Imagine you’re managing a growing manufacturing company — juggling inventory, schedules, and finances while trying to stay on top of customer demands. As orders pile up, it gets harder to track everything manually. Mistakes slip through, and the chaos impacts efficiency and cuts into profits.
This is where an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system comes in. Manufacturing ERP software optimizes your company’s operations and financial health in real time, making it easier to track everything in one place.
Keep reading to learn how ERP solutions integrate complex processes like inventory control to streamline workflows and decision-making, or jump to the bottom to discover how Fishbowl’s cost-effective alternative to ERP software helps you stay competitive in the fast-paced industrial landscape.
What is a manufacturing ERP?
ERP software for manufacturing companies is a comprehensive solution that centralizes operations like inventory management, production schedules, and accounting. Since all the tools you need connect through the ERP, it’s easy to access and act on real-time insights across departments.
ERP software is sometimes confused with material requirements planning (MRP) software, but they’re two different things. While an ERP covers all aspects of a manufacturing business, MRP is specifically geared toward managing production needs like raw material planning, scheduling, and inventory control. This means ERPs have a much broader scope than MRPs.
There are three main types of ERPs: on-premises, hybrid, and cloud-based. On-premises ERP systems are local to a company’s hardware. They’re highly customizable but require significant maintenance. By contrast, cloud-based ERPs are hosted on external servers and accessible from anywhere. Hybrid systems blend both models, allowing companies to flexibly balance their needs for control and ease of access.
5 benefits of implementing an ERP
Here’s how manufacturing ERP systems can revolutionize your operations:
- Automation: ERPs automate repetitive manual tasks like data entry, inventory updates, and report generation. This reduces the chance of human error and frees up your team to focus on higher-value tasks that drive growth.
- Real-time information: ERP software updates critical data in real time, offering a 360-degree view of operations and helping you make faster, more informed decisions.
- Data security: Cloud-based ERP systems have robust security features like encryption and regular backups. These measures protect sensitive data and ensure business continuity in the event of unexpected disruptions.
- Enhanced efficiency and productivity: ERP systems eliminate redundancies and bottlenecks by centralizing processes and improving cross-departmental communication. As a result, operations run more smoothly, and you get more done in less time.
- Easier scalability: As your business grows, an ERP system scales with you. Add new users, locations, or modules without completely overhauling your system. With this flexibility, your processes stay streamlined even as demands increase.
Top manufacturing ERP software and tools
Let’s explore some of the top seven ERP solutions for manufacturers.
1. Fishbowl
Fishbowl Advanced is an inventory management solution for small to mid-sized businesses. This robust software offers comprehensive inventory tracking tools, order fulfillment and shipping tools, and real-time reports and analytics. Plus, warehouse and production features offer full visibility of your shop floor for stronger production planning.
Fishbowl isn’t a fully-fledged ERP, but that’s actually one of its best features. You can seamlessly integrate Fishbowl with the software you already know and love, like QuickBooks for accounting or Salesforce for customer relationship management (CRM). This makes Fishbowl easy to implement without extensive training. Your team can focus on what matters most — growing your business.
Even better, Fishbowl is more affordable than traditional ERP systems. You can experience the power of Fishbowl for as little as $329 per month, making it a cost-effective solution for manufacturing businesses looking to enhance operations without breaking the bank.
2. NetSuite
NetSuite is a cloud-based ERP solution for business processes like financial management, inventory, and order fulfillment. One of its standout features is its scalability, making it suitable for growing businesses and large enterprises. It also offers global capabilities to manage operations and payroll in multiple countries.
However, NetSuite implementation can be complex and costly, especially for smaller companies. Monthly costs start at a few thousand dollars, but they can go as high as $100,000 depending on specific features and modules. This makes NetSuite less than ideal for businesses seeking a more straightforward, cost-effective solution.
3. Acumatica
Acumatica provides a flexible, cloud-based ERP solution known for its user-friendly interface and extensive customization options. Tailor the subscription model to suit the size of your business — for example, the Small Business version supports up to 10 users, while the Enterprise model is best for large businesses with more than 250 users.
Like NetSuite, pricing for Acumatica ERP is a few thousand dollars a month, depending on which plan you go with. This flexibility is helpful for some, but the cost may still be prohibitive for smaller manufacturers.
4. IFS Cloud
IFS Cloud provides an all-in-one solution for large-scale manufacturers with modules for supply chain management, maintenance, and production. While it delivers powerful analytics and real-time data, some reviewers complain that the system can be difficult to use, with a counterintuitive interface and underdeveloped modules.
IFS Cloud’s complexity might overwhelm smaller manufacturers, and its pricing isn’t readily available. As a result, it’s difficult to gauge how cost-effective this solution is. If you need a simple ERP software that fits your operational needs without the hassle, it’s worth exploring other options.
5. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is an ERP solution that connects seamlessly with other Microsoft products. It provides functionalities for inventory management, financials, and sales to enhance productivity across the board.
Overall, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central offers robust features. But some users report problems like a steep learning curve and little customizability. And if you’re already using non-Microsoft programs to manage certain aspects of your business, you might have trouble integrating them with this software.
6. SYSPRO
SYSPRO’s ERP is specifically designed for manufacturers and distributors, with comprehensive features for inventory control and supply chain optimization. Its strong customization options cater to unique business requirements. However, this level of customizability can complicate implementation and add to costs.
SYSPRO offers both on-premises and cloud-based options, providing flexibility depending on your company’s needs. While its robust features are appealing, smaller manufacturers might find the complexity and costs challenging.
7. Epicor Kinetic
Like SYSPRO, Epicor Kinetic is designed for manufacturers. Its cloud-based platform offers robust tools for production management, supply chain optimization, and financial tracking. And with features like advanced planning and scheduling, Epicor Kinetic streamlines operations and improves efficiency.
However, Epicor Kinetic comes at a steep price point — implementation costs upwards of $50,000. As a result, this software isn’t a practical choice for many small to mid-sized businesses.
What to look for in a manufacturing ERP solution
Still not sure which ERP or ERP alternative to choose? Here are the biggest factors to consider:
- Budget friendliness: Look for a solution that offers a transparent pricing structure and flexible options to suit your financial needs. Evaluate both the initial implementation costs as well as ongoing subscription fees. The investment should be sustainable over time.
- Enhanced inventory management: Choose an ERP or ERP alternative that provides real-time tracking, automated stock alerts, and detailed reporting. These features help you maintain optimal inventory levels and reduce waste, which translates to better overall efficiency.
- Helpful automation: An ERP solution should automate routine tasks like order processing and data entry. This minimizes human error and frees up your team to focus on strategic activities. And with better efficiency, you can achieve faster production cycles and optimal resource allocation.
- Customer relationship management: Most ERP software has a built-in CRM feature. But if you already have a solution that works for you, why change it? Opt for an ERP alternative that you can integrate with an existing CRM to enhance customer interactions without disrupting your current workflows.
Ready to streamline your manufacturing process with powerful ERP software?
If you’re looking for an ERP solution, Fishbowl has your back. This manufacturing inventory software integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks, giving you full control over production, inventory, and accounting processes at a fraction of the price.
While Fishbowl isn’t a full ERP system on its own, its cost-effective integration capabilities allow you to maintain the software you already rely on. Forget about hefty implementation costs and complex training — get started with Fishbowl. Schedule a demo today.