Customize Your "Best Fit" Software Comparison
  • Aerospace and Defense
  • Agriculture
  • Apparel and Textiles
  • Automotive
  • Beverage Manufacturing
  • Building Materials and Products
  • Chemical
  • Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)
  • Distribution
  • Electronics and High-Tech
  • Energy
  • Food Manufacturing
  • 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 ERP
  • 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
  • SaaS (Software as a Service)
  • Salesforce Compatible
  • SOA (Service Oriented Architecture)

The Top ERP Systems for Startups and Micro Businesses

Below is a comprehensive, independent comparison of the top-rated Manufacturing ERP software systems for Businesses Sized Under $1 Million in Annual Revenue. Micro businesses and start-up manufacturers and distributors can use the matrix below to compare ERP systems and determine which systems fit their business and budget the best. Use the Free Demos or Best Pricing tools to receive take a product tour and get ERP software price quotes directly from the vendor. Learn more about ERP systems in different tiers in this blog post.

12 ERP Systems Found

Cetec erp logo

Cetec ERP

Crafted logo

Crafted ERP

Epicor logo

Epicor for Building Supply

Expandable software logo

Expandable ERP

Fishbowl logo

Fishbowl Advanced ERP

Cai logo

Food Connex

Global shop solutions logo

Global Shop Solutions

Eci software logo

JobBOSS²

Aptean logo

JustFood ERP

Plex systems logo

MES by Plex

Netsuite logo

NetSuite ERP

Sage Software Logo

Sage 100cloud

Price Range

$3K - $40,000K

Price Range

N/A

Price Range

N/A

Price Range

$15K - $300K

Price Range

$3.20K - $10K

Price Range

$10K - $18K

Price Range

N/A

Price Range

$5K - $25K

Price Range

$5K - $250K

Price Range

N/A

Price Range

$10K - $100K

Price Range

N/A

Cost Per User

$50/mo

Cost Per User

N/A

Cost Per User

N/A

Cost Per User

$250/mo

Cost Per User

$329/mo

Cost Per User

N/A

Cost Per User

N/A

Cost Per User

$200/mo

Cost Per User

$300/mo

Cost Per User

N/A

Cost Per User

$125/mo

Cost Per User

$50/mo

Deployments

Yes Icon Cloud
Yes 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
Yes 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
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

95%

Retention Rate

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Retention Rate

94%

Retention Rate

N/A

Retention Rate

97%

Retention Rate

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Retention Rate

83%

Version

Always Current

Version

-

Version

-

Version

9.5

Version

-

Version

-

Version

2020.1

Version

-

Version

Cloud

Version

Always Current

Version

Release 2024.1

Version

2020.0

Financing Options

Subscription

Financing Options

-

Financing Options

Subscription

Financing Options

Subscription

Financing Options

Subscription

Financing Options

Subscription

Financing Options

Lease

Financing Options

Subscription

Financing Options

Subscription

Financing Options

Lease, Subscription

Financing Options

Subscription

Financing Options

Subscription

User Range

5 — Unlimited

User Range

1 — Unlimited

User Range

5 — unlimited

User Range

1 — 300

User Range

1 — Unlimited

User Range

1 — unlimited

User Range

5 — 500

User Range

1 — 50

User Range

1 — Unlimited

User Range

20 — 1000

User Range

10 — unlimited

User Range

1 — 100

Minimum Fee to Implement

$0

Minimum Fee to Implement

N/A

Minimum Fee to Implement

N/A

Minimum Fee to Implement

N/A

Minimum Fee to Implement

N/A

Minimum Fee to Implement

$20,430

Minimum Fee to Implement

$20,000

Minimum Fee to Implement

$5,000

Minimum Fee to Implement

$5,000

Minimum Fee to Implement

N/A

Minimum Fee to Implement

$10,000

Minimum Fee to Implement

$5,000

Awards

-

Awards

-

Awards

-

Awards

-

Awards

-

Awards

-

Awards

-

Awards

-

Awards

-

Awards

-

Awards

4

Awards

4

Installs

250+

Installs

-

Installs

-

Installs

250+

Installs

-

Installs

1

Installs

3000+

Installs

5500

Installs

400+

Installs

1800+

Installs

37,000+

Installs

30,000+

Architecture

SaaS

Architecture

SOA, Hosted Cloud, SaaS

Architecture

-

Architecture

.NET

Architecture

SOA, Hosted Cloud, SaaS

Architecture

Native Cloud

Architecture

.NET

Architecture

Hosted Cloud

Architecture

Hosted Cloud, SaaS

Architecture

-

Architecture

-

Architecture

SOA, SaaS

System Summary

This affordable ERP offers world-class manufacturing management at an amazing price tag (just $40 per user per month when licensed as a SaaS). Some highlights of the cloud-based Cetec ERP are CRM and sales management, manufacturing quoting, inventory management, mobile warehousing, quality assurance and more.

System Summary

Crafted ERP provides integrated tools for recipe formulation, production scheduling, quality control, and compliance tracking to manage the entire operation from raw material sourcing to distribution and customer relationships.

System Summary

Epicor for Building Supply is a top-ranked ERP tailored for building dealers. It streamlines orders, manages inventory in real-time, optimizes finances, and offers cloud-ready tech, ensuring operational excellence.

System Summary

Expandable ERP offers integrated tools for fast-growing companies, enhancing control over manufacturing operations. It combines accounting, CRM, e-commerce, and supply chain functions. Options for both on-site and SaaS deployment are available. The system runs on Windows platforms. 

System Summary

Fishbowl ERP is designed for midsize businesses in manufacturing and e-commerce. It offers real-time inventory tracking, order fulfillment, and advanced manufacturing tools. Integrated with platforms like QuickBooks, it supports multiple locations and databases.

System Summary

Food Connex is a cloud-based ERP system specifically designed for seafood and specialty food distributors and processors. It offers industry-specific solutions for catch weights, traceability, scanning, labeling, and production. 

System Summary

Global Shop Solutions provides ERP software for manufacturers, covering inventory, CRM, and shop management. Based in Texas and operating since 1976, this family-owned firm offers solutions both in the cloud and on-premise, serving manufacturers in 25+ countries with a reputation for reliability and outstanding service.

System Summary

The JobBOSS² business management software by ECI Manufacturing is a fusion of the top features from two renowned industry products: E2 Shop and JobBOSS. Crafted specifically for the unique needs of small to medium-sized manufacturing businesses, it not only streamlines operations but also aids in inventory management, scheduling, customer relationship management, and tracking job costs.

System Summary

JustFood ERP, now part of Aptean Food & Beverage, offers a cloud ERP solution for the food industry, integrating all business processes from production to delivery. It's designed specifically for food processors and distributors, ensuring quality control, safety, and compliance while providing anytime access to business data.

System Summary

MES by Plex is a comprehensive ERP cloud solution focused on manufacturing. It offers shop floor control, high-resolution traceability, error-proofing, and real-time data collection, leading to increased productivity and customer satisfaction.

System Summary

NetSuite ERP is a leading cloud-based solution for managing back-office operations and financial processes. It serves over 24,000 global customers and offers robust financial management, inventory, supply chain, and real-time analytics. This platform prioritizes innovation, growth, and swift decision-making through unified business insights.

System Summary

Sage 100cloud is a business management solution aimed at small and mid-sized companies. It promises to boost productivity and collaboration with cloud access and increase revenue year over year. Users benefit from comprehensive controls, bank-level security, and compliance maintenance​​.

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
  • No Icon Production Management
  • No Icon Materials Management (MRP/BOM)
  • No 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
  • No 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)
  • 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
  • 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
  • No 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)
  • No 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)
  • No Icon Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Unique Features

  • Delivers “tier 1” enterprise-level feature breadth at significantly lower cost than traditional systems
  • Built on a long history, combined with fully modernized cloud/SaaS technology
  • Direct, friendly, and transparent approach
  • Owns the technology (no reliance on “bolt-ons”)
  • Offers software directly with no markup (not through third-party VARs)
  • Provides close, attentive in-house support

Unique Features

  • Built on Oracle NetSuite
  • A complete beverage business management platform designed for the specific needs of beverage manufacturers.
  • Industry-specific modules with separate features for breweries, wineries, and distilleries.

Unique Features

  • Curated solutions based on 50 years of deep and broad experience in ERP software
  • Purpose-built with and for building materials suppliers and distributors, and metal service centers
     

Unique Features

  • Supports multiple manufacturing modes, such as discrete, batch process, repetitive, build-to-stock, build-to-order, and mixed mode.
  • Robust materials management capabilities include BOMs, inventory control, purchasing, master scheduling, lot & serial tracking, and shop routing.
  • Strong order management features include quotes, forecasts, committed orders, available-to-promise, shipments, return authorizations, and credit checks.

Unique Features

  • Strong inventory management with real-time inventory tracking, multi-location warehouses, lot & serial tracking, and parts & multi-bin support
  • Order & fulfillment workflows include order entry, sales and purchase order processing, shipping, and order status tracking.
  • Manufacturing/work order support features include BOMs, work orders, and production planning for light manufacturing use.
  • Seamless integration with QuickBooks for synchronization of inventory with financials.

Unique Features

  • Built specifically for the food industry (distributors, processors) with capabilities for catch/variable weights, breaking cases, etc.
  • Strong traceability tools: lot control & tracking, attribute tracking (quality grade, origin), product aging, catch weights

Unique Features

  • Best suited for small to mid-sized manufacturers (discrete, mixed-mode, ETO, make-to-order) that require a unified ERP.
  • Ideal for companies that need deep integration between production, quality, inventory, and financials, without needing numerous bolt-ons.

Unique Features

  • Real-time shop-floor data collection via mobile/tablet (employees clocking in, tracking job status, posting material use, etc.).
  • Inventory control with features like lot and serial tracking, multiple bins/locations, FIFO/LIFO/average/standard cost methods.

Unique Features

  • Strong recipe and formula management with support for scaling and version control.
  • Advanced traceability tools for ingredients, batches, and finished goods to ensure food safety and recall readiness.
  • Built-in compliance features for FDA, USDA, HACCP, FSMA, and other global food safety regulations.
  • Shelf-life and expiration date management to reduce waste and improve inventory control.
  • Integrated quality management system for inspections, audits, and testing.

Unique Features

  • Cloud-native, multi-tenant architecture with real-time production visibility and a single system of record across sites.
  • Production and shop floor control features include paperless operations, guided work instructions, and finite scheduling.
  • Ideal for mid-to-large manufacturers in regulated or quality-sensitive industries, such as food & beverage, automotive, and aerospace, that require strong traceability and quality control.

Unique Features

  • Cloud-based ERP solution for back-office operations and financial processes
  • Unified business insights to support swift decision-making
  • Designed to support innovation and business growth
  • Trusted by over 24,000 global customers

Unique Features

  • Familiar interface for long-time Sage 100 users transitioning to more modern systems
  • ERP solution designed for small to mid-sized businesses, particularly in distribution, manufacturing, and professional services
  • Combines traditional Sage 100 functionality with cloud-connected services
  • Strong financial management tools, including multi-company and consolidated reporting
  • Customizable workflows and reporting through Sage Intelligence and Crystal Reports

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

  • May lack customization flexibility as it is an “out of the box” system. 

Limitations

  • Not appropriate for process manufacturers

Limitations

  • Not ideal for engineer-to-order environments or custom job shops.

Limitations

  • Not well-suited for large enterprises with complex, global operations. 

Limitations

  • QuickBooks is required for full financial features.

Limitations

  • Primarily focuses on the needs of discrete manufacturers, which may differ from the needs of process manufacturers.

Limitations

  • Not suited for companies over $50 million in revenue.

Limitations

  • Highly specialized for food and beverage; not suitable for other industries.

Limitations

  • Not built for very small manufacturers with limited volume, as the ROI may not justify the cost and overhead.

Limitations

  • Not suitable for companies with over $100 million revenue
  • No on-premise deployment available

Limitations

  • This product is not intended for process manufacturing enterprises.
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