# Best Process ERP Software - Page 3 *By [Nathan Calabrese](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/nathan-calabrese)* Process ERP software manages production, front office, and back office operations for manufacturers that transform raw materials and ingredients into indistinguishable products such as food, drinks, or chemicals. Process ERP systems are used to identify demand, manage raw materials, define formulas and recipes for production, track production cycles, and monitor the quality of the finished products. This type of software is commonly implemented across a company, but is most critical for the production, purchasing, and warehousing departments. Production managers use process ERP solutions to define how ingredients are combined to manufacture finished products and how to allocate equipment and human resources to the shop floor. Process ERP software helps departments such as sales, purchasing, or inventory by managing sales and purchasing orders and the inventory or ingredients and finished goods. Process ERP software usually provides modules for most departments of a manufacturing company, but it can also be built on accounting systems which are not delivered by the vendor. This type of software needs to integrate with other enterprise solutions such as [CRM all-in-one software](https://www.g2.com/categories/crm-all-in-one), [supply chain suites](https://www.g2.com/categories/supply-chain-suites), [PLM software](https://www.g2.com/categories/plm), and [HR management suites](https://www.g2.com/categories/hr-management-suites). To qualify for inclusion in the Process ERP category, a product must: - Manage formulas and recipes for manufacturing of finished goods - Provide multiple units of measure and automated conversion between them - Track expiration dates for ingredients, raw materials, and finished products - Manage inventory in bulk and/or by batch, production lot, and expiration date - Allow users to create alternatives to standard recipes and formulas - Allocate raw materials and ingredients to production based on recipes - Monitor the quality of the production batches and adjust when needed - Include traceability features to track the origin of ingredients and raw materials - Deliver standard and custom packaging options for finished products ## Top Process ERP Software at a Glance | # | Product | Rating | Best For | What Users Say | |---|---------|--------|----------|----------------| | 1 | [SAP Cloud ERP (SAP S/4HANA Cloud)](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-cloud-erp-sap-s-4hana-cloud/reviews) | 4.4/5.0 (943 reviews) | Real-time cross-module ERP process integration | "[SAP: A Complete Logistics Package with Powerful End-to-End Capabilities](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/sap-cloud-erp-sap-s-4hana-cloud-review-13058736)" | | 2 | [SAP ECC](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-ecc/reviews) | 4.2/5.0 (862 reviews) | Cross-module ERP integration for end-to-end processes | "[Reliable System I Use Daily for Procurement and Vendor Management”](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/sap-ecc-review-12585975)" | | 3 | [Kinetic](https://www.g2.com/products/epicor-kinetic/reviews) | 3.9/5.0 (722 reviews) | Quote-to-cash manufacturing with deep customizability | "[Epicor Kinetic in the cloud](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/kinetic-review-5072455)" | | 4 | [Syspro](https://www.g2.com/products/syspro/reviews) | 4.1/5.0 (245 reviews) | Configurable MRP and manufacturing process control | "[Effortless Data Management Across Departments](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/syspro-review-12121727)" | | 5 | [Ramco ERP](https://www.g2.com/products/ramco-erp/reviews) | 4.1/5.0 (28 reviews) | End-to-end ERP with cross-industry process integration | "[Easy to use](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/ramco-erp-review-8431016)" | | 6 | [Azentio ERP](https://www.g2.com/products/azentio-erp/reviews) | 4.4/5.0 (17 reviews) | Oracle-native end-to-end manufacturing ERP | "[Coordinating the entire cycle of vehicle use](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/azentio-erp-review-10196961)" | | 7 | [Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-dynamics-365-supply-chain-management/reviews) | 3.7/5.0 (98 reviews) | Microsoft-native multi-module supply chain consolidation | "[Microsoft 365 supply chain an amazing product](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/microsoft-dynamics-365-supply-chain-management-review-8830755)" | | 8 | [IFS Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/ifs-cloud/reviews) | 4.0/5.0 (267 reviews) | Cross-functional ERP with asset-intensive process integration | "[A very solid ERP, meeting the needs of the enterprise.](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/ifs-cloud-review-9175495)" | | 9 | [Sage X3](https://www.g2.com/products/sage-x3/reviews) | 3.8/5.0 (47 reviews) | Multi-site manufacturing and distribution traceability | "[Integrates ERP and Accounting Seamlessly](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/sage-x3-review-12724429)" | | 10 | [Aptean Process Manufacturing ERP Ross Edition](https://www.g2.com/products/aptean-process-manufacturing-erp-ross-edition/reviews) | 4.3/5.0 (19 reviews) | Formula-based costing and lot traceability | "[What Started as a Friendship...](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/aptean-process-manufacturing-erp-ross-edition-review-11777931)" | ## G2 Grid® for Process ERP Software ![G2 Grid® for Process ERP Software plotting products by satisfaction and market presence](https://www.g2.com/categories/process-erp/grids.png?focus%5B%5D=19175&focus%5B%5D=513&focus%5B%5D=691&focus%5B%5D=3021&focus%5B%5D=20495&focus%5B%5D=2173&focus%5B%5D=433&focus%5B%5D=2725) Highlighted products: SAP Cloud ERP (SAP S/4HANA Cloud), SAP ECC, Kinetic, Syspro, Ramco ERP, Azentio ERP, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, and IFS Cloud. Underlying data: [Grid® JSON](https://www.g2.com/categories/process-erp/grids.json?focus%5B%5D=sap-cloud-erp-sap-s-4hana-cloud&focus%5B%5D=sap-ecc&focus%5B%5D=epicor-kinetic&focus%5B%5D=syspro&focus%5B%5D=ramco-erp&focus%5B%5D=azentio-erp&focus%5B%5D=microsoft-dynamics-365-supply-chain-management&focus%5B%5D=ifs-cloud) ## How Many Process ERP Software Products Does G2 Track? **Total Products under this Category:** 63 ### Category Stats (Jul 2026) - **Average Rating**: 3.95/5 The average rating of products in this category, based on all submitted ratings - **Top Trending Product**: Aptean Food & Beverage ERP (+1.64%) - Among all products in this category, Aptean Food & Beverage ERP recorded the largest rating increase compared to last month *Last updated: July 13, 2026* ## How Does G2 Rank Process ERP Software Products? **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 4,000+ Authentic Reviews - 63+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. ## Which Process ERP Software Is Best for Your Use Case? - **Leader:** [SAP Cloud ERP (SAP S/4HANA Cloud)](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-cloud-erp-sap-s-4hana-cloud/reviews) - **Highest Performer:** [Syspro](https://www.g2.com/products/syspro/reviews) - **Easiest to Use:** [Ramco ERP](https://www.g2.com/products/ramco-erp/reviews) - **Top Trending:** [Aptean Process Manufacturing ERP Ross Edition](https://www.g2.com/products/aptean-process-manufacturing-erp-ross-edition/reviews) - **Best Free Software:** [SAP Cloud ERP (SAP S/4HANA Cloud)](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-cloud-erp-sap-s-4hana-cloud/reviews) --- **Sponsored** ### DynamicsPrint DynamicsPrint® is the leading global provider of a Microsoft-powered, AI-driven ERP solution tailored for the print and packaging industry. Designed to support business growth and digital transformation, our cloud-native platform seamlessly integrates all business operations, from estimation and scheduling to production and logistics, enabling increased efficiency, cost savings, and data-driven decision-making. With over 30 years of industry expertise, DynamicsPrint® empowers printing and packaging companies to scale effortlessly. Our solution is built to support multi-site operations, ensuring businesses can expand while maintaining operational excellence. Real-time insights, automation, and AI-driven analytics help companies optimize production, reduce waste, and make faster, smarter decisions to stay ahead in a competitive market. AI-Driven Decision Making: Intelligent analytics provide predictive insights to enhance efficiency and profitability. Automated Workflows: Reduce manual processes, improving speed and accuracy across all operations. Seamless Microsoft Dynamics 365 Integration: Embedded within Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&SCM (formerly known as F&O) for a connected, future-proof system. Scalable & Flexible: Designed for businesses looking to expand without compromising efficiency. DynamicsPrint® is the go-to ERP solution for enterprises seeking innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth in the printing and packaging industry. For more information, visit: www.dynamicsprint.com [Visit website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=ppc&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=1556&secure%5Bchosen_at%5D=2026-07-13T11%3A24%3A50Z&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_id%5D=1556&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bplacement_reason%5D=page_category&secure%5Bplacement_resource_ids%5D%5B%5D=1556&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=91504&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=1556&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Fprocess-erp%3Fopen_modal_url%3D%252Fproducts%252Fifs-cloud%252Fwishlists%253Fhost_path%253D%25252Fcategories%25252Fprocess-erp%2526source%253Dcategory&secure%5Btoken%5D=22f6ca0bbe76748cfd097bfb68261f8c0d2baa0d4550f640d07275c25a6bcf4f&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dynamicsprint.com%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=company_website) --- ## What Are the Top-Rated Process ERP Software Products in 2026? ### 1. [Matissoft ERP](https://www.g2.com/products/matissoft-erp/reviews) Matiss excels at developing and integrating production software and designing and building automated equipment. **Who Is the Company Behind Matissoft ERP?** - **Seller:** [Matiss](https://www.g2.com/sellers/matiss) - **Year Founded:** 1995 - **HQ Location:** Saint-Georges, CA - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/matiss-inc-/ (96 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 2. [New Horizon Enterprise](https://www.g2.com/products/new-horizon-enterprise/reviews) New Horizon Enterprise, by SourcePro InfoTech – India’s only ERP company with over 28 years of manufacturing expertise – is a proven, time-tested ERP solution with 15 seamlessly integrated modules. Built on an agile architecture, it adapts to your workflows while delivering unmatched visibility and control across manufacturing operations and administration. New Horizon Enterprise is trusted by discrete, process, and OEM manufacturers for its wide range of proven use cases. Its industry-specific templates ensure quick adoption on the shop floor, while its integrated nature fosters perfect interdepartmental harmony—helping organizations achieve both operational and financial excellence. Powered with advanced BI-driven analytics, it provides actionable insights for decision-makers. Alongside 850+ ready-to-use business intelligence reports, users can create custom dashboards and reports tailored to their unique needs—without relying on technical teams. Designed to streamline critical processes across multiple offices, plants, and locations, New Horizon Enterprise supports Made-to-Order, Made-to-Stock, and Made-to-Design manufacturing models. Key Capabilities: • Powerful MRP Engine • Size-based (LBT) Material Planning • BOM (Bill of Materials) Management • Holistic Costing Estimation & Visibility • Techno-Commercial Quotation Generator • Comprehensive Job Work Scenarios • GST-Compliant System • Seamless Third-Party Integrations (Tally, GSP, e-Way Billing, Digital Signature, AutoCAD, Windchill, Banking) • Parameter-Based Quality Control • Multilingual, User-Friendly Interface 15 Fully Integrated Modules: 1. Purchase 2. Planning 3. Material 4. Production 5. Inventory 6. Sub-Contracting 7. Quality Control 8. Finance 9. Analytics 10. Asset Register 11. After-Sales Service 12. CRM 13. Plant Maintenance 14. Project Management 15. HR Industries We Serve: • Machinery & Equipment Manufacturing • Fabrication • Plastic & Rubber Molding • Valve Manufacturing • Electrical & Electronics • Foundry & Forging • Automotive Parts & Accessories • Solar & Renewable Energy • Packaging • Furniture & Fixtures • Geo-Textile Manufacturing • Garments • Ceramics • FMCG • Spices Manufacturing It empowers stakeholders with anytime, anywhere access through Android and iOS mobile apps. **Who Is the Company Behind New Horizon Enterprise?** - **Seller:** [SourcePro Infotech Pvt. Ltd](https://www.g2.com/sellers/sourcepro-infotech-pvt-ltd) - **Year Founded:** 1992 - **HQ Location:** Ahmedabad, IN - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/sourcepro-infotech-pvt.-ltd. (117 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 3. [nMetric Smarter Scheduling](https://www.g2.com/products/nmetric-smarter-scheduling/reviews) nMetric scheduling software gives you the tools you need to dynamically and proactively manage change. It was created by manufacturers for manufacturers. **Who Is the Company Behind nMetric Smarter Scheduling?** - **Seller:** [Nmetric](https://www.g2.com/sellers/nmetric) - **Year Founded:** 2000 - **HQ Location:** Santa Ana, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** http://www.linkedin.com/company/nmetric-llc (21 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 4. [Orisha Agrifood Ibérica](https://www.g2.com/products/orisha-agrifood-iberica/reviews) VisionAgro es un software ERP especializado en el sector agroalimentario, desarrollado sobre la plataforma Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Su objetivo es integrar en un único sistema todas las áreas de gestión de empresas relacionadas con la producción agrícola. **Who Is the Company Behind Orisha Agrifood Ibérica?** - **Seller:** [VisionAgro](https://www.g2.com/sellers/visionagro) - **Year Founded:** 2000 - **HQ Location:** Valencia, ES - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/gregal-soluciones-informaticas-s-l-/ (33 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 5. [Peercore ERP](https://www.g2.com/products/peercore-erp/reviews) Working with clients such as Peerless Foods, Cookers, Pressworks, United Petroleum and Edlyn Foods across industries and technologies, over the past two decades, our innovation-led approach will help you to reinvent your enterprise application portfolio to meet challenging business needs, now and in the future. **Who Is the Company Behind Peercore ERP?** - **Seller:** [PeercoreIT](https://www.g2.com/sellers/peercoreit) - **Year Founded:** 1998 - **HQ Location:** Melbourne, AU - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/peercore-information-technology/ (84 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 6. [PROBIZ ERP](https://www.g2.com/products/probiz-erp/reviews) Probiz ERP is a dynamic Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software designed to streamline business operations, improve efficiency, and drive growth. Built for businesses of all sizes, Probiz ERP integrates multiple functions, including sales, purchase & procurement, accounting & financials, material management, production, regulatory compliance, and asset management, into a single, easy-to-use platform. With real-time data insights, automated workflows, and seamless collaboration tools, Probiz ERP helps businesses stay ahead of market demands. The software ensures accurate inventory tracking, efficient resource allocation, and compliance with industry standards, making operations more agile and cost-effective. Whether you're managing manufacturing, distribution, or service-based operations, Probiz ERP offers a flexible and scalable solution to meet your business needs. Backed by Appstean Infotech's expertise in ERP solutions, it empowers organizations with better control, smarter decision-making, and sustainable growth. **Who Is the Company Behind PROBIZ ERP?** - **Seller:** [Appstean Infotech Private Limited](https://www.g2.com/sellers/appstean-infotech-private-limited) - **Year Founded:** 2012 - **HQ Location:** Indore, India - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/appsteaninfotech/ (45 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 7. [Seasoft ERP](https://www.g2.com/products/seasoft-erp/reviews) Built on over 30 years of seafood industry experience, CAI Seasoft is an end-to-end, turnkey Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution thats feature rich in the functionality you need to maximize margins, lower operating costs and work smarter and more profitably. **Who Is the Company Behind Seasoft ERP?** - **Seller:** [CAI Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/cai-software) - **HQ Location:** New York, NY - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/caisoftware/ (782 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ: CA ### 8. [SI Foodware NAV](https://www.g2.com/products/si-foodware-nav/reviews) SI Foodware NAV is a food service management solution with ERP features for admin, production, logistics, business intelligence, and more. **Who Is the Company Behind SI Foodware NAV?** - **Seller:** [ERP Focus](https://www.g2.com/sellers/erp-focus) - **HQ Location:** Newcastle upon Tyne, GB - **LinkedIn® Page:** http://www.linkedin.com/company/erp-focus (1 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 9. [TCS iON BizHub](https://www.g2.com/products/tcs-ion-bizhub/reviews) TCS iON Digital Manufacturing solution helps organizations digitize, automate and integrate enterprise-wide functions and processes. It is a single window IT solution with a pre-integrated suite of software and support services. The solution helps companies identify patterns in price and usage variances to help plan procurement and production capacities dynamically. It streamlines and optimizes procurement operations by automating purchase requisition, payment processing and enabling bulk procurement. **Who Is the Company Behind TCS iON BizHub?** - **Seller:** [TCS iON](https://www.g2.com/sellers/tcs-ion) - **Year Founded:** 2011 - **HQ Location:** N/A - **Twitter:** @TCS_iON (7,685 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/tcs-ion (3,249 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 10. [Valdata CMS](https://www.g2.com/products/valdata-cms/reviews) Valdata CMS is a Chemical Management System with products designed to control inventory, manufacturing, formulation and quality. **Who Is the Company Behind Valdata CMS?** - **Seller:** [Valdata](https://www.g2.com/sellers/valdata) - **Year Founded:** 1996 - **HQ Location:** Fairfield, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/416416 (3 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 11. [Vicinity](https://www.g2.com/products/vicinity/reviews) Vicinity offers formula-based manufacturing companies software solutions that streamline, simplify, and expedite processes within their operations and facilities. **Who Is the Company Behind Vicinity?** - **Seller:** [Vicinity Manufacturing](https://www.g2.com/sellers/vicinity-manufacturing) - **Year Founded:** 2001 - **HQ Location:** Marietta, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/vicinity-manufacturing-inc. (10 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 12. [WinMan ERP](https://www.g2.com/products/winman-erp/reviews) WinMan ERP will manage the end-to-end operational, quality, commercial and financial processes of your business whether you are Manufacturers or Distributors and is the perfect choice for companies implementing a Lean strategy. With a UK-based support and development team we ensure consistency throughout your journey with us. WinMan is a leading and scalable solution, making it flexible and suitable for a broad range of industries. With On-Premises, Cloud, and mobile solutions to choose from, we have something for businesses of every size. 30 years of experience drive our focus for continuous improvement and progressive development, striving to help businesses and organisations streamline existing processes, improve business productivity and maximise ROI with WinMan ERP solutions. WinMan has hundreds of active users worldwide and offices in the UK and the US. Our ethos is to listen and understand your business needs so, we can work together with you to implement the best configuration. **Average Rating:** 3.8/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 3 **How Do G2 Users Rate WinMan ERP?** - **Quality of Support:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 7.7/10) **Who Is the Company Behind WinMan ERP?** - **Seller:** [WinMan](https://www.g2.com/sellers/winman) - **Year Founded:** 1993 - **HQ Location:** Birmingham, GB - **Twitter:** @WinMan_ERP (887 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/696601 (46 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Top Industries:** Accounting - **Company Size:** 67% Mid-Market, 33% Small-Business #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of WinMan ERP? **"[ERP of very high quality and with many features, I recommend it with my eyes closed!!!](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/winman-erp-review-6996619)"** **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars *— Matheus M.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/winman-erp-review-6996619) --- #### What Are G2 Users Discussing About WinMan ERP? - [What are the 5 ERP system components?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/winman-erp-what-are-the-5-erp-system-components-ebb40b80-b1e2-42f6-8c1d-1c410d5ce5c1) - [What are the 5 ERP system components?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/winman-erp-what-are-the-5-erp-system-components) - [What is WinMan Sys?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-winman-sys) - [Is WinMan an ERP system?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-winman-an-erp-system) - [What are the main features of ERP?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/winman-erp-what-are-the-main-features-of-erp) ### 13. [Yaveon Inc.](https://www.g2.com/products/yaveon-inc/reviews) Yaveon 365 is an industry-specific ERP solution built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central for regulated process manufacturing companies. It supports small and mid-sized manufacturers in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food and beverage, biotechnology, cosmetics, and medical devices with integrated ERP functionality for lot and batch management, traceability, quality management, compliance, validation support, production, warehouse management, EDI, and scanning. **Who Is the Company Behind Yaveon Inc.?** - **Seller:** [Yaveon](https://www.g2.com/sellers/yaveon) - **Year Founded:** 2008 - **HQ Location:** Wuerzburg, DE - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/yaveon (235 employees on LinkedIn®) ## What Is Process ERP Software? [ERP Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/erp) ## What Software Categories Are Similar to Process ERP Software? - [ERP Systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/erp-systems) - [Discrete ERP Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/discrete-erp) - [Mixed Mode ERP Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mixed-mode-erp) --- ## How Do You Choose the Right Process ERP Software? ### What You Should Know About Process ERP Software ### What is Process ERP Software? Process enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is a manufacturing ERP solution that automates and streamlines process manufacturing operations, optimizes resource allocation, improves productivity, ensures quality control, and achieves operational excellence. It provides a centralized platform for managing and integrating various processes and functions within the manufacturing organization, which leads to improved efficiency, cost reduction, and better decision-making. This type of manufacturing ERP system caters to the specific needs of process manufacturers, which combine ingredients to make finished products in batches that cannot be easily separated once they are produced (as opposed to discrete units). The business processes of a process manufacturer are unique since the production process typically involves mixing and blending ingredients through chemical reactions, heating, or cooling. #### What Types of Process ERP Software Exist? Depending on how the software is delivered and deployed, there are several types of process ERP solutions: **Delivery options** Standalone process ERP solutions focus exclusively on this type of manufacturing and cannot be used for other types of production, such as discrete and engineer-to-order (ETO). A more extensive solution **,** such as mixed-mode ERP software, combines two or more manufacturing types (process, discrete, and ETO). **Deployment options** While cloud-based or software as a service (SaaS) is now the norm, some solutions are still delivered on-premises. A hybrid model combines the two options and lets buyers choose between them. ### What are the Common Features of Process ERP Software? The following are the key features within process ERP tools that can help users with the automation of manufacturing operations: **Production planning and scheduling management** : The software helps process manufacturers plan and schedule production activities based on demand forecasting, resource availability, and capacity constraints. It creates and optimizes production schedules to minimize lead times, maximize resource utilization, reduce waste, and meet customer demands efficiently. As opposed to discrete production, which uses bills of materials (BOM), process manufacturing requires recipes and formulas to define how to combine ingredients to make the finished products.  **Supply chain management:** Process ERP software streamlines supply chain operations by integrating suppliers, distributors, and other partners into manufacturing. It facilitates efficient procurement, order management, and logistics management. As a result, manufacturers can track the movement of raw materials, manage supplier relationships, optimize transportation, and ensure timely delivery of products. **Financial management** : This software provides modules to manage financial processes, such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and financial reporting. It integrates financial data with other operational functions, such as production, allowing businesses to monitor profitability, costs and expenses, manage budgets, and generate accurate financial statements. **Sales and customer relationship management (CRM):** ERP systems rarely provide the most advanced sales and CRM features in the market, and process ERP is no exception. It is, therefore, essential to integrate these solutions to find and keep customers, define and manage product pricing, and market to different market segments and personas. **Reporting and analytics** : The software generates reports and analyses on various aspects of manufacturing operations, providing valuable insights into performance, efficiency, and profitability. It allows businesses to monitor metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs), identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to optimize operations and improve overall performance. ### What are the Benefits of Process ERP Software? Process ERP provides business processes and functionality that bring manufacturers the following benefits: **Focus on process manufacturing:** Process ERP was explicitly designed for manufacturing businesses from industries that process ingredients and raw materials. This makes it the ideal solution for production in niche segments of the manufacturing industry, such as food and beverage, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. **Integrated system:** Like other ERP solutions, process ERP is an integrated solution for manufacturing companies, which provides a single data repository for all operations. This single source of truth improves productivity and business performance by ensuring everyone in the company can access the most up-to-date information. **Cost reduction** : By optimizing processes and improving resource utilization, process ERP software helps reduce costs. It minimizes waste, streamlines inventory management, optimizes production schedules, and improves supply chain management. These cost-saving measures can have a significant impact on the overall profitability of the manufacturing operations. **Improved efficiency** : ERP software integrates and streamlines various processes within the manufacturing workflow, improving efficiency. It enables better coordination and communication between different departments, such as production, inventory, purchasing, and sales, leading to reduced lead times, optimized resource allocation, and increased productivity. **Enhanced visibility and control** : Process ERP software provides real-time visibility into the entire manufacturing process, from raw material procurement to finished product delivery. This visibility allows management to monitor operations, track progress, identify bottlenecks, and make informed decisions. It also facilitates better real-time inventory management, demand planning, and forecasting. ### Who Uses Process ERP Software? All employees of a process manufacturing company can benefit from using this type of software, the most important being: **Production managers:** The team responsible for automating process manufacturing processes benefits most from using this software. Production managers use process manufacturing to define, implement, and monitor production plans and optimize resource allocation, such as raw materials, employees, and equipment. **Quality control professionals:** Quality is critical for process manufacturing since production errors may compromise a batch of finished products. To avoid this, quality control professionals use process ERP for traceability and to ensure that the finished product is within the standards and safety requirements required by customers or imposed by governments.  **Logistics:** Since ingredients used in process manufacturing can have a limited shelf life or be hazardous, buying, moving, and storing them is critical. The finished products can be perishable and may require special transportation, such as refrigerated trucks, which makes shipping more complicated than in other industries. ### What are the Alternatives to Process ERP Software? Alternatives to process ERP can replace this type of software, either wholly or partially: [ERP systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/erp-systems): ERP systems may include features for process manufacturing, but these are only sometimes advanced enough to help process manufacturers manage their entire business.  [Mixed mode ERP software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mixed-mode-erp): As the name suggests, this type of software combines two or more manufacturing types. Process manufacturing is usually mixed with discrete for companies that need both.  #### Software Related to Process ERP Software Related solutions that can be used together with process ERP software include: [Quality management systems (QMS)](https://www.g2.com/categories/quality-management-qms) **:** While all process ERP solutions provide functionality for quality management, integration with separate QMS solutions may be required, especially for highly regulated industries such as chemicals or pharmaceuticals. [Product lifecycle management (PLM) software](https://www.g2.com/categories/plm) **:** Product development is critical for process manufacturing, and process ERP solutions usually cover only part of the product lifecycle. Through integration with PLM software, companies can develop products, manufacture and improve them, and monitor their quality and profitability. [Manufacturing execution system (MES)](https://www.g2.com/categories/manufacturing-execution-system) **:** While process ERP solutions include features for shop floor planning, integration with MES may be required for advanced functions such as workstations and equipment monitoring for production. [Supply chain management software](https://www.g2.com/categories/supply-chain-management) **:** Most process ERP systems provide basic supply chain features, but integration is often needed with other logistics software such as warehouse management and demand planning. [Asset management software](https://www.g2.com/categories/asset-management): The assets used in process ERP can significantly impact the quality of the products manufactured and the safety of the personnel, which is why this type of software integrates with asset management solutions to ensure proper and optimal use of industrial equipment. [Business intelligence software](https://www.g2.com/categories/business-intelligence) **:** Process ERP usually includes advanced reporting and dashboards, but integration with business intelligence solutions may be required to gather insights on optimizing production and resource utilization. [HR software](https://www.g2.com/categories/hr) **:** Some process ERP solutions offer workforce management and HR modules, but it is most common to integrate with HR software for better human resource allocation and optimization. [E-commerce software](https://www.g2.com/categories/e-commerce) **:** While process manufacturers usually sell their products through distributors, more and more companies are using e-commerce software for direct-to-consumer sales. ### Challenges with Process ERP Software Process ERP solutions can come with their own set of challenges.  **Vertical focus:** Due to the vertical emphasis, this type of software isn't a good option for the business needs of manufacturers in other industries, such as industrial equipment, fashion, apparel, or electronics. **Cost:** While most process ERP solutions are now cloud-based, they may still be expensive, especially for small and mid-size companies. This is due to these systems' complexity, making them difficult to implement and maintain. ### Which Companies Should Buy Process ERP Software? The following companies can benefit from process ERP software: **Manufacturers:** Process manufacturing companies are the primary beneficiaries of this type of software since other ERP solutions don't have the functionality needed for their specific needs. **Production outsourcing providers:** When manufacturers outsource production operations, their partners must use process ERP to manage production cycles, inventory, and logistics. These companies still need access to ERP software to monitor outsourced operations and track manufacturing costs. ### How to Buy Process ERP Software #### Requirements Gathering (RFI/RFP) for Process ERP Software Requests for information (RFIs) and requests for proposals (RFPs) for process ERP can include thousands of criteria, and buyers need to make sure that they prioritize what matters most of them. It is, therefore, critical to include criteria for process manufacturing and the buyer's industry. For example, toxic chemicals require special storage conditions, and food ingredients have expiration dates that companies must consider when planning production. #### Compare Process ERP Software Products **Create a long list** A long list can be created by including ERP solutions that include process manufacturing functionality or those that focus exclusively on this type of production. Discrete ERP software should not be considered since critical features for process manufacturing, like batch production, are not supported. **Create a short list** To further differentiate between products in the long list, buyers can look for software specifically designed for their industry. For instance, a pharmaceutical company may not benefit from using process ERP solutions focusing on food and beverage, even though the functionality may be similar.  **Conduct demos** To better understand how process ERP systems may help them, buyers need to see detailed demos of the solutions from the short list. In addition, vendors must show business processes for various departments like production, logistics, or accounting. An example would be the ability to run manufacturing resource planning (MRP) calculations to determine what resources and equipment are needed to manufacture a specific product in different quantities and variations. #### Selection of Process ERP Software **Choose a selection team** Selecting an ERP platform for process manufacturing is a complex project, so it is critical to involve subject matter experts from each department, from production and logistics to sales and accounting.  **Negotiation** To successfully negotiate during the process ERP software selection, buyers need to have as much information as possible about the products, the vendors selling them, and their partners.  While the cost of the software is essential, the features are critical, as well as customer references and feedback on the pros and cons of the software. **Final decision** The final decision should take into consideration all the factors mentioned above: functionality, price, customer feedback, as well as the services provided by the vendor, such as implementation, support, and customization. ### Process ERP Software Trends **Production outsourcing** Many manufacturing companies outsource production overseas, meaning they may not need process ERP tools. However, their partners will. These companies may choose between using the same system as their partners to control operations or focusing only on the front and back offices, like sales and accounting. **Internet of Things (IoT)** IoT connects equipment across multiple geographical locations, improving collaboration between numerous company production plants. It can also improve visibility into the production processes across locations and departments, thus eliminating or reducing downtimes and bottlenecks. **Artificial intelligence (AI)** While in its early stages, AI for process manufacturing has the potential to increase productivity, reduce waste, and optimize production significantly. Processing large amounts of data in real time can help production managers identify issues before they occur and find opportunities to reduce production costs or improve the quality of their products.