Top 10 Software Solutions for Manufacturing

Let's face it, the manufacturing industry has a lot of moving parts, and software is required to keep a lot of it straight. From creating expense reports to reaching potential clients and reviewing inventory, the modern manufacturing company is tech-driven. To keep up with the global supply chain, there's really no other way to maintain operational efficiency.

For management, the technology requirement can become a hassle. After all, there are so many software solutions for the manufacturing industry. Enterprise resource planning software (ERP), manufacturing execution system solutions (MES), shipping schedules, inventory management, and product quality are just a few of the tasks that have multiple options for a technology solution.

We took a look at what software solutions are on the market for manufacturing today. And we made a list of the top 10 manufacturing software solutions that should be on your radar.

Top 10 Software Solutions for Manufacturing

1. Oracle NetSuite

We'll start off with what we know best - ERPs. Cash flow is crucial to survive and thrive in the manufacturing space, so a solid ERP should be the first thing on your agenda. Oracle NetSuite Credit Card Processing is one of the top ERPs worldwide, and it provides a lot more than just basic cash flow management.

So what makes NetSuite so great?

First off, NetSuite is completely cloud-based, so your accounting team can access the platform both in the office and at home - or anywhere with an internet connection. Next, NetSuite can generation reports with real-time information, help your AP/AR teams find areas to save, manage inventory costs, enhance business reporting, and provide full visibility into the supply chain.

Finally, NetSuite isn't just a financial ERP software. It's really an end-to-end solution that includes additional features, such as customer relationship management (CRM), eCommerce support, and professional services automation.

But that's not all. As one of the well-known ERPs in the world, there are hundreds of integrations that can make this solution more powerful.

2. Jira

When dealing with several moving parts and multiple departments, having a customizable and easy-to-use task manager is critical. Originally created to support developers, Jira is a task management solution with features every manufacturing company can appreciate.

Managers can create plans, assign tasks, prioritize projects, and review team performance in real-time. It's easier than ever to spot bottlenecks with the backlog category, while also reviewing the roadmap for current goals.

But manufacturing companies can really reap the benefits with its different automation features. When a certain action takes place, rules within the platform can be set to run automatically. For example, once department A finishes a task, it will automatically be assigned to department B, without the project manager constantly keeping track of each workflow.

3. Benchmark ESG's Gensuite

Maintaining high-quality standards is essential for building long-term customer relationships. And with the increasing demand from customers and end-consumers for sustainable manufacturing measures, adhering to the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards is more important than ever.

Benchmark ESG's Gensuite is a software solution that focuses on helping businesses effectively manage risk and compliance, EHS, sustainability, product stewardship, and responsible sourcing. They've been around for 20 years, and customers time and time again highlight the amazing customer service and functionality.

4. Qualityze Suite

Built on the Salesforce platform, Qualityze is another quality management platform. It offers an array of tools and services to help manufacturing companies stay on top of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and other compliance measures.

As a cloud-based system, Qualityze can be accessed from anywhere and doesn't require specific hardware to run. At the same time, a manufacturing business can track everything from document management to CAPA compliance and other aspects of their manufacturing system and business process.

5. Infor

Infor is another manufacturing solution that provides enterprise resource planning (ERP) and supply chain management software. This platform provides support for production planning, inventory management, and order tracking, among other features.

6. Intellistant CRM

Intellistant is a customer relationship management and business process platform geared to helping companies automate crucial business activities. On top of lead management, email integrations, online quotes, and task management capabilities, Intellistant also provides warehouse and inventory management solutions.

7. Sage Intacct

As one of the global leaders in Accounting and Financial management software, Sage Intacct is an ERP that helps manufacturing companies streamline vendor payments, calculate sales tax, manage orders, and manage inventory. Like NetSuite, this popular ERP can integrate with numerous plugins and other platforms for a smart manufacturing solution.

8. Salesforce

Salesforce is a cloud-based solution that focuses on CRM and sales. This means the platform includes solutions for lead management, marketing automation, and contact management. Automating repetitive sales tasks not only boosts your team's efficiency but also provides access to enhanced analytics, which in turn helps with advanced planning.

Plus, as a leader in the industry, Salesforce has hundreds of high-quality integrations to make the process even easier.

9. Xero

More than just another accounting software, Xero is ideal for small teams or manufacturers just starting out. With Xero, your accounting team can easily track projects, pay bills, accept payments, and capture essential data. You can also keep track of purchase orders, manage inventory, provide quotes, and more.

10. Smart IP & O

Positioned as the ultimate software for inventory management, advanced planning, and process optimization, Spart IP & O makes it easy to review stocking policy and improve forecast accuracy. With an emphasis on planning and inventory, Smart IP & O aims to help companies improve their manufacturing operation and efficiency through data. It also integrates with major ERPs to sync data with your system in real-time.

Automate your Manufacturing ERP Software

Whether you use NetSuite, Xero, or Sage Intacct, having an advanced ERP is just part of the total software solution. You can also automate the AR process to speed up B2B Payments, get more data, and create a user-friendly experience - without leaving your ERP dashboard.

To learn more about how to optimize your manufacturing ERP software while reducing costs, check out

this webinar

on turning payments into a strategic advantage for your manufacturing company.