--- title: "Best Small Business Manufacturing Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing" description: "Find the best Small Business Manufacturing Software for your organization. Compare top Small Business Manufacturing Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos." source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/490-small-business-manufacturing/" page_type: "category" language: "en" --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Small Business Manufacturing Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best Small Business Manufacturing Software of 2026 Updated November 9, 2026 On this page 1. FrontRunners 2. Popular Comparisons 3. Buyers Guide 4. Related Software Filter products 149 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 149 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. ### [NetSuite](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 2,086 - Best for: Enterprise businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview NetSuite is an AI-powered cloud-based business management suite that incorporates ERP, financial management, CRM and eCommerce functionalities into a unified platform, helping [Read more](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) ##### What users love - Deep system tailoring options - Comprehensive and scalable functionality - Centralized financial operations platform ##### To take in mind - Steep learning curve and complexity - Complex and rigid reporting tools - Slow and inconsistent support experience #### Features ##### Best rated features - Aging Tracking: 5/5 - "What If" Scenarios: 5/5 - Knowledge Base Management: 5/5 - Vendor Master Data Management: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Acumatica Cloud ERP](/manufacturing/acumatica-manufacturing-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 243 - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Acumatica Cloud ERP is a comprehensive business management system. It caters to a variety of industries, such as finance, manufacturing, construction, distribution, and retail, [Read more](/manufacturing/acumatica-manufacturing-profile/) ##### What users love - Flexible customization for workflows - Robust third-party integrations support - User-friendly and intuitive interface ##### To take in mind - Significant costs for small businesses #### Features ##### Best rated features - Inventory Auditing: 5/5 - HR Management: 5/5 - Multi-Company: 5/5 - Manufacturing Planning: 5/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/acumatica-manufacturing-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Global Shop Solutions](/manufacturing/onesystem-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.1/5 - Reviews: 72 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Global Shop Solutions provides a comprehensive suite of enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools and solutions designed to help manufacturers simplify their operations from quote [Read more](/manufacturing/onesystem-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Shop Floor Management: 5/5 - Inventory Tracking: 5/5 - Drag & Drop: 5/5 - Production Scheduling: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Safety Management: 1/5 - Accounting Integration: 3/5 - ERP integration: 3.5/5 - HR Management: 4/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/onesystem-profile/#key-features) --- ### [SAP Business One](/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 346 - Best for: Features - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview SAP Business One is a modular and integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. This platform integrates financials, CRM, inventory, sales and operations management [Read more](/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/) ##### What users love - Comprehensive inventory control tools - Tailored for SMB growth needs - Flexible integration and customization ##### To take in mind - Significant costs and licensing fees - Outdated and unintuitive interface - Frequent slowdowns and crashes #### Features ##### Best rated features - Quotes/Estimates: 5/5 - Activity Tracking: 5/5 - Production Management: 5/5 - Financial Analysis: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Total ETO](/manufacturing/total-eto-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 28 - Starting price: $9,000.00/year - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview ERP software designed for ETO manufacturers. Total ETO streamlines sales, engineering, procurement, manufacturing, and accounting. Integrators, Panel Shops, and OEMs benefit the [Read more](/manufacturing/total-eto-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - CRM: 5/5 - Time Tracking: 5/5 - Inventory Control: 5/5 - Receiving: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Supply Chain Management: 3.8/5 - Manufacturing Planning: 4/5 - Search/Filter: 4/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/total-eto-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Onramp ERP](/product/66221-Onramp-ERP/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 7 - Starting price: $3,000.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview OnRamp is an ERP solution built for high-volume discrete manufacturers in the United States and Canada. It supports manufacturers that produce the same parts repeatedly for the [Read more](/product/66221-Onramp-ERP/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Data Import/Export: 5/5 - Shop Floor Management: 5/5 - Compliance Management: 5/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Production Management: 4/5 [See all features](/product/66221-Onramp-ERP/#key-features) --- ### [JobBOSS²](/manufacturing/jobboss2-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 867 - Best for: Customer support - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview JobBOSS² is a job shop management software designed for custom manufacturers and machine shops. It supports make-to-order manufacturers in industries such as fabrication, [Read more](/manufacturing/jobboss2-profile/) ##### What users love - Responsive and knowledgeable support team - User-friendly and intuitive interface - Accessible training and onboarding resources ##### To take in mind - Limited and inflexible reporting tools - Challenging document and data handling - Cumbersome and limited navigation options #### Features ##### Best rated features - Multi-level BOM: 5/5 - Document Storage: 5/5 - Document Coding & Control: 5/5 - Item Management: 5/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/jobboss2-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Kinetic](/manufacturing/kinetic-profile/) - Overall rating: 3.8/5 - Reviews: 185 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Epicor Kinetic is a cloud-first manufacturing enterprise resource planning (ERP) system for companies that need one platform to connect production, supply chain, finance, service, [Read more](/manufacturing/kinetic-profile/) ##### What users love - Extensive personalization options available ##### To take in mind - Slow and unresponsive support experience #### Features ##### Best rated features - Accounting: 5/5 - Order Tracking: 5/5 - Reporting & Statistics: 5/5 - Change Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Data Import/Export: 1/5 - Import/Export Management: 2/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/kinetic-profile/#key-features) --- ### [REALTRAC](/manufacturing/realtrac-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 75 - Starting price: $189.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Manufacturing success depends on having accurate information when decisions matter most. Realtrac is a fully integrated ERP solution designed specifically for machine shops, job [Read more](/manufacturing/realtrac-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Budgeting/Forecasting: 5/5 - Invoice Management: 5/5 - Supplier Management: 5/5 - Production Scheduling: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Supply Chain Management: 2.7/5 - Quality Control: 3/5 - Real-Time Data: 3/5 - Project Management: 3.5/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/realtrac-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Visibility ERP](/manufacturing/visibility-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 12 - Starting price: $3,000.00 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Visibility ERP is a fully integrated and modern ERP solution designed to meet the unique needs of manufacturers of complex products (including To-Order, ETO, CTO, MTO, Project [Read more](/manufacturing/visibility-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Material Requirements Planning: 5/5 - Status Tracking: 5/5 - Production Scheduling: 5/5 - Item Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Supply Chain Management: 3.5/5 - Forecasting: 3.5/5 - Financial Management: 3.5/5 - Quality Management: 4/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/visibility-profile/#key-features) --- ### [QT9 ERP](/accounting/qt9erp-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 19 - Starting price: $20,000.00 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Available #### Overview QT9 ERP is a highly-scalable manufacturing platform for connecting and automating business data from multiple systems into one scalable and intuitive solution. QT9 ERP integrates [Read more](/accounting/qt9erp-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Inventory Management: 5/5 - Online Invoicing: 5/5 - Invoice Creation: 5/5 - Manufacturing Planning: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/qt9erp-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $20,000.00 [See full pricing details](/accounting/qt9erp-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [AccountMate](/accounting/accountmate-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 25 - Starting price: $4,000.00one time - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview AccountMate is a hybrid accounting solution that caters to small and midsize businesses and offers them tools and functionalities, which help them to manage their financial [Read more](/accounting/accountmate-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Collaboration Tools: 5/5 - Multiple Projects: 5/5 - Purchase Order Management: 5/5 - Project Planning/Scheduling: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Task Management: 4/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 4/5 [See all features](/accounting/accountmate-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $4,000.00one time [See full pricing details](/accounting/accountmate-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Deltek Costpoint](/project-management/deltek-costpoint-profile/) - Overall rating: 3.9/5 - Reviews: 215 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Deltek Costpoint is an ERP for government contractors that gives firms the speed, clarity, and control to manage complex contracts from pursuit through closeout. It connects [Read more](/project-management/deltek-costpoint-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Compliance Management: 5/5 - Collaboration Tools: 5/5 - Task Management: 5/5 - Project Planning/Scheduling: 5/5 [See all features](/project-management/deltek-costpoint-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Cetec ERP](/manufacturing/cetec-mrp-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 53 - Starting price: $50.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Cetec ERP is a manufacturing enterprise resource planning software built for small and medium sized businesses. Cetec ERP's cloud-based software is designed to help these companies [Read more](/manufacturing/cetec-mrp-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Warehouse Management: 5/5 - Compliance Management: 5/5 - Change Management: 5/5 - Nonconformance Tracking: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Maintenance Management: 2/5 - CRM: 3/5 - Work Order Management: 3/5 - Barcoding/RFID: 3/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/cetec-mrp-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $50.00/month - One flat per-user price covers the Cetec ERP platform, cloud infrastructure, maintenance, and access [See full pricing details](/manufacturing/cetec-mrp-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [BatchMaster ERP](/product/551248-BatchMaster/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 17 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview BatchMaster is an AI-powered ERP for small and mid-market process manufacturers. Purpose-built and scalable, it gives formula-based manufacturers in food and beverage, chemicals, [Read more](/product/551248-BatchMaster/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Order Management: 5/5 - Quality Control: 5/5 - Inventory Auditing: 5/5 - Data Import/Export: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Production Scheduling: 2/5 - AI Copilot: 3/5 [See all features](/product/551248-BatchMaster/#key-features) --- ### [MRPeasy](/manufacturing/mrpeasy-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 173 - Starting price: $49.00/month - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview MRPeasy is a versatile cloud-based ERP system for small and scaling companies (perfect for up to 200 employees). The software offers a complete ERP solution with robust production [Read more](/manufacturing/mrpeasy-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Alerts/Notifications: 5/5 - Multi-Currency: 5/5 - Parts Management: 5/5 - Kitting: 5/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/mrpeasy-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Starter - Price: $49.00/month - Users beyond 10 - it increases to $79/10 users ##### Professional - Price: $69.00/month - Cloud based plan that includes free updates ##### Enterprise - Price: $99.00/month - Most popular plan [See full pricing details](/manufacturing/mrpeasy-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [OptiProERP with Sap Business One](/product/37179-OptiProERP-with-Sap-Business-One/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 3 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview OptiProERP with SAP Business One is a complete ERP solution for small and midsize manufacturers and distributors. SAP Business One is an ERP platform designed for small and midsize [Read more](/product/37179-OptiProERP-with-Sap-Business-One/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Reporting/Analytics: 5/5 - Inventory Management: 4.5/5 - Order Management: 4.5/5 - Bills of Material: 4/5 ##### Worst rated features - Production Management: 4/5 - Bills of Material: 4/5 [See all features](/product/37179-OptiProERP-with-Sap-Business-One/#key-features) --- ### [Metasystems](/manufacturing/metasystems-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 15 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Metasystems is a comprehensive ERP software that provides a Quote-to-Production-to-Cash-to-Warranty business flow tailored to industries such as truck trailers, cabinets, capital [Read more](/manufacturing/metasystems-profile/) --- ### [Connected](/accounting/accountek-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 3 - Starting price: CA$649.00 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Connected is a hybrid integrated accounting and enterprise resource planning (ERP) that caters to small and midsize businesses across various industry verticals and helps them to [Read more](/accounting/accountek-profile/) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: CA$649.00 [See full pricing details](/accounting/accountek-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [FactoryLogix](/capa/factorylogix-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 15 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview FactoryLogix is a manufacturing solution suitable for businesses of all sizes. Key features include manufacturing execution, quality management, product lifecycle management, [Read more](/capa/factorylogix-profile/) --- ### [PolyPM](/manufacturing/polypm-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 37 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview PolyPM was created by Polygon Software, a provider of technology solutions for apparel manufacturers and textile mills since 2001. PolyPM is a 2-in-1 enterprise resource planning [Read more](/manufacturing/polypm-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Inventory Management: 5/5 - Warehouse Management: 5/5 - Supply Chain Management: 5/5 - Reporting/Analytics: 4/5 ##### Worst rated features - CRM: 3/5 - Reporting/Analytics: 4/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/polypm-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Aptean Fashion & Apparel](/manufacturing/exenta-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.1/5 - Reviews: 28 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Aptean Fashion & Apparel is a purpose-built ERP platform designed for apparel, footwear and fashion businesses. It provides organizations a centralized foundation for managing [Read more](/manufacturing/exenta-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Accounting: 5/5 - Purchase Order Management: 5/5 - Financial Management: 5/5 - Inventory Tracking: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Materials Management: 1/5 - Purchasing & Receiving: 2.3/5 - Catalog Management: 2.4/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/exenta-profile/#key-features) --- ### [MIE Trak Pro](/manufacturing/mie-trak-pro-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 155 - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview One word sums up MIE Trak Pro: flexibility. You may be using tired old spreadsheets or an ERP system that can't scale with your manufacturing company. When your organization grows, [Read more](/manufacturing/mie-trak-pro-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Forecasting: 5/5 - Capacity Planning: 5/5 - Quality Control: 5/5 - Alerts/Notifications: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Customer Database: 1/5 - Real-Time Data: 3/5 - Task Management: 3/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/mie-trak-pro-profile/#key-features) --- 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/490-small-business-manufacturing/?__ai_markdown=true&page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/490-small-business-manufacturing/?__ai_markdown=true&page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/490-small-business-manufacturing/?__ai_markdown=true&page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/490-small-business-manufacturing/?__ai_markdown=true&page=5)[6](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/490-small-business-manufacturing/?__ai_markdown=true&page=6) ## Popular Comparisons [ Fishbowl vs NetSuite ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/fishbowl-inventory-manufacturing-profile/vs/netsuite-financials-accounting-software/)[ MRPeasy vs JobBOSS² ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/jobboss2-profile/vs/mrpeasy/)[ Odoo vs Sage 100 ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/odoo-profile/vs/sage-100cloud/)[ Genius ERP vs DELMIAWorks ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/genius-manufacturing-profile/vs/iqms-enterpriseiq/)[ Statii vs Kinetic ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/kinetic-profile/vs/statii/) ## Your Guide to Top Small Business Manufacturing Software, September 2022 Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated Small Business Manufacturing products in North America. [Learn how products are chosen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal-page/frontrunners-methodology/) #### Explore FrontRunners - [Fusion Operations](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/prodsmart-profile/) - [Striven](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/striven-profile/) - [ERPAG](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/erpag-profile/) - [ProShop ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/erp/proshop-profile/) - [Katana Cloud Inventory](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/katana-mrp-profile/) - [shopVOX](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/shopvox-profile/) - [MRPeasy](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/mrpeasy-profile/) - [Acumatica Cloud ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/acumatica-manufacturing-profile/) - [OnSite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/442115-onsite/) - [Quickbase](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/quick-base-profile/) - [SAP Business One](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/) - [Fishbowl](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/fishbowl-inventory-manufacturing-profile/) - [ION](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/first-resonance-ion-profile/) - [MasterControl Quality Excellence](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/mastercontrol-profile/) - [Genius ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/genius-manufacturing-profile/) - [Sage 100](https://www.softwareadvice.com/distribution/sage-100cloud-profile/) - [JobBOSS²](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/jobboss2-profile/) - [NetSuite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) - [Kinetic](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/kinetic-profile/) - [Odoo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/odoo-profile/) “Usability” includes user ratings for Functionality and Ease of Use. “Customer Satisfaction” includes user ratings for Customer Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Value for Money. Reviews analysis period: The reviews analysis period spans two years and ends the 15th of the month prior to publication. There are hundreds of software solutions on the market, many of which address every step of operations from product inception to customer delivery. For smaller businesses, however, many solutions are more complex than their needs require. To better help these buyers, we've narrowed down the manufacturing software market to focus on those solutions ideal for small businesses only (manufacturers with $10 million or less in annual revenue). In this buyers guide, we'll cover: - [What is Small Business Manufacturing Software?](#WhatisSmallBusinessManufacturingSoftware) - [Common Reasons Small Manufacturers Shop for New Software](#CommonReasonsSmallManufacturersShopforNewSoftware) - [Market Trends to Understand](#MarketTrendstoUnderstand) - [Key Considerations for Small Businesses](#KeyConsiderationsforSmallBusinesses) ## What is Small Business Manufacturing Software? A small business manufacturing software solution provides various modules, such as [bills of material (BOM)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/bill-of-materials-comparison/), manufacturing resource planning (MRP), work jobs, sales orders, purchasing and [inventory](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/inventory-software-comparison/), to small-sized businesses. The system addresses the major requirements of the overall manufacturing process workflow, which is the core of small businesses. ## Common Reasons Small Manufacturers Shop for New Software Many small manufacturing firms contact us for advice as they search for new software solutions. Some are replacing manual methods and have never implemented a software solution before, while others are looking to upgrade to a new system with greater functionality. The most common reasons prospective buyers cite when looking for manufacturing software for small businesses is that they’re: - Transitioning away from manual methods (e.g., pen and paper); - Outgrowing an older system; - Seeking additional functionality or - Needing a system that’s more user-friendly. While the reasons abound, the systems and features that address these issues are also plentiful. We do find however, that most small businesses require one or more of these basic capabilities: | Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 | | --- | --- | --- | | Feature | Function | Benefit | | Material requirements planning (MRP) | MRP systems are used for tracking and organizing production materials and monitoring the flow of labor and equipment. These systems can also be used to help reduce shipping and receiving errors by processing advanced shipping notifications from suppliers and reporting changes in cycle counts for inventory management. | Automates the initial phases of the production process. | | Manufacturing execution system (MES) | An MES is used to provide manufacturing managers with real-time reporting from the shop floor in order to assist with decision-making about the production process. Additional MES functions include production and labor tracking, equipment utilization and scrap reporting. | Provides a real-time window into shop floor operations. | | Manufacturing accounting | Manufacturing accounting systems include standard accounting features such as inventory, payroll and accounts receivable, but also come with more manufacturing-focused capabilities such as sales and purchase orders, work-in-progress reports and job costing modules. | Manages manufacturing-specific financial transactions and operations. | | Supply chain management (SCM) | While the functionality of an SCM system within a manufacturing system will likely be less robust than a standalone SCM system, this feature assists with basic supply chain management, particularly inventory control. | Automates basic supply chain control and alerts users to delays and backlogs. | | Customer relationship management (CRM) | Within a manufacturing solution for smaller businesses, this function will assist with basic customer service and support, such as troubleshooting and the storage of customer contact information. | Manages all of a company’s customer data and interactions. | --- ## Market Trends to Understand Small manufacturers should always be prepared for unexpected changes in the market and competition from larger enterprises. Here’s a list of the current trends in the small business manufacturing market. **Small manufacturers will develop strategies more aggressively.** Small-sized manufacturing companies will try and fight the digital differences that can develop between them and larger enterprises by creating strategies that embrace the latest manufacturing technologies and concepts. To achieve this, they will need to modernize their plant floor equipment and move to advanced [manufacturing systems](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/4704-manufacturing/) so that they can manage information more efficiently. **The adoption of robots will rise.** Among several advanced technologies, small manufacturers are expected to adopt affordable and general-purpose robots. These robots will work in collaboration with the human workforce in a safe and secure manner to transform the overall plant floor activities. Also, concepts such as machine learning and visual analysis, will make it easier to deploy robots in frontline manufacturing roles, make them flexible for various types of work jobs and easier to program for complicated tasks. **Demand will drive production.** Earlier, manufacturers used to push work orders to the shop floor, irrespective of the amount of work in line. However, this has now eased and current lean manufacturing practices help shop floors by requesting for a job based on the requirement. Manufacturers are applying the same concept to their high-level output planning by working closely with the sales force and customers. This helps them predict the actual demand for the future and results in lower lead times, fewer inventory items and overall satisfied customers. Currently, even small business manufacturing software solutions provide capabilities that support demand-driven manufacturing. Hence, small manufacturers that are adopting such systems are on the rise. ## Key Considerations for Small Businesses **What level of functionality do you require?** The first consideration for a small business evaluating manufacturing software is how much functionality they require in a system. This will differ considerably from business to business, but starting with a clear assessment of your needs will go a long way in determining which system is the best fit. Some small manufacturing companies may be automating only some operations for the first time, and thus may not require a full suite that includes material requirements planning. For example, a smaller firm may only need bill of materials (BOM) automation, which can be done with certain manufacturing accounting products, such as Peachtree and Quickbooks. **Does your business require an ERP system?** Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems can be used by small manufacturing companies, but are often a better fit for mid-to-large-sized manufacturing operations due to their complexity and advanced functionality (and often times, cost). However, there are a number of ERP systems on the market tailor-made for small businesses. These systems offer more functionality than basic manufacturing software, but are easier to implement and operate than the enterprise-level ERP systems on the market. **Which manufacturing mode is specific to your business?** Different products are made to support different modes of manufacturing, e.g. repetitive, made to order, mixed mode or another specific process. When evaluating manufacturing software for smaller firms, it’s important to select a product that supports your specific manufacturing type. Otherwise, you may find yourself struggling to adapt your business processes to software that isn’t adequately designed to handle them. ### Related Small Business Manufacturing Software - [Enterprise Resource Planning Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/erp/) - [MRP Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/mrp-software-comparison/) - [Manufacturing Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/4704-manufacturing/)