Top Cloud Manufacturing ERP Systems to Consider

Choosing the right cloud-based ERP system has become a critical decision for manufacturing companies to make. With many ERP platforms available, knowing which one aligns best with your company’s needs is essential. In this article, we aim to provide you with an overview of the leading cloud-based manufacturing ERP systems to help you make the best choice.?

For a deeper dive into each platform and to understand how they compare, read our full article on the Best Cloud ERP for Manufacturing.?

The Leading Cloud Manufacturing ERP Systems?

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?

Best for: Small to mid-sized manufacturers seeking scalability and deep Microsoft integration.?

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a standout ERP for manufacturers due to its comprehensive functionality and seamless integration with Microsoft’s ecosystem, including Office 365, Azure, and Power BI. It’s designed to scale with businesses, providing advanced tools for managing production, supply chain, and financials. This system is ideal for manufacturers looking for reliability, scalability, and ease of integration.?

Common feedback from Microsoft users is that there is a large variation in the quality and skills of the Microsoft integrators (training / consulting firms). This can result in inconsistent results installing and training to use Business Central.?

Acumatica?

Best for: Manufacturers needing flexible, industry-specific solutions.?

Acumatica is known for its user-friendly platform and flexible licensing model. It offers a wide range of manufacturing-specific features, including production management, material planning, and scheduling tools. One of Acumatica’s key strengths is its ability to provide industry-specific solutions while supporting mobile access, making it ideal for companies that need flexibility and mobility.?

Common feedback from Acumatica users is that the framework is quite customizable. However, because the module is developed separately, there are some weaknesses in how the modules work together and pass data between one another. Another piece of feedback is that creating reports, big data imports, and creating dashboards is not as user accessible as some users would like.?

NetSuite?

Best for: Larger small businesses to enterprise sized manufacturers looking for an all-in-one solution.?

NetSuite is a comprehensive cloud native ERP that offers a wide range of modules, from financial management to supply chain and CRM. Its flexibility and scalability make it popular among mid-sized and larger manufacturers, especially those that need a solution that can be tailored to their specific requirements. NetSuite’s advanced financials and global compliance features make it a strong choice for companies operating in multiple regions.?

Common feedback from NetSuite users is that pricing and ongoing costs are unclear and hard to get. Another feedback is that NetSuite is built with modular addons, each of which is implemented by a different team. Over the course of a project your company may have to deal with a variety of consultants with different schedules which can disrupt implementations.?

Odoo ERP?

Best for: Small to mid-sized manufacturers seeking cost-effective customization.?

Odoo is an open-source ERP platform known for its modular approach. While it requires more customization than other ERPs, it is a budget-friendly option for manufacturers with unique processes. It offers basic manufacturing functionality out of the box but can be expanded with additional modules to fit specific business needs. However, customization often requires technical expertise or third-party support.?

Common feedback from Odoo users is that despite being easy to customize, once you begin adding your own programming changes to the product you are no longer supported at the same level as the standard cloud product. It is much better to stick with the unmodified version.?

Final Thoughts?

While every ERP on this list brings unique strengths to the table, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central continues to be a top choice for manufacturers, particularly those in the mid-sized to large enterprise space. Its seamless integration with Microsoft’s cloud services, scalability, and comprehensive manufacturing tools makes it a reliable and future-proof solution for companies focused on growth and efficiency.?

For a more detailed breakdown of these ERP systems and insights into how each one can benefit your manufacturing business, visit our full blog: Best Small Business Cloud ERP.