Discrete manufacturing involves assembling distinct parts into finished products using bills of material, routing, and production orders. This would be virtually impossible without the help of a solid ERP system that offers clarity in inventory, enable effective cost control, and support flexible production modes like make-to-order, engineer-to-order or configure-to-order.
This deep dive explores market-leading ERP solutions tailored to discrete manufacturers in 2025. Each section highlights a unique system, breaking down its core features, pricing details, and the types of companies it's best suited for.
SAP S/4HANA remains a top choice for large-scale discrete manufacturers with complex global operations. Built on an in-memory database, it supports real-time analytics and lightning-fast MRP resolution. The system integrates seamlessly with other SAP modules to provide full enterprise visibility.
Key features:
Pricing: A large-scale implementation can start around $250,000 in the first year and rise into the millions. An activation package for discrete manufacturing alone can run about €76,270 (~£65K).
Best for: Large manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, and electronics sectors who operate across multiple global sites and require comprehensive control over complex production workflows.
Oracle NetSuite is a cloud-native ERP that offers strong flexibility and modularity for discrete manufacturers. It's fully SaaS, making it ideal for companies looking to modernize without managing infrastructure. NetSuite combines financials, inventory, CRM, and production in one platform.
Key features:
Pricing: Base ERP package starts around $999/month. Full user licenses are $100–200/month, while modules like advanced inventory are $400–800/month. Check out our comprehensive pricing guide for more information!
Best for: Mid-sized to fast-growing manufacturers needing a scalable cloud ERP that can handle manufacturing, finance, and sales in one platform without extensive custom code.
Business Central is Microsoft’s entry-level ERP for small to mid-size manufacturers. It combines core finance, inventory, and manufacturing functions with a familiar Microsoft interface. Integration with Microsoft 365 and Power BI provides added convenience for reporting and collaboration.
Key features:
Pricing: Essentials edition is $70/user/month, and Premium (which includes manufacturing) is $100/user/month. Implementation typically ranges from $4K–25K.
Best for: Small manufacturers who want an intuitive, easy-to-implement ERP that works well with existing Microsoft tools.
Acumatica is a cloud ERP designed with growing manufacturers in mind. It provides full visibility into operations with user-based licensing that avoids per-seat charges. The platform is known for its open APIs and flexible integrations.
Key features:
Pricing: Manufacturing edition starts at approximately $3,500/month. General edition starts at $6,000/year for 5 users; mid-sized firms often spend $25K+/year. Source
Best for: Mid-market manufacturers with varied production needs, especially those scaling quickly and needing cost predictability with open APIs.
Epicor Kinetic is focused on discrete and mixed-mode manufacturers, offering deep production capabilities and customizability. It is designed to handle complex shop-floor operations and advanced scheduling requirements. Deployment options are flexible, supporting cloud, on-premise, and hybrid environments.
Key features:
Pricing: Perpetual license: $100K–500K; subscription: $2K–10K/month. User licenses cost $2K–3K each or $100–200/user/month. Manufacturing module costs $15K–40K one-time or $400–1K/month. So altogether you're looking at minimum $3000 per month.
Best for: Manufacturers in industrial equipment, fabricated metals, and electronics who require tailored ERP deployments and strong shop-floor control.
Infor SyteLine provides robust functionality for manufacturers with detailed operational needs. It is tailored for manufacturers seeking in-depth planning and execution tools. The system can support complex multi-site operations and product configuration.
Key features:
Pricing: Pricing is customized based on scale and deployment; vendors provide quotes on request.
Best for: Discrete manufacturers in aerospace, machinery, and high-tech industries who need precise control and extensive configurability.
IFS Cloud combines ERP, EAM, and service management into a single solution, ideal for asset-intensive and project-based manufacturers. The system supports full lifecycle operations, from production to field service. AI tools assist in scheduling and planning.
Key features:
Pricing: Pricing is evaluation-specific and typically provided only through quotes.
Best for: Manufacturers in aerospace, energy, and heavy equipment sectors who also manage after-sales service or maintenance.
Odoo offers a modular and open-source ERP framework that's highly customizable and cost-effective for smaller discrete manufacturers. It provides essential MRP tools and can be extended with over 30,000 apps. Deployment options include both cloud and on-premise.
Key features:
Pricing: Community edition is free; enterprise version costs approx. €20–30/user/month. Additional hosting or customization may add to cost. Source
Best for: Small manufacturers who want full control over their ERP stack and prefer to start lean, customising as they grow.
Glovia G2 specializes in make-to-order and engineer-to-order environments. It offers fine-grained control over part-level cost and project tracking. This ERP is suited for companies with long product cycles and heavy compliance requirements.
Key features:
Pricing: Pricing is niche and quote-based.
Best for: Aerospace, electronics, and automotive suppliers who handle complex customer-driven production and long-term contracts.
Katana is a modern ERP with a visual interface aimed at small manufacturers and makers. It is optimized for integration with ecommerce platforms and provides intuitive planning tools. The system supports light manufacturing and real-time order sync.
Key features:
Pricing: Plans start at approximately $99/month. Additional features and users may increase costs.
Best for: Small to micro manufacturers, especially those selling online, who need light manufacturing tools combined with real-time order and inventory sync.
Before committing to any ERP system, manufacturers should evaluate their specific operational goals and constraints. ERP implementation is not just a software decision—it's a strategic business choice that will influence daily operations for years.
Here are the most important aspects to consider:
By aligning your ERP choice with these priorities, you reduce risk and increase the chances of a successful, long-lasting implementation.
With a clear understanding of each system's strengths and costs, manufacturers can choose the ERP that best fits their needs in 2025. If you're evaluating systems, start by mapping your key processes, defining your scale, and deciding on cloud vs on-premise requirements. The right ERP should support your workflows, not complicate them.