# Best Small Business Manufacturing Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing

> 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: https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/490-small-business-manufacturing

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Small Business Manufacturing Software

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# Best Small Business Manufacturing Software of 2026

Updated June 15, 2026

On this page

1.  FrontRunners
2.  Popular Comparisons
3.  Buyers Guide
4.  Related Software

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150 results

### Compare Products

Showing 1 - 25 of 150 products

#### Company Size

-   Self-Employed
    
-   2-10
    
-   11-50
    
-   51-200
    
-   201-500
    
-   501-1000
    
-   1000+
    

#### Pricing Options

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**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](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/)

NetSuite is an AI-powered cloud-based business management suite that incorporates ERP, financial management, CRM and eCommerce f...[Read more about NetSuite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/)

**4.2**

([2045 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/reviews/))

**72**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Salesforce Sales Cloud

Docusign

+18 more

+17 more

+16 more

NetSuite's Best Rated Features

4.75Check Writing

See All

NetSuite's Worst Rated Features

2.71Dashboard

See All

[JobBOSS²](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/jobboss2-profile/)

JobBOSS² is a job shop management software designed for custom manufacturers and machine shops. It supports make-to-order manufa...[Read more about JobBOSS²](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/jobboss2-profile/)

**4.2**

([865 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/jobboss2-profile/reviews/))

**73**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Stripe

Xero

+13 more

+12 more

+11 more

JobBOSS²'s Best Rated Features

4.78Work Order Management

See All

JobBOSS²'s Worst Rated Features

3.46Reporting/Analytics

See All

[SAP Business One](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/)

SAP Business One is a modular and integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. This platform integrates financials, C...[Read more about SAP Business One](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/)

**4.3**

([344 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/reviews/))

**57**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Microsoft Excel

Mailchimp

+7 more

+6 more

+5 more

SAP Business One's Best Rated Features

4.86Scheduling

See All

SAP Business One's Worst Rated Features

3.33Purchasing & Receiving

See All

[Cetec ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/cetec-mrp-profile/)

Cetec ERP is a manufacturing enterprise resource planning software built for small and medium sized businesses. Cetec ERP's clou...[Read more about Cetec ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/cetec-mrp-profile/)

**4.5**

([53 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/cetec-mrp-profile/reviews/))

**46**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

QuickBooks Online

ShipStation

+4 more

+3 more

+2 more

Cetec ERP's Best Rated Features

4.73Inventory Management

See All

Cetec ERP's Worst Rated Features

3.67Financial Management

See All

[Global Shop Solutions](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/onesystem-profile/)

Global Shop Solutions provides a comprehensive suite of enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools and solutions designed to help ...[Read more about Global Shop Solutions](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/onesystem-profile/)

**4.1**

([71 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/onesystem-profile/reviews/))

**38**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft 365

+27 more

+26 more

+25 more

[Kinetic](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/kinetic-profile/)

Epicor Kinetic is a cloud-first manufacturing enterprise resource planning (ERP) system for companies that need one platform to ...[Read more about Kinetic](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/kinetic-profile/)

**3.8**

([175 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/kinetic-profile/reviews/))

**28**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

ADP Workforce Now

Avalara

+12 more

+11 more

+10 more

Kinetic's Best Rated Features

4.50Order Management

See All

Kinetic's Worst Rated Features

4.11Reporting/Analytics

See All

[Acumatica Cloud ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/acumatica-manufacturing-profile/)

Acumatica Cloud ERP is a comprehensive business management system. It caters to a variety of industries, such as finance, manufa...[Read more about Acumatica Cloud ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/acumatica-manufacturing-profile/)

**4.4**

([243 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/acumatica-manufacturing-profile/reviews/))

**25**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Dropbox Business

Microsoft Excel

+35 more

+34 more

+33 more

Acumatica Cloud ERP's Best Rated Features

4.67Business Intelligence

See All

Acumatica Cloud ERP's Worst Rated Features

3.57AI Copilot

See All

[Metasystems](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/metasystems-profile/)

Metasystems is a comprehensive ERP software that provides a Quote-to-Production-to-Cash-to-Warranty business flow tailored to in...[Read more about Metasystems](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/metasystems-profile/)

**4.2**

([15 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/metasystems-profile/reviews/))

**23**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

[Deltek Costpoint](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/deltek-costpoint-profile/)

Deltek Costpoint is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) and management solution designed to meet the requirements of midsize a...[Read more about Deltek Costpoint](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/deltek-costpoint-profile/)

**3.9**

([215 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/deltek-costpoint-profile/reviews/))

**21**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Deltek GovWin IQ

+0 more

+0 more

+0 more

Deltek Costpoint's Best Rated Features

4.67Approval Process Control

See All

Deltek Costpoint's Worst Rated Features

3.71Expense Tracking

See All

[QT9 ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/qt9erp-profile/)

QT9 ERP is a highly-scalable manufacturing platform for connecting and automating business data from multiple systems into one s...[Read more about QT9 ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/qt9erp-profile/)

**4.9**

([19 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/qt9erp-profile/reviews/))

**13**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Microsoft Outlook

QuickBooks Online Advanced

+1 more

+0 more

+0 more

[Onramp ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/66221-Onramp-ERP/)

OnRamp is an ERP solution built for high-volume discrete manufacturers in the United States and Canada. It supports manufacturer...[Read more about Onramp ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/66221-Onramp-ERP/)

**4.7**

([3 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/66221-Onramp-ERP/#reviews))

**13**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

+6 more

+5 more

+4 more

[AccountMate](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accountmate-profile/)

AccountMate is a hybrid accounting solution that caters to small and midsize businesses and offers them tools and functionalitie...[Read more about AccountMate](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accountmate-profile/)

**4.3**

([25 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accountmate-profile/reviews/))

**12**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Shopify

HubSpot CRM

+1 more

+0 more

+0 more

[REALTRAC](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/realtrac-profile/)

Realtrac is an on-premise job management solution designed for job shop manufacturers and modular machine shops. It helps small ...[Read more about REALTRAC](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/realtrac-profile/)

**4.2**

([75 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/realtrac-profile/reviews/))

**12**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

QuickBooks Desktop

QuickBooks Online Advanced

+2 more

+1 more

+0 more

REALTRAC's Best Rated Features

4.57Purchase Order Management

See All

REALTRAC's Worst Rated Features

3.57Reporting/Analytics

See All

[MasterTools](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/mastertools-erp-profile/)

Online Computing designs and develops a proprietary ERP software called MasterTools. MasterTools combines all aspects of product...[Read more about MasterTools](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/mastertools-erp-profile/)

No reviews yet

**11**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

[OptiProERP with Sap Business One](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/37179-OptiProERP-with-Sap-Business-One/)

OptiProERP with SAP Business One is a complete ERP solution for small and midsize manufacturers and distributors. SAP Business O...[Read more about OptiProERP with Sap Business One](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/37179-OptiProERP-with-Sap-Business-One/)

**4.3**

([3 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/37179-OptiProERP-with-Sap-Business-One/#reviews))

**10**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

[FactoryLogix](https://www.softwareadvice.com/capa/factorylogix-profile/)

FactoryLogix is a manufacturing solution suitable for businesses of all sizes. Key features include manufacturing execution, qua...[Read more about FactoryLogix](https://www.softwareadvice.com/capa/factorylogix-profile/)

**4.8**

([15 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/capa/factorylogix-profile/reviews/))

**9**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Arena PLM

+0 more

+0 more

+0 more

[Total ETO](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/total-eto-profile/)

ERP software designed for ETO manufacturers. Total ETO streamlines sales, engineering, procurement, manufacturing, and accountin...[Read more about Total ETO](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/total-eto-profile/)

**4.6**

([26 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/total-eto-profile/reviews/))

**8**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Xero

SolidWorks Premium

+8 more

+7 more

+6 more

Total ETO's Best Rated Features

4.89Purchase Order Management

See All

Total ETO's Worst Rated Features

4.17Reporting/Analytics

See All

[Connected](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accountek-profile/)

Connected is a hybrid integrated accounting and enterprise resource planning (ERP) that caters to small and midsize businesses a...[Read more about Connected](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accountek-profile/)

**5.0**

([3 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accountek-profile/#reviews))

**8**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

SurePayroll

+0 more

+0 more

+0 more

[Aptean Apparel ERP Exenta Edition](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/exenta-profile/)

Aptean Apparel ERP Exenta Edition is a comprehensive and scalable ERP system tailored for the apparel, footwear, and accessories...[Read more about Aptean Apparel ERP Exenta Edition](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/exenta-profile/)

**3.4**

([8 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/exenta-profile/reviews/))

**7**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Shopify

Shopify POS

+9 more

+8 more

+7 more

Aptean Apparel ERP Exenta Edition's Best Rated Features

3.17Order Management

See All

Aptean Apparel ERP Exenta Edition's Worst Rated Features

3.17Order Management

See All

[MRPeasy](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/mrpeasy-profile/)

MRPeasy is a versatile cloud-based ERP system for small and scaling companies (perfect for up to 200 employees). The software of...[Read more about MRPeasy](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/mrpeasy-profile/)

**4.5**

([168 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/mrpeasy-profile/reviews/))

**6**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Google Drive

Dropbox Business

+13 more

+12 more

+11 more

MRPeasy's Best Rated Features

4.90Search/Filter

See All

MRPeasy's Worst Rated Features

3.56Quality Control

See All

[ALERE](https://www.softwareadvice.com/erp/alere-erp-profile/)

ALERE ERP, brought to you by TIW Technology, is a robust, modular manufacturing package that offers accounting, manufacturing, i...[Read more about ALERE](https://www.softwareadvice.com/erp/alere-erp-profile/)

**4.7**

([18 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/erp/alere-erp-profile/reviews/))

**6**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Shopify

Microsoft Outlook

+5 more

+4 more

+3 more

[Visibility ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/visibility-profile/)

Visibility ERP is a fully integrated and modern ERP solution designed to meet the unique needs of manufacturers of complex produ...[Read more about Visibility ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/visibility-profile/)

**4.5**

([12 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/visibility-profile/#reviews))

**6**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

[Guidewheel](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/safi-profile/)

Guidewheel's manufacturing operations cloud is a plug-and-play system designed to simply and cost-effectively give any manufactu...[Read more about Guidewheel](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/safi-profile/)

**4.9**

([8 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/safi-profile/reviews/))

**6**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

[M1 ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/m1-erp-profile/)

M1 ERP is a subscription-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, available on-premise or via the cloud, that automates ...[Read more about M1 ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/m1-erp-profile/)

**3.8**

([103 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/m1-erp-profile/reviews/))

**6**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Avalara

Paperless Parts

+5 more

+4 more

+3 more

M1 ERP's Best Rated Features

4.13Inventory Management

See All

M1 ERP's Worst Rated Features

4.13Inventory Management

See All

[LeanERA](https://www.softwareadvice.com/distribution/psi-erp-profile/)

PSI LeanEra is an enterprise resource management (ERP) designed for industrial manufacturing, chemical manufacturing and distrib...[Read more about LeanERA](https://www.softwareadvice.com/distribution/psi-erp-profile/)

No reviews yet

**6**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

1

[2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/490-small-business-manufacturing/?page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/490-small-business-manufacturing/?page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/490-small-business-manufacturing/?page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/490-small-business-manufacturing/?page=5)[6](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/490-small-business-manufacturing/?page=6)

## Popular Comparisons

[

Fishbowl vs NetSuite

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/fishbowl-inventory-manufacturing-profile/vs/netsuite-financials-accounting-software/)[

JobBOSS² vs Odoo

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/jobboss2-profile/vs/odoo/)[

MRPeasy vs ERPAG

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/erpag-profile/vs/mrpeasy/)[

Acumatica Cloud ERP vs DELMIAWorks

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/acumatica-manufacturing-profile/vs/iqms-enterpriseiq/)[

Genius ERP vs Kinetic

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/genius-manufacturing-profile/vs/kinetic/)

## 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:

**Feature**

**Function**

**Benefit**

**Material requirements planning (MRP)**

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