Top 6 ERPs for midsize manufacturers

Midsize manufacturers face unique challenges, from managing intricate supply chains to optimizing production and financial processes. An ERP system can unify these operations, providing real-time visibility and control. However, selecting the right ERP for your business is crucial; the system needs to offer comprehensive features and the flexibility to scale with your business. In this guide, we’ll review some of the top ERP solutions available for midsize manufacturers, each offering unique benefits.

NetSuite is a powerful cloud-based ERP solution that enables midsize manufacturers to manage their entire business on a single, unified platform. By integrating all key functions—from production and inventory management to sales and financials—NetSuite provides a centralized system that allows companies to streamline operations, increase visibility across departments, and eliminate the inefficiencies that arise from disconnected systems. With NetSuite, manufacturers can handle all aspects of their business, including order processing, procurement, supply chain management, and customer relationship management (CRM), all within one platform. This holistic approach not only reduces data silos but also enables faster, more informed decision-making and smoother cross-departmental collaboration.

Designed specifically for manufacturers, NetSuite’s SuiteSuccess Manufacturing edition offers a tailored set of tools and pre-configured workflows to meet the unique demands of the industry. SuiteSuccess Manufacturing comes with built-in best practices, helping manufacturers accelerate deployment and see immediate value without extensive customization.

• Industry-specific customization: SuiteSuccess Manufacturing is an industry-specific bundle with pre-defined roles, dedicated process flows and KPIs, turnkey setup, and hundreds of prebuilt reports and dashboards specifically designed for manufacturing companies.
• Real-time data visibility: NetSuite’s unified data source allows monitoring of production, inventory, and financials across the organization, enabling proactive issue resolution and performance optimization.
• Comprehensive business modules: Built-in modules cover financials, order processing, procurement, CRM, supply chain, and more, reducing the need for multiple software systems and enhancing efficiency.
• Scalability for growth: NetSuite’s cloud infrastructure supports easy expansion, adapting seamlessly as businesses grow.
• Advanced analytics and Ccstomizable KPIs: Track critical metrics like production costs and inventory turnover with customizable KPIs and analytics, supporting strategic decision-making.
• Cloud-based accessibility: As a cloud native ERP, NetSuite allows remote access to data, supporting multi-location operations with secure and reliable access.

NetSuite is ideal for midsize manufacturers seeking a single-platform ERP that centralizes core business processes, supports growth, and offers manufacturing-specific tools through SuiteSuccess Manufacturing. It’s a strong choice for those looking to enhance efficiency, visibility, and business management on a unified system. For more information on the benefits of NetSuite, read our blog on Why manufacturing companies choose NetSuite and What is NetSuite used for.

Dynamics 365 Business Central is a flexible ERP solution for midsize manufacturers seeking a user-friendly, cloud-based system that integrates seamlessly with Microsoft’s ecosystem. Ideal for manufacturers needing essential ERP functionalities without the complexity, Business Central manages production, sales, inventory, and financials through an intuitive, centralized interface. It’s a strong choice for companies seeking a straightforward ERP they can deploy quickly and scale as they grow.

A key benefit of Business Central is its deep integration with Microsoft 365, allowing teams to work in familiar applications like Excel, Teams, and Outlook, enhancing collaboration and productivity. Cloud-based deployment options enable remote access, regular updates, and easy scalability, making it a future-proof choice for growing businesses. Business Central’s integration with Power BI and Jet Reports also provides advanced analytics, supporting data-driven decision-making.

• Microsoft ecosystem integration: Connects seamlessly with Excel, Teams, and Outlook for smooth workflows and real-time collaboration.
• Comprehensive financial and operational management: Centralizes finance, sales, inventory, and production, offering end-to-end visibility for streamlined operations.
• Cloud-based accessibility and scalability: Cloud deployment supports remote access, easy updates, and flexible scaling for growth and distributed teams.
• Advanced data insights with Power BI and Jet Reports: Integrates with Power BI and Jet Reports for interactive dashboards and real-time data insights, helping optimize inventory and production decisions.
• User-friendly interface: Microsoft-inspired design reduces the learning curve, allowing rapid adoption and maximizing productivity.

Dynamics 365 Business Central is ideal for midsize manufacturers invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, offering a straightforward, scalable ERP solution that enhances collaboration and efficiency through familiar tools. It’s particularly suited for businesses prioritizing ease of use, flexibility, and seamless integration with Microsoft applications, making it a solid option for current needs and future growth. For more information on Business Central’s capabilities and benefits, view our blog on What are the benefits of Business Central and What does Business Central do.

Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations (F&O) is a robust ERP solution tailored to meet the needs of larger midsize and enterprise-level manufacturers with complex operational requirements. Comprised of two applications—Dynamics 365 Finance and Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management (SCM)—this ERP solution allows businesses the flexibility to implement either one or both, depending on their specific needs. Together, these applications provide a fully integrated solution that covers both financial and operational aspects of the business, making F&O an ideal choice for manufacturers that require advanced control and scalability.

Dynamics 365 F&O is designed to unify processes across departments, providing manufacturers with comprehensive tools for end-to-end management of their supply chain, financials, and production. The system’s deep configurability allows companies to tailor it to their exact workflows and integrate it seamlessly with other Microsoft applications, such as Power BI, Power Automate, and Microsoft Teams, enhancing collaboration and process automation. With built-in artificial intelligence and automation tools, F&O also enables companies to leverage data for optimized production planning, improved forecasting, and more accurate scheduling—key advantages for manufacturers experiencing rapid growth or entering new markets.

• Supply chain management and production control: Dynamics 365 SCM enables full supply chain control from planning to logistics, ensuring operational efficiency and minimizing disruptions.
• Advanced financial management for multi-entity operations: Dynamics 365 Finance supports multi-location and multi-currency operations, with features like budgeting, forecasting, asset management, and compliance.
• Extensive customization and integration options: Configurable workflows and integration with Microsoft tools allow manufacturers to create tailored, cohesive solutions that support strategic goals.
• Built-in intelligence and automation: Built-in AI and automation features enhance scheduling, demand forecasting, and task automation, boosting productivity and decision-making.

Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations is an excellent choice for midsize manufacturers with complex and expansive operational needs. It’s particularly suited for companies that require advanced financial and supply chain capabilities, such as those managing multi-entity or multi-national operations. The system’s customizability and powerful integration options make it ideal for businesses that want a flexible ERP capable of adapting to specialized workflows and supporting their growth trajectory. For more information on D365 F&O, read our blog on What is Dynamics 365 F&O. Additionally, to explore the differences between Dynamics 365 Business Central and Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations, read our blog comparing the two systems.

Sage Distribution and Manufacturing Operations for Sage Intacct is a cloud-native ERP tailored specifically for small to mid-sized manufacturers and distributors who need rigorous financial management paired with operational efficiency. By combining Sage Intacct’s robust financial foundation with purpose-built tools for manufacturing and distribution, this ERP supports precise financial control, compliance, and in-depth reporting, while also streamlining workflows across the entire operation, from accounting to the shop floor.

For manufacturers that value financial transparency, real-time insights, and streamlined production processes, Sage Distribution and Manufacturing Operations for Sage Intacct provides a full suite of tools to optimize everything from budgeting and forecasting to inventory and production management. With its cloud-based design, the platform offers financial and operational visibility from any location, empowering teams to make proactive decisions based on real-time data.

• Powerful financial Management tools: Sage Intacct offers over 200 pre-built reports and customizable dashboards, enabling KPI monitoring and budget-to-actual comparisons for financial health tracking.
• Enhanced financial controls and compliance: Strong internal controls and compliance tools help manufacturers in regulated industries meet financial standards.
• Comprehensive operational management: Extending financial capabilities to production, inventory, and supply chain management, it supports processes like MRP, work orders, and resource tracking for better production control.
• Cloud-based accessibility and scalability: As a cloud-native system, Sage Intacct offers real-time access and scalability, minimizing infrastructure needs and simplifying updates.

Sage Intacct is ideal for small- to mid-sized manufacturers and distributors seeking a flexible, cloud-based ERP with robust financial management and operational tools. Its strong controls, extensive reporting, and specialized manufacturing functions make it an excellent choice for companies that need precision and adaptability as they grow.

Epicor ERP is a flexible ERP solution tailored for manufacturers in specialized, highly regulated sectors, such as aerospace, electronics, and medical device manufacturing. Known for supporting niche requirements, Epicor provides modules for both discrete and process manufacturing, with built-in quality control, compliance, and traceability features. These capabilities help manufacturers meet regulatory requirements but may come with limitations in scalability and broader process integration compared to other ERPs.

Epicor emphasizes emerging technologies like IoT and machine learning, which can support equipment monitoring, predictive maintenance, and production efficiency. However, for manufacturers seeking a more unified system that seamlessly connects financials, operations, and supply chain, Epicor may require additional customizations to integrate across various functions.

• Compliance and quality control for regulated industries: Epicor includes quality control and traceability modules, specifically for industries with strict compliance needs, though integrating them into broader workflows can be complex.
• Customizable for specific manufacturing workflows: Epicor is configurable for adapting workflows, dashboards, and reporting to meet unique needs, though customization may be limited for manufacturers with complex requirements.
• Real-time production and inventory tracking: Epicor provides visibility into production stages to reduce waste and optimize resources. However, larger manufacturers may find its tracking less comprehensive compared to other ERP systems.

Epicor ERP is a practical choice for manufacturers in highly regulated sectors or those with unique production needs. However, manufacturers looking for a highly scalable, fully integrated ERP that supports end-to-end operations and growth may find other ERP solutions better equipped to meet these demands.

Acumatica ERP is a cloud-based solution designed for small to midsize manufacturers that require a flexible, scalable platform to streamline operations. It provides a range of tools for managing financials, production, inventory, and distribution, making it a practical choice for growing companies. Known for its strong integration capabilities, Acumatica offers an adaptable architecture that enables easy connections with third-party applications, though navigating its licensing model can be complex, requiring careful analysis.

Acumatica’s architecture allows for integration with a variety of applications, enhancing its ability to be tailored to specific industry needs. While the platform offers real-time analytics and mobile access, its user interface may feel less modern compared to other ERP systems, which could lead to longer adoption times. Additionally, potential users should consider that Acumatica has limited integration with Microsoft 365, which could impact future adaptability and interoperability.

• Cloud-based and scalable: Acumatica’s cloud-based architecture supports scalability, allowing manufacturers to grow without requiring extensive IT infrastructure changes. However, the licensing model can be complex, and users may need to consult closely with providers to find the best fit.
• Ease of integration with third-party applications: The open architecture of Acumatica makes it easy to integrate with other essential tools, allowing manufacturers to build a tailored solution that meets their specific needs.
• Real-time analytics and reporting: Acumatica provides real-time reporting to support data-driven decisions. 
• User interface and mobile access: Acumatica’s mobile platform offers flexibility for remote access, though the user interface may lack the modern design found in other ERPs, potentially leading to longer training and adoption times.

Acumatica ERP is a decent choice for midsize manufacturers seeking a scalable, adaptable cloud-based ERP with solid integration capabilities. However, businesses with more complex needs or global operations may find other ERP solutions better suited for large-scale or industry-specific requirements.

Selecting the right ERP solution is a crucial decision that directly impacts your manufacturing operations, growth potential, and overall efficiency. With various ERP options available, such as NetSuite, Microsoft, Sage, and others, choosing the best fit for your manufacturing business requires thoughtful evaluation of your unique processes, goals, and technological needs. At Rand Group, we specialize in helping manufacturers navigate this complex decision-making process, ensuring the solution you choose aligns with your operational requirements. Given that approximately 75% of ERP implementations fail, the importance of selecting a well-suited solution and trusted implementation partner is essential.

As a multi-platform solution provider, Rand Group has expertise in implementing a wide range of ERP systems tailored for the manufacturing sector. We are committed to guiding you through the selection and implementation of the ERP solution that best suits your specific business needs. Our approach begins with a thorough assessment of your manufacturing processes and objectives, ensuring we recommend the solution that will provide the most value.

Our approach includes:

• Identifying internal requirements: We work with you to thoroughly understand your unique manufacturing processes and business objectives, ensuring we match the right ERP to your needs.
• Seamless integration with existing technology: Our industry experts help ensure that your new ERP integrates smoothly with your current systems, minimizing disruptions and ensuring operational continuity.
• Focusing on value: We evaluate ERP options not just on price but also on the overall value they provide, including the potential for necessary customizations, scalability, and future adaptability.
• Tailored implementation and aupport: Whether you’re implementing NetSuite, Microsoft, Sage, or another solution, Rand Group will be with you every step of the way—from system configuration and customization to post-implementation support—ensuring a smooth transition and optimized system performance.

When deciding between solutions like NetSuite, Business Central, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations, Epicor, Sage, and Acumatica, it’s essential to consider factors such as industry-specific features, scalability, integration capabilities, and overall ease of use. At Rand Group, we focus on providing tailored ERP solutions that meet the unique challenges faced by manufacturers. Our experienced consultants are committed to ensuring that the solution you select streamlines operations, improves efficiencies, and drives growth. By leveraging our deep expertise in these systems, we help you optimize your manufacturing processes and achieve your strategic objectives.

Choosing the right ERP solution for your manufacturing business is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration of your unique needs and goals. The top 6 ERP systems for manufacturing each offer distinct strengths, from industry-specific features to scalability and integration capabilities. At Rand Group, we specialize in guiding businesses through the software selection and implementation processes. With our expertise and decades of experience, we can help you navigate the complexities of manufacturing ERPs. Contact us today to dive deeper into the right solution for your business and set a course for success.