best MRP software for your business.
MRP vs. ERP
MRP and ERP are both computer-based inventory management systems, but they have different scopes and functions.
MRP is a planning and scheduling system used primarily by manufacturing companies to plan their production processes. MRP software focuses on managing the materials, labor, and equipment required for production. It helps manufacturers determine what materials they need when they need them and how much is required to fulfill orders.
On the other hand, ERP is a broader business management system that integrates various departments and functions of a business, including manufacturing, accounting, sales, and human resources. It provides a centralized system for managing different areas of a business and allows for streamlined communication and data sharing between departments. ERP software includes:
- Financial management
- Inventory management
- Procurement
- Production planning
- And more modules
Basically, MRP is a subset of ERP that specifically focuses on manufacturing operations, while ERP is a broader system that encompasses various departments and functions of a business.
And what about MES?
Want to understand the differences between MRP, ERP, and MES? Check out this article: What is a manufacturing execution system (MES).
And that’s it! We hope that this article has been helpful and a good starting point for finding a system that best suits the needs of your business. And, until next time, happy manufacturing.
FAQs for MRP software
What is MRP for the manufacturing industry?
MRP stands for Material Requirements Planning, a computer-based system used in the manufacturing industry to help manage the inventory of raw materials, components, and finished goods. MRP is used to plan and schedule the production of products based on their demand, ensuring that the necessary materials are available at the right time and in the right quantities to meet production requirements.
The MRP system uses information such as the production schedule, inventory levels, and bill of materials (BOM) to determine the quantities and timing of the materials needed to meet production goals. By automating these processes, MRP can help improve the accuracy of inventory management, reduce stockouts and shortages, and minimize the costs of holding excess inventory. This can lead to more efficient production processes and better customer satisfaction.
Why is MRP II preferred over MRP I?
MRP II (Manufacturing Resource Planning) is preferred over MRP I (Material Requirements Planning) because it offers a more comprehensive solution to manufacturing planning and management.
MRP II builds on the functionality of MRP I by adding features that enable manufacturers to plan and manage their production process more effectively.
One of the main benefits of MRP II over MRP I is that it provides a more integrated and holistic view of manufacturing operations. MRP II includes capacity planning, shop floor control, financial management, and other business processes, allowing manufacturers to manage their resources more effectively and coordinate their operations more efficiently. MRP II helps manufacturers achieve higher productivity, efficiency, and profitability levels by providing a more comprehensive solution.
Another benefit of MRP II is that it allows manufacturers to better coordinate their production processes with other business processes, such as accounting, purchasing, and sales. MRP II provides a more integrated view of the manufacturing process, making it easier to track production costs, manage inventory levels, and forecast demand. This enables manufacturers to make more informed decisions about their operations and to respond more quickly to changing market conditions.
Overall, MRP II is preferred over MRP I because it offers a more comprehensive solution to manufacturing planning and management, providing manufacturers with the tools they need to optimize their operations and achieve greater levels of productivity and profitability.
