Track Every Part, Every Job, Every Time
Stay ahead with real-time inventory visibility, work order progress tracking, dynamic production scheduling, and on-time delivery reporting—all in one system.
Successful Solutions
Save time and increase the accuracy of estimating with MIE Trak Pro’s quoting functionality which allows you to personalize formulas, track win/loss, and create quotes based on true costing data.
Learn moreTake your quote and create a Sales Order in just a few clicks. Sales Orders can be created from an RFQ, Quote, PDF, EDI, and more—depending on your team’s workflow.
Learn moreGain insights into your production environment with MIE Trak Pro’s Work Order module. See all the information you want related to production in real-time.
Learn moreSchedule production quickly and accurately with forward finite, backward infinite, and calendar-based drag-and-drop scheduling. Take the guesswork out of scheduling employees and machines to jobs.
Learn moreMake purchasing easy and efficient with MIE Trak Pro’s Purchasing module. Order material based on MRP forecasting, min/max reorder points, production demand, and more.
Learn moreTrack your inventory and the information that matters to you, including lot number serialization, locations, remnants, WIP, non-netted, consignment, and more.
Learn moreMIE Trak Pro’s built-in quality management system (QMS) allows you to accurately track Corrective and Preventive Action Requests (CPAR), non-conformance, RMAs, and more to pass QC audits with ease.
Learn moreDrive intelligent business decisions by using any of MIE Trak Pro’s standard reports or create personalized queries to get answers to the questions most important to you.
Learn moreUse MIE Trak Pro’s Kiosk module to track real-time job progress and employee clock-in (without the need for paper timesheets). Shop floor employees can see their schedule, view documents, issue material to jobs, create PO requests, and more.
Learn moreIntegrate your accounting practices through MIE Trak Pro. Manage G/L Accounts, journal entries, reports, and cash flow projections, in addition to other critical accounting capabilities.
Learn moreRunning a small manufacturing business isn’t easy. You’re juggling tight production schedules, limited staff, customer demands, and supply chain uncertainties — all while trying to maintain quality and profitability. In this environment, finding the best manufacturing software for a small business can be the difference between barely keeping up and confidently scaling.
But with hundreds of ERP systems and platforms claiming to do it all, how do you choose? This guide will help you navigate your options, break down the essential features of modern manufacturing ERP systems, and highlight what separates helpful tools from bloated platforms.
Unlike large enterprises, small and mid-sized manufacturers often operate with lean teams, minimal IT resources, and hands-on leadership. That makes the software you choose even more critical. You need a platform that:
The best ERP for small manufacturing businesses empowers you to streamline operations, reduce waste, and make faster, smarter decisions — without hiring a team of consultants just to run it.
ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning. While it might sound like something built only for massive companies, many ERP solutions today are designed specifically for small and growing manufacturers.
Think of ERP software as your shop’s digital backbone. It connects quoting, purchasing, production, inventory, scheduling, shipping, and financials — all in one place. Instead of managing spreadsheets, manual workarounds, and siloed systems, ERP software unifies your processes and data.
This means:
Every business is different, but the best manufacturing software for a small business should cover the fundamentals without overwhelming your team. Here’s what to prioritize:
From quote to cash, you need clear insight into your operations. Look for a system that tracks jobs through every stage — quoting, purchasing, scheduling, production, shipping, and invoicing — with live updates and alerts.
Why it matters: Visibility enables proactive decision-making. If a job is falling behind or a material shortage is looming, you can adjust before it becomes a crisis.
Your shop might have 10 employees now, but what about next year? Choose a system that scales with you — whether that means adding users, departments, machines, or even new locations.
Pro tip: Avoid platforms that require you to re-implement or migrate as you grow. Scalable ERP software will support expansion without disrupting your workflows.
No two shops run the same way. A good ERP should allow you to tailor dashboards, workflows, and reports to match how your team operates — ideally without relying on developers or third-party consultants.
Some platforms even offer AI-assisted customization or in-app helpers to guide you through changes on the fly.
Ease of use isn’t just about aesthetics — it determines how quickly your team can adopt the system and how likely they are to actually use it. Look for:
For many small manufacturers, a clean interface can mean the difference between a successful rollout and a system that gathers dust.
Winning jobs often comes down to speed and accuracy. The best manufacturing ERP systems help you quote faster and more competitively — factoring in real-time material costs, labor rates, and machine availability.
This isn’t just about speed. Accurate quoting ensures you’re not underbidding or eroding your margins.
Production scheduling is one of the most complex (and critical) aspects of manufacturing. Look for software that supports multiple scheduling methods:
The goal is to reduce idle time, increase throughput, and stay responsive to changing customer demands.
Data is your competitive edge — if you can access and understand it. Look for ERP systems with:
With the right data, you can identify bottlenecks, track profitability, and make informed decisions in real time.
No one wants to spend 12 months onboarding an ERP system — especially a small business with tight margins. Prioritize vendors that offer industry-specific implementations and hands-on support tailored to your shop.
Ask about:
Choosing the wrong system can cost you months of lost productivity and thousands in rework. Here are common pitfalls small manufacturers face:
While there are several ERP systems that cater to small manufacturers, MIE Trak Pro stands out as an example of how an ERP system can blend industrial strength with real-world usability.
Here’s why it’s often included in conversations around the best ERP for small manufacturing businesses:
It’s not the only ERP worth considering, but it’s a great example of how the right system can strike a balance between power and usability.
To ensure you find the best manufacturing software for your small business, consider comparing at least 2–3 platforms. Some worth researching:
Your ideal ERP depends on your budget, processes, and long-term goals.
Implementing ERP software is a big shift — but also a major opportunity to refine your operations. A few tips to make the transition smoother:
Many small manufacturers report that the initial effort is well worth it — with faster quoting, better on-time delivery rates, and more confidence in decision-making.
The right ERP system won’t just help you “manage” your shop — it will help you grow, compete, and thrive. If you’re tired of chasing jobs across spreadsheets, playing catch-up on the shop floor, or wondering where your margins are going, it may be time to invest in manufacturing software that meets the demands of your operation.
As you evaluate options, look for platforms that:
MIE Trak Pro is one strong example, but no matter which platform you choose, the key is to pick software that helps you run smarter — not harder.