As a company or company representative reviews manufacturing software options, the standard choices are ERP software or MRP software. In the term ERP means Enterprise Resource Planning, Enterprise refers to the entire organization. ERP systems are built around ERP software, which is modular in nature. This modularity can be both strength, and a weakness. Some businesses instead may opt for MRP.


MRP software on the other hand, refers to Material Resource Planning and does not focus on the support systems of a business. While an ERP system is built around a central core, which contains data, which is central to the periphery processes, and is shared with those processes, an MRP system is stand alone with interaction with other processes limited to processes required to manage material. In both systems, you are evaluating UNIX server based solutions, but these are technically beyond the reach of your company.

Often, the prospective client will go to a demonstration of the MRP or ERP software by a vendor, often at trade shows. But the prospective client notices some other options as well. All in one PC based manufacturing software. Many are generic; many stress job shop applications, others projects based, such as construction. How do these stack up for the smaller shop owner?

MRP systems can be sold a complete package or bundled with other manufacturing software. But being UNIX based, require more professional resources to set up. The end purchase decision may be based upon the budgetary constraints, with the setup a significant factor.

For budgetary constraints, the buyer will often buy the best MRP system with a current budget with hopes of upgrading as future funds become available, while not having the support system software to match the restructuring. This is eliminated in many ways with all in one manufacturing software packages. The systems are all virtually as is meaning they have no expansion.

This does give a constraint that MRP/ERP UNIX based users don't have. The company needs to have a very, very accurate assessment of needs and capabilities. Most all in one manufacturing software programs have all or most MRP/ERP functions built in, but may have limited file size or database size. The company needs to make sure it will not purchase a program that they will outgrow. There is some room for error, but this must be planned for as well.

There are two types of software available, and this is true whether it is MRP/ERP
software, manufacturing software, or any similar product; Proprietary and open source.

Proprietary means that the software and or the software vendor must drive all solutions to technical issues. This means if you outgrow the system, either the company that makes the software provides and expansion solution, or you need to migrate to a new system, something that is never desirable.

With open source, there are several common data platforms, and the manufacturing software is based on one of them. This means that the raw data can be exported to another product either directly via a software solution, or as a data file that can be uploaded to the new manufacturing software, and be ready to go in short order.

Manufacturing software can provide a viable alternative to high end MRP software and even have capability of ERP software, but be technically accessible and most importantly, affordable.By: David KraftArticle Directory: http://www.articledashboard.comDavid Kraft specializes in articles aimed at helping companies select new software. For more information about manufacturing software you can visit his site where he helps businesses choose between the numerous MRP and ERP software packages on the market.