Best Manufacturing ERP Software in 2024

What Is Manufacturing ERP Software?

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is used by manufacturers to plan, manage and automate the production process and overall business operations. It helps in reducing costs, increasing productivity, ensuring excellent quality of goods, and managing inventory. Moreover, Modern ERP software can integrate and support all business processes, which makes it a reliable platform for manufacturing units.

How Does Manufacturing ERP Software Work?

Manufacturing companies use ERP software with industry-leading features to improve, automate and track their production process. It is a must-have solution to manage a product's lifecycle and streamline all the activities that revolve around manufacturing.

The software system comes with different modules that ensure seamless integration between all functional areas and improve coordination among various departments. The data intelligence feature helps in better decision making, and reliable analytic reports give you all the insights about the ongoing process.

Why You Should Use a Manufacturing Information System?

The manufacturing information system helps organizations regulate their entire product lifecycle. The software comes with a suite of modules to enhance integration between different functional areas within your enterprise. By using the top manufacturing and production information system, you can benefit from automated planning, scheduling, and fulfillment. This manufacturing management information system also helps with big data intelligence for faster decision making. Analytic reports further help manufacturing managers reduce forecasting errors and hop on new marketing opportunities quickly. Administrative costs associated with the manufacturing process can also be automated with manufacturing ERP software.

Furthermore, the cumbersome inventory tracking process becomes easier with the best ERP software for manufacturing. Moreover, the ‘production planning’ module provides real-time inventory reports to eliminate any chance of excess stock. Consequently, you can enjoy improved inventory visibility and reduced warehousing cost.

Key Features of Manufacturing ERP for Manufacturing Industry

1. Bill of Materials (BOM)

The Bill of Materials feature assists in creating a list of assemblies, sub-assemblies, raw materials, parts and components required to build a product. By referring to the list of materials and their desired quantity, manufacturers can ensure that there is no shortage of wastage of parts. With the help of a well-defined BOM, manufacturing firms can plan the purchase of raw materials and maintain accurate records.

2. Product Life-Cycle Management (PLM)

Product life cycle management software(PLM software) refers to the sequence of activities through which a product undergoes from the time of production to delivery. Using this production management system feature, you can manage and monitor your product lifecycle from the engineering stage to production and distribution. Consequently, you can deliver the desired product quality at every stage.

3. Quality Control Management

To ensure outstanding product quality, you need to set certain standards throughout the manufacturing process. And, quality control software for manufacturing can assist you in tracking if the quality standards are met at every stage of production. If the product quality is not met at any stage, the managers are alerted about it. They can take immediate steps to resolve quality issues.

4. Mobile Compatibility

Most manufacturing ERP solutions in the market offer mobile compatibility to help manufacturers perform work order receipts, part location transfers and track shipment using mobile devices. Also, mobile compatible manufacturing ERP software ensures remote access to information about everything needed to stay ahead of the competition.

5. Analytics & Production Reporting

With an ERP system at your disposal, there is no need to spend any extra time in the manual reconciling of data. It can easily run all the reports and do a thorough analysis with perfection. Most ERP systems come with a pre-built reporting function that allows you to analyse the efficiency of the production line, check financial performance and track inventory levels. Moreover, you also get the facility to create customized reports to check the production costs and profitability.

6. Automate Production Process

ERP software makes your entire production process more streamlined and efficient. From buying raw materials to tracking labour and defining batch & serial numbers and tracking goods in the inventory, an ERP system can easily automate all these processes.

7. Inventory management

Although there are so many challenges in a manufacturing process, the biggest problem companies face is maintaining the ideal inventory levels. Tracking both raw materials and finished goods is a tricky process, hence you can use an ERP system that comes with a material requirement planning (MRP) feature to calculate & plan the appropriate inventory levels.

MRP tool examines the sales numbers, resource capacity, sales forecasts, and minimum inventory to predict demand. Then it generates purchase orders for the required raw materials along with the appropriate production orders.

8. Supply chain management

Thanks to the ERP system's MRP functionality, you can get information on what to order, and in what quantity. Your buying team will be aware of your company's current requirements and with the help of an ERP system, they'll be fully equipped to execute this decision at a much faster rate. The team will be able to interact with suppliers on a regular basis, and the system also comes with a feature to send follow-up reminders and track any incoming orders. Further, in case of any delays, you can also adjust the schedule as per requirement.

Benefits of Using Manufacturing ERP Software

1. Automated Processes with Greater Adaptability

Process manufacturing ERP makes data available at a central location, helping different departments work in a collaborative manner & process tracking. From procurement to production, designing, development, inventory, and delivery, every process can be executed with team effort. Further, there will be a reduced dependency on manual processes, bringing efficiency into the system. Backed by technology, your employees will be able to minimize manual errors and achieve higher productivity.

2. Quicker Response to Market Conditions

Manufacturing ERP process tracking software provides real-time insights, helping businesses plan and respond to changing market conditions quickly. Data analysis and reports can help them capitalize on customer demands with a 360-degree view of varied market demands. Also, the software can help with forecasting the demand, so that you can adjust to changing market conditions quickly.

3. Strategic Decision Making

An all-in-one ERP for manufacturing improves the decision-making ability of an organization. With a thorough insight into the market scenario and the efficiency of different processes, manufacturing managers can make spot-on decisions. They can take steps to improve their sales margin and stay aligned with their goals. Not just external factors like competition and market trends, but internal processes can also be optimized with manufacturing ERP. Day-to-day operations can be performed in a planned way with quick insights available at every stage.

4. Reduced Costs

The manufacturing accounting software module is to calculate and track the expenses and help to reduce the cost of production. With a centralized platform to access real-time information, administrative tasks become quite easier. Manufacturers can perform day-to-day operations without any delay or disruption to achieve desired goals at reduced costs. Additionally, the inventory tracking facility ensures that there is no wastage of raw materials at any stage of production.

5. Data Security

Paper-based record-keeping has become a thing of the past. It was an insecure and inefficient method for storing data. In fact, when many people are involved in a process, even a hard disc cannot guarantee failproof security for your data. But by using ERP software, you can be assured that the stored information will be in safe hands. It is because the system provides restricted access to people who have permission to handle data. Moreover, the cloud-based system allows your staff to edit or manage information from any internet-connected device, anytime and anywhere in the world.

6. Connect all departments with one system

ERP software allows you to link all departments of your company, such as human resources, financial division, sales, inventory, and more. It means that you don't have to monitor each one of them separately. All departments can seamlessly coordinate with a single system, and managers can access information in real time.

7. Enhanced Customer Satisfaction

With streamlined process scheduling and control on inventory at every stage, you can bring efficiency to the production process. Achieving key performance metrics will be easier for your team along with delivering the products on time. And, the product delivery on time ultimately results in higher customer satisfaction. The benefits of using ERP systems for your manufacturing business are plenty. All you need to do is invest in the right system that helps you achieve your organizational goals.

Manufacturing ERP Modules

1. HR System For Manufacturing Industry

With human resource management module of a manufacturing ERP software helps firms handle their employees smartly. This HRMS module of the ERP system allows time & attendance tracking, performance reviews and managing employee information with just a few clicks. The payroll sub-module further assists in creating payment receipts and managing salaries. Travel expenses and reimbursements claims of employees can also be managed with top manufacturing ERP.

2. Manufacturing Resource Planning System (ERP MRP Software)

This MRP software feature of ERP helps in managing different manufacturing processes flow, including production planning, scheduling, and stock management. Using the manufacturing MRP software, you can have a stronger inventory control from the time of procurement of raw materials to the delivery of final products. Also, you can track inventory and maintain the minimum level of raw materials and the final product in your stock.

3. Manufacturing Inventory Management Solution

Using the manufacturing inventory management software module, you can track the raw material, production, stock of parts and assemblies required to ensure hassle-free manufacturing of products. Also, you can figure out the current location of products in your organization and ensure that they are available in the right quantity at the right time. This way, you can prevent material wastage and ensure optimum stock utilization.

4. Sales & Marketing Management System

Typical sales processes like inquiry handling & analysis can be performed easily with the sales force automation software module of manufacturing ERP. All types of sales transactions can be managed with this module. It also helps with lead generation and nurturing through email campaigns and SMS to ensure the continuous flow of revenue.

5. Purchase Management Solution

Through the purchase management software module of manufacturing ERP, you can manage the procurement of raw materials. It also provides functionalities for supplier/ vendor listing and preparing purchase orders. Using this module, you can also track purchase items and update the stock whenever it reaches the minimum level. The purchase module can be integrated with the inventory module to ensure complete stock management.

6. Manufacturing Finance Solution

The financial management software module of manufacturing ERP helps you stay right in terms of all transactions. From expenditure to the balance sheet, budgeting, and bank statements, all can be taken care of with this module. Financial reporting is further made easy, as all insights can be readily available with just a few clicks.

7. Manufacturing CRM Solution

The CRM solution module further helps in enhancing sales performance. You can maintain customer contact details and establish a healthy relationship with customers using this module. This module can be further integrated with the sales module to tap on new sales opportunities.

8. ERP Production Planning

The manufacturing planning and production management system management module is widely adopted by manufacturing firms to perform material scheduling and raw material usage efficiently. This module also helps with production forecasting and reporting. It integrates with the Bill of Material feature to ensure that the raw material used is as per the requirement. Moreover, you can have a 360-degree view of the production process to ensure that quality standards are met unfailingly.

9. Manufacturing Supply Chain Management System

Using the supply chain management software module, you can manage the flow of raw materials, parts, and components from the manufacturer to the consumer effortlessly. You can perform demand & supply management efficiently with accurate shipping and transportation tracking. Not to forget sales returns, which can be managed through a centralized platform using this software.

Types of Manufacturing Software (Industry Specific ERP Software For Dirffrenet Manufacturing Industrie

1. Garment manufacturing software: Garment ERP software is specifically designed to manage inventory, sales, and purchase processes. It automates time-consuming and repetitive production tasks with a set of features to manage the ordering, inventory, and assembly of clothing and other items. You can create a variety of products using a matrix for colors, size, artwork, and patterns, then set up seasons and apparel lines.
2. Food manufacturing software: Food ERP software helps food manufacturers and food distributors to improve food safety, streamline operations, high-quality productions and manage business growth.
3. Pharma manufacturing software: Pharmaceutical ERP is used by pharmacies for resource planning, batch tracking, production scheduling, expiration management, quality control, compliance tracking, and for streamlining the entire management process.
4. Furniture Manufacturing Software: Furniture ERP helps in production planning, inventory management, cost control, and supply chain management. It also improves workforce efficiency and assists in the quality control process, ensuring the delivery of top-quality goods to customers.
5. Electronics Manufacturing Software: ERP for the electronics manufacturing industry helps with effective quality management, excellent recall, and traceability, and an outstanding compliance support for industry and regulatory standards. It also supports the serial number tracking of the stored stock, and advanced production planning. The ERP software is designed to fit the specialized business requirements of small to mid-sized electronic companies. It helps in serial number tracking, RMA tracking, checking sub-assembly units, and performing many other operational tasks, Moreover, some superior quality software comes with integrated modules for order processing, purchasing, accounting, and inventory tracking.
6. Steel Manufacturing ERP: ERP for steel manufacturing industries helps in monitoring and streamlining all aspects of a business such as material management, production & planning, sales & distribution, and customer relationship management. Moreover, it also helps in addressing strategic challenges and maximizing efficiency at every stage.
7. Metal Fabrication ERP Software: ERP software for metal fabrication manufacturers helps to improve production quality with low cost and without wastage of raw metals. It ensures low-volume and high-quality production.
8. ERP chemical software: ERP for the chemical industry helps in quality control management, price analysis, revenue tracking, liabilities management, and cost estimation. It also provides modules for R&D of a replacement product, plant maintenance, and work progress management.

Follow These Steps Before Buying Manufacturing ERP Systems

These days, manufacturing firms have plenty of solutions to choose from. However, they need to choose, compare and select the one which provides unique advantages. After considering these factors, you will surely get a process manufacturing ERP software which is perfect for your business needs.

1. Your Business Need: Start by making a list of your requirements, depending upon the necessity of your different departments. Then, make a list of manufacturing ERP systems that will fulfill all your requirements. Based on the manufacturing ERP modules and features, make the final selection for the best ERP for the manufacturing industry.
2. Cost of Ownership: The choice of the best ERP for small manufacturing businesses depends on the processes that demand automation. Accordingly, you can search for the best ERP for manufacturing with all essential features. And the one which fits into your budget and provides all essential features is a good option.
3. Plus, check for the total cost of ownership for the ERP software you get. If you need to pay the annual maintenance cost, or do you need to pay additionally as the number of users increases. Be clear about all hidden software costs before making the final selection.
4. Integration: Nowadays, production managers use a variety of solutions to organize their manufacturing activities, such as attendance tracking systems, accounting solutions, business intelligence, and reporting tools. To ensure smooth workflow, you need to invest in a manufacturing software for small business, which integrates freely with all other existing tools and systems in your organization.
5. Support: Look for those manufacturing ERP systems vendors who can help you use the software features wisely. Whether you are facing difficulty in creating invoices or tracking everyday processes, a quick call with your software vendor can help you get the right solutions. Along with quick implementation, most manufacturing ERP systems vendors also provide training modules to help your employees pick up easily.
6. Ask for Free and Open Source Manufacturing ERP for Trial: Some manufacturing ERP software providers in the market offered a free trial version for a limited time so the users are aware of the product satisfied before buying or upgrade to a premium version.
7. Manufacturing ERP Free Demo: Trial sessions of the manufacturing ERP software can make everything easier for you. You can learn about the functions of the software and finalize the most suitable one. Look for those vendors who allow you to use the software on your own and analyze the simplicity of features and ease of use. At the time of the demo, you can also have a clear picture of the amount of customization required.

Standard ERP Vs Manufacturing ERP

Standard ERP	Manufacturing ERP
All businesses get the same functionality features.	Provides more advanced features to fulfil specific manufacturing requirements.
Requires customization to meet the specific needs of businesses and industries.	The manufacturing process can be seamlessly integrated with the core business.
Manufacturing data is not visible to all users.	Manufacturers can get a detailed view of the entire production process
Limited integration with major business solutions leads to reduced visibility of profits and efficiency.	Full control and complete visibility empower you to grow your manufacturing business.
One size fits all ERP; it often lacks features that are required for a smoother manufacturing operation	Not only comes with superior features for the core business processes but also has extra add-ons for increased efficiency and complete control.
Doesn't have a centralized system, which causes inefficient communication.	More efficient communication due to a centralized system.

Which ERP Software Is Best for Manufacturing?

Software	Trial	Best for
Dynamics 365 Business Central	Yes	Managing finances, sales, operations, and customer service
DataNote ERP	No	Managing production, distribution, human resources and finance
Crest ERP	No	Inventory tracking, order tracking, sales forecasting, revenue tracking, and related activities
Astral Manufacturing ERP	No	One-stop solution for all business processes, from procurement to dispatch
Zeta ERP	No	Support core business process, customer relationship management and human resource management
CBO Infotech Pharma ERP	No	Manage pharmaceutical operations such as manufacturing, finances, supply chain management and HR-payroll management.