As technological change increases, financial management must decide whether their legacy on-premises ERP system is keeping pace or if they should select a new ERP. Cloud-based manufacturing ERPs streamline and automate workflows, save labor and IT costs, speed the financial close, and provide AI-driven business intelligence.
This article describes the top 14 manufacturing ERP Systems in 2021. Select a software solution that matches your manufacturing business size, offers scalability for growth, provides features to improve decision-making and profitability, and fits your budget.
What is Manufacturing ERP Software?
Manufacturing ERP software is a system with a unified database that handles business processes including accounting and finance, purchasing, supply chain, and material requirements planning (MRP) functionality, including bill of materials, master planning, and production scheduling. A manufacturing ERP system tracks raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods inventory by item.
ERP is enterprise resource planning.
The manufacturing ERP platform may integrate with customer relationship management (CRM), payroll, supply chain management and procurement, warehouse management, human resources software, project management, product lifecycle management (PLM), eCommerce, and third-party add-on apps, including AP automation.
A manufacturing ERP system may be designed solely for manufacturing companies (and distributors) or part of an all-industry solution offering MRP modules and inventory management for manufacturers.
Current manufacturing ERP solutions are cloud-based with business intelligence and smart shop floor IoT sensors, and AI/machine learning features monitoring manufacturing processes and providing alerts.
The Top Manufacturing ERP Systems
Acumatica ERP
Acumatica is SaaS, cloud-based software with industry-specific editions, including Manufacturing. Company-size editions include Small Business for up to 10 users, Advanced for mid-market businesses with 10 to 250 users, and Enterprise for larger companies with over 250 users. Acumatica’s business model includes ERP pricing innovation.
The Acumatica Order Management module includes requisitions, purchase orders, and sales orders that work with Inventory Management. Manufacturing features include work order management. In addition, manufacturing companies can use the Field Service module.
NetSuite ERP
NetSuite ERP is a leader providing a SaaS, true cloud ERP system for mid-sized and larger companies in many industries. Oracle owns NetSuite. NetSuite ERP is very comprehensive, offering modular solutions for the manufacturing industry.
The NetSuite software system includes production management, supply chain, order management, warehouse management, analytics, financial planning, and accounting for business management. NetSuite OneWorld is a global solution for multi-entity, multi-currency manufacturing businesses, and other industries.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is an Azure cloud and on-premises ERP system used by SMBs in all industries. Features that appeal to manufacturers include an IoT Intelligence add-on using sensors that can detect production delays, equipment downtime, and product quality issues in manufacturing operations through real-time data acquisition and AI-driven business intelligence.
Oracle ERP
Oracle ERP is a scalable top-of-the-line ERP system for large enterprises in many industries, with pricing to match its extensive feature set. Manufacturing companies of all types using use true cloud software, Oracle Cloud ERP. Oracle Digital Assistant with queries and real-time business intelligence answers, connected IoT, integrated supply chain, and machine learning are technologies that make Oracle a standout system.
Workday ERP
Workday ERP is a very advanced system for medium-sized and large companies in all industries, including manufacturing. Workday is a cloud SaaS ERP system offering advanced real-time analytics and business intelligence, Workday Adaptive Planning for financial planning, human capital management, spend management, and project management.
SAP ERP
SAP is an ERP system for handling complex business processes in the largest enterprise companies. SAP S/4 HANA, with embedded machine learning, offers some modern manufacturing industry capabilities, including MRP live, MRP cockpit, and predictive MRP for evaluating lots of data and improving inventory levels in the business. SAP ERP also provides demand-driven replenishment and prediction of vendor delivery.
Epicor ERP
Epicor is an older manufacturing system with both on-premises and SaaS cloud offerings. But the ERP system provider reinvents itself, applying new technologies like industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) smart shop floor with real-time data notifications in its Advanced MES (manufacturing execution system) software. Most Epicor customers are medium-sized.
SyteLine ERP (Infor CloudSuite Industrial)
SyteLine is a fully-featured ERP software acquired by Infor and branded as Infor CloudSuite Industrial. Many types of manufacturers using different manufacturing processes use SyteLine. SyteLine offers advanced planning and scheduling (APS), quality control and quality management, field service, product lifecycle management, financial management, and project management.
Genius ERP
Genius ERP is modular software for small and medium-sized custom manufacturers. Besides the expert software handling complex production processes in real-time, Genius includes a CRM and a production engineering module integrating CAD with SOLIDWORKS software.
E2 ERP
E2 offers two products. E2 Manufacturing System is for mid-sized and small manufacturers. E2 Shop System is for job shops of all sizes. The manufacturing ERP software includes accounting, customer service, MRP, quality control, and CRM.
DELMIAworks (IQMS)
DELMIAworks is rebranded IQMS ERP software for manufacturing companies. DELMIAworks/IQMS includes MRP, forecasting, quality management, supply chain, procurement, and CRM software.
Wherefour ERP
Wherefour is true cloud ERP software for manufacturing companies of all sizes. Wherefour includes accounting, procurement, MRP, lot and barcode tracking, ingredient traceability, and a COA (certificate of analysis) for inventory control and quality certification.
SYSPRO ERP
SYSPRO is a cloud, on-premises or hybrid ERP system for manufacturers and distributors of all sizes. SYSPRO prepares production schedules and handles production processes. The SYSPRO Order Management feature is for sales orders and purchase orders. Inventory Management includes traceability.
QuickBooks Desktop Accounting Software
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise is an on-premises, established legacy accounting system with an industry-specific edition for manufacturing. Small businesses that can’t afford higher-cost ERP systems yet can start with either on-premises QuickBooks Desktop with optional remote hosting or choose more modern, cloud-based QuickBooks Online.
Although it’s not included in the list, AICPA-endorsed Sage Intacct is another advanced cloud system to consider. Sage Intacct is excellent for business management and integrates with partnered third-party manufacturing software for added functionality.
Conclusion – Manufacturing ERP Software
Strongly consider updating your manufacturing ERP system with new technology to handle manufacturing operations and business processes. As a result, your manufacturing company will generate cost savings, higher profitability, and better business intelligence and decision-making that enhances revenue and ROI.
Follow the links for each of the top 14 manufacturing ERP systems for 2021 to find much more valuable information about each ERP software solution and ERP integrations with AP automation software.
