- 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
Why use SafetyCulture?
A reliable digital solutions provider, SafetyCulture offers one of the best MRP software today. The platform can digitize data and streamline workflows, especially in planning project requirements. With its wide array of features, managers can organize production calendars, set realistic schedules, monitor inventory levels, forecast marketplace demands, and many more.
Features:
- Store relevant data, such as the master schedule, in a centralized repository and keep it secure with role-based access.
- Use checklists for procurement, inventory, and inspection from the public library to help managers conduct scheduled audits.
- Document the entirety of the plan, complete with photos and videos, to be shared with the team and other stakeholders.
- Raise issues when they arise and recommend immediate corrective actions.
- Evaluate performance and trends using robust analytics.
Why use NetSuite?
Created by Oracle, this is a comprehensive ERP cloud-based platform that unifies numerous digital solutions. It provides manufacturing companies from various sectors with everything they need, including MRP, CRM, accounting, omnichannel commerce, and several others.
Features:
- Warehouse management
- Supply chain management
- Order management and procurement
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Customized quote provided upon request (with a 15-day free trial)
- Platforms supported: Web, iOS, Android
Why use Fishbowl?
This is one of the most sought-after ERP solutions, giving companies complete visibility into their inventory and manufacturing workflows. With its wide array of features, managers can plan their operations properly, ensuring efficiency and guaranteeing productivity.
Features:
- Asset tracking and management
- Bill of materials with costing
- Purchasing and order fulfillment
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Customized quote provided upon request
- Platforms supported: Web, iOS, Android
Why use Epicor Kinetic?
Another trusted ERP software provider, Epicor helps companies by simplifying workflows and maximizing their ROI through its suite of products. One of these is their materials requirement planning, made even more powerful with business intelligence (BI) and supply chain management.
Features:
- Service and asset management
- Risk and compliance management
- Reporting with Analytics
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Customized quote provided upon request
- Platforms supported: Web, iOS, Android
Why use Infor M3?
M3 is Infor’s cloud-based ERP solution that helps companies leverage technology for their manufacturing and distribution operations. It is the perfect tool for MRP which managers can use in planning required resources and scheduling activities.
Features:
- Planning and scheduling
- Project management
- Customer and order management
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Available upon request
- Platforms supported: Web, iOS, Android
Why use Acumatica?
This cloud-based ERP solution improves every phase of the company’s operations, particularly during their materials requirement planning. Aside from its extensive suite of features, the platform can be easily integrated with the company’s current systems and scaled up or down as required.
Features:
- Warehouse and inventory management
- Cross-module workflows for collaboration
- Mobile accessibility
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Available upon registration (with a 30-day free trial)
- Platforms supported: Web, iOS, Android
Why use MRPeasy?
This powerful and intuitive digital solution helps manufacturing companies organize relevant planning information so they can manage their production and distribution processes more effectively. MRPeasy is perfect for small to medium-sized businesses across industries, from aerospace and defense to health and beauty.
Features:
- Bill of materials
- Production calendar
- Workstation and workforce capacity planning
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Starts at $44.92 per user per month for teams of up to 10, billed annually (with a 15-day free trial)
- Platforms supported: Web, iOS, Android
What is a Materials Requirement Planning Software?
Materials requirement planning software is a digital tool that aids companies in developing a production plan to minimize problems during the actual execution and ensure they are within their budget and timeframe. This involves creating a production master schedule, identifying raw materials, estimating their quantities, procuring third-party suppliers, and managing deliveries. The MRP app can be a stand-alone solution or a subset of the enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform.
Importance
Materials requirement planning was first computerized in the 1950s by Rolls-Royce and General Electric. Toyota and Black and Decker followed suit in the ‘60s. By the following decade, over 700 companies jumped on the bandwagon and benefited from it. Here are some reasons why you should invest in this:
- Optimizes resource allocation – Bil of materials (BOM) is an essential feature in the MRP system. The digitized version of this extensive list provides the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of every single component needed for production. It also provides details like the right time for procurement or delivery. Finally, it helps managers properly allocate funds and disburse payments at the right time.
- Reduces delays – Another crucial feature in the MRP software is the master production schedule. Based on current capacity, customer orders, and forecasts, this comprehensive timetable helps managers prioritize the workflows. With the help of notifications, everyone can work within schedule.
- Improves collaboration with teams – Most platforms act as a conduit between teams so they are all on the same page. Planners share the master schedule with everyone. Warehouse managers check their inventory and update the rest about what’s available. Procurers inform the disbursement department of what they need. Accountants balance the sheets to confirm prudent spending. Digitization and automation ensure quick and efficient practices from all departments
- Measures success or need for improvement – With the analytics feature of MRP software, operations are monitored and evaluated in real-time. Managers can immediately see if their plans are productive or if they need to make some adjustments.
- Boosts productivity and improves quality – These are the main goals of MRP. Digital solutions ensure accurate information and optimized workflows. And when all stakeholders are informed about this, they are empowered to accomplish their tasks with the best practices in mind.
Key Features
If you’re ready to reap the numerous benefits of integrating materials requirement planning software into your system, make sure that it has all the necessary features. Read on before you invest in one.
- Data management and documentation
- Scheduling with alerts and notifications
- Bill of materials
- Inventory management and tracking
- Warehouse management
- Purchase and production planning
- Inter-departmental collaboration
- Workforce planning and scheduling
- Demand forecasting
- Order scheduling
- Procurement and purchasing
- Sales and operations planning
- Invoicing, shipping, and receiving management
- Reporting with analytics
Choosing the Right Materials Requirement Planning Software
Any of the digital solutions mentioned above would be an asset to your company. Before you make your final decision, take a quick look at the summary below:
| Materials Requirement Planning Software | Free Version | Paid Plan | Mobile App |
| SafetyCulture | Yes | $24/user/month* | Yes |
| NetSuite | No | Custom quote | Yes |
| Fishbowl | No | Custom quote | Yes |
| Epicor Kinetic | No | Custom quote | Yes |
| Infor M3 | No | Available upon request | Yes |
| Acumatica | No | Available upon registration | Yes |
| MRPeasy | No | $44.92/month* | Yes |
* billed annually
Eunice Arcilla Caburao