The 7 Best Software for Manufacturers Looking to Increase Efficiency

The manufacturing industry has become more competitive over the years. Every day, another business introduces a groundbreaking new product to its line or manages to take away market share.

What's resulted has been smaller manufacturers needing help to keep up, leading them to adapt and find ways of improving their manufacturing processes quickly.

Manufacturing software solutions are one of the most effective ways for manufacturers to make significant improvements. Manufacturing software allows companies to see what they're doing right now compared to how it should be done, all within one system, making it easier for manufacturing companies to save significant costs. Here are just some reasons why you must implement the software into your business as soon as possible:

• Manufacturing software is cost-efficient.
• Flexibility is crucial to manufacturing software.
• Manufacturing software is integral for quality assurance.
• Manufacturing software helps manufacturing companies work more efficiently.

Manufacturers must find tools to automate and integrate software to help them manage their businesses and production lines. Here are the 7 best software solutions for manufacturers looking to increase efficiency and gain more control over their manufacturing operations.

Content Table

1. Enterprise Resource Planning Software
2. Customer Relationship Management Software
3. Human Resource Management Software
4. Manufacturing Execution Systems
5. Cloud-Based Software
6. Process Manufacturing Software
7. Computer-Aided Manufacturing

1) Enterprise Resource Planning Software

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): One of the biggest reasons manufacturing companies use ERP is that it helps them consolidate all their business data into one system to know exactly what's going on as a company. It provides manufacturing teams with the information needed at any given time to make decisions that will benefit manufacturing, such as how much inventory is available, manufacturing costs, manufacturing schedules, manufacturing plans, etc. Systems that distribute business resources to different areas within the company can be run from a single manufacturing ERP software, which keeps everything streamlined throughout the entire process. Many manufacturing companies use this type of manufacturing software as it enables them to monitor and streamline their manufacturing processes. Some companies even hire ERP consulting services to help them navigate the ERP software selection process based on scalability, requirements, finances, and flexibility. 

• Why it’s important: ERP software integrates all aspects of a manufacturing business—from inventory and production to finance and human resources—into a unified system. This allows for real-time visibility and better control over operations.
• Key benefits: Streamlined workflows, reduced redundancies, enhanced decision-making, and improved department collaboration.
• Examples: SAP ERP, Oracle ERP, Microsoft Dynamics 365.   

2) Customer Relationship Management Software

CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management, which means keeping track of customers and potential customers through a database. A CRM system allows manufacturers to maintain records of clients they communicate with, fulfil customer orders, ensure customers are happy with the service they're getting from their company and much more. Having all this information in one place is very helpful when manufacturing companies want to provide better services for their clients or need to follow up on something with a client that still needs to be fulfilled. This manufacturing software also helps business owners manage how many people they have working for them at any given time. Hence, manufacturing companies know they have the correct number of employees to promptly complete orders.

• Why it’s important: CRM software helps manufacturers manage and track customer interactions, sales, and service inquiries. It improves client relationships and enhances sales performance by tracking leads and automating follow-ups.
• Key benefits: Better customer service, stronger sales pipelines, improved marketing campaigns, and higher customer retention.
• Examples: Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho CRM.    

3) Human Resource Management Software

Human Resource Management (HRM): Managing your employees through manufacturing software is essential for manufacturing businesses looking to automate their business processes or be more efficient. With HRM manufacturing software, manufacturing companies can create schedules, track who's coming in late, track who isn't showing up for work, maintain employee records, know when they're due for raises, and so much more. This type of manufacturing software helps with planning production schedules because it can tell manufacturers how many people they need based on the demand in the market. Manufacturing companies will always have plenty of business if they have employees to meet the demand for their manufacturing products.

• Why it’s important: HRMS software automates the management of employee data, payroll, recruitment, and compliance, helping manufacturers manage their workforce more effectively.
• Key benefits: Easier management of employee records, payroll automation, improved compliance tracking, and better employee engagement.
• Examples: ADP Workforce Now, Bamboohr, Workday.

4) Manufacturing Execution Systems

Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES): MES manufacturing software helps manufacturing companies track and monitor manufacturing processes as they're happening. It can also help manufacturing businesses record information from manufacturing systems. Hence, it's available in a manufacturing software system for anyone, from CEOs to managers, to utilize later. Through MES manufacturing software, manufacturing companies can determine where production bottlenecks are, identify what may be causing a bottleneck, and catch issues before they become a bigger problem. This type of manufacturing software is beneficial for identifying problems with or within specific processes when potential issues occur during the process.

• Why it’s important: MES software tracks and monitors production on the factory floor in real time. It provides visibility into production cycles, quality control, and overall equipment efficiency (OEE).
• Key benefits: Improved production efficiency, reduced downtime, enhanced quality control, and better data-driven decision-making.
• Examples: Siemens SIMATIC IT, Rockwell FactoryTalk, GE Proficy.  

 

5) Cloud-Based Software

Cloud-based manufacturing Software is a tool that manufacturing teams from any location can use. Manufacturing companies have employees working remotely or in different places who operate manufacturing processes, ship products to customers, etc. Hence, accessing their manufacturing software from any device is very helpful when trying to resolve production issues quickly and easily. In addition, cloud manufacturing software also helps manufacturing companies save money. They don't have to purchase or install heavy-duty manufacturing software on each device they use since it's being provided through the cloud.

• Why it’s important: Cloud-based manufacturing software provides flexibility by allowing users to access and manage systems from anywhere. It also facilitates better collaboration across different teams and sites.
• Key benefits include reduced IT infrastructure costs, easy scalability, remote access, automatic updates, and real-time collaboration.
• Examples: NetSuite, Plex Cloud ERP, Katana Manufacturing ERP.   

6) Process Manufacturing Software

Process Manufacturing Software is the manufacturing software that does what it says. It manages manufacturing processes, so all the information needed for specific manufacturing processes at a given time is available when required for a manufacturing company. Manufacturing companies can use process manufacturing software to track completed manufacturing processes, look back through a history of the production operations information processed by the manufacturing software, and even determine which processes need attention first, etc., because it gives them a complete picture instead of just bits and pieces.

• Why it’s important: Process manufacturing software is vital for chemical, pharmaceutical, or food production manufacturers. It helps manage batch production, ingredient tracking, and compliance with industry regulations.
• Key benefits include better formula and recipe management, accurate batch control, adherence to safety and compliance standards, and efficient production planning.
• Examples: Aptean Process Manufacturing ERP, BatchMaster, DEACOM ERP     

7) Computer-Aided Manufacturing

Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is a process that uses software to convert an initial manufacturing design into an instruction guide for manufacturing machinery, allowing manufacturing without manual intervention. CAM enables manufacturers to take full advantage of their production lines and equipment, increasing production and efficiency. Numerous benefits are associated with automating processes through computer-aided manufacturing technologies for manufacturing companies. Some include better product quality, optimised manufacturing processes, reduced manufacturing time, easier equipment integration, and improved product design.

• Why it’s important: CAM software uses computer technology to automate manufacturing. It is often integrated with CAD (Computer-Aided Design) to design and produce parts precisely.
• Key benefits: increased manufacturing accuracy, faster prototyping, reduced production errors, and optimised tool paths for CNC machinery.
• Examples: Mastercam, Siemens NX, Autodesk Fusion 360.

Now that you know which software is available, you can investigate each type and see which best suits your business. Take advantage of any free trials and demos before making a financial commitment.

 Several software solutions can be incredibly beneficial for manufacturers aiming to boost efficiency.

 Here are some of the best ones:

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software: ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics offer comprehensive solutions for managing manufacturing operations, including inventory management, production scheduling, procurement, and supply chain management.
• Manufacturing Execution System (MES): MES software, such as Plex Systems or Rockwell Automation's FactoryTalk MES, provides real-time monitoring and control of manufacturing processes on the shop floor, helping optimise production efficiency and quality.
• Supply Chain Management (SCM) Software: SCM solutions such as Kinaxis or Infor SCM streamline supply chain operations, including demand forecasting, inventory optimization, supplier management, and logistics planning, to enhance overall efficiency and responsiveness.
• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software: PLM tools like Siemens Teamcenter or Autodesk Fusion Lifecycle help manage the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation and design to manufacturing and maintenance. They facilitate collaboration and reduce time to market.
• Manufacturing Automation Software: Automation software such as Siemens SIMATIC or Rockwell Automation's Studio 5000 Automation Engineering & Design Environment enables the automation of manufacturing processes, leading to increased efficiency, reduced errors, and lower labour costs.
• Quality Management Software (QMS): QMS solutions like MasterControl or IQS Enterprise Quality Management Software, or innovative tools such as the QMS AI Chatbot, help manufacturers ensure product quality and compliance with regulatory standards. These solutions streamline quality control, inspection processes, and corrective action management. The QMS AI Chatbot, in particular, enhances efficiency by automating routine tasks, facilitating real-time communication, and providing instant access to essential quality data, ensuring a seamless approach to maintaining high standards and regulatory compliance.
• Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning Tools: Software with predictive analytics capabilities, such as IBM Watson Analytics or SAS Analytics, leverages machine learning algorithms to analyse historical data and predict future trends, enabling manufacturers to make data-driven decisions and optimise processes proactively.
• Internet of Things (Iot) Platforms: Iot platforms like PTC ThingWorx or Siemens MindSphere enable connectivity and data exchange among machines, sensors, and other devices on the factory floor, facilitating real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and equipment performance optimisation.
• Lean Manufacturing Software: Lean manufacturing tools, such as 5s or Kanban software, help manufacturers implement lean principles and practices to eliminate waste, improve efficiency, and optimise production processes.
• Workflow Management Software: Workflow management solutions like Tallyfy or Kissflow automate and streamline manufacturing workflows, from order processing and production scheduling to quality assurance and shipment tracking, enhancing operational efficiency and agility.

Choosing the right software depends on factors such as your manufacturing operations' specific needs and challenges, budget constraints, and scalability requirements. It's essential to thoroughly evaluate each option and consider how well it aligns with your business goals and objectives. Investing in proper training and change management initiatives is crucial to ensure successful implementation and adoption across your organisation.