Manufacturing ERP: The Top 10 ERP Systems for 2024

Introducing the Top Manufacturing ERP Solutions

An enterprise resource planning (ERP) system specifically designed for manufacturing can revolutionize manufacturing operations. Choosing the right Manufacturing ERP can significantly benefit manufacturing businesses of any size in any manufacturing industry, leading to significant growth and success. Our guide will help you find the best manufacturing ERP system to transform your manufacturing company and drive innovative growth.

First, we will give you our recommendations for the top 10 manufacturing ERP systems currently available. Then, we’ll dive deeper into the nitty gritty of manufacturing ERP systems. We’ll explain what features make them unique from other ERP systems and help you choose the best manufacturing ERP solution for your business.

1. NetSuite

NetSuite ERP, now an Oracle Software product, is responsible for putting ERP system capabilities within reach for smaller to mid-sized manufacturers. With reasonable pricing, simple on-cloud implementations, and scalability, NetSuite is the system more manufacturers select as their first true ERP system. One of the first Manufacturing ERP software systems to offer Mobile ERP to manufacturers, this system replaces outgrown QuickBooks systems more than any other ERP system today.

As a recent ERP option since 2008, Acumatica ERP has created positive disruption across the ERP software industry and is now the fastest-growing ERP system on the market. Acumatica’s unique consumption-based licensing means manufacturers can scale the system as they grow. Acumatica offers excellent flexibility with private, public, and hybrid cloud models that fit nearly every deployment scenario. Acumatica demonstrates a unique commitment to its technology by allocating over 70% of its resources to technical roles. 

Acumatica ERP is an excellent choice for mid-sized discrete manufacturers ($10 – 50 Million in revenue) who want innovation and technology to take their business into the future.

Don’t let the newer name fool you. Kinetic by Epicor is the same proven ERP system previously known as Epicor ERP, with a newer name to remind manufacturers of its proven and robust capabilities across many complex manufacturing industries. As a leader in ERP, Epicor Kinetic is the system to compare and measure most other systems against, especially for discrete manufacturers in the mid-market revenue range of $10 – 100 Million in revenue. Epicor Kinetic is the gold standard system.

IFS has offered proven ERP system for decades, and for manufacturers specifically, IFS Application 10.0 offers some of the best industry-specific ERP capabilities available. Suited for manufacturing enterprises with over $75 million in revenue, this system supports thousands of global and domestic manufacturers in both discrete and process, on-premise and in the cloud.

INFOR has an extensive ERP product line, across many industries, but CloudSuite Industrial ERP ranks as the most comprehensive and robust of their systems for discrete manufacturers. Previously known as Syteline, CloudSuite Industrial ERP is offered in both in the cloud and on-premises, with increased core capabilities for complex mixed-mode manufacturing. Extend and Evolve components allow you to design and deploy applications as needed. Best suited for large manufacturing enterprises over $250 Million in revenue and above.

Microsoft Dynamics has been an ERP product dynasty for the last 30 years, including products such as Microsoft Dynamics AX, Microsoft Dynamics GP, and Microsoft Dynamics NAV for manufacturing. Today, the modern, all-cloud Dynamics 365 BC offers the best of those legacy systems rolled into a nimble, cost-effective system that manufacturers across most industries and revenue sizes can implement easily. Straightforward pricing and cloud implementation make this system a great option for the smaller, midsize, or enterprise manufacturer looking for a modern and robust digital transformation.

SAP Software has been synonymous with ERP Systems since the early 1970s, and for the longest time, SAP was truly the only ERP game in town. Still today, SAP legacy systems such as SAP Business One and SAP Business ByDesign or SAP Business All-In-One are governing thousands of manufacturing enterprises across the globe. But don’t let ​“legacy” suggest outdated, as SAP’s newest system, S/4 HANA, is a competitive and robust modern-day ERP offering built on the versatile and powerful SAP HANA platform and available in the cloud. S/4 HANA is not only suitable for the largest manufacturers across most industries, domestic or global, but is also a reasonable option for the mid-market manufacturer who may be implementing their first ERP system.

What sets SYSPRO apart from the ERP pack is unmatched customer satisfaction. Over 90% of SYSPRO users are happy with their system 3 years into using the ERP software. What more needs to be said? Built specifically for manufacturing, and with functionality for both discrete industries and process industries, SYSPRO offers a great on-premises and cloud option for most manufacturers with over $10 Million in revenue.

GSS offers the perfect blend of powerful technology backed by exceptional people. Family-owned, it’s not unusual for GSS users to get a call from CEO Dusty Alexander, just to be sure everything is running smoothly. Knowing the Global Shop System is supporting real people working for your business, this system is a must-include consideration for those looking for a reliable ERP system that will grow with their manufacturing business for the long term. Built for smaller to mid-sized discrete manufacturers, Global Shop Solutions edges out the ERP competition time and time again.

As a pioneer of cloud-based ERP, Plex has been disrupting the manufacturing software industry with its innovative SaaS model. Plex’s Manufacturing Cloud delivers rapid updates and new features through automatic version control, so manufacturers always access the most advanced capabilities. The solution also provides flexibility with deployment, allowing manufacturers to scale usage up or down. Plex further shows its commitment to cutting-edge technology by leveraging capabilities like IoT, blockchain, and AI/ML.

The Plex Manufacturing Cloud is an excellent choice for mid-sized manufacturers ($10 – 100+ million in revenue) across industries like automotive, aerospace, food and beverage, who want a modern, cloud-native ERP to drive innovation and growth. With its plant floor-up approach, Plex unifies top floor and shop floor to gain end-to-end visibility.

An effective enterprise resource planning system requires a comprehensive and thorough selection process to ensure the best manufacturing software solution is chosen.

So many factors are in play when choosing a manufacturing ERP system that it can be daunting to select the best one to handle your business operations. The history of business is full of cautionary tales of businesses that suffered severe damage from poorly implemented manufacturing ERP software — the kind of self-inflicted wound from which it can be challenging to recover.

With all that in mind, there’s help available for manufacturing companies that must make an intelligent choice for manufacturing management software, whether a business is beginning the decision process on its first ERP software solution or wants to move on from a previous one. 

This guide, in combination with our ERP comparison tool, will help you compare ERP features and find the best manufacturing software for your manufacturing industry, including the latest cloud manufacturing ERP software systems.

How an ERP System Benefits Manufacturing Businesses

Top Manufacturing ERP System Features

Every business will prioritize different features in its ERP platform evaluation based on its business processes, manufacturing processes, and core business functions. However, there is a range of standard features that are frequently included in ERP software systems and are beneficial to all manufacturing operations, such as:

• Accounting & Financial Management: An ERP system makes it easier for businesses to keep detailed and accurate accounting records. Accounts payable and receivable can often be automatically tracked and synced, and tax bookkeeping can be done automatically, reducing the risk of human error.
• Payroll: Businesses must be able to consistently meet their payroll obligations and make sure that payroll is always properly authorized and disbursed. Manufacturing and distribution ERP software typically offers automated payroll functions that track overtime and ensure timely employee payment.
• Inventory Management: Inventory management is critical for manufacturers and distributors, and manufacturing ERP and distribution ERP software is designed to facilitate easy inventory management. An ERP system can provide real-time visibility into inventory levels, allowing the manufacturing company to track the movement of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods. Many ERP solutions make it easy to seamlessly integrate inventory management and tracking technologies such as RFID inventory tracking.
• Project Management: An ERP system can provide advanced project management features that enable businesses to plan and track production, materials, and costs from start to finish. It can also provide visibility into performance issues, allowing users to assess problems quickly and take corrective measures. It is equipped with features such as budgeting, scheduling, resource utilization tracking, risk management, and improvement planning, which allows businesses to stay on top of the progress of their projects.
• Predictive Analytics: Today’s businesses use sophisticated predictive analytics algorithms to anticipate future fluctuations in supply and demand based on past data. ERP can provide the rich data and flexible analysis tools required for useful predictive analytics and business intelligence. Modern ERP systems are enhancing predictive analytics with AI in ERP.
• Customer Relations: Customer relationship management (CRM) features are another common element of ERP system suites. CRM tools allow manufacturers and distributors to track customer relationships and optimize order fulfillment.
• Supply Chain Management: Supply chain planning is vital for any 21^st-century business, so many ERP suites include supply chain management functions. These tools allow procurement, warehousing, and logistics functions to be streamlined for greater supply chain efficiency. Robust supply chain management features have become especially important due to the supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID pandemic.
• Modular Architecture: Many ERP suites offer the option to modify and expand their systems by adding ERP modules. This capacity is particularly key for businesses with expansion plans and startups that may need to pivot as they grow and technologies evolve, such as robotics playing a role in the future of manufacturing.
• Human Resources: ERP systems now frequently include human resources modules that allow businesses to track and manage their labor allocation, employee benefits, and staff training.
• AI & Machine Learning: Manufacturing ERP software can be bolstered by the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning. With predictive maintenance, equipment problems can be identified and fixed before they become catastrophic. Not only that, but machine learning can optimize the supply chain, forecast demand, improve quality control, and identify possibilities for process optimization — all to increase efficiency at a lower cost.
• Data Management: The best ERP systems have data management features that allow businesses to manage, process, and analyze their data more efficiently. This includes features such as reporting, data security, data visualization, and analytics. It also includes sophisticated technologies such as business intelligence (BI) software and artificial intelligence (AI), which examine large amounts of data and identify patterns or trends that could not be seen before.

Manufacturing businesses have unique processes and requirements that demand ERP solutions with capabilities tailored to their industry. While ERP systems include many standard features, there are manufacturing-focused functions that provide significant value to producers. Key manufacturing ERP features that are essential for manufacturers include:

• Production Planning & Scheduling: ERP systems can provide advanced production planning and scheduling optimization based on orders, capacity, material availability, and other constraints. This enables efficient shop floor scheduling and throughput.
• Manufacturing Process Workflows: Many Manufacturing ERP solutions have pre-configured workflows tailored specifically for critical manufacturing processes like quality management, change control, equipment maintenance, etc.
• Shop Floor Control/Execution: Manufacturing ERP provides real-time tracking and management of shop floor operations, including labor reporting, materials usage, production output, scrap, downtime, OEE, and other execution metrics.
• Manufacturing Data Collection: Leading systems enable the automated collection of production data from machines, sensors, equipment etc. This provides valuable real-time visibility into manufacturing operations.
• Inventory Optimization: Manufacturing ERP enhances inventory management with capabilities like dynamic reordering, min/max level management, batch management, material requirements planning, and optimization based on demands.
• Product Lifecycle Management: Manage engineering bills of material (EBOMs), product revisions/versions, engineering change control, formulations, and other product data over the full lifecycle.
• Quality Management: Robust tools for quality management, including statistical process control, nonconformance and corrective/preventive actions, audit management, compliance tracking, and document control.
• Asset Management: Manufacturing companies and distributors must also carefully manage assets such as factory equipment and vehicle fleets. Manufacturing ERP systems use asset management to track the status, location, and history of a business’s most important assets.
• IIoT/Smart Factory Integration: Connectivity and integration with industrial IoT devices, sensors, wearables, and equipment on the shop floor. Provides a foundation for smart factory capabilities.

In this section, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when selecting ERP software tailored to your manufacturing needs. We’ll discuss cloud vs. on-premises models, researching vendors, and finding the ideal platform for your operations. Let’s examine how to select the best manufacturing ERP solution for your industry and business size.

How Business Size Affects Manufacturing ERP System Selection

Buyers evaluating a manufacturing ERP system will find that the size of their business is a key factor in determining which manufacturing solution will be a good fit. Learn about the different ERP tiers and determine which fits your business. Although the boundaries of these definitions are somewhat malleable, they help manufacturing companies establish the general outline of what they want to look for in an ERP software solution:

• Small Business: Businesses with one to 100 employees. Small manufacturing companies often don’t have a dedicated IT department.
• Medium Business: Businesses with 100 to 500 employees. Medium manufacturing companies may or may not have a dedicated IT department, although they almost always have IT specialists.
• Large Business: Businesses with over 500 employees. Large manufacturing companies almost always have dedicated IT departments.

Determining the size of a business is important because certain ERP products are better for SMBs, while others are designed for the larger end of the spectrum. SAP Business One, for example, is a widely used option for SMBs. In contrast, other options, such as SAP S/4 HANA, offer high-level scalability that allows them to accommodate networks of hundreds or thousands of unique users. Small business ERP solutions are often designed so that they don’t require an IT department to be implemented effectively, while enterprise-scale ERP may require more IT manpower from the client’s end.

How Manufacturing Industry Sector Affects Manufacturing ERP Software Selection

It’s also critical to note that some ERP suites are more suited to specific businesses in certain sectors. Businesses should be aware of which products are more industry-specific and which are suitable for many different types of businesses. This is an important consideration when searching for a manufacturing ERP solution.

In the manufacturing sector, with all its diversity of business models, its extreme technical complexity, and its capital-intensive nature, choosing the right ERP product can be particularly make-or-break. The right manufacturing ERP system can be a miracle, and the wrong one can bring a whole business to a halt. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the many different models of ERP manufacturing software available for different types of manufacturing companies.

Global Shop Solutions, for example, is a discrete manufacturing ERP suite that’s designed for a business in need of shop floor control, with a blueprint-based manufacturing process such as a machine shop or assembly line. Its key features include bill of materials management, CNC machining support, CAD integration, and other options that significantly simplify shop floor operations. Click here for more details about discrete manufacturing.

BatchMaster, by contrast, is a process manufacturing ERP solution designed for formula-based manufacturing, such as the food and beverage manufacturing industry. BatchMaster offers exceptionally robust options for recipe management, lot traceability, quality management, and compliance documentation, as well as other key functions of process manufacturing. A detailed comparison of process manufacturing solutions is available here.

Other Manufacturing ERP software solutions, such as those produced by SAP and Oracle, are usable in various industries. These manufacturing ERP solutions are designed with the utmost flexibility, and businesses can often customize these software packages to their needs by working with the vendor.

Cloud-Based vs. On-Premises ERP: Which Is Best for Manufacturing?

Another major decision for any manufacturing company choosing an ERP system is whether to use cloud ERP software or on-premises ERP software. The major difference is:

In a cloud ERP software model, a business purchases an ERP system from the vendor using software-as-a-service (SaaS) architecture. Rather than installing the software on-site, a cloud ERP vendor stores all data and processes all software functions through their cloud-based servers. The business pays a monthly subscription fee to the vendor for continued access to the software.

In an on-premises ERP model, ERP software is installed and maintained on a business’s on-site servers and hardware. On-premises deployment is an older but still widely-used style of ERP software.

Cloud based and on-premises ERP both have their advantages. The advantages of cloud ERP systems include the following:

• Updated and patched automatically by the vendor’s team
• Lower upfront costs in most cases
• Typically shorter set-up and deployment times
• Security is addressed in-house by vendors
• Often designed with small business-friendly features

Meanwhile, the advantages of on-premises ERP are:

• Can be an advantageous long-term investment
• Greater flexibility in customizing implementation
• Data stays in-house rather than being stored by a third party

Manufacturing businesses unsure whether to choose a cloud-based ERP system or on-premises ERP will find more information in the Cloud ERP Implementation Survival Guide and Premise-Based ERP Implementation Survival Guide.

Evaluating a Manufacturing ERP Vendor

Because almost all ERP suites are sold through vendors, businesses need to take the time to communicate with potential vendors and ensure that they are a good fit. Some questions many businesses find helpful to ask about prospective Manufacturing ERP providers include:

• How long has the vendor been in business?
• Which services does the vendor include with the software, and which have additional costs?
• What options does the vendor offer for integrating emerging technologies into their software?
• What are the vendor’s strategies for improving their product in the long term?
• Do the vendor’s sales and support staff respect the business’s time and respond to questions promptly?
• Does the ERP provider have case studies showing the system’s benefit in an industry like yours?
• Are there any hidden costs or fees (for example, added implementation fees, customization costs, or licensing fees)?

Manufacturing industry businesses must commit to a thorough evaluation of any prospective ERP vendor. An ERP vendor that’s a good fit can be a valued collaborator for decades, while a business may waste years working with an unsuitable vendor.

Common Challenges with ERP

ERP software systems are large and complex pieces of software, and that size and complexity can create challenges in deployment for businesses – both large and small. 

Some common challenges to be aware of include:

• Deployment Period: Historically, many businesses have faced challenges with executing ERP implementation in a timely manner due to the complex nature of ERP software. Although most of today’s ERP systems are much faster and less expensive to deploy than those of yesteryear, implementation can still take months, and each organization should be ready to experience some disruption of its business processes.
• Transition and Migration: Bridging the gap between an older piece of software and a new system is a common trouble spot for businesses. Businesses need to take the time to develop a transition plan with their ERP vendors and ensure that data migration isn’t rushed.
• Security: IT security is a constant need for 21^st-century businesses, and ERP systems are huge repositories of information that can be attractive targets for cybercriminals. Businesses need to ensure that their ERP systems include key security features such as two-factor authentication, automatic system updates and role-based access control.
• Training: A system that employees don’t understand will inevitably create frustration and lower productivity. It’s critical that any business implementing a new ERP system devises a thorough and user-friendly training program, preferably in collaboration with the ERP vendor and using resources supplied by them.
• Customization: In most cases, there’s no such thing as a turn-key ERP system. Almost every system will need modifications by the vendor to fit the business’s specific needs and goals, and these modifications will typically come at an additional cost. On-premises ERP solutions typically feature more extensive customization options than cloud ERP solutions.
• Upgrades: Businesses should be sure to learn how upgrades to their ERP software work and how much they cost. Cloud ERP updates are relatively easy; they’re usually performed on the back end by the vendor’s team, requiring minimal downtime and labor from the client. Costs can vary, but as per usual with the cloud model, they’re spread out over time via the cost of upgrading to a new subscription level. On-premises updates can require significant labor from a business’s IT staff, and they typically involve a higher up-front cost.

Researching and Comparing ERP Systems for your Manufacturing Business

Selecting the best enterprise resource planning (ERP) for manufacturing businesses can be a long and research-intensive task, so businesses should be sure to take advantage of the many ERP research resources available to them.

Direct ERP product comparison is one of the most important tools to help businesses decide on a manufacturing ERP solution, as it allows businesses to compare pricing, features, and specifications of ERP suites. A Manufacturing ERP Comparison matrix (like the ones provided throughout this website) enables a business to evaluate the features and specifications of various ERP software products and decide which offers the best fit.

Our comparison matrices allow businesses to compare the approximate pricing ranges of different ERP solutions quickly. However, the easiest way to get accurate price data that are tailored to your business is to submit a Manufacturing ERP pricing request and get free quotes from the ERP vendors you’re considering. Quotes arrive in minutes and account for each business’s most critical factors, including the number of employees, industry, annual revenue, budget, and timeframe.

ERP buyers should also examine many ERP analysis white papers available. These documents cover a wide range of subjects, including how to effectively implement an ERP system and how to use an ERP system to automate business functions.

In addition, many ERP manufacturers publish case studies that show how their products can be successfully implemented and drive improved outcomes. The Top10erp​.org ERP case study library is an excellent resource that allows software buyers to investigate how various systems have been implemented at other businesses and which strategies different businesses use to get the most out of their ERP software.

More options for manufacturing ERP software are available than ever before. A manufacturing business that takes the time to evaluate the top manufacturing solutions carefully will find various options available to suit its needs. Once a solution is selected, it is time to learn about ERP implementations.

Top 10 ERP offers the leading collection of resources for any manufacturing business searching for a manufacturing enterprise resource planning solution. Businesses can start evaluating ERP software options today with our industry-specific ERP guides or dive into our whitepaper library and case study library for in-depth ERP software analysis. Top 10 ERP’s experts compile these resources specifically to help your business choose the right ERP solution, and using these essential tools is the best way to prevent the costly mistake of choosing the wrong one.

Selecting and implementing the right manufacturing ERP system is a major undertaking, considering many factors. To help manufacturing businesses make the best decision, we’ve compiled this FAQ covering key questions and considerations around manufacturing ERP systems:

Can you summarize the main benefits of implementing a manufacturing ERP system?

Some key benefits of implementing a manufacturing ERP system include improved automation, consolidated data and analytics, regulatory compliance, inventory management, supply chain optimization, and more integrated business processes. A good manufacturing ERP system can provide a unified platform to manage core business operations.

What features should I look for in a manufacturing ERP system?

Some important features include financial management tools, inventory control, production planning and scheduling, shop floor management, quality control, CRM, project management, analytics, supply chain management, and IoT/AI capabilities. Consider both your current needs and future growth plans.

How do I determine if I need a cloud-based or on-premise ERP system?

Cloud ERP offers lower upfront costs, faster deployment, automated updates, and predictable subscription costs. On-premise ERP allows for more customization and keeps data in-house but requires more IT infrastructure. Consider costs, security needs, and IT capabilities when deciding.

Who are the top ERP vendors for manufacturing industries?

Leading manufacturing ERP vendors include SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, Infor, Epicor, QAD, IFS, Acumatica, Global Shop Solutions, Syspro, and more. Evaluate options for the best fit for your manufacturing operations and business needs.

How long does it take to implement a new Manufacturing ERP system?

Most ERP deployments take 6 – 12 months from purchase to go-live. Complex, global implementations with extensive customizations can take over a year. Have a detailed implementation plan and work closely with your ERP vendor to streamline the process.

What ongoing costs are associated with Manufacturing ERP systems?

Ongoing costs may include subscription fees for cloud ERP, maintenance and support fees, customization/integration services, training, upgrades, additions of more users or modules, and costs related to maintaining IT infrastructure for on-premise systems. Plan accordingly and read our ERP Pricing guide for more details.