Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for manufacturers is the operational backbone of many of the world’s most successful manufacturing companies. Modern manufacturing ERP systems unify production planning, inventory management, financials, and supply chain execution into a single system of record.
When manufacturers evaluate ERP software today, one of the most common questions is: which ERP platforms are most widely adopted in manufacturing? Adoption matters because it reflects long-term viability, ecosystem depth, implementation maturity, and availability of skilled partners.
To support informed decision-making, this guide reviews 15 of the most widely adopted ERP software platforms used by manufacturers, spanning discrete, process, and hybrid manufacturing environments. We also explain how manufacturers evaluate ERP fit, where adoption trends differ by company size, and how to maximize ERP value after implementation.
Benefits of ERP Software for Manufacturers
Manufacturers adopt manufacturing ERP platforms at scale not simply for automation, but to maintain operational control, financial accuracy, and execution resilience across production, inventory, and fulfillment. Widely adopted ERP platforms used by manufacturers tend to share several defining characteristics: proven deployment patterns, deep manufacturing functionality, and strong partner ecosystems that reduce implementation risk.
Managing complex manufacturing operations with disconnected financial systems, production tools, and inventory applications creates inefficiencies, limits visibility, and slows decision-making. As production volumes increase and supply chains become more volatile, these gaps become increasingly costly.
By replacing a fragmented toolset with a unified manufacturing ERP system, organizations gain a centralized system of record that supports real-time insight across workflows and enables more consistent execution. Manufacturers that implement ERP software purpose-built for manufacturing typically realize the following mission-critical benefits.
Improve Supply Chain Visibility
Leading manufacturing ERP platforms provide integrated supply chain management capabilities that support material planning, inventory visibility, and order execution across the full production lifecycle. Manufacturers can track raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods as they move through sourcing, production, warehousing, and distribution.
Improved upstream and downstream visibility helps manufacturers identify potential bottlenecks earlier, adjust production schedules proactively, and reduce the risk of late or incomplete shipments. This level of visibility has become especially important amid ongoing supply disruptions, longer lead times, and global trade uncertainty.
With a manufacturing ERP system in place, organizations can better anticipate where constraints are likely to emerge, evaluate alternative sourcing strategies, and make informed decisions that support long-term operational stability and growth.
Reduce Costs and Improve Profitability
Manufacturing ERP systems deliver cost-saving benefits by consolidating data, standardizing processes, and reducing manual effort across departments. A centralized ERP platform eliminates redundant data entry by ensuring that information entered once is available to authorized users throughout the organization.
In addition, manufacturing ERP platforms provide real-time insight into inventory levels, labor utilization, production costs, and variances between planned and actual performance. These insights allow manufacturers to identify waste, reduce excess inventory, improve resource allocation, and address inefficiencies before they impact margins.
As competition intensifies and margins tighten, the ability to manage costs with greater precision makes ERP software an essential tool for manufacturers seeking sustainable profitability.
Better Serve Customers and Meet Delivery Commitments
Many widely adopted manufacturing ERP platforms include integrated CRM functionality that connects sales activity directly to production, inventory, and fulfillment data. This alignment allows manufacturers to provide more accurate promise dates, respond faster to changes, and maintain clearer communication with customers throughout the order lifecycle.
By connecting customer demand with operational execution, manufacturers can forecast requirements more effectively, reduce stockouts, and manage change orders with greater confidence. Sales teams benefit from improved visibility into order status and customer history, while operations teams gain clearer insight into demand patterns and service expectations.
This coordination improves customer satisfaction, strengthens long-term relationships, and supports more predictable revenue performance.
Access Scalable, Flexible Solutions
Traditional on-premises manufacturing systems often struggle to scale as organizations grow in size, complexity, or geographic footprint. Expanding these environments typically requires additional infrastructure investment and lengthy deployment cycles, which can limit agility and slow innovation.
Cloud-based manufacturing ERP platforms offer greater flexibility by allowing manufacturers to scale computing resources, storage, and functionality as needed. As operations expand to additional plants, entities, or regions, ERP systems can adapt without requiring a complete replatforming effort.
Manufacturers can also extend ERP capabilities by integrating complementary systems such as MES, WMS, PLM, EDI, and analytics tools, ensuring the ERP remains a stable foundation as operational requirements evolve.
Widely Adopted ERP Platforms Used by Manufacturers
Manufacturers evaluating ERP platforms are often faced with a crowded and confusing landscape. Some solutions are highly specialized, while others offer broad, end-to-end capabilities designed to support complex, multi-plant operations. Adoption varies widely depending on manufacturing model, company size, regulatory requirements, and geographic footprint.
The ERP platforms included in this list are among the most widely adopted by manufacturers across discrete, process, and hybrid environments. They represent a mix of manufacturing-native systems and horizontal ERP platforms with mature manufacturing functionality. While no single ERP is the right fit for every manufacturer, these platforms have demonstrated long-term viability through sustained market adoption and proven use in real-world manufacturing operations.
How This List of Manufacturing ERP Software Was Curated
This list was curated using qualitative adoption signals rather than vendor marketing claims or isolated feature comparisons. Platforms were evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Market adoption and longevity within the manufacturing sector
- Manufacturing functionality depth, including planning, inventory, costing, and execution
- Support for discrete, process, and mixed manufacturing models
- Partner ecosystem maturity, including availability of experienced implementers
- Integration readiness with systems commonly used alongside ERP, such as MES, WMS, PLM, EDI, and analytics platforms
Inclusion in this list does not imply that all platforms are equal in scope or suitability. Instead, it reflects that each ERP has achieved meaningful adoption among manufacturers and continues to be deployed successfully across a range of operational contexts.
Some ERP platforms on this list provide highly configurable, end-to-end solutions that support large and complex manufacturing organizations. Others focus on faster time-to-value for small and mid-sized manufacturers with more focused operational needs. Understanding where each platform fits is essential to selecting an ERP that aligns with both current requirements and long-term growth plans.
The sections below outline each ERP platform’s general adoption profile, core strengths in manufacturing environments, and the types of organizations that most commonly deploy it.
| ERP Platform | Ideal Company Size | Best Fit Environment | Core Strengths | Key Tradeoffs |
| Microsoft Dynamics | SMB to Enterprise | Discrete & Distribution-Adjacent | Unifies Ops & Finance; strong automation; massive partner ecosystem. | Manufacturing depth varies by partner; complex scenarios need add-ons. |
| NetSuite ERP | Mid-Market | Discrete, Mixed, Multi-Entity | Cloud-native; best for multi-subsidiary management; unified data. | Implementation is resource-intensive; depth requires customization. |
| Epicor ERP | Mid-Market to Enterprise | Industrial, Discrete, Mixed | Deep manufacturing execution (MES); mature planning & scheduling. | Higher total cost of ownership; longer implementation timelines. |
| SAP ERP | Large Enterprise | Global, Complex, Regulated | Unmatched scalability; global compliance; handling complex supply chains. | Very high cost; requires significant internal resources to maintain. |
| Oracle ERP | Enterprise | Complex Financials & Planning | robust financial controls; risk management; enterprise governance. | Less accessible for SMBs; integration often requires partner help. |
| SYSPRO | SMB to Mid-Market | Discrete Manufacturing | Purpose-built for manufacturing; strong inventory control; flexible deployment. | Smaller ecosystem than the giants; less suited for massive global corps. |
| Sage Intacct | SMB to Mid-Sized | Financial-First Focus | Best-in-class financial automation; connects with mfg extensions (e.g., MISys). | Not a standalone manufacturing ERP; relies on integrations. |
| Odoo | SMB to Mid-Sized | Modular / Custom Needs | Highly configurable; open architecture; adds modules as you grow. | Depth varies by config; advanced use cases need heavy customization. |
| Sage Business Cloud | Mid-Sized | Logistics & Manufacturing | All-in-one platform (Logistics, Mfg, Finance); highly configurable. | Implementation effort varies; smaller ecosystem than SAP/Oracle. |
| SAP Business One | SMB | Entry-Level Manufacturing | Access to SAP data model without enterprise complexity; core MRP. | Limited scalability for complex operations; partner-led implementation. |
| Deltek Costpoint | Project-Based | GovCon, Defense, Aerospace | Built for project accounting & compliance; regulatory management. | Niche focus; not suitable for high-volume repetitive manufacturing. |
| Ecount ERP | Small Business | Simple / Cost-Conscious | Web-based; affordable; simple interface for basic inventory/production. | Limited depth; not for complex or high-volume scenarios. |
Microsoft Dynamics for Manufacturers
Adoption profile:
Widely adopted by small-to-enterprise manufacturers, particularly in North America and Europe, with strong penetration in discrete manufacturing and distribution-adjacent operations.
Best fit in manufacturing:
Discrete and mixed manufacturing environments; small, mid-sized, and upper mid-market organizations; manufacturers seeking tight integration between operations, finance, and customer data.
Microsoft Dynamics is a horizontal ERP platform with mature manufacturing functionality that has been deployed across thousands of manufacturing organizations. It supports a broad range of core manufacturing and operational processes, including planning, sourcing, production, inventory management, distribution, sales, and service.
One of the platform’s strengths is its ability to unify operational and financial data within a single system of record. Manufacturers using Dynamics gain real-time visibility into inventory levels, production status, order execution, and customer demand, enabling more responsive planning and execution across the organization.
Dynamics also supports workflow automation across purchasing, production, order management, and finance. These automation capabilities help manufacturers reduce manual effort, improve data accuracy, and free teams to focus on higher-value activities such as exception management and continuous improvement.
Strengths:
- Strong adoption across discrete manufacturing and distribution-adjacent workflows
- Deep integration between financials, operations, and customer data
- Broad partner ecosystem and strong regional implementation support
- Flexible deployment options and extensibility through integrations
Tradeoffs:
- Manufacturing depth varies by configuration and partner implementation
- Advanced scenarios often require third-party extensions or add-ons
Typical integrations:
MES, WMS, PLM, CRM, EDI, analytics and reporting platforms
Microsoft Dynamics for manufacturers also promotes superior efficiency and productivity via its easy-to-implement automation tools. You can automate redundant workflows, reducing the burden on your staff and freeing them up to take on more dynamic tasks.
NetSuite ERP
Adoption profile:
One of the most widely deployed cloud ERP platforms globally, with strong adoption among mid-market manufacturers and multi-entity organizations.
Best fit in manufacturing:
Discrete and mixed manufacturing environments; growing manufacturers with multiple locations or entities; organizations prioritizing cloud-first deployment.
Developed by Oracle, NetSuite ERP is a cloud-native platform that supports a wide range of manufacturing, financial, and operational workflows. Its unified architecture makes it particularly attractive to manufacturers managing multiple subsidiaries, locations, or currencies within a single ERP environment.
NetSuite’s manufacturing capabilities include production planning, inventory management, demand forecasting, and work order management. These features are highly configurable and can be adapted to support a variety of manufacturing models, from engineer-to-order to make-to-stock.
A key advantage of NetSuite is its ability to centralize data across finance, operations, and supply chain activities. Manufacturers benefit from consolidated reporting, improved visibility across entities, and consistent data governance without relying on separate systems. There are also NetSuite alternatives.
Strengths:
- Strong global adoption and cloud-first architecture
- Well-suited for multi-entity and multi-location manufacturers
- Unified financial and operational reporting
- Large ecosystem of integrations and third-party solutions
Tradeoffs:
- Implementation can be complex and resource-intensive
- Manufacturing depth may require customization for advanced use cases
Typical integrations:
MES, WMS, PLM, CRM, eCommerce platforms, analytics tools
Sage Intacct
Adoption profile:
Widely adopted for financial management, with manufacturing adoption driven primarily through integrations with manufacturing-focused extensions.
Best fit in manufacturing:
Small to mid-sized manufacturers prioritizing financial management and reporting, often alongside third-party manufacturing systems.
Sage Intacct is best known for its strength in financial management, automation, and reporting. Manufacturers adopt Sage Intacct when financial visibility and control are primary drivers, particularly in organizations transitioning from legacy accounting systems.
Manufacturing-specific functionality is typically delivered through integrations with partners such as MISys Manufacturing. Together, these solutions provide production management, inventory control, and financial reporting within a connected ecosystem.
Sage Intacct is often selected by manufacturers that want a modern, cloud-based financial core with flexibility to integrate manufacturing capabilities as needed.
Strengths:
- Strong financial automation and reporting capabilities
- Cloud-native architecture with rapid deployment
- Widely adopted accounting platform with manufacturing extensions
Tradeoffs:
- Manufacturing functionality depends on partner integrations
- Less suitable as a standalone manufacturing ERP
Typical integrations:
Manufacturing extensions, inventory systems, CRM, reporting platforms
SYSPRO
Adoption profile:
Manufacturing-native ERP with strong adoption among small-to-mid-sized manufacturers, particularly in discrete manufacturing.
Best fit in manufacturing:
Discrete manufacturing environments; small and mid-sized manufacturers seeking manufacturing depth without enterprise-level complexity.
SYSPRO was built specifically for manufacturers and has earned consistent adoption among organizations that require strong inventory control, production planning, and warehouse management capabilities. It is particularly common in discrete manufacturing sectors where operational precision and efficiency are priorities.
The platform includes functionality for forecasting, project accounting, document management, and inventory optimization. Manufacturers value SYSPRO for its focus on core manufacturing workflows and its ability to support both cloud and on-premises deployments.
SYSPRO’s flexibility allows manufacturers to tailor the system to their operational needs while avoiding some of the overhead associated with larger enterprise ERP platforms.
Strengths:
- Purpose-built for manufacturing operations
- Strong adoption among small and mid-sized manufacturers
- Flexible deployment options (cloud or on-premises)
- Focused feature set aligned to discrete manufacturing needs
Tradeoffs:
- Less suited for very large or highly global organizations
- Ecosystem is smaller than major enterprise ERP platforms
Typical integrations:
MES, WMS, EDI, reporting and analytics tools
Odoo Enterprise ERP Software for Manufacturers
Adoption profile:
Widely adopted globally among small and mid-sized organizations, with growing use among manufacturers seeking high configurability and modular deployment.
Best fit in manufacturing:
Small to mid-sized manufacturers; mixed manufacturing environments; organizations prioritizing customization and modular growth.
Odoo is a modular ERP platform known for its flexibility and broad functional coverage. Manufacturers adopt Odoo when they want the ability to tailor workflows closely to their operations and add functionality incrementally as requirements evolve.
The platform includes manufacturing, inventory, CRM, and accounting modules that can be configured to support a range of production models. Odoo’s open architecture and APIs make it easier to integrate shop-floor systems, equipment data, and third-party applications.
While Odoo offers significant flexibility, manufacturers with complex production or regulatory requirements may need additional configuration or partner support to achieve full manufacturing depth.
Strengths:
- Highly configurable, modular architecture
- Strong global adoption among growing manufacturers
- Broad functional coverage across operations and CRM
- Extensive integration and customization options
Tradeoffs:
- Manufacturing depth varies by configuration
- Advanced use cases may require significant customization
Typical integrations:
MES, WMS, CRM, accounting tools, third-party manufacturing extensions
Oracle ERP
Adoption profile:
Widely adopted by enterprise manufacturers, particularly those with complex financial, supply chain, and governance requirements.
Best fit in manufacturing:
Enterprise and upper mid-market manufacturers; organizations with complex procurement, risk management, and financial planning needs.
Oracle ERP platforms are commonly used by manufacturers that require strong financial controls, advanced planning capabilities, and enterprise-grade governance. Oracle’s manufacturing-related functionality supports procurement, inventory control, production planning, compliance, and financial planning and analysis.
Manufacturers often adopt Oracle ERP as part of a broader enterprise technology strategy, particularly when alignment with other Oracle platforms is a priority. The system’s strength lies in its ability to manage large volumes of transactional and financial data across complex organizations.
As with other enterprise-focused platforms, Oracle ERP deployments tend to be resource-intensive and are best suited for manufacturers with the scale and internal capabilities to support them.
Strengths:
- Strong enterprise-grade financial and operational controls
- Widely adopted among large and complex manufacturing organizations
- Robust planning, compliance, and risk management capabilities
- Scales well across global operations
Tradeoffs:
- Less accessible for small and lower mid-market manufacturers
- Integration details often require vendor or partner involvement
Typical integrations:
MES, WMS, PLM, EDI, enterprise analytics platforms
Sage Business Cloud Enterprise Management
Adoption profile:
Adopted by mid-sized manufacturers seeking an all-in-one ERP platform with strong customization options.
Best fit in manufacturing:
Mid-sized manufacturers; organizations requiring logistics, manufacturing, and financial functionality in a single system.
Sage Business Cloud Enterprise Management extends beyond financial management to deliver a more complete ERP solution for manufacturers. It includes modules for manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, document management, and business intelligence.
Manufacturers value this platform for its configurability and its ability to support end-to-end operational workflows without relying heavily on external systems. The platform also includes HR, CRM, and payment processing capabilities, making it suitable for organizations seeking consolidation.
Its flexibility makes it a strong option for manufacturers with unique workflows, though configuration effort can increase implementation complexity.
Strengths:
- Broad functional coverage in a single ERP platform
- Strong customization and configurability
- Suitable for mid-sized manufacturing operations
Tradeoffs:
- Implementation effort can vary based on customization
- Smaller ecosystem than major enterprise platforms
Typical integrations:
WMS, EDI, CRM, business intelligence tools
Epicor ERP
Adoption profile:
Long-standing manufacturing ERP with deep adoption among mid-market and enterprise manufacturers across industrial, discrete, and mixed manufacturing verticals.
Best fit in manufacturing:
Discrete and mixed manufacturing environments; mid-sized to enterprise manufacturers with complex production, inventory, and scheduling requirements.
Epicor is a manufacturing-focused ERP platform with decades of experience supporting industrial manufacturers. It is widely deployed in environments that require strong production control, planning, and shop-floor alignment, making it a common choice for manufacturers with operational complexity beyond basic financial management.
The platform offers robust functionality across production planning and scheduling, inventory management, quality management, and performance tracking. Manufacturers often adopt Epicor for its depth in manufacturing execution and its ability to support more structured, process-driven operations.
Epicor also provides analytics, mobility, and IoT-related capabilities that help manufacturers monitor performance and respond to operational issues in near real time. However, this depth often comes with higher implementation and licensing costs compared to lighter-weight ERP platforms.
Strengths:
- Deep manufacturing functionality built specifically for industrial use cases
- Strong adoption in mid-market and enterprise manufacturing
- Mature planning, scheduling, and execution capabilities
- Long history supporting complex production environments
Tradeoffs:
- Higher total cost of ownership than many mid-market alternatives
- Implementation timelines can be longer for complex deployments
Typical integrations:
MES, WMS, PLM, EDI, analytics and reporting platforms
SAP ERP
Adoption profile:
One of the most widely adopted ERP platforms globally, with dominant usage among large and multinational manufacturing organizations.
Best fit in manufacturing:
Large, global manufacturers; regulated industries; organizations with complex supply chains, compliance requirements, and multi-entity operations.
SAP ERP platforms are deeply entrenched in large-scale manufacturing environments where operational complexity, regulatory compliance, and global coordination are critical. SAP’s manufacturing capabilities span production planning, materials management, quality control, supply chain execution, and financial governance.
Manufacturers adopt SAP not only for its functional breadth but also for its ability to support highly customized workflows across regions, plants, and business units. SAP systems are commonly used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, chemicals, and industrial equipment manufacturing.
While SAP offers unmatched scalability and control, these advantages typically come with higher implementation effort, longer timelines, and greater organizational change management requirements.
Strengths:
- Extremely broad and mature manufacturing functionality
- Strong global adoption and long-term platform stability
- Advanced support for compliance, traceability, and governance
- Scales effectively across complex, multi-plant environments
Tradeoffs:
- High implementation and ongoing support costs
- Requires significant internal resources and experienced partners
Typical integrations:
MES, PLM, WMS, EDI, advanced analytics, enterprise reporting tools
SAP Business One
Adoption profile:
Widely adopted by small and mid-sized manufacturers as an entry-level SAP ERP solution.
Best fit in manufacturing:
Small to mid-sized manufacturers; organizations seeking SAP functionality without enterprise-scale complexity.
SAP Business One is designed to support core ERP needs for growing manufacturers. It includes functionality for inventory management, production planning, materials requirements planning, and financials within a simplified ERP environment.
Manufacturers adopt SAP Business One when they want SAP’s data model and ecosystem but do not require the scale or complexity of SAP’s enterprise platforms. It is commonly used in single-entity or lightly multi-entity manufacturing operations.
While capable, SAP Business One is not intended for highly complex or global manufacturing environments.
Strengths:
- Proven ERP platform for small and mid-sized manufacturers
- Includes core manufacturing and MRP functionality
- Access to the broader SAP ecosystem
Tradeoffs:
- Limited scalability for large or highly complex operations
- Custom pricing and partner-led implementations required
Typical integrations:
Manufacturing add-ons, WMS, CRM, reporting tools
Ecount ERP
Adoption profile:
Adopted by small manufacturers seeking a simple, cost-effective, cloud-based ERP solution.
Best fit in manufacturing:
Small manufacturing businesses; organizations prioritizing affordability and ease of use.
Ecount ERP is a lightweight, web-based ERP platform designed to cover core operational and financial needs. Manufacturers adopt Ecount when simplicity and cost control are higher priorities than advanced manufacturing depth.
The platform supports inventory management, production tracking, HR, and basic CRM functionality. It also includes features for quality control and outsourced production management, making it suitable for smaller manufacturing operations.
Ecount is best suited for manufacturers with straightforward processes and limited customization requirements.
Strengths:
- Cost-effective and easy to deploy
- Simple, centralized user interface
- Suitable for small manufacturing operations
Tradeoffs:
- Limited depth for complex manufacturing scenarios
- Smaller integration ecosystem
Typical integrations:
Accounting tools, basic inventory and reporting systems
Deltek Costpoint
Adoption profile:
Widely adopted in project-based and government-focused manufacturing environments.
Best fit in manufacturing:
Project-driven manufacturers; defense, aerospace, and contract manufacturing organizations.
Deltek Costpoint is designed to support manufacturers that operate in project-centric or contract-driven environments. It combines manufacturing execution with project accounting, budgeting, and compliance management in a single platform.
Manufacturers adopt Deltek Costpoint when they require strong visibility into project costs, contract performance, and regulatory compliance. The platform is particularly common in government contracting and highly regulated industries.
Its cloud-based deployment allows organizations to scale resources as needed while maintaining strong control over financial and operational data.
Strengths:
- Strong project accounting and compliance capabilities
- Well-suited for contract and project-based manufacturing
- Widely adopted in regulated industries
Tradeoffs:
- Less suitable for high-volume, repetitive manufacturing
- Specialized focus may limit broader applicability
Typical integrations:
Project management tools, compliance systems, reporting platforms
Adjacent Platforms Commonly Used Alongside Manufacturing ERPs
Not all systems used by manufacturers are full ERP platforms. Many organizations supplement their manufacturing ERP with adjacent tools that address specific functional gaps such as workforce management, project coordination, or cross-team collaboration. These platforms are not replacements for ERP systems, but they are commonly used alongside ERP software to support execution and productivity.
Understanding the role of adjacent platforms helps manufacturers avoid overextending ERP platforms into use cases they are not designed to handle, while still maintaining a clean system architecture.
Kronos Workforce Management (WFM)
Category: Workforce management and labor optimization
Common use alongside ERP: Labor tracking, scheduling, time and attendance
Kronos is widely used by manufacturers to manage workforce scheduling, timekeeping, labor utilization, and compliance. Rather than serving as an ERP, Kronos integrates with manufacturing ERP platforms to provide more granular visibility into labor activity on the shop floor.
Manufacturers adopt Kronos when labor represents a significant operational cost or when scheduling complexity requires more advanced workforce planning than ERP systems typically provide on their own.
Where it complements ERP:
ERP handles production, inventory, and financials; Kronos provides detailed labor data that feeds payroll, costing, and performance analysis.
Scoro
Category: Business management and project coordination
Common use alongside ERP: Project tracking, quoting, and lightweight reporting
Scoro is a web-based business management platform most commonly used by small to mid-sized organizations. While it does not offer the depth required to function as a manufacturing ERP, some manufacturers use Scoro to manage project-centric work such as custom orders, quoting, and internal coordination.
Scoro integrates with accounting and ERP systems to provide visibility into project status and financial performance without replacing the ERP system of record.
Where it complements ERP:
ERP manages core manufacturing and financial workflows; Scoro supports project tracking and cross-team coordination for specialized use cases.
Wrike
Category: Project and work management
Common use alongside ERP: Task coordination, engineering workflows, and cross-functional collaboration
Wrike is a project management platform used by some manufacturers to coordinate engineering changes, new product introductions, or custom manufacturing projects. It is not designed to manage production execution, inventory, or financials.
Manufacturers typically adopt Wrike to improve visibility and accountability across teams that work outside the transactional boundaries of ERP systems, such as engineering, product development, or operations planning.
Where it complements ERP:
ERP serves as the system of record for orders and production; Wrike supports task-level execution and collaboration across departments.
How Adjacent Platforms Fit into the manufacturing ERP software ecosystem
Manufacturing ERP platforms remain the core system of record for production, inventory, financials, and supply chain execution. Adjacent platforms are most effective when they integrate cleanly with ERP systems rather than duplicating data or workflows.
Manufacturers that clearly define the role of ERP versus adjacent tools are better positioned to:
- Maintain data integrity
- Reduce system sprawl
- Improve user adoption
- Extend ERP value without unnecessary customization
This layered approach allows manufacturers to address specialized needs while keeping ERP platforms focused on what they do best.
| Platform | Category | Primary Function | How It Complements ERP |
| Kronos | Workforce Management (WFM) | Timekeeping, scheduling, & labor compliance. | ERP handles the cost of labor; Kronos handles the logistics of the people (shifts, overtime rules). |
| Scoro | Business Management | Project tracking, quoting, & billing. | ERP manages the general ledger; Scoro manages the workflow of custom projects before they hit the books. |
| Wrike | Project Management | Task coordination & engineering workflows. | ERP is transactional (orders/invoices); Wrike is collaborative (design changes, R&D tasks). |
| Cavallo | Operations ERP | Workflow automation, inventory visibility, & profit analytics. | ERP records the data; Cavallo provides the insight and automation to process orders profitably and faster. |
ERP Software for Manufacturers Adoption FAQs
What is the most common ERP system used in manufacturing?
There is no single ERP system used by all manufacturers, but adoption patterns are well established. Large, global manufacturing organizations most commonly rely on SAP and Oracle due to their scalability, global support, and ability to handle complex regulatory and operational requirements. Small to mid-sized manufacturers more frequently adopt platforms such as Microsoft Dynamics, Epicor, Infor, NetSuite, and SYSPRO, which balance manufacturing depth with faster time-to-value. In practice, the most common ERP depends on company size, manufacturing complexity, and geographic footprint.
Which ERP platforms are specifically designed for manufacturing?
ERP platforms generally fall into two categories: manufacturing-native ERPs and horizontal ERPs with manufacturing functionality. Manufacturing-native platforms such as Epicor, SYSPRO, IFS, and Infor CloudSuite Industrial were built with production planning, shop-floor workflows, inventory control, and manufacturing execution as core capabilities. Horizontal platforms like SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics serve multiple industries but offer mature manufacturing modules that can support complex manufacturing environments when properly implemented.
Which ERP is most widely used by manufacturers in the United States?
In the United States, ERP adoption among manufacturers varies primarily by company size and operational scope. SAP and Oracle are most common in large enterprise and highly regulated manufacturing environments. Microsoft Dynamics, Epicor, Infor, and NetSuite are widely adopted by small-to-mid-sized manufacturers, particularly those operating in discrete manufacturing or distribution-adjacent models. Availability of experienced implementation partners also plays a significant role in U.S. adoption patterns.
Is SAP an ERP or an MRP system?
SAP is a full enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, not just an MRP system. While SAP includes robust material requirements planning (MRP) functionality, MRP represents only one component of the broader ERP platform. SAP ERP systems also manage financials, supply chain, procurement, compliance, analytics, and human capital, enabling end-to-end manufacturing and enterprise operations.
Is Excel an ERP system?
No. Excel is not an ERP system. While spreadsheets are commonly used for analysis, planning, and reporting, they lack the centralized data model, transactional integrity, workflow automation, and access controls that define an ERP platform. Manufacturers often use Excel alongside ERP systems for supplemental analysis, but it cannot function as a system of record for manufacturing operations.
Expand the Capabilities of Your ERP Software for Manufacturers with Cavallo
When weighing the pros and cons of these ERP software solutions for manufacturers, it’s important to consider both your organization’s current needs and its growth trajectory. Regardless of which ERP platform a manufacturer selects, value realization depends on visibility, adoption, and execution after go-live.
With that in mind, you can maximize the return on investment and time to value of your ERP investment by leveraging third-party solutions, such as those offered by Cavallo. Unlock your business’s potential through 100% visibility of your inventory, rich insight into your customer analytics, and an unparalleled level of customization over your user experience with Cavallo’s solutions for Microsoft ERP platforms.
Schedule a demo today to learn more about how Cavallo’s Order Intelligence solutions empower businesses to reach their goals.