--- 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" --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Capacity Planning Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best Capacity Planning Software of 2026 Updated November 9, 2026 Talk with us for a free 15-min consultation Expert advisors like Jacqueline, who have helped 1,000+ companies, can find the right software for your needs. On this page 1. Popular Comparisons 2. Buyers Guide 3. Related Software Filter products 217 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 217 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products 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](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 2,086 - Best for: Enterprise businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview NetSuite is an AI-powered cloud-based business management suite that incorporates ERP, financial management, CRM and eCommerce functionalities into a unified platform, helping [Read more](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) ##### What users love - Deep system tailoring options - Comprehensive and scalable functionality - Centralized financial operations platform ##### To take in mind - Steep learning curve and complexity - Complex and rigid reporting tools - Slow and inconsistent support experience #### Features ##### Best rated features - Aging Tracking: 5/5 - "What If" Scenarios: 5/5 - Knowledge Base Management: 5/5 - Vendor Master Data Management: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Acumatica Cloud ERP](/manufacturing/acumatica-manufacturing-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 243 - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Acumatica Cloud ERP is a comprehensive business management system. It caters to a variety of industries, such as finance, manufacturing, construction, distribution, and retail, [Read more](/manufacturing/acumatica-manufacturing-profile/) ##### What users love - Flexible customization for workflows - Robust third-party integrations support - User-friendly and intuitive interface ##### To take in mind - Significant costs for small businesses #### Features ##### Best rated features - Inventory Auditing: 5/5 - HR Management: 5/5 - Multi-Company: 5/5 - Manufacturing Planning: 5/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/acumatica-manufacturing-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Global Shop Solutions](/manufacturing/onesystem-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.1/5 - Reviews: 72 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Global Shop Solutions provides a comprehensive suite of enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools and solutions designed to help manufacturers simplify their operations from quote [Read more](/manufacturing/onesystem-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Shop Floor Management: 5/5 - Inventory Tracking: 5/5 - Drag & Drop: 5/5 - Production Scheduling: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Safety Management: 1/5 - Accounting Integration: 3/5 - ERP integration: 3.5/5 - HR Management: 4/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/onesystem-profile/#key-features) --- ### [SAP Business One](/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 346 - Best for: Features - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview SAP Business One is a modular and integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. This platform integrates financials, CRM, inventory, sales and operations management [Read more](/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/) ##### What users love - Comprehensive inventory control tools - Tailored for SMB growth needs - Flexible integration and customization ##### To take in mind - Significant costs and licensing fees - Outdated and unintuitive interface - Frequent slowdowns and crashes #### Features ##### Best rated features - Quotes/Estimates: 5/5 - Activity Tracking: 5/5 - Production Management: 5/5 - Financial Analysis: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Onramp ERP](/product/66221-Onramp-ERP/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 7 - Starting price: $3,000.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview OnRamp is an ERP solution built for high-volume discrete manufacturers in the United States and Canada. It supports manufacturers that produce the same parts repeatedly for the [Read more](/product/66221-Onramp-ERP/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Data Import/Export: 5/5 - Shop Floor Management: 5/5 - Compliance Management: 5/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Production Management: 4/5 [See all features](/product/66221-Onramp-ERP/#key-features) --- ### [Visibility ERP](/manufacturing/visibility-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 12 - Starting price: $3,000.00 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Visibility ERP is a fully integrated and modern ERP solution designed to meet the unique needs of manufacturers of complex products (including To-Order, ETO, CTO, MTO, Project [Read more](/manufacturing/visibility-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Material Requirements Planning: 5/5 - Status Tracking: 5/5 - Production Scheduling: 5/5 - Item Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Supply Chain Management: 3.5/5 - Forecasting: 3.5/5 - Financial Management: 3.5/5 - Quality Management: 4/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/visibility-profile/#key-features) --- ### [QT9 ERP](/accounting/qt9erp-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 19 - Starting price: $20,000.00 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Available #### Overview QT9 ERP is a highly-scalable manufacturing platform for connecting and automating business data from multiple systems into one scalable and intuitive solution. QT9 ERP integrates [Read more](/accounting/qt9erp-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Inventory Management: 5/5 - Online Invoicing: 5/5 - Invoice Creation: 5/5 - Manufacturing Planning: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/qt9erp-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $20,000.00 [See full pricing details](/accounting/qt9erp-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [HYDRA X](/manufacturing/hydra-mes-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 5 - Starting price: $29,000.00one time - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Now more than ever before, executives and other leaders in US manufacturing companies need the best information and controls to make the best decisions regarding their [Read more](/manufacturing/hydra-mes-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Status Tracking: 5/5 - Production Scheduling: 4.5/5 - Order Management: 4.5/5 - Bills of Material: 4.5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Forecasting: 3/5 - Traceability: 3.5/5 - Scheduling: 4/5 - Supply Chain Management: 4/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/hydra-mes-profile/#key-features) --- ### [OptiProERP with Sap Business One](/product/37179-OptiProERP-with-Sap-Business-One/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 3 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview OptiProERP with SAP Business One is a complete ERP solution for small and midsize manufacturers and distributors. SAP Business One is an ERP platform designed for small and midsize [Read more](/product/37179-OptiProERP-with-Sap-Business-One/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Reporting/Analytics: 5/5 - Inventory Management: 4.5/5 - Order Management: 4.5/5 - Bills of Material: 4/5 ##### Worst rated features - Production Management: 4/5 - Bills of Material: 4/5 [See all features](/product/37179-OptiProERP-with-Sap-Business-One/#key-features) --- ### [Deltek Costpoint](/project-management/deltek-costpoint-profile/) - Overall rating: 3.9/5 - Reviews: 215 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Deltek Costpoint is an ERP for government contractors that gives firms the speed, clarity, and control to manage complex contracts from pursuit through closeout. It connects [Read more](/project-management/deltek-costpoint-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Compliance Management: 5/5 - Collaboration Tools: 5/5 - Task Management: 5/5 - Project Planning/Scheduling: 5/5 [See all features](/project-management/deltek-costpoint-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Sage X3](/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 176 - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Sage X3 is a powerful ERP software solution designed for midsized national and global manufacturers, distributors, and after-sales providers and can establish a foundation for your [Read more](/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Supplier Management: 5/5 - Multiple Projects: 5/5 - Serial Number Tracking: 5/5 - Profit/Loss Statement: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Data Visualization: 1/5 - Performance Metrics: 1/5 - Real-Time Reporting: 1/5 - Enterprise Asset Management: 1.8/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Connected](/accounting/accountek-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 3 - Starting price: CA$649.00 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Connected is a hybrid integrated accounting and enterprise resource planning (ERP) that caters to small and midsize businesses across various industry verticals and helps them to [Read more](/accounting/accountek-profile/) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: CA$649.00 [See full pricing details](/accounting/accountek-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Cetec ERP](/manufacturing/cetec-mrp-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 53 - Starting price: $50.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Cetec ERP is a manufacturing enterprise resource planning software built for small and medium sized businesses. Cetec ERP's cloud-based software is designed to help these companies [Read more](/manufacturing/cetec-mrp-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Warehouse Management: 5/5 - Compliance Management: 5/5 - Change Management: 5/5 - Nonconformance Tracking: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Maintenance Management: 2/5 - CRM: 3/5 - Work Order Management: 3/5 - Barcoding/RFID: 3/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/cetec-mrp-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $50.00/month - One flat per-user price covers the Cetec ERP platform, cloud infrastructure, maintenance, and access [See full pricing details](/manufacturing/cetec-mrp-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [BatchMaster ERP](/product/551248-BatchMaster/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 17 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview BatchMaster is an AI-powered ERP for small and mid-market process manufacturers. Purpose-built and scalable, it gives formula-based manufacturers in food and beverage, chemicals, [Read more](/product/551248-BatchMaster/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Order Management: 5/5 - Quality Control: 5/5 - Inventory Auditing: 5/5 - Data Import/Export: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Production Scheduling: 2/5 - AI Copilot: 3/5 [See all features](/product/551248-BatchMaster/#key-features) --- ### [MRPeasy](/manufacturing/mrpeasy-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 173 - Starting price: $49.00/month - Best for: Ease of use - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview MRPeasy is a versatile cloud-based ERP system for small and scaling companies (perfect for up to 200 employees). The software offers a complete ERP solution with robust production [Read more](/manufacturing/mrpeasy-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Alerts/Notifications: 5/5 - Multi-Currency: 5/5 - Parts Management: 5/5 - Kitting: 5/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/mrpeasy-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Starter - Price: $49.00/month - Users beyond 10 - it increases to $79/10 users ##### Professional - Price: $69.00/month - Cloud based plan that includes free updates ##### Enterprise - Price: $99.00/month - Most popular plan [See full pricing details](/manufacturing/mrpeasy-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Metasystems](/manufacturing/metasystems-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 15 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Metasystems is a comprehensive ERP software that provides a Quote-to-Production-to-Cash-to-Warranty business flow tailored to industries such as truck trailers, cabinets, capital [Read more](/manufacturing/metasystems-profile/) --- ### [Ai2000](/distribution/a2000-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 17 - Starting price: $200.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Ai2000 Apparel Management Software is the best ERP for your fashion business of design, manufacturing, inventory, warehouse, and B2B. An easy-to-use system configurable to your [Read more](/distribution/a2000-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Real-Time Data: 5/5 - Inventory Control: 5/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 5/5 - Accounting: 5/5 [See all features](/distribution/a2000-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Infor CloudSuite Industrial (SyteLine)](/erp/infor-syteline-profile/) - Overall rating: 3.8/5 - Reviews: 68 - Starting price: $180.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview SyteLine is an enterprise resource planning software created specifically for engineer-to-order, make-to-order, make-to-stock, and mixed-mode manufacturers. Customers in both [Read more](/erp/infor-syteline-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Scheduling: 5/5 - Real-Time Data: 5/5 - Demand Forecasting: 5/5 - Inventory Management: 4.1/5 ##### Worst rated features - Supplier Management: 1/5 - Document Management: 1/5 - Bills of Material: 1/5 - Order Management: 2/5 [See all features](/erp/infor-syteline-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Deacom ERP](/manufacturing/deacom-erp-profile/) - Overall rating: 3.7/5 - Reviews: 10 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Deacom ERP is an enterprise resource planning system designed for batch and process manufacturers. It provides real-time visibility into production operations, helping businesses [Read more](/manufacturing/deacom-erp-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Financial Reporting: 5/5 - Financial Management: 5/5 - Accounting: 4/5 - Activity Dashboard: 3/5 ##### Worst rated features - Manufacturing Planning: 1/5 - Reporting/Analytics: 1/5 - Expense Tracking: 2/5 - Enterprise Asset Management: 2/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/deacom-erp-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Propel](/manufacturing/propel-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 63 - Starting price: $73.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Propel Software accelerates product success for enterprises through a unified cloud platform combining PLM, QMS, PIM, and supplier management with embedded AI. Our solution [Read more](/manufacturing/propel-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Change Management: 4.7/5 - Customizable Reports: 4.7/5 - Document Management: 4.5/5 - Document Storage: 4.4/5 ##### Worst rated features - Ideation: 3/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/propel-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $73.00/month [See full pricing details](/manufacturing/propel-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Datacor ERP](/inventory-management/chempax-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 78 - Starting price: $4,000.00one time - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Datacor ERP (formerly Chempax) is an integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) application designed specifically for chemical process [Read more](/inventory-management/chempax-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Material Requirements Planning: 5/5 - Safety Management: 5/5 - Serial Number Tracking: 5/5 - Chemical Management: 5/5 [See all features](/inventory-management/chempax-profile/#key-features) --- ### [TrakSYS](/manufacturing/traksys-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 39 - Starting price: $1,999.00/year - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview TrakSYS is a modular, enterprise Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) solution platform that enables you to optimize the way you run your manufacturing operations. The TrakSYS [Read more](/manufacturing/traksys-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Capacity Planning: 5/5 - Inventory Management: 5/5 - Order Management: 5/5 - Scheduling: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Preventive Maintenance: 4/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/traksys-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Essentials - Price: $1,999.00/year - Core tools for single-plant KPI management. ##### Growth - Price: $4,999.00/year - Enhanced data and analytics for scaling digital operations. ##### Premier - Price: $10,999.00/year - Advanced MES use cases with many integrations. [See full pricing details](/manufacturing/traksys-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Quickbase](/crm/quick-base-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 334 - Starting price: $35.00/month - Best for: Customer support - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Available #### Overview Quickbase is a no-code/low-code operations platform that helps small businesses, mid-market companies, and enterprise organizations across industries such as construction, [Read more](/crm/quick-base-profile/) ##### What users love - Responsive and knowledgeable support - Highly flexible customization options - Automates complex business workflows ##### To take in mind - Expensive for growing teams #### Features ##### Best rated features - Status Tracking: 5/5 - Territory Management: 5/5 - Service History: 5/5 - Accounting: 5/5 [See all features](/crm/quick-base-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Free trial - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request ##### Team - Price: $35.00/month - Minimum of 20 users ##### Business - Price: $55.00/month - Minimum of 40 users [See full pricing details](/crm/quick-base-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Decision Builder](/erp/decision-builder-profile/) - Overall rating: 4/5 - Reviews: 1 - Starting price: CA$5,000.00 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Decision Builder ERP is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that serves companies in the manufacturing, distribution and service fields throughout the North American [Read more](/erp/decision-builder-profile/) --- 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/capacity-planning-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/capacity-planning-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/capacity-planning-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/capacity-planning-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=5) ... [9](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/capacity-planning-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=9) ## Popular Comparisons [ Fishbowl vs NetSuite ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/fishbowl-inventory-manufacturing-profile/vs/netsuite-financials-accounting-software/)[ Insightful vs ActivTrak ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/76251-activtrak/vs/171184-Insightful/)[ 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/)[ Sage X3 vs ERPAG ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/erpag-profile/vs/sage-x3/) 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: | Feature | Description | | --- | --- | | Calendar production view | 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. | | Finite capacity management | 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. | | Real-time capacity planning | Users can make on-the-fly changes to work order schedules or priorities if problems occur during production, instead of resetting the entire plan. | | Scenario testing and modeling | Capacity planning tools can help users test unfavorable supply chain scenarios by entering various values to optimize contingency plans. | | Reporting | 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. | --- ## 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/)