Quick answer: The best MRP software for most small manufacturers is MRPeasy (cheapest and highest-rated, from $49/user), Katana (best for make-to-order and Shopify), or Fishbowl (best if you run QuickBooks). If you will soon need accounting, sales, and purchasing in one system too, an ERP with a strong MRP module like Odoo® is the better long-term choice. Disclosure: Solvync is a Certified Odoo partner, and we mark where a dedicated MRP tool beats Odoo.
Last updated June 2026. Pricing is current as of June 2026; quote-only vendors are shown with credible estimates to confirm directly.
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 is ideal when you only need production planning and inventory and keep accounting in a separate system like QuickBooks. You outgrow it when you want one system for the whole business. At that point an ERP with a manufacturing module replaces the MRP tool plus your separate accounting and sales apps. Most growing manufacturers make that move within a year or two, which is why the right question is often not just which MRP, but whether you should start on an ERP that includes MRP.
The best MRP software, compared
| Tool | Pricing (Jun 2026) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| MRPeasy | $49-149/user/mo (published) | Most small manufacturers; cheapest, top-rated |
| Katana | $299/mo + add-ons (~$747-1,095 real) | Make-to-order, Shopify and eCommerce |
| Fishbowl | from ~$329/mo or perpetual (quote) | QuickBooks-centric shops |
| Fulcrum | quote-based | Modern MRP/MES, data-driven shops |
| Prodsmart (Autodesk) | quote-based | Shop-floor tracking and MES |
| Odoo | $0 self-hosted (Community) / Enterprise ~CAD 44-68/user | When you need MRP plus a full ERP |
MRPeasy, best for most small manufacturers
MRPeasy is the most affordable dedicated MRP (from $49/user/month) and consistently the highest-rated for ease of use and support. It covers BOMs, production planning, work orders, stock, and procurement, with onboarding included. For a small shop that wants production planning without ERP-level cost or complexity, it is the default pick.
Katana, best for make-to-order and Shopify
Katana is strong for make-to-order manufacturers and direct-to-consumer brands, with native Shopify and eCommerce integrations and a clean interface. Watch the pricing: the $299/month Core plan grows with add-ons and usage-based fees, so real cost often lands around $750 to $1,100/month at higher volumes.
Fishbowl, best for QuickBooks shops
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, best when you will outgrow standalone MRP
Odoo is not a lightweight standalone MRP; it is a full ERP with a strong manufacturing module (MRP, work orders, BOMs and routings, quality, maintenance, lot and serial tracking). It is the right choice when you want production planning and accounting, sales, purchasing, and inventory in one system, or when you expect to outgrow a standalone MRP tool. Odoo Community is free to self-host, and Enterprise is published per-user pricing, so the entry cost is low for the breadth you get.
When to choose Odoo instead of a standalone MRP
Choose a dedicated MRP tool when production planning is genuinely all you need and your accounting lives elsewhere. Choose Odoo when you want one system for the whole business, when you are already paying for several disconnected tools, or when you expect to grow past what a single-purpose MRP can do. The honest line: MRPeasy or Katana can be the better short-term fit for a focused shop, while Odoo is usually the better long-term home once manufacturing is one part of a bigger operation.
FAQ
What is the best MRP software for a small business?
For most small manufacturers, MRPeasy offers the best value and usability. Katana suits make-to-order and Shopify sellers, and Fishbowl suits QuickBooks shops. If you need full ERP too, Odoo is the stronger long-term choice.
What is the cheapest MRP software?
Among dedicated MRP tools, MRPeasy is the cheapest at $49/user/month. Odoo Community is free to self-host if you want MRP inside a full ERP and can handle hosting and setup.
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?
If you only need production planning and keep accounting separate, a standalone MRP tool is enough. If you want one connected system for the whole business, choose an ERP with a manufacturing module.
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. Pricing is current as of June 2026 and based on publicly available data; quote-only vendors are credible estimates to confirm directly. This is independent commentary by Solvync, a Certified Odoo implementation partner, and is not sponsored by or affiliated with any vendor listed.