Last Reviewed: November 14th, 2024

Best MRP Systems Of 2024

What are MRP Systems?

MRP Systems, or Material Requirements Planning systems, are a mainstay in inventory control and production planning. They help organizations optimize manufacturing and purchasing processes, thereby producing tangible cost and time efficiencies. MRP systems operate by analyzing inventories and sales forecasts to determine optimal material requirements, a key to inventory optimization. Enhanced accuracy and time savings are pivotal benefits. An emerging feature, AI integration, has even broken new ground in predictive analysis. The greatest beneficiaries of MRP systems are manufacturing and wholesale distribution industries due to inventory-heavy operations. A noted limitation lies in their dependence on accurate in-house data; garbage in, garbage out. In summary, MRP systems offer a robust solution for inventory control and production planning, delivering accuracy and efficiency benefits. However, they're susceptible to inaccuracies from errant input data. In essence, their value proposition revolves around optimizing production infrastructure thereby driving business performance.

What Are The Key Benefits of MRP Systems?

  • Improved inventory control
  • Enhanced production scheduling
  • Increased operational efficiency
  • Reduced material waste
  • Better demand forecasting
  • Streamlined purchasing process
  • Lowered manufacturing cost
  • Faster decision making
  • Less downtime occurrences
  • Optimized resource allocation
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SelectHub Award Winners - Array

Our Research Analysts evaluated 196 solutions and determined the following solutions are the best MRP Systems overall:

Overall

  • 96 Visibility ERP
    Best Overall, Bill of Materials (BoM), Inventory Management
  • 94 SYSPRO
    Best for Integrations and Extensibility, Inventory Management, Mobile Capabilities
  • 88 Acumatica
    Best for Bill of Materials (BoM), Integrations and Extensibility, Purchase Order Management and Procurement
  • 87 Sage X3
    Best for Inventory Management, Purchase Order Management and Procurement
  • 79 MRPEasy
  • 74 Dynamics 365 Business Central
    Best for Inventory Management
  • 73 NetSuite
  • 72 DELMIAworks
  • 68 MIE Trak Pro
  • 61 ERPAG
Visibility ERP  Award
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Why We Picked Visibility ERP

Visibility ERP shines as a user-friendly and cost-effective option for businesses with mid-level ERP needs. Its intuitive interface makes it easier for employees to learn and use, especially for businesses with limited technical resources. Additionally, Visibility ERP's pricing structure is often seen as more affordable compared to larger, comprehensive solutions, making it a good fit for businesses on a tighter budget.

However, some reviewers highlight limitations that could be deal breakers for certain companies. While reporting is enough for basic needs, it falls short for complex data analysis or in-depth reports. This can be a hurdle for businesses relying heavily on data-driven insights for strategic decisions. Extensive customizations can be resource-intensive and require specialized skills, potentially making it difficult for businesses seeking highly tailored solutions resources.

Overall, Visibility ERP seems ideal for smaller or mid-sized manufacturing and distribution businesses, valuing user-friendliness, affordability and ease of use. However, companies with intricate reporting needs or those seeking highly customized solutions might find its functionalities restrictive and may be better served by exploring alternative ERP solutions.

Pros & Cons

  • User-Friendly Interface: Visibility ERP is praised for its intuitive interface and straightforward navigation, making it easier for users with varying technical skill sets to adapt and become proficient. This can streamline onboarding, reduce training time and improve overall user adoption.
  • Scalability and Customization: While not as extensive as some industry giants, Visibility ERP offers customization options and scalability to accommodate business growth. This allows businesses to tailor the system to their specific needs and add functionalities as required without a complete system overhaul.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to larger ERP systems, Visibility ERP often falls within a more affordable price range, particularly for smaller businesses. This can be a deciding factor for companies seeking a cost-conscious solution that meets their core ERP needs without breaking the bank.
  • Mobile Accessibility: Visibility ERP offers mobile app access, allowing authorized users to access and manage essential business data and processes on the go. It can enhance flexibility, improve decision-making response times and boost productivity for a more mobile workforce.
  • Limited Reporting Features: While Visibility ERP offers basic reporting functionalities, users often find them insufficient for in-depth data analysis and customization. This can hinder the generation of comprehensive reports and limit the ability to gain deeper insights for informed decision-making, especially for businesses with intricate reporting needs.
  • Potential Customization Challenges: Although Visibility ERP boasts scalability and customization options, implementing extensive modifications might be resource-intensive and require specialized expertise. This can be a hurdle for businesses seeking a highly tailored solution without the budget for significant development efforts or in-house technical knowledge.
  • Integration Complexity: Integrating Visibility ERP with existing systems can be challenging due to limited out-of-the-box connectors and potential compatibility issues. This might necessitate additional development work or workarounds, impacting overall implementation time and cost, and potentially hindering a seamless workflow.

Key Features

  • Number of users
  • Depth of features
  • Additional modules
  • Implementation complexity
SYSPRO  Award
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Why We Picked SYSPRO

SYSPRO is a robust manufacturing ERP that is favored by small and mid-sized companies. Its abundant amount of features include reporting, project management, BOM management, quoting, inventory management, financial tracking and more. It comes with a sleek user-friendly interface and it streamlines workflow tasks with ease. Although it's sluggish at times and experiences the occasional glitches, the majority of users find it an effective solution.

Pros & Cons

  • Simple Interface: Nearly 64% of users said this solution's user interface is simple and easy to master.
  • General Performance: Of the users who discussed this program's overall performance, 48% stated it's efficient and simplifies tasks.
  • Configurable: Precisely 87% of users stated that this software is configurable to meet their business operations.
  • Effective Modules: This program is equipped with several modules to streamline production such as bill of material (BOM) management, project management, inventory tracking, reporting, quoting and more, according to 53% of users.
  • Glitchy: According to 52% of users, this solution can be slow and have plenty of glitches.

Key Features

  • Order Management: Automate order-to-delivery procedures, obtain full transparency of production and carry out order processing and fulfillment with the sales order extension. 
  • Lot Traceability and Serial Tracking: Govern product tracking by tracing it from its original worksite to the final destination with complete visibility of various physical and virtual sites. Users may also trace and evaluate defects. 
  • Sales Analysis and Optimal Pricing: Sift through profitable patrons and forecast product sales trends to gauge its profits. 
  • Lean Inventory Management: Permit customizations and automatic KPI monitoring to gain balance for inventory investments and services. 
  • Product Information: Overlook extensive inventories of various goods in a single or multi-warehouse setting. Users can plan and conduct warehouse restorations and order fulfillment necessities. 
  • Inspection: Coordinate varying reviews for products with irregular chemical procedures and work with tools to document product inspection data. Depending on the findings of the data, users can receipt, scrap or revise quantities.  
  • Product Formula Changes: Leverage controls to guarantee products possess constant procedures, the correct formulas and requirements with the engineering change control, bill of materials, work-in-progress and factory accessories. 
  • Workflow and Approval: Administer merchandise design procedures and verify that new and revised products pass through relevant testing and approval standards before distribution to clients. 
  • Monitoring: Recognize approved manufacturers for raw material provisions and supplier execution effortlessly to track through queries and reports. Users will oversee and understand the raw material's quality during manufacturing. 

Pricing

License/Subscription Cost
  • SYSPRO ERP costs begin at $199 per user, per month. The more additional modules are added, the more expensive the program will be. The price of on-premise software installation starts at around $12,000.
Maintenance Cost
  • Customer support is available to users via the SYSPRO Reseller Channel and SYSPRO Partners.In-house support is also available from the vendor to help meet the specific requirements of each customer.
Installation/Implementation Cost
  • Deployment is an additional cost. SYSPRO provides implementation services through its SYSPRO Reseller Channel (qualified professionals) and SYSPRO Partners. The cost of this implementation varies based on number of users, system architecture, implementation scope and complexity, company size, industry, and if your company requires any third-party integrations.
Customization Cost
  • Customization and additional applications are both additional costs to the on-premise and cloud-based versions of SYSPRO ERP.
Data Migration Cost/Change Management/Upfront Switching Cost
  • These costs are also additional and will vary depending on your current software, amount of data to be migrated, availability of migration tools, complexity of data and gaps between the existing system and the new system.
Recurring/Renewal Costs
  • For both types of deployments, the cost will vary depending on the number of subscription-based user licenses purchased plus the additional cost of software updates, support, customization and integration.
Acumatica  Award
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$4,000
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Why We Picked Acumatica

User reviews, coupled with our extensive research, confirm Acumatica’s reputation for flexibility and scalability. Still, certain features and overall performance have drawn mixed reviews.

First, the positives. A majority of user reviews highlight Acumatica’s functionality and its ease of use. Popular mentions include the quoting and billing, accounts location, and inventory management features. Other honorable mentions are the accounts payable and invoice routing tools.

Reviewers specifically mention that managing administrative functions is a breeze and accessible from anywhere. One user even mentioned that their business is retiring other legacy systems because Acumatica fulfills those needs by offering tools to manage various business functions on one platform with complete access to past data.

For those who swear by Excel, Acumatica offers a comforting bridge with its robust Excel integration. The export to Excel feature is available on every grid. No more tedious manual transfers.

However, drawbacks like the less-than-ideal calendar feature and tricky project management tools have been noted. Users say that project management, while capable of managing multiple projects at once, could have fewer steps.

The platform’s performance can be a hiccup. Multiple users experienced glitches, especially when dealing with large datasets or navigating through generic inquiries. The system also logs out after 60 minutes of idle time. Defining user inactivity timeout is only available for Acumatica 2023 R1 and beyond.

Beyond user reviews, our research team delved into the strengths and weaknesses of Acumatica. According to our research, it’s the best in the game for order and service management.

Acumatica's biggest differentiator lies in its open architecture and customization options. Unlike some competitors with limited customization or reliance on pre-built modules, Acumatica lets you tailor the platform to their specific workflows and processes.

The caveat is that molding the platform will take time and a great deal of expertise (either through internal IT or external support). Implementation will get drawn out, and expediting this process without proper alignment with your business needs will deter you from getting complete value for the amount you pay.

The timeline and pricing might not be suitable for smaller firms or startups. Some users also wished the private cloud perpetual (PCP) licensing model wasn't discontinued. We suggest looking for other options if you don’t want to pay a monthly recurring fee.

So, is Acumatica right for you?

Acumatica is a strong contender if your business demands a highly adaptable system and you're prepared to invest time and resources in customization. However, if you prioritize rapid implementation and lightning-fast performance, you might want to explore other options.

Pros & Cons

  • User-Friendly: While there were some mixed reviews concerning disjointed navigation and the need for in-depth end-user training, 75% of reviewers said that Acumatica is easy to use.
  • Reporting: Over 50% of users were in favor of Acumatica’s reporting. Those who were not in favor said that the reporting feature required IT assistance to generate specialized reports, as the custom report tool isn’t friendly for those without developer knowledge.
  • Customization: Nearly three-fourths of reviews that mentioned customization applauded the vast amount of opportunities for customization, while one-fourth of reviewers complained that users need IT assistance to complete customizations.
  • Functionality: Acumatica provides robust functionality — almost 82% of reviewers said the system came with every tool they needed and more. Reviewers also mentioned that yearly updates are rolled out, so functionality is always improving.
  • Integration: Of the users that mentioned integration in their review, 100% were satisfied with the connectivity to other systems.
  • Cloud-Based Scalability: Easily adapt to business growth by adding modules or users without data disruption or complex upgrades.
  • Seamless Integrations: Connect with various third-party tools and platforms through open APIs and connectors, streamlining data flow and operations.
  • Centralized Data: Consolidate all business information in one system, improving data accuracy, accessibility and reporting capabilities.
  • Mobile App Access: Manage key tasks and access data on the go with the mobile app, boosting productivity and flexibility.
  • Support: Almost 70% of reviews concerning support were negative, given that Acumatica requires users to partner with a third party for support. In addition, there were some grievances surrounding the “Help” documentation.
  • Implementation: Between long implementation cycles and a requirement for a VAR to implement the system, 75% of reviewers said that they weren’t happy with the process.
  • Higher Cost Than Basic Options: Initial investment and per-application pricing can be steeper than some basic accounting software, especially for smaller businesses.
  • Steeper Learning Curve for Complex Needs: Extensive customization and advanced features may require dedicated IT resources or consultant support, increasing implementation costs.
  • Limited Industry-Specific Features: May lack specialized modules or functionalities for highly regulated or niche industries.
  • Reporting Customization Restrictions: While customizable, financial reporting options might not offer the depth and drill-down capabilities of dedicated reporting tools.
  • Occasional System Bugs & Glitches: 80% of users who mentioned platform speed report occasional bugs and glitches, requiring troubleshooting and potential downtime.

Key Features

  • Financial Management: Manage accounting, budgeting, financial reporting and cash management on one platform. In addition to core functions like general ledgers, accounts receivables and payables, it offers automated bank reconciliations and multi-currency to support efficiency and global operations.
  • Distribution Management: Manage sales, inventory, and purchasing processes with one module. Top features include order management, inventory control and warehouse management. Its ability to handle complex inventory valuation methods and real-time inventory visibility sets it apart.
  • Order Management: Get better control over the entire order-to-cash process. From order entry and tracking to fulfillment and invoicing, it provides complete visibility and control.
  • Built-In CRM: Build and maintain strong customer relationships. Use sales force automation, marketing automation and customer service management tools to make every interaction meaningful. Integrated sales forecasting, lead scoring and customer lifecycle management drive sales growth and improve customer satisfaction.
  • Manufacturing: Get real-time visibility into shop floor activities. Create and manage multiple work centers. Manage everything from bills of materials (BOM) creation to work order management based on job dispatch lists.
  • Service Management: Use an extensive service management toolkit that includes service request creation, service contract management and installation management features. Enhance service delivery and improve technician productivity by offering a technical portal to start and end appointments.
  • Inventory Management: Capture key inventory details like class ID and item types. These support cycle routing with better visibility into stock levels. Build kits to stock with the option to disassemble kits into smaller components.
Sage X3  Award
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$24,000
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Why We Picked Sage X3

User reviews of Sage X3 reveal a powerful ERP solution with a strong emphasis on scalability and flexibility. Users praise its ability to adapt to specific business needs and grow alongside a company's expansion. One user highlights this strength, stating, "Sage X3 offers extensive customization options to adapt to your unique business processes and workflows. This allowed us to tailor the software to our specific needs and avoid being forced to adapt our processes to the software." This flexibility is crucial for businesses operating in dynamic environments. However, some users find the initial setup and learning curve of Sage X3 to be complex and challenging. One reviewer notes, "While the extensive customization options can be a benefit, they can also make it more difficult to upgrade and maintain the software. This can lead to increased costs and system downtime." These concerns are particularly relevant for smaller businesses with limited IT resources. Despite the complexities, many users appreciate Sage X3's superior reporting capabilities compared to competitors like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. One user points out, "While Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central provides basic reporting capabilities, some users find it to be insufficient for their needs. Sage X3, on the other hand, offers deeper insights and flexible reporting options." This advantage enables businesses to make data-driven decisions with greater confidence. Overall, Sage X3 earns positive user reviews for its robust features, adaptability, and strong reporting capabilities. However, its complexity and potential cost considerations require careful evaluation before implementation. Choosing the right ERP solution depends on a company's specific needs, resources, and long-term growth plans.

Pros & Cons

  • Seamless Interface: Of the users who discussed the user interface, 45% said it was easy to use.
  • Vast Amount of Features: This software is equipped with an abundant amount of features including a dashboard, reporting, inventory management, accounting, and fixed assets, according to 76% of users.
  • Scalability: Sage X3 can grow with your business, accommodating increasing data volumes and user needs. This is crucial for businesses that anticipate significant growth in the future.
  • Flexibility: Sage X3 offers extensive customization options to adapt to your unique business processes and workflows. This allows you to tailor the software to your specific needs and avoid being forced to adapt your processes to the software.
  • Integration: Sage X3 seamlessly integrates with other business applications, streamlining data flow and eliminating silos. This improves efficiency and productivity by giving you a unified view of your business data.
  • Security: Sage X3 employs robust security measures to protect your sensitive data. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your information is safe.
  • Support: Sage provides comprehensive training and support resources to help you get the most out of your investment. This ensures that you have the resources you need to be successful with Sage X3.
  • Old-Fashioned Design: Roughly 54% of users stated Sage Business Cloud X3 has a clunky implementation process and an old-fashioned design.
  • Unexpected Error Messages: According to 76% of users, vague and unexpected error messages appear far too often.
  • Complexity: Sage X3 can be complex and challenging to learn and use, especially for businesses with limited IT resources. This can lead to user frustration and errors.
  • Cost: Sage X3 can be expensive to implement and maintain, especially for small businesses. The initial licensing fees, ongoing subscription costs, and potential customization expenses can be significant.
  • Reporting: While Sage X3 provides basic reporting capabilities, some users find it to be insufficient for their needs. Advanced reporting often requires the use of additional third-party tools or customization.
  • Customization: While the extensive customization options can be a benefit, they can also make it more difficult to upgrade and maintain the software. This can lead to increased costs and system downtime.
  • Support: Some users have reported that Sage's customer support can be slow and unresponsive. This can be frustrating when you need help troubleshooting issues or resolving problems.

Key Features

  • Budgeting and Accounting: Sage X3 contains essential accounting functions such as accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, budgeting and fixed asset management. The system allows for an unlimited number of currencies to be used and contains exchange rates to help global companies centralize their finances. Tax management is also included in this tool. 
  • Purchasing: The purchasing tool includes supplier and product management features, purchase requests and supplier invoices among many other components. The tool allows users to monitor the quality of suppliers, manage product serial numbers, take requests for quotation into account and calculate reorder suggestions. 
  • Inventory Management: The inventory management tool has multi-warehouse, multi-company and multi-site support, meaning users may track and manage inventory across various geographic locations. The program also includes quality control features and can assist in the tracking and preparation of stock movements. 
  • Sales Management: Sage X3’s sales management tool enables transactions conducted across different sites to be done automatically. It allows for different prices and discounts to be applied along with also controlling sales quotes and shipment preparation. It assists in the creation of invoices and is compliant with the EU Exchange of goods declaration. 
  • BOM Planning: BOM management is a component of the production management tool that allows users to conduct changes for a product and BOM. With this system, users may control the use of a product in different flows, such as sales, manufacturing, subcontracting and stock issues. Mass maintenance and a view of current bills of material are also provided. 
  • Shop Floor Control: Sage X3’s shop floor control component accounts for direct and indirect labor. Users can also track actual and elapsed time spent working on various tasks. Important labor factors such as break time entry and attendance are included to help ensure that time is being used efficiently and appropriately. 
  • Quality Control: This system supports the management of expiration dates, quality control record creation and serial number management. Stock can also be marked as either accepted, rejected or inspected so items that don’t meet standards won’t get sent to customers. Re-inspection and sampling management are also included in Sage X3. 

Pricing

License/Subscription Cost On-premise:
  • Perpetual license fee includes an upfront cost to own the software plus IP for a fixed term, along with a server license on top of the named user license, maintenance and support fees, customization, implementation and integration
Cloud-based/SaaS:
  • Recurring subscription-based model: per module, per user, per month
  • The monthly subscription price includes access to Sage Business Cloud X3, Sage Business Care support and access to all updates and upgrades
  • Actual licenses and subscriptions for Sage Cloud are also sold through Sage Certified Partners
Maintenance Cost On-premise:
  • Cost is above and beyond the license fee
  • Users have to enter into a maintenance agreement for annual support and maintenance, the cost of which is in the range of 10% to 20% of the original license fee
Cloud-based/SaaS:
  • Not included in the subscription cost
  • Additional upgrades and updates are included in the subscription fee via Sage Business Care support
Installation/Implementation Cost On-premise:
  • Cost is above and beyond the upfront license cost
Cloud-based/SaaS:
  • Cost is over and above the subscription cost
For both types of deployment:
  • Cost varies based on number of users, system architecture, implementation scope and complexity, company size, industry, additional applications, add-ons and third-party integrations
  • Cost varies depending on who’s providing the implementation services: Sage, in-house or outsourced/third-party
  • Cost varies depending on the implementation partner chosen and is typically charged on a per-hour basis
Customization Cost
  • For both types of deployment, cost varies depending on applications and modules added, such as materials management, sales & order management, financial management, production management and CRM
  • Cost varies depending on data elements to be tracked, UI changes, workflows complexity, dashboard, management and operational requirements
Data Migration Cost/Change Management/Upfront Switching Cost
  • For both types of deployment, cost varies depending on the amount of data to be migrated, availability of migration tools, complexity of data and gaps between the existing system and the new system
Recurring/Renewal Costs On-premise:
  • Annual recurring fees are paid over and above the upfront cost for annual renewal, upgrades, ongoing support and maintenance, customization, third-party integration and training
Cloud-based/SaaS:
  • Renewal cost is included in the subscription, based on number of users, add-on user licenses, customization, third-party integration and training
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Why We Picked MRPEasy

Is MRPEasy really a piece of cake to use? User reviews from the past year suggest MRPEasy is a user-friendly and comprehensive manufacturing ERP system that shines when it comes to small to mid-sized businesses. Users praise its intuitive interface, making it easy to navigate and implement even without extensive technical expertise. They particularly appreciate its robust production planning, scheduling, and inventory management features, which streamline operations and boost efficiency. However, some users find its customization options somewhat limited, especially when it comes to integrating with other specialized software or accommodating unique industry-specific needs. For example, a user in the financial services industry noted that while MRPEasy provided a solid foundation for managing manufacturing processes, it lacked the flexibility to tailor certain aspects to their specific requirements.

This makes MRPEasy a great fit for growing manufacturers and distributors who need a powerful yet easy-to-use system to manage their core operations without the complexity of enterprise-grade solutions. Its affordability and comprehensive feature set make it a compelling choice for businesses looking to optimize their manufacturing processes and gain a competitive edge.

Pros & Cons

  • Intuitive Interface: Users praise MRPEasy for its user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and understand, even for those without extensive software experience.
  • Comprehensive Functionality: MRPEasy offers a wide range of features, covering various aspects of manufacturing, such as inventory management, production planning, and shop floor control, eliminating the need for multiple software solutions.
  • Excellent Support: Users consistently highlight the responsive and helpful customer support provided by MRPEasy, ensuring any issues are addressed promptly and efficiently.
  • Limited Customization: Users have reported that customizing MRPEasy to fit their specific workflows can be challenging, especially for businesses with unique manufacturing processes.
  • Reporting Limitations: Some users have expressed frustration with the limited reporting capabilities of MRPEasy, finding it difficult to extract specific data insights or generate custom reports.
  • Mobile App Functionality: While MRPEasy offers a mobile app, some users have found its functionality to be limited compared to the desktop version, particularly for tasks like barcode scanning or shop floor data entry.

Key Features

  • All-in-One Manufacturing: This software features one dashboard to keep track of stock, procurement, production planning, CRM, and product plans. This feature includes BOM and routing that calculates manufacturing cost and time with ease. 
  • Simple Inventory Tracking: This feature allows users to see which items are available in stock, which are booked, how much safety stock is available and which items are expected to arrive in the future. Users can stock items associated with part number, description, unit of measurement, selling price and storage location. 
  • Accurate Production Planning: MRPEasy gives color-coded warnings that indicate when materials, operations or work orders are late and takes necessary steps in response. Users can also create manufacturing orders in three ways: sales in CRM, through a production manager during production planning or semi-automatically when a critical stock level is met. 
  • Precise Schedule Execution: Users can use one dashboard to monitor late COs, MOs, and POs, minimum stock, sales performance and more. With routing and current works managed in one place, this feature automatically checks the availability of workstations and performs necessary scheduling tasks. 
  • BOM Analytics: This feature keeps a history of different versions and revisions of BOMs that evolve with the Version Control System. Users can also publish a new version of the BOM that’s accessible to co-workers right away if they are permitted to do so. 
  • MES for Small Manufacturers: Shop floor workers can track their personal schedules in real-time with the “My Production Plan” tool. This feature contains a visual calendar and access to work order details (i.e., attached files, lists of parts and stock locations). Workers can either use the “My Production Plan” section on a computer or the simplified “Internet Kiosk” view on any Apple or Android device.  
Dynamics 365 Business Central  Award
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Why We Picked Dynamics 365 Business Central

Users appreciated Dynamics 365 Business Central's user-friendly interface and automation capabilities, highlighting its ease of use even for non-technical personnel. The streamlined workflows and intuitive layout simplified data entry and task completion, especially compared to competitor solutions with steeper learning curves. The automated processes proved beneficial in eliminating manual work and errors, boosting efficiency in areas like finance, inventory, and customer service. However, some users pointed to limitations in industry-specific features compared to more specialized competitors like SAP Business One or Acumatica. While Business Central excels in core ERP functions, complex needs in manufacturing or healthcare might require additional add-ons or integrations, increasing complexity and potentially cost. Customization, while available, also presented a potential hurdle. While offering flexibility, extensive modifications could necessitate developer expertise, raising implementation time and costs compared to competitors with more drag-and-drop customization options. Business Central's cloud-based scalability was praised, accommodating growth and diverse user needs effectively. This stood out compared to some on-premise competitors with less flexibility. However, very large enterprises with intricate operations might encounter limitations or require additional configuration compared to solutions like Oracle NetSuite designed for such complexity. Overall, user reviews suggest Dynamics 365 Business Central shines for its user-friendliness, automation, and cloud-based scalability. However, limitations in industry-specific features and potential customization complexity compared to some competitors are important considerations, especially for niche businesses or large enterprises.

Pros & Cons

  • Easy to Learn: Precisely 53% of users say the system has a simple implementation process and helpful training materials.
  • Extensive Features: Features include BOM management, finance management, document management, reporting, search filters, accounting and other modules, according to 79% of users.
  • Intuitive Interface: Familiar layout and guided workflows simplify data entry and task completion for non-technical users.
  • Automated Processes: Reduce manual tasks and errors with automated workflows for finance, inventory, sales, and customer service.
  • Actionable Insights: Gain real-time visibility into business performance through comprehensive dashboards and reporting tools.
  • Powerful Integrations: Connect seamlessly with Microsoft 365, Power BI, and other popular business applications for a unified data ecosystem.
  • Cloud-based Scalability: Adapt to growth with a flexible cloud infrastructure that supports diverse user needs and data volumes.
  • User Interface: Of the users who discussed the interface, 46% said it was not intuitive and the layout is old-fashioned.
  • Glitchy Performance: Approximately 67% of users said the program's overall performance is slow and glitchy.
  • Industry Gaps: While strong for core ERP functions, may require additional add-ons or integrations for complex industry-specific needs like manufacturing or healthcare.
  • Customization Curve: While offering customization options, extensive modifications might require developer expertise, increasing costs and implementation time.
  • Large Enterprise Scalability: While cloud-based and scalable, very large enterprises with intricate operations might encounter limitations or require additional configuration.
  • Add-on Dependence: Fulfilling specific needs may rely on third-party add-ons, introducing potential compatibility and support challenges.
  • Cost Considerations: While offering subscription plans, total cost of ownership can be influenced by user licenses, customization needs, and add-on integrations.

Key Features

  • Sales Order Management: Dynamics 365 Business Central’s sales order management module allows you to alter quantity available amounts based on posted invoices. You can also use the program to create prepayment invoices and to manage partial shipments. 
  • Analysis Reports: The analysis reports tool is based on helping decisionmakers within your company gain meaningful insights that will positively influence daily decisions. With this customizable tool, you can use factors such as customers, items and vendors to view information such as inventory turnover and customer behavior. You can also use this tool to more accurately pinpoint problems across your business that are creating bottlenecks or inefficiencies. 
  • General Ledger: Accounting and financial reporting tools are a commonly requested feature in ERP software. Dynamics 365 Business Central offers a general ledger in its base package that includes internal and external reporting tools, ability to export data in various formats, employee ledger entries, linking to external documents and reporting in your company’s preferred currency format. 
  • Requisition Management: Dynamics 365 Business Central’s Requisition Worksheet allows you to optimize your inventory based on factors such as predicted demand and material availability. You can also set minimum and maximum quantity levels to determine a reordering point in your manufacturing center. 
  • Multi-Site Functionality: With this software, you can track inventory levels across multiple distribution centers, warehouses, production plants, showrooms and more. You can also track inventory as it moves from different locations while accounting for its value during transit. 
  • Contact Management: The contact management feature allows you to input and maintain a list of your business contacts and prospects. The tool lets you know when duplicate contact information is entered, enables you to issue quotes or sales documents, allows for the categorization of people associated with a specific contact and segments people based on profiling questions. 
  • Optical Character Recognition (OCR): Dynamics 365 Business Central includes support for Kofax Invoice Capture Service (ICS) out of the box. This tool can take information from unstructured PDFs, extract it, and turn it into structured data. 
  • Currency Exchange Rates: This system allows you to update currency exchange rates as they shift. This can be done either manually or automatically. Dynamics 365 Business Central supports Yahoo and European Central Bank (ECB) currency feeds out of the box, but you can add other currencies to the tool using the currency exchange rates setup. 
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Why We Picked NetSuite

User reviews for NetSuite ERP paint a mixed picture, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. Many users praise its comprehensive features and real-time data visibility, reporting improvements in efficiency and collaboration. One user commented, "NetSuite has transformed our business by automating tedious tasks and providing us with a single source of truth for all our data." Another added, "The collaboration features are fantastic – we can now work together seamlessly across different departments, which has boosted productivity significantly." However, users also raise concerns about the complexity of the platform and its high cost. Some find the learning curve steep and the customization options limited compared to competitors like SAP Business One and Microsoft Dynamics 365. One user noted, "NetSuite was initially overwhelming for our team due to its complexity. We had to invest heavily in training just to get started." Another commented, "The cost was a major barrier for us. We found other ERP solutions that offered similar features at a fraction of the price." The issue of vendor lock-in is another recurring concern among users. Switching to a different ERP system can be challenging due to data migration issues and dependence on NetSuite's proprietary features. One user expressed their apprehension, "We're worried about getting locked into NetSuite's ecosystem. Switching to another provider seems like a huge headache." Overall, user reviews suggest that NetSuite ERP is a powerful and feature-rich solution but comes with a steep learning curve and high cost. While it may be the perfect fit for large organizations with complex needs and significant resources, smaller businesses might find it overwhelming and expensive. When evaluating NetSuite, it's crucial to carefully consider your specific needs, budget, and technical expertise before making a decision.

Pros & Cons

  • Real-time data and visibility: Gain immediate insights into your business performance with real-time access to all your data.
  • Improved efficiency and automation: Automate routine tasks and streamline workflows to boost productivity across your organization.
  • Enhanced collaboration: Break down departmental silos and foster better communication across teams.
  • Scalability and flexibility: Adapt NetSuite to your unique needs and accommodate your business growth.
  • Comprehensive features: Manage all aspects of your business operations with a single platform.
  • Improved decision-making: Get data-driven insights to make informed and strategic decisions.
  • Strong customer support: Reliable support is available through multiple channels to ensure your success.
  • High security and compliance: Secure your data and meet industry regulations with robust security features.
  • High cost: NetSuite's initial implementation and ongoing maintenance fees can be significant, especially for small businesses.
  • Steep learning curve: The platform's extensive features require significant training and user adoption efforts.
  • Limited customization options: While customizable, NetSuite requires technical expertise and can be costly compared to competitors.
  • Vendor lock-in concerns: Switching to a different ERP provider can be challenging due to potential data migration issues and dependence on NetSuite's proprietary features.
  • Integration challenges with certain applications: While NetSuite offers pre-built integrations, connecting with niche or less popular applications might require complex manual data entry or third-party solutions.

Key Features

  • Sales Order Management: The sales order management tool provides automation that works to reduce manual errors and to speed up the billing and order management process. It is also integrated with other business functions such as finance and fulfillment. 
  • Source Management: This tool helps ensure compliance during the purchasing process through its centralized supply portal. It also has forecasting abilities that are able to recalculate predictions based on actual fluctuations. 
  • Warehouse Management: The warehouse management feature streamlines warehouse operations by decreasing overhead and cycle times. It can also improve rates of on-time delivery, therefore improving customer retention and ultimately boosting revenue. 
  • Production Management: The production management tool is integrated with CAD and PLM functionality. This feature assists in the development of quotes, tracking of contract renewals and cost estimation. 
  • Manufacturing Accounting: All of the basic features of accounting are present in this tool, from invoicing to forecasting. It can also help your company determine the amount of taxes you need to pay based on factors such as location and revenue. 
  • Transportation and Logistics: This tool is well-integrated with IoT functionality, as it lets you see in real-time where your transportation units are located. The logistic side of this tool provides inventory estimation based on historical data to help you decide what to order more of and what to order less of. 

Pricing

Maintenance Cost The NetSuite ERP maintenance cost is included in the price of your subscription. If you purchase a license directly with NetSuite, you will also get NetSuite Support. There are silver, gold and platinum packages that are priced based on your annual contract value. This tool includes FAQs, tips and online user guides.
Installation/Implementation Cost Installation and/or implementation is an additional cost with NetSuite ERP. NetSuite requires that you use a third-party for implementation support. Therefore, price varies depending on which consulting firm you decide to go with.
Customization Cost Customization is an extra cost when purchasing NetSuite ERP. This is associated with the introduction of tools or programs that go above and beyond the “out of the box” software capabilities.
Data Migration Cost/Change Management/Upfront Switching Cost This is another cost that goes above and beyond that of the basic software package. The price of this is dependent on factors such as complexity and the amount of data that you need to move over to the new system.
Recurring/Renewal Costs Your recurring costs are dependent on the elements listed above, such as the number of users needed for your software solution, implementation, support and training services.
Start Price
$25,000
Annually
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Why We Picked DELMIAworks

DELMIAworks (formerly IQMS) is a manufacturing ERP that offers robust features —such as accounting, document control, CRM, serial number tracking, payroll, accounting, quote management and more — that users find helpful and necessary in streamlining operations. Its performance is highly intuitive and it adapts to various industries to swiftly fulfill assignments. Some users find that upgrading the software can be stressful because it changes original system settings. The application also has a few bugs that affect its speed. Nevertheless, users find it's a reliable tool with an easy interface that increases production.

Pros & Cons

  • Interface: Approximately 63% of users said this program is easy to use, noting the interface to be user friendly.
  • Overall Performance: Of the users who discussed this solution's performance, 55% said it fits industry needs and integrates throughout various departments within a company.
  • Functionality: Precisely 60% of users say the platform allows them to easily navigate between modules and offers real-time production monitoring.
  • System Performance: Roughly 44% of users said updating this software wipes out previous system settings and has a lot of bugs.

Key Features

  • Supply Chain Management: Monitor and optimize production operations with demand planning, order management and inventory management to improve productivity. The forecasting tool uses inputted goals and real-time purchase events to develop an optimal schedule that meets customer demand and business objectives. 
  • Customer Relationship Management: Develop beneficial customer and supplier relationships in one system where clients, partners and vendors can interact about numerous details. Review sales, purchases, support and shipping history to better tailor external interactions and track sales and marketing campaign opportunities. 
  • Estimating and Quoting: Evaluate labor, material, overhead and commission costs to aid in sales quote creations. The RFQ log lets employees manage quotes online. Send quotes to patrons via email, fax, printer or web.
  • Finance and Accounting: Review how and where money is spent at all times. It uses business intelligence to identify non-fruitful workflows and processes. It also offers customizable reports. 
  • Sales Order Management: Convert internal and external quotes into sales orders. The available-to-promise (ATP) and capable-to-promise (CTP) modules examine open orders and inventory when creating work orders, so the required parts are the only ones produced. 
  • Capacity Planning: Leverage MRP, labor capacity planning, auxiliary equipment planning, rough-cut capacity planning and more in one place. Check auxiliary equipment and machine availability to better know what's in use. 
  • Planning and Scheduling: Employ integrated, real-time data from the supply chain and other business facets to develop optimal schedules that effectively meet customer demand. The “what if” capability determines raw material amounts, required time and purchased parts necessary to complete all required orders. 
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Why We Picked MIE Trak Pro

MIE Trak Pro is a hefty manufacturing ERP system with a wide assortment of features that showcase real-time information on multiple shop floor areas. The majority of users say the customer support team is knowledgeable and fast in responding to and resolving problems that may arise within the system. Other users say the accounting module isn't the best bookkeeping tool because it doesn't easily integrate with specific credit cards, bank accounts or payroll services. Users also complain that the overall performance is sluggish and has too many bugs, glitches and error messages.
Generally, users find this program an effective ERP worth implementing into their routine manufacturing practices.

Pros & Cons

  • Customer Support: Approximately 93% of users who discussed support stated this solution has a knowledgeable customer support team that can quickly answer questions.
  • Accessories: Of the users who discussed this program's modules, 51% said they display real-time information.
  • Accessories: Roughly 48% of users who mentioned accessories in their reviews said the accounting module doesn't integrate well with their credit cards and bank accounts.
  • Performance: Approximately 61% of users that mentioned usability claimed MIE Trak Pro's performance is sluggish and has too many bugs, glitches and error messages.

Key Features

  • Sales Order Management: Input and manage sales orders efficiently. Convert sales orders into quotes or PDF files into sales orders, and handle several salespersons and commissions at once via the sales order management appliance. 
  • Work Order: Draft work orders with the ideal product amounts in a single run on the shop floor. Work orders fit most manufacturing modes such as made-to-stock, made-to-order, engineer-to-order, Kanban and others. 
  • Scheduling: Obtain total visibility of work centers and know when they are overloaded or exceeded user capacity. The advanced planning scheduling (APS) extension offers work order dragging and dropping, splitting or implementing whiteboard schedules. 
  • Quality Control: Chronicle inconsistencies from customer returns, in-progress manufacturing problems and supplier item rejections. Establish rejection reasons, item dispositions, failure types and corrective or preventive actions taken. 
  • Repair and Maintenance: Schedule equipment recertification dates and warranty work and manage spare parts inventory. Trace machine locations, maintenance and asset information on shop floors. 
  • Project Management: Govern large projects with numerous RFQs and quotes, customer purchase orders and sales orders. Track quotes, sales orders, work orders, shipments and invoices. 
  • Dashboards: Manage work progress and system information with graphic display charts. Graph data in various arrangements such as pie charts, bar charts and more. 
Start Price
$25
Monthly
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Key Features

  • Access Controls/Permissions
  • Accounting
  • Accounting Integration
  • Activity Dashboard
  • Activity Tracking
  • Alerts / Escalation
  • Alerts/Notifications
  • API
  • Approval Process Control
  • Asset Tracking
  • Auto-Reorder Points
  • Automated Purchases Orders
  • Backorder Management
  • Barcode / Ticket Scanning
  • Barcode Printing
  • Barcode Recognition
  • Barcode Scanning, 1D & 2D Barcoding
  • Barcoding/RFID
  • Batch Processing
  • Billing & Invoicing
  • Bills of Material
  • Cataloging/Categorization
  • Channel Management
  • Check-in/Check-out
  • Client Management
  • Configurable Tax Rates
  • Contact Database
  • Cost Management
  • Cost Tracking
  • CRM
  • CSV Import & Export
  • Customer Database
  • Customer History
  • Customer Management
  • Customer Purchase History
  • Customizable Branding
  • Customizable Dashboard
  • Customizable Fields
  • Customizable Reports
  • Customizable Templates
  • Customization
  • Data Import/Export
  • Data Synchronization
  • Delivery Tracking
  • Discount Management
  • Distribution Management
  • Document Management
  • Document Storage
  • Electronic Payments
  • Emailing
  • Enterprise Asset Management
  • ERP
  • Estimating
  • Expense Tracking
  • Expiration Date Tracking
  • Financial Analysis
  • Financial Management
  • Flexible Payment Terms
  • For Small Businesses
  • Forecasting
  • Fulfilment Processing
  • Gantt/Timeline View
  • General Ledger
  • Historical Reporting
  • HR Management
  • Installation Orders
  • Integrated Business Operations
  • Integrations
  • Inventory Auditing
  • Inventory Control
  • Inventory Management
  • Inventory Optimization
  • Inventory Replenishment
  • Inventory Tracking
  • Invoice Management
  • Invoice Processing
  • Item Management
  • Job Costing
  • Kitting
  • Label Printing
  • Label Templates
  • Labeling
  • Landed Cost Management
  • Location Tracking
  • Lot Number Tracking
  • Lot Tracking
  • Manufacturing Inventory Management
  • Marketplace Integration
  • Material Requirements Planning
  • MES
  • Mobile Access
  • Mobile App Inventory
  • Mobile Commerce
  • Monitoring
  • Multi-Channel Management
  • Multi-Currency
  • Multi-Location
  • Online Ordering
  • Order Entry
  • Order Fulfillment
  • Order Management
  • Order Processing
  • Order Tracking
  • Picking & Routing
  • Planning Tools
  • Point of Sale
  • Point of Sale (POS)
  • Pricing Rules
  • Procurement Management
  • Product Catalog
  • Product Identification
  • Product/Kit Configurator
  • Production Management
  • Production Scheduling
  • Production Tracking
  • Project Management
  • Purchase Order Management
  • Purchasing & Receiving
  • Purchasing Reports
  • Quality Control
  • Quality Management
  • Quotes/Estimates
  • Real Time Analytics
  • Real Time Data
  • Real Time Monitoring
  • Real Time Reporting
  • Real Time Synchronization
  • Real-time Updates
  • Receiving Labels
  • Recurring Orders
  • Reorder Management
  • Reporting & Statistics
  • Reporting/Analytics
  • Retail Inventory Management
  • Returns Management
  • Sales Orders
  • Sales Reports
  • Sales Trend Analysis
  • Search/Filter
  • Serial Number Tracking
  • Serial Tracking
  • Shipping Labels
  • Shipping Management
  • SKU/UPC Codes
  • SO to Packing List Conversion
  • Special Order Management
  • Status Tracking
  • Stock Management
  • Supplier Management
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Supply Management
  • Task Management
  • Template Management
  • Third Party Integrations
  • Time & Expense Tracking
  • Traceability
  • Usage Tracking/Analytics
  • User Management
  • User Roles & Permissions Setting
  • Vendor Management
  • Warehouse Management
  • Work Order Management
  • Work Orders
  • Workflow Management, eCommerce Management

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All MRP Systems (196 found)

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Treatstock

by Treatstock
Treatstock
Treatstock is a cloud-based software platform designed to streamline the manufacturing process for small and medium-sized businesses. It centralizes key operations like quoting, order management, production planning, and inventory control in a single, user-friendly interface. This fosters improved efficiency, visibility, and collaboration throughout the manufacturing workflow. Treatstock caters to diverse manufacturers, from custom furniture makers to metalworkers and electronics producers. Its core benefits include reduced paperwork, streamlined communication, and optimized resource allocation. Popular features include a drag-and-drop production scheduler, real-time inventory tracking, and built-in customer relationship management (CRM) tools. Compared to traditional, manual methods or basic scheduling software, Treatstock offers a more comprehensive and data-driven approach, empowering manufacturers to make informed decisions, boost productivity, and scale their operations efficiently. Pricing for Treatstock is typically based on a monthly subscription fee, with tiers scaled to the number of users and features required. This pay-as-you-go model eliminates upfront costs and makes it accessible to businesses of all sizes. Pros Intuitive interface Streamlined workflows Real-time data visibility Customizable features Strong customer support Cons Limited in-depth reporting Occasional bugs or glitches Learning curve for new users Costs can increase with growth Integrations with 3rd party tools
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android

S2K Enterprise

by VAI ERP
S2K Enterprise
For businesses managing complex operations like inventory, supply chains, and customer relationships, having an ERP system in place is essential. That's where VAI’s all-in-one ERP software, S2K Enterprise, comes in. It handles key business functions like product management, order processing, warehouse management and much more.One of its key strengths is its ability to anticipate customer needs and streamline operations in one place. This platform also provides industry-specific solutions, ensuring strong security and scalability.Recent reviews praise its user experience, customer support and functionality. However, its wide range of customization options might pose a learning curve for new users.Its top modules include customer orders, work orders, MRP, shop floor control and product quality. This program is available for cloud and on-premise deployments and is accessible on mobile devices.The cost of S2K Enterprise varies based on factors like the number of users, required features and deployment method. Contact VAI for a custom quote.To learn more, visit our S2K Enterprise company page.Our Research Process for S2K EnterpriseI relied on data from our analysts, software review sites, and product demo videos and blog posts (available on their website) to understand its strengths and weaknesses. While a free trial wasn’t available to explore the modules firsthand, gave me a clear overview of the software’s features and functionality.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$100 - $500
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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SAP Manufacturing

by SAP, Inc.
SAP Manufacturing
SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing is an integrated ERP solution that digitally transforms manufacturing operations, enabling businesses to achieve a high level of efficiency, agility, and innovation. It caters to discrete, process, and mixed manufacturing industries, providing comprehensive functionalities for production planning, execution, and quality management. Key features include sales order processing, material requirements planning, production planning, shop floor control, and quality management. Benefits encompass improved production visibility, optimized resource utilization, reduced costs, and enhanced product quality. Compared to similar products, SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing stands out with its real-time insights, advanced analytics, and seamless integration with other SAP solutions. However, its complexity and implementation costs may pose limitations for some businesses. Pricing is based on company size, modules selected, and deployment options. User reviews highlight its ability to streamline operations, improve decision-making, and gain a competitive edge. Pros Integrated business processes Real-time data analytics Improved supply chain management Scalable and flexible deployment options User-friendly Fiori UX Cons High implementation costs Complex customization process Steep learning curve Long implementation timeframe Potential compatibility issues with non-SAP products
Cost Breakdown
$100 - $500
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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ABIS

by ABIS, Inc.
ABIS
ABIS offers cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) software designed for mid-sized to large organizations across various industries. Its core functionalities encompass finance, inventory management, supply chain, customer relationship management (CRM), and human resources. ABIS boasts user-friendly interfaces, real-time data insights, and robust reporting tools, catering to businesses seeking streamlined operations and data-driven decision-making. Popular features include automation capabilities, integration with third-party applications, and scalability to accommodate growth. Compared to similar ERP solutions, ABIS users cite its ease of implementation, flexible deployment options (cloud, on-premise, hybrid), and comprehensive customer support as key differentiators. However, its pricing structure, typically subscription-based and tiered according to modules and user count, can be a determining factor, especially for smaller businesses. Overall, ABIS caters to companies seeking a customizable and scalable ERP solution with a focus on user experience and real-time data visibility. While its pricing might not be the most budget-friendly, its feature set and flexibility earn it a spot among the preferred ERP options for mid-sized and larger organizations. Pros User-friendly interface Real-time data insights Scalable for growth Flexible deployment options Comprehensive support Cons Subscription-based pricing May not be budget-friendly Complex for smaller businesses Limited customization options Integration challenges
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: excellent
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
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Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Buyer's Guide

MRP Systems Are All About Having the Right Materials

MRP Systems BG Intro

MRP systems are manufacturing tools that help you gather all the suitable materials to create products. Collect orders, maintain product quality and ensure better on-time deliveries with this solution.

Not sure how to find the ideal MRP? This buyer's guide gives you the 411 on everything MRP, from top benefits and features to the best market solutions and questions to ask vendors when choosing the ideal system.

Executive Summary

  • MRP systems help companies manage inventory and needed materials to create products.
  • Key features include bill of material (BOM) management, inventory control, accounting, demand forecasting and more.
  • Main industry trends include cloud software, data sharing and AI.
  • Creating a list of must-have features and planning a software selection strategy is vital in finding the best MRP systems.

What Are MRP Systems?

MRP systems are tools that calculate accurate inventory requirements to build products. Work with different production plans, BOMs, estimates and more in one consolidated application.

MRP vs. ERP

Some confuse MRP with ERP, but these platforms are as different as peanut butter and jelly.

ERP software is a centralized enterprise system that offers several functions for accounting, customer relationship management (CRM), manufacturing, inventory management and more.

MRP applications focus on manufacturing tasks but can integrate with CRM, inventory management and other platforms. MRP is considered a standalone system.

How MRP Works

MRP systems operate in four simple steps:

  1. Predict Stock Items: Manage the master production schedule (MPS) to forecast product demand and needed materials to craft BOM and work order-related merchandise.
  2. Allocate Inventory: Monitor available stock items and upcoming deliveries. Anticipate additional client needs as necessary.
  3. Initiate Workflows: Evaluate production time, labor, machinery and more to develop specific goods.
  4. Manage Operations: Control workflows and obtain delayed order alerts.

Deployment Methods

Like manufacturing software, MRP systems have several deployment options, including the cloud, on-premise and hybrid.

On-premise systems allow you to manage company data, production information, revenue and other factors on your company's hard drives and servers. This option best suits companies with fewer locations.

Cloud software offers real-time access on any device, allowing you to check on updates, KPIs, profits and more on the go. Vendors host this solution on their company or third-party servers, saving you from being in the office all the time to check results.

Lastly, the hybrid choice offers the best of cloud and on-premise systems in one bundled option. This deployment choice varies by vendor. Discuss this plan with your top supplier for more information.

Primary Benefits

Like manufacturing software, MRP systems come with numerous benefits.

MRP System Benefits

Improve Material Planning Processes

Working with MRP systems lets you know the materials needed to create specific products.

For example, you may own a cooking utensil company that uses different materials. If you receive an order for five cast iron skillets, this solution can help you determine how many inventory items are needed to fulfill the order to avoid waste.

You can also use MRP to review trends. For example, some people may want baking supplies like whisks, mixing bowls, mixers and more during the fall and winter months because most people bake during cold weather.

In this case, you can acquire the materials for your baking supplies during spring and summer for better preparation and more accessible storage until needed.

Boost Efficiency

More planned materials mean fewer human errors, boosting production floor productivity.

If you receive an order for a complete cooking set of skillets, frying pans, stew pots and more, your MRP can help you determine the suitable materials for the metal finish and glass tops.

BOMs can help you determine which inventory items are needed, what assemblies and sub-assemblies to use, and more to complete the order.

Strengthen Customer Satisfaction

Improved material planning and increased productivity mean more satisfied customers and profitability.

MRP systems that integrate with or have some CRM capabilities allow you to manage customer feedback or questions, on-time deliveries and more for retention and gaining new clientele.

MRP Systems Report

Expert recommendations and analysis on the top MRP Systems

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Implementation Goals

Goal 1

Maintain Inventory

Manage customer demand data to ensure you have suitable materials for specific products. This planning method helps reduce overstocking and shortages.

Some inventory modules can help you quickly find specific raw materials and develop replenishment strategies.

Goal 2

Allocate Accurate Resources

Work with resource management tools to distribute the right amount of employees, machines, tools and more for specific jobs.

You can also match assignments to employees with the ideal skill sets.

Goal 3

Save Time

Automating repetitive tasks, managing materials and using the right resources for specific jobs saves time and money while increasing profits and on-time deliveries.

MRP Systems Report

Expert recommendations and analysis on the top MRP Systems

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Basic Features & Functionality

BOM Management

Think of BOMs as shopping lists that give you all the materials, assembly protocols, quantities and other factors needed to complete a product.

Managing BOMs ensures you create products correctly and get them through the pipeline to the customer.

Inventory Management

Gain real-time insights on all stock items and raw materials with real-time availability. Set up minimum quantities and receive alerts for expedition replacement actions.

Demand Forecasting

Review customer demand and make accurate merchandise decisions for better profits and customer satisfaction.

Accounting

Manage all bookkeeping tasks, including bank reconciliations, accounts payable and receivables, invoicing, general ledger balancing and more.

MPS

Access a day-to-day database to streamline production planning and scheduling. You can also monitor and resolve bottlenecks and other challenges with this module.

MRP Systems Report

Expert recommendations and analysis on the top MRP Systems

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Advanced Features & Functionality

CRM

Govern client needs, leads, campaigns, portals and more with practical CRM tools.

Other features include sales analytics, mobility, reports, dashboards, sales performance management and more.

Capacity Planning

Define all project needs to understand client demand. These requirements include machinery, employees, tools and other assets required to finish a task.

Warehouse Management

Perform warehouse automation, order picking, inventory management, shipping and other features with warehouse management system software.

MRP Systems Report

Expert recommendations and analysis on the top MRP Systems

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Current & Upcoming Trends

In addition to software, there are also relevant manufacturing trends you may wish to adopt along with your MRP system. Choosing technology that best aligns with your company's goals is essential.

MRP System Trends

AI Automation

AI automation streamlines repetitive jobs and eliminates human errors so you can focus on other tasks. AI can even help you manage accounting duties.

For example, you can use AI to allocate invoices, create BOMs, send raw material notifications and review production floor machinery.

Since AI reaches the professional and leisure sectors with numerous services and streaming channels, it's no surprise that MarketsandMarkerts estimates the AI market may reach $1,345.2 billion in 2030.

Cloud Software

Cloud and SaaS solutions are sweeping nearly every industry, from ERP and manufacturing to accounting, PLM and more. The expression, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em," holds much significance with cloud systems.

As aforementioned, you can access cloud software via any mobile device with a strong internet connection for real-time information at your fingertips. You can make quick decisions, resolve issues and collaborate with stakeholders virtually anywhere.

Most vendors offer security methods to protect your data from cybercriminals, including data encryption, multi-factor authentication and more.

These safety tactics and accessibility are likely why Research and Markets predict the global cloud computing market will reach $1,554.94 billion in 2030.

Data Sharing

In a nutshell, data sharing makes information available for numerous platforms, users and companies. To avoid surprises, most companies implement this trend to increase in-house data gathering and better MRP integration.

Data sharing allows you to use MRP systems more accurately and improve production runs without errors.

MRP Systems Report

Expert recommendations and analysis on the top MRP Systems

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Software Comparison Strategy

Picking ideal MRP systems that align with your company's needs is no easy feat. The internet has numerous ways to pick and compare business software. Some companies rely on 12 steps, while others rely on five or seven.

SelectHub uses a nine-step methodology called Lean Selection. It helps you find and locate the right system for any industry or company size.

MRP Systems Lean Selection Steps

 

 

In addition to Lean Selection, you can review customer reviews, talk to colleagues and more to understand how to best compare and shop for the best software.

Cost & Pricing Considerations

Numerous factors affect an MRP system's total cost of ownership (TCO), including company size, deployment options, buying new software or add-on modules, and more.

Do we need new software or add-on modules?

When the tire on your new car goes flat, do you replace the tire or the vehicle? Most people choose to replace the tire because they have spares, and it's cheaper than buying a new car.

You can apply this principle to software. Your current MRP system may lack reliable CRM or bookkeeping features. Instead of purchasing a unique solution, you can search for a system that integrates with your existing application, saving you time and money.

Which deployment option suits our needs?

Are you interested in cloud, on-premise and hybrid deployment? As previously mentioned, each option has pros and cons. You have to find the choice that best aligns with your business goals.

How big is our company?

Do you own an enterprise, a small facility or a mid-sized organization? Are you looking to expand your business in the next 10 to 20 years? Most systems offer scalability tools that allow the program to grow as you add more resources.

Enterprise-level solutions may provide more modules than you know what to do with for a small company. Small-business systems may lack certain features if you want to expand your company's outreach in the next decade.

Size matters.

MRP Systems Report

Expert recommendations and analysis on the top MRP Systems

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Best MRP Systems

After getting a taste of what MRP systems can do, here's our analyst-curated list of the five best market solutions.

MRP Systems Leaderboard

SYSPRO

What It Does

This solution offers on-premise and cloud deployment and serves manufacturers and distributors. It helps all company sizes and works well on Linux and Windows platforms.

Top features include inventory management, mobility, material and production planning, reports and dashboards.

SYSPRO

An example of SYSPRO's interface.

Product Overview
User Sentiment Score 85%
Analyst Rating 94
Company Size S | M | L
What It's Best For
Capability SelectHub Analyst Score
Inventory Management 100
Mobility 100
Reports and Dashboards 100
Material and Production Planning 100
Purchase Order Management and Procurement 100
Pros and Cons From User Reviews
Pros Cons
64% of users said this solution had a simple and user-friendly interface. 52% of reviews said this system was slow and had too many glitches.
48% of reviewers said this system was efficient and simplified tasks.  
87% of clients said the system was customizable for their unique business needs.  

Acumatica

What It Does

Use this MRP system to centralize payments and review your company's overall financial performance. It caters to all company sizes and Linux, Mac and Windows operating systems.

Top features include BOM, purchase order management and procurement, reports and dashboards, and more.

Acumatica

A preview of Acumatica. Source

Product Overview
User Sentiment Score 87%
Analyst Rating 87
Company Size S | M | L
What It's Best For
Capability SelectHub Analyst Score
BOM 100
Purchase Order Management and Procurement 100
Reports and Dashboard 100
Mobile Capabilities 90
Production Scheduling 85
Pros and Cons From User Reviews
Pros Cons
85% of reviewers said this solution was easy to use. 80% of users said their customer experience was negative.
60% of users mentioned how much they loved the reporting capabilities. 75% of reviewers stated the implementation process was long.
70% of users said this software came with every feature they needed. 75% of users said the system had bugs.

Sage X3

What It Does

Sage X3 gathers workflow information to facilitate production. Automation diminishes time on sales and financial management data entries. This system is available on cloud and on-premise deployment.

Top features include inventory management, BOM, reports and dashboards, and more.

Sage X3

An example of Sage X3's dashboard.

Product Overview
User Sentiment Score 80%
User Sentiment Score 87
Company Size S | M | L
What It's Best For
Capability SelectHub Analyst Score
Inventory Management 100
Purchase Order Management and Procurement 100
Reports and Dashboards 100
BOM 92
Production Scheduling 90
Pros and Cons From User Reviews
Pros Cons
45% of users said the system had a user-friendly interface. 54% of reviewers said the system had a clunky implementation process.
85% of users said the program was configurable. 76% of customers stated the software had too many unexpected error messages.
76% of reviewers said the system had numerous modules that met their needs.  

MRPEasy

What It Does

This cloud-based MRP system aligns with small manufacturer needs with robust tools. It's simple and affordable and serves Linux, Windows and Mac systems. Top features include reports and dashboards, inventory management and production scheduling.

MRPEasy

A preview of MRPEasy's order management tool.

Product Overview
User Sentiment Score 91%
User Sentiment Score 79
Company Size S | M
Free Trial Info 30-day free trial
Starting Price $49/user/month
What It's Best For
Capability SelectHub Analyst Score
Reports and Dashboards 100
Inventory Management 98
Purchase Order Management and Procurement 91
Production Scheduling 90
BOM 82

Dynamics 365 Business Central

What It Does

This solution serves all business sizes and works as a multi-faceted system for inventory, accounting and CRM needs. It only offers on-premise deployment and works on Windows applications.

Dynamics 365 Business Central

An example of Dynamics 365 Business Central's interface.

Product Overview
User Sentiment Score 75%
User Sentiment Score 76
Company Size S | M | L
Free Trial Info 30-day free trial
Starting Price $8/user/month (Team Members Plan)
What It's Best For
Capability SelectHub Analyst Score
Inventory Management 100
Reports and Dashboards 100
BOM 82
Purchase Order Management and Procurement 82
Work Order Management 69
Material and Production Planning 67
Pros and Cons From User Reviews
Pros Cons
53% of reviewers said the system had a simple implementation process. 46% of users said the system had an outdated interface.
79% of users said the solution had a ton of practical modules. 67% of customers said the system was slow and glitchy.
MRP Systems Report

Expert recommendations and analysis on the top MRP Systems

Get free access now

Questions To Ask Yourself

For a better understanding of your company’s requirements, ask yourself these guiding questions:

  • What are our current pain points?
  • How will an MRP system solve these pain points?
  • Which deployment options best fit our needs?
  • Are we looking for new software or add-on modules?
  • Who will use this software the most?

MRP System Key Questions

 

 

 

Questions To Ask Vendors

To learn more about potential vendors, here are some guiding questions to ask about their services and products. 

About the Software

  • Do you offer effective BOM, accounting and inventory management modules?
  • What security measures do you use for your cloud-based products?
  • Can your products merge with my existing CRM and warehouse management tools?

About the Vendor

  • How many years of expertise do you have in this industry?
  • How many successful implementations have you had in the past two to three years? Overall?
  • What training materials and customer support do you offer?
  • Do you offer demos, use cases or proofs-of-concept (POCs) for your software? 
MRP Systems Report

Expert recommendations and analysis on the top MRP Systems

Get free access now

Next Steps

MRP systems can improve both the quality and speed of your everyday material requirements planning to create effective products. You also gain vital insights into managing orders and resources to complete more accurate and on-time products. 

Need more help? Check out our free, in-depth comparison report for top software leader insight and an effective apples-to-apples evaluation.

Product Comparisons

Additional Resources

About The Contributors

The following expert team members are responsible for creating, reviewing, and fact checking the accuracy of this content.

Technical Content Writer
Khaleel Hayes is a Technical Content Writer for SelectHub, with over 4 years of experience crafting content for manufacturing, PLM, ERP and technology selection audiences. He's also a freelance writer in his spare time. His body of work includes poetry, short plays, feature articles and film reviews either self-published or in Denver publications. He graduated with a B.A. in Journalism and an English minor from Metropolitan State University of Denver in May 2018. When not writing, he enjoys classic movies and music, tasty burgers, tasteful bookstores, and breathtaking art and photography.
Technical Research By Shantashree Das
Senior Analyst
Hailing from the Northeastern state of Assam, India, Shantashree Das completed her Bachelor of Engineering (B.E) in Computer Science and Engineering at the Royal School of Engineering and Technology (now Royal Global University) in Guwahati. She then pursued her Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Operations Management and Marketing at Assam University, India, where she developed a strong interest in ERP. Over the course of her career at SelectHub, Shantashree has gained specialties in various ERP and construction software categories, such as Manufacturing Software, CMMS Software, Construction ERP Software, Warehouse Management Software, Supply Chain Management Software, Distribution Software, Field Service Software, Takeoff Software, Construction Bidding Software, Construction Estimating Software, Construction Management Software, Construction Scheduling Software, and Property Management Software.
Technical Review By Kankana Kalita
Principal Analyst
A seasoned business and research analyst, Kankana Kalita specializes in ERP, CMMS, manufacturing, construction, supply chain, HRMS and CRM. Prior to joining SelectHub, she earned a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Engineering, an MBA in Operations and Marketing, and worked in email marketing and logistics.
Edited By Hunter Lowe
Content Editor
Hunter Lowe is a Content Editor, Writer and Market Analyst at SelectHub. His team covers categories that range from ERP and business intelligence to transportation and supply chain management. Hunter is an avid reader and Dungeons and Dragons addict who studied English and Creative Writing through college. In his free time, you'll likely find him devising new dungeons for his players to explore, checking out the latest video games, writing his next horror story or running around with his daughter.