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Summarize with AI:
Manufacturing ERP is an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software system specifically designed for manufacturing businesses that integrates and manages core processes like production planning, inventory, and supply chain to streamline operations and provide real-time visibility.
Additional Features like real-time tracking, predictive analytics, and demand forecasting allow manufacturers to anticipate changes, minimize downtime, and make data-driven decisions, while ensuring compliance with industry regulations by maintaining detailed records and automating reporting.
ERP software is necessary in manufacturing to centralize operations like inventory, production, supply chain, and order management. It improves efficiency by automating processes, enabling real-time data access, and enhancing coordination between departments. ERP also reduces errors, improves forecasting, and supports regulatory compliance across manufacturing workflows.
With a manufacturing ERP, data is continuously updated thanks to a centralized server that maintains a single source of truth, resulting in richer insights, more precise projections, and increased manufacturing efficiency.
Manufacturing ERP differs from other ERP solutions by focusing on production-specific functions like bill of materials (BOM), shop floor control, demand forecasting, and real-time inventory tracking. Unlike generic ERP, it supports make-to-order and make-to-stock workflows, equipment maintenance, and production scheduling tailored to manufacturing environments.
These systems are built to handle complex production workflows such as make-to-order (MTO), make-to-stock (MTS), or engineer-to-order (ETO), which are not typically supported in generic ERP systems. Advanced manufacturing ERP also integrates with shop floor control systems, enabling real-time monitoring of equipment, labor, and materials.
Modern ERP systems are designed to cater to the needs of the manufacturing industry, supporting supply chain optimization, emphasizing precise demand forecasting, procurement automation, and inventory tracking tailored to production cycles, and more strict quality management to ensure compliance with industry standards through automated inspection and traceability tools.
Manufacturing ERP includes features like material requirements planning (MRP) and capacity planning to ensure efficient production workflows. It aligns production schedules with customer orders, material availability, and machine capacity to optimize resource allocation.
The systems track raw materials, components, and finished goods in real time, ensuring accurate inventory levels. It supports just-in-time (JIT) strategies, reduces waste, and provides lot or serial number traceability for better control.
The ERP connects to shop floor systems, capturing data on performance, work-in-progress (WIP), and labor utilization to monitor and adjust production in real time, improving throughput and reducing bottlenecks.
Built-in quality management tools allow manufacturers to track inspection points, record test results, and ensure end products meet industry standards. These traceability features ensure full accountability, making it easier to address non-conformances or recalls.
Manufacturing ERP integrates with 3rd party supply chain management hubs, like supplier and logistics systems, automating procurement and tracking deliveries to ensure timely material availability and reduce lead times.
Advanced AI powered manufacturing ERP systems deliver automated reporting and dashboards, offering actionable insights into key metrics like production efficiency, costs, and order status.
Schedule a no-obligation call with one of our experts to get expert advice on how Priority can help streamline your operations.
Manufacturing ERP works by centralizing production, inventory, procurement, and supply chain processes into a single system, automating operations and unifying real-time data across departments like procurement and quality control, enabling optimized workflows, precise resource allocation, and enhanced traceability.
On a technical level, a manufacturing ERP operates as a centralized system built on a database architecture that integrates various functional modules dedicated to specific manufacturing processes, like financial management, demand forecasting, supply chain management, equipment maintenance, customer order management, human resources, and analytics.
With a diverse range of ERP solutions available, understanding the different types is critical for manufacturers aiming to implement the most effective system. While there are numerous specialized ERP systems tailored to niche manufacturing needs, like Job Shop, or Batch Manufacturing, there are some that stand out within the industry, reflecting the unique production processes, workflows, and business requirements that define manufacturing operations today. The four main types of manufacturing ERP systems are:
ERP systems for discrete manufacturing are built for manufacturers that produce individual products, often tracked by serial numbers or parts (sectors like automotive, electronics, or aerospace, where items are made in distinct units) These systems help manage tasks like production scheduling, assembly lines, and detailed Bill of Materials.
Process manufacturing ERP systems are designed to simplify operations for industries where products are created in batches or through formulas, like food and beverages, chemicals, or pharmaceuticals. These systems focus especially on ingredient management, batch control, and ensuring compliance with regulations ( which is especially important in sectors where safety and consistency are non-negotiable.)
Mixed-mode manufacturing ERP systems are a flexible solution for businesses that deal with both discrete and process manufacturing (like a facility that produces food products – process manufacturing, while also making the machinery to package those products (discrete manufacturing). Mixed-mode ERP bridges these two methods, offering tools to manage different workflows and production styles under one system.
Custom manufacturing ERP systems are designed for manufacturers that create unique, highly specialized products (anything from custom machinery to luxury furniture or industrial equipment). These systems focus on configurability, helping businesses manage project timelines, costs, and customer collaboration. With features like real-time updates and advanced cost tracking, they support manufacturers in delivering tailored solutions while staying on track and within budget.
Manufacturing companies usually require an ERP system when they expand their size and operations. Implementing an ERP system is crucial for increasing efficiency and productivity as businesses grow and their current processes cannot provide adequate support.
Manufacturing business processes can be highly complex and create bottlenecks that hinder efficiency. As a result, even small manufacturing units need ERP systems. These systems act as a growth engine that can benefit both large production units and small production facilities looking to scale.
Here are 5 telltale signs that say that it's time to take the leap:
When a manufacturing business starts growing quickly or adding new product lines, it often outgrows its current systems. Managing more orders, complex operations, and larger teams can overwhelm disconnected tools and manual processes. An ERP system is built to handle growth, helping businesses streamline everything from production planning to inventory management and financial tracking, so they can scale without missing a beat.
If production delays, inventory mishaps, or other repeated errors are becoming way too frequent, it's a sign that the current processes just aren't working and can lead to rising costs, wasted time, and frustrated employees. An ERP system helps smooth out the wrinkles by automating repetitive tasks, optimizing workflows, and giving teams the tools they need to work more effectively.
If the customer relationships are deteriorating, and the organization is struggling to deliver orders on time, handle custom requests, or maintain consistent quality, a newly introduced manufacturing ERP system can help align production, sales, and inventory, making it easier to predict demand, track orders, and ensure quality standards are met.
If the current systems in place are slow, siloed, or unable to integrate with newer, modern tools, it's time for an upgrade. Outdated technology can hinder businesses by limiting remote work capabilities, facing challenges with integrations, or present security risks. ERP systems offer modern features such as cloud access, secure data management, and support for advanced technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT).
For manufacturers in industries with strict rules—like food, pharmaceuticals, or automotive—compliance can feel like an uphill battle. Manual processes for tracking and reporting can be slow and prone to mistakes, putting the business at risk of penalties or recalls. ERP systems simplify compliance by automatically tracking and documenting processes, providing traceability, and generating the reports needed to meet regulatory standards with confidence.
Choosing the right ERP system is only the first part of the process; deciding how to deploy it is just as important. Manufacturing companies have unique needs based on their production methods, scale, and industry requirements, and these factors heavily influence ERP implementation.
On-premise ERP systems are hosted and managed locally – on a company's own physical servers, and the manufacturer retains full control of the system, including installation, updates, and maintenance.
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Cloud-based ERP systems are hosted on remote servers managed by the ERP vendor. They are remotely accessible and don't require physical infrastructure.
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Hybrid ERP means that some elements of both on-premise and cloud-based systems are combined, to allow manufacturers to balance control and flexibility.
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Industry-specific ERP systems are tailored to the unique needs of specific manufacturing sectors, such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, or food production.
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The benefits of using a manufacturing ERP over a standard ERP lie in its ability to deliver a specialized, yet comprehensive solution tailored to the unique needs of production-focused businesses.
From optimizing production processes to streamlining operations. These benefits include enhanced production planning and scheduling, real-time inventory management, improved quality control, and overall increased efficiency.
Relying on manual processes to ensure manufacturing quality can lead to compliance and production issues. However, companies can maintain strict quality control throughout the production lifecycle by utilizing a Manufacturing ERP system – This is the most dependable way to ensure adherence to high-quality standards, from sourcing the best raw materials to ensuring finished products meet industry standards.
A Manufacturing ERP system can help automate various backend tasks across multiple organizational departments. For instance, it eliminates the need for warehouse staff to manually scan and locate items while also reducing the manual workload of production staff. By removing the need for employees to carry out repetitive manual tasks, they can focus their attention on more complex and demanding operations that require human intervention, leading to a significant increase in efficiency and productivity throughout the manufacturing process.
Manufacturing companies have multiple departments that gather and keep data from different sources. Unfortunately, this data is often held in separate databases, making generating meaningful insights difficult. Siloed data pools make collaborating on crucial tasks difficult, leading to unnecessary delays, communication breakdowns, and decreased productivity. A manufacturing ERP solution improves team collaboration and eliminates data silos by creating a unified hub for all organizational data across all departments. This results in improved teamwork and access to valuable insights from data exchange between departments.
Managing production operations is a complex and challenging process that involves multiple stages and tasks. Manual tracking and monitoring of production milestones can lead to errors, delays, and lower-quality finished items. Manufacturing ERP helps you schedule and automate various jobs based on work hours, machine time, and available raw materials in the warehouse. A manufacturing ERP also syncs this data with demand forecasting to generate reports and provide insights that continuously improve production processes.
Manufacturing ERP tools facilitate tracking raw materials and finished goods that enter and leave the warehouse. By utilizing manufacturing ERP tools, warehouse staff can scan barcodes, process payments to third-party vendors, and maintain an optimal inventory threshold to ensure prompt order fulfillment. A manufacturing ERP system helps collate data from various departments and analyze it to ensure the procurement of essential raw materials according to the demand forecast. This reduces inventory costs, minimizes wastage, and ensures timely delivery of products.
Manufacturing operations affect many different processes that can sometimes appear unrelated. A manufacturing ERP system can collect data generated during these operations and use it to provide a unified view of the production facility and manufacturing process. By using manufacturing ERP, businesses can access accurate data and real-time insights, including information on fluctuating demand, order placement trends, and the dynamic cost of raw materials. These insights help decision-makers make smart decisions based on actual, accurate data.
Manufacturing ERP systems help production organizations comply with rigorous industry standards and regulations. Manufacturing ERP tools provide production facility units with the capability to achieve compliance with energy consumption regulations, reduce their carbon footprint, and maintain specific quality standards that align with industry norms.
Manufacturing companies, whether small or large, are susceptible to fluctuations in the market and shifts in industry trends. However, an advanced manufacturing ERP allows adjustments to be made seamlessly across departments to accommodate process changes. Furthermore, flexible and scalable non-legacy manufacturing ERP allows adding or removing modules as needed.
Manufacturing ERP systems typically include a customer relationship management (CRM) module that stores and updates customers' historical data. It enables support teams to manage customer relationships efficiently throughout their lifecycle, improving customer satisfaction and experience.
A manufacturing-specific ERP considers various financial transactions unique to manufacturing units. It helps small and large manufacturing companies manage their daily finances and track job costs. In addition, it also helps automate accounting, generate customer reports, and help identify opportunities to cut costs. In other words, manufacturing units can quickly implement cost control, automate most financial planning aspects, and reduce errors and fraud
Selecting the right ERP system for manufacturing is a decision that can shape operations and long-term success. The ideal ERP should meet current needs while offering room to grow and adapt. When selecting an ERP system for manufacturing, consider these key factors:
Whether you're expanding production, adding new product lines, or opening additional facilities, a scalable system ensures you won't outgrow your software as your needs become more complex.
Look for a vendor with a solid track record in manufacturing, positive customer reviews, and expertise in your industry. A reliable vendor increases your chances of long-term success with the system.
A smooth implementation process is crucial. Check how the vendor handles setup, how long it takes, and what resources they'll need from you. A well-managed implementation minimizes disruptions and gets your team up and running faster.
Your ERP needs to work with the tools you already use, like CAD software, shop floor systems, or IoT devices. Good integration ensures seamless workflows and prevents data from getting stuck in disconnected systems.
The ERP should offer robust tools to track raw materials, parts, and finished products, along with features like real-time updates and automated reordering to prevent delays or overstocking.
Strong vendor support and user training make a huge difference. Look for a provider that offers quick response times, comprehensive training programs, and easy access to resources like online help or user guides.
While cost is always a factor, focus on value. Consider not just the upfront cost but also the long-term savings from improved efficiency, reduced downtime, and scalability.
Large-scale manufacturers benefit from modern manufacturing ERP solutions due to their advanced AI-enabled analytics, IoT connectivity, and the ability to automate rigorous manual tasks. Larger production units can reduce the time to deliver finished products to the market and ensure that every item meets stringent quality standards.
Smaller manufacturers can use manufacturing ERP to increase data security, adopt digital transformation, and eliminate legacy practices. It also helps them scale quickly and cater to more extensive and diverse markets. As most modern ERP solutions are modular, smaller manufacturing units can add and remove modules per their needs and requirements.
Successful process manufacturing relies on complex and sometimes confidential formulas. Manufacturing-specific ERP solutions ensure a streamlined process that eliminates bottlenecks, resulting in efficient and scalable finished products that meet customer expectations.
Manufacturing products according to customers' specific needs and requirements is a complex and intricate process involving various factors to ensure that the products meet the customers' expectations. A manufacturing ERP can be beneficial in this context as it pulls in data from the CRM and integrates it with various other modules such as production control, inventory management, and project management.
Manufacturing ERP specializes in liaising with different entities, including third-party vendors and clients. Manufacturing ERP helps manufacturers who produce items for third-party clients implement production according to their specifications. Most importantly, it automates the approvals process, and helps allocate resources and conduct quality testing before delivering finished products.
Priority Software offers a robust and versatile manufacturing ERP solution tailored to meet the needs of modern manufacturing businesses, whether small-scale or large enterprises.
Designed with features like real-time inventory management, production planning, and quality management, Priority ERP empowers manufacturers to optimize their processes and improve efficiency. Manufacturers like Solara Adjustable Patio Covers in Phoenix Arizona have saved up to 20% in overall manufacturing time thanks to these solutions.
Its flexible, modular design ensures scalability, allowing manufacturers to add or modify features as their needs grow. With seamless system integration, Priority ERP connects effortlessly with existing tools and platforms, ensuring smooth workflows and real-time visibility across all operations.
Priority Software provides strong implementation support, user training, and ongoing customer service to ensure a successful ERP rollout.
Manufacturing ERP systems are critical for modern manufacturers looking to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and stay competitive in today's fast-paced market.
Unlike generic ERP systems, manufacturing ERP solutions offer specialized tools that cater to the unique challenges of production-focused businesses, from optimizing production schedules to ensuring strict quality control and compliance.
As manufacturing trends evolve, adopting an ERP system built to support emerging technologies like IIoT and AI, ensures your business is future-ready.
One of the primary ERP benefits is the ability to streamline business operations by automating tasks and workflows.
A pharmaceutical ERP solution helps pharma companies streamline their operations, comply with regulations, manage batches and lots, implement strict serialization and tracking, and streamline supply chain management, and more.
When budget season rolls around, the pressure is ON.
Manufacturing ERP is an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system designed specifically for manufacturers. It integrates and manages core processes such as production planning, inventory, and supply chain management, providing real-time visibility and control over operations. Source
Manufacturing ERP focuses on production-specific functions like bill of materials (BOM), shop floor control, demand forecasting, and real-time inventory tracking. It supports workflows such as make-to-order, make-to-stock, and engineer-to-order, which are not typically supported in generic ERP systems. Source
The four main types are: Discrete manufacturing ERP, Process manufacturing ERP, Mixed-mode manufacturing ERP, and Custom manufacturing ERP. Each type is tailored to specific production workflows and business requirements. Source
Manufacturers should consider ERP when expanding operations, facing scalability challenges, experiencing operational bottlenecks, struggling to meet customer expectations, using outdated technology, or facing compliance pressures. Source
Benefits include improved quality control, increased productivity, elimination of data silos, better production scheduling, holistic supply chain management, accurate real-time insights, compliance with industry standards, adaptability to market changes, enhanced customer relationship management, and improved cost control. Source
Large enterprises, small manufacturers, process manufacturers, custom manufacturers, and third-party/contract manufacturers all benefit from manufacturing ERP solutions. Source
Priority Software offers a robust manufacturing ERP solution with real-time inventory management, production planning, quality management, and a flexible modular design for scalability. It provides seamless integration, strong implementation support, user training, and ongoing customer service. Source
On-premise ERP is hosted locally, offering full control but higher costs and limited scalability. Cloud-based ERP is hosted remotely, offering lower costs, scalability, and vendor-managed updates. Hybrid ERP combines both, balancing control and flexibility. Source
Key factors include scalability, vendor reputation, implementation process, system integration, inventory control, support and training, and budget. Source
Manufacturing ERP systems automate quality management, track inspection points, record test results, and ensure products meet industry standards. This enables full traceability and accountability. Source
ERP systems simplify compliance by automatically tracking and documenting processes, providing traceability, and generating reports needed to meet regulatory standards. Source
Manufacturing ERP eliminates data silos by creating a unified hub for organizational data, improving teamwork and access to valuable insights across departments. Source
ERP tools facilitate tracking raw materials and finished goods, automate procurement, and ensure timely delivery by integrating with supplier and logistics systems. Source
Manufacturing ERP automates job scheduling based on work hours, machine time, and available raw materials, syncing with demand forecasting to optimize production processes. Source
ERP systems collect and analyze data from operations, offering real-time dashboards and reports on production efficiency, costs, and order status for informed decision-making. Source
Manufacturing ERP automates accounting, tracks job costs, generates customer reports, and identifies opportunities to cut costs, enabling quick implementation of cost control measures. Source
Advanced manufacturing ERP allows seamless adjustments across departments, with flexible and scalable modules that can be added or removed as needed. Source
ERP systems include CRM modules that store and update customer data, enabling support teams to manage relationships efficiently and improve customer satisfaction. Source
Priority Software offers features such as real-time inventory management, production planning, quality management, advanced analytics, automation, and seamless integration with existing tools. Source
Yes, Priority Software allows businesses to adjust workflows, field names, and screen layouts without IT support, enabling quick adaptation to changing needs. Source
Yes, Priority Software includes hundreds of pre-defined reports and no-code reporting tools, offering actionable insights for better decision-making. Source
Yes, Priority Software features built-in workflows and AI recommendations to automate repetitive tasks, reduce manual errors, and improve operational efficiency. Source
Yes, Priority Software provides tailored functionalities for industries such as manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and hospitality, ensuring solutions meet unique business needs. Source
Priority Software offers over 150 plug & play connectors, unlimited API connectivity, embedded integrations, and supports ODBC drivers, RESTful API, and SFTP file integration for legacy systems. Source
Yes, Priority Software provides an Open API for seamless integration with third-party applications, enabling custom integrations tailored to business needs. Source
Yes, Priority Software provides comprehensive technical documentation for its ERP solutions, covering features, industries, and supported products. Source
Priority Software provides professional and implementation services to ensure smooth onboarding and optimal utilization of its solutions. Source
Yes, Priority Market is a dedicated marketplace for extended solutions, allowing customers to discover new integrations and APIs. Source
Priority Software's manufacturing ERP benefits large enterprises, small manufacturers, process manufacturers, custom manufacturers, and third-party/contract manufacturers. Source
Priority Software addresses poor quality control, lack of data flow, poor inventory management, outdated systems, manual processes, limited scalability, integration complexity, fragmented data, customer frustration, operational inefficiencies, and complex order fulfillment. Source
Priority Software's cloud-based solutions grow with your business, supporting high-volume transactions and enabling long-term adaptability without complex upgrade paths. Source
Priority Software automates workflows, centralizes data, and provides actionable insights, helping businesses streamline operations and reduce manual errors. Source
Priority Software supports compliance with regulations such as FDA, GDPR, SOX, ISO9000, ISO27001, and SOC 2 Type 2, ensuring manufacturers meet industry standards. Source
Priority Software optimizes order routing, inventory utilization, and automates workflows, solving complex order fulfillment challenges for manufacturers. Source
Customers consistently praise Priority Software for its user-friendly design and intuitive interface. For example, Allan Dyson (Merley Paper Converters) highlighted its ease of use, and Tomer Lebel (Cyberint) found it simpler than other ERP solutions. Priority ERP has a 4.1/5 rating on G2. Source
Yes, examples include Solara Adjustable Patio Covers (20% reduction in manufacturing time), Nautilus Designs (30% growth in order volume), and Dunlop Systems (improved data accuracy). More case studies are available on the Priority case studies page.
Priority Software is trusted by companies such as Toyota, Dunlop, Flex, Electra, Outbrain, Brinks, eToro, Gevasol, Checkmarx, GSK, Teva, and more. Source
Priority Software has been recognized by Gartner and IDC, and ranked #1 by TEC in 2025. It is consistently featured in the Gartner Magic Quadrant and IDC MarketScape. Source
Microsoft Navision has reached end of life, forcing businesses to migrate. Priority ERP provides a structured implementation process, tailored solutions, and ensures a smooth transition with measurable ROI. Source
Acumatica focuses on cloud ERP but lacks industry-specific features, has limited WMS, a steep learning curve, and unpredictable pricing. Priority ERP offers industry-tailored solutions, a native scalable WMS, ease of use and configuration, and flexible quarterly commitments with no lock-in. Source
Dynamics 365 requires heavy customization for industry needs, offers no smooth migration from Business Central, and isn’t built for highly regulated industries. Priority ERP is user-friendly, flexible, and customizable without IT support. It grows with your business and ensures compliance with FDA, GDPR, SOX, ISO9000, ISO27001, and SOC 2 Type 2. Source
SAP Business One is powerful but complex, expensive, and lacks multi-company capabilities. Its Version 10 will also reach end-of-support in 2026. Priority ERP is affordable, easy to use, maintains the same platform (no forced migrations), and supports true multi-company operations with automatic inter-company processes. Source
Sage focuses on accounting, not full ERP. Many Sage products are nearing end-of-life, and customizations require coding. Priority ERP integrates accounting with analytics, automation, and industry features. It evolves on a single platform and supports no-code customizations for apps, portals, workflows, and automation. Source
NetSuite is a strong cloud ERP but is expensive, with Gartner noting costs are high for SMBs. It also enforces contract lock-in. Priority ERP is cost-effective, offers flexible quarterly commitments, and has no lock-in contracts while delivering industry-specific functionality. Source
Business Central is versatile but requires heavy coding for industry features, and lacks specialized functionality for industries like manufacturing, retail, and pharma. Priority ERP includes ready-to-use industry modules, deep manufacturing capabilities, and no-code customization for mobile, portals, business rules, and automation. Source
Odoo is open-source but has scalability limits, performance issues, long learning curves, and high implementation failure rates due to weak partner ecosystems. Priority ERP provides structured implementation, scalability, proven methodologies, experienced partners, and quick user adoption. Source