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

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Capacity Planning Software

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# Best Capacity Planning Software of 2026

Updated July 29, 2026

On this page

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

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217 results

### Compare Products

Showing 1 - 25 of 217 products

#### Company Size

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-   11-50
    
-   51-200
    
-   201-500
    
-   501-1000
    
-   1000+
    

#### Pricing Options

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Sort by

**Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals.  
  
**Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least.  
  
**Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest.  
  
**Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z.

[NetSuite](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**

([2057 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/reviews/))

**146**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

BambooHR

Microsoft Outlook

+18 more

+17 more

+16 more

NetSuite's Best Rated Features

5.0"What If" Scenarios

See All

NetSuite's Worst Rated Features

CPA Firms

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/))

**102**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

SAP Crystal Reports

SAP Analytics Cloud

+7 more

+6 more

+5 more

SAP Business One's Best Rated Features

5.0Quotes/Estimates

See All

SAP Business One's Worst Rated Features

Traceability

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/))

**80**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Dropbox

Microsoft Excel

+35 more

+34 more

+33 more

Acumatica Cloud ERP's Best Rated Features

5.0Inventory Auditing

See All

Acumatica Cloud ERP's Worst Rated Features

Planning Tools

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/))

**75**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

authorize.net

FedEx Ship Manager

+27 more

+26 more

+25 more

Global Shop Solutions's Best Rated Features

5.0Inventory Tracking

See All

Global Shop Solutions's Worst Rated Features

Drag & Drop

See All

[Odoo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/odoo-profile/)

Odoo is a comprehensive, open-source suite of business applications designed to cater to the diverse needs of companies of all s...[Read more about Odoo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/odoo-profile/)

**4.2**

([1316 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/odoo-profile/reviews/))

**59**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Instagram

Stripe

+13 more

+12 more

+11 more

Odoo 's Best Rated Features

5.0Configurable Workflow

See All

Odoo 's Worst Rated Features

Production Scheduling

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/))

**55**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

TaxJar

Metabase

+4 more

+3 more

+2 more

Cetec ERP's Best Rated Features

5.0Warehouse Management

See All

Cetec ERP's Worst Rated Features

2.0Maintenance Management

See All

[SyteLine](https://www.softwareadvice.com/erp/infor-syteline-profile/)

SyteLine is an enterprise resource planning software created specifically for engineer-to-order, make-to-order, make-to-stock, a...[Read more about SyteLine](https://www.softwareadvice.com/erp/infor-syteline-profile/)

**3.8**

([68 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/erp/infor-syteline-profile/reviews/))

**46**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Infor OS

Track Vacation Rental PMS

+1 more

+0 more

+0 more

SyteLine's Best Rated Features

5.0Scheduling

See All

SyteLine's Worst Rated Features

1.0Supplier Management

See All

[Fusion Operations](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/393147-Fusion-Operations/)

Fusion Operations is a manufacturing execution system that provides real-time data for production management. It helps manufactu...[Read more about Fusion Operations](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/393147-Fusion-Operations/)

**4.7**

([85 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/393147-Fusion-Operations/reviews/))

**37**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Zapier

QuickBooks Online Advanced

+4 more

+3 more

+2 more

Fusion Operations's Best Rated Features

5.0Inventory Tracking

See All

Fusion Operations's Worst Rated Features

3.0Customizable Fields

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/))

**27**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

[Propel](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/propel-profile/)

Propel Software accelerates product success for enterprises through a unified cloud platform combining PLM, QMS, PIM, and suppli...[Read more about Propel](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/propel-profile/)

**4.4**

([62 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/propel-profile/reviews/))

**23**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Salesforce Sales Cloud

Onshape

+17 more

+16 more

+15 more

Propel's Best Rated Features

4.67Customizable Reports

See All

Propel's Worst Rated Features

Task Management

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

**23**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

[HYDRA X](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/hydra-mes-profile/)

Now more than ever before, executives and other leaders in US manufacturing companies need the best information and controls to ...[Read more about HYDRA X](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/hydra-mes-profile/)

**4.2**

([5 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/hydra-mes-profile/#reviews))

**22**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

HYDRA X's Best Rated Features

5.0Status Tracking

See All

HYDRA X's Worst Rated Features

3.0Forecasting

See All

[QAD Adaptive ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/qad-erp-profile/)

QAD Adaptive ERP is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution designed specifically for manufacturers. It offers...[Read more about QAD Adaptive ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/qad-erp-profile/)

**3.7**

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

**20**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

QAD Adaptive ERP's Best Rated Features

5.0Access Controls/Permissions

See All

QAD Adaptive ERP's Worst Rated Features

1.0Enterprise Asset Management

See All

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

Deacom ERP is an enterprise resource planning system designed for batch and process manufacturers. It provides real-time visibil...[Read more about Deacom ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/deacom-erp-profile/)

**3.7**

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

**18**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Okta

Avalara

+2 more

+1 more

+0 more

Deacom ERP's Best Rated Features

5.0Financial Reporting

See All

Deacom ERP's Worst Rated Features

1.0Manufacturing Planning

See All

[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/)

**4.8**

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

**17**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

+6 more

+5 more

+4 more

Onramp ERP's Best Rated Features

5.0Data Import/Export

See All

Onramp ERP's Worst Rated Features

API

See All

[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/))

**16**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Deltek GovWin IQ

+0 more

+0 more

+0 more

Deltek Costpoint's Best Rated Features

5.0Compliance Management

See All

Deltek Costpoint's Worst Rated Features

Contractor Database

See All

[BatchMaster ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/551248-BatchMaster/)

BatchMaster is an all-in-one, AI-enabled ERP built for process manufacturers from formula to financials. Generic ERPs treat a fo...[Read more about BatchMaster ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/551248-BatchMaster/)

**4.4**

([17 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/551248-BatchMaster/#reviews))

**16**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Sage 100

SAP Business One

+19 more

+18 more

+17 more

BatchMaster ERP's Best Rated Features

5.0Order Management

See All

BatchMaster ERP's Worst Rated Features

Supplier Management

See All

[Decision Builder](https://www.softwareadvice.com/erp/decision-builder-profile/)

Decision Builder ERP is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that serves companies in the manufacturing, distribution ...[Read more about Decision Builder](https://www.softwareadvice.com/erp/decision-builder-profile/)

**4.0**

([1 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/erp/decision-builder-profile/#reviews))

**15**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

[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**

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

**14**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Dropbox

Xero

+13 more

+12 more

+11 more

MRPeasy's Best Rated Features

5.0Shipping Management

See All

MRPeasy's Worst Rated Features

Drag & Drop

See All

[Sage X3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/)

Sage X3 is a powerful ERP software solution designed for midsized national and global manufacturers, distributors, and after-sal...[Read more about Sage X3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/)

**4.3**

([144 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/reviews/))

**14**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

iVend Retail

True Sky

+19 more

+18 more

+17 more

Sage X3's Best Rated Features

5.0Serial Number Tracking

See All

Sage X3's Worst Rated Features

1.0Performance Metrics

See All

[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))

**13**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

OptiProERP with Sap Business One's Best Rated Features

5.0Reporting/Analytics

See All

OptiProERP with Sap Business One's Worst Rated Features

4.0Production Management

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))

**12**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

SurePayroll

+0 more

+0 more

+0 more

[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/))

**11**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Microsoft Outlook

QuickBooks Online Advanced

+1 more

+0 more

+0 more

QT9 ERP's Best Rated Features

5.0Point of Sale (POS)

See All

QT9 ERP's Worst Rated Features

Sales Reports

See All

[SAP S/4HANA Cloud](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/)

SAP S/4HANA Cloud is a cloud-based and on-premise enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. It is suitable for small, midsize...[Read more about SAP S/4HANA Cloud](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/)

**4.3**

([358 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/reviews/))

**10**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

SAP Marketing Cloud

Windchill

+15 more

+14 more

+13 more

SAP S/4HANA Cloud's Best Rated Features

5.0Dashboard

See All

SAP S/4HANA Cloud's Worst Rated Features

2.33BOM Creation

See All

[BlueCherry](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/bluecherry-profile/)

BlueCherry is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) suite featuring modules for omnichannel planning, product lifecycle manageme...[Read more about BlueCherry](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/bluecherry-profile/)

**4.2**

([32 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/bluecherry-profile/reviews/))

**9**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

BlueCherry's Best Rated Features

5.0Supply Chain Management

See All

BlueCherry's Worst Rated Features

3.0Barcoding/RFID

See All

1

[2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/capacity-planning-comparison/?page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/capacity-planning-comparison/?page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/capacity-planning-comparison/?page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/capacity-planning-comparison/?page=5)

...

[9](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/capacity-planning-comparison/?page=9)

## Popular Comparisons

[

Fishbowl vs NetSuite

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

Odoo vs Sage 100

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/odoo-profile/vs/sage-100cloud/)[

Genius ERP vs SAP S/4HANA Cloud

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/genius-manufacturing-profile/vs/sap-s-4hana-cloud/)[

Statii vs ERPAG

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

A wide variety of businesses must grapple with capacity management. Leaders can't simply drop a massive workload on employees and expect to meet a deadline without considering dozens of factors.

In [manufacturing production](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/4704-manufacturing/), labor hours, raw materials, tools and equipment, storage and other resources must be carefully assessed before work even begins. All of these moving parts make up capacity—a critical element for production efficiency.

Software can assist companies in applying the complex algorithms to disparate aspects of production operations to meet demand seamlessly. This buyer's guide is designed to help you learn more about the capabilities of capacity planning systems.

We'll cover:

[What Is Capacity Planning and Management Software?](#WhatIsCapacityPlanningandManagementSoftware)

[Common Functionality of Capacity Planning and Management Software](#CommonFunctionalityofCapacityPlanningandManagementSoftware)

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

[Benefits of Capacity Planning and Management Software](#BenefitsofCapacityPlanningandManagementSoftware)

## What Is Capacity Planning and Management Software?

In the most basic terms, capacity planning systems help companies compare production loads with available capacity within a specific time frame. The process of planning for capacity helps avoid bottlenecks in production, which can impact the entire supply chain.

With data about required materials, equipment availability and man hours and costs, the software is able to spread out production needs across available machine capacity in order to meet demand, on time.

_Capacity planning in_ Infor Visual ERP

There are some important terms related to capacity planning:

-   **Infinite vs. finite capacity planning.** These are the foundational concepts of capacity planning—_infinite capacity_ assumes no limits on resources needed to produce enough units to meet demand. However, _finite capacity_ factors in the constraints involved in real-world production situations.
    
    For example, planners may know that a particular machine on a production line is only available for a maximum of, say, 10 hours during a normal shift. This is one kind of limitation that impacts capacity planning.
    
    Thus, capacity planning software helps by scheduling _around_ real-time constraints and other conditions that can impact production, instead of simply planning based on a baseline capacity level.
    
-   **Production load leveling.** Demand isn't always constant for manufacturers. In the case of fluctuating demand, it's necessary to maintain a [smooth production workflow](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/production-planning-scheduling-software-comparison/#buyers-guide), which may include shifting capacity to "level" production across a few days instead of packing it all into one, or by expanding capacity by adding extra shifts or utilizing external capacity to meet demand (by using another manufacturing plant, for example).
    

## Common Functionality of Capacity Planning and Management Software

These systems only have a few individual components, but each one provides useful insights about how to arrange your available capacity to meet production goals. These features often include:

<table data-testid="blogTableComponent" class="mb-6 w-full bg-white  border border-solid border-grey-15  sm:[&amp;_*]:break-normal"><tbody><tr class="border border-solid border-grey-15"><td class="min-w-[100px] p-3 [&amp;_p]:mb-0 [&amp;_p]:break-normal"><p class=" mb-4 text-base text-grey-91 first:mt-0 sm:mb-6 sm:text-lg [&amp;_em]:text-grey-60" data-testid="buyers-guide-paragraph"><b>Calendar production view</b></p></td><td class="min-w-[100px] p-3 [&amp;_p]:mb-0 [&amp;_p]:break-normal"><p class=" mb-4 text-base text-grey-91 first:mt-0 sm:mb-6 sm:text-lg [&amp;_em]:text-grey-60" data-testid="buyers-guide-paragraph">As orders come in, the system can place work into a schedule, and planners can view and edit schedules by dragging and dropping items on a calendar-style workflow chart. Users can also set priority levels for work orders and assign the total capacity available each day.</p></td></tr><tr class="border border-solid border-grey-15"><td class="min-w-[100px] p-3 [&amp;_p]:mb-0 [&amp;_p]:break-normal"><p class=" mb-4 text-base text-grey-91 first:mt-0 sm:mb-6 sm:text-lg [&amp;_em]:text-grey-60" data-testid="buyers-guide-paragraph"><b>Finite capacity management</b></p></td><td class="min-w-[100px] p-3 [&amp;_p]:mb-0 [&amp;_p]:break-normal"><p class=" mb-4 text-base text-grey-91 first:mt-0 sm:mb-6 sm:text-lg [&amp;_em]:text-grey-60" data-testid="buyers-guide-paragraph">As mentioned above, this functionality allows the system to factor in other planned work schedules, inventory, man hours, material levels and other factors to optimize production plans.</p></td></tr><tr class="border border-solid border-grey-15"><td class="min-w-[100px] p-3 [&amp;_p]:mb-0 [&amp;_p]:break-normal"><p class=" mb-4 text-base text-grey-91 first:mt-0 sm:mb-6 sm:text-lg [&amp;_em]:text-grey-60" data-testid="buyers-guide-paragraph"><b>Real-time capacity planning</b></p></td><td class="min-w-[100px] p-3 [&amp;_p]:mb-0 [&amp;_p]:break-normal"><p class=" mb-4 text-base text-grey-91 first:mt-0 sm:mb-6 sm:text-lg [&amp;_em]:text-grey-60" data-testid="buyers-guide-paragraph">Users can make on-the-fly changes to work order schedules or priorities if problems occur during production, instead of resetting the entire plan.</p></td></tr><tr class="border border-solid border-grey-15"><td class="min-w-[100px] p-3 [&amp;_p]:mb-0 [&amp;_p]:break-normal"><p class=" mb-4 text-base text-grey-91 first:mt-0 sm:mb-6 sm:text-lg [&amp;_em]:text-grey-60" data-testid="buyers-guide-paragraph"><b>Scenario testing and modeling</b></p></td><td class="min-w-[100px] p-3 [&amp;_p]:mb-0 [&amp;_p]:break-normal"><p class=" mb-4 text-base text-grey-91 first:mt-0 sm:mb-6 sm:text-lg [&amp;_em]:text-grey-60" data-testid="buyers-guide-paragraph">Capacity planning tools can help users test unfavorable supply chain scenarios by entering various values to optimize contingency plans.</p></td></tr><tr class="border border-solid border-grey-15"><td class="min-w-[100px] p-3 [&amp;_p]:mb-0 [&amp;_p]:break-normal"><p class=" mb-4 text-base text-grey-91 first:mt-0 sm:mb-6 sm:text-lg [&amp;_em]:text-grey-60" data-testid="buyers-guide-paragraph"><b>Reporting</b></p></td><td class="min-w-[100px] p-3 [&amp;_p]:mb-0 [&amp;_p]:break-normal"><p class=" mb-4 text-base text-grey-91 first:mt-0 sm:mb-6 sm:text-lg [&amp;_em]:text-grey-60" data-testid="buyers-guide-paragraph">As a system is used over time, it collects loads of valuable data. Reporting tools can arrange and visualize that data so managers can identify trends in production and address issues.</p></td></tr></tbody></table>

## What Type of Buyer Are You?

Any software purchase comes with several considerations and questions to ask. Identifying the type of buyer you are helps answer many of those. Below are some of the most common buyer types:

**ERP suite buyer.** [Enterprise resource planning systems](https://www.softwareadvice.com/erp/) (ERPs) are complex platforms to assist manufacturers (and a wide variety of other types of businesses) by integrating data from all departments to gain a holistic view of operations. This software takes into account the many seemingly unrelated factors that can impact production schedules.

Many modern ERP systems offer capacity planning functionality, and use the wealth of collected data to predict potential issues in production that could impact capacity decisions.

**MES buyer.** Similarly, stand-alone [manufacturing execution systems](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/execution-systems-comparison/) (MESs) typically offer a capacity planning component. Where an ERP gathers and analyzes information about an entire organization, an MES is hyper specific to that company's manufacturing process—maintaining production assets, dispatching production plans and improving quality of the finished product.

Since this type of software is so particular to the manufacturing type, it's often purchased by itself to integrate with an existing ERP. If you're buying an MES, you likely have the capacity planning functionality you need.

**Make-to-order manufacturer.** These types of companies begin production only after receiving a work order, so capacity planning is more crucial for these organizations than for those that continuously produce units.

In these situations, manufacturers have a short window to plan for capacity, but software can assist with leveling the load and factoring in other available resources necessary to meet production deadlines.

## Benefits of Capacity Planning and Management Software

We've talked about the key benefit of automating the complex issue of capacity planning, but the software also offers some complementary benefits:

-   **Optimize the use of assets.** Especially for manufacturing plants with a variety of asset types, or different versions of the same type of asset, a capacity planning system can help prioritize jobs. This can lower production costs by shifting jobs to equipment that is less expensive to operate depending on the type and time frame of manufacturing.
    
-   **Spot production bottlenecks.** During capacity planning, the software can help identify specific assets or processes causing slowdowns or inefficiencies. The system's recommendations for prioritizing or spreading out work may reveal these bottlenecks.
    
-   **Boost the useful life of assets.** Because capacity planning helps level the workload, the tasks aren't placed solely on one or two machines, so assets and equipment are likely to operate a good condition for longer.
    

**Note:** _The applications selected in this article are examples to show a feature in context and are not intended as endorsements or recommendations. They have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the time of publication._

### Related Capacity Planning Software

-   [Demand Planning Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/demand-planning-software-comparison/)
-   [Production Scheduling Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/production-planning-scheduling-software-comparison/)
-   [Resource Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/resource-management-comparison/)
-   [Supply Chain Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/)