2024 Best MRP Software Guide: Prices, Reviews & Case Studies

During difficult economic times efficiency is key to manufacturing success, Material Requirements Planning (MRP) software is essential to reduce costs and increase revenue.

Good Material Requirements Planning software is not a cost, it's an investment as proven in the many case studies below.

After thorough testing and interviewing over 20 companies actively utilizing MRP software, we bring you an in-depth look into the top 2 MRP platforms. 

We tried not to clutter this article with too many brands, so we focused on the 2 most innovative and budget friendly global companies, that are having tremendous success with clients worldwide.

#1 MRPeasy - Best Value for Money

When it comes to finding an MRP system that hits all the right notes, MRPeasy stands out. It's like having a virtual assistant that's in sync with your manufacturing beat, and here's the scoop on why it's music to the ears of small and medium-sized manufacturers:

• Free 30 Day Trial through this Link   ( Only MRP Software company to offer free trial - check if trial still active)
• Starter Plan: Starting at €49 per user each month, it's a no-brainer for smaller operations looking to get their feet wet without diving headfirst into complexity.
• Professional Plan: At €69 per user monthly, consider this the middle-of-the-road jam session offering more features like tracking every move of your inventory and managing your warehouse like a boss.
• Enterprise Plan: For €99 per user every month, this is the VIP backstage pass to the MRP world, with all-access features that put you in the production driver's seat.
• Unlimited Plan: Priced at €125 per user per month, it's the all-you-can-eat buffet of MRP features, perfect for those who've outgrown their britches and need something that scales up.

MRPeasy Free Trial Link

Plus, if your team's growing and you've got more than ten users, MRPeasy has got your back with a special deal of €69 for every additional ten users. So, you won't have to break the bank as your business hits the high notes.

MRP Software Case Studies: Real Companies Winning with MRPeasy

Delve into the firsthand experiences of companies that have hit high notes with MRPeasy:

• The Frozen Food Revolution: Frozen Garden, a purveyor of healthy frozen food, saw a 400% boost in efficiency . Founder Allyson Straka highlights the role of MRPeasy in their growth, "When we started, we produced 200 smoothies a day. Now we produce 1000 with the same number of people."
• The Chemical Maestros: At Stakam, a bespoke chemical manufacturer, MRPeasy has been pivotal in achieving unparalleled inventory efficiency. Alistair Watson, the Managing Director, shares, "I feel like we struck gold with MRPeasy. It’s become such an asset that I often grapple between wanting to keep it as our secret weapon and the desire to showcase our robust systems."
• The Candle Crafters' Beacon of Growth: The Fontana Candle Company, which sees a significant 70% of its business during the festive season, found its rhythm with MRPeasy. Eric Roering, Founder and COO, explains, "I could never do it without MRPeasy," attributing their ability to meet seasonal demand to the software.

For more MRPeasy case studies visit https://www.mrpeasy.com/ ,scroll to the bottom of the page. 

Then click on “Blog” and “Case studies ”. ( As shown on image below)

MRPeasy Awards - Delivering Exceptional Value and customer satisfaction

MRPeasy stands tall as a best-value MRP software, and its recent awards serve as a testament to its commitment to quality, functionality, and customer support.

• SourceForge User Reviews Award: With stellar user reviews, MRPeasy has been recognized by SourceForge for its outstanding user satisfaction and positive feedback. This distinction underscores MRPeasy's focus on delivering a user-friendly experience that resonates well with its customers.
• GetApp Best Functionality & Features 2023: MRPeasy's rich array of features and its intuitive functionality have earned it top honors from GetApp. This award highlights MRPeasy's ability to provide comprehensive solutions that meet the complex needs of today's manufacturing businesses.
• Software Advice Best Customer Support 2023: Exceptional customer service is at the heart of MRPeasy's operations, as evidenced by the Best Customer Support award from Software Advice. MRPeasy's dedication to offering responsive and helpful support ensures that customers have the assistance they need to succeed.

These awards affirm MRPeasy's status as not just one of the leaders in the MRP software market, but as the best value-for-money option for businesses seeking a reliable, feature-rich, and customer-centric solution.

#2 Katana MRP : The Scalable Solution for Manufacturing Precision

Katana MRP has distinguished itself as a versatile and robust MRP platform, adept at serving not only small to mid-sized businesses but also scaling to meet the demands of larger enterprises. Our hands-on experience with Katana, backed by positive feedback from a diverse range of companies, confirms its effectiveness in streamlining complex manufacturing processes.

• Essential Plan: At $99 per month billed annually, the Essential plan offers businesses a solid foundation for managing their inventory and production with ease.
• Advanced Plan: For $299 per month, the Advanced plan provides enhanced capabilities for managing more sophisticated manufacturing workflows, perfect for growing businesses.
• Professional Plan: Priced at $799 per month, the Professional plan delivers a comprehensive suite of tools for large-scale businesses that require a robust MRP system with additional layers of support and guidance.
• Enterprise Plan: Katana also caters to larger enterprises with custom solutions tailored to fit specific needs. With personalized pricing, the Enterprise plan provides a bespoke approach to MRP, ensuring that complex operations are managed with finesse.

Katana's commitment to flexibility and growth is evident not only in its scalable solutions but also in its dedicated demo process. While a free trial is not on the table, their free and thorough demo experience offers a deep dive into how Katana can revolutionize your manufacturing workflow.
Check if they still offer free demo by clicking here

KatanaMRP Case Studies

Case studies are available at https://katanamrp.com/ , then click on “resources” and “case studies ” ( As seen in the image below).

Choosing the right material resources planning software is important so make sure to always read case studies.

If you're ready to elevate your manufacturing operations, Katana MRP stands ready to assist. With its ability to support both burgeoning businesses and expansive enterprises, creating an account with Katana MRP could be the turning point for your production success. 

There's many more MRP software providers out there, but most are outdated dinosaurs who charge 5000$ just for setting the system up. The two companies above offer technological innovation, best support and value for money

What is Material Requirements Planning (MRP): The Game-Changer in Modern Manufacturing

Have you ever wondered what keeps the wheels of manufacturing industries turning smoothly? The answer lies in Material Requirements Planning, or MRP for short. It's not just a function or a piece of software; it's the mastermind that calculates what materials you need, how much of them, and when. This calculation is crucial for aligning what you produce with what your customers want.

MRP: Revolutionizing Manufacturing Since the 1960s

Flashback to the 1960s: MRP bursts onto the scene as the original 'killer app'. It was a time when businesses globally, from small startups to large enterprises, were looking for something to give them an edge in post-WWII boom years. They found their answer in MRP. Why? Because it promised—and delivered—big on efficiency. With MRP's help, manufacturers could speed up production, diversify their product lines, and cut down costs. All thanks to MRP's knack for making spot-on material requirement predictions.

Fast forward to today's ultra-competitive market, and the role of MRP hasn't just stayed relevant—it's become even more critical. We're talking about modern MRP systems that are leaps and bounds ahead of their predecessors. These sophisticated systems are the go-to tools for businesses of all sizes across various industries. Whether it's meeting customer demands, keeping inventory in check, managing entire supply chains, or adapting to the ever-changing market conditions (like those unexpected natural disasters or supply chain hiccups), MRP systems are the unsung heroes.

What Exactly is MRP?

So, what's MRP in a nutshell? It's a meticulously designed system that's all about planning your manufacturing production down to the T. MRP's job is to figure out the nitty-gritty of your material needs: what you need, in what quantities, and when exactly you need them to keep your production line humming and your customers happy. The end game? Boosting productivity and keeping your business ticking like a well-oiled machine.

In a world where staying ahead of the curve is the name of the game, MRP stands as a pivotal tool in the arsenal of modern manufacturers, big and small alike. It's not just about making things; it's about making things smarter.

Mastering the Market with MRP Systems: A Key to Success

In the dynamic world of product manufacturing, the key to staying ahead isn't just about making great products; it's about smartly managing how they're made. This is where Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems come into play. They're not just tools; they're strategic game-changers for businesses serious about success.

Understanding Material Planning with MRP

• Simplifying Material Planning: When it comes to products with fewer components or lower production volumes, material planning can be quite straightforward. But, this simplicity quickly becomes complex as the volume and variety of products increase.
• Navigating Complexity in Manufacturing: For more complex products or higher production volumes, MRP systems step in to handle intricate calculations. This capability is vital for effectively managing production and maintaining a well-stocked inventory of finished goods.
• The Core of Production Efficiency: The true strength of MRP lies in its ability to forecast and plan materials and components, laying the groundwork for scheduling equipment and skilled personnel. It's about having the right amount of inventory at the right time—a delicate balance that drives a company's profitability.

The Broad Reach of MRP Systems: Beyond Traditional Manufacturing

MRP isn't just for traditional manufacturers. The term 'manufacturer' in the MRP context is quite broad and includes any organization that transforms components or materials into sellable products. This includes:

• Warehouses and Kit Assemblers: From packaging products to assembling collections of items into kits for resale, warehouses play a crucial role in the MRP ecosystem.
• Custom Configuration Specialists: Warehouses that specialize in assembling custom configurations to order also rely on MRP systems for efficient operations.
• Service Providers and their Unique Needs: Entities ranging from service providers assembling various packages for their clients to office building managers, hospitals, and even restaurants utilize a form of MRP for effective inventory and supply management.

Incorporating MRP systems can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of various organizations, ensuring they have the necessary resources at their disposal without the drawbacks of excess inventory or stockouts. By doing so, they can avoid production disruptions, delayed shipments, and the additional costs that come with poor inventory management.

In essence, MRP systems are the unsung heroes of successful manufacturing and service provision, regardless of the scale or scope of the operations. They provide the much-needed backbone for businesses to thrive in a competitive market by ensuring that production is planned, scheduled, and executed with precision.

Navigating the Intricacies of MRP: The Workflow Unveiled

Have you ever wondered how modern MRP systems keep the complex world of manufacturing in perfect harmony? It's like having a conductor orchestrating every move of an enterprise, ensuring each section plays in sync to create a flawless performance.

The Mechanics of Modern MRP Systems

• A Unified, Closed-Loop System: Picture an MRP system as a nerve center that connects every aspect of your business. It keeps an eye on everything and continuously chats with planning and scheduling systems, making sure the business stays laser-focused on fulfilling customer needs and expectations.

Key Steps in the MRP Process: Breaking it Down

Defining Production Needs:

• The Role of Engineering: These are the folks who kick things off. They're tasked with crafting and overseeing the bill of materials (BOM) for every product and sub-assembly. Think of the BOM as a recipe that lists all the ingredients and steps needed to make your final product.
• Understanding the Product Structure: This hierarchical model lays out everything that goes into each unit. It's like a family tree of your product, showing how each piece fits into the bigger picture and in what order.

Quantifying Demand:

• The Calculation Game: Here, the system turns into a number cruncher. It figures out the what and when of your final products based on customer orders, sales forecasts, and what you've already got in stock.
• Master Production Schedule (MPS): This is where everyone agrees on what's going to be made. It's a fine balance of capacity, inventory, and, of course, profitability.

Determining Supply:

• The Step-by-Step Run: Using the BOM and MPS as its guide, the MRP system methodically calculates what needs to be made or bought.
• Netting and Decision Making: It's like doing inventory math – subtracting what you need from what you have, then figuring out whether to make or buy the rest, and finally, setting the wheels in motion for when to start acquiring these materials.

In essence, MRP isn't just about managing materials; it's about orchestrating a symphony of production activities, ensuring that every component, every assembly, and every material is precisely where it needs to be, when it needs to be. This meticulous coordination leads to a harmonious balance of supply and demand, keeping businesses on track and customers satisfied.

ERP vs. MRP: Understanding the Key Differences

Navigating the world of business software can often feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle. Two critical pieces of this puzzle are ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and MRP (Material Requirements Planning). While they may sound similar, they serve distinct purposes in the business landscape.

The Essence of ERP and MRP

• ERP: The Multi-Functional Software Giant: Think of an ERP as a Swiss Army knife for your business. It's a comprehensive suite automating a myriad of processes – finance, sales, HR, and more. It's the go-to solution for businesses looking to integrate various functions under one umbrella.
• MRP: The Manufacturing Maestro: On the other hand, MRP zooms in on one specific aspect – material and resource planning for manufacturing operations. It's like a specialist tool designed for a particular job, ensuring resources are managed efficiently in the manufacturing sector.

How ERP and MRP Differ in Application

• ERP Use Cases: An ERP is versatile and covers a broad spectrum of business operations, making it a universal fit for businesses in every industry.
• MRP Use Cases: MRP systems, however, are tailored for manufacturing companies that need a focused approach to resource management.

Side-by-Side: ERP vs. MRP

Choosing the Right System for Your Business

Deciding between an ERP and MRP comes down to your specific business needs:

• For Manufacturing Precision: If your focus is on streamlining production schedules and managing inventory in manufacturing, MRP is your go-to system.
• For Customized Business Solutions: ERP, with its wide range of customizable functions, is ideal for businesses that need a more holistic approach to managing various operations, from finance to logistics.

To delve deeper into the world of ERP systems and discover the best options for your business, consider exploring comprehensive guides on ERP systems.

Bottom Line: ERP for Diverse Industries, MRP for Manufacturing Efficiency

• ERPs in Action: From healthcare organizations managing patient data to nonprofits handling finances and grants, ERP systems are versatile, scalable, and adaptable to a multitude of industries.
• MRPs at Work: Manufacturing companies leverage MRP systems for efficient production process management. They're instrumental in optimizing procurement, scheduling, cost-cutting, and managing supply risks, ensuring that overstocking or supply shortages are a thing of the past.

In conclusion, whether it's the all-encompassing functionality of ERP systems or the specialized focus of MRP systems, understanding the distinction between these two can be a game-changer in choosing the right software that aligns with your business objectives and operational needs.

Disclaimer: The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.