Best Manufacturing Software of 2026

Here's what we'll cover:

What is manufacturing software?

5 steps to buying manufacturing software

What are the features of manufacturing software?

Related software

Who uses manufacturing software?

What is manufacturing software?

Manufacturing software helps production managers, operations managers, and other manufacturing professionals optimize the production lifecycle, including managing workflows and tracking everything from materials to labor to project tasks. This kind of software helps manufacturers ensure the quality of their output by automating data entry, monitoring machine performance and managing supply chains.

Manufacturing software comprises an enormous marketplace. Our site features over 400 manufacturing software vendors and has published more than 6,000 reviews in the past year alone. [1] Our analysis of those reviews and advisor calls with real software buyers, combined with our research on manufacturing software buyers, gives us insights into how manufacturers approach new software investments, the most important features they consider, and how to successfully purchase and implement new tools. [2]

According to our 2026 Software Buying Trends Survey, 77% of manufacturers plan to spend more on software in 2026, and 78% of surveyed manufacturers anticipate that their business will grow over the next 18 months. [3] With high needs around supporting scaled operations and increased budgets, it’s essential for buyers to make the right choices with software investments. 

It’s important for buyers to recognize that while finding the right software needn’t be an arduous, drawn-out process, making a successful purchase does require planning, aligning team members, and engaging with vendors. On average, successful software adopters spend just 3 months selecting software, and they follow 5 key steps to ensure their purchase pays off. [3]

Types of manufacturing software

As a category, manufacturing software covers a wide range of tools and capabilities to support every aspect of production. 

“With manufacturing software, you’ve got two main components. One term you’ll hear is materials requirements and planning (MRP). This is basically for tracking inventory of raw materials, generating a bill of materials and a work order, and all of your pre-production scheduling. The other main component is a manufacturing execution system (MES), which tracks your work in progress on the actual production floor,” says Cameron Pugh, senior manufacturing software advisor. 

Here’s a deeper dive into the two main components of manufacturing software:  

• Material Requirements Planning (MRP), the system that supports pre-production tasks, including scheduling, generating work orders and bills of materials, and tracking inventory. This software calculates the resources needed to meet production demands, so businesses can estimate costs and timing. 

• Manufacturing Execution System (MES), which supports factory-floor operations with real-time data and complex monitoring of production workflows, such as quality management tasks, performance analysis, and alerts for constraints or bottlenecks. This software helps ensure resources are allocated properly and production is efficient, compliant, and traceable. 

Other key features and capabilities buyers tend to look for in manufacturing software systems include:

• Accounting

• Project management (PM)

• Quality management (QMS)

• Customer relationship management (CRM)

• Supply chain management (SCM)

• Product lifecycle management (PLM)

• Configure, price, quote (CPQ) 

These capabilities are often bundled into MRP/MES systems, though some are best purchased as standalone tools. Some businesses opt for enterprise resource planning (ERP) suites to cover all of their bases within one large platform. Some manufacturing software systems are specialized by product or production type. Your need for specialization and bundled or standalone features often comes down to the type of manufacturing you do.

For instance:

• Made-to-order manufacturers tend to need a CPQ system so sales teams can create customer quotes in the field. 

• Engineered-to-order manufacturers may need a robust PM system for engineering teams which integrates with MRP and MES functions. 

• Batch manufacturers may need specialized tools for chemical or food and beverage manufacturing. 

When evaluating manufacturing software options, it’s critical to understand your business’s needs, including must-have features and budget. 

Expert tip for SMBs: 

“You may have heard you need an ERP system to manage your entire business in one place. But keep in mind that your business may not need all the bells and whistles of a unified suite. Alternatively, you may need best-of-breed tools for specific areas of your business, which you can then integrate with your other software.” - Molly Burke

5 steps to buying manufacturing software

With so many options to consider, it’s important for manufacturers to follow a plan for making successful software purchases. As our research on software buyers shows, it’s all too easy to end up with a disappointing investment. In fact, just 34% of software buyers end up finding the tool that meets their needs; the other 66% experience disruptions during implementation, regret, or both. [3] 

Why this matters: This five-step buyer’s guide uses the data-driven methods of successful software adopters to provide a path toward positive and measurable ROI for your next software purchase. It helps buyers avoid common mistakes, stay on budget, and smoothly implement their new tool so they can stay on the path to long-term growth. 

Step 1: Define your needs and goals

A successful software purchase starts with understanding how you need your new tool to perform. Over half of successful adopters take time to plan ahead and clearly define the desired outcomes of their investment. [3] Starting with a clear vision helps you avoid distractions during product research and contract negotiations and helps eliminate any potential surprises during implementation. 

Set your goals: What challenges do you want to solve with your manufacturing software? 

Before you think about features, start by identifying the results you want to achieve with your new software. What does success look like for your team with the new tool? Use real-world scenarios, connecting everyday challenges you experience at your business with clear, measurable goals and metrics. 

Consider current and future challenges

A successful software investment supports your business now and into the future. Consider what your current challenges are, as well as what might come up as your business changes over the next several years. 

Here are some reasons why manufacturers buy new software or switch vendors:

• Old systems slow everything down: Frustration with older or outdated systems that don’t support current production needs.

• Weak support turns small issues into big bottlenecks: A lack of accessible vendor support that turns small technical issues into critical delays.

• Paying too much for too little: Overpaying for software that doesn’t perform.

• Shifts in operations create new needs: Scaling or downsizing operations has created new requirements.

Set measurable success metrics

Once you’ve set goals, identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) you’ll use to track the progress and ROI of your software investment. Putting a number to a goal makes it more achievable and improves visibility during implementation. 

Here are some examples of manufacturing KPIs to consider: 

• Cycle time reduction

• Increased overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)

• Reduced downtime

• Reduced cost of goods sold (COGs)

• Lowered customer acquisition cost (CAC) 

Keep an eye on scope

Some manufacturing software suites can cover nearly every aspect of the business, from production to accounting to sales. But tools with this scope can come at a high price point, with long implementation runways and modules that don’t always perform to buyers’ standards. Consider whether your business would benefit from suites with a more focused scope and from integrating with best-of-breed standalone apps for non-production areas like HR, IT, or marketing. 

“Sometimes buyers tell me they want everything under the sun–accounting, HR, supply chain–all in one. One thing I like to recommend is integration. I give them an analogy: Sometimes people have multiple different cars. They've got a minivan for all the kids and they've got a sports car for the weekend and then a truck if they're hauling lumber. That way you're getting the best of each system. A huge manufacturing suite might not have the greatest HR functionality, but a vendor that focuses on HR is gonna be really good at HR. And if they do integrate, it's basically like they're in the same system.” says Cameron Pugh, senior manufacturing software advisor.

Set your requirements: Map business goals to features

The next step is to map your goals to software features, so you can filter your search for tools that can deliver on your desired outcomes. Identifying those must-have features helps you cut through the marketing noise as you search for tools and, later, discern sales language from real contractual terms during vendor negotiations. 

Here are some examples of how a manufacturer’s goals could align with software features:

Getting specific about mapping goals to features is particularly helpful for staying on budget. Buyers often start their search for manufacturing software convinced they need an expensive, all-in-one suite, when many would actually benefit from a pared-down tool that supports specific needs and has a lower price point.  

“I can have someone that I'm talking to asking for an ERP system. I ask what they actually need, and all they want is an inventory management system. People can say ‘ERP’ and mean something else. I would say, OK, well, what does ERP mean to you? It's a pretty loosely used term.” points out Cameron Pugh, senior manufacturing software advisor.

Identify selection stakeholders: Who needs to be involved for a successful purchase?

Even at the smallest businesses, the most successful software buyers don’t make decisions alone. Assembling a team of decision-making stakeholders is among the most crucial steps in the software selection process, according to both successful adopters and disappointed buyers who would change their approach for future purchases. 

Why this matters: Having multiple perspectives helps ensure all goals and requirements are addressed and round out knowledge gaps that could lead to overlooked limitations during implementation. 

“Most of the time our buyers are not very tech-savvy. A lot of them come from small to mid-sized businesses, so they don’t have that full IT department. So a lot of people are new to software selection, or it’s gonna be a technician that has worked for big companies in the past, so they asked him to do it because he’s used some of these software systems.” says Cameron Pugh, senior manufacturing software advisor.

Here are the stakeholders you’ll want to assemble for your cross-functional selection team:

• Production or plant managers: These will be your primary decision drivers. Next to end users, these managers are closest to daily operations and feel the pain points the software needs to solve. They’ll be able to weigh in on desired user count and KPIs. 

• Intended end users: Getting feedback during the selection process from real end-users at your business helps prevent or anticipate issues around user-friendliness, training needs, and interface requirements. 

• Engineering team leads: If your company uses engineer-to-order workflows or needs systems aligned with design and engineering processes, include these folks. 

• IT team leads: If your company is large enough to have an IT team, it’s essential to include them in product research and planning for implementation tasks such as integration, data migration, and cybersecurity maintenance. 

• People with previous experience purchasing B2B software: Institutional knowledge on how your company’s software purchases have gone in the past is invaluable. Incorporate lessons learned and advice from experienced team members as you move through this 5-step plan. 

Expert tip for SMBs: 

“If your business is large enough to have an IT team, collaborate with them on product research, shortlisting, and vendor engagement to address overlooked requirements, ensure alignment with security goals, and get the best value from your purchase,” underscores Molly Burke, senior analyst for manufacturing at Software Advice

Step 2: Build your shortlist and seek expert advice

In large part, the success or failure of your purchase comes down to the quality of information you consume during product research. As you consider your options, keep in mind that not all information about vendors and products is equally reliable. 

For example, disappointed buyers tend to prioritize generative AI (GenAI) tools and online forums as the source of truth for software purchase decisions. By contrast, while successful buyers do consider these sources, they primarily lean on insights from industry experts and software review/comparison sites. [3]

Get real advice from real people

Our software advisors are a great resource for software buyers who want structured guidance based on real-world implementation scenarios, not just product spec sheets. Our advisors help manufacturers:

• Understand which features align with their goals, workflows, business size, and production type

• Compare vendors on cost, support, and integration capabilities

• Plan for a smooth implementation

Speaking with an advisor can help clarify your shortlist and reduce the risk of costly mistakes. Need help choosing the right manufacturing software? Connect with an advisor for tailored, one-on-one guidance.

How to leverage user reviews

User reviews are one of the most valuable resources when researching manufacturing software. In fact, nearly a third of global software buyers say that real user feedback is the most influential part of their decision-making process. [3] For manufacturers, reviews can offer insights into how a system performs in real-world production environments, often revealing details you won’t find in vendor marketing materials.

Here’s how to make the most of user reviews during your software search:

• Seek out reviews from similar manufacturing operations: Focus on feedback from companies that match your production type, industry (such as food & beverage, electronics, or medical devices), facility size, and compliance requirements. Their experiences will be most relevant to your own.

• Look for specifics about manufacturing workflows: Pay attention to comments on onboarding, production scheduling, inventory management, and how the software handles day-to-day shop floor operations. Details about mobile access and integration with equipment or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are especially valuable.

• Prioritize recent feedback: Manufacturing software evolves quickly. Sort for reviews from the past 6–12 months to get the most accurate picture of current features, updates, and support quality.

• Balance star ratings with written feedback: A lower star rating with a detailed explanation can be more informative than a generic 5-star review.

• Spot recurring themes: If you notice multiple reviewers mentioning issues with system integrations, reporting, or customer support, treat these as important discussion points with vendors during your evaluation.

Expert tip for SMBs:

“By focusing on user reviews that reflect your specific manufacturing environment, you’ll gain a clearer sense of which solutions can truly support your production goals, and which ones may fall short.” says Molly Burke, senior analyst for manufacturing at Software Advice

How much does manufacturing software cost?

Manufacturing software is typically priced at a per-month basis. Entry-level tools start at roughly $230 per month, while high-end tools range from $780 to $2,500 per month. On average, businesses budget $245 per user, per month for this type of software. [4]

However, manufacturing software pricing depends on your business needs and the complexity of your operations, your industry, number of users, and integration requirements, among other factors. 

Understanding the factors that influence cost will help you budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.

Several elements impact the price of manufacturing software:

• Number of users: Most vendors charge based on the number of users or seats. Larger teams or multiple facilities will require more licenses, increasing overall costs.

• Feature set and regulatory compliance: Advanced features, such as robust quality control, compliance management, or traceability, often come at a premium. If your industry is highly regulated (e.g., medical devices, food production), expect to pay more for specialized modules that support compliance.

• Integration requirements: If you need the software to connect with existing systems like ERP, quality management, or supply chain platforms, integration costs may apply. Custom integrations or application programming interface (API) access can add to your upfront investment.

• Technical support and training: Comprehensive vendor support, onboarding assistance, and ongoing training can influence pricing. Some providers include these services in their subscription, while others charge separately.

• Deployment model: Cloud-based (SaaS) solutions usually have monthly or annual subscription fees. On-premise software may require a one-time license fee, plus maintenance and upgrade costs.

When evaluating manufacturing software, request detailed pricing information from vendors. Ask about all potential fees, including setup, customization, and future upgrades, to ensure you have a clear picture of total ownership costs.

How do manufacturing pricing models compare?

Manufacturing software vendors offer a variety of pricing models, each with its own advantages and considerations. Understanding how these models work will help you choose the best fit for your organization’s budget and operational needs.

Subscription (cloud/SaaS): Many modern manufacturing solutions use a subscription-based model, where you pay a monthly or annual fee. This typically covers software access, updates, and basic support. Pricing may be based on the number of users, modules, or production sites. Subscription models offer predictable costs and flexibility, making them ideal for growing businesses or those seeking minimal upfront investment.

Perpetual license (on-premise): Some vendors offer a one-time purchase option for on-premise software. You own the license and host the software on your servers. While this can mean higher upfront costs, it may be more cost-effective over time for larger organizations. However, ongoing expenses for maintenance, upgrades, and technical support should also be factored in.

Usage-based pricing: Certain solutions charge based on usage metrics, such as the number of transactions, production runs, or data processed. This model can be beneficial for manufacturers with fluctuating production volumes, as you’ll only pay for what you use.

Modular pricing: Manufacturing software often comes in modules (e.g., inventory, production scheduling, quality control). Vendors may allow you to purchase only the features you need, tailoring costs to your requirements. This approach helps avoid paying for unnecessary functionality.

When comparing pricing models, always consider your business size, growth plans, and IT infrastructure. Choosing the right model ensures you get the features and flexibility you need at a cost that aligns with your budget.

Expert tip for SMBs:

“Remember that what you see on a vendor’s pricing page does not necessarily match what your total cost of ownership will be. Hidden fees for onboarding, support, and additional user seats are par for the course. So is the time you’ll spend transitioning to the new tool, which could result in downtime and costly errors if you don’t properly plan for implementation.” - Molly Burke

Step 3: Compare products and act decisively

Once you’ve done your research and identified vendors that might fit your requirements, it’s time to narrow your options. You’ll do this by carefully comparing products and engaging with vendors through product demos and free trials, so you can get an up-close look at the tools.  

It’s important not to lose momentum at this phase of your buyer journey. Successful software adopters tend to keep their vendor shortlists and timelines short:

• 61% narrow their vendor shortlist to three or fewer options

• 68% make a final purchase decision within three months of starting their search for new software [3]

Also, as you whittle your shortlist, keep an eye on:

• Vendor support and implementation help: Look for vendors that offer the level of customer support you need, and will help you migrate data and integrate with your existing tech stack. 

• Regulatory compatibility: If your business is subject to compliance regulations, make sure that vendors on your shortlist support the necessary standards and documentation.

• Industry alignment: Choose software that supports your type of manufacturing.

• Setup costs: The total cost of ownership for manufacturing tools often includes additional fees for data migration, customizations, training, and hardware upgrades. These can add up quickly, so make sure you understand what setup costs before you make your decision. 

• Ease of use and training needs: Have an idea of how much training your end users will need in order to use the new software effectively day-to-day. 

How to schedule demos with vendors

Scheduling product demos with vendors lets you see how manufacturing software tools can fit into your workflows. Bring purchase decision stakeholders to these meetings so there’s clarity and alignment on the strengths and weaknesses of each tool. 

• Request tailored demos: Ask the vendor reps to walk you through how the software will handle your production workflows. 

• Test mobile access: Verify that the mobile app version of shortlisted software actually works. This is critical for on-the-go tasks like scanning barcodes, capturing inspection photos, or completing inspection checklists, for example. 

What should you ask during demos?

Use your demo conversation to ask specific questions about how you and the vendor will work together. You should walk away from the demo with an understanding of how the tool will support your business’s workflows, team, and long-term goals. 

Consider the following questions:

• How does your platform handle mobile access and notifications?

• What support do you provide for onboarding and training?

• How long should I expect onboarding to take, based on the complexity of my operations?

• How do you manage data backups and security?

• Will this tool integrate with my existing tools?  

Use our software comparison scorecard 

Stay organized during and after your vendor demos by using a structured comparison scorecard. Our scorecard allows you to compare three different vendors side-by-side, with built-in scoring, notes sections, and auto-calculated totals. You’ll be able to easily keep track of critical details about features, support, and fees, so you can quickly identify which vendor best meets your needs. 

Expert tip for SMBs:

“It helps to book two vendor demos: one where you’ll see how the software handles your daily workflows, and another to gauge security and integration compatibility. That way, you can cover your bases while optimizing technical stakeholders’ meeting availability.” - Molly Burke

Step 4: Negotiate contract terms and pricing

Don’t settle for off-the-shelf pricing and packages if customizing your contract would better suit your needs. Vendors typically have flexibility around pricing and bundling, and should be willing to discuss in detail the terms of your contract before you sign. 

Glossary of contract terms

Understand these common manufacturing software contract terms before you start negotiating with your vendor. 

• Master services agreement (MSA): The main contract that defines the relationship between the service provider and client, and includes responsibilities, scope, payment terms, and dispute resolution procedures.

• Service level agreement (SLA): Specifies measurable service expectations, including uptime, response time, performance standards, and compensation for downtime. 

• Implementation scope and change-order rules: Cost overruns, schedule slips, and operational disruptions tend to originate from a poorly-defined statement of work (SOW). Make sure you know exactly what work the vendor will perform, how it will be delivered and when, and what the success criteria are. 

• License scope and deployment rights: These spell out where and how you are authorized to use the software. They also determine whether you can manage multiple plants or test environments. 

• Named and concurrent user licenses: Named user licenses are designed to be used exclusively by specific employees, whereas concurrent user licenses are designed to be shared among multiple users. Costs for multiple named user licenses can quickly add up. Concurrent licenses tend to be more cost-effective for shift-based usage. You may want some of each type of license for different areas of your business.  

• Device and machine licensing: Hardware such as handhelds, kiosks, or machine data connectors can come with additional fees. 

• Data ownership: Defines who owns your data and how it can be exported. 

Tips for negotiation

Here are some points to bring up with your vendor: 

• Understand the total cost of ownership: Ask for a detailed breakdown of monthly or annual subscription fees, onboarding costs, contract renewal or cancellation terms, and any additional fees you might incur over the course of your contract. 

• Negotiate price: Work with the vendor on a quote that includes discounts for multi-year contracts or bundled features. Vendors often have the flexibility to match competitor pricing or adjust rates to secure your business.

• Clarify support and service levels: Ask for clear commitments on response times, escalation procedures, and ongoing support availability.

• Negotiate data ownership and compliance terms: Ensure your organization retains control over its data and that the vendor meets all relevant regulatory and security requirements.

• Customize your contract: Ask for a tailored package that best fits your goals and requirements. Ask to remove features you won’t use and focus on the capabilities that matter most to your team. Vendors may be willing to adjust pricing or offer add-ons at no extra cost.

Expert tip for SMBs:

“If some of the language in your contract is vague, get clarification from your vendor until it’s crystal-clear. Don’t close an agreement without understanding every aspect of your contract and addressing every operational, compliance, and workflow requirement.” - Molly Burke

Step 5: Prepare for implementation 

Especially for manufacturers, finding the right software for your business is only half the battle. Integrating your new tools, migrating data, and training users can present significant obstacles if not managed effectively. The implementation phase often makes or breaks the success of your investment, so planning ahead is critical. Here’s a handy guide on how to set your team up for success. 

Onboarding

• Point of contact: Identify a main point of contact from your team and the vendor to streamline communication.

• Timeframe: Set clear milestones for onboarding, from initial setup to full rollout.

• Team involvement: Clarify which departments (production, IT, engineering, sales, etc.) need to participate in testing and launch.

Integration and data migration

• Data to migrate: Decide which records, workflows, maintenance, histories, and inventory lists need to be imported.

• Integrations: List any APIs or connections required with existing systems (e.g., ERP, accounting, CRM).

• Vendor support: Confirm what migration and integration support the vendor provides.

Testing

• Configuration checks: Assign team members to test workflows, access permissions, and notifications to confirm readiness for daily operations.

• Efficiency review: Review whether the configuration supports existing business processes and enables a successful rollout.

Documentation and rollout

• Process documentation: Determine who will document best practices, user permissions, and workflow steps.

• Training: Appoint a leader for training sessions for end users and provide ongoing support.

Expert tip for SMBs:

“Schedule regular check-ins to gauge progress during an implementation. Post-launch reviews are your time to gather feedback, address issues, and unlock long-term value from your new software.” - Molly Burke

What are the features of manufacturing software?

Manufacturing software is designed to support the unique demands of production environments, whether you’re building complex machinery, food products, or medical devices. The right system helps you manage every aspect of your operation, from materials sourcing to final delivery.

Core manufacturing software features

Each year, we speak to hundreds of manufacturing software users. We have analyzed those conversations to better understand which features are most critical to organizations. [2]

When evaluating solutions, focus first on the foundational capabilities that drive efficiency and accuracy in manufacturing:

• Bills of material (BOM): A BOM is the backbone of manufacturing planning. It’s a detailed list of all materials, components, and assemblies needed to build a product, along with their associated costs. Well-managed BOMs help ensure accurate production planning, cost control, and regulatory compliance.

• Inventory management: Maintaining the right inventory levels is critical. Inventory management features let you track raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods in real time. This helps prevent shortages, reduce excess stock, and keep production running smoothly.

• Production management: Production management tools oversee the end-to-end manufacturing process. From scheduling and resource allocation to monitoring progress on the shop floor, these features ensure that every job moves efficiently from start to finish.

Common manufacturing software features

Beyond the essentials, most manufacturing software platforms include a suite of common features to support daily operations and long-term growth:

• Compliance management: Track and manage adherence to policies, standards, and regulations for products, processes, and suppliers.

• Financial management: Plan, manage, and track financial activities, including budgeting, costing, and expense monitoring.

• Job management: Organize and monitor all job-related information and associated tasks for each order or project.

• Maintenance management: Schedule and track maintenance for assets and equipment to minimize downtime and extend lifespan.

• Product lifecycle management: Oversee every stage of a product’s life, from conception and design to development and deployment.

• Production scheduling: Plan and allocate production resources efficiently to meet deadlines and optimize throughput.

• Production tracking: Monitor the progress of materials and items throughout the production cycle.

• Purchase order management: Create, send, and track purchase orders, ensuring timely procurement of materials.

• Quality control: Ensure products meet quality standards and regulatory requirements across all production stages.

• Shop floor management: Control and optimize operations directly on the factory floor, from resource allocation to real-time monitoring.

• Supplier management: Manage relationships, data, and performance for all suppliers.

• Supply chain management: Coordinate planning and execution of supply chain activities for seamless operations.

• Warehouse management: Track and manage inventory and workflows within warehouses.

• Work order management: Create, assign, and monitor jobs or tasks associated with work orders.

What advanced manufacturing management capabilities should you consider?

For larger manufacturers or those in highly regulated industries, advanced features can offer significant advantages:

• Industrial internet of things (IIoT): Connect machines and sensors for real-time data and predictive insights.

• Predictive maintenance: Use analytics to anticipate equipment issues and schedule proactive repairs.

• Robotic process automation: Automate repetitive tasks to boost efficiency and reduce errors.

• Advanced analytics: Leverage AI and machine learning for forecasting, optimization, and continuous improvement.

When selecting manufacturing software, prioritize features that align with your production style, industry requirements, and business size. The right combination of core and advanced capabilities will help you streamline operations, maintain quality, and drive growth.

Related software

• Materials resource planning 

• Manufacturing execution system

• Supply chain management

• Inventory management

• Enterprise resource planning

• Computer aided design (CAD) 

• Quality management software (QMS)

• Environmental health and safety (EHS)

• Product lifecycle management (PLM) 

Who uses manufacturing software?

Manufacturing software is used by manufacturing businesses of all sizes and production types. End users tend to include shopfloor workers, production or plant managers, and engineers. 

Our advisors speak to buyers representing a wide swath of production types, including:

• Metal fabrication

• Industrial machinery, equipment, and supplies

• Food and beverage

• Consumer goods

• Medical equipment

• Building and garden materials 

• Aerospace

• Job shops

• Electronics 

What are the most common use cases of manufacturing software by industry?

Here’s a rundown of how different manufacturing sub-industries use manufacturing software. 

Metal fabrication

• Attribute-based inventory management: tracking component parts such as sheets, plates, and coils by size, gauge, grade, and finish. 

• Bill of materials: defining requirements around cutting, forming, welding, and finishing for accurate costing and scheduling. 

• Advanced planning and scheduling: optimizing workflows and managing constraints to minimize shop floor delays. 

Industrial machinery 

• Predictive maintenance: using analytics and sensor data to predict and prevent equipment failures. 

• Throughput and production optimization: analyzing real‑time machine and production data to remove bottlenecks and increase output efficiency. 

• Demand forecasting and inventory planning: leveraging manufacturing analytics to better plan production, reduce stockouts, and align supply chain operations. 

Food and beverage

• Batch and formula management: guiding operators through batching steps, ensuring recipe accuracy, and maintaining consistent product quality. 

• Lot traceability and regulatory compliance: tracking ingredients, allergens, and production steps to meet FDA/FSMA/HACCP regulations.

• Shelf‑life and expiration control: managing FEFO rotation, expiration dates, and warehouse inventory for perishable goods.

Consumer goods

• Supply chain optimization with ERP data: integrating multiple ERP systems into a unified model to optimize COGS, reduce waste, and improve production decisions.

• Product formulation and profitability modeling: analyzing SKU‑level costs to adjust raw material choices, improve margins, and refine product builds.

• Demand forecasting and dynamic production planning: using data/AI to anticipate demand shifts, reduce stockouts, and synchronize production with market needs.

Medical equipment 

• Regulatory compliance & traceability management – supporting FDA requirements, device history records, cleanroom routing, and serial/lot tracking.

• MES‑driven production control – using MES to improve workflow visibility, reduce errors, and manage real‑time WIP with electronic records.

• Quality control and documentation management – embedding inspections, CAPA workflows, and audit‑ready documentation directly in production processes.

Expert tip for SMBs: 

“Not all manufacturing software is created equal. Consider your business’s area of specialization and seek out tools that support those specialized needs.” - Molly Burke

About our contributors

Author

Molly Burke is a senior analyst for Software Advice, covering manufacturing and inventory management. Her research helps business owners make software investment decisions that will help them navigate all aspects of production.

Molly’s research and analysis is informed by more than 120,000 authentic user reviews on Software Advice and nearly 8,000 interactions between Software Advice software advisors and manufacturing software buyers. Molly also regularly analyzes market sentiment by conducting surveys of manufacturing leaders, as well as consumers, so she can provide the most up-to-date and helpful information to small and midsize businesses purchasing software or services.

Her insights have been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, BBC, CNBC, Forbes, and the Financial Times, among other publications.

Editor

Mehar Luthra is a team lead at Software Advice and specializes in editing reports that cover the latest trends affecting small businesses. With nearly a decade of experience, she has edited a multitude of research articles, top-rated software reports, and thought leadership articles for diverse markets such as Brazil, Japan, Canada, France, Australia, and India. She finds it particularly rewarding to produce content that provides small-business owners with practical tips and helpful advice on topics such as the digitalisation of small businesses, eCommerce trends, and HR developments.

Armed with a double bachelor’s in law (LL.B.) and business economics from Delhi University, she won a full scholarship to study for a master’s in creative writing at the National University of Ireland, Galway. In addition, she has written blog articles spanning a variety of topics such as fiction and non-fiction books, mental health and anxiety, the latest restaurants, and more. Her articles have been featured in Ireland’s national magazine The Village, among other publications. A die-hard journaling fan, she enjoys watching psychological thrillers, reading fiction books, and drinking iced coffee (even in the winter).

Advisors

Cameron Pugh is a senior advisor. He joined Software Advice in 2022, and he is based in Austin, TX.

Cameron works directly with small business leaders to connect them with best fit software providers. He assesses the technology needs of small businesses seeking tools such as CMMS, inventory management, call center, and facilities software through one-to-one conversations and provides a short list of potential matches. 

His favorite part of being a software advisor is experiencing the buyer’s gratitude and relief when he finds the best software solution for their needs.

Sources

1. Software Advice reviews data: Reviews are collected from verified users for individual software products. 

2. Software Advice advisor call notes: Findings are based on data from telephonic conversations that Software Advice’s advisor team had with small to mid-sized businesses seeking CMMS tools.

3. The 2025 Tech Trends Survey was conducted online in August 2024 among 3,500 respondents from the U.S. (n=700), U.K. (n=350), Canada (n=350), Australia (n=350), France (n=350), India (n=350), Germany (n=350), Brazil (n=350), and Japan (n=350), at businesses across multiple industries and company sizes (5 or more employees). The survey was designed to understand the timeline, organizational challenges, adoption & budget, vendor research behaviors, ROI expectations, and satisfaction levels for software buyers. Respondents were screened to ensure their involvement in business software purchasing decisions.

4. Software Advice software pricing data: Only products with publicly available pricing information and qualified software products within the category are included in the pricing analysis.