Last reviewed June 2026. Published prices and commercial terms can change. Quote-only prices are omitted and should be confirmed directly with each vendor.
What is MRP software?
MRP (material requirements planning) software plans what to make and what to buy. It takes your bills of materials, demand, and current stock, and tells you what to produce, when, and which components to order so you do not run short or overstock. Modern cloud MRP adds work orders, shop-floor tracking, and inventory. It is narrower than ERP, which also covers accounting, sales, and purchasing. Manufacturing resource planning (MRP II) extends MRP with capacity planning and scheduling.
MRP software vs ERP: which do you need?
A standalone MRP tool can fit when production planning and inventory are the main requirements and accounting remains in a separate system such as QuickBooks. An ERP with manufacturing capabilities becomes relevant when finance, sales, purchasing, inventory, and production need one data model. Evaluate that transition against current workflow, integration, reporting, control, and ownership requirements rather than a universal timeline.
The best MRP software, compared
| Tool | Pricing (Jun 2026) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| MRPeasy | Published tiers; verify current users, limits, and onboarding | Focused production planning |
| Katana | Published tiers plus usage and add-ons; verify current scope | Make-to-order, Shopify, and eCommerce |
| Fishbowl | Quote-based; verify subscription or license model | QuickBooks-centered operations |
| Fulcrum | Quote-based | MRP, MES, and shop-floor workflows |
| Prodsmart (Autodesk) | Quote-based | Shop-floor tracking and MES |
| Odoo | Community open source; Enterprise subscription, verify current quote | MRP within a connected ERP |
MRPeasy for focused production planning
MRPeasy is a dedicated MRP option covering BOMs, production planning, work orders, stock, and procurement. Evaluate its current plan limits, onboarding, integrations, reporting, traceability, and total cost against a scripted production scenario before deciding whether it fits better than a broader ERP.
Katana for make-to-order and eCommerce workflows
Katana is commonly evaluated by make-to-order manufacturers and direct-to-consumer brands using Shopify or other eCommerce workflows. Validate the current plan, usage limits, add-ons, integrations, accounting boundary, and total implementation effort against the expected order and production volume.
Fishbowl for QuickBooks-centered operations
Fishbowl pairs manufacturing and inventory with deep QuickBooks integration, so it suits shops that want to keep QuickBooks for accounting. It is capable on inventory and work orders, though it leans on QuickBooks for finance rather than providing it natively.
Fulcrum and Prodsmart, shop-floor and MES
Fulcrum is a modern, data-driven MRP/MES for shops that want analytics and automation on the floor. Prodsmart (an Autodesk product) focuses on shop-floor data capture and production tracking. Both are quote-based and aimed at manufacturers who want MES-style visibility more than broad business software.
Odoo when manufacturing needs a connected ERP
Odoo is a full ERP with manufacturing capabilities that include MRP, work orders, BOMs and routings, quality, maintenance, and lot or serial tracking. Evaluate it when production planning must share one data model with accounting, sales, purchasing, and inventory. Community and Enterprise have different licensing, hosting, support, and feature responsibilities, so compare the current total scope and cost rather than assuming a low entry point.
When to choose Odoo instead of a standalone MRP
Evaluate a dedicated MRP tool when production planning is the primary requirement and accounting remains elsewhere. Evaluate Odoo when manufacturing and the wider operation need one governed ERP data model. Compare demonstrated workflows, integrations, controls, implementation effort, support, and current total quoted cost before deciding.
FAQ
What is the best MRP software for a small business?
There is no universal best MRP system for a small business. Compare MRPeasy for focused production planning, Katana for make-to-order and eCommerce workflows, and Fishbowl for QuickBooks-centered operations. Evaluate Odoo when manufacturing, accounting, sales, purchasing, and inventory need one ERP data model.
What is the cheapest MRP software?
There is no universally cheapest MRP system. Published subscription prices can exclude add-ons, integrations, onboarding, migration, internal administration, and support. Odoo Community is open source, but self-hosting and implementation still carry cost. Compare current quotes against the same production scope.
Is MRP the same as ERP?
No. MRP plans production and materials. ERP does that plus accounting, sales, purchasing, and more in one system. Odoo is an ERP that includes MRP.
Do I need MRP or ERP?
A standalone MRP tool may fit when production planning is the primary requirement and accounting remains separate. An ERP with manufacturing capabilities becomes relevant when finance, sales, purchasing, inventory, and production need one connected data model.
Not sure whether you need MRP or full ERP?
We implement Odoo and will tell you honestly if a dedicated MRP tool is the better fit for your shop. Book an Odoo Fit Audit. See also our best ERP for manufacturing comparison and Odoo for manufacturing.
Odoo® is a registered trademark of Odoo S.A. Product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Published pricing and commercial terms were reviewed in June 2026 and can change; quote-only prices are omitted. Confirm current terms directly with each vendor. This is independent commentary by Solvync, a Certified Odoo Implementation Partner, and is not sponsored by or affiliated with any vendor listed.