- Free Version: Available for teams of up to 10
- Pricing: Premium plan $24/month (with a free 30-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Available on mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
SafetyCulture (iAuditor)
Why use SafetyCulture?
SafetyCulture is the perfect partner for small or large businesses needing digital solutions to boost their current manufacturing system. Digitized from top to bottom, their platform upholds good manufacturing practices to protect the company, its people, and, most importantly, its consumers.
Features:
- Standardize production processes for inventory, maintenance, and quality control, just to name a few using numerous pre-built, downloadable templates in the public library.
- Ensure that works strictly follow company SOPs and regulatory guidelines with smart checklists.
- Track processes in real-time to immediately raise issues and conduct preventive or corrective actions.
- Coordinate with the different teams using Heads Up to ascertain everyone is aligned and working towards the same goal.
- Integrate with other software solutions like ERP, CMMS, and MES to get a more holistic view of your data that will help managers make better decisions.
Why use Katana?
Katana’s manufacturing software systems allow small and medium-sized companies to get a live look at their production activities so they can make better on-the-spot decision-making. The industries they serve include health and beauty, sports and outdoors, and food and beverage, among others.
Features:
- Real-time master planning
- Order management
- End-to-end traceability
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Starts at $99 per month for 1 full access user, billed annually (with a 14-day free trial). Monthly billing is allowed at a higher base price.
- Platforms supported: Web, iOS, Android
Why use Odoo?
Odoo is a multi-system management platform that provides various solutions for finance, sales, and marketing, to name a few. Their manufacturing module includes applications for inventory, resource planning, purchase, maintenance, and quality assurance.
Features:
- Maintenance tracking
- Barcode scanning for inventory
- Integrated quality checks
- Free Version: Yes. One online app is offered free of charge.
- Pricing: Standard price starts at $7.25 per user per month, billed annually (with a free trial). Monthly billing is allowed at a higher base price
- Platforms supported: Web, iOS, Android
Why use DELMIAworks?
DELMIAWorks is an effective tool mainly because of its scalability. It is a great manufacturing software for small businesses looking to digitize their data and processes. It can also be used by mid-sized to large manufacturers wanting more visibility into their complex operations across different locations.
Features:
- Real-time shop floor visibility
- Advanced planning and scheduling
- Automated coordination from manufacturing to logistics
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Quote provided upon request (with free trial)
- Platforms supported: Web, Android
Why use Fishbowl?
One of the most comprehensive and flexible software solutions for manufacturing, this digital tool is favored by companies for its capability to provide results in a short time frame.
Features:
- Bill of materials management
- Scanning and barcoding for traceability
- Order and shipping management
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Quote provided upon request (with a 14-day free trial)
- Platforms supported: Web, iOS, Android
Why use Global Shop Solutions?
Global Shop Solutions, a family-owned IT solutions provider, has created one of the most comprehensive and easy-to-use manufacturing process software with real-time functionalities, helping businesses manage their operations better.
Features:
- Activity dashboard with document control
- Planning and scheduling
- Software integration
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Available upon request
- Platforms supported: Web, iOS, Android, On-premise
Why use Plex?
The Plex platform adheres to the pillars of smart manufacturing. Its use of IoT, centralized machine data collection, and enhanced analytics provide managers with the information needed for improving operations.
Features:
- Transactions (physical and digital) tracking
- Quality management tools
- Advanced analytics
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Available upon request
- Platforms supported: Web
Why use Kinetic?
Kinetic offers one of the best manufacturing solutions, not just because of its comprehensive suite of applications, but also because of its deep knowledge of various manufacturing specialties such as industrial machinery, medical device, and rubber and plastics, just to name a few.
Features:
- Business Intelligence (BI) data
- DocStar (Epicor’s content management system)
- Day-to-day planning and scheduling
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Available upon request
- Platforms supported: Web, iOS, Android
Why use MasterControl?
MasterControl eradicates tedious traditional methodologies and replaces them with flexible, easy-to-configure systems which are easy to implement and adopt. Many businesses also lean towards them because their flexible pricing can match the company’s growth.
Features:
- Real-time monitoring
- Integrated document management
- Full traceability
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Available upon request
- Platforms supported: Web
What is a Manufacturing Software?
Manufacturing software is a powerful digital tool that helps companies make production processes more efficient. By streamlining inventory, forecasting, and cash flow and ensuring compliance with quality and safety regulations, businesses can focus more on improving their products or services and planning for the future of their organization.
Importance
Manufacturing is a complex, multi-layered process. Each step, from production planning to final product deployment, requires constant and meticulous attention. The use of manufacturing process software is a must for the following reasons:
- Streamline processes – Digitizing and automation facilitate overall efficiency and productivity. It reduces the time employees spend on tasks and minimizes or completely eradicates errors they may make.
- Deliver accurate data – Aside from decreasing retrieval time, digitization through manufacturing software ensures that the information acquired is precise. This helps managers make better decisions for the company.
- Monitor production from start to finish – Equipping existing machinery with cameras, sensors, and barcode readers allow managers to have full visibility of the shop floor. Monitoring reveals issues that may require immediate resolution and facilitates better documentation.
- Reduce waste – In the manufacturing sector, waste refers to the physical material considered unnecessary and the extraneous step that does not add value to the end product. Manufacturing software finds these and ultimately saves the company on overhead costs.
- Improve product quality – Any manufacturing company’s goal is to provide a high-quality product or service. Digital platforms offer managers the path toward that objective.
Key Features
Manufacturers who aren’t well-versed in digital solutions may think that an extensive cache of apps is a great idea. But when it comes to manufacturing software solutions, it would be best to stick to the essentials:
- Supply chain visibility
- Data digitization
- Advanced planning and scheduling tools
- Inventory management with barcode systems
- Real-time monitoring with sensors
- Advanced analytics
- Real-time reporting
- Integration with other systems
- Collaborative tools
- Compliance management
- Quality assurance
Selecting the Right Manufacturing Software
Because there are numerous manufacturing software systems to choose from, it can be a challenge to find one best suited for your specific needs. The nine shortlisted above would be a great place to start. Here’s a quick summary:
| Manufacturing Software | Free Version | Paid Plan | Mobile App |
| SafetyCulture | Yes | $24/user/month* | Yes |
| Katana | No | $99/user/month* | Yes |
| Odoo | Yes | $7.25/user/month* | Yes |
| DELMIAworks | No | Quote-based plan | Android only |
| Fishbowl | No | Quote-based plan | Yes |
| Global Shop Solutions | No | Available upon request | Yes |
| Plex | No | Available upon request | No |
| Kinetic by Epicor | No | Available upon request | Yes |
| MasterControl | No | Available upon request | No |
* billed annually
