The Configuration Guide

We’ve compiled the results of our research and created a guide to both product- and attribute-based configuration, showing you the reality of each option, and outlining why attribute-based configuration is the right choice to future-proof your tech stack.

"Manufacturing software system" is a broad term that can refer to a wide number of business solutions for manufacturers.

Some examples of manufacturing software systems include inventory management, contact management or customer relationship management (CRM), production planning, accounting, or eCommerce software. The kind of software a manufacturer requires will depend on the activities and needs of each individual business.

Broader solutions encompass multiple features and functions to reduce the number of individual solutions a business needs. Material requirements planning (MRP) analyzes production schedules, calculates the materials needed, and automates inventory and ordering processes. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) contains an MRP system but also has many features MRP lacks. Other solutions are less comprehensive than ERP or MRP manufacturing software but include multiple common features.

For example, Fishbowl solutions' manufacturing software includes most MRP features including monitoring raw material and finished product stock, balancing inventory levels, and various features for streamlining the production and delivery process. It has many features that manufacturers might find useful including inventory, production, and order management features. It has a lot of great integrations for things like eCommerce, EDI, CRM, and financial software.

While it has a ton of great features vital to many manufacturing businesses, it isn't technically a full MRP system. However, according to Fishbowl's blog, the only MRP requirement it doesn't meet is the ability to schedule production activity. They say you can use it as an MRP though, and many agree as it is on tons of "best MRP" lists and is listed as the #1 most recommended MRP software.

MRPeasy, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive, cloud-based manufacturing ERP system that is specifically made for small manufacturing businesses with 10-200 employees and functions as a complete MRP and ERP suite. The pricing starts at $49/month/user, so it's more affordable for smaller businesses. If it's still too pricey for you though, it is possible to get manufacturing software free online.

When looking specifically for manufacturing software systems for small businesses, there are many unique factors that must be taken into account.

The size and scope of smaller manufacturing businesses will likely mean that they don't require all the same features that the biggest manufacturers would. Other features may still be necessary but on a much smaller scale.  

When looking at lists of the best manufacturing software options available, note whether their reasoning is specific to small businesses or if high production volumes, multiple warehouse options, and other features geared toward large businesses weighed into their decision because different size businesses will have different needs.

The exact kind of manufacturing business and the processes it uses will also be important factors. Not every business will need every type of software used in the manufacturing industry. Pricing for software aimed at large corporations can also be much higher than small businesses can afford. Why should a sole proprietor pay for employee tracking and multiple warehouse features that don't apply to them?    

Likewise, the best ERP for small manufacturing businesses likely won't be the same as the best manufacturing software overall. The best ERP for a small business will depend on that business's specific needs. Take all these factors into account when researching your options and you'll likely be able to find the best fit for your business.

There are certain brands that are widely considered to be among the top manufacturing software companies.

NetSuite manufacturing software makes a lot of these lists. There are very good reasons for this. Many business and technology companies have looked over all the options, conducted a detailed assessment of the features and capabilities, and weighed in with their opinions on the best software for modern manufacturers.   

Once again, it's important to keep in mind that the criteria they were judging these options on may not line up with the goals of every business. That's why it's so important to read those articles and see what their reasons are and whether they apply to you rather than just picking the first name at the top of a list.

Manufacturing software costs will also factor heavily into the decision for most businesses. It doesn't matter how perfect an option seems for your business if it's way outside what your budget will allow. If you're on a particularly tight budget, there is free manufacturing software for small businesses available. However, research them carefully. Quality and efficacy can vary wildly.

No matter the size of your business, any good manufacturing software should be able to back up its claims with evidence and a proven track record of successful results. To support the value of their solution, many software manufacturers' examples include case studies and testimonials from happy customers.

The best manufacturing software for small businesses quite often ends up being cloud-based manufacturing software.

 Small business manufacturing software usingcloud computing can have a lot of benefits. A cloud-based ERP for small business manufacturing will be faster and easier to update, doesn't require the business to have their own IT infrastructure, can be customized to their needs, and as the small business grows, the system will scale with them.

Those aren't the only reasons that the best ERP for small businesses will likely be a cloud-based option. They have much more powerful features that would be impossible for small businesses without tech specialists, top-of-the-line servers, and the ability to make large financial investments to access off the cloud. It can also be accessed from anywhere.    

While free manufacturing software for small businesses is always an option, investing in an ERP/MRP system for small manufacturing businesses can get you a tech stack that most closely aligns with your overall goals and budgets. It's usually worth the upfront cost when the time and money saved are taken into account.

ERP for the manufacturing industry can be an incredibly dense topic.

Of all the different things that fall under the much larger manufacturing software umbrella, this one is often the most difficult for people to wrap their heads around, especially if they have no experience with this kind of technology beforehand.

Due to the massive number of manufacturing ERP features that exist, and the nuance involved with each of them, gaining a real understanding of the subject can be challenging. If you're feeling overwhelmed trying to research everything on your own, don't worry. There are resources available to help you.

There are a great many benefits of ERP in the manufacturing industry, especially for cloud-based systems. Each manufacturing ERP feature can even have multiple benefits to learn about. No matter the brands, size, or features you're looking for, there should be more than enough ERP in the manufacturing industry PDF walk-throughs, guides, and resources to help you find the answers you need.

While many are tempted by free manufacturing software for small businesses,

investing in quality manufacturing ERP software for small businesses can truly elevate the entire experience far beyond what you could achieve with the kind of simple manufacturing software you could get for free. That is especially true if you choose cloud-based manufacturing software.

The cost of an ERP system for small businesses is completely outweighed by the benefits, which are much more extensive than you could get with some ERP software free download. Choosing the right small business manufacturing software is an important decision that should be made after careful research and a proper cost/benefit analysis.

As long as you remember that the best ERP, the best ERP for small businesses, and the best ERP for your business aren't necessarily the same thing, and really consider what features you need, you should be able to find a great option at a price you can afford. NetSuite manufacturing is a great MRP system for small manufacturing businesses and the perfect place to start your search.

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