Best manufacturing software for small businesses in 2025
Small manufacturers need powerful enterprise resource planning (ERP) software to stay competitive, streamline operations, and drive growth without breaking the bank. However, these companies often face difficulties when selecting business software due to budgetary constraints and system compatibility issues, among other things. And, the wide selection of ERP software makes it hard to pick the right solution.
I collaborated with the Cybernews research team to conduct thorough investigations and rank the best ERP manufacturing software for small businesses in 2025. While I didn’t perform any hands-on tests on these systems, I read dozens of user reviews and assessed official documentation from providers to determine how these software can support the operations of small businesses.
Let's look at the best manufacturing software for small businesses to enhance operational efficiency and promote growth.
Best manufacturing software for small businesses – shortlist
- MRPeasy – best software for simplifying production management
- Xero – best manufacturing software for accounting integration
- Katana – best software for small and medium-sized manufacturers
- Finale Inventory – best software for inventory management
- NetSuite ERP – best software for comprehensive ERP features
- Zoho Finance – best ERP software for comprehensive financial management
- Odoo – best customizable ERP solution for diverse business needs
Our team of experts review and analyze ERP systems using a research-driven approach. The team gathers data from various sources and diligently fact-checks all the information. We then conduct in-house tests, which are completely transparent. You can learn more about our testing process.
The best manufacturing software for small businesses compared
I’ve compiled key features of my top manufacturing software for small businesses in the table below to allow you to compare them quickly and identify the best solution for your business needs.
| Software | Pricing | Rating | Key features | Best for |
| MRPeasy | From $39/month | 4.85 | Production scheduling and tracking, real-time data, and reporting. cloud-based accessibility | Best for simplifying production management |
| Xero | From $29/month | 4.7/5 | Financial management integration, real-time reporting and analytics, customizable invoices and payroll | Best for small businesses looking for accounting integration |
| Katana | From $179/month | 4.7/5 | Real-time inventory updates, production planning and scheduling, multi-channel integration | Best for small, growing manufacturers |
| Finale Inventory | From $99/month | 4.6/5 | Multi-location inventory management, barcode scanning, and order fulfillment | Best for inventory management |
| NetSuite ERP | On request | 4.5/5 | Full ERP suite, financials, inventory management, reporting | Best for businesses looking for comprehensive ERP features |
| Zoho Finance | From $249/month | 4.5/5 | Accounting and financial management, inventory management integration | Best for comprehensive financial management |
| Odoo | From $14.80/month | 4.1/5 | Modular ERP system, customizable manufacturing and inventory modules | Best customizable ERP solution for diverse business needs |
7 best manufacturing software for small businesses – our detailed list
Here’s a detailed review of my top manufacturing ERP software for small businesses:
1. MRPeasy – best ERP software for simplifying production management
| Best for: | Small and mid-sized manufacturers seeking an affordable, powerful ERP solution |
| Free trial: | Yes |
| Starting price: | From $39/month |
| Top features: | Production scheduling and tracking, real-time data, and reporting. accessible on the cloud |
MRPeasy’s user-friendly manufacturing resource planning (MRP) software is designed for small businesses. This is an all-in-one solution for manufacturers, covering everything from production management to inventory control and supply chain operations. Plus, it’s user-friendly and provides an overview of your operations from its dashboard.
MRPeasy offers essential production-planning capabilities, purchase-order management, and stock-tracking features. It allows small and medium-sized manufacturers to optimize their operational processes with production scheduling tools, real-time inventory monitoring, and third-party system integration.
2. Xero – best ERP software for accounting integration
| Best for: | Small businesses looking to integrate accounting apps with manufacturing processes |
| Free trial: | Yes |
| Starting price: | From $29/month |
| Top features: | Financial management integration, real-time reporting and analytics, customizable invoices and payroll |
Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform perfect for small businesses and expanding enterprises. This financial management solution is known for its user-friendly design and robust accounting capabilities. Small manufacturers will find Xero effective for handling invoicing, payroll bank reconciliation, and inventory management.
Xero can be integrated with 800+ business apps. It supports automatic bank feed functionality and personalized invoicing options. Users can access Xero starting at $29 per month, and a free trial is available. This system offers excellent financial management capabilities and can benefit businesses that want to improve their accounting.
3. Katana – best ERP software for small and medium-sized manufacturers
| Best for: | Manufacturers that need real-time order and inventory tracking |
| Free trial: | Yes |
| Starting price: | From $179/month |
| Top features: | Real-time inventory updates, production planning and scheduling, multi-channel integration |
Katana is a manufacturing software that can help to optimize the operations of small to medium-sized companies. It simplifies inventory control, production management, and sales management through its user-friendly platform.
The software combines an intuitive interface with monitoring features that allow manufacturers to simultaneously manage stock counts, production timelines, and sales. Other features like raw material tracking and sales order control can improve operational clarity.
4. Finale Inventory – best ERP software for inventory management
| Best for: | Small businesses seeking inventory control across multiple locations |
| Free trial: | Yes |
| Starting price: | From $99/month |
| Top features: | Multi-location inventory management, barcode scanning and order fulfillment |
Finale Inventory is a comprehensive solution for the inventory management needs of small manufacturing and e-commerce businesses. The software enables businesses to monitor stock availability, handle purchase orders, and execute automated order processing.
Finale Inventory supports barcode identification scanning, real-time stock monitoring, and detailed reporting. This software can help companies optimize inventory management and eliminate errors. However, its main standout feature is its ability to link with other business systems, including accounting and customer relationship management (CRM) tools.
5. NetSuite ERP – best software for comprehensive ERP features
| Best for: | Growing businesses that require a comprehensive ERP solution |
| Free trial: | No |
| Starting price: | On request |
| Top features: | Full ERP suite with accounting, manufacturing, inventory, order management, financial management, and real-time reporting |
NetSuite is an enterprise resource planning solution with cloud computing capabilities that will benefit organizations of all sizes. It offers features for managing manufacturing processes, finances, customer relationships, inventory, and order processing.
The software provides real-time data, allowing organizations to base their decisions on accurate information. NetSuite’s comprehensive ERP system is suited to small and growing businesses and it offers flexible, scalable features.
6. Zoho Finance – best ERP software for comprehensive financial management
| Best for: | Growing businesses that require a comprehensive ERP solution |
| Free trial: | No |
| Starting price: | On request |
| Top features: | Full ERP suite with accounting, manufacturing, inventory, order management, financial management, and real-time reporting |
Zoho Finance offers a collection of cloud-based financial tools, including accounting and inventory management options. This easy-to-use and affordable ERP solution is well-suited for small manufacturers.
Zoho provides various financial management tools, including accounting automation, inventory management, and invoicing. Plus, it supports various integration options and customization features, allowing companies to modify the software according to their business needs.
7. Odoo – best customizable ERP solution for diverse business needs
| Best for: | Small businesses that want a highly customizable ERP system |
| Free trial: | Yes |
| Starting price: | From $24.90/month |
| Top features: | Modular ERP system, customizable manufacturing and inventory modules |
Odoo is an open-source, all-in-one ERP solution for small businesses. It offers everything from manufacturing to sales and accounting tools. The software is highly customizable, making it an excellent option for companies with unique operational processes. Odoo's main features include inventory control, manufacturing execution capabilities, and customer relationship management (CRM).
Odoo’s modular approach offers flexibility, allowing small businesses to keep expenses low by only paying for the features they use. This software is highly scalable, too, so it can grow with your business. Odoo’s prices start at $24.90 per month for each user.
How did we select the best manufacturing software for small businesses?
At Cybernews, we use a research-driven approach to evaluate and identify the best manufacturing software for small businesses. Here’s a glimpse into how I selected and ranked the ERP software solutions above:
- User experience. I analyzed user reviews to determine how these software serve users in different fields and how well they can be integrated into business processes. This allowed me to gauge the value of each software in improving productivity and efficiency for small businesses.
- Features and performance. I assessed each ERP system's features and performance, including the app’s user-friendliness, customization options, and scalability. This allowed me to determine how well each software can support business growth, address changing requirements, and enhance operational procedures like inventory management, production scheduling, and resource deployment. All the ERP systems above are proven to improve operational efficiency while delivering better results and lessening the chances of errors.
- Pricing. I compared the prices of several ERP solutions and evaluated their features. The ERP solutions above offer some of the best price-to-feature ratios of all the options available today.
- Customer support. I checked the customer support channels of different ERP software providers and scoured through user reviews to gauge their response times. The ERP systems above have different customer support channels and are known for their responsiveness. This ensures you can get timely assistance whenever you need help.
During my review, I eliminated software programs that did not meet our criteria or had negative user feedback from this list. This ensured we only selected the best-performing ERP solutions that can support the growth of small businesses.
What is manufacturing software?
Manufacturing software automate and optimize various aspects of the manufacturing process, helping businesses manage their operations efficiently. ERP systems for manufacturers are equipped with multiple features to support different aspects of a company’s operations. For example, they support inventory management with production scheduling, quality control, and order tracking features.
Manufacturing software can simplify workflow, decrease manual work, increase precision, and reduce mistakes. They can transform time-consuming and complicated operations into manageable processes. For small manufacturers, they offer a budget-friendly way to implement automation systems.
Manufacturing software enhances the operational transparency of businesses and enables instant data analytics. With better-quality insights, businesses can allocate resources effectively and optimize their supply chain operations. Small businesses can scale their operations using manufacturing software to monitor performance, manage inventory, and track production deadlines.
Manufacturing software also allows small businesses to quickly adapt to market changes and stay competitive in an ever-changing environment. Above all, it offers a cost-effective way for small companies to deploy advanced automation tools, boosting efficiency and expanding their operations without compromising quality or exceeding their limited budgets.
How to choose the right manufacturing software for small businesses?
Choosing the right manufacturing software is a critical decision for small businesses. While the right software can streamline operations and drive growth, the wrong software can have far-reaching negative implications. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating your options:
- Usability: Don’t only focus on a software’s ability to simplify your company’s manufacturing operations. You must also ensure that it has a low learning curve. A user-friendly interface is essential to allow employees to transition into using the system with little need for extensive training. Picking software that’s easy to use and has a user-friendly interface can decrease production errors and contribute to better productivity levels.
- Compatibility with other business systems: It’s important to consider whether the manufacturing software is compatible with other applications you routinely use in your business, such as accounting solutions, CRM software, and inventory management tools. Integrating all these tools with your manufacturing software allows for more streamlined operations and ensures better decision-making.
- Scalability: It’s essential to choose manufacturing software that can support your business's growing needs. Some software allows you to increase the number of users and the scope of its functionality to support an increase in production capacity. Scalable systems are not only more convenient and cost-effective but also eliminate the need to replace your software in the future.
- Value for money: Given the tight financial constraints small businesses face, it’s essential to select software solutions that offer the best value for money. I recommend selecting manufacturing software that’s affordably priced, provides a useful mix of features, and delivers excellent performance. It’s best to compare prices and features before settling on any software. Also, evaluate each provider's customer support service and confirm that help will be readily available when needed.
Benefits of manufacturing software for small businesses
Manufacturing software offers numerous benefits to small businesses, helping them to operate efficiently and supporting their growth. For example, using manufacturing software, small businesses can streamline their operations, enhance inventory management, and minimize errors. These software provide valuable insights that help companies make better decisions and coordinate the different stages of the manufacturing process. Here are some key benefits of manufacturing software for small businesses:
- Enhanced productivity through automation: Manufacturing software allows companies to automate repetitive work, such as scheduling orders and tracking inventory. This will enable businesses to streamline their operations and assign employees to more critical tasks, resulting in enhanced productivity.
- Improved inventory and supply chain management: Manufacturing software helps small businesses optimize their supply chain processes and inventory management by delivering live data about inventory levels, production schedules, and orders. This allows small businesses to ultimately prevent inventory shortages and minimize delays in meeting deadlines.
- Real-time reporting for better decision-making: Manufacturing software gives businesses access to real-time data about their manufacturing output, sales activity, and warehouse stock. This allows businesses to make informed decisions and respond immediately to market changes, shifts in customer demand, and production challenges. Managers can access performance metrics and track progress so they can modify production systems for improved efficiency.
- Cost savings and reduced errors in production: Automation with manufacturing software can decrease human mistakes that commonly occur in manufacturing operations. Manufacturing software can also help companies cut costs, reduce waste, and limit equipment downtime by accurately monitoring resource consumption and production timelines. Ultimately, using manufacturing software can help companies create better-quality products and improve customer satisfaction.
A final word on the best manufacturing software for small businesses
Manufacturing software can help small businesses streamline their operations and improve efficiency. However, it’s essential to choose the right software for your business. The manufacturing tools I’ve highlighted above are designed to support small businesses through advanced automation and other features.
When choosing manufacturing software for your business, consider its long-term value, user-friendliness, scalability, and whether it can be easily integrated into your manufacturing operations. You can choose between a unified ERP program and specialized software depending on your company's needs. Selecting an app that is well suited to your operational needs allows you to integrate it with fewer challenges and get the best results.
Based on my research, MRPeasy is the overall best manufacturing software for small businesses. It has an intuitive interface, offers powerful production planning tools, and is affordable.
FAQ
What is the best affordable manufacturing software for small businesses?
Odoo is an excellent, affordable solution for small businesses. However, its essential features are best suited for new businesses. Small businesses growing past their initial stage will find that MRPeasy and Xero offer a better balance of costs and features.
Can manufacturing software be integrated with other business tools?
Yes, most manufacturing software solutions can be integrated with accounting platforms, CRM systems, supply chain analysis tools, and e-commerce applications. For example, Xero's software integration capabilities include automated links to inventory management and invoicing solutions.
Do I need technical expertise to use manufacturing software?
No. Most manufacturing software have user-friendly interfaces, allowing users with little to no technical expertise to use them. Manufacturing systems like Katana are designed for small businesses, and users need minimal training to operate them.
How much does manufacturing software cost?
The cost of manufacturing software depends on the features you select and the size of your organization. The starting cost of MRPeasy and Xero plans is around $29 to $39, and more complex solutions, such as NetSuite ERP, offer customized pricing according to your business needs. Most providers offer free trials to allow you to evaluate the software before paying for a subscription.
What industries benefit the most from manufacturing software?
Manufacturing software can be especially beneficial to companies that manufacture electronics, food products, textiles, furniture, and automotive parts.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are markedmarked