- Free Version: Available for teams of up to 10
- Pricing: Premium plan $24/seat/month (with free 30-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why Use SafetyCulture?
Manufacturing companies, from small-scale workshops to massive factories, require expert planning, scheduling, and quality control to develop consistently high-quality outputs. With the help of the top-rated SafetyCulture platform and its full-featured suite of solutions, production managers and their teams can accomplish vital tasks effectively, from materials procurement to equipment maintenance, and drive operational excellence throughout the manufacturing supply chain.
Features:
- Enhance data synchronization for operational efficiency by integrating the company’s systems (e.g., ERP, CRM, MES) into the platform.
- Gain 360-degree visibility into the operations across sites by utilizing sensors to monitor assets and geo-tagging to track employees and their activities.
- Ensure accuracy in data gathering and consistency in results by using digital templates when conducting facility inspections, maintenance, and inventory checks.
- Minimize downtimes or delays by getting real-time alerts when deviations or malfunctions are observed and immediately resolving issues.
- Make better decisions for continuous improvement initiatives and ensure compliance with industry standards by reviewing KPIs, outputs, and trends.
Why Use Sage X3?
An expert provider of various software, Sage X3 is the go-to platform for companies that want a holistic solution for their manufacturing needs. With advanced production planning tools and seamless integrations, managers can create accurate schedules, allocate adequate resources, and streamline workflows to meet customer demands and deadlines.
Features:
- Control Management
- Production Cost Control Quality
- Insights On-the-Go
- Free Version: Not Available
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing (with a free trial)
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why Use Acumatica?
A cloud-based ERP software, Acumatica is one of the most prominent software solutions thanks to its flexibility and adaptability. Aside from its extensive features, manufacturers choose this platform because Acumatica offers modular applications that companies can add as their requirements grow.
Features:
- Workflow Management
- Real-Time Insights
- Projected Resource Consumption
- 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 Syspro?
Established in 1978, SYSPRO has become a leading ERP solution for manufacturers and distributors worldwide. With their sophisticated tools for supply chain management, internal operations, and organizational controls, companies across industries improve their efficiency and productivity for continued growth and profitability.
Features:
- Custom Manufacturing Operations Management
- Embedded Analytics
- Supply Chain Portal
- Free Version: Not available
- Pricing: Custom quote
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why Use Plex Systems?
Another well-known ERP software provider, Plex (now part of Rockwell Automation), is highly favored among automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery manufacturers. With its shop floor automation capabilities, companies can optimize their processes, reduce cycle times, and improve overall operational efficiency.
Features:
- Workflow Automation and Orchestration
- Centralized Dashboard
- Asset Performance Management
- Free Version: Not available
- Pricing: Custom quote
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why Use Tangle?
A cloud-based manufacturing execution system provider, Tangle caters to manufacturers of all sizes, providing digital tools for real-time monitoring, quality assurance, and workforce management. With its extensive capabilities, companies can optimize their everyday operational processes and achieve their production goals.
Features:
- Shop Floor and Quality Data Collection
- Production and Costing Management
- Customer and Vendor Portals
- Free Version: Not available
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing (with a free trial)
- Platforms supported: Available as a web-based software
Why Use Aptean?
A popular global enterprise software provider, Aptean is one of the most dependable solutions for companies that require a wide array of interconnected tools, including ERP, SCM, and CRM. Manufacturers can have optimized performance, quality standards, and regulatory compliance with this platform in their digital arsenal.
Features:
- Product Lifecycle Management
- Asset Management
- Customer Experience
- Free Version: Not Available
- Pricing: Contact for pricing (with a free trial)
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
What is Manufacturing Management Software?
Manufacturing Management Software (MMS) is a digital solution that streamlines and optimizes various processes in the manufacturing industry, from production planning to last-mile delivery. MMS consolidates data from different manufacturing stages for better decision-making, resource optimization, and improved coordination. With all these, operational managers can better schedule tasks, allocate resources, and monitor activities across the supply chain, leading to enhanced productivity and profitability.
Importance
The manufacturing process is multifaceted, encompassing various aspects, including product variety, design, process, and human factors. Manufacturing operations management software can help workers handle the complexities, ensuring they achieve their production goals within the budget and time frame initially allocated. Here are some specifics:
- Improves Planning and Scheduling – Improves Planning and Scheduling – Production managers should consider machine availability, labor shifts, maintenance schedules, and logistics to optimize resource allocation, minimize idle times, and guarantee timely product delivery. Automation is necessary since manually coordinating these processes leads to mistakes and inefficiencies.
- Enhances Inventory Management – The smallest inaccuracy in inventory spreadsheets can eat into the company’s allocated budget. Manufacturing task management software keeps digital stock catalog, raw materials listing, and storage availability, and makes the information readily available across teams, preventing stockouts and excess inventory.
- Increases Visibility into Operations – Monitoring tools provide real-time insights into production progress, resource utilization, and quality metrics. All those enable better decision-making, particularly when responding to disruptions or changes in customer demand.
- Facilitates Quality Control and Assurance – Inconsistent quality control processes result in countless reworks, product recalls, and reputational damage. By integrating quality management systems into the company’s production manufacturing management software, they can reduce defects and adhere to quality standards.
- Improves Customer Service – Aside from optimizing the supply chain process to ensure timely product delivery, the software also has robust analytics powered by business intelligence and omnichannel capabilities. It helps CX teams engage their target market to create new value and provide technical support that drives brand loyalty.
Key Features
Finding an effective solution can be challenging because there are several options with similar features, including manufacturing ERP solutions, manufacturing execution systems (MES), and material requirements planning (MRP) software. However, understanding the company’s specific needs and comparing those against the manufacturing process management software’s capabilities can help make the selection process easier.
Here are the features to look for in an effective manufacturing management solution:
- Digital Checklists for Manufacturing Workflows
- Document Management
- Production Planning and Scheduling
- Resource Allocation
- Inventory Management
- Quality Control and Assurance
- Supply Chain Visibility
- Supplier Management
- Equipment Monitoring and Maintenance Tracking
- Reporting and Analytics
- Integrations (e.g., with ERP, CRM, and QMS)
- Mobile Accessibility with Offline Capabilities
How to Choose the Right Manufacturing Management Software
Each MMS described in the list can effectively address the everyday challenges in manufacturing operations and contribute to the company’s overall efficiency, quality, and competitiveness. Before making your final choice, take another look at your options in the list below:
| Manufacturing Management Software | Free Version | Paid Plan | Mobile App |
| SafetyCulture | Yes | $24/user/month* | Yes |
| Sage | No | Contact for pricing | Yes |
| Acumatica | No | Contact for pricing | Yes |
| Syspro | No | Custom quote | Yes |
| Plex Systems | No | Custom quote | Yes |
| Tangle | No | Contact for pricing | No |
| Aptean | No | Contact for pricing | Yes |
* billed annually
Eunice Arcilla Caburao