Best MRP Software for Small Manufacturers (2025 Edition) – Small manufacturers face a unique challenge: they need powerful tools to manage production — without the complexity or cost of enterprise systems. That’s where modern MRP software steps in.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll review the best MRP software tailored for small manufacturers, based on features, ease of use, pricing, and real-world usability.
🧠 What Small Manufacturers Need from MRP Software
Unlike large corporations, small manufacturers typically need:
- Simple BOM (Bill of Materials) management
- Inventory tracking and reorder alerts
- Job scheduling that doesn’t require a Ph.D.
- CRM-lite features for customer tracking
- Affordable monthly pricing
Luckily, several SaaS-based MRP systems in 2025 hit that sweet spot.
🏆 Top 5 MRP Software for Small Manufacturers in 2025
| Software | Starting Price | Key Features | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRPeasy | $49/month | BOM, inventory, production calendar | Designed specifically for small manufacturers |
| Katana MRP | $99/month | Visual scheduling, real-time stock | Best UI for D2C small factories |
| Odoo (MRP Module) | From $31/month | Modular ERP with MRP add-on | Open-source & scalable |
| Statii MRP | Custom pricing | Job costing, quoting, planning | Focused on small fabrication shops |
| ERPNext | Free (self-hosted) | Full MRP suite + accounting | Best for tech-savvy SMBs |
🔍 Detailed Breakdown of Each Tool
1. MRPeasy
- Why It’s Great: Cloud-based, affordable, and made for manufacturers with 10–200 employees.
- Standout Features: Production calendar, BOM tracking, shop floor reporting.
- Best For: Custom parts, electronics, metal fabrication.
2. Katana MRP
- Why It’s Great: Intuitive interface, visual dashboards, strong integrations with Shopify, QuickBooks, and Xero.
- Standout Features: Real-time inventory sync, production planning for make-to-order.
- Best For: Food production, fashion, D2C brands.
3. Odoo MRP (SaaS)
- Why It’s Great: Part of a full modular ERP, yet still works well as a standalone MRP tool.
- Standout Features: Quality checks, work order routing, full customization.
- Best For: Growing small manufacturers who want more flexibility.
4. Statii
- Why It’s Great: Specifically built for small job shops and custom manufacturers in the UK and US.
- Standout Features: Job quoting, capacity planning, time tracking.
- Best For: Fabrication shops, print and packaging manufacturers.
5. ERPNext (with MRP Module)
- Why It’s Great: Free and open-source with strong community support.
- Standout Features: Production orders, batch tracking, warehouse management.
- Best For: Manufacturers with in-house IT teams.
🔧 Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | MRPeasy | Katana | Odoo | Statii | ERPNext |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud-Based | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| BOM Support | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Inventory Control | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Shop Floor Tracking | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| CRM Integration | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Mobile Access | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
🛠 Real-World Use Case: A Small Manufacturer’s Story
Company: Texas Custom Gears
Problem: Manual spreadsheets, missed orders, poor inventory control
Solution: Switched to MRPeasy in Q4 2024
Results:
- 30% improvement in on-time delivery
- 40% less material waste
- Full traceability of components
💡 Why SaaS MRP Works for Small Manufacturers
- No need to buy servers or install anything locally
- Start instantly with a free trial
- Only pay for what you use — scale as you grow
- Easy to train small teams (even non-tech workers)
📥 Free Trials Worth Exploring
| Tool | Free Trial? | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MRPeasy | ✅ | 15 days |
| Katana MRP | ✅ | 14 days |
| Odoo MRP | ✅ | Unlimited (Community) |
| ERPNext | ✅ | Custom setup |
| Statii | ✅ | On request |
✅ Conclusion: The Right MRP Software = Better Manufacturing in 2025
Small manufacturers don’t need to settle for spreadsheets or overpay for bloated systems. Tools like MRPeasy, Katana, and Odoo deliver enterprise-level features — at a fraction of the cost.
Pick a tool that:
- Matches your process
- Scales with your growth
- Fits your budget