By Mike Hart
Here is a link to the latest iteration of my manufacturing software directory, which provides links to websites for all the software packages I know of that are potential candidates for use by small businesses.
Manufacturing Software Directory
All these software packages are advanced manufacturing systems, meaning that they include work centers and routings instead of just the bills of material offered by light manufacturing systems such as QuickBooks or Peachtree. Light manufacturing systems emphasize inventory, but ignore job scheduling and shop floor control and therefore limit your efficiency potential.
Technically, a “small business” is defined as any enterprise with up to 500 employees, but the small businesses to which this blog is directed have fewer than 100 employees, and in most cases, fewer than 50 employees. I consider companies with 100 to 500 employees to be “mid-size” companies.
Accordingly, I’ve divided my manufacturing software directory into two groups of products – small business manufacturing systems, which are generally suited for companies with 5-100 employees, and mid-market ERP systems, which are generally suited for enterprises with 75-100 employees.
Note that there is overlap between the two product classifications in the 75-100 employee range. Companies of this size fall in the middle and may be suitable for either category, depending on requirements, company growth, cost, and other considerations.
Keep in mind that number of employees is not always an accurate indicator of company size. Companies that do a lot of outsourcing may have relatively fewer employees, but much more revenue per employee than worker-intensive companies.
Another factor that determines software suitability is whether a company has multiple sites or not. In general, small business systems are for companies with a single factory and shipping location. A company with multiple production facilities and warehouses will need a mid-market ERP system that has a multi-site architecture.
I do not claim to have intimate knowledge of all these software products. My classifications are based on hearsay from customers and colleagues over the past 25 years of being in the manufacturing software business, and from a review of website content. Most small business manufacturing systems publish their prices and are modestly priced, whereas virtually all mid-market ERP systems do not publish prices and only furnish pricing on a quotation basis.
Most small business systems offer an evaluation system so that you can assess the software on your own. Mid-market ERP systems are generally evaluated through live presentations, either onsite or online.
Small business systems can be implemented with or without onsite help, whereas mid-market ERP system implementation almost always involves onsite consulting and training.
Initial investment and the ongoing cost of ownership is dramatically different between the two software categories. To get a rough idea of what the differential is, refer to this post I made last year.
How Much Does a Manufacturing Software Package Cost?
If you are searching for a manufacturing software solution, I hope this directory saves you some leg work and gives you a good idea of what is available in the marketplace and what products might be suitable for your company size.
Mike Hart is the co-founder and President of DBA Software Inc., a leading provider of manufacturing software for small businesses.
Accordingly, I’ve divided my manufacturing software directory into two groups of products – small business manufacturing systems, which are generally suited for companies with 5-100 employees, and mid-market ERP systems, which are generally suited for enterprises with 75-100 employees.
Note that there is overlap between the two product classifications in the 75-100 employee range. Companies of this size fall in the middle and may be suitable for either category, depending on requirements, company growth, cost, and other considerations.
Keep in mind that number of employees is not always an accurate indicator of company size. Companies that do a lot of outsourcing may have relatively fewer employees, but much more revenue per employee than worker-intensive companies.
Another factor that determines software suitability is whether a company has multiple sites or not. In general, small business systems are for companies with a single factory and shipping location. A company with multiple production facilities and warehouses will need a mid-market ERP system that has a multi-site architecture.
I do not claim to have intimate knowledge of all these software products. My classifications are based on hearsay from customers and colleagues over the past 25 years of being in the manufacturing software business, and from a review of website content. Most small business manufacturing systems publish their prices and are modestly priced, whereas virtually all mid-market ERP systems do not publish prices and only furnish pricing on a quotation basis.
Most small business systems offer an evaluation system so that you can assess the software on your own. Mid-market ERP systems are generally evaluated through live presentations, either onsite or online.
Small business systems can be implemented with or without onsite help, whereas mid-market ERP system implementation almost always involves onsite consulting and training.
Initial investment and the ongoing cost of ownership is dramatically different between the two software categories. To get a rough idea of what the differential is, refer to this post I made last year.
How Much Does a Manufacturing Software Package Cost?
If you are searching for a manufacturing software solution, I hope this directory saves you some leg work and gives you a good idea of what is available in the marketplace and what products might be suitable for your company size.
Mike Hart is the co-founder and President of DBA Software Inc., a leading provider of manufacturing software for small businesses.
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