- Free Version: Available for teams of up to 10
- Pricing: Premium plan $24/seat/month (with a free 30-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why Use SafetyCulture?
SafetyCulture, the world’s leading operations platform, gives discrete manufacturers control over their manufacturing operations. Companies use it to audit processes, track safety performance, and boost efficiency. With faster inspections and real-time insights, they can make better decisions and maintain the highest quality and safety standards.
Key Features:
- Reinforce quality control in the assembly line and reduce defects with real-time inspections using pre-made inspection checklists or DIY templates.
- Manage work seamlessly across teams by scheduling routine tasks with due dates.
- Ensure parts produced are complete and according to customer specifications with digital SOPs.
- Maintain equipment in its peak performance by conducting regular maintenance checks and monitoring its condition from vibration and sound sensors.
- Identify inefficient processes during inspections and reports from the platform’s robust dashboard.
Why Use Plex?
Plex, a Manufacturing Execution System (MES), unifies a company’s manufacturing needs into a single system for smarter, more efficient operations. It ensures that production processes are executed efficiently and comply with the customer’s specifications.
Key Features:
- Material management
- Quality control
- Real-time analytics
- Free Version: Not available
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why Use DELMIAWorks?
DELMIAWorks by Solidworks offers a comprehensive solution for mid-market discrete manufacturers, helping them manage their production processes from design to delivery. It combines various modules such as planning, scheduling, and quality control to streamline operations and increase efficiency.
Key Features:
- Bill of Material (BOM)
- Order management
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Free Version: Not available
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (Android only) or a web-based software
Why Use QAD?
QAD is designed for mid-to-large discrete manufacturing companies, including those in automotive, electronics, and life sciences. It’s a great fit for manufacturers needing strong supply chain support and close collaboration with vendors for forecasting and planning.
Key Features:
- Scheduling automation
- Quality management
- Supplier collaboration and management
- Free Version: Not available
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why Use Oracle?
Oracle Cloud ERP is ideal for large discrete manufacturing companies that need a powerful and scalable solution. It provides a holistic suite of applications to manage all aspects of the manufacturing process, including planning, production, inventory, and supply chain management.
Key Features:
- Production scheduling
- Inventory optimization
- Supply chain visibility
- Free Version: Not available
- Pricing: Starts at $625/user/month
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why Use Acumatica?
Acumatica offers a cloud-based platform for discrete manufacturers, providing real-time visibility and control over the entire production process. This intuitive solution connects all parts of the operations for enhanced efficiency.
Key Features:
- Production planning and scheduling
- Material requirements planning (MRP)
- Cost tracking and analysis
- Free Version: Not available
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why Use Odoo?
Odoo is an open-source ERP platform widely adopted by small and rapidly growing discrete manufacturing organizations seeking to streamline and unify their processes. Its modular structure allows businesses to choose the functionalities they need and add more as they expand.
Key Features:
- Third-party integrations
- Reporting and analytics
- Real-time inventory tracking
- Free Version: Yes, for one app only with unlimited users
- Pricing: Starts at $7.25/user/month, billed annually (with a free trial period)
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why Use Epicor Kinetic?
Epicor Kinetic, a cloud-based ERP solution, is designed for discrete manufacturing sectors like automotive, aerospace, metal fabrication, and medical devices. With cutting-edge business intelligence and operations tools, it sets companies for success in their fields.
Key Features:
- Supply chain management
- Planning and scheduling
- Business intelligence and analytics
- Free Version: Not available
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) as a web-based software
Why Use SYSPRO?
SYSPRO is a solution designed for discrete manufacturers looking to optimize their production processes and improve overall efficiency. Used by leading manufacturers globally, this digital ERP solution allows for better visibility and control over production using integrated modules for inventory management, supply chain planning, quality control, and financials.
Key Features:
- Real-time analytics
- Financial management
- Inventory management
- Free Version: Not available
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a web-based software
Why Use IFS Cloud?
A cloud-based manufacturing platform, IFS Cloud helps simplify and improve complex manufacturing processes, giving you full control over your operations. It works for various business models, including engineer-to-order (ETO), configure-to-order (CTO), make-to-order (MTO), and more.
Key Features:
- Asset lifecycle management
- Asset performance management
- Field service management
- Free Version: Not available
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
What is Discrete Manufacturing Software?
Discrete manufacturing software helps manufacturers manage the production of individual, countable items like cars, electronics, and machinery. Unlike process manufacturing, which deals with the continuous production of bulk materials, discrete manufacturing focuses on distinct units or batches that are easy to track.
This software offers features for inventory management, production scheduling, quality control, and supply chain management. It helps manufacturers optimize their processes, improve efficiency, and reduce waste. With real-time data and insights, discrete manufacturing software streamlines operations and supports better decision-making so companies stay competitive.
Benefits
Manufacturers using discrete manufacturing software can benefit in several ways, including:
- Improved efficiency: Features like production scheduling and inventory management allow manufacturers to optimize their processes and reduce waste, leading to improved efficiency.
- Real-time data insights: Discrete manufacturing software provides real-time data and analytics, helping manufacturers better understand their operations and make informed decisions quickly.
- Greater visibility: By tracking each unit or batch produced, manufacturers have greater visibility into the production process, allowing them to identify areas for improvement.
- Enhanced quality control: Checklists and inspection forms ensure that each unit meets quality standards before being released to the market.
- Better supply chain management: Discrete manufacturing software helps manufacturers manage their supply chain, ensuring timely material delivery and reducing production delays.
- Cost savings: Improved efficiency and reduced waste can save manufacturers money on labor, materials, and other production costs.
Key Features
Some key features to look for in discrete manufacturing software include:
- Reporting and analytics
- Integration with existing systems and equipment
- Quality control and inspections
- Inventory management
- Production scheduling
- Supply chain management
- Asset management
Choosing the Best Discrete Manufacturing Software
Choosing the right discrete manufacturing software for your business doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by identifying your specific needs and evaluating the features each software offers.
To help you decide, the table below compares the best discrete manufacturing software, outlining free versions, pricing, and mobile app availability.
| Discrete Manufacturing Software | Free Version | Paid Plan | Mobile App |
| SafetyCulture | Yes | $24/user/month* | Yes |
| Plex | None | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| DELMIAWorks | None | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| QAD | None | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| Oracle Cloud ERP | None | $625/user/month | Yes |
| Acumatica | None | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| Odoo | Yes | $7.25/user/month* | Yes |
| Epicor Kinetic | None | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| SYSPRO | None | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| IFS Cloud | None | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
* billed annually
Rob Paredes