Customize Your "Best Fit" Software Comparison
  • Aerospace and Defense
  • Agriculture
  • Apparel and Textiles
  • Automotive
  • Building Materials and Products
  • Chemical
  • Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)
  • Distribution
  • Electronics and High-Tech
  • Energy
  • Food and Beverage
  • HVAC
  • Industrial Machinery and Equipment
  • Lumber and Wood
  • Medical Device
  • Metal and Steel Fabrication
  • Mining and Quarrying
  • Oil and Gas
  • Other
  • Paper and Packaging
  • Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
  • Plastics and Rubber
  • Professional Services
  • Semiconductors
  • Ship Building and Marine
  • Transportation and Logistics
  • Additive Manufacturing
  • Configure To Order (CTO)
  • Discrete Manufacturing
  • Engineer to Order (ETO)
  • Industrial Distribution
  • Job Shop / Machine Shop
  • Light Assembly (ATO) / Kitting
  • Make to Order (MTO)
  • Mixed Mode Manufacturing
  • Process Manufacturing
  • Professional Services (Non-MFG)
  • Repetitive / Make to Stock
  • Wholesale Distribution
  • Under $1 Million
  • $1 to 10 Million
  • $11 to 50 Million
  • $51 to 100 Million
  • $101 to 500 Million
  • $500 Million to $1 Billion
  • Over $1 Billion
  • AI (Artificial Intelligence)
  • Barcoding
  • Cloud-Based
  • Ecommerce Integration
  • EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)
  • Hybrid Deployment (Cloud/Premise)
  • IBM DB2 Compatible
  • IoT (Direct Machine Integration)
  • KPIs (Knowledge Performance Indicators)
  • Lot Tracking
  • Mobile ERP
  • MS Azure Compatible
  • MS SQL Server
  • Multi-Tenant Architecture
  • NET Platform
  • On Premise
  • Progress Compatible
  • QuickBooks Compatible
  • Salesforce Compatible
  • SOA (Service Oriented Architecture)

The Top ERP Systems for the Plastics and Rubber Industries

Below is a comprehensive, independent comparison of the top-rated Manufacturing ERP software systems for Plastics and Rubber Industries. Our comparison tool helps you quickly evaluate industry-specific ERP solutions, enabling you to request demos and quotes from vendors in one click.

Our comprehensive selection guide also identifies the best ERP systems tailored to the unique needs of plastics and rubber manufacturers. The guide offers expert insights for choosing and implementing the right ERP solution.
Read our selection guide.

21 ERP Systems Found

Delmiaworks logo

Enterprise IQ

Epicor logo

Epicor Kinetic

Acumatica logo

Acumatica Cloud ERP

Batchmaster logo

BatchMaster Manufacturing

Cetec erp logo

Cetec ERP

Datacor logo

Datacor ERP

Eci software logo

Deacom ERP

Global shop solutions logo

Global Shop Solutions

Ifs logo

IFS Cloud

Eci software logo

JobBOSS²

Microsoft dynamics logo

Microsoft Dynamics AX

Mie solutions logo

MIE Trak Pro

Netsuite logo

NetSuite ERP

Oracle logo

Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP

Plex systems logo

Plex Manufacturing Cloud

Sage Software Logo

Sage X3 ERP

Sap logo

SAP S/4HANA

Syspro logo

SYSPRO

Price Range

$25K - $300K

Price Range

$70K - $1,000K

Price Range

$4K - $500K

Price Range

$7.50K - $50K

Price Range

$85K - $150K

Price Range

$3K - $40,000K

Price Range

$30K - $1,000K

Price Range

$100K - $3,000K

Price Range

N/A

Price Range

$300K - $2,000K

Price Range

$70K - $1,000K

Price Range

$5K - $10K

Price Range

N/A

Price Range

$20K - $750K

Price Range

$5K - $500K

Price Range

$10K - $100K

Price Range

$25,000K - $500,000K

Price Range

$50K - $500K

Price Range

$25K - $250K

Price Range

N/A

Price Range

$25K - $500K

Cost Per User

$250/mo

Cost Per User

$200/mo

Cost Per User

$125/mo

Cost Per User

N/A

Cost Per User

$60/mo

Cost Per User

$40/mo

Cost Per User

$250/mo

Cost Per User

N/A

Cost Per User

N/A

Cost Per User

N/A

Cost Per User

$200/mo

Cost Per User

$175/mo

Cost Per User

$175/mo

Cost Per User

$4,000/mo

Cost Per User

$500/mo

Cost Per User

$125/mo

Cost Per User

$500/mo

Cost Per User

$500/mo

Cost Per User

$75/mo

Cost Per User

$2,000/mo

Cost Per User

$150/mo

Deployments

Yes Icon Cloud
Yes Icon On-Premise

Deployments

Yes Icon Cloud
Yes Icon On-Premise

Deployments

Yes Icon Cloud
Yes Icon On-Premise

Deployments

Yes Icon Cloud
Yes Icon On-Premise

Deployments

Yes Icon Cloud
Yes Icon On-Premise

Deployments

Yes Icon Cloud
Yes Icon On-Premise

Deployments

Yes Icon Cloud
Yes Icon On-Premise

Deployments

Yes Icon Cloud
Yes Icon On-Premise

Deployments

Yes Icon Cloud
Yes Icon On-Premise

Deployments

Yes Icon Cloud
Yes Icon On-Premise

Deployments

Yes Icon Cloud
Yes Icon On-Premise

Deployments

Yes Icon Cloud
Yes Icon On-Premise

Deployments

Yes Icon Cloud
No Icon On-Premise

Deployments

Yes Icon Cloud
No Icon On-Premise

Deployments

No Icon Cloud
Yes Icon On-Premise

Deployments

Yes Icon Cloud
No Icon On-Premise

Deployments

Yes Icon Cloud
No Icon On-Premise

Deployments

Yes Icon Cloud
Yes Icon On-Premise

Deployments

Yes Icon Cloud
Yes Icon On-Premise

Deployments

Yes Icon Cloud
No Icon On-Premise

Deployments

Yes Icon Cloud
Yes Icon On-Premise

Retention Rate

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Retention Rate

97%

Retention Rate

78%

Retention Rate

N/A

Retention Rate

95%

Retention Rate

96%

Retention Rate

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Retention Rate

91%

Retention Rate

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Retention Rate

85%

Retention Rate

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Retention Rate

78%

Retention Rate

95%

Version

Always Current

Version

M3 13.4

Version

Always Current

Version

2023 R1

Version

8.7

Version

Always Current

Version

2021

Version

17

Version

2020.1

Version

Version 10

Version

Infor ERP Feature Pack 6

Version

-

Version

2021

Version

AX 2020

Version

2016.04.02

Version

Release 2024.1

Version

2023

Version

Always Current

Version

V12

Version

Cloud 2021

Version

8.0

Financing Options

Lease, Subscription

Financing Options

Lease, Subscription

Financing Options

Lease, Subscription

Financing Options

Subscription

Financing Options

Lease, Subscription

Financing Options

Subscription

Financing Options

Lease, Subscription

Financing Options

Lease to Own

Financing Options

Lease

Financing Options

Finance, Subscription

Financing Options

Lease

Financing Options

Subscription

Financing Options

Subscription

Financing Options

Subscription

Financing Options

Subscription

Financing Options

Subscription

Financing Options

Subscription

Financing Options

Subscription

Financing Options

Finance, Subscription

Financing Options

Subscription

Financing Options

Subscription

User Range

5 — Unlimited

User Range

20 — 1000+

User Range

10 — Unlimited

User Range

5 — Unlimited

User Range

5 — 150

User Range

5 — Unlimited

User Range

5 — 1000

User Range

10 — 2000

User Range

5 — 500

User Range

100 — and up

User Range

20 — 2,500

User Range

1 — 50

User Range

10 — Unlimited

User Range

5 — 2250

User Range

5 — 500

User Range

10 — unlimited

User Range

25 — unlimited

User Range

1 — 5900

User Range

10 — 1000

User Range

15 — Unlimited

User Range

10 — 1000

Minimum Fee to Implement

$20,000

Minimum Fee to Implement

N/A

Minimum Fee to Implement

$50,000

Minimum Fee to Implement

$10,000

Minimum Fee to Implement

$45,000

Minimum Fee to Implement

$2,400

Minimum Fee to Implement

$15,000

Minimum Fee to Implement

N/A

Minimum Fee to Implement

$20,000

Minimum Fee to Implement

$300,000

Minimum Fee to Implement

N/A

Minimum Fee to Implement

$2,000

Minimum Fee to Implement

$35,000

Minimum Fee to Implement

$50,000

Minimum Fee to Implement

N/A

Minimum Fee to Implement

$10,000

Minimum Fee to Implement

$200,000

Minimum Fee to Implement

$100,000

Minimum Fee to Implement

$100,000

Minimum Fee to Implement

$75,000

Minimum Fee to Implement

$25,000

Awards

-

Awards

-

Awards

-

Awards

11

Awards

-

Awards

-

Awards

-

Awards

-

Awards

-

Awards

-

Awards

-

Awards

-

Awards

-

Awards

-

Awards

-

Awards

4

Awards

4

Awards

-

Awards

-

Awards

-

Awards

100

Installs

1200+

Installs

1,100+

Installs

4500+

Installs

10000+

Installs

2000+

Installs

250+

Installs

>1000

Installs

200+

Installs

3000+

Installs

3,300+

Installs

2800+

Installs

4700

Installs

2000+

Installs

9,300+

Installs

700+

Installs

24,000+

Installs

1000+

Installs

1,200+

Installs

7000

Installs

10,000+

Installs

15,000+

Architecture

SOA, .NET

Architecture

SOA, Multi-tenant

Architecture

SOA, .NET, Native Cloud

Architecture

.NET, SaaS

Architecture

.NET

Architecture

SaaS

Architecture

SOA, .NET

Architecture

.NET

Architecture

.NET

Architecture

SOA

Architecture

SOA, Multi-tenant

Architecture

Hosted Cloud

Architecture

SOA, .NET, Native Cloud

Architecture

.NET

Architecture

-

Architecture

-

Architecture

Hosted Cloud

Architecture

SOA, SaaS, Multi-tenant

Architecture

.NET

Architecture

SOA, Native Cloud

Architecture

SOA

Core Features

  • Yes Icon Multi-Site
  • Yes Icon Multi-National
  • Yes Icon Financial Management
  • Yes Icon Production Management
  • Yes Icon Materials Management (MRP/BOM)
  • Yes Icon Sales Order Management (SOM)
  • Yes Icon Supply Chain Management (SCM)
  • Yes Icon Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Core Features

  • Yes Icon Multi-Site
  • Yes Icon Multi-National
  • Yes Icon Financial Management
  • Yes Icon Production Management
  • Yes Icon Materials Management (MRP/BOM)
  • Yes Icon Sales Order Management (SOM)
  • Yes Icon Supply Chain Management (SCM)
  • Yes Icon Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Core Features

  • Yes Icon Multi-Site
  • Yes Icon Multi-National
  • Yes Icon Financial Management
  • Yes Icon Production Management
  • Yes Icon Materials Management (MRP/BOM)
  • Yes Icon Sales Order Management (SOM)
  • Yes Icon Supply Chain Management (SCM)
  • Yes Icon Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Core Features

  • Yes Icon Multi-Site
  • Yes Icon Multi-National
  • Yes Icon Financial Management
  • Yes Icon Production Management
  • Yes Icon Materials Management (MRP/BOM)
  • Yes Icon Sales Order Management (SOM)
  • Yes Icon Supply Chain Management (SCM)
  • Yes Icon Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Core Features

  • Yes Icon Multi-Site
  • Yes Icon Multi-National
  • No Icon Financial Management
  • Yes Icon Production Management
  • Yes Icon Materials Management (MRP/BOM)
  • Yes Icon Sales Order Management (SOM)
  • Yes Icon Supply Chain Management (SCM)
  • No Icon Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Core Features

  • Yes Icon Multi-Site
  • Yes Icon Multi-National
  • Yes Icon Financial Management
  • Yes Icon Production Management
  • Yes Icon Materials Management (MRP/BOM)
  • Yes Icon Sales Order Management (SOM)
  • Yes Icon Supply Chain Management (SCM)
  • Yes Icon Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Core Features

  • Yes Icon Multi-Site
  • Yes Icon Multi-National
  • Yes Icon Financial Management
  • Yes Icon Production Management
  • Yes Icon Materials Management (MRP/BOM)
  • Yes Icon Sales Order Management (SOM)
  • Yes Icon Supply Chain Management (SCM)
  • Yes Icon Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Core Features

  • Yes Icon Multi-Site
  • Yes Icon Multi-National
  • Yes Icon Financial Management
  • Yes Icon Production Management
  • Yes Icon Materials Management (MRP/BOM)
  • Yes Icon Sales Order Management (SOM)
  • Yes Icon Supply Chain Management (SCM)
  • Yes Icon Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Core Features

  • Yes Icon Multi-Site
  • Yes Icon Multi-National
  • Yes Icon Financial Management
  • Yes Icon Production Management
  • Yes Icon Materials Management (MRP/BOM)
  • Yes Icon Sales Order Management (SOM)
  • Yes Icon Supply Chain Management (SCM)
  • Yes Icon Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Core Features

  • Yes Icon Multi-Site
  • Yes Icon Multi-National
  • Yes Icon Financial Management
  • Yes Icon Production Management
  • Yes Icon Materials Management (MRP/BOM)
  • Yes Icon Sales Order Management (SOM)
  • Yes Icon Supply Chain Management (SCM)
  • Yes Icon Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Core Features

  • Yes Icon Multi-Site
  • Yes Icon Multi-National
  • Yes Icon Financial Management
  • Yes Icon Production Management
  • Yes Icon Materials Management (MRP/BOM)
  • No Icon Sales Order Management (SOM)
  • No Icon Supply Chain Management (SCM)
  • Yes Icon Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Core Features

  • No Icon Multi-Site
  • No Icon Multi-National
  • Yes Icon Financial Management
  • Yes Icon Production Management
  • No Icon Materials Management (MRP/BOM)
  • Yes Icon Sales Order Management (SOM)
  • No Icon Supply Chain Management (SCM)
  • No Icon Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Core Features

  • Yes Icon Multi-Site
  • Yes Icon Multi-National
  • Yes Icon Financial Management
  • Yes Icon Production Management
  • Yes Icon Materials Management (MRP/BOM)
  • Yes Icon Sales Order Management (SOM)
  • Yes Icon Supply Chain Management (SCM)
  • Yes Icon Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Core Features

  • Yes Icon Multi-Site
  • Yes Icon Multi-National
  • Yes Icon Financial Management
  • Yes Icon Production Management
  • Yes Icon Materials Management (MRP/BOM)
  • Yes Icon Sales Order Management (SOM)
  • Yes Icon Supply Chain Management (SCM)
  • Yes Icon Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Core Features

  • Yes Icon Multi-Site
  • Yes Icon Multi-National
  • Yes Icon Financial Management
  • Yes Icon Production Management
  • Yes Icon Materials Management (MRP/BOM)
  • Yes Icon Sales Order Management (SOM)
  • Yes Icon Supply Chain Management (SCM)
  • Yes Icon Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Core Features

  • Yes Icon Multi-Site
  • Yes Icon Multi-National
  • Yes Icon Financial Management
  • Yes Icon Production Management
  • Yes Icon Materials Management (MRP/BOM)
  • Yes Icon Sales Order Management (SOM)
  • Yes Icon Supply Chain Management (SCM)
  • Yes Icon Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Core Features

  • Yes Icon Multi-Site
  • Yes Icon Multi-National
  • Yes Icon Financial Management
  • Yes Icon Production Management
  • Yes Icon Materials Management (MRP/BOM)
  • Yes Icon Sales Order Management (SOM)
  • Yes Icon Supply Chain Management (SCM)
  • Yes Icon Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Core Features

  • Yes Icon Multi-Site
  • Yes Icon Multi-National
  • Yes Icon Financial Management
  • Yes Icon Production Management
  • Yes Icon Materials Management (MRP/BOM)
  • Yes Icon Sales Order Management (SOM)
  • Yes Icon Supply Chain Management (SCM)
  • Yes Icon Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Core Features

  • Yes Icon Multi-Site
  • Yes Icon Multi-National
  • Yes Icon Financial Management
  • Yes Icon Production Management
  • Yes Icon Materials Management (MRP/BOM)
  • Yes Icon Sales Order Management (SOM)
  • No Icon Supply Chain Management (SCM)
  • Yes Icon Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Core Features

  • Yes Icon Multi-Site
  • Yes Icon Multi-National
  • Yes Icon Financial Management
  • Yes Icon Production Management
  • Yes Icon Materials Management (MRP/BOM)
  • Yes Icon Sales Order Management (SOM)
  • Yes Icon Supply Chain Management (SCM)
  • Yes Icon Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Core Features

  • Yes Icon Multi-Site
  • Yes Icon Multi-National
  • Yes Icon Financial Management
  • Yes Icon Production Management
  • Yes Icon Materials Management (MRP/BOM)
  • Yes Icon Sales Order Management (SOM)
  • Yes Icon Supply Chain Management (SCM)
  • Yes Icon Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Unique Features

DELMIAworks IQMS also offers a broad choice of deployment options that will allow you to pick the solution that is best for your business: on-premise or hosted Cloud ERP deployment via hosted managed services or SaaS. Providing three deployment options gives you the flexibility to choose the best solution for your company and your budget.

Unique Features

Unique Features

  • Mid-Market Cloud ERP made with Manufacturers for Manufacturers
  • Flexible designs surfaces with no/low code configurations
  • Simple, intuitive browser-based user interface
  • Automation Studio
  • Self Service Analytics
  • Enterprise Search
  • Deployment choice- cloud or premise

Unique Features

Unique consumption-based licensing provides flexibility and facilitates collaboration, enabling all employees and external parties to access information and systems to execute daily activities and long-term strategic goals. Acumatica is the only ERP vendor offering free online training via Acumatica Open University.

Acumatica's formal Customer Bill-Of-Rights, a unique commitment in the software industry, ensures fair and ethical treatment of customers and trading partners.

Unique Features

Dynamic formulation, workflows, snapshot planning & scheduling vs advanced MRP & MPS, optimized batch job creation & dependent job linkages, QA continuous improvement, auto UOM conversions, mobile task execution, graphical lot traceability & recall

Unique Features

Cetec ERP is a single, unified business platform that delivers “tier 1” enterprise-level feature breadth at extraordinarily lower costs than traditional systems, owing to a long history combined with completely modernized cloud/SaaS technology. Their approach is direct, friendly, and transparent: they own the technology (i.e. no “bolt-ons”), and offer the software directly with no markup (i.e. not through incompetent third-party VARs), and offer close, attentive in-house support.

Unique Features

“Datacor ERP has tied all of the information we need into one centralized system. When we move an item in the wireless system, the information is immediately reflected across the platform. Our distribution and manufacturing operations are far more agile because we now know precisely what products we have or need, in what quantities and exactly where they are located.”

- Randy Byle | Haviland Enterprises, Inc.

Unique Features

As a comprehensive ERP platform with the industry’s largest functional foundation, Deacom ERP provides a rich set of capabilities designed specifically for growing process manufacturing and distribution businesses around the world. All functionality specific to these industries is developed and supported in-house and written into the core platform.

Unique Features

Headquarters in The Woodlands, Texas, includes a state-of-the-art R&D facility and Global Shop Solutions training center. Through its offices in the U.S., Mexico, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, the company supports thousands of manufacturing facilities in over 25 countries and nearly 30 industries.

Unique Features

IFS Applications is a single, integrated product supporting the management of 4 core processes: Service and Asset, Manufacturing, Project, and Supply Chain.

Unique Features

Unique built-in process modeling tool for quick implementations and user setup

Unique Features

JobBOSS² manufacturing management software platform is designed to empower small and medium-sized businesses with the tools they need to thrive. JobBOSS2 gives shop owners even more control over how they scale their businesses, grow revenue, and maximize profitability.

  • User Interface
  • Dashboard Capability
  • Alerts
  • Mobile
  • Visual Scheduling

Unique Features

Unique Features

Designed for mid-size and large manufacturers

Unique Features

Unique Features

As a suite of cloud-based applications, NetSuite brings together all the systems that businesses need to grow, scale and adapt to change.

Unique Features

This is Oracle's newest Cloud ERP System for companies over 200M in revenue.

Unique Features

  • Plex offers the only single-instance, multi-tenant SaaS manufacturing platform operating at scale
  • Includes advanced manufacturing execution systems, quality, and supply chain management capabilities.
  • No charge for additional users (even for customers, suppliers, or partners)

Unique Features

Sage X3 helps your business thrive and stay competitive by providing users with the information they need to serve their customers better, take back control over the quality, and eliminate inefficiencies across the organization. It streamlines your core processes – from manufacturing to distribution and financial management to business services – while adapting to your industries best practices.

Unique Features

Unique Features

SYSPRO is a software company that supplies Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions to manufacturing and distribution companies. SYSPRO’s strength lies in its specialist experience and industry-built approach to technology, which can be deployed as on-premise solutions, cloud SaaS or hybrid, and accessed anywhere, anytime from mobile devices.

Key features of the SYSPRO solution include its depth of functionality in Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM), Inventory Optimization & Management, Distribution and Procurement, self-service portals and supply chain extensibility, customization tailoring, and low-code extensibility tools. SYSPRO also supports out-of-the-box integrations, connectors, and business process automation, and customers have the ability to integrate technologies such as AI, ML, and IoT into their ERP system and extend the solution and connect to other systems.

By choosing SYSPRO, customers gain access to a team of global industry experts who help them drive maximum value from their business systems and solutions. SYSPRO empowers customers to secure a digital future and enables digital transformation, supporting data & analysis-driven decision-making with integrated solutions to enable visibility and engagement.

SYSPRO leads manufacturers and distributors through significant growth. The business also strongly commits to channel partner success and focuses on ensuring a highly successful solution implementation and customer experience. SYSPRO gives customers the confidence to say yes – to the next idea, the next opportunity, the next possibility, and to achieve more.

Limitations

DELMIAworks IQMS is not a solution fit for businesses that are not manufacturing environments.

Limitations

Limitations

Limitations

Acumatica is devoted to the midmarket. It is not a great fit for large enterprises in need of fully global support.


Limitations

Business Manufacturing application runs with QuickBooks, Sage 100/300, Microsoft Dynamics GP and SAP Business One financials. BatchMaster Manufacturing is uniquely architected for use by formula-based, process manufacturers in the food, chemical, nutraceutical, life sciences, pharmaceutical, and hemp related industries.

Limitations

Not ideal for service-based or retail businesses. No “HR” or “Payroll” inside the platform; requires integrating to a third-party payroll system.

Limitations

This product is not intended for discrete manufacturing or heavy distribution.

Limitations

Limitations

Global Shop Solutions primarily focuses on the needs of discrete manufacturers which may differ from the needs of process manufacturers.

Limitations

IFS is not suitable for smaller organizations under $100 Million in annual revenue.

Limitations

The Infor LN solution does not target process manufacturing companies with recipe and blending operations. The solution typically does not target financial or professional services firms such as banks, healthcare, and other service providers.


Limitations

Limitations

Limitations

Not appropriate for small companies

Limitations

Limitations

Limitations

Not for smaller companies with under $150 Million in Revenue

Limitations

Limitations

Not suitable for companies smaller than 10 million in revenue.

Limitations

Limitations

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Plastics and Rubber ERP Selection Guide

Updated On:

In this ERP selection guide we cover

Plastics and rubber erp

This guide aims to assist plastics and rubber manufacturing companies in selecting an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that meets their industry’s distinct production, inventory, quality, budget, and manufacturing process needs.

We will share the top ERP solutions for plastics manufacturers and provide advice to assist companies in determining the right system for their needs and budgets.

Plastics and Rubber Manufacturing Industry Overview

The plastics sector plays a pivotal role in many sectors, including packaging, automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods, producing custom-molded products, plastic components, compounds, and tooling made from 1000s of varieties of chemicals to produce thermoplastic materials, such as acrylics and PVC, and thermosetting materials like epoxy and silicone.

Plastic manufacturing processes range from 3D printing and CNC machining to polymer casting and injection molding. The complexities of plastics processing require specialized ERP functionality to benefit specific workflows, raw material and formulation management, quality protocols, tooling control, and regulatory compliance.

The Role of ERP Software in the Plastics Industry

Implementing an industry-specific ERP solution gives the plastics manufacturing industry distinct advantages in managing complex workflows efficiently while ensuring that quality standards are met. The right system can optimize business processes, productivity, quality, traceability, and customer relationship management, as well as increase profit margins.

This guide examines the specific operational requirements of the plastics manufacturing sector across the following areas:

  • Production Schedule and Planning
  • Material and Compound Formulation
  • Tooling and Mold Maintenance
  • Quality Management
  • Costing and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
  • Compliance and Certifications

We outline top manufacturing ERP software based on plastic manufacturing-focused features and capabilities to help plastics manufacturers select the right ERP solution based on business goals, timelines, budgets, and scalability needs.

Plastics Challenges & ERP Solutions

Understanding the complexities of the plastics sector requires addressing several key pain points that are intrinsic to the business’s nature. Understanding these challenges is crucial for businesses in the plastics sector to implement solutions strategically.

Key Pain Points in the Plastics Industry

  1. High Mix, Low Volume Production: Frequent job and materials changeovers make production scheduling and shop floor execution complex, which can lead to inefficiencies.
  2. Materials and Formulation Management: With 1000s of options of resins and polymers, additives, and pre-production compounds, managing compliance and traceability is difficult without a centralized system.
  3. Tooling Control and Maintenance: Controlling and executing preventative maintenance on a high volume of tools, jigs, fixtures, and molds is challenging and impacts changeover times and tool reliability.
  4. Quality Control Protocols: Implementing statistical process control, corrective actions, defect tracking, and containment workflows across multiple work centers is essential for maintaining quality and consistency.
  5. Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to ISO, ANSI, internal, and customer-specific quality standards is difficult from a workflow and documentation perspective.

How ERP Addresses Plastics Manufacturing Challenges

ERP software designed for process manufacturing helps plastics companies tackle difficulties through

  1. Production Planning and Scheduling: ERP systems optimize production schedules based on machine and material availability, tooling readiness, job priority rules, and staffing constraints to facilitate high-mix, low-volume environments.
  2. Material and Formulation Management: ERP software centralizes specifications, certifications, formulation instructions, and quality data for all raw materials to enable accurate traceability and maintenance of standards.
  3. Tool, Mold, and Gauge Management: Preventative maintenance schedules, engineering/CAD revisions, and usage logs help control tools and molds effectively to help reduce changeover and maintenance times.
  4. Quality Management Framework: Integrated statistical process control, test procedures, inspection plans, and documentation form a quality framework across production lines for improved consistency.
  5. Compliance Management: Built-in ISO certification mapping, customizable checks, digital record archival, and automated workflow adherence facilitate regulatory compliance to help mitigate audit and penalty risks.

A plastics ERP solution goes beyond production to aid plastics manufacturers in managing inventory costs, coordinating suppliers, planning strategically, and improving customer service.

Top ERP Systems for the Plastics Industry

Selecting the right ERP system for plastics manufacturing operations requires a thorough evaluation of criteria specific to the plastics sector’s intricacies.

Here are critical selection criteria tailored for the plastics sector:

Material Management Capabilities: Considering the diverse properties of specialized raw materials used in plastics manufacturing, the ERP system should have robust and efficient material planning, procurement, and inventory control management capabilities.

Precision Manufacturing Tools: Precision is crucial in plastics manufacturing, and the ERP system must provide the tools for real-time monitoring and control of molding processes.

Compliance Management Features: Look for ERP solutions with built-in compliance tools that can handle the regulatory complexities of the plastics sector. These tools include tracking material composition, managing audit documentation, and ensuring adherence to industry regulations.

Supply Chain Visibility and Forecasting: The ERP system should offer enhanced supply chain visibility and demand forecasting features. This is vital for plastics businesses dealing with fluctuations in demand and disruptions in the global supply chain.

Sustainability Modules: For plastics businesses prioritizing sustainability, the ERP system should integrate modules for tracking and optimizing waste management processes. This includes monitoring recycling efforts and ensuring compliance with sustainability standards.

Enterprise IQ

EnterpriseIQ stands out as a holistic ERP and MES solution tailored specifically for the manufacturing industry, addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by manufacturers globally. Notably, its single-source development ensures that the system is less complex and more cost-effective than multi-solution alternatives.

Deployments
Yes Icon Cloud
Yes Icon On-Premise
Cost Per User $250/mo
Price Range $25K - $300K
Retention Rate
N/A

INFOR Cloudsuite Process (Infor M3)

Infor M3 is a robust Cloud ERP tailored for industries such as chemicals and food. It provides enhanced security, reduces overall costs, and eliminates the need for major software upgrades. Built on the Infor OS platform, it extends capabilities with features like data management and AI.

Deployments
Yes Icon Cloud
Yes Icon On-Premise
Cost Per User $200/mo
Price Range $70K - $1,000K
Retention Rate
N/A

Epicor Kinetic

Epicor Kinetic, formerly Epicor ERP, is tailored for various manufacturing needs. It offers both cloud and on-premises options and excels in real-time monitoring, quality management, and global financial integration. Its user-friendly design ensures intuitive navigation and robust global support, fostering business growth and efficiency.

Deployments
Yes Icon Cloud
Yes Icon On-Premise
Cost Per User $125/mo
Price Range $4K - $500K
Retention Rate
97%

BatchMaster Manufacturing

BatchMaster ERP software is an excellent choice for food manufacturers who are working to expand and grow their operations. Through BatchMaster’s embedded functionality, a food manufacturer can easily add powerful functions such as batch production, costing and inventory management to the software they already use. Their process manufacturing solutions are built for smooth and simple integration with SAP Business One, QuickBooks and other popular enterprise software.

Deployments
Yes Icon Cloud
Yes Icon On-Premise
Cost Per User $60/mo
Price Range $85K - $150K
Retention Rate
N/A

Plex Manufacturing Cloud

Plex Manufacturing Cloud is a modern ERP solution optimized for manufacturing, delivered via the cloud. It provides real-time data and seamless updates, removing the need for traditional IT overhead. Offered as SaaS, it streamlines operations and supports growth.

Deployments
Yes Icon Cloud
Yes Icon On-Premise
Cost Per User $500/mo
Price Range $50K - $500K
Retention Rate
N/A

Deacom ERP

Deacom ERP is a unified ERP platform by ECI Software Solutions for manufacturers and distributors. It integrates features like inventory management, CRM, and eCommerce within one system. Designed for process manufacturers, it ensures regulatory compliance and adapts to changing market demands.

Deployments
Yes Icon Cloud
Yes Icon On-Premise
Cost Per User N/A
Price Range $100K - $3,000K
Retention Rate
N/A

IFS Cloud

IFS Cloud (previously IFS 10.0) is a versatile enterprise software combining ERP, EAM, and ESM functionalities. Started in 1983, its latest version boasts an intuitive user interface built on a component-based, Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), emphasizing adaptability across core processes like Manufacturing and Supply Chain.

Deployments
Yes Icon Cloud
Yes Icon On-Premise
Cost Per User N/A
Price Range $300K - $2,000K
Retention Rate
N/A

By prioritizing these criteria during the selection process, plastics manufacturers can ensure that the chosen ERP system is tailored to their specific needs, contributing to enhanced efficiencies and growth.

Cloud ERP for the Plastics Industry

As the plastics industry evolves, embracing Cloud ERP solutions becomes increasingly essential to enhance operational agility and scalability.

Cloud ERP solutions are rapidly gaining adoption among plastics manufacturers seeking faster implementations, scalability to accommodate growth and volatility, and accessibility across distributed facilities.

Key Benefits of Cloud ERP for Plastics Production

  • Formula and Quality Support: Leading Cloud ERP software now provides robust recipe management, batch tracing, moisture analysis, test workflows, and statistical process control.
  • Compliance and Security: Cloud data centers implement strict regulatory adherence, backups, encryption, and access controls surpassing on-site systems.
  • Distributed Access: Remote access over WAN supports offsite QA labs, mobile plant personnel, and remote technical assistance.
  • IT Resource Savings: Software maintenance and hardware infrastructure costs are eliminated with cloud ERP software.
  • Scalability: Cloud ERP software readily adapts to increased production volumes or the addition of new product lines without extensive infrastructure investments.

Please see our detailed cloud ERP comparison table filtered to the plastics sector.

ERP Features & Requirements for Plastics

In the plastics sector, where the properties of vast raw materials are constantly changing, and the market continuously fluctuates, having an ERP system with the right features and capabilities is crucial for success.

The following is a breakdown of the essential requirements and features that an ERP software solution should offer to meet the unique needs of the plastics sector.

Essential ERP Features for Plastics Manufacturing

  • Formula Management: Centralize specifications, certificates, and recipes for materials and finished goods while accommodating complex revisions and substitution flexibility.
  • MES/MOM Interoperability: Facilitate real-time exchanges with shop floor equipment and quality lab systems for pulling production metrics and test results.
  • SPC and Quality Workflows: Digitalize test procedures and enable statistical analysis, corrections, and preventative action while recording the lineage.
  • Tooling/Asset Tracking: Check in/out control of high-volume tooling, track preventative maintenance execution, and calculate lifecycle costs at the component level.
  • Batch Numbering Flexibility: Assign intelligent batch IDs by variables like machine ID, product family, and dates.

Integration with Other Software

  • CAD Software: Exchange drawings, bill of materials, and revisions.
  • Casting Simulation Software: Transfer optimal process settings.
  • PLM Systems: Align formulation specs with product record data.
  • Barcode Scanners: Enable paperless material movements & inventory tracking.
  • eQMS/Document Control: Central compliance document management.
  • Data Analytics: Gain insights into OEE trends and yields by factors.

Selecting modules and functionalities aligning with plastic production workflows is vital for ERP success. While essential features facilitate quality, traceability, and efficiency, flexible integration tools also enable endless expansion over time as needs change.

Cost of ERP for Plastics

Implementing an ERP platform represents a major investment for plastics manufacturers when factoring in software, hardware, integration, customization, deployment services, and training. Understanding total cost considerations is vital when budgeting.

Key Cost Factors

Software Licensing: For on-premise ERP, upfront perpetual licenses based on production environment complexity, user count, and modules selected represent a significant fixed cost. Cloud ERP options allow users to scale up/down flexibly.

Implementation: Configuration and integration labor comprises the most significant share based on scope, data transfers, interfacing, and volume of workflows.

Maintenance: Annual charges of software license costs for version upgrades, patches, and troubleshooting access.

Training: Reinforcement training and custom video asset production involve professional fees and employee time.

Testing & Go-Live: Pilots and mock conversions incur materials, dedicated testing staff, and overtime during staged launch. Multi-site rollouts magnify efforts.

Additional Plastics Industry-Specific Considerations

Material and Formula Data Migration: Most plastics producers have vast libraries of formulations, certificates, specifications, and quality test procedures accumulated over decades in disparate systems. Data migration costs must account for cleansing, normalization, and importing these into the ERP system.

Interface Development: Interfacing with shop floor equipment like extruders, presses, and printers for real-time data flow is complex. In addition, connecting legacy tools around CAD, simulation software, and quality lab systems racks up custom integration expenses.

Expanded IoT Architecture — Sensorizing machines for monitoring cycles, temperatures, pressures, and uptime analytics provides invaluable OEE insights but adds costs for devices, configuration, and data consumption during implementation if not already deployed.

While intimidating, ERP implementation costs manifest into inventory reductions, increased throughput, and decreased compliance risks realized over time. We encourage you to look at our in-depth guide to ERP pricing for a more detailed understanding.

Plastics ERP Case Studies

Reading case studies from other plastics manufacturers and compounders who have deployed ERP solutions with industry-specific features such as quality control, formulation management, and tooling tracking helps to gain deeper insights into the benefits of implementing an ERP system. Below are a few examples from our ERP case study library that will be helpful in your ERP research.

Double H Plastics case study: Double H Plastics implemented IQMS’s EnterpriseIQ ERP to modernize operations, resulting in enhanced real-time data management, improved production scheduling, and inventory efficiency. This led to significant cost savings and Double H Plastics winning the Progressive Manufacturing 100 award in 2009.

Gloucester Engineering Case Study: Gloucester Engineering Co. (GEC), a leader in plastics extrusion, faced challenges managing CRM, sales, and manufacturing across four units. They adopted Infor CloudSuite Industrial ERP for improved functionality, reduced risk, seamless integration, and real-time visibility. The implementation led to a 60% decrease in closing cycle time and significant annual savings.

Nissen Chemitec Case Study: Nissen Chemitec America, a major plastic injection molding firm for automotive manufacturers, overcame lean manufacturing challenges by implementing EnterpriseIQ from IQMS. This streamlined their operations, reduced errors, and improved communication, leading to substantial cost savings and increased customer satisfaction, positioning them competitively in the automotive industry.

Kamco Plastics Case Study: Kamco Plastics upgraded to Plex Manufacturing Cloud ERP, reducing material cost discrepancies by over 92% and streamlining inventory management. Automation improved accuracy and productivity, paving the way for further enhancements and potential expansion within the company’s parent company in Japan.

FAQ Section for Plastics ERP Buyers

When researching ERP implementation options for plastics manufacturing businesses, many questions arise. This FAQ section addresses plastics manufacturers’ most common questions, providing clear, industry-specific answers to help business owners make informed and best decisions.

Does ERP software facilitate unique plastic production processes like extrusion and molding?

Yes, leading solutions model extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, casting, and printing workflows while allowing data integration to machines for real-time cycle analytics.

Can my existing or legacy systems integrate to share data with modern ERP platforms?

Currently, tools for material testing, simulation, lab instrumentation, MES, and automation support integration to synchronize data through APIs. Be sure to prioritize must-have integrations with your ERP software company during ERP selection.

How suitable is cloud ERP for meeting my plastic production line needs?

Cloud ERPs now deliver the material, formula, quality, and regulatory solutions plastics enterprises rely on. A cloud ERP solution brings enhanced accessibility, faster updates, and subscription-based scaling that aids agility.

How does ERP software help tooling, gauge, mold tracking, and maintenance?

Centralizing design/engineering data, usage monitoring, maintenance task planning, and cost lifecycles for high-volume tooling assets optimizes reliability support while increasing production efficiency and reducing capital expenditures.

How can ERP improve material sourcing for Plastics?

ERP systems provide tools for efficient material planning, procurement, and inventory management. This enhances material sourcing by ensuring a steady supply of specialized raw materials, minimizing the risk of shortages.

How do ERP software systems contribute to sustainable practices in the plastics sector?

ERP solutions integrate modules for sustainable practices and waste management. This enables plastics businesses to monitor and optimize their environmental impact, achieve compliance with sustainability standards, and streamline waste management processes.

Is ERP customizable to accommodate the unique workflows of plastics manufacturing?

Yes, ERP solutions for the plastics sector are designed to be customizable. This flexibility allows them to align seamlessly with the intricate workflows of the plastics manufacturing production process, ensuring that the ERP solution adapts to your business’s unique processes.

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