11+ Top Software for Manufacturers (ERP, Attendance Management, & More) [2024]

Did you know that 70 percent of automotive companies are using smart factory initiatives to scale production? That manufacturing companies are the number one user of ERP software? Or that multinational 3PL companies have seen almost a 40% reduction in absenteeism thanks to attendance management systems?

Manufacturing software has helped make the manufacturing industry more standardized and efficient. From ERP software to attendance tracking, manufacturing supervisors can say goodbye to manual spreadsheets and paperwork and hello to smooth workflows and product lines.

Of course, selecting the right software for your manufacturing team isn’t always straightforward. So if you need some help, you’re in the right place! We’ve curated a list of some of the best manufacturing software for you.

First, let’s start with the basics.

What is Manufacturing Software?

Manufacturing software allows manufacturing and production companies to manage and automate all facets of their operations. This technology can help businesses cut costs, improve product quality, and increase productivity.

Types of Software for Manufacturing

There is a wide range of software available to manufacturers to help improve their production processes and maximize efficiencies. Let’s take a look at some of the tools used throughout the manufacturing industry.

Manufacturing ERP & Accounting Software

Enterprise Resource Planning and accounting tools centralize various facility operations, from payroll to inventory management to equipment performance. ERP software often integrates with an organization’s current accounting systems to provide real-time visibility into financials and help management make informed decisions.

Manufacturing Execution Systems

Manufacturing Execution Systems, or MES, are tools that ensure the manufacturing process prioritizes quality and efficiency. They collect and connect data from different sources, like equipment sensors, production statuses, and other manufacturing software to help provide complete visibility into every project.

MES can help boost efficiency in production, lower waste, and improve the overall quality of the product.

Attendance Management

Attendance management software helps document manufacturing employees' work hours and time off. However, not all attendance management software is the same. Some require apps, others use complicated IVRs…but some are simple, easy to use, and loved by employees and employers.

For example, the text-based employee call-off system we offer at TeamSense allows your team to communicate without any complicated technology or downloads. Employees send a text to a predetermined number, fill out the short, standardized form they receive back, and then managers get an automatic text notification.

Our platform’s quick adoption by employees and supervisors makes it a win for everyone!

Quality Management Systems

Quality management systems, or QMS, provide a framework for setting and upholding quality standards that meet customer expectations and are compliant with industry requirements. These systems help manufacturers reach or exceed quality goals, continuously improve, and boost customer satisfaction.

Supply Chain Management

Supply chain management software keeps the flow of goods in check–from raw materials to the final product–so companies can optimize costs while quickly getting their product out to consumers. Reliable supply chain management can also provide legal protection and prevent expensive product recalls.

Production Planning & Scheduling

We all need a helping hand sometimes and when it comes to all the little scheduling details, a manual planner won't work. Great production planning and scheduling software make it easy to view employee schedules, monitor work centers and source materials, and estimate accurate lead times.

Computer Aided Design Software

Computer-aided design, or CAD, software is used to create two-dimensional or three-dimensional objects or designs of physical components. It’s one of the most critical items in any design process for manufacturing or engineering.

CAD software is used in many industries, like engineering, design, architecture, and production. It helps people quickly create highly detailed models, components, and assemblies with precision.

Inventory Management

Inventory management oversees and controls the flow of goods and materials within an organization. It involves planning, tracking, and optimizing inventory levels to ensure that the right products are available at the right time, quantity, and location.

Best Software for Manufacturers

Now that we’ve covered the types of manufacturing software, it’s time to get into the heart of the article: some of the best tools on the market!

The ideal manufacturing software tech stack includes a variety of tools that will simplify and streamline your work, so this list will cover options for ERP software, attendance tracking, supply chain management, and more. Let’s begin!

TeamSense

Software Type: Attendance tracking and management

The TeamSense absence management system allows manufacturing employees to inform employers of their absences via text–bypassing the need for company email addresses, lengthy phone calls, and complex mobile phone applications.

Employees just text a specified keyword to their company's number and answer the quick and intuitive survey they receive back. Managers will be notified immediately–and can then use our other messaging tools to quickly fill up the vacant shifts.

Our platform allows employees to access their schedules, request time off, and communicate with their managers–all via text. They can also use text messages to reach an employee self-service portal where supervisors can add company documents covering everything from employee handbooks to safety incident reporting guides.

Key Features:

• Text-based call-off system

• Automated IVR options

• Self-service access for employees to request time off or view employee handbooks, policies, and forms

• Employee engagement surveys and recognition programs

• Attendance insights and reporting

• 19 language options

Pricing:

• Basic: $3 per user, per month

• Pro: $5 per user, per month

• Advanced: $8 per user, per month

Absenteeism can have serious effects on manufacturing productivity. Upgrade to TeamSense for efficient attendance tracking that will unlock your manufacturing team's true potential.

NetSuite

Software Type: ERP

NetSuite is an all-in-one software specializing in financials and ERP. Their goal is to help businesses gain more visibility and agility while scaling. They provide an integrated system to help with budgeting, inventory management, HR, automation, and omnichannel e-commerce.

NetSuite's automation capabilities help companies simplify processes, reduce manual errors, and improve productivity.

Source

Key Features:

• Financial management

• Inventory management

• Supply chain management

• Warehousing and fulfillment

• Payment management

• Marketing automation

• Customer service management

• Salesforce automation

Pricing: There isn’t any pricing information on their website so you have to request a personal demo.

Acumatica Cloud ERP

Software Type: ERP

Acumatica is a cloud software that tracks customer interactions and documents business insights in real time. Acumatica can automate financial management, inventory control, project management, and customer relationship management processes. It also provides real-time analytics and reporting, so businesses have the insights they need to make informed decisions.

It offers a flexible pricing model that can be tailored to fit the needs and budget of any business.

Key Features:

• Multi-entity and intercompany accounting

• Customized reports and inquiries

• Flexible production methods

• Easy integrations

• Planning and scheduling

• Project accounting

• Budget reporting

Pricing: They don’t offer pricing information on their website, so you have to request a demo.

JobBOSS

Software Type: Supply chain management

JobBOSS is an all-in-one business management system that offers a range of features and services, including job scheduling and tracking, inventory management, accounting and financial reporting, and customer management. The software also includes reporting and analytics tools so businesses can track key metrics and identify areas for improvement.

Key Features:

• Automates orders and projects processes

• Manages supply chain activity

• Matching material supplies

• Handles inventory

• Scheduling software monitors employees and machines

• Data Collection Module provides data on manufacturing operations

Pricing: For all three of their plans, users must contact their sales team for a quote.

GanttPRO

GanttPRO is a project management tool that can help users plan, organize, and track projects effectively with Gantt charts that make visual representations of project timelines and tasks. The charts allow users to see the project's progress, identify potential delays or issues, and adjust the project plan as needed.

GanttPRO also offers resource management and team collaboration tools so users can assign tasks to team members, track progress, and communicate with them in real time.

Key Features:

• Track dates, tasks, deadlines, assignees, and more

• Customizable project calendar

• Real-time data synchronization for up-to-date project information

• Integrates with Slack, Jira Cloud, API, Google Drive, and other apps

Pricing:

• Basic: $7.99/month

• Pro: $12.99/month

• Business: $19.99/month

• Enterprise: Companies need to contact the sales team for a quote

Software Type: ERP

Fishbowl is an ERP software that helps businesses manage their inventory levels, track their products, and optimize their supply chain processes. It also integrates with various e-commerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Shopify, making it easy for businesses to sell their products online.

Its reporting and analytics tools help users monitor their business performance, identify trends, and make more informed decisions.

Key Features:

• Wholesale and distribution

• Cost tracking

• Full-featured manufacturing management

• Capacity planning

• Work order management

• Labor cost capture

Pricing:

• Fishbowl Drive: Starters at $349/month for warehousing

• Fishbowl Advanced:

  • Warehousing: $399/month

  • Manufacturing: $499/month

    • Hosting for manufacturing: $299/month

• Add-ons: $49 for each add-on per month

Megaventory

Software Type: Inventory management

Megaventory is a cloud-based inventory management software that helps businesses track their inventory levels, automate reordering, and predict demand accurately. It also provides barcode scanning, batch tracking, and serial number tracking. Real-time inventory allows for visibility across multiple locations so businesses can manage stock levels and purchasing decisions.

The software integrates with other systems, such as e-commerce platforms, accounting software, and shipping carriers, making it a comprehensive solution for all inventory-related needs.

Source

Key Features:

• Automated fulfillment capability checks

• Data can be backed and restored at any time

• Fast bulk management updates

• Prints out all work orders

• Customizable document and invoice templates

• Automatic invoice numbering

Pricing:

• Pro Plan:

  • Monthly: $150

  • Yearly: $135

• Enterprise Plan: Contact the sales team for more information

AutoCAD

Software Type: CAD software

AutoCAD is a CAD software program used for making and designing 2D and 3D models and drawings for architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing needs. AutoCAD lets users add annotations, dimensions, and text to their drawings, which helps communicate important design information. It can also automate other tasks like replacing blocks, counting inventory and objects, creating schedules, and more via desktop, web, or mobile devices.

Key Features:

• Increase collaboration and collect data to speed up work

• Compare past and present drawings

• Web and mobile access

• Tool sets for architecture, mechanics, electrical teams, 3D mapping, MEP planning, and more

Pricing:

• Standard:

  • AutoCAD: $1,955/year

  • AutoCAD LT: $485/year

• Premium: Contact their sales team for pricing

• Enterprise: Contact their sales team for pricing

Odoo

Software Type: Business management

The Odoo platform is a suite of tools that integrate with one another to help businesses manage various parts of their operations including sales, inventory, accounting, project planning, and customer relationships. Their open-source development model leverages thousands of developers and business experts to build their ecosystem of fully integrated business management apps.

Key Features:

• Apps for sales, services, financials, website-building, marketing, and more

• Open-source development

• Community resources

Pricing:

• Free trial

• One App: Free

• Standard:

  • Monthly: $38

  • Yearly: $31.10

• Custom:

  • Monthly: $46.80

  • Yearly: $37.40

Global Shop Solutions

Software Type: ERP

Global Shop Solutions is a manufacturing software that provides ERP services for project management, customer service, engineering, finance, and project management. The software can be customized to fit different industries and organizations' needs and requirements. Companies can have enhanced visibility and control of their operations, lower expenses, and improve customer satisfaction.

Key Features:

• Insights into operations, finances, employees, etc

• Customizable ERP modules for every business

• Audit operations to find areas for improvements

• Self-service platform for ERP training

Pricing: For pricing information, users need to schedule a demo.

Prodsmart

Software Type: MES

Prodsmart is a cloud-based manufacturing execution system that simplifies businesses' production processes. It offers real-time tracking and monitoring of the production process, so users have better visibility of their operations. Prodsmart can automate data collection, inventory management, and quality control processes, saving time and reducing errors. It also provides analytics and insights that help users identify bottlenecks, track performance, and optimize their production process.

Key Features:

• Schedule and plan teams, machines, and materials

• Product tracking dashboard with real-time data insights

• Records and manages maintenance orders

• Track raw materials from batch to finished product

Pricing: Pricing information is not included on the website so you need to call sales teams for information.

Choose the Best Manufacturing Software for Your Business

Manufacturing is a complex industry–to say the least. Inventory management, workforce productivity, project planning…there’s a lot for managers and business owners to take on. Luckily, today’s manufacturing software tools help streamline all facets of a business so teams can keep lines moving and efficiencies up.

Most manufacturers will end up using a range of software solutions for their needs. But when it comes to attendance and absence management, TeamSense is the best solution. Employees can request time off, access employee portals, and communicate with their managers just through text. No more messy spreadsheets or complicated technologies: we keep it simple and easy to use so manufacturing teams see quick adoption–and ROI.

Reduce no-call no-shows and prevent downtime with TeamSense!