With technological advancements and automation transforming the manufacturing industry, small and medium businesses need to leverage the right software tools to stay competitive & drive growth. The global manufacturing operations management software market was estimated at USD 15.24 billion and is projected to grow rapidly, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 12.9% from 2023 to 2030.
Looking for Manufacturing Software? Check out SoftwareSuggest’s list of the best Manufacturing Software solutions.
This shows the rising demand for advanced manufacturing software for small businesses to optimize production, improve quality control, & enable data-driven decision-making. In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 manufacturing software options for SMBs in 2023 to boost productivity, efficiency, & profitability.
Whether you need help with inventory management, production planning, quality assurance, or manufacturing data analytics, we will review the key features, pricing, pros, & cons of the leading solutions. With the exponential growth in the manufacturing software market, now is the time for small businesses to invest in scalable technology to future-proof operations.
Read on for an in-depth look at how the right manufacturing solution can provide a competitive edge for SMBs in the industry.
What is Small Business Manufacturing Software?
Small business manufacturing software is a type of business management solution tailored specifically for smaller manufacturing and workshop companies. It helps streamline operations like production planning, work orders, inventory management & control, product costing, and shipping.
Manufacturing software for small businesses provides features to manage all aspects of manufacturing from the shop floor to the front office. It allows for tracking materials and labor, monitoring machine hours and workforce productivity, and facilitating real-time visibility across processes.
Choose a solution based on their specific needs rather than just focusing on popular brands. Take the time to understand your unique processes and pain points, then shortlist software that specifically addresses those requirements from the options below. Don't overlook lesser-known options that could be a better cultural and functional fit. Having clarity on what exactly you require from manufacturing technology will ensure you select the right software to help scale your business efficiently.
Production data can be gathered and analyzed to spot inefficiencies and take corrective actions. Manufacturers gain insights to make informed decisions, reduce waste and costs, and improve overall efficiency through automated workflows and integrated data management.
Affordable and easy-to-use, such solutions help small manufacturers work smarter with limited resources.
Our selection of these Manufacturing Software for Small Businesses is based on thorough research and analysis. We have listed these softwares based on usability and satisfaction score that include features, ease of use, customer support, ratings, and number of reviews from SoftwareSuggest. Our goal is to help businesses select the right softwares that can help them optimize their business processes.
List of Top 10 Manufacturing Software for Small Businesses
For small businesses in the manufacturing sector, selecting the right software can be a game-changer. In this era of technological advancement, the right manufacturing software can streamline operations, improve efficiency, and drive growth.
This list showcases the top 10 manufacturing software options tailored specifically to the needs and constraints of small businesses, offering a comprehensive overview of their features, pros, cons & pricing.
| Software Name | Pricing | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Starting at $329/month | Manufacturing Work Orders, QuickBooks Integration | |
| Starting at $1599/month | Financial Management, Inventory Control | |
| Starting at $200/month | Quality Control, Mobile Access | |
| Custom pricing available | Inventory Tracking, Scheduling Tools | |
| Custom pricing available | Shop Floor Control, Cost Tracking | |
| Paid plan starts at $99/month | Production Planning, Resource Allocation | |
| Essential plan: Starting at $99.00Per Month | Production Scheduling, Order Management | |
| Starting from $9925 | Materials Tracking, Production Analytics | |
| Custom pricing available | CRM Features, Project Management | |
| Starting at $28.001 User Per Month | Customizable, Integration Options |
1. Fishbowl
Fishbowl is a versatile inventory management and manufacturing software designed for small businesses. It helps streamline operations by offering features like inventory tracking, order management, and production scheduling, making it easier to manage inventory and fulfill customer orders efficiently.
Features
- Inventory Management
- Order Tracking
- Manufacturing Work Orders
- QuickBooks Integration
- Barcode Scanning
- Multi-location Support
Pricing
- Starting at $329/month
- Streamlines inventory management and order tracking.
- Integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for financial efficiency.
- Offers multi-location support for diverse business needs.
- High pricing may be prohibitive for small businesses.
- Customization can be complex and time-consuming.
2. NetSuite
NetSuite is a robust cloud-based ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system specifically designed to meet the needs of small businesses. It seamlessly merges financial management, CRM, e-commerce, and manufacturing functionalities within a single, integrated platform. This empowers companies to streamline their manufacturing operations and achieve enhanced control over their overall business processes.
Features
- Cloud-Based
- Financial Management
- Inventory Control
- CRM Integration
- Advanced Reporting
Pricing
- Starting at $1599/month
- Cloud-based solution ensures accessibility and scalability.
- Comprehensive financial management tools for enhanced control.
- Advanced reporting and CRM integration improve decision-making.
- Expensive, may not be cost-effective for small businesses.
- Complex setup and configuration can be time-consuming.
3. Epicor Kinetic
Epicor Kinetic is a user-friendly manufacturing software solution designed to enhance productivity and efficiency in small businesses. It provides tools for inventory management, production planning, and quality control, helping companies achieve greater visibility and control over their manufacturing processes.
Features
- Real-Time Analytics
- Supply Chain Management
- Quality Control
- Mobile Access
- Workflow Automation
Pricing
- Starting at $200/month
- Provides real-time analytics and supply chain management.
- Mobile access and workflow automation for flexibility.
- Requires significant investment and resources.
- Complex implementation process for some businesses.
4. Global Shop Solutions
Global Shop Solutions offers a complete manufacturing management system suitable for small businesses. It covers various aspects of manufacturing, including job scheduling, inventory control, and shop floor management, enabling companies to streamline operations and improve overall productivity.
Features
- Job Costing
- CRM Integration
- Inventory Tracking
- Scheduling Tools
- Quality Management
Pricing
- Custom pricing available
- Efficient shop floor control and job costing capabilities.
- Seamless CRM integration for customer relationship management.
- Scheduling tools enhance production planning and optimization.
- User interface can be outdated and less intuitive.
- Limited scalability for rapidly growing businesses.
5. JobBOSS²
JobBOSS² is a manufacturing software solution that caters to the unique needs of small businesses. It offers features like job costing, shop floor management, and materials tracking, helping companies manage their manufacturing processes efficiently and make informed decisions.
Features
- Job Quoting
- Production Planning
- Shop Floor Control
- Cost Tracking
- Document Management
Pricing
- Custom pricing available
- Facilitates job quoting and production planning processes.
- Comprehensive job cost tracking ensures profitability.
- Offers a customer portal for improved communication.
- Limited support for advanced production scheduling.
- Integration with other software can be challenging.
6. Striven
Striven is a versatile manufacturing software tailored for small businesses. It offers comprehensive software for inventory management, production planning, and financial tracking. With its user-friendly interface, Striven empowers small manufacturers to streamline their operations, optimize resource allocation, and enhance collaboration within their teams.
Features
- Inventory Optimization
- Financial Tracking
- Collaboration Tools
- Production Planning
- Resource Allocation
Pricing
- Free plan available
- Paid plan starts at $99/month
- Optimizes inventory and financial tracking for small businesses.
- User-friendly interface promotes collaboration and resource allocation.
- Enhances production planning and workflow efficiency.
- May lack some advanced manufacturing features.
- Integration with other systems can be challenging.
7. Katana Manufacturing ERP
Katana Manufacturing ERP is a cloud-based tool crafted for the streamlined management of production processes among small manufacturers. It provides features like real-time inventory monitoring, production scheduling, and order management. With its user-friendly visual interface, Katana simplifies intricate workflows, rendering it a valuable option for companies seeking to effectively expand their manufacturing operations.
Features
- Real-Time Inventory
- Production Scheduling
- Order Management
Pricing
- Free trial available
- Essential plan: Starting at $99.00Per Month
- Advanced Plan: Starting at $299.00Per Month
- Professional plan: Starting at $599.00Per Month
- Cloud-based system with real-time inventory management.
- Visual interface simplifies complex workflows.
- Limited customization options for unique workflows.
- May not suit highly specialized manufacturing operations.
8. Prodsmart
Prodsmart is a mobile-friendly manufacturing software that aids small businesses in optimizing their shop floor operations. It provides tools for real-time tracking of production, labor, and materials, enabling better decision-making and resource utilization. Prodsmart’s user-centric approach helps small manufacturers boost productivity and reduce waste.
Features
- Real-Time Tracking
- Labor Management
- Materials Tracking
- Production Analytics
Pricing
- Starting from $9925
- Mobile-friendly with real-time tracking and labor management.
- Paperless workflows improve production efficiency.
- Offers advanced production analytics and reporting.
- Limited support for complex production processes.
- Mobile app may have occasional performance issues.
9. 24SevenOffice
24SevenOffice is an integrated business management software that caters to the needs of small manufacturers. It offers modules for accounting, CRM, and project management, making it a comprehensive solution for streamlined operations. With its cloud-based accessibility, 24SevenOffice allows businesses to manage finances, customers, and projects seamlessly.
Features
- Integrated Modules
- Accounting Tools
- CRM Features
- Project Management
- Cloud Accessibility
Pricing
- Custom pricing available
- Cloud accessibility enhances financial control and collaboration.
- Scalable solution adaptable to changing business needs.
- Limited manufacturing-specific features.
- Interface may not be as user-friendly as other options.
10. Method CRM
Method CRM is customer relationship management software tailored to the manufacturing sector. It aids small manufacturers in effectively monitoring leads, sales, and customer interactions. By offering customizable attributes and integrations, Method CRM empowers enterprises to simplify their sales procedures, enhance customer engagement, and, in the end, augment their revenue.
Features
- Lead Tracking
- Sales Management
- Customizable
- Integration Options
Pricing
- Starting at $28.001 User Per Month
- CRM functionality with lead tracking and sales management.
- Customizable features cater to unique business requirements.
- Integration options are available for boosting revenue.
- Not exclusively focused on manufacturing processes.
- May require additional software for full ERP functionality.
Conclusion
In today’s digital era, implementing the right manufacturing software is crucial for small businesses in the industry to optimize production, reduce costs, and make data-driven decisions. This blog post highlighted 10 leading manufacturing software options for SMBs to consider in 2023 based on features, benefits, and affordability.
Evaluate your unique needs and shortlist software that aligns with your budget, processes, and business goals. The investment will pay dividends through streamlined operations, reduced wastage, and data-backed insights. We hope this blog served as a helpful guide to the manufacturing software landscape.
Feel free to reach out for any questions on finding the ideal solution for your small business.
Upgrade your business operations with modern software solutions tailored to your needs.
