(DIRECT ANSWER)
Manufacturing project management software enables manufacturers to plan production and monitor shop-floor progress. The right tool depends on how complex the production is and the size of your team. Some manufacturers might opt for a full-on ERP system, but many will need something lighter to fit around a system they are already using.
(TLDR SECTION)
TL;DR: Manufacturing project management software
- Manufacturing project management software helps manufacturing teams create and track all aspects of their projects, including production timelines, tasks assigned to each area on the shop floor, and project status updates.
- Manufacturers already using QuickBooks will find it easier to understand how project activities, job costs, and customer records connect.
- Generic project management is generic and may be inadequate, as most have been developed for non-manufacturing contexts.
- Small manufacturers do not always need a full ERP system right away; many just need connected workflows that reduce spreadsheets and manual updates.
- The correct system to choose depends on the business’s level of production complexity and the extent of customization needed.
(Comparison Section)
What type of system fits your manufacturing workflow?
Manufacturing teams often compare project management software with accounting tools, CRM systems, ERP platforms, and inventory software. You need to ask yourself what the need or problem is before deciding on the best fit.
| Need | Best-fit system |
|---|---|
| Basic accounting, such as invoicing and financial records | Accounting software |
| Sales, customer management, quotes, and follow-up activity | CRM |
| Production timelines, task tracking, and shop-floor updates | Manufacturing project management software |
| Inventory, procurement, production planning, and accounting in one system | ERP or advanced manufacturing system |
| QuickBooks-connected workflows without full ERP cost | CRM/workflow automation system |
| Multi-location manufacturing operations with complex production dependencies | ERP, MES, or an advanced inventory system |
(Whose is this for section)
Who manufacturing project management software is for, and who it is not for
Who is manufacturing project management software for
Manufacturing project management software is for
- Small to medium-sized manufacturers who are exploring better ways to manage projects.
- QuickBooks users who use spreadsheets and disconnected updates for production.
- The teams are responsible for quoting, producing, fulfilling, managing inventory dependencies, and production schedules.
- Manufacturers who require more visibility into sales, operations, accounting, and customers.
- Companies that require connected workflow processes prior to committing to a full ERP implementation.
Manufacturing project management software is NOT for
- Enterprise-level teams that operate within already configured Oracle, SAP, or NetSuite systems
- Businesses that only require bookkeeping or basic invoicing capabilities.
- Companies that do not have operational complexities beyond accounting
- Teams that only need a lightweight personal task manager.
- Those manufacturers that already have an implemented ERP system, MES, or project tracking.
Manufacturing project management terms to know
There are so many acronyms related to tech and project management these days, it’s difficult to keep track of them all, but the most important terms are as follows:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing project management software | Software that is utilized by manufacturing companies to help in the creation of manufacturing plans, assignment of tasks, tracking of timelines, and the use of resources |
| MRP | Material requirements planning is used to calculate the materials needed for production based on different variables such as demand and production schedules. |
| CRM | Customer relationship management software for sales activities, quote information, customer data, and other aspects of your company’s account management. |
| BOM | Bill of materials. represents all parts, materials, components, and the quantity required to create a finished good. |
| Work order | A task or job record used to track production, service work, labor, materials, status, and completion details. |
| Inventory location | A warehouse, bin, truck, site, branch, or other place where stock is stored, tracked, moved, or consumed. |
| MES | Manufacturing execution system, software used to monitor and control shop-floor production activity in real time. |
| ERP | Enterprise resource planning software that connects operations such as accounting, inventory, procurement, production, and reporting. |
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