ERP Systems

Top 10 Plastic Extrusion ERP Systems In 2024

Plastic extrusion companies. Used in various industries such as construction, automotive, aerospace, medical, packaging, consumer goods, electronics, and agriculture, they specialize in the manufacturing process called plastic extrusion. Because of its material efficiency, continuous production, and minimal post-processing needs, it differs from other manufacturing companies. The business model could be B2B or B2C. In the case of B2B, it involves large-scale production, long-term contracts, and customization services to meet specific client needs while focusing on cost efficiency and quality assurance.

Plastic extrusion business processes. The process starts by selecting and preparing raw plastic materials, melting and mixing them, and then forcing them through a die to create specific shapes. The next steps are cooling these shapes, cutting them to a length, and applying additional finishing processes. Additionally, effective supply chain and logistics management ensures the smooth flow of materials and finished goods, including inventory management, packaging, and distribution. Regular maintenance of equipment and providing customer support for product customization and after-sales services are also vital to ensure efficient, high-quality production and delivery.

Top 10 Plastic Extrusion ERP Systems In 2024

Plastic extrusion ERP needs. Requiring advanced capabilities in inventory management, production planning, and scheduling, and integrated quality control, they need mature capabilities in supply chain management to streamline procurement and logistics. These processes might also be comparatively complex due to the diverse range of raw materials, coordination of multiple extrusion lines, and adaptation to fluctuating order demands. Additionally, handling custom orders requires flexible processes and effective communication, making ERP selection substantially challenging for plastic extrusion companies.



The 2025 Digital Transformation Report

Thinking of embarking on a ERP journey and looking for a digital transformation report? Want to learn the best practices of digital transformation? Then, you have come to the right place.

Criteria

  • Definition of a plastic extrusion company. They specialize in the manufacturing process called plastic extrusion, used in various industries such as construction, automotive, aerospace, medical, packaging, consumer goods, electronics, and agriculture. 
  • Overall market share/# of customers. The higher market share among plastic extrusion companies drives higher rankings on this list.
  • Ownership/funding. The superior financial position of the ERP vendor leads to higher rankings on this list. 
  • Quality of development. How modern is the tech stack? How aggressively is the ERP vendor pushing cloud-native functionality for this product? Is the roadmap officially announced? Or uncertain?
  • Community/Ecosystem. How vibrant is the community? Social media groups? In-person user groups? Forums?
  • Depth of native functionality. Last-mile functionality for specific industries natively built into the product?
  • Quality of publicly available product documentation. How well-documented is the product? Is the documentation available publicly? How updated is the demo content available on YouTube?
  • Product share and documented commitment. Is the product share reported separately in financial statements if the ERP vendor is public?
  • Ability to natively support diversified business models. How diverse is the product in supporting multiple business models in the same product?
  • Acquisition strategy aligned with the product: Any recent acquisitions to fill a specific hole for plastic extrusion industries? Any official announcements to integrate recently acquired capabilities?
  • User Reviews: How specific are the reviews about this product’s capabilities? How recent and frequent are the reviews?
  • Must be an ERP product: Edge products such as HCM, CRM, eCommerce, MES, or accounting solutions that are not fully integrated to support enterprise-wide capabilities are not qualified for this list.

10. Plex

Plex is an excellent choice for plastic extrusion companies, particularly those operating within the Ford or Toyota ecosystems. It adopts a strong MES-first approach, making it a great fit for businesses with highly active shop floors that prioritize Industry 4.0 scenarios. Therefore, plastic suppliers within the automotive ecosystem are likely to find Plex especially appealing. Hence, Plex has secured the #10 spot on our list of top plastic extrusion ERP systems.

Strengths
  • MES-first approach. It adopts a MES-first approach, making it an ideal choice for businesses with highly active shop floors and a focus on Industry 4.0 scenarios. It’s particularly well-suited for plastic suppliers within the automotive ecosystem, where the capabilities are likely to be highly valued.
  • Stronger automotive last mile compliance capabilities. It offers robust automotive last-mile capabilities that come pre-built, reducing the need for third-party solutions. This ensures that you have comprehensive, ready-made street capabilities that might require additional vendors with other systems.
  • Cloud-native​. They started as a cloud-native platform, so the experience is likely to be superior.
Weaknesses 
  • Weaker plastic-centric core product and scheduling layers. The plastic industry has unique complexities, particularly in process manufacturing. While some products gain wide adoption for covering plastic-centric processes, these processes often present complications, especially with formulation recipes. Although issues like catch weight may be less prevalent, other typical process manufacturing challenges still arise. While certain systems like Plex tailor and enhance other industry processes, plastic-centric processes may lack some detail.
  • Not as scalable for diverse business models. It is less scalable for diverse business models, and if your business falls outside the automotive sector, you may encounter challenges despite claims of supporting mixed-mode manufacturing.
  • Not as well adopted among plastic extrusion companies​. Plastic extrusion companies adopt it less widely. While they do have some clients in this sector, their presence isn’t as strong as that of other systems on the list.

9. SYSPRO

Plastic extrusion companies outgrowing QuickBooks and needing a more robust solution find SYSPRO well-suited. These companies are typically looking for a smaller ERP system that provides end-to-end traceability within a single country. SYSPRO offers a solution that includes both discrete and process manufacturing capabilities, making it ideal for handling complex business models. Thus, SYSPRO secures the #9 spot on our list of top plastic extrusion ERP systems. 

Strengths 
  • Complex inventory layers. In the plastics industry, inventory management is complex due to various product attributes integral to supply chain and scheduling planning. Some systems may struggle with this, but SYSPRO handles these challenges well, making it an ideal choice.
  • Formulation and recipe support. The product has natively built formulation and recipe support.
  • Discrete and process manufacturing in one solution. SYSPRO has both discrete and process manufacturing natively built into one solution.
Weaknesses
  • Complex plastic extrusion capabilities such as scheduling. Products specifically focused on plastics provide more detailed coverage of complex processes from a plastic perspective.
  • Not as well adopted among plastic extrusion companies. It has limited overall adoption, with relatively few logos, especially among plastic extrusion company logos.
  • Limited global consolidation capabilities​. You will also have very limited global consolidation capabilities. Therefore, if your company operates in multiple countries and values operational supply chain synergies and collaboration, SYSPRO might not be the best option.

8. QAD

QAD is ideal for companies dealing with highly commoditized products that heavily rely on their supply chain. One of the key strengths of QAD is its integrated solution, which combines both the supply chain suite and ERP within a single platform. This integration is crucial because many other products require separate systems for components like PLM, CAD, ERP, and supply chain management, including WMS and TMS. Plastic extrusion companies, where products are generally commoditized and supply chain planning is essential, tight integration of these components is invaluable. The busy and complex nature of their warehouses necessitates seamless coordination between WMS, TMS, ERP, PLM, CAD, and other processes, making QAD an excellent fit by offering everything from one vendor in a unified solution, eliminating the need to manage multiple systems and ensuring smooth operations. Thus, QAD has secured #8 on our list of top plastic extrusion ERP systems.

Strengths 
  • Supply chain suite + ERP as part of the suite. The solution integrates the supply chain suite and ERP into one system. It is beneficial for plastic extrusion companies with commoditized products. These companies require effective supply chain planning, as well as WMS and TMS capabilities due to their busy warehouses. QAD fits well because it offers all these components—WMS, TMS, ERP, PLM, CAD—within one solution from a single vendor, avoiding the challenges of managing multiple systems and ensuring seamless integration.
  • Process + discrete. QAD has both discrete and process manufacturing natively built into one solution, just like SYSPRO.
  • Global capabilities. If you seek global operational synergies, QAD could be a great choice. It localizes in many countries and maintains a broad consulting presence worldwide.
Weaknesses
  • New technology might not be stable or rolled out to all modules.They have announced plans to migrate their product to cloud-native technology, but it may take a few years to stabilize, and not all modules will migrate immediately. Understanding which modules have transitioned and how these changes will affect you is important, as the full cloud version may take several years to implement completely.
  • Ecosystem. The ecosystem, including the consulting base, isn’t as extensive as what you’ll find with more generalized products, which is typical for prescriptive solutions.
  • Not as well adopted among plastic extrusion companies​. It’s not as widely adopted among plastic extrusion companies as some of the other products we discuss in business.

7. Oracle Cloud ERP

Oracle Cloud ERP is a robust solution that stands out compared to other products like QAD or SYSPRO, which are generally smaller and used by smaller companies. As companies grow and outgrow these smaller products, Oracle Cloud ERP becomes a more suitable option. Usually, publicly traded companies use Oracle and they operate with diverse business models that require comprehensive solutions for global financial traceability, along with operational and supply chain traceability when needed. Oracle Cloud ERP is a large-scale product and designed to meet the complex needs of these larger enterprises. Therefore, Oracle Cloud ERP has secured #7 spot on our list of top plastic extrusion ERP systems.

Strengths 
  • Diversity of the solution supported different business models. Publicly traded companies often have various business models they need to accommodate within a single solution. They prioritize end-to-end global financial traceability, and sometimes operational and supply chain traceability as well, depending on their consolidation needs and the level of traceability they require. In that case, Oracle Cloud ERP will be a great fit.
  • Depth of ERP layers for large enterprises. Oracle Cloud ERP provide a better fit for large companies. Its strength lies in its ability to support diverse business models. However, this broad functionality can also be a drawback, as it lacks specialized industry capabilities and integrated suite functions, which can make implementation more costly. The extensive ERP features offer great flexibility for various business transactions, but this complexity often results in longer, more expensive implementations due to the need for thorough testing, configuration, and industry-specific adjustments.
  • Global financial consolidation and localization. Global financial consolidation and localization features are crucial, especially in regions like South America and Europe where some products have minimal market presence. These areas can be challenging due to their smaller market share, leading many companies to avoid them due to high R&D costs for localization. In such cases, more generalized products like Oracle Cloud ERP provide a better fit.
Weaknesses 
  • Limited plastic centric capabilities natively built. The plastic-centric suite capabilities are not as natively developed or supported by the same vendor.
  • Expensive implementation. The ERP implementation will be on the expensive side as you are dealing with multiple ERP vendors. 
  • Not as well adopted among SMB plastic extrusion companies​. SMB plastic extrusion companies do not widely adopt it. Large firms might use Oracle Cloud ERP for its strong financial features, but it may not be the best fit if they need comprehensive operational consolidation in a single solution.

6. SAP S/4 HANA

SAP S/4 HANA is quite similar to Oracle Cloud ERP in many ways. However, SAP S/4HANA tends to be more prevalent in product-centric industries. Its HANA database is slightly superior, particularly for transactional integrity and business models focused on transactions. For product-centric companies that require end-to-end supply chain collaboration across multiple countries and need to consolidate all MRP workflows, SAP S/4HANA is often a better fit. This is especially true when dealing with tightly correlated products or serial numbers, which can increase the overall system workload. Therefore, SAP S/4 HANA secures the #6 spot on our list of top plastic extrusion ERP systems.

Strengths 
  • ERP layers for complex organizations. Designed for global, highly regulated organizations with very complex business models ranging from discrete to process.
  • Process + discrete. Both process and discrete manufacturing are integrated into SAP S/4 HANA. These features are natively built into the solution.
  • Global compliance and localization​. Supports localization and compliance requirements of most countries across the world, for companies aiming to consolidate all of their global entities in one database and data model.
Weaknesses 
  • Limited plastic centric capabilities natively built. Just like Oracle Cloud ERP, the plastic-centric suite capabilities are not as natively developed or supported by the same vendor.
  • Expensive implementation. The implementation may be slightly more expensive because you’re dealing with many different vendors and many different add-ons.
  • Requires mature internal IT team. In tailoring, customizing, and configuring these capabilities, the same capabilities that are already included as part of the suite, SAP S/4 HANA also requires a very mature internal IT team.

5. Epicor Kinetic

Epicor Kinetic is better suited for plastic extrusion companies that are more discrete in nature rather than process-oriented. These plastic extrusion companies often operate with a hybrid business model. Epicor Kinetic is also ideal for companies that combine manufacturing with distribution. Many plastic companies have a strong presence in e-commerce, and in such cases, they require robust distribution planning and manufacturing-focused solutions. Thus, Epicor Kinetic has secured #5 spot on our list of top plastic extrusion ERP systems. 

Strengths 
  • Complex inventory. The inventory is highly complex, which benefits plastic-centric industries. Generally, this complexity will be reflected throughout your end-to-end processes.
  • Formal engineering governance. For industries like aerospace, where you rely heavily on OEMs and need formal engineering processes, or for metal-based manufacturing requiring detailed tracking of attributes, Epicor Kinetic is a great fit. It can handle complex scheduling and planning effectively.
  • MES-architecture friendly​. If you need a more MES-centric architecture, where quality and production processes are managed within the MES layer rather than the ERP layer, this can be crucial for industries where production is more critical than end-to-end traceability. In such cases, Epicor Kinetic would be a great fit.
Weaknesses 
  • Limited plastic-centric capabilities natively built. The plastic-centric capabilities and integration workflows that you can find with IQMS would require add-ons or customization with Epicor Kinetic.
  • Weaker suite capabilities for plastic extrusion companies. The suite is not as strong for plastic-centric companies because of missing crucial capabilities for plastic companies.
  • Not as well adopted among plastic companies. It’s not as widely adopted among plastic extrusion companies as some of the other products we have discussed in the list.

4. Aptean Process Manufacturing ERP 

Aptean Process Manufacturing ERP is well-suited for smaller companies with limited budgets, particularly those seeking a comprehensive suite from a single vendor to simplify implementation. This makes the implementation process generally easier. Compared to other products like Acumatica or Epicor Kinetic, Aptean’s solution is smaller in scale, with fewer layers and less detailed ERP features. In terms of product size, if you were to compare them, Odoo would be the smallest, followed by Acumatica, with Aptean Process Manufacturing ERP falling somewhere in between. Larger systems like Infor CSI and Epicor Kinetic are on the other end of the spectrum. Aptean is ideal for budget-conscious companies. Thus, Aptean Process Manufacturing ERP takes the #4 spot on our list of top plastic extrusion ERP systems.

Strengths 
  • Full suite pre-integrated. Because a full pre-integrated suite is present, the implementation costs are going to be cheaper. 
  • Tailored plastic extrusion capabilities. Plastic-extrusion-specific capabilities such as specific PLM, scheduling flows, and quality workflows per customer are natively built with the product.
  • Well adopted among process manufacturing companies​. Aptean Process Manufacturing ERP has a much higher penetration among plastic extrusion companies because of cheaper ERP implementation and tailored workflows.
Weaknesses 
  • Expensive with partial implementation. Buying the complete suite from Aptean may be cheaper. However, if you opt for a rip-and-replace approach or wish to use your favorite tools with Aptean’s solution architecture, costs could increase. You may encounter fewer pre-baked integrations and fewer consultants knowledgeable about these integrations. Aptean may not prioritize supporting external products or suites, which could pose challenges during partial implementations. Thus, choosing between Aptean’s complete architecture or similar products may depend on your specific needs and desired diversity.
  • Not as diverse. This is not a good fit for companies with hybrid business models as the data and process model is highly tailored for specific plastic extrusion verticals.
  • Some logos but not as well adopted as other plastic-specific capabilities​. Aptean is less widely adopted by plastic extrusion companies than its peers. While they do have some clients in this sector, their presence isn’t as strong as that of other systems on the list.

3. Infor CloudSuite M3

Infor CloudSuite M3 is a much larger product compared to Aptean Process Manufacturing ERP. It is designed for global companies that need to manage global supply chains, operational synergies, collaboration, and consolidation. Infor CloudSuite M3 becomes a better fit when companies outgrow Aptean Process Manufacturing but still require similar capabilities. These companies may have a fixed business model, don’t anticipate significant growth, and are still mindful of budget constraints. Infor CloudSuite M3 offers all these capabilities within a single suite from the same vendor. Therefore, Infor CloudSuite M3 secures #3 spot on our list of top plastic extrusion ERP systems.

Strengths 
  • Comprehensive process manufacturing capabilities. Process manufacturing capabilities are one of the most robust to support the operations of global process manufacturers with many different business models including retail and rental operations.
  • Comprehensive suite supporting most manufacturing processes. Plastic extrusion companies with other business models, such as machinery or food and beverage, would find Infor CloudSuite M3 to be suitable without requiring multiple ERP systems.
  • Complex inventory. The inventory is highly complex, which benefits plastic-centric industries. Generally, this complexity will be reflected throughout your end-to-end processes.
Weaknesses
  • Not as diverse. This is not a good fit for companies with hybrid business models as the data and process model is highly tailored for specific plastic extrusion verticals.
  • Not suitable for SMBs below $250M in revenue. The advanced layers provided as part of the product might be too detailed for smaller companies looking for ERP systems. Thus, posing adoption challenges.
  • Ecosystem​. The consulting base and marketplaces are limited for Infor M3 compared to other solutions on this list.

2.  Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O

Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O is a highly generalized product designed for companies with diverse business models seeking a global presence. It enables these companies to manage all their entities within a single solution, ensuring end-to-end traceability from both financial and operational perspectives. However, because of its broad focus, it doesn’t offer highly tailored capabilities for specific industries. To address this, companies must rely on the partner ecosystem, where vendors provide specialized solutions that are widely adopted alongside the core ERP. Therefore, MS Dynamics 365 F&O secures the #2 spot on our list of top plastic extrusion ERP systems. 

Strengths 
  • Comprehensive localization across the globe. It supports a wide range of business models and offers global localization in areas where other products may not be available, with strong consulting and localization support.
  • Ecosystem. Their ecosystem has many options available for plastic-extrusion manufacturers if they want different options if one of the add-ons doesn’t work while having access to a diverse ERP supporting multiple business models.
  • The recipe and formulation are supported natively​. The product data model has native support for both process and discrete manufacturing modes.
Weaknesses 
  • Last-mile plastic extrusion capabilities through third-party vendors. It is ideal for regions lacking other solutions, providing native localization and expert consulting for local taxation, regulations, and processes.
  • Expensive implementation. The ERP implementation may be slightly more expensive because you’re dealing with many different vendors and many different add-ons.
  • Requires a mature internal IT team. In tailoring, customizing, and configuring these capabilities, the same capabilities that are already included as part of the suite, MS Dynamics F&O also requires a very mature internal IT team.

1. DELMIAWorks

DELMIAWorks (formerly known as IQMS) tops our list because it is the go-to solution for SMB plastic extrusion companies. It remains the most widely adopted product in this sector, even if some companies are still using legacy technology or older versions. These companies value the solution because it incorporates plastic-centric processes, making scheduling, inventory management, and supply chain planning feel seamless and natural. This deep alignment with industry needs is why DELMIAWorks is so highly regarded among plastic extrusion companies. Therefore, DELMIAWorks secures the #1 spot on our list of top plastic extrusion ERP systems. 

Strengths
  • Most adopted among plastic extrusion companies. IQMS has one of the highest penetrations among SMB plastic extrusion companies because of its tailored workflows and integration.
  • Tailored advanced plastic capabilities. The specific plastic-centric capabilities, such as customer-specific quality specifications and unique scheduling requirements with constraints and bottlenecks, are already supported as part of the solution.
  • Tailored pre-integrated suite for plastic companies.The plastic-extrusion-specific PLM and supply chain planning add-ons are pre-integrated and managed by the same vendor.
Weaknesses 
  • Legacy technology. The system technology is very legacy compared to other systems that we have on this list.
  • Not as scalable for diverse business models. It may not be as scalable for different business models but is particularly strong for plastic-centric business models. This can also be beneficial for machinery manufacturers who produce their own molds, as they sometimes have plastic components.
  • Limited ecosystem and consulting base​. Their ecosystem and consulting base are likely to be limited, as is common with other niche products.
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Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right ERP system for plastic extrusion companies is crucial for optimizing operations, enhancing efficiency, and meeting industry-specific needs. Each of the top systems reviewed, from DELMIAWorks, which excels in plastic-centric functionalities, to Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O, known for its diverse business model support, offers unique strengths tailored to different operational scales and complexities. Companies must consider their specific requirements, including inventory management, production capabilities, and the integration of supply chain processes when choosing an ERP solution. While this list offers valuable insights, seeking advice from an independent ERP consultant can greatly enhance your implementation success.

FAQs

Top 10 Machinery Manufacturing ERP Systems In 2024

Top 10 Machinery Manufacturing ERP Systems In 2024

Machinery Manufacturing Companies. Designing, producing, and assembling equipment used in various industries, such as agriculture, construction, and aerospace, are uniquely different when it comes to their needs. They differ as they create complex machines, requiring long standing processes for engineering departments and an army of engineers collaborating with customers. Their business model could be as diverse as containing the elements of product development, manufacturing, and after-sales services. Many may also offer maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, providing ongoing support, requiring distinct ERP capabilities compared to other manufacturing industries.

Machinery Manufacturing Business Processes. Involving long-standing processes for machinery division, the processes begin with heavy engineering and creating detailed specifications. Critical components might need to start the sourcing process even before the contract gets signed, followed by the manufacturing phase, with changes happening even at the last minute. Quality control might require materials from customers and vendors, requiring inventory exchanges. The process may also include customization for specific client needs and after-sales services such as installation, maintenance, and repairs.

Top 10 Machinery Manufacturing ERP Systems In 2024

Machinery Manufacturing ERP needs. Effective ERP solutions for machinery manufacturing require advanced capabilities such as kanban, mixed-mode manufacturing such as engineer-to-order, make-to-order, and make-to-stock. They also need capabilities such as planning for long lead times and detailed layers of sub-assemblies including phantom. Swapping out make components with buy in bulk or allocating from inventory first before making one, their BOMs require one of the most complex capabilities. The scheduling could be equally complex with resources shared among the production and service divisions. Milestone and cost tracking could be other areas that are likely to be substantially complex, making ERP selection substantially challenging for machinery manufacturing.



The 2025 Digital Transformation Report

Thinking of embarking on a ERP journey and looking for a digital transformation report? Want to learn the best practices of digital transformation? Then, you have come to the right place.

Criteria

  • Definition of a machinery manufacturing company. Most machinery business models of all sizes including mechanical machines, industrial automation equipments across industries.
  • Overall market share/# of customers. The higher market share among machinery manufacturing companies drives higher rankings on this list.
  • Ownership/funding. The superior financial position of the ERP vendor leads to higher rankings on this list. 
  • Quality of development. How modern is the tech stack? How aggressively is the ERP vendor pushing cloud-native functionality for this product? Is the roadmap officially announced? Or uncertain?
  • Community/Ecosystem. How vibrant is the community? Social media groups? In-person user groups? Forums?
  • Depth of native functionality. Last-mile functionality for specific industries natively built into the product?
  • Quality of publicly available product documentation. How well-documented is the product? Is the documentation available publicly? How updated is the demo content available on YouTube?
  • Product share and documented commitment. Is the product share reported separately in financial statements if the ERP vendor is public?
  • Ability to natively support diversified business models. How diverse is the product in supporting multiple business models in the same product?
  • Acquisition strategy aligned with the product: Any recent acquisitions to fill a specific hole for machinery manufacturing industries? Any official announcements to integrate recently acquired capabilities?
  • User Reviews: How specific are the reviews about this product’s capabilities? How recent and frequent are the reviews?
  • Must be an ERP product: Edge products such as HCM, CRM, eCommerce, MES, or accounting solutions that are not fully integrated to support enterprise-wide capabilities are not qualified for this list.

10. Odoo

Odoo is well-suited for SMB machinery manufacturers outgrowing QuickBooks. Its data model isn’t as detailed as larger ERP systems like Acumatica or Infor CSI lacking advanced capabilities. Odoo’s less complex data embeddedness and fewer required layers make the implementation process more affordable compared to more intricate systems. Therefore, it acquires the #10 spot on our list of top machinery manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  • Well adopted among industry 4.0 companies. It is widely adopted, especially among Industry 4.0 companies and other machinery businesses. These companies may use it for procurement planning or more advanced scenarios that require sophisticated MRP planning. However, smaller machinery companies that typically purchase components per project may not need such advanced capabilities. For these smaller businesses, while it would be a good fit, the sophisticated features may not be necessary.
  • Diverse solution to accommodate several business models. The ERP layers are highly adaptable and designed to support various business models such as machinery, parts, and service divisions for machinery manufacturers.
  • Matrix functionality built as part of the inventory core​. Most machinery manufacturers are likely to require complex inventory attributes that are not only used for reporting but also for planning. Odoo supports these complex inventory use cases.
Weaknesses 
  • Limited advanced capabilities. Advanced transactions that are bread-and-butter for machinery manufacturers such as blanket orders, batch transactions, phantom support, allocation, and kanban may have limited support natively.
  • Not proven for complex BOMs. Most machinery manufacturers are likely to have very complex BOMs, requiring layers of subassemblies with complex logic such as swapping out a material or operation in the entire database in bulk might not as easy as with products designed for complex machinery manufacturing.
  • Requires mature internal IT team. In tailoring, customizing, and configuring these ERP capabilities, the same capabilities that are already included as part of the suite, Odoo also requires a very mature internal IT team.

9. Rootstock

Rootstock caters to machinery manufacturing-centric SMBs, offering robust mobile-native capabilities atop the Salesforce platform. Most machinery manufacturing organizations are likely to be heavy users of Salesforce due to the longer sales cycle. They also might have their sales team involved during the operational phases due to the high-touch nature of these projects. The unified experience across sales and operations platforms provided by Rootstock would help machinery manufacturing organizations. Thus, ranking at #9 on our list of top machinery manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths 
  • Unified Salesforce experience. It is well-aligned with Salesforce products, making it a strong choice for machinery manufacturers who handle large, complex projects. These companies often deal with high-value contracts and require extensive CRM integration for sales and marketing processes. Rootstock integrates seamlessly with Salesforce, supporting the content-driven and CRM-centric workflows typical in such high-value projects, unlike simpler manufacturing ERP modules like MTO.
  • WBS friendly processes. Rootstock excels in WBS-centric functionality for project manufacturing. While other ERP systems may claim project manufacturing capabilities, they often lack integration with operational tasks and financial processes. Rootstock, however, effectively tracks operational tasks and integrates them with financial processes, making it a strong fit for projects requiring detailed management.
  • Cloud native tech​. It is highly cloud-native, offering a strong mobile experience, particularly valuable for service departments. If you need field service processes to handle orders, manage inventory, and capture signatures from mobile devices, Rootstock supports these needs effectively. 
Weaknesses
  • The Salesforce data model is not as relational. The underlying data model in Salesforce is not as relational as those in other ERP systems, which is typical for most CRM designs. As a result, you may encounter data integrity challenges with Rootstock. 
  • Not as diverse. The capabilities aren’t as diverse overall. So, if you’re trying to accommodate a variety of business models with your Rootstock installation, you may encounter some challenges. 
  • Not as well adopted​. It’s not as widely adopted overall, and the number of logos they have is fairly limited, especially among machinery manufacturing logos, which are quite few.

8. Oracle Cloud ERP

Oracle Cloud ERP is a robust system designed for companies outgrowing smaller or mid-sized ERP systems like Odoo or Rootstock. It excels in consolidating global operations and providing comprehensive end-to-end traceability for financial and operational data, especially important for multinational and publicly traded companies. Oracle Cloud ERP is ideal for Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies that require advanced data traceability and are subject to stringent audits. Therefore, it has secured the #8 position on our list of top machinery manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths 
  • Diversity of the solution supported different business models. When considering Oracle Cloud ERP, its diversity is a key strength. For businesses with varied models, such as machinery combined with food manufacturing or restaurant operations, a more generalized ERP system is needed. Oracle Cloud ERP offers the flexibility and scale required for these complex, multi-faceted scenarios.
  • Depth of ERP layers for large enterprises. Oracle Cloud ERP excels in scalability and flexibility, making it adaptable to various business processes and transactions. Its depth and versatility are key strengths of the system.
  • Global financial consolidation and localization. Oracle Cloud ERP is often the best choice in regions where other solutions aren’t available. It offers native localization and a strong consulting base knowledgeable in local taxation, regulations, and processes.
Weaknesses
  • Last mile capabilities through third-party vendors. It is ideal for regions lacking other solutions, providing native localization and expert consulting for local taxation, regulations, and processes.
  • Expensive implementation. Implementations are generally more expensive and require significant internal expertise due to the complexity and numerous moving parts involved.
  • Not as well adopted among machinery manufacturers due to limited operational capabilities​. Oracle Cloud ERP is not as well adopted among machinery manufacturers, so the ecosystem and integration available for machinery manufacturers might not be as strong.

7. Acumatica

When comparing the previous three systems – Odoo, Rootstock, and Oracle Cloud ERP, Acumatica is the system companies will need when they outgrow either QuickBooks or Odoo, requiring consolidation of data siloes spread across departments. Machinery manufacturers will find Acumatica useful around the $20 to $30 million revenue mark, as they will face increasing challenges with inventory costing, asset selection, and internal supply chain consolidation. At this stage, external supply chain collaboration with international vendors may not yet be critical, and the collaboration footprint might be limited. Acumatica is particularly well-suited for companies operating in the US, Canada, the UK, or Australia. However, it may not be as well-supported in South America or Eastern Europe, and even if local partners offer some support, it might not be as widely adopted, potentially leading to challenges. Thus, Acumatica secures the spot #7 on our list of top machinery manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths 
  • Core ERP layers. The core ERP layers can support various business models for machinery manufacturers. Other solutions might struggle with newer models like rentals or subscriptions because they weren’t designed for them, given that some were developed in the 1970s and 1980s. For machinery manufacturing, project manufacturing should be well supported.
  • Diverse business models supported in the same database. If your business includes not just machinery manufacturing but also other models like food, you should be able to support all of these within the same database. This setup provides end-to-end traceability, but it’s typically limited to within the same country.
  • Cloud-native​. Acumatica may not be the best fit for companies with global operations looking for end-to-end traceability and consolidation between entities, especially if they require advanced manufacturing ERP capabilities.
Weaknesses 
  • Not as friendly for global consolidation. Acumatica may not be the best fit for companies with global operations looking for end-to-end traceability and consolidation between entities, especially if they require advanced manufacturing capabilities.
  • Advanced manufacturing capabilities limited. While Acumatica’s capabilities are likely to be richer than smaller systems such as Odoo, advanced capabilities such as allocation layers, support for Kanban etc are likely to be limited.
  • Suite capabilities through third-parties​. The suite capabilities like PLM are available only through third-party providers, which increases vendor risk even with Acumatica.

6. SAP S/4 HANA

SAP S/4HANA is quite similar to Oracle Cloud ERP, so the factors relevant to Oracle Cloud ERP also apply to SAP S/4HANA. Generally, SAP S/4HANA’s data model is more widely adopted among machinery manufacturers, while Oracle Cloud ERP targets service-centric industries. SAP S/4HANA excels in product-centric industries, particularly with its HANA database, which efficiently consolidates MRP workloads, especially for centralized planning across multiple global entities. It handles complex product attributes and serial number tracking, making it ideal for managing production scheduling and integrating field service workflows. This end-to-end planning capability is a significant advantage for machinery manufacturing companies. Therefore, it secures the #6 spot on our list of top machinery manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths 
  • ERP layers for complex organizations. Designed for global, highly regulated organizations with very complex business models ranging from discrete to process, combining all manufacturing modes including advanced business models such as configure-to-order.
  • Diversity of the solution supporting most manufacturing processes. The ERP layers are highly adaptable and designed to support various business models, resulting in a very diverse product. In contrast, other products may not offer the same level of diversity.
  • Global compliance and localization. Supports localization and compliance requirements of most countries across the world, for companies aiming to consolidate all of their global entities in one database and data model.
Weaknesses 
  • Machinery suite capabilities such as PLM through third-party vendors. A limitation with SAP S/4 HANA is that the suite capabilities, such as PLM and configurator, are more tailored toward machinery manufacturers. For these features, you may need to rely on third-party solutions.
  • Expensive implementation. The ERP implementation may be slightly more expensive because you’re dealing with many different vendors and many different add-ons.
  • Requires mature internal IT team. In tailoring, customizing, and configuring these capabilities, the same capabilities that are already included as part of the suite, SAP S/4 HANA also requires a very mature internal IT team.

5. Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O

Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O is similar to SAP S/4HANA and Oracle Cloud ERP. However, as of now, Dynamics 365 F&O offers a richer cloud version with more capabilities, especially in core operational areas. Unlike SAP S/4HANA and Oracle Cloud ERP, Dynamics 365 F&O may not provide the detailed approval processes and complex layers required by large enterprises, particularly those that are highly regulated or publicly traded. Therefore, Dynamics 365 F&O is well-suited for mid-market and upper mid-market companies but is less adopted among Fortune 500 companies, where workload expectations are generally higher. Thus, Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O secures the #5 spot on our list of top machinery manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths 
  • Core ERP layers to support diverse business models. When it comes to core operational capabilities, MS Dynamics 365 F&O may not provide the detailed layers and approval processes required by large enterprises, especially those that are highly regulated or publicly traded. However, it performs well in mid-market and upper mid-market companies.
  • Comprehensive localization across the globe. It supports a wide range of business models and offers global localization in areas where other products may not be available, with strong consulting and localization support.
  • Depth in WBS-centric processes​. F&O offers greater depth in WBS capabilities, making it ideal for managing large projects and programs.
Weaknesses 
  • Machinery suite capabilities such as PLM through third-party vendors. Like SAP S/4HANA, you’ll need third-party solutions for PLM and other components, including supply chain management.
  • Expensive implementation. The ERP implementation may be slightly more expensive because you’re dealing with many different vendors and many different add-ons.
  • Requires mature internal IT team. In tailoring, customizing, and configuring these capabilities, the same capabilities that are already included as part of the suite, MS Dynamics F&O also requires a very mature internal IT team.

4. DELMIAWorks 

DELMIAWorks, formerly known as IQMS, is a strong choice for machinery manufacturers using SolidWorks. These companies typically focus more on mechanical systems and may have fewer electrical components, though most modern machines do include some electrical elements. Generally, these businesses also use SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar CAD systems. DELMIAWorks aligns well with SolidWorks since both are owned by the same parent company, which ensures superior integration and a more synchronized upgrade cycle. Thus, DELMIAWorks acquires the #4 spot on our list of top machinery manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths 
  • Complete suite pre-integrated. With this approach, you’ll get all the necessary components as part of the suite, eliminating the need to source them from other vendors. The advantage is that it can be more affordable and potentially implementable within a smaller budget.
  • SolidWorks and integration owned by the same vendor. DELMIAWorks will have strong alignment with SolidWorks since they’re owned by the same parent company. This means superior ERP integration and a more synchronized upgrade cycle. 
  • Well adopted among machinery manufacturers​. This is the old IQMS product, which works well for machinery manufacturers using SolidWorks. Typically, these companies are more focused on mechanical machines and may not have as many electrical components.
Weaknesses 
  • Legacy technology. The technology is very legacy compared to other ERP systems that we have on this list.
  • Not as scalable for all discrete industries. It may not be as scalable for different business models but is particularly strong for plastic-centric business models. This can also be beneficial for machinery manufacturers who produce their own molds, as they sometimes have plastic components.
  • Limited ecosystem and consulting base. Their ecosystem and consulting base are likely to be limited, as is common with other niche products.

3. Infor CloudSuite Industrial(Syteline)

Infor CSI is ideal for machinery manufacturers who do not have highly formalized engineering processes or standardized BOMs. These manufacturers often experience significant engineering changes throughout their processes, including frequent change orders, even close to shipment. This can cause friction, as their BOMs are not formalized and they may operate more like service-centric companies, lacking stringent regulation. This presents a challenge in the machinery manufacturing sector. However, Infor CSI is well-suited for these situations, especially if the BOMs require flexibility and features like revision numbers, due to its ability to accommodate fluid and adaptable BOM management. Thus, securing the #3 spot on our list of top machinery manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths 
  • Engineering friendly for BOMs and costing. The UI experience is likely to be friendlier for engineering organizations performing complex BOM manipulations during the quoting process such as copying the entire BOM, replacing some parts to create the new quote, reflecting updated pricing without much manual efforts.
  • Embedded field services process. From a machinery manufacturing perspective, they have embedded field service processes, for intertwined operations sharing resources among service and manufacturing divisions, operating with consolidated schedules, sharing capacity.
  • Embedded quality processes​. The solution also includes embedded quality processes, which is crucial in capital-intensive industries like medical devices. In these sectors, quality processes must be tightly integrated and traceable from procurement through production to returns. Having end-to-end traceability is a significant strength, as isolated quality processes may not be sufficient.
Weaknesses
  • WBS-centric discrete processes. The WBS-centric discrete processes and project manufacturing capabilities are not as robust as those found in larger products.
  • Not friendly for machinery manufacturers with complex inventory. If you have complex inventory with numerous attributes used for scheduling and planning, CSI might not be the best fit.
  • Legacy technology​. The technology is very legacy compared to other systems that we have on this list.

2. Epicor Kinetic

Epicor Kinetic is an excellent choice for businesses with highly formalized engineering processes, especially when strict change control and revision number tracking are required. This is common in industries like aerospace, where OEMs often mandate BOMs and revision numbers. In such cases, formal engineering processes are essential. Epicor Kinetic is also well-suited for industries like metalworking, where tracking metal components and their attributes is critical for scheduling and planning. The system’s capabilities in managing these aspects make it a great fit for companies in these sectors. Thus, it has acquired the #2 spot on our list of the top machinery manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths 
  • Complex inventory. Epicor Kinetic is uniquely suitable for machinery manufacturers with complex inventory needs where they not only use product attributes for reporting but also as part of scheduling.
  • Formal engineering governance. For industries like aerospace, where you rely heavily on OEMs and need formal engineering processes, or for metal-based manufacturing requiring detailed tracking of attributes, Epicor Kinetic is a great fit. It can handle complex scheduling and planning effectively.
  • MES-architecture friendly​. If you need a more MES-centric architecture, where quality and production processes are managed within the MES layer rather than the ERP layer, this can be crucial for industries where production is more critical than end-to-end traceability. In such cases, Epicor Kinetic would be a great fit.
Weaknesses 
  • Not friendly for companies without revision numbers. If you have very fluid BOMs, as is often the case with machinery manufacturers, editing revision numbers may not be user-friendly. Frequent changes and disorganization in BOMs can make the process more difficult.
  • Field service and quality processes are not as embedded. The field service sub-assemblies and quality processes are less integrated into their data model. Although they have acquired a company for field service and are working on integration, the experience may not be as intuitive. Acquired add-ons often lack the proven reliability of consolidated components, resulting in a less seamless experience compared to products like Infor CSI.
  • Weaker core accounting and finance layers​. The finance layers are not as embedded with the core product, leaving with an impression as if using a patched product.

1. Infor CloudSuite LN

Infor CloudSuite LN addresses many limitations found in smaller products particularly like Infor CSI or Epicor Kinetic. It is particularly suitable for global manufacturing companies that require robust support for international supply chain and operational collaboration. CloudSuite LN is localized and globalized in many countries, at least 20 to 30, making it an excellent choice for companies operating in those regions and needing seamless international collaboration. It has been proven to handle very heavy workloads, accommodating companies with up to 20,000 employees, making it a strong option for larger enterprises. Hence, the #1 spot on our list of top machinery manufacturing ERP systems belongs to Infor CloudSuite LN.

Strengths
  • Comprehensive machinery manufacturing capabilities. Fills the gap with smaller products with equally comprehensive capabilities for all modes of manufacturing and global operations.
  • Pre-integrated suite. From the CloudSuite perspective, all components are pre-integrated, pre-built, and pre-tested within the suite, eliminating the need for third-party vendors. This generally reduces ERP implementation time and costs, as there are fewer contracts and less need to design the architecture.
  • Global capabilities​. Ideal for global manufacturing companies that need international supply chain and operational collaboration. It supports localization in 20 to 30 countries, allowing for effective global planning. Proven to handle heavy workloads for companies with up to 20,000 employees, Infor CloudSuite LN is a robust choice for such needs.
Weaknesses 
  • Expensive. The license is likely to be perceived as expensive by smaller companies as the enterprise layers included might not be as relevant for them.
  • Not suitable for SMBs below $250M in revenue. Not sold to smaller companies. Infor might push companies to smaller products such as CSI. Going outside of Infor might be a better choice in such scenarios as they might be able to match some layers of LN for particularly smaller companies.
  • Ecosystem​. Their ecosystem and consulting base are likely to be limited, as is common with other niche products.
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ERP Implementation Failure Recovery

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Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right ERP system is critical for machinery manufacturing companies, as it can significantly impact their operational efficiency and business growth. Each ERP solution discussed offers unique strengths and weaknesses, particularly catering to different aspects of the machinery manufacturing sector. From comprehensive global capabilities to specialized features for complex inventory management, the top ERP systems provide a range of functionalities to meet the diverse needs of the industry. Whether a company requires robust support for international operations or tailored solutions for specific manufacturing processes, understanding these ERP systems’ capabilities and limitations will help businesses make informed decisions and choose the best fit for their requirements. While this list offers valuable insights, seeking advice from an independent ERP consultant can greatly enhance your implementation success.

FAQs

Top 10 Apparel Manufacturing ERP Systems In 2024

Apparel manufacturing companies. They specialize in producing clothing and related accessories. They encompass a range of processes, from design and fabric sourcing to production and distribution. These companies are integral to the fashion industry, catering to consumer demands for a wide variety of garments, including casual wear, formal attire, sportswear, and accessories like footwear and bags. The business model of the apparel industry could vary from design companies to brands that manufacture and distribute through several retail stores and consulting companies that might also be manufacturing their own designs. They generally consider themselves part of the apparel industry, requiring apparel manufacturing ERP capabilities.

Apparel manufacturing processes. It involves transforming raw materials into finished garments ready for sale involves several stages, including design, pattern making, fabric sourcing, cutting, sewing, assembly, quality control, and packaging. Each step requires precision and coordination to meet quality standards and market expectations. Product development involves collaboration among functions such as design, merchandising, planning, procurement, and logistics. This process requires designing and planning based on factors like size, style, and season, necessitating unique inventory supply chain capabilities and specialized ERP systems.

Top 10 Apparel Manufacturing ERP Systems In 2024

Apparel manufacturing ERP needs. Apparel manufacturing companies require ERP systems tailored to their specific industry needs. These ERP systems must handle complex manufacturing processes such as supply chain management, production planning, inventory management, and demand forecasting, working in conjunction with a supply chain suite. Integration with CAD software for pattern making and design is crucial for efficient production. ERP solutions for apparel manufacturing also need robust capabilities for managing diverse product lines, handling multiple sizes and color variations, and tracking raw material sourcing and utilization. Additionally, comprehensive financial management modules are essential for cost control, pricing strategies, and financial reporting.



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Criteria

  • Definition of an apparel manufacturing company. An apparel manufacturing company produces clothing and related accessories on a large scale, typically involving design, production, and distribution of fashion products. They operate within a complex supply chain to meet consumer demands for clothing items.
  • Overall market share/# of customers. The higher market share among apparel manufacturing companies drives higher rankings on this list.
  • Ownership/funding. The superior financial position of the ERP vendor leads to higher rankings on this list. 
  • Quality of development. How modern is the tech stack? How aggressively is the ERP vendor pushing cloud-native functionality for this product? Is the roadmap officially announced? Or uncertain?
  • Community/Ecosystem. How vibrant is the community? Social media groups? In-person user groups? Forums?
  • Depth of native functionality. Last-mile functionality for specific industries natively built into the product?
  • Quality of publicly available product documentation. How well-documented is the product? Is the documentation available publicly? How updated is the demo content available on YouTube?
  • Product share and documented commitment. Is the product share reported separately in financial statements if the ERP vendor is public?
  • Ability to natively support diversified business models. How diverse is the product in supporting multiple business models in the same product?
  • Acquisition strategy aligned with the product: Any recent acquisitions to fill a specific hole for apparel manufacturing industries? Any official announcements to integrate recently acquired capabilities?
  • User Reviews: How specific are the reviews about this product’s capabilities? How recent and frequent are the reviews?
  • Must be an ERP product: Edge products such as HCM, CRM, eCommerce, MES, or accounting solutions that are not fully integrated to support enterprise-wide capabilities are not qualified for this list.

10. FDM4

FDM4 caters to apparel-centric processes and suits companies outgrowing QuickBooks. The benefit of FDM4 is that their team will be more committed to helping you with your processes. In general, you won’t require an additional consulting firm. For companies working with private equity firms or larger companies selling an ERP, they might not provide as much support as you would receive with FDM4. Hence, it acquires the #10 spot on our list of top apparel manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths 
  • Matrix order entry with conversion for color, size, case. When entering specific colors or sizes in cases, these relationships might be harder to support with the core ERP data model. Additionally, you require integration with color palettes, PLM, or design tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. FDM4 often addresses these tricky integrations and challenges.
  • Easier implementation. The core ERP layers are not as detailed, making the implementation easier for smaller companies.
  • Cheaper​. The implementation is also cheaper from the cost perspective. So, if cost is one of your biggest factors, this could be a great product.
Weaknesses 
  • Clucky technology. The technology is not as modern because they lack the R&D funds to innovate and catch up with larger vendors. As a result, the technology is inferior, less cloud-native, and may have limited mobile capabilities.
  • Primarily a distribution software. FDM4 is primarily a distribution software, although it does have some manufacturing capabilities.The distribution category in apparel manufacturing widely adopts it. However, the supply chain collaboration required for manufacturing is different. Therefore, just because the distribution sector adopts it widely, does not mean it will fit manufacturing needs, so you may want to evaluate that.
  • Scalability​. If you have a very simplified business model, it might be okay. However, if your business model is complex or if you are active in M&A and acquiring various capabilities as part of your business model, you will run into issues with FDM4.

9. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

MS Dynamics 365 BC is ideal for companies in locations where prescriptive products might not be available and you need a localized and supported solution in those geographies. This can be a particular challenge in some Eastern European countries, South America, or Asian countries. In these regions, you might not find support for some prescriptive products, or you might find many small, local products available. For the most part, if you are looking for a slightly more global product supported in various geographies and offering both operational and financial consolidation within the same product, MS Dynamics 365 BC is a suitable choice. However, you will need to use a quick add-on to support your apparel assets. The success of using this product will depend on the quality, adoption, coding, and documentation of that add-on. Therefore, it secures the #9 spot on our list of top apparel manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  • Core ERP layers. The core ERP layers are very strong, especially for smaller companies outgrowing QuickBooks or the smaller ERP systems.
  • Ecosystem. One of the most active ecosystems, offering numerous solutions to support various industries, even if those capabilities aren’t part of the core ERP layers or products.
  • Well adopted among apparel brands​.The add-ons in the MS Dynamics 365 ecosystem enrich its capabilities, helping apparel brands adopt it widely. This is despite the fact the core product not being as tailored layers as a prescriptive product like FDM4.
Weaknesses
  • Suite capabilities through third-party vendors. If these come from a third party, you might encounter challenges, especially if the core product doesn’t expose all the necessary ERP layers. Even if the solution is a great fit, a lack of support from Microsoft can cause issues. This scenario increases vendor risk and implementation risk, as you are dealing with many different moving parts in your solution.
  • Expensive implementation. The implementation may be slightly more expensive because you’re dealing with many different vendors and add-ons.
  • Requires a mature internal IT team.To tailor, customize, and configure these capabilities—already included in the suite, MS Dynamics 365 BC requires a very mature internal IT team.

8. Odoo

Odoo suits companies looking for an easier-to-implement product, especially those outgrowing QuickBooks. It offers many different apps, each with its own database, so you won’t experience the same consolidation found with other ERP systems. Despite allowing communication among modules, its products are not as tightly integrated from a data model or database perspective. As a result, you won’t achieve the same traceability as with other ERP products. Additionally, this increases the implementation budget and complexity, as you need to convert siloed data models into a unified one and make your teams operate on it. This is typically a significant challenge for organizations that haven’t traditionally operated on a single data model. Therefore, it acquires the #8 spot on our list of top apparel manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  • Well adopted among apparel brands. This is because they excel in the e-commerce space and have a very strong CRM component included as part of Odoo.
  • Diverse solutions to accommodate several business models. It can support many different business models, many different localizations, countries, etc, as part of the same product.
  • Matrix functionality is built as part of the inventory core​. This functionality is critical for apparel manufacturers. They would require this functionality supported throughout the phases starting from design, planning, and production.
Weaknesses
  • Visual order entry with color or style might be challenging. The visual order entry required by apparel companies might be a much heavier lift to customize and build on top of Odoo. If you need an ERP add-on, choose one that is well-designed and widely adopted among apparel companies.
  • Data layers not as embedded as needed for complex manufacturing companies. Odoo does not have as many users in larger apparel manufacturing companies compared to smaller apparel companies primarily in retail distribution. Adoption in the apparel manufacturing space, which is more complex, may not be as widespread.
  • Requires a mature internal IT team. To tailor, customize, and configure these capabilities—already included in the suite, Odoo requires a very mature internal IT team.

7. Acumatica

Acumatica is ideal for smaller apparel companies that are outgrowing QuickBooks, Odoo, or Zoho. These companies might be looking for a single data model for all their departments to operate in a more integrated and consolidated manner. However, with Acumatica, you won’t achieve global consolidation and may not be able to explore as many global synergies. This is because Acumatica is designed for very small companies. Hence, it secures the #7 spot on our list of top apparel manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  • Apparel PLM, merchandizing, planning, and eCommerce brands part of the ecosystem. The ecosystem includes many apparel-centric solutions such as PLM and merchandising planning, blended with e-commerce brands in Acumatica. Sometimes, you can find pre-baked integrations that may work well for your processes. However, thorough evaluation is necessary to ensure they align with your data and processes. Nonetheless, you may find at least some solutions within their ecosystem.
  • Underlying CPQ layers can allow customer and vendor and customer quoting processes. A growing CPQ layer enables both customers and vendors to engage in coding processes within the apparel space. Ensuring that the data model supports all these processes is crucial.
  • Core ERP layers​. The core ERP layers are robust, supporting processes like warehouse management, even when using specialized WMS systems. All required data models must be supported to ensure seamless communication with the ERP layers.
Weaknesses
  • Color and style based order entry not as intuitive. It might often require an add-on, which may not be intuitive if the core data model doesn’t support those integrations. However, in the Acumatica ecosystem, you will likely find some ERP add-ons that can handle this functionality.
  • Expensive implementation with too many add-ons. In general, dealing with many different add-ons and vendors makes your implementation expensive and potentially very risky.
  • Limited global consolidation capabilities. The global instances would need to be disconnected, preventing you from exploring synergies among different countries.

6. Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O

Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O is a very generalized product, designed for companies in regions where prescriptive products might not be available. For industries seeking global operational consolidation of various business models and processes, Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O fits well. Therefore, it secures the #6 spot on our list of top apparel manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  • Well adopted apparel add-ons as part of the ecosystem. They are widely adopted and have as many installations as some apparel-centric products. For example, products within the Aptean portfolio might have 1,000 installations, and this add-on also has 1,000 installations. So, this is likely as good as the product from your OEM or software publisher.
  • Core ERP layers to support diverse business model. The underlying ERP layers are designed to support various business models, so you are unlikely to encounter many challenges.
  • Comprehensive localization across the globe​. It has natively built capabilities for global synergies, in countries and geographies where prescriptive solutions might not be present.
Weaknesses
  • Last mile capabilities through third-party vendors. The last mile or industry-specific capabilities you acquire will be through third-party vendors. This approach increases vendor risk when utilizing these capabilities.
  • Expensive implementation. The ERP implementation may be slightly more expensive because you’re dealing with many different vendors and many different add-ons.
  • Requires mature internal IT team. In tailoring, customizing, and configuring these capabilities, the same capabilities that are already included as part of the suite, MS Dynamics 365 F&O also requires a very mature internal IT team.

5. SAP S/4 HANA

It is similar to MS Dynamics 365 F&O, both designed for generalized use cases supporting various business models globally. SAP excels in the large enterprise space, while F&O, though less proven with large enterprises, offers deeper operational capabilities in its cloud version. SAP S/4HANA‘s cloud version lags behind but has significantly improved, with its on-prem version being more mature. The cloud ecosystem differs, as some rich add-ons for on-prem might not be upgraded for the cloud. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand what kind of demo you are seeing and where those capabilities are supported. Thus, placing this product at #5 on our top apparel manufacturing ERP systems list.

Strengths
  • ERP layers for complex organizations. This ERP is designed for complex organizations, offering excellent suite capabilities for best-of-breed architecture. However, it may not be as tailored for apparel-centric organizations, which may still need to rely on third-party vendors and solutions to complete the system.
  • Diversity of the solution supporting discrete and process manufacturing. A variety of solutions are present to support different discrete and process manufacturing processes. Most apparel manufacturers are in the textile business, but they may also need process manufacturing capabilities, especially if they incorporate chemical processes. They might acquire these capabilities to meet their requirements.
  • Global compliance and localization​. The solutions natively support dozens of countries in geographies where prescriptive products might not be present.
Weaknesses 
  • Last mile capabilities through third-party vendors. The last mile or industry-specific capabilities you acquire will be through third-party vendors. This approach increases vendor risk when utilizing these capabilities.
  • Expensive implementation. The ERP implementation may be slightly more expensive because you’re dealing with many different vendors and many different add-ons.
  • Requires mature internal IT team. In tailoring, customizing, and configuring these capabilities, the same capabilities that are already included as part of the suite, SAP S/4 HANA also requires a very mature internal IT team.

4. Oracle Cloud ERP

It is similar to SAP S/4HANA, designed for a global install base and suited for publicly traded companies needing deep financial compliance and traceability. Oracle Cloud ERP offers comprehensive retail components, including apparel manufacturing, where processes are intertwined with merchandising, planning, warehouse, procurement, and design. Solutions like Blue Yonder and Manhattan are well-suited for these areas, while ERP primarily handles financial reporting. For manufacturing, which requires cost accounting and MRP, a robust ERP solution is essential. Apparel business models are complex, involving retail distribution and physical stores, making their supply chain planning intricate. Thus, Oracle Cloud ERP secures the #4 spot on our list of apparel manufacturing ERP systems. 

Strengths
  • Retail focused solution and CX solutions friendlier for B2C orgs. It is designed for a retail-focused architecture. The CX and supply chain solutions also take a very different perspective, tailored to retail needs.
  • Diversity of the solution. It can accommodate several different business models, making it ideally suitable for holding companies or companies owned by private equity.
  • Workforce scheduling provided as part of HCM solution for companies with physical locations​. Features such as workforce scheduling which are typically included in the HCM portfolio, are also present as part of the ERP system. Scheduling and compensation planning are very different in apparel-centric industries. This is where it excels.
Weaknesses 
  • Last mile capabilities through third-party vendors. The last mile or industry-specific capabilities you acquire will be through third-party vendors. This approach increases vendor risk when utilizing these capabilities.
  • Expensive implementation. The ERP implementation may be slightly more expensive because you’re dealing with many different vendors and many different add-ons.
  • Requires mature internal IT team. In tailoring, customizing, and configuring these capabilities, the same capabilities that are already included as part of the suite, it also requires a very mature internal IT team.

3. Aptean Apparel ERP

Aptean apparel ERP is designed for very small apparel manufacturing companies with a limited budget. These companies seek a tailored suite with pre-integrated solutions, so they don’t have to handle the integration themselves. Thus, acquiring the #3 spot on our list of top apparel manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths 
  • Full suite pre-integrated. A tailored suite with pre-baked integrations includes solutions required by apparel manufacturing companies, reducing the need for them to develop these integrations themselves.
  • Intuitive experience tailored to apparel workflows. Very customized order entry and learning processes specifically designed and labeled for apparel-centric business.
  • Tight integration of merchandizing, planning, WMS, TMS, and PLM. PLM, merchandising, planning, WMS, and TMS processes, all of which are highly specialized in the apparel-centric industry. You’ll find all of these pre-configured as part of your Aptean Apparel ERP.
Weaknesses 
  • Expensive with partial implementation. Sometimes, these partial scenarios can be more expensive than opting for something like NetSuite or other ERP systems if your preference is to incorporate all those best-of-breed components and integrate them.
  • Not as diverse. It’s not as versatile to support a diverse range of business models. Typically, apparel business models are focused within the apparel category, often launching many new products but maintaining a consistent business model. They typically do not venture into selling apparel machinery. If you have such needs, you might encounter limitations with this ERP because it’s not designed for that purpose.
  • Limited ecosystem and consulting base​. As with any other prescriptive products, the ecosystem and consulting base will be limited as well.

2. NetSuite

NetSuite is ideal for apparel SMBs with a global presence that do not require solutions as large as SAP S/4HANA or Oracle Cloud ERP. Thus, NetSuite secures the #2 position on our list of top apparel manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths 
  • Well adopted ISVs and PLMs in its ecosystem. The vendors within the NetSuite ecosystem are highly adopted in the apparel category. ISV, PLM, TMS, WMS, and other solutions perform exceptionally well. Therefore, you receive a product as good as what your software publisher delivers.
  • Data model friendlier for retail and distribution companies. The data model, particularly the one required for apparel manufacturers, is not as complex as it is for other types of manufacturing. This makes NetSuite a great fit for apparel manufacturing.
  • Not a bad solution for apparel manufacturing​. Apparel manufacturers don’t need as deep production capabilities with complex BOMs and routing steps, making the light manufacturing capabilities of NetSuite a decent fit.
Weaknesses 
  • Complex apparel manufacturing requiring shop floor scheduling etc might need add-ons. For complex apparel manufacturing capabilities such as shop floor scheduling, you often rely on add-ons, which can introduce more complexity.
  • Several add-ons required. NetSuite would require several add-ons, including tools for merchandising, planning, PLM, vendor collaboration, and increasing vendor and ERP implementation risk.
  • Limited native operational capabilities​. The native capabilities are extremely lean for complex operational use cases, requiring several add-ons to fill up those gaps.

1. Infor CloudSuite M3

Infor CloudSuite M3 is designed for global apparel companies and includes tailored processes specific to the apparel industry. Customizing this suite is complex and challenging with other products. Thus, it acquires the #1 spot on our list of top apparel manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths 
  • Comprehensive apparel manufacturing capabilities. The core ERP capabilities are present with a data model tailored and delivered specifically for apparel manufacturing.
  • Comprehensive suite combining most components apparel companies need. A suite where PLM, WMS, TMS, merchandising, planning, and all of that are part of the same solution from the same vendor. This integration helps reduce your implementation budget because these capabilities are unified.
  • Extensibility​. You are going to have far more flexibility when customizing the product.
Weaknesses
  • Not as diverse. It is not as diverse. If your business model and transactions require many different processes, such as a discrete business model in apparel manufacturing, you might encounter issues. 
  • Not suitable for SMBs below $250M in revenue. This might not be the best fit for apparel companies below 250 million in revenue, as the ecosystem and consulting base are also fairly limited.
  • Ecosystem​. The consulting base is extremely limited, and very few VARs are available. It might be even more limiting if you care for local help.
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ERP Implementation Failure Recovery

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Conclusion

In conclusion, apparel manufacturing companies are essential players in the global fashion industry, specializing in producing a wide array of clothing and accessories. They operate within robust textile industries in urban centers and regions with skilled labor, contributing significantly to local economies and global supply chains. From design and material sourcing to production and distribution, these companies ensure the diverse demands of consumers are met with high-quality products. Modern apparel manufacturing processes leverage technology for efficiency and adaptability, reflecting the dynamic nature of fashion trends and consumer preferences.

When evaluating ERP systems for apparel manufacturing, the rankings reveal diverse strengths and weaknesses across various solutions. Infor CloudSuite M3 emerges as the top choice due to its comprehensive suite tailored specifically for apparel industry needs, integrating PLM, WMS, TMS, merchandising, and planning seamlessly. In contrast, solutions like Oracle Cloud ERP and SAP S/4HANA cater to global enterprises with robust financial compliance and operational capabilities, albeit requiring substantial investment and a mature IT team for implementation. 

NetSuite and MS Dynamics 365 BC offer more accessible options for SMBs with global ambitions, focusing on scalable solutions without the complexity of larger ERP systems. Each ERP system reviewed provides unique benefits, reflecting the diverse needs and operational scales of apparel manufacturers in today’s competitive market landscape. Ultimately, the right ERP system, chosen with the guidance of an independent ERP consultant, will not only streamline operations and enhance efficiency but also support the company’s growth.

FAQs

Top 10 ERP Systems for Mid-sized Businesses in 2024 w/ Sam Gupta

WBSP583 – Top 10 ERP Systems for Mid-Sized Businesses in 2024

Choosing the right ERP system is crucial for mid-sized businesses aiming to simplify operations and scale efficiently. In this episode, we explored the top 10 ERP systems for mid-sized companies, discussing their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases.

Understanding Market Segments

The market is segmented into four categories: startup, small, mid-sized, and enterprise. Each category has unique needs. Startups and small businesses primarily focus on basic transactional features. In contrast, mid-sized businesses, typically ranging from $100 million to $1 billion in revenue, require more advanced features. This segment is further divided into lower mid-market and upper mid-market. The lower mid-market shares similarities with small businesses in their requirements, whereas the upper mid-market aligns more closely with the needs of large businesses.

Criteria for Evaluation

Our evaluation considers various factors such as:

  • Market Fit: How well the ERP system serves the mid-sized companies or industries.
  • Industry Focus: The specific industry does the ERP system target?
  • Technology Integration: Capability to integrate with other business systems.
  • User Reviews: Feedback from mid-sized companies using the product, regarding its functionality and reliability.
  • Scalability: Ability to grow with the business without major overhaul.

10. Plex

Plex caters specifically to lower mid-sized companies in automotive and Manufacturing Execution System-centric industries. With its robust operational capabilities, Plex effectively addresses the unique needs of these sectors. Consequently, due to its specialized focus and strong performance in its target markets, Plex has secured the 10th position in our comprehensive list of top 10 ERP systems for mid-sized companies.

Pros

  • First and foremost, it demonstrates strong manufacturing execution system -centric capabilities.
  • Additionally, it is specifically designed for the automotive and life sciences sectors.
  • Furthermore, it uses cloud-native technology, enhancing its flexibility and scalability.

Cons

  • Limited focus and ecosystem
  • Not suitable for diverse business models

9. Unit4

Unit4 targets service-oriented businesses, particularly public sector and non-profit organizations. It features strong HCM integration and scheduling capabilities. As a result of its specialized focus and functionality, Unit4 has earned the 9th position in our list of top 10 ERP systems for mid-sized companies, reflecting its ability to meet unique service industry needs.

Pros

  • It has deep capabilities for service-centric industries, making it highly effective in these areas.
  • Additionally, it offers strong HCM integration, enhancing its overall functionality.
  • Moreover, it is suitable for the public sector and non-profits, meeting their specific needs.

Cons

  • Limited focus and ecosystem
  • Not ideal for diverse business models

8. Deltek ERP

Building on its specialized focus, Deltek offers tailored solutions specifically for construction and government contracting sectors. By providing unique capabilities in these niche areas, Deltek sets itself apart from more generalized ERP systems. As a result of its targeted approach and industry-specific features, Deltek has consequently earned the 8th position in our comprehensive list of top 10 ERP systems for mid-sized companies.

Pros

  • It has strong capabilities in construction and government contracting, making it effective in these areas.
  • Additionally, it uses its own databases and integrations, improving its functionality.
  • Moreover, it provides strong support for managing multiple entities, ensuring smooth operations.

Cons

  • While it caters to a specific niche, its core functionalities lack robustness.

7. SAGE X3

Sage X3 particularly excels in industries such as pharmaceuticals and agriculture, offering robust accounting and finance capabilities. As a result, it is well-suited for publicly traded companies. Given these strengths, combined with its versatility, Sage X3 has consequently secured the 7th position on our list.

Pros:

  • It offers comprehensive accounting and finance features, ensuring thorough financial management.
  • Additionally, it has a well-developed ecosystem tailored to specific industries, enhancing its versatility.
  • Moreover, it provides comprehensive inventory management and costing functionalities, improving operational efficiency.

Cons

  • It has a limited focus outside its target industries, making it less useful for other areas.
  • Additionally, it can be too complicated for smaller budgets, posing challenges for cost-conscious businesses.

6. QAD ERP

QAD specializes in the car and medical industries, providing pre-built, high-quality software tools.

Pros

  • It specializes in the car and life sciences sectors, particularly, the medical industries and offers comprehensive supply chain capabilities.
  • It also supports multiple entities seamlessly.

Cons

  • It also has limited ecosystem.
  • Ongoing stabilization of technology re-architecture.

5. IFS

IFS is widely recognized for its strong field service and asset management capabilities, thus making it a top choice for industries like construction, utilities, and telecommunications.

Pros

  • It boast of strong capabilities in field service and asset management.
  • Although built on cloud-native technology, it is not ideal for managing large, complex programs.

Cons

  • It has limited focus and ecosystem, and it is not suitable as a corporate financial ledger.

4. Epicor Kinetic

Thanks to its unique data and inventory models, Epicor Kinetic provides comprehensive ERP solution for industries within the formal manufacturing processes, particularly the automotive and metals industry.

Pros

  • It has strong capabilities in structured manufacturing.
  • It also has mature cloud capabilities.
  • It has unique inventory models tailored for industries such as metals.

Cons

  • It has limited support for complex financial hierarchies and it is less suitable for larger mid-sized companies with complex operations.

3. Infor CloudSuite LN and M3

LN and M3 target different areas: LN focuses on separate products, while M3 focuses on ongoing processes and sales, making It ideal for businesses with global operations and complex manufacturing needs. When it comes to finances, businesses may benefit from consulting assistance.

Pros

  • It offers mature solutions specifically designed for manufacturing industries.
  • It boasts of robust industry-specific capabilities.
  • It also provides strong features for optimizing operations and global effectiveness.

Cons

  • It has limited consulting capabilities.
  • It is also not suitable as a corporate ledger for diverse business models.

2. NetSuite

NetSuite is tailored for global, lower-mid-sized businesses, making it suitable for service and product-centric industries. Additionally, it stands out as a strong financial tool for upper-mid-sized companies. Although additional components might be necessary for last-mile delivery capabilities, NetSuite’s flexibility remains its key strength, offsetting this potential drawback.

Pros

  • It shows strong global capabilities with a robust ecosystem.
  • It performs well in both service-focused and product-focused industries.
  • It offers flexibility and can be customized to meet various business needs.

Cons

  • It requires additional add-ons to achieve specific features.
  • It is not ideally suited for highly complex manufacturing or distribution verticals.

1. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations (F&O)

Boasting powerful enterprise features, Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O shines in global operations. Furthermore, it offers a comprehensive toolkit for mixed-mode manufacturing and finance. Given its complete capabilities, many organizations opt to collaborate with independent ERP consultants . This collaboration ensures easy setup and enhances continuous improvement.

Pros

  • It has wide global capabilities, making it ideal for businesses with international operations.
  • Integration with other Microsoft products increases efficiency and leads to a more structured workflow.
  • It works well for big and varied business models, meeting many different operational needs.

Cons

Conclusion

Selecting the best ERP system for your mid-sized company involves considering industry-specific needs, the complex nature of your operations, and future growth strategies. Therefore, the top 10 ERP systems highlighted in this article offer a range of features tailored to mid-sized businesses or companies. Consequently, by choosing from these options, companies can ensure they have the essential tools for smooth operations and scalable growth in 2024 and beyond.

Top 10 Process Manufacturing ERP Systems In 2024

Process manufacturing companies. Varying substantially with their ERP needs, process manufacturing companies produce goods using a formula or recipe. Such manufacturing typically involves continuous or batch production processes and is common in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and petrochemicals. Unlike discrete manufacturing, which assembles products from distinct parts, process manufacturing produces items that cannot be disassembled into their original components. These companies often deal with complex inventory and require sophisticated supply chain planning.

Process manufacturing processes. The fundamental difference between process manufacturing companies and other companies would be the complexity of formulas and recipes that drive their processes. The processes might also vary with their supply chain planning as the large majority of process manufacturers are likely to be make-to-stock, with heavy inventory and supply chain operations. The commoditized industries such as food, pharma, and chemicals are likely to have substantial Direct Store Delivery (DSD) operations with a heavy focus on eCommerce. Depending upon the product mix, new product development (NPD) would be critical with the flavors of discrete manufacturing in the form of managing their own packaging lines.

Top 10 Process Manufacturing ERP Systems In 2024

Process manufacturing ERP needs. Process manufacturing companies require ERP systems that can handle formulation and recipe throughout the R&D and production phases. Depending upon the business model whether the process manufacturer is more contract-based or an OEM, the need for quality could vary per customer or customer group. These systems must also support integration with ancillary systems such as process-specific PLMs, MES and WFM, and value chain planning and forecasting. Finally, some industries such as pharma and chemicals might require a unique data structure to accommodate distinct requirements such as capturing multiple serial and lot numbers together, making the generalized ERP systems irrelevant for this industry vertical.



The 2025 Digital Transformation Report

Thinking of embarking on a ERP journey and looking for a digital transformation report? Want to learn the best practices of digital transformation? Then, you have come to the right place.

Criteria

  • Definition of a process manufacturing company. These companies in the process manufacturing ecosystem include manufacturers formulating recipe processes to produce products in industries such as pharma, nutraceuticals, cannabis, food and beverage, etc. The list considers companies of all sizes in this ecosystem.
  • Overall market share/# of customers. The higher market share among process manufacturing companies drives higher rankings on this list.
  • Ownership/funding. The superior financial position of the ERP vendor leads to higher rankings on this list. 
  • Quality of development. How modern is the tech stack? How aggressively is the ERP vendor pushing cloud-native functionality for this product? Is the roadmap officially announced? Or uncertain?
  • Community/Ecosystem. How vibrant is the community? Social media groups? In-person user groups? Forums?
  • Depth of native functionality. Last-mile functionality for specific industries natively built into the product?
  • Quality of publicly available product documentation. How well-documented is the product? Is the documentation available publicly? How updated is the demo content available on YouTube?
  • Product share and documented commitment. Is the product share reported separately in financial statements if the ERP vendor is public?
  • Ability to natively support diversified business models. How diverse is the product in supporting multiple business models in the same product?
  • Acquisition strategy aligned with the product: Any recent acquisitions to fill a specific hole for process manufacturing industries? Any official announcements to integrate recently acquired capabilities?
  • User Reviews: How specific are the reviews about this product’s capabilities? How recent and frequent are the reviews?
  • Must be an ERP product: Edge products such as HCM, CRM, eCommerce, MES, or accounting solutions that are not fully integrated to support enterprise-wide capabilities are not qualified for this list.

10. Acumatica

Acumatica is primarily a discrete product and does not have native process manufacturing capabilities. However, the add-ons available in their ecosystem are very strong, and they have robust alliances with these companies. This makes Acumatica a potential threat in the process manufacturing sector over time. It is ideal for smaller process manufacturing companies operating US, Canada, UK, and Australia​.

Acumatica could be a significant contender for industries that require both process manufacturing and discrete manufacturing. The process manufacturing capabilities, combined with field service, construction, distribution, and e-commerce, will all be part of the same database, providing end-to-end traceability across these functions. If these capabilities are important to you, then Acumatica could be an excellent choice. Therefore, Acumatica secures the #10 spot on our list of top process manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths 
  • Technology. Acumatica is very cloud-native, and its process manufacturing add-ons are designed with similar development standards and documentation guidelines.
  • Core ERP layers. The core ERP layers are very strong, especially for smaller companies outgrowing QuickBooks or the smaller ERP systems.
  • Ideal for seasonal businesses​. It’s also a better fit for seasonal businesses, especially in process manufacturing industries. Seasonal businesses, such as those in the food industry, often benefit from this model. Pricing and licensing may be slightly more favorable for these businesses.
Weaknesses
  • Quality and process manufacturing module through third parties. You should be aware of the risks, including integration risks. Implementation might also be more expensive due to the various moving parts involved.
  • Not suitable for companies requiring global financial consolidation. Acumatica has limited global capabilities for process companies seeking synergies among global entities.
  • Not suitable for large companies​. It is not designed for large process manufacturing companies.

9. ECI Deacom

ECI Deacom is a smaller product than Acumatica but offers slightly superior capabilities as part of its suite. It integrates all the components required for process manufacturing. It is ideal for smaller process manufacturing companies seeking suite capabilities​. With Acumatica, reliance on third-party add-ons and dealing with more vendors is necessary, whereas, with ECI Deacom, everything is provided by ECI itself as part of the suite. So, if you are a small company and are limited in your implementation needs, ECI Deacom could be a great fit.

It targets small process manufacturing companies, particularly those heavily involved in eCommerce and DTC. Its processes are tailored to industries like food and beverage or chemical-centric industries. Despite its strengths, the core ERP layers and data model are not scalable for companies seeking mature ERP capabilities. So, it suits smaller companies transitioning from QuickBooks with constrained implementation budgets. Therefore, with this ECI Deacom secures the #9 spot on our list of top process manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  • Specialized process manufacturing capabilities such as catchweight, and potency. Advanced process manufacturing features critical for process manufacturers are provided out of the box.
  • Friendlier for commerce-centric companies. Features such as route accounting and other capabilities are included in the suite, especially useful in process manufacturing spaces maintaining their own fleets and assets like PODs.
  • Easier implementation​. The core ERP layers are not as detailed, making the implementation easier for smaller companies.
Weaknesses
  • Limited ERP layers. The ERP layers are going to be limited. So it’s not as moldable as some of the other ERP products.
  • Not as diverse. It may not support many different business models and transactions, leading to quick outgrowth. For complex business models with diverse processes and transactions, ECI Deacom might not be the best fit.
  • Ecosystem​. The ecosystem is limited, as compared to any similar product on this list. You primarily rely on ECI Deacom’s professional services for consulting and knowledge.

8. SYSPRO

SYSPRO excels in some process manufacturing spaces, such as chemical, food and beverage, and medical devices. It is ideal for smaller process manufacturing companies requiring distribution and discrete manufacturing capabilities. SYSPRO also includes process manufacturing capabilities like formulation and recipe support. It has a very strong alignment with eCommerce players prevalent in the process manufacturing space, increasing the available integration options. Designed for smaller companies, SYSPRO is not suited for global consolidation or complex operations. However, if operating in a few countries with installations in the US or UK, SYSPRO might be a great fit. Thus, considering all these factors SYSPRO secures the #8 spot on our list of top process manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths 
  • Complex inventory layers. The inventory layers are far more complex. So these are going to be different attributes. And those attributes are going to be part of the process. 
  • Formulation and recipe support. With SYSPRO, the formulation and recipe support is going to be part of the product.
  • Discrete and process manufacturing in one solution​. The product natively supports both manufacturing modes, making it friendlier for process manufacturing companies managing their own packaging lines.
Weaknesses 
  • Complex process manufacturing capabilities such as catch weight, potency, and reverse BOMs. All of these capabilities might not be supported as part of SYSPRO.
  • Limited suite capabilities. While great for smaller companies, large process manufacturing companies would require specialized tools such as PLM, WMS, and TMS from third parties.
  • Limited global consolidation capabilities​. SYSPRO has limited global capabilities for process companies seeking synergies among global entities.

7. SAP S/4 HANA

SAP S/4HANA is designed for larger companies aiming to consolidate global business models across various entities, especially those with a significant global footprint or publicly traded status. It excels in complex organizational structures and is ideal for companies actively engaged in mergers and acquisitions due to their ever-changing business models. SAP S/4HANA offers flexibility in processes and transactions, catering to diverse business needs. Thus, positioning itself at the #7 spot on our list of top process manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths 
  • ERP layers for complex organizations. It is designed for very complex organizations, essentially those companies that will be very active with their M&A cycles.
  • Diversity of the solution supporting discrete and process manufacturing. The solution is very large supporting many different business models with equal depth for process and discrete manufacturing.
  • Global compliance and localization​. Regions like South America and Europe are complex due to their small countries with unique processes. Mainstream ERP systems often lack support in such regions, leaving solutions like SAP S/4HANA, Microsoft, or Oracle as the only viable options. Alternatively, there may be niche solutions specifically designed for these geographies.
Weaknesses 
  • Last mile capabilities through third-party vendors. The last-mile capabilities will likely involve third-party vendors. Therefore the integration of suite capabilities as well as core capabilities will be highly dependent on vendors, increasing vendor integration risks.
  • Expensive implementation. The implementation costs are going to be expensive because of dealing with different vendors.
  • Requires mature internal IT team. In tailoring, customizing, and configuring these capabilities, the same capabilities that are already included as part of the suite, SAP S/4 HANA also requires a very mature internal IT team.

6. QAD

QAD is the right fit for supply chain-centric companies, particularly in industries like life sciences and food and beverage. This is where rigorous supply chain planning processes are common, despite these product types being generally less expensive. But it’s not a fit for companies with diverse business models or very small companies. QAD has seen substantial advancements in its portfolio, especially with its technology, which was a massive barrier for QAD in the past. Thus, contributing to the placement of this product at #6 spot on our list of top process manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths 
  • Supply chain suite + ERP as part of the suite. The entire suite from QAD is included in the product itself, reducing reliance on third-party vendors. This results in cheaper implementation costs due to pre-baked, pre-configured, and pre-integrated components.
  • Process companies with discrete manufacturing lines or components. It is primarily a discrete product, although it also includes some process capabilities. However, complex process manufacturing capabilities may not be fully supported.
  • Global capabilities. From a global consolidation perspective, it is generally a larger product compared to others like Acumatica or ECI Deacom. It is designed for global supply chain collaboration across 5-20 countries.
Weaknesses
  • New technology might not be stable or rolled out to all modules. Although they have announced an upgrade to cloud-native technology, it has not yet been fully rolled out and may not be stable for the next few years.
  • Ecosystem. Having QAD alone for the ecosystem might be challenging due to its limited nature.
  • Not as diverse​. This is not a good fit for companies with hybrid business models as the data and process model is highly tailored for specific process manufacturing verticals.

5. Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O

It is a product similar to SAP S/4 HANA, designed for more generalized cases requiring diversity and industry-specific capabilities through third-party vendor add-ons. In these scenarios, MS Dynamics 365 F&O is a better overall choice compared to SAP S/4HANA or Oracle, which have proven themselves in Fortune 500 workloads. They offer extensive capabilities relevant to mid-market companies, along with advanced cloud operational capabilities, where Microsoft is currently ahead. It has an ecosystem that makes it suitable for private equity and holding companies aiming to streamline their portfolio companies on one solution. SMBs, however, might find its complex data model overwhelming. Thus, acquiring its placement for the #5 spot on our list of top process manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  • Comprehensive localization across the globe. This would be beneficial for global process manufacturing companies seeking synergies among their entities.
  • Ecosystem. One of the most active ecosystems, offering numerous solutions to support various industries, even if those capabilities aren’t part of the core ERP layers or products.
  • Recipe and formulation supported natively.​ The product data model has native support for both process and discrete manufacturing modes.
Weaknesses 
  • Last mile capabilities through third-party vendors. The last mile or industry-specific capabilities you acquire will be through third-party vendors. This approach increases vendor risk when utilizing these capabilities.
  • Expensive implementation. The implementation may be slightly more expensive because you’re dealing with many different vendors and many different add-ons.
  • Requires mature internal IT team. In tailoring, customizing, and configuring these capabilities, the same capabilities that are already included as part of the suite, MS Dynamics 365 F&O also requires a very mature internal IT team.

4. Oracle Cloud ERP

Oracle Cloud ERP is a product similar to SAP S/4HANA and MS Dynamics 365 F&O. It is designed for large global publicly traded companies, offering extensive financial capabilities for consolidation across entities and business models. However, its industry-specific capabilities are not as preconfigured or tailored as those found in other products on the list. It also excels with high transaction volumes. It is not the optimal choice for SMB process manufacturers lacking internal IT capabilities seeking full-suite capabilities. Thus, contributing to the placement of this product at #4 spot in our list of top process manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  • ERP layers for complex organizations. This ERP system is designed for large global publicly traded companies. These companies typically require international financial consolidation and aim to integrate various business models and geographies into one solution. This is necessary to ensure end-to-end traceability.
  • Diversity of the solution supporting most discreet industries. The ERP layers are highly adaptable and designed to support various business models, resulting in a very diverse product. In contrast, other products may not offer the same level of diversity.
  • Well adopted among process manufacturing companies through JDE install base with pharma and F&B companies. They also have a larger presence in process manufacturing, particularly in pharma and food and beverage, due to the widespread adoption of the legacy JD Edwards product in these sectors. They are converting these customers and offer extensive capabilities tailored to these industries.
Weaknesses 
  • Last mile capabilities through third-party vendors. The last mile or industry-specific capabilities you acquire will be through third-party vendors. This approach increases vendor risk when utilizing these capabilities.
  • Expensive implementation. The implementation may be slightly more expensive because you’re dealing with many different vendors and many different add-ons.
  • Requires mature internal IT team. In tailoring, customizing, and configuring these capabilities, the same capabilities that are already included as part of the suite, Oracle Cloud ERP also requires a very mature internal IT team.

3. Aptean Process Manufacturing ERP

This solution falls under the prescriptive category, where you receive a complete suite tailored to specific industries. Aptean process manufacturing ERP’s approach is similar to Infor’s, with specific ERP products bundled into the suite. Although marketed broadly as having 15 process manufacturing solutions, these are segmented into editions like Ross or ProcessPro, each designed for highly specific micro-verticals needing tailored innovation capabilities. Unlike Acumatica, where all business models reside in one database for easier upgrades and better traceability across transactions, Aptean’s products operate on separate databases. This distinction presents risks but offers deep functionality and capabilities for specific micro-verticals. Thus, positioning itself at #3 spot on our list of top process manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths 
  • Full suite pre-integrated. Because of full pre-integrated suite being present, the implementation costs are going to be cheaper. 
  • Complex process manufacturing capabilities. Aptean provides complex capabilities like reverse BOMs and potency ingredients tailored to each process manufacturing micro-vertical, along with unique PMS functionalities.
  • Several versions tailored for specific micro-verticals such as Ross and ProcessPro​. It is designed for highly specific micro-verticals needing tailored innovation capabilities.
Weaknesses
  • Expensive with partial implementation. Buying the complete suite from Aptean may be cheaper. However, if you opt for a rip-and-replace approach or wish to use your favorite tools with Aptean’s architecture, costs could increase. You may encounter fewer pre-baked integrations and fewer consultants knowledgeable about these integrations. Aptean may not prioritize supporting external products or suites, which could pose challenges during partial implementations. Thus, choosing between Aptean’s complete architecture or similar products may depend on your specific needs and desired diversity.
  • Not as diverse. This is not a good fit for companies with hybrid business models as the data and process model is highly tailored for specific process manufacturing verticals.
  • Limited ecosystem and consulting base​. It has a weaker ecosystem and consulting base compared to other ERP solutions.

2. Sage X3

Sage X3 is positioned as a mid-to-large product in the process manufacturing sector. It excels particularly when robust accounting processes are needed, suitable for auditor requirements in publicly traded companies. In the pharmaceutical industry, which is highly regulated, Sage X3 shines due to its comprehensive process capabilities. The ecosystem is well-developed with ample consultants, making it widely adopted in process manufacturing compared to other products on this list. Thus, considering all these factors Sage X3 has acquired the #2 spot on our list of top process manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths 
  • Depth in accounting. It excels particularly when robust accounting processes are needed, suitable for auditor requirements in publicly traded companies.
  • Specialized process manufacturing capabilities such as catchweight. Complex process manufacturing capabilities such as catchweight, UoMs, and BOMs are all included in the product.
  • Well adopted among process manufacturing companies​. The ecosystem is well-developed with ample ERP consultants, making it widely adopted among process manufacturing companies.
Weaknesses 
  • Suite capabilities through third-parties. For suite capabilities such as PLM and configurator, you may need third-party add-ons.
  • Not the core focus for Sage. Overall, Sage X3 is not the core focus in their portfolio; Sage Intacct is their primary focus. Their target market primarily consists of SMBs rather than larger companies, which are more penetrated by other ERP providers. Their primary distribution channel is accounting firms, making them more established in the small to mid-sized market.
  • Accounting boilerplate​. The advanced accounting capabilities might not be as relevant for smaller companies primarily caring for operational capabilities.

1. Infor CloudSuite M3

Infor CloudSuite M3 is adopted among process manufacturing companies, especially those with very complex inventory and deep involvement in supply chain planning. Its key strength is that it is a complete pre-integrated suite containing several components, including specialized PLM and a tailored supply chain suite. Infor M3 is a great fit for focused process manufacturing companies with limited IT budgets but might not be the best fit for companies growing through M&A or with diverse business models. Thus, Infor CloudSuite M3 secures the #1 spot on our list of top process manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths 
  • Comprehensive process manufacturing capabilities. Process manufacturing capabilities are one of the most robust to support the operations of global process manufacturers with many different business models including retail and rental operations.
  • Supports complex inventory and products. The attribute inventory is supported throughout processes starting from NPD to dispatch and value chain management.
  • Pre-integrated supply chain suite​. The pre-integrated supply chain suite makes the implementation cheaper and vendor risk lower.
Weaknesses 
  • Expensive. Compared to smaller suites such as ECI Deacom and SYSPRO, Infor M3 would be more expensive because of the advanced capabilities for larger and global companies.
  • Not suitable for SMBs below $250M in revenue. The advanced layers provided as part of the product might be too detailed for smaller companies, posing adoption challenges.
  • Ecosystem​. The consulting base and marketplaces are virtually non-existent for both Infor M3.
+

ERP Implementation Failure Recovery

Learn how Frederick Wildman struggled with Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementation failure even after spending over $5M and what options they had for recovery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right ERP system is crucial for process manufacturing companies due to the complexity and specificity of their operations. The top 10 ERP systems identified in this blog each offer unique strengths and capabilities that cater to various needs within the process manufacturing industry. From robust accounting processes in Sage X3 to the comprehensive pre-integrated suite of Infor CloudSuite M3, each system provides distinct advantages for managing intricate manufacturing processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and optimizing supply chain planning. Companies must carefully evaluate their specific requirements, including the need for specialized functionalities, global capabilities, and integration ease, to make an informed decision.

The diversity in ERP systems also reflects the varying priorities and operational scales of process manufacturing companies. Smaller companies might benefit from systems like ECI Deacom or Acumatica, which offer tailored solutions for niche markets and simpler implementations. In contrast, larger companies with extensive global operations may find Oracle Cloud ERP or SAP S/4HANA more suitable due to their advanced capabilities and scalability. Ultimately, the right ERP system, chosen with the guidance of an independent ERP consultant, will not only streamline operations and enhance efficiency but also support the company’s growth.

FAQs

Top 10 Discrete Manufacturing ERP Systems In 2024

Discrete Manufacturing Companies. Producing distinct items manufactured through a series of assembly processes, where individual components are combined to create the final product, discrete manufacturing typically involves BOMs, assembly lines, and detailed production schedules. The process results in tangible, countable products that can be individually tracked and managed through the supply chain. This type of manufacturing contrasts with process manufacturing, which produces goods in bulk, like chemicals or beverages, where the end products are not discrete items but rather homogeneous outputs.

Discrete Manufacturing Processes. It involves the production of distinct, countable items through a series of assembly and fabrication steps. These processes include assembling components, machining, welding, and quality testing, often organized along assembly lines. Each step in the process is distinct and can be tracked individually, with a focus on precision and customization. This approach is commonly used in industries like automotive, aerospace, electronics, and machinery.

Top 10 Discrete Manufacturing ERP Systems In 2024

Discrete Manufacturing ERP Needs. Modules for managing production planning, inventory control, and supply chain coordination are of utmost importance in this case. These systems must support detailed tracking of parts and components, facilitate efficient scheduling and resource allocation, and provide real-time visibility into production processes. Additionally, they require strong capabilities in quality management, engineering change control, and compliance tracking to handle the complexities of producing distinct items. Integration with CAD systems, advanced analytics for performance monitoring, and flexible reporting tools are also essential to address the unique demands of discrete manufacturing. So, which are the leading discrete manufacturing ERP systems for 2024?



The 2025 Digital Transformation Report

Thinking of embarking on a ERP journey and looking for a digital transformation report? Want to learn the best practices of digital transformation? Then, you have come to the right place.

Criteria

  • Definition of a discrete manufacturing company. These companies in the discrete manufacturing ecosystem include manufacturers that follow discrete manufacturing processes producing products in industries such as Automotive, Aerospace, Industrial, and Machinery. From the manufacturing mode types, they could belong to any of the categories such as make-to-order, make-to-stock, engineer-to-order, or project manufacturing. The list considers companies of all sizes in this ecosystem.
  • Overall market share/# of customers. The higher marketshare among discrete manufacturing companies drives higher rankings on this list.
  • Ownership/funding. The superior financial position of the ERP vendor leads to higher rankings on this list.
  • Quality of development. How modern is the tech stack? How aggressively is the ERP vendor pushing cloud-native functionality for this product? Is the roadmap officially announced? Or uncertain?
  • Community/Ecosystem. How vibrant is the community? Social media groups? In-person user groups? Forums?
  • Depth of native functionality. Last-mile functionality for specific industries natively built into the product?
  • Quality of publicly available product documentation. How well-documented is the product? Is the documentation available publicly? How updated is the demo content available on YouTube?
  • Product share and documented commitment. Is the product share reported separately in financial statements if the ERP vendor is public?
  • Ability to natively support diversified business models. How diverse is the product in supporting multiple business models in the same product?
  • Acquisition strategy aligned with the product: Any recent acquisitions to fill a specific hole for discrete manufacturing industries? Any official announcements to integrate recently acquired capabilities?
  • User Reviews: How specific are the reviews about this product’s capabilities? How recent and frequent are the reviews?
  • Must be an ERP product: Edge products such as HCM, CRM, eCommerce, MES, or accounting solutions that are not fully integrated to support enterprise-wide capabilities are not qualified for this list.

10. Plex

Adopting an MES-first strategy, Plex targets companies in the Toyota and Ford automotive ecosystems. Despite superior technology compared to other solutions on this list, Plex has fewer installs, primarily focusing on the automotive industry. Uniquely, Plex integrates some of the HCM processes tightly with MES and ERP, which is beneficial for automotive companies if skillsets and certifications are key inputs for production scheduling. However, its relevance may vary for other industries. Given its pros and cons, it maintains the #10 spot among the top 10 discrete manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. MES-first approach. Plex excels with its MES-first architecture, which is particularly strong for shop-floor heavy industries.
  2. Stronger automotive last-mile compliance capabilities. Plex offers deep last-mile and compliance capabilities for automotive companies and other MES-intensive industries.
  3. Cloud-native​. Plex’s technology is superior due to its cloud-native origins, setting it apart from other systems.
Weaknesses
  1. Weaker ERP layers. Plex’s ERP capabilities and integration layers are not as robust, leading to potential challenges in adapting to various business transactions and models.
  2. Not as scalable for diverse business models. The ERP may face difficulties scaling to accommodate different business models, affecting its flexibility.
  3. Limited ecosystem and consulting base​. Being more prescriptive, Plex has a weaker ecosystem and consulting base compared to other ERP solutions.

9. DELMIAWorks

DELMIAWorks has performed really well from an industry perspective, particularly in more process-centric sectors such as plastics. Industries related to plastics, especially from a discrete perspective, will benefit significantly from DELMIAWorks. Additionally, it has a tighter alignment with the CAD system SolidWorks. Industries using SolidWorks will experience richer capabilities and superior alignment from a product capabilities perspective. Therefore, the industries to consider for DELMIAWorks include automotive and aerospace, especially if they are slightly more plastic-centric within those verticals. This contributes to the placement of this product at #9 spot in our list of top discrete manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths 
  1. Seamless integration with other tools in SolidWorks portfolio. Their alignment with the CAD system SolidWorks is particularly noteworthy. Industries utilizing SolidWorks can expect seamless integration and superior alignment.
  2. Discrete and process manufacturing capabilities. Ideal for industries, that primarily focus on discrete manufacturing, but may also incorporate process manufacturing lines. This scenario is common in packaging-centric or medical device-centric industries.
  3. Supply chain best-of-breed solutions as part of the suite​. The suite comes fully equipped, pre-baked, pre-configured, and pre-integrated, saving you the hassle of investing heavily in these aspects as required by other solutions. These capabilities are typically sourced from third-party providers.
Weaknesses
  1. Legacy technology. The technology is not as cutting-edge. They haven’t invested as heavily as some of their competitors in modernizing their systems. Even vendors who entered the field later have announced plans to upgrade to cloud-native technology stacks, a move that DELMIAWorks has not yet made. As a result, their technology remains somewhat outdated and legacy-like.
  2. Not as scalable for all discrete industries. The scalability of DELMIAWorks may not be suitable for all discrete industries, particularly if your business model is complex. In such cases, where there are multiple layers across various industries, you might encounter challenges.
  3. Limited ecosystem and consulting base​. The consulting base and ecosystem for DELMIAWorks are comparable to Plex, with limitations due to the nature of the prescriptive category they belong to.

8. QAD

QAD targets mid-to-large discrete manufacturing companies such as automotive, electronics, and life sciences companies with a depth in the supply chain. It’s especially suitable for discrete companies that require deep layers of collaboration with their vendors for forecasting and planning. It excels in commoditized, consumer-centric products. These industries are strong from a supply chain planning perspective, and QAD offers superior capabilities as part of its suite. This is because, for these industries, supply chain capabilities are highly intertwined. But it’s not a fit for companies with diverse business models or very small companies. QAD has seen substantial advancements in its portfolio, especially with its technology, which was a massive barrier for QAD in the past. Thus, contributing to the placement of this product at #8 spot in our list of top discrete manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths 
  1. Supply chain suite + ERP as part of the suite. QAD excels in offering superior capabilities within its suite, especially in terms of supply chain and ERP functionalities. This is particularly advantageous for discrete industries like automotive, where these capabilities are deeply interconnected and essential components of the suite. 
  2. Discrete companies with process manufacturing lines or components. Quite similar to those of DELMIAWorks. Both solutions offer integrated discrete and process manufacturing capabilities within their suites. However, the specific focus and target industries of QAD differ from those of DELMIAWorks. Also, the manufacturing processes they cater to and the industries they serve have distinct differences. 
  3. Global capabilities​. QAD also has strong global capabilities. If your company requires processes such as in-depth collaboration, which is very common in supply chain companies, then QAD is a great fit.
Weaknesses 
  1. New technology might not be stable or rolled out to all modules. Even though they have announced that they are upgrading their technology, it might take a few years before this version becomes stable. Initially, there will be some modules that may not be fully developed. These incomplete modules could pose challenges during ERP implementation.
  2. Ecosystem. The ecosystem or consulting support will not be as strong because this is a slightly more prescriptive category.
  3. Not as diverse​. This is not a good fit for companies with hybrid business models as the data and process model is highly tailored for specific discrete verticals.

7. Oracle Cloud ERP

Geared toward large discrete manufacturing firms with 10+ global locations (over $1B in revenue), Oracle Cloud ERP excels with high transaction volumes. Ideal for companies prioritizing financial functionality over plant-level needs or preferring plant-level integration with best-of-breed solutions. It is not the optimal choice for SMB discrete manufacturers lacking internal IT capabilities seeking full-suite capabilities. Oracle Cloud ERP is also ideal for global companies with diverse business model that plan to use multiple ERP systems at the plant level and use Oracle Cloud ERP as their corporate ERP system. Thus, contributing to the placement of this product at #7 spot in our list of top discrete manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. ERP layers for complex organizations. This ERP system is designed for large global publicly traded companies. These companies typically require international financial consolidation and aim to integrate various business models and geographies into one solution. This is necessary to ensure end-to-end traceability.
  2. Diversity of the solution supports most discrete industries. The ERP layers are highly adaptable and designed to support various business models, resulting in a very diverse product. In contrast, other products may not offer the same level of diversity.
  3. Global compliance and localization​. They will be supported in many different countries, whereas prescriptive solutions may not have such extensive support.
Weaknesses 
  1. Last mile capabilities through third-party vendors. The last mile capabilities, especially the suite integration will often come through third-party vendors. This introduces vendor risk, as these third parties may not always be as well-audited or documented.
  2. Expensive implementation. In general, the implementation tends to be more expensive due to the involvement of multiple vendors. You also have to manage several different integrations, which might be pre-baked in other systems. Since this is a larger product, it will require significantly more time to implement.
  3. Requires a mature internal IT team. In tailoring, customizing, and configuring these capabilities, the same capabilities that are already included as part of the suite, Oracle Cloud ERP also requires a very mature internal IT team.

6. Acumatica

Acumatica is a better fit for smaller discrete manufacturing companies, primarily located in countries such as the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia. These companies often require deeper operational capabilities and may not prioritize financial consolidation. It is acceptable to keep different countries in separate instances, as there may not be significant operational or financial synergies between these companies. With limited global operational capabilities, it may not be ideal for those seeking shared services or global synergies. Nevertheless, smaller discrete manufacturing startups valuing a superior user experience would find Acumatica appealing. Thus, contributing to the placement of this product at #6 spot in our list of top discrete manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Discrete companies requiring CPQ and field services capabilities. It can accommodate several different business models—field service, distribution, manufacturing, and construction—all within the same product and database. This allows for far greater traceability among these business processes, eliminating the need for them to be siloed from an overall capabilities perspective.
  2. Technology. The technology is superior to some of the legacy products especially when discrete companies might care for capabilities such as enterprise search or mobility. 
  3. Ideal for seasonal discrete companies. It would also be a great fit for seasonal companies because of consumption-based pricing. For example, school supply manufacturing business, or construction, manufacturing businesses, etc.
Weaknesses
  1. Not native process manufacturing. The solution lacks native support for process manufacturing capabilities for discrete companies with hybrid business models. Although third-party add-ons are available, it can introduce the challenge of dealing with different vendors and their associated legal and technical risks.
  2. Not a native quality module. They lack a quality module owned by Acumatica, meaning you’ll need to rely on another add-on vendor to address this gap.
  3. Limited global consolidation capabilities​. Acumatica has limited global capabilities for discrete companies seeking synergies among global entities.

5. SAP S/4 HANA

SAP S/4 HANA has a positioning very similar to Oracle Cloud ERP. It is a slightly larger product designed for global financial consolidation, accommodating many different business models and processes within the same solution. When end-to-end traceability is required, but industry-specific capabilities are not a priority, SAP S/4 HANA is a better fit. It may not suitable SMB manufacturing companies without internal IT maturity. Thus, positioning itself at #5 spot in our list of top discrete manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths 
  1. ERP layers for complex organizations. The ERP layers are ideal for complex organizations, along with best-of-breed products like SuccessFactors or EWM. However, these solutions may not offer a tailored experience for specific industries. To achieve this, you will either need to customize the system or integrate additional add-ons.
  2. Diversity of the solution supports most discrete industries. The diversity of the solution allows you to support many different business models, although tailored capabilities for specific discrete verticals might not be as detailed.
  3. Global compliance and localization​. The global compliance and localization capabilities of SAP S/4HANA are very similar to Oracle Cloud ERP.
Weaknesses
  1. Last mile capabilities through third-party vendors. The last mile or discrete-specific capabilities you acquire will be through third-party vendors. This approach increases vendor risk when utilizing these capabilities.
  2. Expensive implementations. The implementation is going to be slightly more expensive with SAP S/4 HANA just because the solution is large and designed to be highly scalable, requiring increased implementation efforts.
  3. Requires a mature internal IT team. SAP S/4 HANA also requires a very mature internal IT team to tailor, customize, and configure these capabilities.

4. Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O

With a very similar positioning to Oracle Cloud ERP or SAP HANA, Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O is slightly more generalized and comparatively smaller in size. It may not be as proven with Fortune 500 workloads, as well as its extensive approval layers and organizational structures might not be as relevant for mid-market companies. With slightly superior cloud capabilities, it has an ecosystem that makes it suitable for private equity and holding companies aiming to streamline their portfolio companies on one solution. SMBs, however, might find its complex data model overwhelming. Thus, resulting in the placement of the product at the #4 spot in our list of top discrete manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths 
  1. Comprehensive localization across the globe. This would be beneficial for global discrete companies seeking synergies among their entities.
  2. Ecosystem. One of the most active ecosystems, offering numerous solutions to support various industries, even if those capabilities aren’t part of the core ERP layers or products.
  3. Development platform and Azure​. It is also slightly more customizable just because of the development platform and the layers you have exposed for the customization.
Weaknesses
  1. Last mile capabilities through third-party vendors. The last mile or industry-specific capabilities you acquire will be through third-party vendors. This approach increases vendor risk when utilizing these capabilities.
  2. Expensive implementation. The implementation may be slightly more expensive because you’re dealing with many different vendors and many different add-ons.
  3. Requires mature internal IT teams. Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O also requires a mature internal IT team to tailor, customize, and configure these capabilities.

3. Infor CloudSuite Industrial (Syteline)

Infor CloudSuite Industrial (Syteline) is the SMB product from Infor. It’s designed for companies with engineer-heavy discrete manufacturing without mandating formal engineering processes, such as requiring revision numbers or strict change control. If your organization has more flexible engineering processes, you will find Infor CloudSuite Industrial much more enjoyable. While possessing hybrid manufacturing features, it falls short in global trade compliance and lacks support for manufacturers heavily involved in distribution-centric processes. Thus, grabbing its #3 spot in our list of top discrete manufacturing ERP systems. 

Strengths 
  1. Engineering-friendly for BOMs and costing. It’s designed for engineering-driven companies that have fluid engineering processes instead of formal processes. From the CSI perspective, the BOMs are complex manufacturing friendly, as the layers are far deeper and scalable compared to the other products.
  2. Embedded field services process. This would be helpful for discrete companies with field service-centric business models where field service processes need to overlap with production processes such as scheduling.
  3. Embedded quality processes​. This would be beneficial for companies aiming to centralize their quality processes across all touch points including inbound, outbound, and in-process.
Weaknesses 
  1. WBS-centric discrete processes. Not a better fit for discrete companies with project-centric operations, even though CSI has some project manufacturing capabilities. 
  2. Not friendly for industries with complex inventories such as metal or medical devices. The core model includes attributes only for reporting and doesn’t account for them as part of core transactions such as planning, and scheduling.
  3. Legacy technology​. The interface of Infor CloudSuite Industrial (Syteline) is still very legacy and generally, users report a steep learning curve with CSI.

2. Epicor Kinetic

Epicor Kinetic targets small-to-mid-size discrete manufacturers specializing in industries with formal engineering processes and complex inventory needs, such as automotive, aerospace, metal fabrication, and medical devices. It is equally adept at handling project-centric operations and distribution processes for discrete manufacturers with hybrid business models. However, despite recent developments, Epicor Kinetic might not be the best fit for companies with global financial operations and extensive field service operations. Thus, acquiring #2 spot on our list of top discrete manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Complex inventory. For example, medical devices and automotive, all of these industries require attributes as part of the product model, which are not only used for reporting but also mission-critical capabilities such as scheduling.
  2. Friendly for discrete companies heavy on distribution. Distribution-centric planning is included as part of the product. Ideal for companies with a business model that includes manufacturing plus distribution processes.
  3. Formal engineering governance​. Industries such as aerospace that are very rigid about change control and revision numbers can benefit from these capabilities.
Weaknesses 
  1. Not friendly for companies without revision numbers. The companies with ad-hoc BOMs and informal processes might struggle with mandated revision number of this product.
  2. Field service and quality processes not as embedded. Field service processes as well as quality processes are not embedded as part of the product, posing challenges in centralizing processes for all quality touch points.
  3. Weaker core accounting and finance layers​. Finance and accounting layers are not going to be as strong as some of the other products that are on this list.

1. Infor CloudSuite LN

Infor CloudSuite LN is designed for discrete manufacturing companies that require diversified support for different discrete business models globally. It is one of the most comprehensive suites among the solutions on this list. While other solutions may claim mixed-mode manufacturing capabilities or extensive suite components, they are often limited in specific manufacturing types or product types. In contrast, CloudSuite LN can cover a wide range of options, including discrete manufacturing and distribution. Thus, acquiring #1 spot on our list of top discrete manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Comprehensive discrete capabilities. It is designed for discrete manufacturing companies with diverse business business models containing different mode types.
  2. Pre-integrated suite. The suite is tailored and flavored with industry-specific best-of-breed tools such as CAD and PLM, maintained and supported by Infor.
  3. Global capabilities. Compared to other smaller products such as Epicor Kinetic or Infor CSI, Infor CloudSuite LN can natively support more than 30 countries for companies seeking global operational synergies among entities.
Weaknesses 
  1. Expensive. The license is likely to be perceived as expensive by smaller companies as the enterprise layers included might not be as relevant for them.
  2. Not suitable for SMBs below $250M in revenue. Not sold to smaller companies. Infor might push companies to smaller products such as CSI. Going outside of Infor might be a better choice in such scenarios as they might be able to match some layers of LN for smaller companies.
  3. Ecosystem​. The ecosystem and consulting base is fairly limited as with most prescriptive products.
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Conclusion

In conclusion, the landscape of discrete manufacturing ERP systems is vast and varied, catering to the unique needs of companies involved in producing distinct items through assembly processes. From robust supply chain management to intricate inventory control, these systems play a critical role in optimizing production efficiency and ensuring compliance. Each ERP solution offers its strengths and weaknesses, with considerations ranging from technological sophistication to industry-specific functionality.

As we’ve explored the top 10 discrete manufacturing ERP systems for 2024, it’s evident that the ideal choice depends on factors such as company size, industry focus, and operational complexity. By aligning ERP selection with specific business requirements, organizations can harness the power of these systems to drive growth and streamline operations. While this list offers valuable insights, seeking advice from an independent ERP consultant can greatly enhance your implementation success.

FAQs

Optimizing Energy Consumption For Effective Energy Management

WBSP072: Optimizing Your Facility’s Energy Consumption w/ Mike Nager

Energy consumption is a significant expense for manufacturers, often listed as one of the heaviest items on a profit and loss statement. While manufacturing executives are aware of energy costs, they frequently struggle to enforce energy-saving procedures effectively. The push for quality and productivity can unintentionally lead to decreased energy management and increased energy consumption. Therefore, to uncover cost-saving opportunities, a comprehensive approach that integrates energy costs into product costs and performance metrics is essential. Adopting Industry 4.0 technologies can also provide valuable historical data that can help in optimizing energy consumption and provide more savings. 

In this podcast, we explore the world of energy consumption and optimization with Mike Nager, an industry expert in industrial control systems. His valuable insights will shed more light on the organizational metrics and KPIs that often overlook the cost-saving opportunities available through effective energy control and policies.

Uncovering Hidden Energy Costs in Manufacturing

Energy is a major input for any manufacturing operation. Some industries are more energy-intensive than others, but all manufacturers use some level of energy. In North America, energy prices are generally lower than in other parts of the world, such as Europe. However, even in North America, there are opportunities to save money on energy costs. For instance, in discrete manufacturing, such as stamping, soldering, and plating, energy consumption remains high even during non-production periods. A startling discovery revealed that nearly 90% of the energy used during production hours was still consumed over the weekend when no production occurred. This insight shows how important it is to manage energy use carefully, even during downtime.

Best Practices For Reducing Energy Consumption

Here are some key strategies for businesses to significantly reduce their energy consumption, leading to cost savings and environmental benefits:

  • Implement Advanced Control Systems for Energy Savings

To combat excessive energy consumption during downtime, advanced controls for remote and scheduled operation of machinery are essential. For example, solder baths, which require substantial energy to maintain molten metal, can be scheduled to heat up only when production is imminent, rather than staying heated throughout weekends. This approach not only conserves energy but also operational efficiency challenges, traditionally measured by throughput rather than energy efficiency. Advanced control systems can be integrated with existing machinery for remote monitoring and adjustments, ensuring that energy usage aligns with production KPIs, and reducing waste.

  • Make Energy Efficiency a Measurable KPI

Incorporating energy consumption into key performance indicators promotes energy efficiency. By making energy management measurable and accountable, companies can foster proactive behavior among employees. Transparency and fairness in the system are crucial to ensure accurate and fair assessments. Establishing energy KPIs allows for regular monitoring and reporting, which can highlight areas where energy use can be optimized. By setting clear energy targets, companies can drive continuous improvement and engage all levels of the organization in energy-saving initiatives. This approach aligns energy efficiency with broader business goals, creating a culture of sustainability and accountability

  • Utilize Technology for Energy Monitoring

Historically, energy plants used a single electric meter for overall energy measurement, making it difficult to identify specific waste areas. Today, advancements in electric meters allow for monitoring individual equipment or machinery, providing detailed insights into energy usage. This granularity enables operators and engineers to identify and address high-energy-consuming processes effectively.

Additionally, integrating energy data into Manufacturing Execution Systems and Enterprise Resource Planning systems is crucial for comprehensive analysis, allowing manufacturers to combine scheduling data, maintenance records, and energy consumption patterns to identify cost-saving opportunities.

Adopting European Energy Efficiency Methods

European manufacturers, facing higher energy costs, have adopted rigorous energy management practices. Automated lighting and extensive use of skylights in buildings are common strategies to reduce energy usage. The higher return on investment for energy-saving initiatives in regions with elevated energy prices drives these practices.

The Role of Predictive Maintenance

Predictive maintenance, facilitated by sensors and meters, enables companies to schedule maintenance based on actual needs rather than a fixed schedule. Predictive maintenance systems use data from sensors to monitor the condition of equipment and predict when maintenance is needed. This reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns and extends the life of machinery. By aligning maintenance schedules with actual equipment conditions, manufacturers can avoid unnecessary downtime and improve overall efficiency. This proactive approach to maintenance saves money and supports energy efficiency by ensuring that equipment operates optimally, reducing energy waste.

Enhancing Energy Management with AI and IoT

Advancements in artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things are revolutionizing energy management in manufacturing. AI can analyze energy consumption patterns and detect anomalies, such as a gradual increase in energy use indicating a filter needing replacement. IoT devices enable real-time monitoring and control of equipment, further enhancing energy efficiency.

Conclusion

Effective energy management extends beyond manufacturing to various industries, including retail and transportation. Leveraging advanced technologies, integrating energy data with MES and ERP systems, and adopting predictive maintenance practices enable substantial energy savings. These efforts contribute to environmental sustainability, which is increasingly important to consumers and regulatory bodies. Manufacturers must adopt a proactive approach to energy management, utilizing technology and integrating energy efficiency into core operations to remain competitive and sustainable in the long term.

Top 10 Project Manufacturing ERP Systems in 2024

Top 10 Project Manufacturing ERP Systems In 2024

Project Manufacturing Companies: Project manufacturing, situated at the convergence of manufacturing, construction, and professional services, presents distinct challenges. While engineer-to-order setups may share similarities, pure project manufacturing entails highly specialized processes necessitating tailored workflows. These business models, often engaged in long-term deals, heavily emphasize estimation, quoting, and marketing automation. Industries falling within this realm include sign manufacturing, architectural firms, and environmental consulting with manufacturing components. Companies executing intricate projects without complex engineering, yet distinct from pure consulting firms, fall under the project manufacturing umbrella.

Project Manufacturing Business Processes: The project manufacturing process commences with an extensive sales cycle, often necessitating multiple site visits to finalize deals and initiate project fulfillment. Unlike engineering-intensive projects, these ventures typically involve specialized sales consultants rather than mechanical or electrical engineers. Resource allocation in project manufacturing mirrors consulting firms, with highly specialized personnel scheduled individually rather than in bulk. However, akin to traditional manufacturing setups, these organizations may also have less specialized resources that can be scheduled collectively.

Top 10 Project Manufacturing ERP Systems in 2024

Project Manufacturing ERP Needs: ERP systems tailored for project-manufacturing firms prioritize WBS-centric processes, bolstered by robust project manager workflows featuring approval flows. Strong project management capabilities include advanced features like revenue recognition and milestone billing. These systems seamlessly integrate various components such as engineering, manufacturing, service, and maintenance within the same project framework, eliminating the need for ad-hoc arrangements. Curious about the top project manufacturing ERP systems for 2024? Let’s delve into the details.



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Criteria

  • Definition of a project manufacturing company. These companies in the project manufacturing ecosystem include manufacturers that are heavily project-based with WBS-focused workflows but may not be as involved with their engineering in a variety of industries, including architecture and engineering, event management, environmental services, sign manufacturing, and lighting companies. The list considers companies of all sizes in this ecosystem.
  • Overall market share/# of customers. The higher marketshare among project manufacturing companies drives higher rankings on this list.
  • Ownership/funding. The superior financial position of the ERP vendor leads to higher rankings on this list.
  • Quality of development. How modern is the tech stack? How aggressively is the ERP vendor pushing cloud-native functionality for this product? Is the roadmap officially announced? Or uncertain?
  • Community/Ecosystem. How vibrant is the community? Social media groups? In-person user groups? Forums?
  • Depth of native functionality. Last-mile functionality for specific industries natively built into the product?
  • Quality of publicly available product documentation. How well-documented is the product? Is the documentation available publicly? How updated is the demo content available on YouTube?
  • Product share and documented commitment. Is the product share reported separately in financial statements if the ERP vendor is public?
  • Ability to natively support diversified business models. How diverse is the product in supporting multiple business models in the same product?
  • Acquisition strategy aligned with the product. Any recent acquisitions to fill a specific hole for project manufacturing industries? Any official announcements to integrate recently acquired capabilities?
  • User Reviews. How specific are the reviews about this product’s capabilities? How recent and frequent are the reviews?
  • Must be an ERP product. Edge products such as HCM, CRM, eCommerce, MES, or accounting solutions that are not fully integrated to support enterprise-wide capabilities are not qualified for this list.

10. Rootstock

Rootstock caters to project manufacturing-centric SMBs, offering robust mobile-native capabilities atop the Salesforce platform. Most project manufacturing organizations are likely to be heavy users of Salesforce due to the longer sales cycle. They also might have their sales team involved during the operational phases due to the high-touch nature of these projects. The unified experience across sales and operations platforms provided by Rootstock would help project manufacturing organizations. Thus, ranking at #10 on our list of top project manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Native integration with other salesforce products. Its strength Includes native integration with other Salesforce products such as Salesforce CRM and Field Service. This is especially beneficial for project manufacturing companies with longer sales cycles already managing their sales and estimation processes on Salesforce.
  2. Mixed-mode manufacturing capabilities. While Rootstock might not have as comprehensive coverage for every manufacturing mode, it can support the processes of project manufacturing organizations.
  3. WBS-centric manufacturing capabilities. The detailed WBS-centric manufacturing capabilities are essential for project manufacturing organizations, and not only financial activities but operational activities are equally critical.
Weaknesses
  1. Finance and accounting. Rootstock’s core ERP capabilities are not as robust as those of other manufacturing ERP systems. Their accounting capabilities will be especially limited with revenue recognition and milestone billing.
  2. Reliance on third-party quality module. Depending upon the vertical that project manufacturing organizations might serve and based on the architectural requirements, several add-ons may be required. Rootstock’s reliance on third-party modules may cause communication challenges, posing implementation risks.
  3. Smaller Ecosystem. The ecosystem is relatively small for rootstock, with less than 500 installations. This could pose a risk in finding talent for future support and customizations.

9. IQMS/DELMIAWorks

While IQMS is more suitable for engineer-to-order and plastic-centric companies, it might be a fit for project manufacturing companies with the flavors of plastic or engineer-to-order business models. Although the core project manufacturing processes and integrations might not be as strong as a system designed for project manufacturing, the other processes are likely to be stronger for companies with slightly more diverse business models. Thus, contributing to its placement at #9 among project manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Strong for project manufacturing companies with the flavors of engineer-to-order and plastic manufacturing. Project manufacturing companies with diverse business models requiring plastic-centric as well as engineer-to-order capabilities would find DELMIAWorks compelling.
  2. Best for project manufacturing companies on SolidWorks. With the same company as SolidWorks owning it, tighter and seamless ERP integration of both products, which are built and maintained by the same vendor, is a huge plus.
  3. Last-mile capabilities – The biggest benefit of DELMIAWorks is the last-mile capabilities that are built as part of the product, which would require substantial consulting effort on other platforms.
Weaknesses
  1. Limited focus. The limited focus might be a challenge for project manufacturing companies diversifying their operations and being active with M&A cycles. 
  2. Limited ecosystem. The consulting base is extremely limited, with most resellers being CAD companies and limited experience in ERP implementation and cross-functional processes.
  3. It is not the right fit for holding and private equity companies as a corporate ledger. While a great subsidiary solution and a solution for pure-play project manufacturing manufacturers, it’s not the best fit for companies requiring diverse mixed-mode manufacturing capabilities or companies with complex business models.

8. Acumatica

Acumatica is uniquely suitable for project manufacturing organizations with its robust project management capabilities, which are well integrated with revenue recognition and milestone billing processes. While Acumatica can support both financial milestones and operational tasks as part of its projects, the project management capabilities are not as detailed as WBS-centric processes. Thus, ranking at #8 among the top project manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Rich projects with embedded rich financial and procurement processes. Acumatica projects capture operational tasks along with financial milestones, following logical structure across the screens, making them highly scalable for project manufacturing companies.
  2. Support for rich CRM and estimation processes. Acumatica has strong support for CRM and estimation processes that would be friendlier for startups and modern teams expecting to be used to and expect cloud-native experience from their ERP systems.
  3. Diverse capabilities to support the needs of multiple business models. The product can accommodate multiple business models in the same database, making it easier to explore synergies across different business models, including distribution, construction, and field services.
Weaknesses
  1. Limited global capabilities. The current multi-entity functionality might be limiting for project manufacturing companies with operationally connected offshore locations.
  2. Limited mature manufacturing capabilities. Advanced features such as allocation layers or kanban are not built natively as part of the product, making it challenging for large project manufacturing companies aiming to streamline their inventory with an ERP.
  3. Multiple add-ons may be required for Project Manufacturing manufacturing. Requires several third-party add-ons, such as MES, PLM, and quality, posing integration and communication challenges.

7. Oracle Cloud ERP

Oracle Cloud ERP is uniquely positioned for project-centric manufacturing companies with a strong focus on project management and service-centric verticals. It’s especially strong in industries such as construction and the public sector, where they have last-mile capabilities,  generally requiring substantial consulting efforts on other platforms. It is also strong with its last-mile capabilities in verticals such as media and telecom manufacturing, where large telecom equipment needs to be manufactured along with the unique quoting and estimation processes of telecom industries. Thus, securing its rank at #7 on our list among the top project manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Robust finance capabilities for large, global project manufacturers. Capabilities include having five layers of GL restrictions, multiple layers of sub-ledgers, and book closing requirements across divisions, especially relevant for larger project manufacturing businesses primarily interested in using Oracle Cloud ERP as a corporate financial ledger.
  2. Proven solution with large workloads. Large companies may process millions of GL entries per hour. These workloads may be even higher for project manufacturing manufacturing companies, requiring them to decouple transactions as a single system might struggle to support, forcing them to best-of-breed architecture for such companies, an ideal fit for Oracle Cloud ERP.
  3. Ecosystem.  Oracle Cloud ERP has an ecosystem of experienced consultants who have the capabilities to handle the design and architecture of such complex enterprises.
Weaknesses
  1. Limited last-mile capabilities and project manufacturing integrations. The last-mile capabilities and specialized integrations are relevant to project manufacturing businesses that might require third-party ERP add-ons.
  2. It’s not necessarily a manufacturing solution. Oracle Cloud ERP’s concentration in manufacturing businesses is limited, making this vertical a lower priority for Oracle compared to service-centric organizations.
  3. Overwhelming for SMB project manufacturing manufacturers. The enterprise data model and financial layers might be overwhelming for SMB project manufacturers.

6. SAP S/4 HANA

Targeting large global project manufacturing companies, its product model is capable of handling large project structures and supporting other manufacturing modes equally well, including product specifications and variants that are used not only for reporting but also for planning and transaction processing. SAP S/4 HANA excels in handling millions of transactions per hour, a requirement for companies on a Fortune 500 scale. Ideal for large publicly traded companies heavy on financial compliance and governance, it may not suit SMB manufacturing companies without internal IT maturity. SAP S/4 HANA enjoys a unique advantage for MRP-driven companies requiring enterprise-grade workloads intending to keep all of their entities in one database. Thus, ranking at #5 on this list of the top project manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Enterprise product designed for project manufacturing centric companies. The item master, product model, and inventory are especially friendly for project manufacturing businesses because of scalable and modular BOM and costing layers.
  2. The power of HANA to run global operations end-to-end in one system. Our simple test of HANA’s capabilities with 100K serialized goods receipt found it to be faster than most systems out there. SAP S/4 HANA could process it in under 22 seconds, while Oracle cloud ERP took more than 18 mins for the same test. This is especially friendly for large project manufacturing businesses aiming to run their consolidated global MRP runs in one system.
  3. Financial governance and best-of-breed architecture. Financial traceability is built with each transaction, which makes the transactions and SOX governance flows highly traceable, especially friendly for publicly-traded project manufacturing companies
Weaknesses
  1. Behind in cloud capabilities. While SAP has made tremendous advancements, the cloud version is still behind its on-prem variant.
  2. Too big for smaller project manufacturing companies. Companies looking for a fully baked suite without internal IT capabilities will find it overwhelming.
  3. Limited last mile Capabilities and third-party pre-integrated options. The last-mile capabilities relevant for project manufacturing businesses, such as CAD, PLM, configurator, etc, would require third-party ERP add-ons.

5. Infor CloudSuite LN

Infor CloudSuite LN is a comprehensive manufacturing ERP solution that combines the best of the most focused manufacturing solutions, especially project manufacturing managing large programs, including WBS-based workflows, as well as distribution-focused capabilities for their parts business. Besides being comprehensive, it also has project manufacturing-specific last-mile capabilities and pre-baked integrations such as PLM, CAD, CPQ, and more. Thus, securing its rank at the #5 position on our list of the top project manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Global operations. Infor LN is the only solution in the market that has sufficient layers of financial hierarchies and global trade compliance functionality pre-baked with products to support project manufacturing manufacturers exploring global financial and operational synergies. 
  2. Last-mile capabilities along with breadth of capabilities for diversified manufacturing business models. Project manufacturing verticals require deeper core capabilities such as milestone and progress billing, operational tracking of programs, and consolidated view of costs of large programs not just as a report but also as part of the operational workflow without having users leave their transactional screens.
  3. Best-of-breed integrations offered out-of-the-box. Most tools that make-to manufacturer would require, such as HCM, PLM, data lake, ERP, WMS, TMS, and advanced supply chain planning, are all pre-integrated with LN.
Weaknesses
  1. Might not be the best fit as a corporate solution for holding and private equity companies. Holding companies as diverse as project manufacturing, construction, and professional services may not be able to keep all of their entities on one solution and database.
  2. Legacy UI and Experience. Infor LN is a legacy solution with limited cloud-native capabilities such as universal search, mobile experience, etc.
  3. Weak Ecosystem and Marketplace. The consulting base and marketplaces are virtually non-existent for Infor LN.

4. IFS

Targeting larger project manufacturing organizations, IFS is a great solution for companies looking for best-of-breed field service and EAM capabilities atop corporate financial ledgers such as SAP or Oracle. It is also a great fit for companies managing large programs with very long lead times that might have constraints, such as finishing the complete value stream activity as part of the sales quote before starting on the new one, requiring complex relationships between sales quotes and programs that smaller systems might be able to support. Despite these considerations, IFS maintains its rank at #4 on our list of top project manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Unique program architecture tailored to track the costs of large project manufacturing programs. Unlike smaller ERP systems with a 1:1 relationship between a sales order and a project, IFS is designed to handle large programs where consolidated visibility would be critical without ad-hoc arrangements.
  2. Enterprise-grade field service and asset management capabilities. Especially suitable for project manufacturing companies because of their need to maintain expensive assets with complex workflows and scheduling requirements for field services.
  3. Unique financial workflows to support complex project manufacturing programs. Expensive MRO operations require unique workflows, such as closing transactions financially at the line level, which might not be possible with ERP systems not designed to handle such transactions.
Weaknesses
  1. Limited focus. The limited focus might be a challenge for project manufacturing companies active with M&A cycles. 
  2. Limited ecosystem. Its presence and install base are still limited in North America compared to other solutions on this list.
  3. It is not the right fit for holding and private equity companies as a corporate ledger. While IFS can provide the best-of-breed capabilities in a tier-two architecture or can act as one solution, IFS might not be the best fit to be used just as the corporate ledger for large project manufacturing enterprises.

3. Epicor Kinetic

Epicor Kinetic targets small-to-mid-size project manufacturing manufacturers specializing in industries with formal manufacturing processes and complex inventory needs, such as automotive, aerospace, metal, fabrication, and medical devices. Besides being equipped with strong mixed-mode manufacturing capabilities, it is also strong with WBS-centric processes, which are generally weaker in other similar smaller ERP systems. Thus, securing its rank at #3 among the top project manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Strong for comapnies with formal manufacturing processes. Mandatory revision numbers and the BOMs driven by revision numbers would be especially appealing for formal engineering organizations familiar with similar formal structures.
  2. Strong with complex inventory needs. Project manufacturing companies that require multiple attributes that need to be part of the planning and MRP, such as metal, fastener, automotive, and aerospace, would find Epicor to be appealing.
  3. Microsoft look-and-feel. Epicor has a very similar look and feel to Microsoft dynamics ERP products, providing you with the same experience but with much deeper last-mile capabilities where other products might struggle.
Weaknesses
  1. Global financial operations. Unlike larger products that might support more than three layers of financial hierarchies, such as corp, subsidiary, entity, and business units, the limited number of layers would operationally inefficient workarounds, such as using sub-accounts for such traceability.
  2. Embedded experience with field service and quality. Despite recent acquisitions, the field service capabilities are not as embedded and proven as some of the other products on this list.
  3. Weak ecosystem and marketplace. Epicor takes a suite approach to its products while selling directly to its customers. This limits the overall consulting and marketplace penetration.

2. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a great fit for project manufacturing organizations with its strong focus on project manufacturing and less on core manufacturing processes. This is especially relevant for organizations that care for the operational side of project management than the manufacturing, engineering, or financial side of the project management. Microsoft Dynamics 365 BC might not be the best fit for companies that are strong in manufacturing with complicated BOMs and aim to manage their project manufacturing processes without requiring add-ons. Thus, ranking at #2 on this list of top project manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Designed for global companies. Natively supports global regions and localizations. Ideal fit for countries where other suite-centric solutions, Infor LN or Epicor, might not be present.
  2. Strong support for WBS-centric processes. Not only can it support financial milestones, but it can also support operational tasks and approval, which are critical for project manufacturing organizations.
  3. Marketplace and ecosystem. Augments core capabilities with a very vibrant marketplace, supporting diverse business models such as aerospace manufacturing or event management.
Weaknesses
  1. Financial traceability and SOX compliance. It might not be the most Intuitive for finance leaders. The financial traceability may not be as intuitive as SAP for global, publicly traded service-centric companies.
  2. Technical focus and limited business consulting expertise in the Microsoft ecosystem. The ecosystem has technical companies but with limited business consulting experience, which might drive over-customization and overengineering of Microsoft products, ultimately leading to implementation failure.
  3. Limited Microsoft support for smaller partners. Unlike other ERP companies, Microsoft doesn’t offer any support or control to its smaller partners, leading to implementation issues because of the limited control over its channel.

1. Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O

Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O excels in localizations where other focused solutions might not be available, providing only a few options for project manufacturing companies in these locations. Along with combining the depth in manufacturing, it also contains WBS-centric processes with approval flows necessary for project manufacturing companies that might equally deep operational side of the processes along with financial processes. Thus, securing the #1 spot among the top project manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Richer core ERP capabilities for project manufacturing companies in the cloud. Compared to other solutions that might have superior layers for other service-centric verticals, such as Oracle Cloud ERP, MS Dynamics 365 F&O has a mature cloud version for project manufacturing companies.
  2. Best-of-breed products integrated at the database level. While Microsoft has best-of-breed ERP integration, such as CRM or field service, they might not be as directly relevant for project manufacturing companies but will be useful for project manufacturing companies with diverse business models. 
  3. Powerful ecosystem and marketplace add-ons. Microsoft has a talent and consulting base in countries where finding talent may be a challenge. 
Weaknesses
  1. Limited pre-baked integrations for project manufacturing companies. The integration relevant for project manufacturing companies such as PLM, CAD, MES, and configurator would require third-party add-ons, increasing communication and integration risks.
  2. Too big for smaller companies. The smaller companies would find it overwhelming with the configuration and approval flows built for large enterprises.
  3. Limited last mile capabilities. The last-mile functionality relevant to specific industry verticals, such as AS9100, might require substantial consulting efforts.
+

ERP Implementation Failure Recovery

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Conclusion

Project manufacturing distinguishes itself with intricate WBS-centric processes, differing from MRP or engineering-centric workflows. While MRP processes may play a role depending on manufacturing levels, they aren’t the primary focus. Instead, project management capabilities take precedence, offering robust features tailored to project-based operations, distinct from PSA-centric organizations. Choosing the right project manufacturing ERP system requires careful assessment of transactions and workflows. Selecting an unsuitable system could lead to implementation challenges. While this guide provides helpful insights, consulting an independent ERP consultant can significantly improve your implementation outcomes.

FAQs

Top 10 Configure-to-Order Manufacturing ERP Systems In 2024

Top 10 Configure-to-Order Manufacturing ERP Systems In 2024

Configure-to-order Companies: Configure-to-order (CTO) manufacturing presents a unique category, as most businesses don’t initially operate in this model due to the overhead of product standardization, which can be challenging for startups. Additionally, the expectations of B2B and B2C industries for configure-to-order processes can differ significantly. B2C sectors such as furniture, mattresses, automotive, appliances, and tires often require configurability, primarily driven by consumer expectations. In contrast, B2B industries needing configurability encompass oil and gas parts, aftermarket services, industrial distributors, equipment manufacturers, and field service firms, for which the needs might be either customer-driven or inward-facing to streamline estimation and quoting processes. Smaller companies may initially categorize themselves as either service or engineer-to-order focused, managing their quoting processes manually before transitioning to configure-to-order workflows.

Configure-to-Order Manufacturing Business Processes: The processes for configurability vary based on drivers, demanding distinct architecture and systems. Configure-to-order workflows typically necessitate product templates and extraction of variables for configuration parameters. Different customer personas and journeys may dictate varying configuration needs; consumer-facing apps often feature fewer variables to prevent user overwhelm, while internal sales tools may offer more options based on customer requests. Field service apps, constrained by device limitations, particularly require simplified models for workers.

Top 10 Configure-to-Order Manufacturing ERP Systems In 2024

Configure-to-order Manufacturing ERP Needs. The configure-to-order manufacturing ERP requirements vary depending on process integrations across systems and also the complexity of the architecture. Businesses emphasizing engineering may utilize CAD and PDM systems with web plugins for customer collaboration, limiting configurable BOMs to these systems without affecting ERP processes. Alternatively, ERP systems may manage configurable BOMs, accommodating production and pricing variations per configuration. Consumer and field service processes often handle configurations within the commerce or field service layers, transmitting finalized BOMs. Curious about configure-to-order manufacturing ERP systems in 2024? Let’s explore.



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Criteria

  • Definition of a configure-to-order manufacturing company. These companies in the configure-to-order ecosystem include manufacturers that are configuration-driven in a variety of industries, including building materials, mattresses, furniture, aftermarket, industrial distribution, medical devices and more. The list considers companies of all sizes in this ecosystem.
  • Overall market share/# of customers. The higher marketshare among engineer-to-order companies drives higher rankings on this list.
  • Ownership/funding. The superior financial position of the ERP vendor leads to higher rankings on this list.
  • Quality of development. How modern is the tech stack? How aggressively is the ERP vendor pushing cloud-native functionality for this product? Is the roadmap officially announced? Or uncertain?
  • Community/Ecosystem. How vibrant is the community? Social media groups? In-person user groups? Forums?
  • Depth of native functionality. Last-mile functionality for specific industries natively built into the product?
  • Quality of publicly available product documentation. How well-documented is the product? Is the documentation available publicly? How updated is the demo content available on YouTube?
  • Product share and documented commitment. Is the product share reported separately in financial statements if the ERP vendor is public?
  • Ability to natively support diversified business models. How diverse is the product in supporting multiple business models in the same product?
  • Acquisition strategy aligned with the product: Any recent acquisitions to fill a specific hole for configure-to-order industries? Any official announcements to integrate recently acquired capabilities?
  • User Reviews: How specific are the reviews about this product’s capabilities? How recent and frequent are the reviews?
  • Must be an ERP product: Edge products such as HCM, CRM, eCommerce, MES, or accounting solutions that are not fully integrated to support enterprise-wide capabilities are not qualified for this list.

10. Rootstock

Rootstock specializes in serving SMBs with the support for configure-to-order models, leveraging Salesforce’s robust CPQ and field service features. It’s ideal for businesses requiring tight integration of configurator processes with CRM, field service, and eCommerce, particularly in medical device sectors with regulatory-dependent territory planning. Thus, Rootstock earns the #10 spot on our list of leading configure-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Native integration with other salesforce products. Its strength Includes native integration with other Salesforce CPQ and Field Services. This is especially beneficial for configure-to-order companies where the configurator processes need to be tightly embedded with CRM and field service processes.
  2. Native capabilities to support configure-to-order BOMs. Along with the manufacturing business models, Rootstock has support for configure-to-order BOMs, which might be a challenge with other products that might not be designed for configure-to-order processes.
  3. WBS-centric manufacturing capabilities. Most configure-to-order businesses are likely to be building complex products requiring configurations, making it critical to have WBS-centric processes.
Weaknesses
  1. Finance and accounting. Rootstock’s core ERP capabilities are not as robust as those of other manufacturing ERP systems. Their accounting capabilities are also not as layered and scalable, requiring ad-hoc arrangements.
  2. Reliance on third-party quality module. Rootstock would need several apps from Salesforce or non-salesforce ecosystems to be comparable in capabilities with other products on this list, posing communication challenges and implementation risks.
  3. Smaller Ecosystem. The ecosystem is relatively small for rootstock, with less than 500 installations. This could also pose a risk in finding talent for future support and customizations.

9. Oracle Cloud ERP

Oracle Cloud ERP is uniquely positioned for service-centric configure-to-order businesses, which tend to have different configure-to-order workflows than product-centric organizations, with their need for subscriptions, pricing, and bundles. While Oracle Cloud ERP’s CPQ and configurator workflows may also require additional add-ons to support the needs of diverse configure-to-order businesses. Although, the core ERP workflows would be sufficient for most business models. Thus, securing its rank at #9 on our list of top configure-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Robust finance capabilities for large, global configure-to-order manufacturers. Capabilities include having five layers of GL restrictions, multiple layers of sub-ledgers, and book closing requirements across divisions, especially relevant for larger Configure-to-order businesses primarily interested in using Oracle Cloud ERP as a corporate financial ledger.
  2. Proven solution with large workloads. Large companies may process millions of GL entries per hour. These workloads may be even higher for configure-to-order manufacturing companies, requiring them to decouple transactions as a single system might struggle to support, forcing them to best-of-breed architecture for such companies, an ideal fit for Oracle Cloud ERP.
  3. Ecosystem.  Oracle Cloud ERP has an ecosystem of experienced consultants who have the capabilities to handle the design and architecture of such complex enterprises.
Weaknesses
  1. Limited last-mile capabilities and configure-to-order integrations. The last-mile capabilities and specialized integrations are relevant to configure-to-order businesses that might require third-party add-ons.
  2. It’s not necessarily a manufacturing solution. Oracle Cloud ERP’s concentration in configure-to-order businesses is limited, especially for product-centric organizations, making this vertical a lower priority for Oracle than service-centric organizations.
  3. Overwhelming for SMB configure-to-order manufacturers. The enterprise data model and financial layers might be overwhelming for SMB configure-to-order manufacturers.

8. Acumatica

Acumatica caters to configure-to-order businesses with intricate workflows, offering text-based configurator capabilities. Although not as immersive as Infor or Epicor in its 3D capabilities, Acumatica’s configurator, accessible via the customer portal, suits companies aiming to enhance internal quoting and estimation processes. Thus, positioning Acumatica at #8 among the leading configure-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Configurator add-on and configurable BOMs. Acumatica has a configurator add-on that sits on top of the core ERP modules, enabling the core configurator capabilities. It also supports configurable BOMs, which can support complex engineering processes or light products delivered through eCommerce.
  2. Support for sub-assemblies and phantom. Acumatica has strong support for sub-assemblies, which is crucial for configure-to-order BOMs, both for costing and scheduling. It also has strong support for phantoms, which is another huge plus, as most configure-to-order verticals will have a substantial number of phantoms as part of their BOMs.
  3. Support for complex rule-based configurations. Most field service-centric businesses are likely to have very complex rules with nesting and dependencies among the configurable logic. For example, if the material is leather, then the color could be either blue or black. Rules such as these are complex and can be enabled through configurator processes if the underlying logic doesn’t support nested rules.
Weaknesses
  1. Limited global capabilities. The current multi-entity functionality might be limiting for configure-to-order companies with operationally connected offshore locations.
  2. Limited mature manufacturing capabilities. Advanced features such as allocation layers or kanban are not built natively as part of the product, making it challenging for large configure-to-order companies aiming to streamline their inventory.
  3. Multiple add-ons may be required for configure-to-order manufacturing. Requires several third-party add-ons, such as MES, PLM, and quality, posing integration and communication challenges.

7. Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O

While Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O has a very rich product model to support complex configure-to-order operations, it will require configurator add-ons to support the needs of configure-to-order business models. Despite being limited to configurator capabilities, it will be more suitable for diverse configure-to-order operations or companies with uncertain business models because of M&A activity. Thus, securing the #7 spot among the top configure-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Richer core ERP capabilities for configure-to-order companies in the cloud. Compared to other solutions that might have superior layers for other service-centric verticals, such as Oracle Cloud ERP, Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O has a mature cloud version for configure-to-order companies requiring base layers that can be easily augmented by third-party add-ons.
  2. Various best-of-breed options to support various configure-to-order business models. The best-of-breed ERP integration, such as CRM or field service, would allow supporting various configurator processes that might be tightly embedded with CRM or field service workflows. The other engineering or eCommerce-centric configurator processes would require third-party add-ons.
  3. Powerful ecosystem and marketplace add-ons. Microsoft has a talent and consulting base in countries where finding talent may be a challenge. 
Weaknesses
  1. Limited pre-baked integrations for configure-to-order companies. The integration relevant for configure-to-order companies such as PLM, CAD, or eCommerce would require third-party ERP add-ons, increasing communication and integration risks.
  2. Too big for smaller companies. The smaller companies would find it overwhelming with the configuration and approval flows built for large enterprises.
  3. Integration and implementation risks for complex 3D configurator-driven processes. The implementation requiring substantial data exchange between the eCommerce and ERP layers might pose integration and communications challenges without the IT maturity and budget required for due diligence and process design.

6. SAP S/4 HANA

SAP S/4 HANA targets major global configure-to-order manufacturers, offering compatibility with SAP Hybris for a 3D configurator experience via the eCommerce layer. While other configure-to-order models like engineering or field service-centric may need third-party add-ons, SAP S/4 HANA boasts a robust product model supporting intricate configure-to-order processes. Its capability to manage millions of transactions per hour suits Fortune 500-scale enterprises, particularly those emphasizing financial compliance and governance. However, it may not be optimal for SMBs lacking internal IT maturity. Thus, securing the #6 spot on this list of top configure-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Enterprise product designed for configure-to-order centric companies. The item master, product model, and inventory are friendly for complex configure-to-order businesses because of scalable and modular BOM and costing layers.
  2. The power of HANA to run global operations end-to-end in one system. Our simple test of HANA’s capabilities with 100K serialized goods receipt found it to be faster than most systems out there. SAP S/4 HANA could process it in under 22 seconds, while Oracle cloud ERP took more than 18 mins for the same test. This is especially friendly for large configure-to-order businesses aiming to run their consolidated global MRP runs in one system.
  3. Financial governance and best-of-breed architecture. Financial traceability is built with each transaction, which makes the transactions and SOX governance flows highly traceable, especially friendly for publicly traded configure-to-order companies. 
Weaknesses
  1. Behind in cloud capabilities. While SAP has made tremendous advancements, the cloud ERP version is still behind its on-prem variant.
  2. Too big for smaller configure-to-order companies. Companies looking for a fully baked suite without internal IT capabilities will find it overwhelming.
  3. Limited last mile Capabilities and third-party pre-integrated options. The last-mile capabilities relevant for configure-to-order businesses, such as CAD, PLM, configurator, etc, would require third-party add-ons.

5. IQMS/DELMIAWorks

DELMIAWorks caters to configure-to-order engineering and plastic-centric enterprises with intricate inventory requirements. It integrates seamlessly with SolidWorks, also facilitating streamlined workflows and enhanced customer collaboration. However, it may not be the optimal choice for eCommerce or field service-centric firms seeking consumer-grade 3D configurator experiences or configurable service functionalities on multiple mobile devices. IQMS is better suited for smaller configure-to-order companies or larger entities as a subsidiary-level system. Thus, earning it the #5 spot among configure-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. BOM structure is friendly for configure-to-order companies. configure-to-order companies that are heavy on engineering collaboration, including collaboration with customers, would find DELMIAWorks to be compelling.
  2. Best for configure-to-order companies on SolidWorks. With the same company as SolidWorks owning it, tighter and seamless integration of both products, which are built and maintained by the same vendor, is a huge plus.
  3. Technology – This is probably the most legacy solution of all on this list, with no announcement if they plan to modernize the technology.
Weaknesses
  1. Limited focus. The limited focus might be a challenge for configure-to-order companies diversifying their operations and being active with M&A cycles. 
  2. Limited ecosystem. The consulting base is extremely limited, with most resellers being CAD resellers and having limited experience in ERP implementation and cross-functional processes.
  3. It is not the right fit for holding and private equity companies as a corporate ledger. While a great subsidiary solution and a solution for pure-play configure-to-order manufacturers, it’s not the best fit for companies requiring diverse mixed-mode manufacturing companies or companies with complex business models.

4. IFS

Ideal for service-, project-, and asset-centric organizations, IFS is a great solution for highly engineered products particularly with WBS-centric workflows and long-standing programs. It would be ideal for companies requiring engineering collaboration and service-centric configurable quotes. Although, it might not be the best fit for eCommerce-centric consumer-grade 3D experience workflows. Despite these considerations, IFS maintains its rank at #4 on our list of top configure-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Unique program architecture tailored to track the costs of large configure-to-order programs. Unlike smaller ERP systems with a 1:1 relationship between a sales order and a project, IFS is designed to handle large programs where consolidated visibility would be critical without ad-hoc arrangements.
  2. Enterprise-grade field service and asset management capabilities. Especially suitable for configure-to-order companies because of their need to maintain expensive assets with complex workflows and scheduling requirements for field services.
  3. Unique financial workflows to support complex configure-to-order programs. Expensive products with configure-to-order operations require unique workflows, such as closing transactions financially at the line level, which might not be possible with ERP systems not designed to handle such transactions.
Weaknesses
  1. Limited focus. The limited focus might be a challenge for configure-to-order companies active with M&A cycles. 
  2. Limited ecosystem. Its presence and install base are still limited in North America compared to other solutions on this list.
  3. It is not the right fit for holding and private equity companies as a corporate ledger. While IFS can provide the best-of-breed capabilities in a tier-two architecture or can act as one solution, IFS might not be the best fit to be used just as the corporate ledger for large configure-to-order enterprises.

3. Epicor Kinetic

Epicor Kinetic is tailored for small-to-mid-size configure-to-order manufacturers, particularly in industries with formal manufacturing processes. It offers a simpler 3D configurator experience, eliminating the need for consultants to configure products. However, its configurator may lack extensive options and scalability compared to more complex counterparts like Infor CSI or LN. While it excels in its niche, Epicor may not be the best choice for consumer-grade 3D configurator or configurable services experience. Thus, securing the #3 spot among top configure-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Strong for configure-to-order comapnies with formal manufacturing processes. The simplicity of the configurator is especially appealing to companies with limited consulting and implementation budgets, combined with their BOMs, especially appealing for businesses with formal manufacturing processes.
  2. Strong with complex inventory needs. For configure-to-order companies that use product attributes not only to drive the production BOMs but also if these variables are used as part of the production processes and planning, Epicor inventory processes would be especially friendly.
  3. Microsoft look-and-feel. Epicor has a very similar look and feel to Microsoft ERP products.
Weaknesses
  1. Global financial operations. Unlike larger products that might support more than three layers of financial hierarchies, such as corp, subsidiary, entity, and business units, the limited number of layers would operationally inefficient workarounds, such as using sub-accounts for such traceability.
  2. Embedded experience with field service and quality. Despite recent acquisitions, the field service capabilities are not as embedded and proven as some of the other products on this list, making it challenging for service companies looking for a configurable service experience.
  3. Weak ecosystem and marketplace. Epicor takes a suite approach to its products while selling directly to its customers. This limits the overall consulting and marketplace penetration.

2. Infor CloudSuite Industrial (Syteline)

Infor CloudSuite Industrial (Syteline) combines enterprise-grade configurator experience for complex products. It uses the same configurator module as its larger counterparts, such as Infor LN or M3, and can provide 3D product experiences that are very similar to SAP Hybriswell as visual 3D assemblies with complex animations and product orientations. While the configurator is complex, the underlying inventory layers might struggle for companies that use configurable attributes as part of their MRP or production runs. It might not be the best fit for companies with WBS-centric processes. Thus, placing it at #2 on our list among configure-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Complex configurator with consumer-grade 3D experience. Ideal for companies seeking consumer-grade 3D experiences, such as the furniture or mattress industry, as well as companies in the aftermarket and field-services spaces requiring OEM BOMs to be exploded on consumer-facing websites for field service and part purchase.
  1. Support for configurable BOMs with images. The configurator supports image-based guided configuration, quoting, and estimation processes.
  2. Field service integration of configurable BOMs. The field service processes support configurable BOMs for parts and service departments, which might require visual guidance on OEM BOMs.
Weaknesses
  1. Limited WBS-centric support for configurable products. The process model does not have as comprehensive support for WBS-centric processes, making it not as great fit for complex products with long lead times and complex programs requiring operational collaboration along with the financial activities and milestones as part of the project.
  2. Limited support for complex inventory with MRP and scheduling processes. The MRP and scheduling processes has limited support for product attributes, especially when it comes to using them for planning and purchase, making it inferior fit for industries with complex industries such as metal or chemical industries.
  3. Weak ecosystem and third-party options. Similar to Epicor, Infor CSI takes the suite approach. So it might be harder to find integration with best-of-breed third-party ERP add-ons.

1. Infor CloudSuite LN

Similar to Infor CSI, Infor CloudSuite LN bundles the same enterprise-grade product and overcomes other limitations, such as WBS-centric processes and support for larger programs.LN also has superior support for international supply chain processes, including vendor collaboration, especially where vendor and customer collaboration might be required to enable the configurator experience. Thus, winning the #1 spot among configure-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Global operations. Infor LN is the only solution in the market that has sufficient layers of financial hierarchies and global trade compliance functionality pre-baked with products to support configure-to-order manufacturers exploring global financial and operational synergies. 
  2. Last-mile capabilities along with breadth of capabilities for diversified manufacturing business models. Configure-to-order verticals require deeper core ERP capabilities such as milestone and progress billing, operational tracking of programs, and consolidated view of costs of large programs not just as a report but also as part of the operational workflow without having users leave their transactional screens.
  3. Best-of-breed integrations offered out-of-the-box. Most tools that make-to manufacturer would require, such as HCM, PLM, data lake, ERP, WMS, TMS, and advanced supply chain planning, are all pre-integrated with LN.
Weaknesses
  1. Might not be the best fit as a corporate solution for holding and private equity companies. Holding companies as diverse as configure-to-order manufacturing, construction, and professional services may not be able to keep all of their entities on one solution and database.
  2. Legacy UI and Experience. Infor LN is a legacy solution with limited cloud-native capabilities such as universal search, mobile experience, etc.
  3. Weak Ecosystem and Marketplace. The consulting base and marketplaces are virtually non-existent for Infor LN.
+

ERP Implementation Failure Recovery

Learn how Frederick Wildman struggled with Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementation failure even after spending over $5M and what options they had for recovery.

Conclusion

Achieving success in configure-to-order manufacturing ERP particularly demands extensive process and product model sophistication. When processes align with industry or consumer expectations, leveraging established standards simplifies product formalization, facilitating the development of processes around predefined norms. Implementing configure-to-order manufacturing ERP processes for operational efficiency or streamlined quoting requires significant reengineering of product models and business processes. Thus, choosing the right ERP system necessitates a meticulous examination of transactions and workflows to avoid implementation challenges. While this list provides valuable guidance, consulting an independent ERP consultant can significantly improve implementation outcomes.

FAQs

Top 10 Engineer-to-Order Manufacturing ERP Systems

Top 10 Engineer-to-Order Manufacturing ERP Systems In 2024

Engineer-to-order Companies: Engineer-to-order (ETO) manufacturing companies possess a distinctive blend of traits from various manufacturing models like project manufacturing and make-to-order. These entities are known for their intricate operations, spanning industries like equipment manufacturing, modular housing, or bridge construction. Distinguishing true ETO setups from construction-centric projects can be challenging due to overlaps. Despite these complexities, identifying an ETO company primarily hinges on its profound engineering focus.

Engineer-to-order Manufacturing Business Processes: The engineering process varies depending on the product type, often commencing with customer engineers providing initial drawings or specifications for desired machinery or equipment. However, these initial drawings typically require refinement through extensive collaboration between customer and vendor engineers until a satisfactory prototype and estimate are achieved. Additionally, the level of organizational maturity greatly influences the structure of Bills of Materials (BOMs). In nascent stages, companies may lack consolidated procurement and planning processes, resorting to project-specific ordering and planning. As such, selecting an appropriate ERP system hinges on the organization’s maturity level.

Top 10 Engineer-to-Order Manufacturing ERP systems

Engineer-to-order Manufacturing ERP Needs. Every ERP system operates within specific data model parameters. For instance, certain systems may necessitate revision numbers at the outset of a process. Without a formalized procedure for maintaining these numbers or adhering to engineering control processes, products requiring revision numbers may seem superfluous, leading to user adoption challenges. Alternatively, some products may not integrate engineering BOMs within the ERP system, presuming they will be housed in a CAD or PLM/PDM system. Failure to align engineering processes with SKU numbering or parts management can result in downstream BOM issues, necessitating ad-hoc solutions impacting the choice of an ERP system. So, which are the leading engineer-to-order manufacturing ERP systems for 2024?



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Criteria

  • Definition of an engineer-to-order manufacturing company. These companies in the engineer-to-order ecosystem include manufacturers that are heavily engineering-focused in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, custom machinery, and industrial automation. The list considers companies of all sizes in this ecosystem.
  • Overall market share/# of customers. The higher marketshare among engineer-to-order companies drives higher rankings on this list.
  • Ownership/funding. The superior financial position of the ERP vendor leads to higher rankings on this list.
  • Quality of development. How modern is the tech stack? How aggressively is the ERP vendor pushing cloud-native functionality for this product? Is the roadmap officially announced? Or uncertain?
  • Community/Ecosystem. How vibrant is the community? Social media groups? In-person user groups? Forums?
  • Depth of native functionality. Last-mile functionality for specific industries natively built into the product?
  • Quality of publicly available product documentation. How well-documented is the product? Is the documentation available publicly? How updated is the demo content available on YouTube?
  • Product share and documented commitment. Is the product share reported separately in financial statements if the ERP vendor is public?
  • Ability to natively support diversified business models. How diverse is the product in supporting multiple business models in the same product?
  • Acquisition strategy aligned with the product: Any recent acquisitions to fill a specific hole for engineer-to-order industries? Any official announcements to integrate recently acquired capabilities?
  • User Reviews: How specific are the reviews about this product’s capabilities? How recent and frequent are the reviews?
  • Must be an ERP product: Edge products such as HCM, CRM, eCommerce, MES, or accounting solutions that are not fully integrated to support enterprise-wide capabilities are not qualified for this list.

10. Rootstock

Rootstock caters to engineer-to-order centric SMBs, offering robust mobile-native capabilities atop the Salesforce platform. It is particularly fit for smaller engineer-to-order companies that heavily use the Salesforce platform for their CRM and field service solutions. It might also fit as a subsidiary solution for some entities that might prefer a unified user experience across the enterprise. Thus, given these considerations, Rootstock ranks at #10 on our list of top engineer-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Native integration with other salesforce products. Its strength Includes native integration with other Salesforce products such as Salesforce CRM and Field Service. This is especially beneficial for engineer-to-order companies with longer sales cycles already managing their sales and estimation processes on Salesforce.
  2. Mixed-mode manufacturing capabilities. While Rootstock might not have as comprehensive coverage for every manufacturing mode, it can support the make-to-order and make-to-stock needs of engineer-to-order organizations.
  3. WBS-centric manufacturing capabilities. Most engineered-to-order organizations also require WBS-centric capabilities for their operational project management needs, making these capabilities necessary for engineer-to-order organizations.
Weaknesses
  1. Finance and accounting. Rootstock’s core ERP capabilities are not as robust as those of other manufacturing ERP systems. Their accounting capabilities are not as layered and scalable, requiring ad-hoc arrangements.
  2. Reliance on third-party quality module. Depending upon the vertical that engineer-to-order organizations might serve and based on the architectural requirements, quality processes could be extremely critical at every touch point, including production, procurement, return, and engineering. Rootstock’s reliance on third-party modules may cause communication challenges, posing ERP implementation risks.
  3. Smaller Ecosystem. The ecosystem is relatively small for rootstock, with less than 500 installations. This could pose a risk in finding talent for future support and customizations.

9. Oracle Cloud ERP

Oracle Cloud ERP is uniquely positioned for construction and telecom-centric engineer-to-order manufacturing companies. While they share similarities with traditional engineer-to-order manufacturing organizations, the estimation and quoting process could be completely different. While the BOMs could come across as being similar, they are uniquely different. Oracle Cloud ERP is also a superior fit for companies that might also have PSA-like processes for such organizations that might combine consulting with project manufacturing. Thus, securing its rank at #9 on our list of engineer-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Robust finance capabilities for large, global Engineer-to-order manufacturers. Capabilities include having five layers of GL restrictions, multiple layers of sub-ledgers, and book closing requirements across divisions, especially relevant for larger Engineer-to-order businesses primarily interested in using Oracle Cloud ERP as a corporate financial ledger.
  2. Proven solution with large workloads. Large companies may process millions of GL entries per hour. These workloads may be even higher for engineer-to-order manufacturing companies, requiring them to decouple transactions as a single system might struggle to support, forcing them to best-of-breed architecture for such companies, an ideal fit for Oracle Cloud ERP.
  3. Ecosystem.  Oracle Cloud ERP has an ecosystem of experienced consultants who have the capabilities to handle the design and architecture of such complex enterprises.
Weaknesses
  1. Limited last-mile capabilities and engineer-to-order integrations. The last-mile capabilities and specialized integrations relevant to engineer-to-order businesses might require third-party add-ons.
  2. It’s not necessarily a manufacturing solution. Oracle Cloud ERP’s concentration in engineer-to-order businesses is limited, making this vertical a lower priority for Oracle compared to service-centric organizations.
  3. Overwhelming for SMB engineer-to-order manufacturers. The enterprise data model and financial layers might be overwhelming for SMB engineer-to-order manufacturers.

8. Acumatica

Acumatica is uniquely suitable for engineer-to-order organizations with its robust BOMs, support for make-to-order and stock processes, and strong capabilities for projects. While Acumatica might be a great fit for smaller engineer-to-order projects, complex machinery may require program-level support where each project might be mapped to a line item at a quote level, requiring mature capabilities for engineer-to-order verticals. These capabilities will be required when consolidated costing at the program level, and reporting will be key. Thus, given its pros and cons, Acumatica ranks at #8 among the top engineer-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Rich BOMs and scalable costing layers. Acumatica BOMs are highly organized and follow logical structure across the screens, making them highly scalable for engineer-to-order companies.
  2. Support for sub-assemblies and phantom. Acumatica has strong support for sub-assemblies, which is crucial for engineer-to-order BOMs, both for costing and scheduling. It also has strong support for phantoms, which is another huge plus, as most engineer-to-order verticals will have a substantial number of phantoms as part of their BOMs.
  3. Diverse capabilities to support the needs of multiple business models. The product can accommodate multiple business models in the same database, making it easier to explore synergies across different business models, including distribution, construction, and field services.
Weaknesses
  1. Limited global capabilities. The current multi-entity functionality might be limiting for engineer-to-order companies with operationally connected offshore locations.
  2. Limited mature manufacturing capabilities. Advanced features such as allocation layers or kanban are not built natively as part of the product, making it challenging for large engineer-to-order companies aiming to streamline their inventory.
  3. Multiple add-ons may be required for engineer-to-order manufacturing. Requires several third-party add-ons, such as MES, PLM, and quality, posing integration and communication challenges.

7. SAP S/4 HANA

Targeting large global engineer-to-order manufacturing companies, its product model is capable of handling most mixed-mode manufacturing, including product specifications and variants that are used not only for reporting but also for planning and transaction processing. SAP S/4 HANA excels in handling millions of transactions per hour, a requirement for companies on a Fortune 500 scale. Ideal for large publicly traded companies heavy on financial compliance and governance, it may not suit SMB manufacturing companies without internal IT maturity. SAP S/4 HANA enjoys a unique advantage for MRP-driven companies requiring enterprise-grade workloads intending to keep all of their entities in one database. Thus, ranking at #5 on this list of top engineer-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Enterprise product designed for engineer-to-order centric companies. The item master, product model, and inventory are especially friendly for engineer-to-order businesses because of scalable and modular BOM and costing layers.
  2. The power of HANA to run global operations end-to-end in one system. Our simple test of HANA’s capabilities with 100K serialized goods receipt found it to be faster than most systems out there. SAP S/4 HANA could process it in under 22 seconds, while Oracle cloud ERP took more than 18 mins for the same test. This is especially friendly for large engineer-to-order businesses aiming to run their consolidated global MRP runs in one system.
  3. Financial governance and best-of-breed architecture. Financial traceability is built with each transaction, which makes the transactions and SOX governance flows highly traceable, especially friendly for publicly traded engineer-to-order companies. 
Weaknesses
  1. Behind in cloud capabilities. While SAP has made tremendous advancements, the cloud version is still behind its on-prem variant.
  2. Too big for smaller engineer-to-order companies. Companies looking for a fully baked suite without internal IT capabilities will find it overwhelming.
  3. Limited last mile Capabilities and third-party pre-integrated options. The last-mile capabilities relevant for engineer-to-order businesses, such as CAD, PLM, configurator, etc, would require ERP third-party add-ons.

6. Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O

Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O excels in localizations where other focused solutions might not be available, providing only a few options for engineer-to-order companies. While Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O has a very rich product model to support complex engineer-to-order operations, it might not have a complete suite and integrated options as focused solutions, such as Epicor Kinetic or Infor LN, requiring third-party add-ons for these capabilities. Despite being limited with suite capabilities, it will be more suitable for diverse engineer-to-order operations or companies with uncertain business models because of M&A activity. Hence, securing the #6 spot among the top engineer-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Richer core ERP capabilities for engineer-to-order companies in the cloud. Compared to other solutions that might have superior layers for other service-centric verticals, such as Oracle Cloud ERP, Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O has a mature cloud version for engineer-to-order companies.
  2. Best-of-breed products integrated at the database level. While Microsoft has best-of-breed integration, such as CRM or field service, they might not be as directly relevant for engineer-to-order companies but will be useful for engineer-to-order companies with diverse business models. 
  3. Powerful ecosystem and marketplace add-ons. Microsoft has a talent and consulting base in countries where finding talent may be a challenge. 
Weaknesses
  1. Limited pre-baked integrations for engineer-to-order companies. The integration relevant for engineer-to-order companies such as PLM, CAD, MES, and configurator would require third-party add-ons, increasing communication and integration risks.
  2. Too big for smaller companies. The smaller companies would find it overwhelming with the configuration and approval flows built for large enterprises.
  3. Limited last mile capabilities. The last-mile functionality relevant to specific industry verticals, such as PPAP compliance or AS9100, might require substantial consulting efforts.

5. IFS

Targeting larger field service and MRO organizations, IFS is a great solution for larger engineer-to-order companies looking for best-of-breed field service and EAM capabilities atop corporate financial ledgers such as SAP or Oracle. It is also a great fit for companies managing large programs with very long lead times that might have constraints, such as finishing the complete value stream activity as part of the sales quote before starting on the new one, requiring complex relationships between sales quotes and programs that smaller systems might be able to support. Despite these considerations, IFS maintains its rank at #5 on our list of top engineer-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Unique program architecture tailored to track the costs of large engineer-to-order programs. Unlike smaller ERP systems with a 1:1 relationship between a sales order and a project, IFS is designed to handle large programs where consolidated visibility would be critical without ad-hoc arrangements.
  2. Enterprise-grade field service and asset management capabilities. Especially suitable for engineer-to-order companies because of their need to maintain expensive assets with complex workflows and scheduling requirements for field services.
  3. Unique financial workflows to support complex engineer-to-order programs. Expensive MRO operations require unique workflows, such as closing transactions financially at the line level, which might not be possible with ERP systems not designed to handle such transactions.
Weaknesses
  1. Limited focus. The limited focus might be a challenge for engineer-to-order companies active with M&A cycles. 
  2. Limited ecosystem. It has a limited presence and install base in North America compared to other solutions on this list.
  3. It is not the right fit for holding and private equity companies as a corporate ledger. While IFS can provide the best-of-breed ERP capabilities in a tier-two architecture or can act as one solution, IFS might not be the best fit to be used just as the corporate ledger for large engineer-to-order enterprises.

4. Infor CloudSuite Industrial (Syteline)

Infor CloudSuite Industrial (Syteline) targets SMB engineer-to-order firms with diverse SKUs and intricate subassemblies, offering a flexible BOM framework. While this flexibility aids from an engineering change control perspective, it can pose challenges for companies needing fluid subassembly structures without tight labor and operations coupling. Moreover, it’s less suitable for organizations with complex inventory needs, as inventory attributes are primarily for reporting, not planning. Despite its strong engineer-to-order features, its support for mixed-mode manufacturing, like project-centric operations, may lack depth. Therefore, placing it at #4 on our list of top engineer-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Support for both informal and formal BOMs and engineering processes. Infor CSI BOMs don’t mandate a revision number, making it easier for companies with relatively unsophisticated data models and engineering processes to use without going through the painful formalization of SKUs and BOMs. 
  2. Detailed and scalable costing layers. The costing layers scale well, especially for verticals where material pricing may fluctuate, requiring frequent readjustments, such as industries dependent upon steel. 
  3. Field service integration with the core manufacturing processes.  Deep composable serviceable units are built as part of the core solution with complex assemblies and back-and-forth interactions of channels to service units in the field.
Weaknesses
  1. Disconnected financial reporting experience. Unlike other products, the product does not embed financial reports and necessitates an external Excel interface, thus creating a patchy experience for users.
  2. Poor user experience and steep learning curve. While marketed as a cloud product, it has limited cloud capabilities, such as enterprise search and opening multiple tabs, making the experience non-intuitive.
  3. Weak ecosystem and third-party options. Similar to Epicor, Infor CSI takes the suite approach. So it might be harder to find integration with best-of-breed third-party apps.

3. Infor CloudSuite LN

Infor CloudSuite LN is a comprehensive manufacturing solution that combines the best of the most focused manufacturing solutions, especially engineer-to-order managing large programs, including WBS-based workflows, as well as distribution-focused capabilities for their parts business. Besides being comprehensive, it also has engineer-to-order-specific last-mile capabilities and pre-baked integrations such as PLM, CAD, CPQ, and more. Thus, securing its rank at the #3 position on our list of the top engineer-to-order manufacturing ERP solutions.

Strengths
  1. Global operations. Infor LN is the only solution in the market that has sufficient layers of financial hierarchies and global trade compliance functionality pre-baked with products to support Engineer-to-order manufacturers exploring global financial and operational synergies. 
  2. Last-mile capabilities along with breadth of capabilities for diversified manufacturing business models. Engineer-to-order verticals require deeper core ERP capabilities such as milestone and progress billing, operational tracking of programs, and consolidated view of costs of large programs not just as a report but also as part of the operational workflow without having users leave their transactional screens.
  3. Best-of-breed integrations offered out-of-the-box. Most tools that make-to manufacturer would require, such as HCM, PLM, data lake, ERP, WMS, TMS, and advanced supply chain planning, are all pre-integrated with LN.
Weaknesses
  1. Might not be the best fit as a corporate solution for holding and private equity companies. Holding companies as diverse as engineer-to-order manufacturing, construction, and professional services may not be able to keep all of their entities on one solution and database.
  2. Legacy UI and Experience. Infor LN is a legacy solution with limited cloud-native ERP capabilities such as universal search, mobile experience, etc.
  3. Weak Ecosystem and Marketplace. The consulting base and marketplaces are virtually non-existent for Infor LN.

2. IQMS/DELMIAWorks

IQMS is suitable for engineer-to-order companies because of its tight alignment and integration with SolidWORKS, which is heavily used with large mechanical equipment. Containing major components required for engineer-to-order companies as part of the suite, such as CAD, PLM etc, along with ERP, is a huge benefit for engineer-to-order companies limited on budget. IQMS would be an ideal fit for smaller engineer-to-order companies or for larger companies as a subsidiary-level system. Hence, contributing to its placement at #2 among engineer-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. BOM structure is friendly for engineer-to-order companies. Engineer-to-order companies that are heavy on engineer collaboration, including collaboration with customers, would find DELMIAWorks to be compelling.
  2. Best for engineer-to-order companies on SolidWorks. With the same company as SolidWorks owning it, tighter and seamless ERP integration of both products, which are built and maintained by the same vendor, is a huge plus.
  3. Technology – This is probably the most legacy solution of all on this list, with no announcement if they plan to modernize the technology.
Weaknesses
  1. Limited focus. The limited focus might be a challenge for engineer-to-order companies diversifying their operations and being active with M&A cycles. 
  2. Limited ecosystem. It has a limited consulting base with most resellers being CAD resellers, with limited experience in ERP implementation and cross-functional processes.
  3. It is not the right fit for holding and private equity companies as a corporate ledger. While a great subsidiary solution and a solution for pure-play engineer-to-order manufacturers, it may not suit companies requiring diverse mixed-mode manufacturing companies or companies with complex business models.

1. Epicor Kinetic

Epicor Kinetic targets small-to-mid-size engineer-to-order manufacturers specializing in industries with formal manufacturing processes and complex inventory needs, such as automotive, aerospace, metal, fabrication, and medical devices. It is also equally deep in project-centric operations and distribution processes, making it ideal for diverse engineer-to-order operations. Despite recent developments, Epicor Kinetic might not best suit companies with global financial operations and deep field service operations. Nevertheless, it’s still one of the best engineer-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths
  1. Strong for comapnies with formal manufacturing processes. Mandatory revision numbers and the BOMs driven by revision numbers would be especially appealing for formal engineering organizations familiar with similar formal structures.
  2. Strong with complex inventory needs. Companies that require multiple attributes that need to be part of the planning and MRP, such as metal, fastener, automotive, and aerospace, would find Epicor to be appealing.
  3. Microsoft look-and-feel. Epicor has a very similar look and feel to Microsoft ERP products, providing you with the same experience but with much deeper last-mile capabilities where other products might struggle.
Weaknesses
  1. Global financial operations. Unlike larger products that might support more than three layers of financial hierarchies, such as corp, subsidiary, entity, and business units, the limited number of layers would operationally inefficient workarounds, such as using sub-accounts for such traceability.
  2. Embedded experience with field service and quality. Despite recent acquisitions, the field service capabilities are not as embedded and proven as some of the other products on this list.
  3. Weak ecosystem and marketplace. Epicor takes a suite approach to its products while selling directly to its customers. This limits the overall consulting and marketplace penetration.
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Conclusion

Engineer-to-order manufacturing stands out due to its intricate blend of make-to-order and project manufacturing, coupled with complexities like field service and configure-to-order processes. Unlike make-to-stock businesses, which face challenges primarily in supply chain planning and demand forecasting, engineer-to-order operations grapple with complexities in estimation, engineering, and procurement processes. Selecting the perfect engineer-to-order manufacturing ERP system particularly demands a thorough evaluation of transactions and workflows. Opting for an incompatible system might result in implementation hurdles. While this list offers valuable insights, seeking advice from an independent ERP consultant can greatly enhance your implementation success.

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