---
title: "Best Production Scheduling Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing"
description: "Find the best Manufacturing Production Planning & Scheduling Software for your organization. Compare top Manufacturing Production Planning & Scheduling Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos."
source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/production-planning-scheduling-software-comparison/"
page_type: "subcategory"
language: "en"
---

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Production Scheduling 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 Production Scheduling Software of 2026

Updated October 22, 2026

## Production Scheduling FAQs

Software Advice advisors had 31 conversations with buyers about Production Scheduling software between January 2025 and July 2026. These are the questions that came up most.

-   How do I choose the right Production Scheduling software for my business?
    
    Choosing the right production scheduling software usually starts with listing out the team's specific scheduling and tracking needs, based on real situations described in advisor calls. Buyers often prioritize tools that allow real-time job tracking, visual drag-and-drop scheduling, and capacity planning, since many find ERP or MRP systems do not go deep enough on these features. It is also important to confirm the software supports multi-user access and works well across different production units or locations. Many buyers weigh cloud-based deployment for easier access, but some still need on-premise control or integration with existing systems. Friction often comes up around high setup fees and tools that feel hard to use, so teams should ask about upfront costs and test the interface before deciding.
    
-   What is the best Production Scheduling software for a small to mid-size manufacturer?
    
    There is no single system that fits every small to mid-size manufacturer, but during advisor calls, buyers often look for production scheduling software that replaces spreadsheets and manual tracking with real-time visibility into jobs and resources. Key requirements include drag-and-drop schedule adjustment, multi-user access, and the ability to handle both scheduling and tracking for production orders and materials. Many buyers say existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) or material requirements planning (MRP) software lacks the depth needed for detailed scheduling and shop floor control, so a dedicated solution should also support capacity planning and job prioritization. A challenge buyers frequently mention is finding a system that is easy for staff to use and works across multiple production units or locations.
    
    Answer based on 26 advisor calls
    
-   What should businesses watch out for when choosing Production Scheduling software?
    
    Businesses should confirm that production scheduling software goes beyond basic spreadsheets and manual methods, since according to our advisors, buyers often want to move away from these time-consuming approaches. Most buyers are in the manufacturing industry and run small businesses, so it is important to watch for missing features such as real-time shop floor tracking, visual drag-and-drop scheduling, and strong capacity planning tools. Many buyers also find that their current enterprise resource planning (ERP) or manufacturing resource planning (MRP) systems do not go deep enough on production scheduling, making it key to check for dedicated scheduling, job tracking, and multi-user support before committing. Cloud and software-as-a-service (SaaS) deployment is the option most frequently discussed, so buyers should weigh this against any needs for on-premise control or integration with existing systems.
    
    Answer based on 31 advisor calls
    
-   What are common complaints about Production Scheduling software?
    
    A common complaint is that teams are stuck using manual methods or spreadsheets, which advisor-call conversations show that buyers find slow and error prone. Many teams say enterprise resource planning (ERP) or manufacturing resource planning (MRP) systems do not go deep enough on production scheduling features. Buyers frequently mention missing real-time shop floor tracking, along with struggles in capacity planning and job prioritization. Friction also comes from a lack of visual drag-and-drop scheduling, limited support for multi-user or multi-unit scheduling, and tools that feel cumbersome or inefficient to use.
    
    Answer based on 29 advisor calls
    
-   What is the difference between Production Scheduling software and general ERP software?
    
    Production Scheduling software is built to handle detailed planning, tracking, and adjustment of production tasks, while general enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems often cover a wider range of business functions but lack depth in production scheduling features. Buyers our advisors talk to often mention that ERPs and material requirements planning (MRP) systems do not provide the real-time shop floor visibility, visual drag-and-drop scheduling, or capacity planning tools needed for manufacturing. A common sticking point is that ERPs may require manual workarounds or spreadsheets for scheduling and job tracking, leading many buyers to look for specialized production scheduling systems for features like job tracking, scheduling by resource availability, and multi-user support.
    
    Answer based on 31 advisor calls
    
-   How does Production Scheduling software handle production orders, inventory, and job costing?
    
    Buyers frequently tell our advisors that production scheduling software helps plan resource use, schedule production orders, and track what is being made over time. Many buyers mention they want deeper scheduling and tracking features than what enterprise resource planning (ERP) or manufacturing resource planning (MRP) systems typically provide. A common sticking point is that some buyers look for more visibility into production progress and order status than they can get from general-purpose systems.
    
    Answer based on 28 advisor calls
    
-   How much does Production Scheduling software cost?
    
    Most teams shopping for production scheduling tools hear quotes on a per-user or flat monthly basis, with pricing and fees varying widely. A common theme in these conversations is per-user monthly rates usually falling between $150 and $300, with a median near $200 per user. Flat monthly pricing is also frequent, typically ranging from $250 to $1,500, and a median of $500. Many buyers are also quoted a one-time setup fee, most often between $5,750 and $35,000, with a median around $25,000. Friction sometimes comes up around the high upfront fees, especially for teams focused on short-term or smaller-scale needs.
    
    Answer based on 27 advisor calls
    
-   What features should Production Scheduling software include?
    
    Based on advisor calls, buyers most often look for production scheduling systems that include planning and scheduling tools, production tracking, and job tracking features. Users also frequently mention the need for manufacturing planning, material requirements planning for inventory control, and capacity planning to help match production resources to demand.
    
    Answer based on 31 advisor calls
    
-   What is Production Scheduling software and what does it do?
    
    Production Scheduling software helps manufacturers plan, schedule, and track their production activities in one place. When speaking with our advisors, buyers describe using it to allocate labor, machinery, and materials, monitor job progress, and adjust production plans as needs change. The software also supports real-time decision-making, helps forecast demand, and gives visibility into resource capacity and material requirements. Many buyers see it as essential for coordinating teams, controlling costs, and improving delivery times in a manufacturing environment.
    
    Answer based on 31 advisor calls
    

On this page

1.  FrontRunners
2.  Popular Comparisons
3.  Buyers Guide
4.  Frequently Asked Questions
5.  Related Software

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### [NetSuite](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.2/5
- Reviews: 2,081
- 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

- "What If" Scenarios: 5/5
- Aging Tracking: 5/5
- Vendor Master Data Management: 5/5
- Import/Export Management: 5/5

[See all features](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/#key-features)

---

### [Striven](/project-management/striven-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.8/5
- Reviews: 130
- Starting price: $35.00/month
- Best for: Small businesses
- Free trial: Available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

Striven is a cloud-based, all-in-one business management ERP platform built for small and midsize companies tired of duct-taping popular accounting tools, a CRM, a project tool,

[Read more](/project-management/striven-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Routing: 5/5
- Document Storage: 5/5
- Milestone Tracking: 5/5
- Percent-Complete Tracking: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- API: 1/5

[See all features](/project-management/striven-profile/#key-features)

#### Pricing

##### Standard

- Price: $35.00/month
- The plan is based on the number of users.

##### Enterprise

- Price: $70.00/month
- The per-user price decreases as the number of users increases.

[See full pricing details](/project-management/striven-profile/#pricing-and-plans)

---

### [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

- Time Tracking: 5/5
- Overrun Reporting: 5/5
- Supplier Management: 5/5
- Production Scheduling: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Supply Chain Management: 2.7/5
- Real-Time Data: 3/5
- Quality Control: 3/5

[See all features](/manufacturing/realtrac-profile/#key-features)

---

### [Infor CloudSuite Industrial (SyteLine)](/erp/infor-syteline-profile/)

- Overall rating: 3.8/5
- Reviews: 68
- Starting price: $180.00/month
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

SyteLine is an enterprise resource planning software created specifically for engineer-to-order, make-to-order, make-to-stock, and mixed-mode manufacturers. Customers in both

[Read more](/erp/infor-syteline-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Scheduling: 5/5
- Real-Time Data: 5/5
- Demand Forecasting: 5/5
- Inventory Management: 4.1/5

##### Worst rated features

- Supplier Management: 1/5
- Document Management: 1/5
- Bills of Material: 1/5
- Order Management: 2/5

[See all features](/erp/infor-syteline-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)

---

### [HYDRA X](/manufacturing/hydra-mes-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.2/5
- Reviews: 5
- Starting price: $29,000.00one time
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

Now more than ever before, executives and other leaders in US manufacturing companies need the best information and controls to make the best decisions regarding their

[Read more](/manufacturing/hydra-mes-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Status Tracking: 5/5
- Training Management: 5/5
- Production Scheduling: 4.5/5
- Order Management: 4.5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Forecasting: 3/5
- Traceability: 3.5/5
- Supply Chain Management: 4/5
- Inventory Management: 4/5

[See all features](/manufacturing/hydra-mes-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

- Point of Sale (POS): 5/5
- Product Data Management: 5/5
- Inventory Management: 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)

---

### [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)

---

### [MRPeasy](/manufacturing/mrpeasy-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.5/5
- Reviews: 170
- Starting price: $49.00/month
- Best for: Small businesses
- 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

- Shipping Management: 5/5
- Multi-Currency: 5/5
- Kitting: 5/5
- Maintenance Management: 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)

---

### [MIE Trak Pro](/manufacturing/mie-trak-pro-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.6/5
- Reviews: 155
- Best for: Value for money
- 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

- BOM Creation: 5/5
- Real-Time Monitoring: 5/5
- Forecasting: 5/5
- Alerts/Notifications: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Customer Database: 1/5
- Real-Time Data: 3/5
- Payroll Management: 3/5

[See all features](/manufacturing/mie-trak-pro-profile/#key-features)

---

### [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)

---

### [Evocon](/manufacturing/evocon-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.8/5
- Reviews: 82
- Starting price: €159.00/month
- Free trial: Available
- Free demo: Available

#### Overview

Evocon is an OEE (overall equipment effectiveness) solution designed to help businesses within the manufacturing industry to monitor production, track downtime, automate data

[Read more](/manufacturing/evocon-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Barcode/Ticket Scanning: 5/5
- Third-Party Integrations: 5/5
- Real-Time Monitoring: 4.9/5
- Downtime Tracking: 4.9/5

##### Worst rated features

- Work Order Management: 2.5/5

[See all features](/manufacturing/evocon-profile/#key-features)

#### Pricing

##### Basic

- Price: €159.00/month

##### Professional

- Price: €209.00/month

##### Enterprise

- Price: €269.00/month

[See full pricing details](/manufacturing/evocon-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/)

---

### [TrakSYS](/manufacturing/traksys-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.5/5
- Reviews: 39
- Starting price: $1,999.00/year
- Free trial: Available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

TrakSYS is a modular, enterprise Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) solution platform that enables you to optimize the way you run your manufacturing operations. The TrakSYS

[Read more](/manufacturing/traksys-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Capacity Planning: 5/5
- Inventory Management: 5/5
- Order Management: 5/5
- Scheduling: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Preventive Maintenance: 4/5

[See all features](/manufacturing/traksys-profile/#key-features)

#### Pricing

##### Essentials

- Price: $1,999.00/year
- Core tools for single-plant KPI management.

##### Growth

- Price: $4,999.00/year
- Enhanced data and analytics for scaling digital operations.

##### Premier

- Price: $10,999.00/year
- Advanced MES use cases with many integrations.

[See full pricing details](/manufacturing/traksys-profile/#pricing-and-plans)

---

### [Wrike](/project-management/wrike-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.4/5
- Reviews: 3,044
- Starting price: $10.00/month
- Best for: Mid-size businesses
- Free trial: Available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

Wrike is the trusted work delivery platform where AI extends what people can accomplish. By centralizing all work in one governed, context-rich environment, Wrike helps

[Read more](/project-management/wrike-profile/)

##### What users love

- Centralized project organization tools
- Unified workspace for teamwork
- Flexible coordination across teams

##### To take in mind

- Feature overload and complexity
- Cluttered and unintuitive interface
- Expensive for smaller teams

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- IT Reporting: 5/5
- Color Codes/Icons: 5/5
- Template Management: 5/5
- Dashboard: 5/5

[See all features](/project-management/wrike-profile/#key-features)

#### Pricing

##### Team

- Price: $10.00/month
- Intelligent project management

##### Business

- Price: $25.00/month
- Customizable platform to manage your workflows

##### Pinnacle

- Price: Custom
- Pricing available upon request
- Built for complex workflows

[See full pricing details](/project-management/wrike-profile/#pricing-and-plans)

---

### [ProShop ERP](/erp/proshop-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.8/5
- Reviews: 113
- Best for: Customer support
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Available

#### Overview

ProShop is a machine shop and manufacturing process management solution designed for small and midsize manufacturers. It offers enterprise resource planning (ERP), manufacturing

[Read more](/erp/proshop-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Material Requirements Planning: 5/5
- Safety Management: 5/5
- Enterprise Asset Management: 5/5
- Shipping Management: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Production Scheduling: 2/5
- Audit Management: 2.5/5
- Capacity Management: 3/5
- HR Management: 3.8/5

[See all features](/erp/proshop-profile/#key-features)

#### Pricing

##### Basic

- Price: Custom
- Pricing available upon request

[See full pricing details](/erp/proshop-profile/#pricing-and-plans)

---

### [Fusion Operations](/product/393147-Fusion-Operations/)

- Overall rating: 4.7/5
- Reviews: 86
- Starting price: $2,000.00/year
- Free trial: Available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

Fusion Operations is a manufacturing execution system that provides real-time data for production management. It helps manufacturers and fabricators, from small to large-scale,

[Read more](/product/393147-Fusion-Operations/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Inventory Tracking: 5/5
- Performance Metrics: 5/5
- Data Catalog: 5/5
- Production Management: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Customizable Fields: 3/5
- Real-Time Notifications: 3/5
- Third-Party Integrations: 4/5
- Reporting/Analytics: 4/5

[See all features](/product/393147-Fusion-Operations/#key-features)

#### Pricing

##### Basic

- Price: $2,000.00/year

[See full pricing details](/product/393147-Fusion-Operations/#pricing-and-plans)

---

### [monday AI Work Platform](/marketing/monday-com-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.6/5
- Reviews: 6,123
- Starting price: $9.00/month
- Best for: Mid-size businesses
- Free trial: Available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

monday.com is the AI Work Platform where people and agents operate as one team - with shared cross-department context, enterprise-grade trust, and an easy-to-use interface built

[Read more](/marketing/monday-com-profile/)

##### What users love

- Centralized workspace for teams
- Intuitive setup and navigation
- Robust and visual task tracking

##### To take in mind

- Expensive for growing teams
- Complex and cluttered board management
- Overwhelming and noisy alerts

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Order Entry: 5/5
- Segmentation: 5/5
- Visual Workflow Management: 5/5
- Idle Time Monitoring: 5/5

[See all features](/marketing/monday-com-profile/#key-features)

#### Pricing

##### Free

- Price: Custom
- Pricing available upon request
- Up to 2 seats

##### Basic

- Price: $9.00/month
- Minimum 3 seats, billed annually.

##### Standard

- Price: $12.00/month
- Minimum 3 seats, billed annually.

[See full pricing details](/marketing/monday-com-profile/#pricing-and-plans)

---

### [Simio](/manufacturing/simio-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.7/5
- Reviews: 104
- Best for: Value for money
- Free trial: Available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

Simio is a cloud-based and on-premise production planning and simulation solution designed to help aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing, maritime, mining, supply chain and various

[Read more](/manufacturing/simio-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Design Analysis: 5/5
- Reporting/Analytics: 5/5
- Dynamic Modeling: 5/5
- Agent-Based Modeling: 5/5

[See all features](/manufacturing/simio-profile/#key-features)

#### Pricing

##### Basic

- Price: Custom
- Pricing available upon request

[See full pricing details](/manufacturing/simio-profile/#pricing-and-plans)

---

### [shopVOX](/manufacturing/shopvox-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.6/5
- Reviews: 243
- Starting price: $99.00/month
- Best for: Ease of use
- Free trial: Available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

shopVOX is a cloud-based platform for small to large businesses, which helps automate and streamline all processes related to manufacturing of custom products. The centralized

[Read more](/manufacturing/shopvox-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Real-Time Data: 5/5
- Activity Tracking: 5/5
- Activity Dashboard: 5/5
- Client Management: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Data Import/Export: 1/5

[See all features](/manufacturing/shopvox-profile/#key-features)

#### Pricing

##### shopVOX Express

- Price: $99.00/month
- $99/month with one user  Extra users are $19 per user/month  USD
14 day Free Trial of shopVOX

##### shopVOX PRO

- Price: $199.00/month
- $199/month Base Plan including one user 
$39 per user/month 
Add-ons are available to customize

[See full pricing details](/manufacturing/shopvox-profile/#pricing-and-plans)

---

### [Sutton](/product/449762-Digit/)

- Overall rating: 5.0/5
- Reviews: 20
- Starting price: $400.00/month
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

Sutton (formerly Digit Software) is an AI-native operating system built for companies that manage physical operations, from manufacturing and inventory to distribution and beyond.

[Read more](/product/449762-Digit/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Bill of Materials: 5/5
- Purchase Order Management: 5/5
- Item Management: 5/5
- Reporting & Statistics: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Mobile Access: 3.5/5
- Shipping Labels: 4/5
- Cost Tracking: 4/5

[See all features](/product/449762-Digit/#key-features)

---

### [ERPAG](/scm/erpag-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.6/5
- Reviews: 346
- Starting price: $25.00/month
- Best for: Features
- Free trial: Available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

ERPAG is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. It is suitable for small and midsize businesses in various industries, including automobile, retail, education,

[Read more](/scm/erpag-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Order Tracking: 5/5
- Purchasing & Receiving: 5/5
- Historical Reporting: 5/5
- Asset Tracking: 5/5

[See all features](/scm/erpag-profile/#key-features)

#### Pricing

##### Basic

- Price: $25.00/month
- The plan offers a 30 days money back guarantee.

[See full pricing details](/scm/erpag-profile/#pricing-and-plans)

---

### [Fulcrum](/product/328655-Fulcrum-Pro/)

- Overall rating: 4.9/5
- Reviews: 15
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

Fulcrum is a modern, cloud-native Manufacturing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform that replaces outdated ERP, MRP, and MES systems. Built specifically for small and mid-sized

[Read more](/product/328655-Fulcrum-Pro/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Job Tracking: 5/5
- Estimating: 5/5
- Supplier Management: 5/5
- Real-Time Monitoring: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Customizable Reports: 3/5
- Forecasting: 3.8/5

[See all features](/product/328655-Fulcrum-Pro/#key-features)

---

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[2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/production-planning-scheduling-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/production-planning-scheduling-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/production-planning-scheduling-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/production-planning-scheduling-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=5)[6](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/production-planning-scheduling-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=6)[7](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/production-planning-scheduling-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=7)

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## Your Guide to Top Production Scheduling Software, June 2024

Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated Production Scheduling products in North America.

[Learn how products are chosen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal-page/frontrunners-methodology/)

#### Explore FrontRunners

-   [ProShop ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/erp/proshop-profile/)
-   [Imperia](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/imperia-profile/)
-   [MIE Trak Pro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/mie-trak-pro-profile/)
-   [ERPAG](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/erpag-profile/)
-   [MRPeasy](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/mrpeasy-profile/)
-   [Genius ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/genius-manufacturing-profile/)
-   [Sage 100](https://www.softwareadvice.com/distribution/sage-100cloud-profile/)
-   [TYASuite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/tyasuite-profile/)
-   [Craftybase](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/craftybase-profile/)
-   [Katana Cloud Inventory](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/katana-mrp-profile/)
-   [NetSuite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/)
-   [Odoo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/odoo-profile/)
-   [Fishbowl](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/fishbowl-inventory-manufacturing-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.

When standard manufacturing resource planning (MRP) tools are not powerful enough, production managers turn to more robust and more complicated, production planning and scheduling systems (aka “advanced planning & scheduling”). These best-of-breed planning systems use advanced mathematical models to better simulate the production environment. We wrote this buyer’s guide to help buyers unravel the web of manufacturing planning and scheduling solutions.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

[What Is Manufacturing Production Planning and Scheduling Software?](#WhatIsManufacturingProductionPlanningandSchedulingSoftware)

[What Type of Buyer Are You?](#WhatTypeofBuyerAreYou)

[Common Functionality](#CommonFunctionality)

[Benefits and Potential Issues](#BenefitsandPotentialIssues)

[Market Trends to Understand](#MarketTrendstoUnderstand)

## What Is Manufacturing Production Planning and Scheduling Software?

“Theory is closer to practice in theory than in practice” is a truism in complex manufacturing. [Manufacturing resource planning software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/mrp-software-comparison/) is used by manufacturers to allocate raw materials and plan production. MRP works well for manufacturers that have large runs or few products. However, the planning methodologies used by most MRP applications cannot handle the demands of large numbers of small runs of products, orders that change frequently or large numbers of make-to-order (MTO) or customized products. That’s where manufacturing and planning scheduling software comes in.

Manufacturing scheduling software extends MRP in four important ways.

-   Instead of using total capacity as a baseline for each set of planning calculations, it uses available capacity. The difference is that MRP assumes that no other work is happening, while planning and scheduling systems constrains planning based on jobs that are already scheduled.
    
-   MRP uses simple formulas to project times to complete. Planning and scheduling solutions use more complex models, often running several different scenarios to create a more realistic simulation.
    
-   MRP tends to take stepped approach to ordering: materials are ordered, received, and then production begins.  Planning and scheduling programs incorporate order lead time when planning the manufacturing planning process. 
    
-   MRP does not consider the value of particular jobs. All jobs are treated equally. Manufacturing planning and scheduling systems, on the other hand, factors in the profitability of each of the jobs and prioritizes the most profitable jobs.
    

Manufacturing schedule software is best suited to operations that specialize in MTO or assemble to order (ATO) operations and in agile facilities. They are also useful for organizations that use a large number of components or have complex tasks. Finally, they are critical for firms that have a limited facility that is shared among different product lines that are competing for resources.

_Inventory manager dashboard in Netsuite_

## What Type of Buyer Are You?

The first step in evaluating production planning software is to determine what kind of buyer you are. Over 90 percent of buyers fall into one of these three groups:

**Enterprise resource planning suite buyer.** These buyers value the seamless integration of data and processes that comes from having one system for all functions. For example, they would prefer a full-suite system for estimating, work-in-progress management and accounting that can automatically turn an estimate into a budget for project management, and then match invoices to project status and allocate job costs. These buyers favor [ERP software vendors](https://www.softwareadvice.com/erp/) like Oracle, SAP, Sage ERP or Microsoft Dynamics.

**Departmental buyer.** These buyers work in facilities that are shared by product lines from different vendors. They are balancing demands from different product managers and must schedule production and justify the schedule to peers and management.

**Small manufacturer.** Small organizations often have limited budgets and fewer IT resources to dedicate to software. In many cases, they may be deciding between a new system and a new piece of equipment. These buyers need cost-effective solutions that are easy to implement and use. They are seeking solutions that maximize the profitability of their plant or job shop.

## Common Functionality

Production planning and scheduling software is highly complex, and different vendors specialize in various areas of niche functionality. The following table, however, shows the core features of this software category:

| Feature | Description |
| --- | --- |
| Finite capacity scheduling | Complex algorithms allow you to forecast the completion of jobs based on limitations on resources, instead of scheduling jobs without regard to such constraints. |
| Gantt charts | Gantt charts display resource utilization. |
| Live capacity planning | Instead of determining the production schedule in advance, which can result in bottlenecks, you can adjust the schedule in real time as issues occur. |
| Visual, drag-and-drop scheduling | You can easily get a visual overview of the production scheduling. New work orders can be dragged and dropped into the schedule, which updates the overall production schedule. |
| Multiple scheduling priorities | You can assign different priority levels to individual jobs/orders when setting the production schedule. |
| “What if” scenario modeling | Manufacturing production planning and scheduling software supports forecasting via multiple “what-if” scenarios. |

---

## Benefits and Potential Issues

MRP systems, whether stand-alone or incorporated in an ERP system, offer distinct benefits over less formal systems. These include:

**Better use of equipment.** Manufacturing planning and scheduling systems increase company utilization of equipment. For example, the system can prioritize the use of the most expensive equipment to lower that equipment’s cost per project or can prioritize the less expensive equipment to decrease costs across jobs. 

**Increased profitability.** The combination of increasing utilization and prioritizing the more profitable jobs leads to increased profitability.

**Identifying bottlenecks.** Planning and scheduling systems can identify bottlenecks and their associated procedures or equipment, giving managers an opportunity to boost productivity even further by adding machines or updating methodologies.

One of the biggest issues that arrive from using production planning and scheduling systems is the tendency for managers to “tweak” the system’s recommendations. This can lead to suboptimal results. If the planning and scheduling system continually gives information with which the manager disagrees, the assumptions must be re-examined or the manager should receive additional training.

## Market Trends to Understand

While you evaluate production planning and scheduling systems, make sure you consider these market trends:

**Convergence with MRP.** As the power of desktop computing continues to grow, traditional MRP systems are adding advance planning functions to their toolkits. Planning algorithms that were once only found in high-end planning systems are now in more moderately priced MRP or ERP systems.

**Direct interface with shop floor equipment.** Some planning and scheduling systems can get utilization information from equipment, either directly or through the manufacturing execution system. This provides two advantages, the information is more current and it does not have to be entered by hand.

**Increased employee satisfaction.** Production planning systems can consider employee preferences when allocating resources to a job, allowing employees to work preferred hours or on preferred jobs.

**Planning using data visualization.** Traditional MRP systems produce reports and planning schedules. Manufacturing planning and scheduling systems do, too, but they are also beginning to offer other visualization tools, such as graphical comparisons of the results of different models.

### Related Production Scheduling Software

-   [MRP Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/mrp-software-comparison/)
-   [Manufacturing Execution Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/execution-systems-comparison/)