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Metal Fabrication Software

Updated March 13, 2025 at 6:24 AM

Best Metal Fabrication Software of 2025

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Written by Olivia Montgomery, PMP

Associate Principal Analyst

image of Parul Sharma

Edited by Parul Sharma

Editor

image of Bryan Dengler

Reviewed by Bryan Dengler

Senior Advisor

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On this page
  • Overview
  • Top Software
  • Popular Comparisons
  • All Software Options
  • Buyers Guide
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Metal fabrication software helps manufacturers design, plan, and manage metal fabrication processes, improving precision, reducing waste, and boosting productivity. Metal fabrication software is a specialized material requirements planning (MRP) system and the leading manufacturing segment for software inquiries we get, with over 500 buyers assisted last year. Our metal fabrication software advisors can help match your needs with the right product, drawing from over 128 different metal fabrication vendors available on our site and insights from our analysis of 1,400+ verified reviews.

How We Selected This Software List
1,491verified reviews
55+Software Advisors on staff
569conversations with active software buyers
Our independent and objective research is based on market demand signals along with analysis of our proprietary data, including product information, verified user reviews, and advisor conversations with buyers. We did not consider client status when selecting products in this list.
Get a software list tailored to your industry and business needs in 15 minutes

Best Metal Fabrication Software for 2025

Striven

: Best Overall

NetSuite

: Best for Small Businesses

Odoo

: Best Free

MRPeasy

: Most Affordable

JobBOSS²

: Best Value for Money

Sage 100

: Best Ease of Use

Fishbowl

: Best Customer Service

Acumatica Cloud ERP

: Best Functionality

Best Overall

Striven
Product screenshot
Pros:
Effective business management
Project management
Cons:
Complex platform
Implementation issues
Pricing:
Starting at $35.00 per month
Why we chose this:

Among the most popular metal fabrication software products, Striven has the highest rating on Software Advice.

Who should use this:

Striven is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) and business management software suite that supports a variety of industries, including manufacturing. Our reviewers have given Striven an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars. The software includes functionality for inventory management, accounting, logistics, dashboards and analytics, sales and customer relationship management (CRM), and more.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “I am very pleased with how Striven works as well as the customer service.”

    Brenda Skeans

    Operations Manager

    Used for 1-2 years

    We analyzed 116 verified user reviews for Striven to find out what actual users really think.

    Customer service
    Users appreciate Striven's customer service team for their responsiveness and willingness to help with any issues. They find the customer portal particularly useful, noting how quickly their customers adopt it. Additionally, reviewers highlight the professional and courteous service, emphasizing the team's proactive approach in addressing potential improvements.

    Team collaboration
    Reviewers value Striven for enhancing team collaboration, especially in project planning and management. They utilize it as a central hub for HR-related tasks, making it a frequently used system by their teams. Users also commend the supportive Striven team for their assistance during the startup process.

    Business management
    Users find Striven to be a comprehensive business management platform that addresses various needs efficiently. They appreciate the unified approach, where information is not siloed but integrated across HR, customer service, and finance. Reviewers also like that the software handles all aspects of business management and facilitates automation.

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Best for Small Businesses

NetSuite
Product screenshot
Pros:
Centralized business management
Customization options
Cons:
Customer support
Slow performance
Pricing:
Pricing available upon request
Why we chose this:

In our analysis of the most popular metal fabrication software, NetSuite is the most requested by small businesses with less than $50 million in revenue.

Who should use this:

NetSuite is a comprehensive business management software suite for startups, small and medium-sized companies, and family-owned and enterprise firms. It serves businesses in industries like construction, consulting, financial services, food and beverage, manufacturing, and IT services. The software includes features for inventory and warehouse management, CRM, order management, accounting, and eCommerce, making it an all-in-one solution for metal fabrication small businesses.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “Versatile, customizable, versions for a variety of verticals, does pretty much everything.”

    Katy Phillips

    Senior Consultant

    Used for 2+ years

    We analyzed 1,656 verified user reviews for NetSuite to find out what actual users really think.

    Customization
    Users value NetSuite's extensive customization options, which enable them to adapt the system to their unique business processes. They appreciate the flexibility to modify scripts and workflows to meet specific requirements. Additionally, users find the ability to customize various aspects of the software, from forms to reports, highly beneficial.

    Inventory management
    Users find NetSuite's inventory management features highly effective, providing real-time visibility and control over inventory levels. They appreciate the automation of inventory processes, which streamlines operations and improves accuracy. Additionally, users highlight the comprehensive order management capabilities that enhance overall efficiency.

    Business size adaptability
    Users commend NetSuite for its scalability, which supports business growth from small startups to large enterprises. They find the platform suitable for various business sizes, offering the flexibility to adapt as their company expands. Additionally, users appreciate the system's ability to handle increased complexity and volume as their business grows.

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Best Free

Odoo
Product screenshot
Pros:
Effective business management
Training and documentation
Cons:
Complex system configuration
Interface issues
Pricing:
Starting at $38.90 per month
Why we chose this:

Based on our analysis of popular metal fabrication software vendors, Odoo is the most popular software with a free plan.

Who should use this:

Odoo is an ERP and CRM software suite for companies of varying sizes. It caters to businesses in the manufacturing, retail, supply chain, services, construction, hospitality, and health and fitness industries. The Odoo manufacturing app supports order management, planning, and scheduling, and paradigms such as lean manufacturing, kaizen, and Six Sigma. The Odoo code base is open-source, and customers on the free plan can select a single application (such as the manufacturing application) for an unlimited number of users.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “The user interface is intuitive, and the software offers a high degree of customization, allowing functionalities to be tailored to the specific needs of each business.”

    Luis Rivas

    CEO

    Used for 2+ years

    We analyzed 1,181 verified user reviews for Odoo to find out what actual users really think.

    Inventory management
    Users find Odoo's inventory management tools effective for maintaining inventory control and fulfilling customer orders. They appreciate the integrated system that combines various business functions, such as sales, accounting, and CRM, into one platform. This integration streamlines operations and improves overall efficiency in managing inventory and other business processes.

    ERP solutions
    Reviewers find Odoo's comprehensive ERP features beneficial for organizing and managing business processes. They appreciate the cost-effectiveness of the software, which offers essential ERP functions at a lower price compared to other systems. Users also praise the user-friendly interface, which simplifies the setup and use of the ERP system.

    Modularity
    Users appreciate the wide range of modules available in Odoo, which cater to various business needs. They find the modular architecture flexible, allowing them to select and configure the necessary applications. This flexibility enables users to adapt the software to their specific requirements, enhancing overall business operations.

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Most Affordable

MRPeasy
Product screenshot
Pros:
Ease of use
User satisfaction
Cons:
Limited customization
Limited functionality
Pricing:
Starting at $49.00 per month
Why we chose this:

Among the most popular metal fabrication software products, MRPeasy has the lowest-priced paid plan.

Who should use this:

MRPeasy is an ERP and manufacturing resource planning (MRP) solution for small manufacturing companies with up to 200 employees, including those in the metal fabrication industry. The software’s features include inventory management, CRM, production planning, accounting, and purchasing. The starter tier of MRPeasy costs $49 per user per month (or $44.92/user/month if paid annually) and offers access to the software’s main features.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “MRPeasy continues to provide the highest bang per buck for small manufacturers.”

    David Altemir

    President

    Used for 2+ years

    We analyzed 119 verified user reviews for MRPeasy to find out what actual users really think.

    Learning and improvement
    Users have experienced increased learning and improvement in their systems while expanding the use of MRPeasy across different business aspects. They appreciate how the software supports their growth and handles complex tasks effectively. As they continue to learn and explore its features, users find MRPeasy beneficial for their evolving needs.

    Production planning
    Users value MRPeasy for its detailed production planning capabilities, which help avoid production stoppages. They benefit from the system's ability to handle multiple processes and stages, ensuring efficient management from procurement to distribution. Additionally, MRPeasy's inventory management features contribute to effective production planning and waste reduction.

    Support team
    Users commend MRPeasy for its responsive and effective customer support, which resolves issues promptly. They find the initial training and setup support very helpful, ensuring a smooth onboarding process. Furthermore, users appreciate the support team's readiness to assist with any needs, enhancing their overall experience with the software.

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Best Value for Money

JobBOSS²
Product screenshot
Pros:
User-friendly interface
Job tracking
Cons:
Reporting limitations
Lack of customization
Pricing:
Pricing available upon request
Why we chose this:

Among metal fabrication products with the highest market demand, our reviewers rated JobBOSS best for value for money.

Who should use this:

JobBOSS is a shop floor management software solution that serves various types of manufacturing companies, including job shops, machine shops, and contract manufacturers. Verified reviewers on our site from the past two years have rated it an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars for being value for money. While JobBOSS pricing is by request only, reviewers generally agree that the software is cost-effective, with add-ons available for a higher price.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “It's critical to our quoting, job cost tracking, billing, and purchasing.”

    Jerome Horowitz

    President

    Used for 2+ years

    We analyzed 891 verified user reviews for JobBOSS to find out what actual users really think.

    Job tracking
    Users find JobBOSS effective for real-time tracking of jobs, employee utilization, and material management. They appreciate the software's ability to monitor job progress and track time spent on tasks, which improves overall efficiency. Additionally, reviewers highlight the comprehensive features that allow them to keep detailed records and maintain traceability throughout the manufacturing process.

    Quoting
    Reviewers find the quoting process in JobBOSS efficient and accurate, allowing them to generate detailed quotes and convert them into orders seamlessly. They appreciate the integration of modules that streamline the entire process from quoting to invoicing. Users also value the system's ability to track labor expenses and maintain consistency in quotes, which enhances their overall business operations.

    Customer support
    Users consistently praise JobBOSS for its excellent customer support, which they find responsive and helpful. They appreciate the knowledgeable support team and the availability of a customer portal for additional assistance. Reviewers also highlight the company's commitment to listening to customer feedback and making improvements based on their needs.

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Best Ease of Use

Sage 100
Product screenshot
Pros:
Report generation
ERP functionality
Cons:
Cost
Frequent glitches
Pricing:
Pricing available upon request
Why we chose this:

Based on our analysis of the most popular metal fabrication software, Sage 100 has the highest rating for ease of use.

Who should use this:

Sage 100 is an ERP and business management software solution for small and medium-sized companies, including those in the manufacturing industry. It also serves businesses in the construction, financial services, healthcare, and construction industries, among others. The software provides real-time visibility into manufacturing and warehouse operations and includes features for payroll, finance, and reporting. Verified reviewers have given Sage 100 an average of 3.9 out of 5 stars for the tool’s ease of use, reflecting its ability to offer intuitive features for business operations.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “Sage 100 is very well suited for financial record keeping, distribution management and reporting on these business operations.”

    Kimberly Tucker

    Marketing Director

    Used for 2+ years

    We analyzed 336 verified user reviews for Sage 100 to find out what actual users really think.

    Accounting software
    Users find Sage 100 highly effective for managing all accounting functions, praising its ease of use and comprehensive features. They appreciate its capacity to handle complex accounting processes and its user-friendly interface, which simplifies daily accounting tasks. Reviewers also highlight the software's suitability for both small and large accounting firms, making it a versatile choice for various business sizes.

    Modules
    Users benefit from the consistent workflow and integration across Sage 100's modules, which simplifies learning and usage. They find the modules easy to understand and appreciate the seamless integration that eliminates the need for manual syncing. However, some users note that different modules can vary in intuitiveness, suggesting that different design approaches may affect user experience.

    User training
    Users find Sage 100 straightforward to learn, requiring minimal training time for new employees. They appreciate the simplicity and ease of training, which helps quickly onboard new users. The product's intuitive design and basic training requirements make it accessible even for those with limited prior experience.

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Best Customer Service

Fishbowl
Product screenshot
Pros:
Inventory management
Implementation process
Cons:
Feature limitations
Integration issues
Pricing:
Pricing available upon request
Why we chose this:

Among the most popular metal fabrication software products, Fishbowl has the highest rating for customer service.

Who should use this:

Fishbowl’s manufacturing and warehouse management software is designed for small and medium-sized companies, integrating with tools like QuickBooks and Xero to help track and manage product inventory. Apart from manufacturing, it supports businesses in industries like aerospace, chemical manufacturing, and hospitality. With an average score of 4.2 out of 5 stars for its customer support, Fishbowl has distinguished itself in this category. Our reviewers praise Fishbowl’s customer service team for its helpfulness and responsiveness.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “It has many features for inventory management, BOM creation, WO management, shipping/receiving. And it now integrates with a lot of supplementary apps.”

    Rick Daigle

    Partner

    Used for 2+ years

    We analyzed 969 verified user reviews for Fishbowl to find out what actual users really think.

    Inventory management
    Users find Fishbowl highly effective for inventory management, praising its ability to track inventory levels, orders, and sales seamlessly. They appreciate the software's integration with QuickBooks, which simplifies accounting processes and enhances overall efficiency. Additionally, users highlight the comprehensive features that support inventory accuracy and streamline business operations, making it a valuable tool for small to medium-sized manufacturers and distributors.

    Support services
    Users appreciate Fishbowl's knowledgeable and helpful support team, often finding them responsive and effective in resolving issues. However, many users report frustrations with slow response times, inconsistent support quality, and difficulties in getting timely assistance. These challenges have led to mixed feelings about the overall reliability and effectiveness of Fishbowl's support services.

    Learning curve
    Users find Fishbowl relatively easy to learn, with many appreciating its user-friendly interface and supportive resources for learning. They note that the software continuously improves, offering new features that enhance business processes. Additionally, users value the ongoing support for learning, which helps them better utilize Fishbowl's extensive capabilities over time.

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Best Functionality

Product screenshot
Pros:
Customization
User-friendly interface
Cons:
Cost
System email account issues
Pricing:
Pricing available upon request
Why we chose this:

In our analysis of the most popular metal fabrication software, Acumatica Cloud ERP has the highest rating for functionality.

Who should use this:

Acumatica Cloud ERP is an ERP solution for small and medium-sized businesses, with a specialized version for manufacturing companies. The platform includes features for inventory management, CRM, planning and scheduling, and accounting and financial management. This rich feature set has led our reviewers to give Acumatica Cloud ERP an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars for the software’s functionality.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “Acumatica is a good system but the ability to customize it allows us to make it exactly what we need.”

    Rick Piester

    President

    Used for 1-2 years

    We analyzed 143 verified user reviews for Acumatica Cloud ERP to find out what actual users really think.

    Customization
    Users appreciate Acumatica Cloud ERP for its extensive customization capabilities, which allow them to tailor the software to their specific business needs without extensive coding. They find the platform highly flexible, enabling modifications at the user level and the addition of custom fields. Reviewers also highlight the open architecture, which facilitates creating and modifying various aspects of the system to enhance functionality.

    Cloud ERP
    Users value Acumatica Cloud ERP for its cloud-native platform, which offers accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection. They find the cloud-based system beneficial for collaboration, scalability, and automatic updates, making it a vital tool for daily operations. Reviewers also appreciate the strong database linked to the cloud, which ensures accuracy and high-quality performance in their tasks.

    Report generation
    Users appreciate the customizable dashboards and control panels in Acumatica Cloud ERP, which enhance productivity and data management. However, they find creating custom reports challenging and not intuitive, often requiring developer support. Reviewers also mention the lack of basic reporting features and the tedious process of modifying reports, which can hinder efficient report generation.

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Methodology

The research for the best metal fabrication software list was conducted in November 2024. We evaluated data (user reviews and demand signals) from the past 24 months as of the research date. Read the complete methodology.


More Metal Fabrication Software Options

NetSuite
NetSuite
FrontRunner 2025

NetSuite is a cloud-based business management suite that incorporates ERP, financial management, CRM, and eCommerce functionalities into a unified platform, helping organizations automate core processes and gain real-time visibility into operational and fi...Read more about NetSuite

119

recommendations

Fishbowl
Fishbowl
FrontRunner 2025

Fishbowl’s powerful inventory management software is designed to help businesses streamline their operations, improve accuracy, and scale efficiently. It is widely known for its seamless integration with QuickBooks and Xero, making it an ideal solution for...Read more about Fishbowl

77

recommendations

JobBOSS²
JobBOSS²
FrontRunner 2025

JobBOSS² helps job shops, make-to-order manufacturers, and contract manufacturers improve profitability and manage their supply chain. By integrating people, processes, and technology, our quote-to-cash solution reduces bottlenecks while improving shop flo...Read more about JobBOSS²

50

recommendations

Deskera MRP
Deskera MRP

Deskera enables fast growing businesses to operate more efficiently by providing them with an integrated platform that connects manufacturing, accounting, erp, inventory and warehouse management, order fulfillment, procurement, sales and marketing, and hum...Read more about Deskera MRP

3.7

(3 reviews)

36

recommendations

M1 ERP
M1 ERP

M1 ERP is a subscription-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, available on-premise or via the cloud, that automates financials, inventory, production, sales/quoting and production planning. The solution is suitable for small to midsize business...Read more about M1 ERP

33

recommendations

1
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Buyer's Guide

This detailed guide will help you find and buy the right metal fabrication software for you and your business.

Last Updated on January 27, 2025

Here's what we'll cover:

Metal fabrication software essentials

What is metal fabrication software?

Features of metal fabrication software

How to choose the best metal fabrication software

Understanding metal fabrication market trends

Metal fabrication software essentials

Metal fabrication software is a specialized tool designed to assist in the design, planning, and management of metal fabrication processes. It helps manufacturers by improving precision, reducing waste, and enhancing productivity through features like purchase order management, production scheduling, and real-time monitoring. Metal fabrication is the leading manufacturing segment that software buyers have inquired about, with our software advisors helping over 500 buyers in the past year. [1]

“Metal fabrication software is the ideal, industry-specific MRP system to help you plan materials, manage inventory, and streamline procurement specifically for metal projects. It also teams up with MES systems to give you real-time insights and control over shop floor activities, making your production process smoother and more efficient,“ explains top advisor, Bryan Dengler.

To give you an idea of the market, our site features 126 different metal fabrication products, and in the past year alone, we've published over 940 reviews for 42 of these products. The majority of user reviews come from small to midsize businesses, with 42% of reviewers having 50 or fewer employees and 46% having between 51 and 200 employees. The largest industry represented is construction, followed by the automotive sector.

Most metal fabrication software management products are priced on a "per-month" basis, with entry-level pricing plans averaging around $254 per month for 1 to 20 users. This pricing model aligns closely with the budgets of the majority of buyers who have contacted us in the past year (74%). Premium and advanced system subscriptions start around $1,475 per month. [2]

First-time buyers should begin evaluating with a budget, number of users, specific use cases, and necessary integrations in mind. Be sure to consult with key stakeholders on a list of questions to help you evaluate systems based on your needs. Our experienced advisors, Bryan Dengler, Adrian Cantu, and Saul Sanchez, share the following questions to get you started:

  • Can your system manage and optimize production scheduling and workflow on the shop floor?

  • What features does your software offer for tracking material usage and inventory levels?

  • How does your solution support quality control and compliance with industry standards?

  • Does your software provide real-time data and analytics to monitor production performance and efficiency?

  • Can your system integrate with our existing tools and software, such as CRM or accounting systems?

With so many vendors out there, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the key components of metal fabrication software and provide step-by-step advice on choosing the best solution for your practice.

If you would prefer to speak with one of our experienced MRP software advisors like Dengler, Cantu, and Sanchez, schedule a call or start a chat with us.

What is metal fabrication software?

Manufacturing businesses (i.e., fabrication shops) need software to handle projects. The software helps them from the time they bid for a contract to the final quality check of the finished product. It also automates inventory tracking, project scheduling, project cost calculation, quoting and bid proposal generation.

interface-screenshot-of-sys-pro-displaying-project-costs

Calculating project costs and creating quotations in Syspro

Metal fabrication companies use all kinds of hardware technologies—from 2D laser cutting and robotic welding to even 3D printing. However, successful metal fabricators go a step further than just using hi-tech equipment. They also use software to ensure that their teams meet production deadlines and maintain high standards of quality.

Known as metal fabrication software, and part of the larger category of manufacturing systems, these solutions help metal fabricators manage different business operations. A feature of metal fabrication software is inventory management that's used to track materials and equipment located in different facilities. 

Small businesses that use metal fabrication software will see tangible benefits such as better production planning, faster creation of bid proposals and optimal equipment utilization. The software will also help you eliminate the use of spreadsheets, which are prone to manual errors and waste a ton of employee time.

Features of metal fabrication software

In this section, we have shortlisted the wide-ranging features of manufacturing systems. These are the most common functionality that small businesses can expect in metal fabrication software.

Feature

Description

Production planning and management

Understand the status of existing work orders, or assign new ones to employees, on visual dashboards. Also, plan job completions using Gantt charts.

Document management

Create a centralized file repository of the drawings of product models, change orders, request for information (RFI) and other project-related documents.

Inventory management

Automatically sort and track raw materials, stocked items, work-in-progress (WIP) items and finished products using serial or lot numbers.

Estimating and quoting

Create project cost summaries by automatically calculating labor and materials costs. Use this information to generate bid proposals.

Materials management

Calculate the requirement of materials and track the usage of equipment for the optimal utilization of equipment and materials.

While these features are common to most metal fabrication tools, there could be variations in the depth of functionality and ease of use. Also, different vendors offer different integration options. For this reason, it's essential that you fully explore a tool's functionality to assess whether or not it meets your specific business requirements.

How to choose the best metal fabrication software

Step 1: Determine the type of buyer you are

Getting the right metal fabrication software for your business means analyzing the size of your organization and your software budget. To help you understand the different categories of buyers in this market, we have divided them into the following types:

  • Full-suite buyers: Large fabrication shops that work on varied projects, such as additive manufacturing, and use robotic automation will have complex needs. They want a one-stop solution for all their manufacturing needs. For instance, a full-suite solution will have built-in CAD tools so that designers can create 3D models for custom fabrication requests.

  • Small manufacturers: These buyers may not need advanced features but are looking to automate their wasteful manual processes. They need an easy-to-use solution that offers inventory management and project tracking so that they can improve their production speed and quality.

Once you identify the category that you fall under, the next step is to think about the type of software you need. Read about these considerations in the next section.

Step 2: Evaluate your key considerations

When you're shopping for software to use in your business, you need to keep certain things in mind such as software deployments and the use of mobile devices. Here are the top considerations to review vendor offerings before you purchase a solution:

  • Deployment options: For small fabrication shops, the ideal deployment would be in the cloud over on-premise due to the high upfront license costs of the latter. On-premise tools require you to handle software maintenance and data backup on your own. Therefore, opt for a cloud-based tool that has a smaller monthly subscription fee and the vendor is typically responsible for software upkeep.

  • Integrations offered: Third-party integrations are important for seamless data transfer between different systems. For example, integrating accounting software will help you create detailed financial reports about your profitability over time, while integrating CAD software will help you import 3D images and drawings. In general, integrations become essential to a small business as it grows and needs more complex systems to meet its requirements.

  • Mobile accessibility: This is important if your employees don't have fixed workstations. For instance, if you have a designer working remotely, then the ability to receive and send drawings on mobile devices makes processes very convenient. Similarly, warehouse workers can log in the information of new inventory from their mobile devices.

If you need guidance, you can chat online now with one of our advisors or schedule a phone call. You can get tailored recommendations about software that best fits your unique metal fabrication needs.

Understanding metal fabrication market trends

Among the many trends affecting the manufacturing industry, here are some of the most important ones:

  • Build complex prototypes with 3D printing: Fabrication shops have many uses of metal 3D printing systems that can be integrated with CAD software. This helps them quickly print prototypes and small parts with complicated designs. The technology is especially beneficial for custom fabrication businesses that cater to a wide array of industries such as aerospace and healthcare.

  • Track inventory easily with smart tagging: Advancements in inventory tagging, such as radio frequency identification (RFID), have solved many challenges of tracking and managing the records of equipment and materials. For instance, a business can monitor the status and availability of equipment remotely with RFID tags. This technology helps metal fabrication shops optimize the stocking of their inventory and prevent theft.

  • Automate equipment maintenance with Internet of Things (IoT): Manufacturing businesses can use IoT in many ways. For instance, install sensors connected to the internet at the site for automated equipment monitoring. Instead of employees manually checking the health of different systems, the sensors will constantly fetch data and automatically send alerts for any maintenance requirements. With predictive maintenance, businesses can prolong the life of equipment and prevent accidents.


About our contributors

Author

Olivia Montgomery is an associate principal analyst at Software Advice, covering program and project management with a focus on the strategic alignment of IT and operations to optimize digital transformation. Drawing from her experience as a former IT PMO leader and her background in humanities studies, Olivia delivers data-driven insights that empower business leaders to drive business growth through projects.

Olivia’s research and analysis is informed by nearly 200,000 authentic user reviews on Software Advice and over 10,000 interactions between Software Advice software advisors and project management software buyers. Olivia also regularly analyzes market sentiment by conducting surveys of project managers and PMO leaders so she can provide the most up-to-date and helpful information to small and midsize businesses purchasing software or services.

Her expertise is featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, CIO Dive, and TechRepublic, as well as in podcasts, such as The Digital Project Manager. Recently, she presented her research on emotional intelligence (EQ) and decision-making at PMI's Global Summit conference, shedding light on the crucial role of EQ in driving project success. When she's not analyzing tech trends, you can find Olivia horseback riding or re-watching Jurassic Park.

Editor

Parul Sharma is a content editor at Software Advice with expertise in curating content for various niches, including SaaS, digital marketing, and search engine optimization. With over half a decade of experience in content writing and editing, Parul has the expertise to simplify complex terms into engaging, valuable content for targeted audiences.

She completed her graduation and post-graduation in English literature from Delhi University and was awarded the Dr. Asha Sahni Memorial Award for being the highest scorer in her graduating class. Parul has contributed to the news, lifestyle, education, and health verticle of DNA India, India’s premier media channel.

Outside of work, she can be found curating healthy recipes, coloring in mandala books, and spending quality time with her family.

Advisors

Adrian Cantu is a software advisor. He joined Software Advice in 2022, and is based in Austin, TX.

Adrian works directly with small business leaders to connect them with best fit software providers. He assesses the technology needs of small businesses seeking manufacturing, distribution, fleet management, and professional services software. He has a background in sales and has worked in the service industry. 

Adrian’s favorite part of being a software advisor is when the buyer sees the value in the service provided and expresses how appreciative they are.

Bryan Dengler is a senior advisor. He joined Software Advice in 2022, and is based in Austin, TX.

As part of the software advisor team, Bryan helps professionals from a wide range of industries who are seeking accounting, project management, manufacturing, learning management, and supply chain software. He provides a shortlist of personalized technology recommendations based on budget, business goals, and other specific needs. 

Bryan’s favorite part of being a software advisor is knowing he’s made a valuable difference in a buyer’s life with each advising session he holds.

Saul Sanchez is a senior advisor. He joined Software Advice in 2019, and he is based in Austin, TX. 

Saul works directly with small business leaders to connect them with best fit software providers. He assesses the technology needs of small businesses seeking a wide variety of software, including business intelligence, inventory management, manufacturing, and supply chain tools. Through one-to-one conversations, Saul provides a short list of potential matches. 

His favorite part of being a software advisor is experiencing a buyer’s relief when they discover how much time and energy he’s saved them by helping narrow down the list of many possible options on the market.


Sources

  1. Software Advice reviews data: Software Advice reviews are collected from verified users for individual software products. For this report, we analyzed reviews from August 19, 2023 to August 19, 2024.

  2. Software Advice software pricing data: Only products with publicly available pricing information and qualified software products within the category, as of November 29, 2023, are included in the pricing analysis. Read the complete methodology.

Your Guide to Top Metal Fabrication Software, January 2025

At Software Advice we recognize there are many ways to research and discover the right technology for your needs. Our FrontRunners report provides a data-driven assessment of products in a particular software category to determine which ones offer the best Usability and Customer Satisfaction for small businesses. To create FrontRunners, we consider only recent, published user reviews for individual software products in order to score on two primary dimensions: Usability on the x-axis and Customer Satisfaction on the y-axis. Read the full methodology here.

Metal Fabrication FAQs

  • What software do steel fabricators use?

    Steel fabricators typically use a variety of software tools to assist with design and project management, with metal fabrication software being the top system manufacturers contact us about. According to our analysis of products with high market demand and reviews, the full-suite solution, Striven, had the highest overall rating from verified reviewers on Software Advice for metal fabrication software.

  • What are the three 3 types of metal fabrication?

    Metal fabrication mainly involves three key processes: cutting, bending, and assembling. Cutting breaks metal into smaller shapes, bending changes its form without removing material, and assembling combines metal parts using methods like welding or bolting to create the finished product. Metal fabrication software is used to help track and manage these processes.

  • Which software is best for sheet metal design?

    The best software for sheet metal design is typically a full-suite manufacturing resource planning (MRP) system. According to our analysis of products with high market demand and reviews, Striven has the highest overall rating from verified reviewers on Software Advice for metal fabrication software. If you’re looking for a 3D computer-aided design (CAD) tool, Striven also offers integrations with these systems.

  • What is fabrication software?

    Fabrication software is a specialized tool designed to help plan, design, and manage metal fabrication projects. The broader category of metal fabrication software helps streamline these processes including inventory management, purchase order management, and managing bill of materials. This software improves efficiency, reduces errors, and enhances productivity by automating various tasks in the fabrication process, from design to delivery.

  • Which software is best for steel estimation?

    The best software for steel estimation is a building information modeling (BIM) system. According to our analysis of products with high market demand and reviews, Striven had the highest overall rating from verified reviewers on Software Advice for metal fabrication. Striven’s estimation features help with steel estimation, creating more accurate and efficient calculations for material needs.

Related Metal Fabrication Software