Best Manufacturing Software of 2026

Here's what we'll cover:

What you need to know about manufacturing software

What is manufacturing software?

Essential features of manufacturing software

Benefits and competitive advantages of using manufacturing software

How to choose the best manufacturing software for your business

Software related to manufacturing

More resources for your manufacturing journey

What you need to know about manufacturing software

Production managers and manufacturers use manufacturing software to automate processes, improve workflow efficiency, monitor equipment, and ensure product quality from raw materials to finished goods. Of more than 2,000 conversations with software buyers over the past year, 78% asked about manufacturing execution. [1]

To give you an idea of the market, our site features over 400 manufacturing software vendors and has published more than 6,000 reviews in the past year alone. [2]

Manufacturing software is typically priced on a "per person, per month" basis, starting at around $459 for basic functionalities and one to 20 users. Mid-tier subscriptions can cost around $1,502 and allow between 21 to 50 users. More advanced platforms can cost upwards of $2,437 as they often require customizations for larger teams of 51 or more users. [3] Many products offer free versions or free trials. 

First-time buyers should begin evaluating with a budget, number of users, specific use cases, and necessary integrations in mind. Ensure you've consulted with stakeholders on a list of critical questions to help you evaluate systems based on your needs, such as:

• How does the platform handle inventory updates across multiple warehouse locations?

• What industry standards and regulatory frameworks does the software support?

• Can the solution provide real-time visibility into each stage of the production process?

• How does the system manage quality checks, during and after production, and can it flag non-conforming items with corrective action tracking?

Because there are so many different vendors, choosing the right option can be a long, daunting process. In this guide, you'll learn about the essential components of manufacturing software, get step-by-step guidance on how to choose the right solution for your business operations and tap into the expertise of our experienced team of manufacturing software advisors Saul Sanchez and Bryan Dengler who have been leading buyers to the right software for many years. Reach out to schedule a consultation with them or any of our advisors.

What is manufacturing software?

Manufacturing software helps production managers, manufacturers, and other professionals optimize the production lifecycle, including managing workflows, tracking raw materials, labor, and equipment usage, and controlling inventory. Its tools assist users in automating data entry, monitoring machine performance, managing supply chains, and ensuring product quality.

In addition to production management, manufacturing software can provide features such as real-time reporting, equipment maintenance tracking, and scheduling tools to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.

Essential features of manufacturing software

When comparing manufacturing software systems to choose the best solution for your business, it's important to understand the key features you can expect. Some functionalities, like bills of material and inventory management, are fundamental and available in every manufacturing software, while other features, such as quality control and production scheduling, are still common. By analyzing user reviews and feedback from industry professionals, we've identified what are considered core features of manufacturing software to guide your decision.

Core manufacturing software features

Common manufacturing software features

The inventory management feature in manufacturing software is crucial as it helps companies track whether they have the right materials, components, and finished goods and whether everything is running on time. Member of our advisor team, Bryan Dengler, explains that he often asks software buyers what kind of inventory they are really looking to track. 

He says that with potential buyers, "I try to understand the type of inventory you’re dealing with. For example, is it raw materials that you're using for production, or is it internal inventory for maintenance and asset tracking?"

He adds, "It's important to figure out what you'll need the software to do. We can then determine whether the feature included within manufacturing software is enough or whether users need a fuller solution [standalone inventory management system] that offers everything all in one. We can also consider integrating both tools depending on your budget and business needs."

If you'd like to learn more about manufacturing software features, including its integration capabilities, and get recommendations for your business, contact Bryan or another of our other manufacturing software advisors. 

Benefits and competitive advantages of using manufacturing software

Features that contribute to the benefits of using manufacturing software include tools that ensure all inventories and reports are organized and easily accessible, and that the business operations run smoothly, thanks to production scheduling and workflow automation. 

Our data shows that manufacturing software gives businesses other advantages, such as: 

• Facilitates quality improvement: The software helps businesses maintain high production standards by automating quality control processes, tracking defects, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations, which enhances overall product consistency.

• Provides ERP solutions: Integrated ERP features enable businesses to manage production, inventory, and financial data in one centralized system. This streamlines operations, improves efficiency, and enhances business decision-making.

• Supports traceability: The software enables real-time tracking of raw materials, components, and finished goods throughout the supply chain, improving transparency, simplifying recalls, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

When addressing your unique operational challenges, it's important to uncover the specific pain points your company faces. Our advisor, Saul Sanchez, shares what he likes to ask potential software buyers:

"I ask if they have any issues tracking projects from the start to production. Or if they are still having trouble tracking a certain number of projects, or if they just need help with better planning."

By identifying and sharing common concerns, such as delayed production due to poor resource planning or quality control issues leading to waste, software vendors can demonstrate how their system optimizes such workflows and improves product quality. These solutions highlight how advantageous manufacturing software investment can be for potential buyers.

How to choose the best manufacturing software for your business

Step 1: Define your requirements

Before selecting a manufacturing system, it’s important to outline your business's unique needs. These will guide you toward the system that aligns with your current operational demands and supports your long-term goals.

What is the cost of manufacturing software?

The price of manufacturing software can vary widely, depending on factors such as:

• Number of users

• Features supporting regulatory compliance laws 

• Integration needs (compatibility with quality management or ERP software)

• Availability of technical support and vendor training 

Budget for your whole manufacturing tech stack

When planning and budgeting for manufacturing software, it's important to consider your entire tech stack. Manufacturing software is a critical tool for efficient inventory management, as well as product scheduling and forecasting, but it's not the only solution you're likely to need. You may also benefit from complementary tools like ERP software, which streamlines and integrates core business processes, including inventory and procurement and customer relationships. 

The question is, do you need all these features integrated into one comprehensive platform, or would standalone systems that work together be a better fit for your business?

Either way, manufacturing software is likely to take up a significant portion of your tech budget, so it's crucial to select the right platform from the start, especially considering vendor pricing models and contract terms. 

Prepare for a long-term contract and negotiate

In our experience, most manufacturing vendors prefer buyers to sign contracts for three to five years. Fortunately, manufacturing software buyers can negotiate some elements of these contracts, such as setup costs, that can impact the bottom line. 

But these long-term contracts make it even more important to ask all the right questions before signing with a vendor.

Consider industry regulations when selecting your manufacturing software

When purchasing manufacturing software, buyers must consider industry-specific requirements to ensure the platform supports compliance with regulations, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, ISO standards, and environmental regulations. The right software can streamline compliance processes, reducing the risk of costly violations or production delays. 

For manufacturers, particularly those in regulated industries like pharmaceuticals, food production, or automotive manufacturing, compliance with standards such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), or ISO 13485 for medical devices is often necessary. Manufacturing software should include features to track material sourcing, production workflows, and quality control measures while ensuring adherence to these regulations for transparency and accuracy.

Additionally, many companies need tools that support ISO 9001 standards for quality management in manufacturing. While not mandatory, meeting this standard demonstrates a commitment to quality, helping businesses improve efficiency, reduce defects, and maintain consumer trust. To meet such certification requirements, this software should include tools for process tracking, document control, and continuous improvement.

Be aware of potential drawbacks

While manufacturing software offers many benefits, there are also potential challenges to consider when selecting and implementing a platform. The good news is that these are avoidable with careful planning. Here are some of the most common issues to watch for:

• Data privacy and security concerns: Manufacturing software may store sensitive data, including production schedules, supplier contacts, and proprietary designs, which can be vulnerable to cyberattacks. Industries with strict data protection requirements, such as pharmaceuticals and medical device manufacturing, must ensure compliance with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA. It’s vital to ask vendors about encryption protocols, access controls, and backup processes to safeguard critical data.

• Adaptability to changing production demands: Many manufacturing businesses experience fluctuations in demand, seasonal variations, or shifts in supply chain availability. Some software solutions may lack the flexibility to scale up or down efficiently, leading to production bottlenecks or underutilized resources. To avoid this, companies should look for modular or cloud-based solutions that allow for quick adjustments to production capacity, supplier networks, or order management.

• Compatibility with existing systems: If manufacturing software doesn’t integrate easily with essential tools like ERP, manufacturing execution systems (MES), product lifecycle management (PLM) or supply chain software, it can create data silos. Manufacturers should confirm that the new software is interoperable with their existing tech stack to ensure smooth data flow and avoid disruptions in production and inventory management.

Get help from a qualified advisor 

At Software Advice, our advisors Saul and Bryan have experience in helping hundreds of businesses identify solutions that match their needs and budgets.

If you need guidance, you can chat online now with an advisor or schedule a phone call. In just a few minutes, your advisor will help you identify a shortlist of options that align with your business operations requirements.

Explore our list of manufacturing software FrontRunners

If you’re not ready to speak to an advisor just yet, you can also start compiling your shortlist of manufacturing software with our FrontRunners report. Only products that earn top user ratings make this list. To be eligible for consideration, a product must:

• Have at least 20 unique user reviews in the last 24 months

• Be a stand-alone manufacturing software product

• Offer these features:

  • Inventory management 

  • Bills of material

Check out our full methodology description for more details on how the report is compiled.

Step 3: Pick your best option

After narrowing down your options, vendor demos are the next step. These sessions help you explore features, understand pricing, and ultimately make the right investment. Preparation is key to getting the most out of these sessions.

How to prepare for vendor demos

Once you’ve compiled a shortlist of manufacturing software, schedule demo sessions with each vendor to gain deeper insights into their products. This is your chance to ask targeted questions about features, pricing models, technical support, training resources, and any other factors critical to your decision-making process.

Some key questions to ask vendors during demos include:

Can we customize workflows, templates, or reports to match our specific manufacturing processes?

Every manufacturing business operates differently and has its own unique production workflows, quality control procedures, and reporting needs. A one-size-fits-all solution may force you to change established processes, leading to inefficiencies. By asking about customization, you can ensure the software aligns with your existing operations, making it easier for your team to adopt and increasing overall productivity.

What integration options are available with the manufacturing software?

Many manufacturers rely on multiple tools, such as ERP systems, MES, supply chain management platforms, and quality control software, to manage operations. Without integration, data silos can form, leading to inefficiencies and errors in material tracking, inventory and compliance reporting. Asking about integration ensures the software works well with your existing systems, enabling a centralized workflow that saves time and reduces waste.

How does the software handle supply chain disruptions and inventory management?

Supply chain disruptions can severely impact production schedules and costs. Ask vendors how the software helps businesses anticipate shortages, automate reordering, and adjust production plans when materials or components are delayed. The ability to provide real-time inventory tracking, supplier risk assessments, and alternative sourcing recommendations can be crucial in maintaining uninterrupted production.

Step 4: Make the most of your manufacturing software

Once you’ve selected and finalized your manufacturing software purchase, it’s time to begin the implementation process. Whether you’re switching from one platform to another or going from paper-documented inventories to your first electronic system, there are some important points to consider and pay attention to during this process:

• Plan for data migration: Determine how you’ll transfer historical production data, inventory records, and quality control logs into the new system while ensuring compatibility with ERP, MES, and supply management systems. Plan migration in phases, starting with essential live data such as current work orders and material tracking, and validate accuracy before full integration. Identify what data can be archived and what must be actively migrated to your new system.

• Prioritize employee training: Transitioning to new manufacturing software will require employees to adapt to new workflows, automation tools, and reporting processes. Comprehensive training during the initial rollout is essential, helping staff learn how to schedule production, monitor equipment efficiency, and track raw materials. Plan for refresher courses as new features are introduced, and ensure technical support is available to troubleshoot early challenges.

• Optimize real-time monitoring and reporting: Modern manufacturing software offers real-time dashboards and predictive analytics to improve decision-making. Ensure your team is leveraging these tools to track production efficiency, downtime trends, and material waste. Setting up custom reports and automated alerts can help identify bottlenecks, improve resource allocation, and enhance overall productivity.

Software related to manufacturing

Depending on which manufacturing system you choose, you may need to integrate or use some similar software types to enhance your organization's overall operations strategy. Some types of software that are closely related to manufacturing but may or may not be included in your system include:

• MRP software: Helps manufacturers manage material requirements planning (MRP) by tracking raw material needs, inventory levels and production scheduling. These tools assist in optimizing supply chain operations and reducing waste by ensuring materials are available when needed.

• Manufacturing execution software: Supports real-time monitoring of production processes, helping manufacturers track work orders, equipment efficiency and production output. This software bridges the gap between ERP systems and factory floor operations.

• Production scheduling software: Aids manufacturers in planning and optimizing production timelines, ensuring that resources, labor, and machinery are allocated efficiently. The software helps prevent bottlenecks and reduces downtime 

More resources for your manufacturing journey

• Cloud ERP vs. On-Premise ERP

• What Factors Determine the Cost of ERP Software?

• Alphabet Soup, Oh My! What You Really Need to Know About ERP vs CRM Report – 2016

About our contributors

Author

Laura Burgess is a content analyst at Software Advice with more than a decade of journalism experience and particular knowledge of human resources-related topics.

Laura’s research and analysis is informed by more than 350,000 authentic user reviews on Capterra and over 60,000 interactions between Software Advice software advisors and software buyers. Laura also regularly analyzes market sentiment by conducting surveys of business leaders in the HR, sales, and construction tech spaces so she can provide the most up-to-date and helpful information to small and midsize businesses purchasing software or services.

She has written for various industries on technology trends. Laura's research has been featured in Australian publications such as ABC News, HR Leader, Inside Retail, Dynamic Business, Retail Biz, and Technology Decisions. She has also appeared in various news segments on Ticker News, Channel 9 News, and SBS Mandarin, quoting her research.

When Laura isn't helping small and midsize businesses with insight on tech trends, she enjoys traveling and seeing her favorite music artists live.

Editor

Caroline Rousseau is a senior content editor at Software Advice.

A former content analyst, Caroline has, for the past five years, built, written, and edited research reports about technological trends, opportunities, and challenges with an SMB audience in mind. Her content has been featured in French Tier 1 media including Le Monde, L’Express, and Le Figaro, among other publications.

Her previous experience as a graphic designer, translator, and LQA specialist in various industries converged into a skill set that allows her to create compelling content about today’s business matters. Caroline’s personal interests include literature and art and she has a passion for Albert Camus, graphic novels, and drawing.

Advisors

Saul Sanchez is a senior advisor. He joined Software Advice in 2019, and he is based in Austin, TX. 

Saul works directly with small business leaders to connect them with best fit software providers. He assesses the technology needs of small businesses seeking a wide variety of software, including business intelligence, inventory management, manufacturing, and supply chain tools. Through one-to-one conversations, Saul provides a short list of potential matches. 

His favorite part of being a software advisor is experiencing a buyer’s relief when they discover how much time and energy he’s saved them by helping narrow down the list of many possible options on the market.

Bryan Dengler is a senior advisor. He joined Software Advice in 2022, and is based in Austin, TX.

As part of the software advisor team, Bryan helps professionals from a wide range of industries who are seeking accounting, project management, manufacturing, learning management, and supply chain software. He provides a shortlist of personalized technology recommendations based on budget, business goals, and other specific needs. 

Bryan’s favorite part of being a software advisor is knowing he’s made a valuable difference in a buyer’s life with each advising session he holds.

Sources

• Software Advice advisor call notes: The findings are based on data from telephonic conversations that Software Advice’s advisor team had with small-to-midsize businesses seeking medical tools. For this report, we analyzed phone interactions from January 2024 to January 2025. Read the complete methodology.

• Software Advice reviews data: Software Advice reviews are collected from verified users for individual software products. For this report, we analyzed reviews from the past year as of the production date. Read the complete methodology.

• Software Advice software pricing data: Only products with publicly available pricing information and qualified software products within the category, as of December 2023, are included in the pricing analysis. Read the complete methodology.