Introduction
MRPeasy is a cloud-based Material Requirements Planning (MRP) software designed specifically for small to medium-sized manufacturers. As a lightweight but powerful tool, it enables businesses to streamline their production processes, manage inventory efficiently, and schedule jobs with precision. In today’s fast-paced manufacturing environment, having the right tools to automate and simplify operations is crucial for maintaining competitiveness. This is where MRPeasy shines, offering a cost-effective solution to manufacturers looking for a robust and user-friendly MRP system.
Small manufacturers often struggle to find software that’s both affordable and equipped with the right features. MRPeasy fills this gap by providing essential production management functionalities like real-time inventory tracking, production planning, and seamless order management. For businesses that need more than just a basic inventory management system, but without the complexity of enterprise-level solutions, MRPeasy is a great choice.
If you’re looking to compare other MRP software solutions, be sure to check out our Best Production Management Software comparison for a broader view of the best options available in the market.
Software specification
MRPeasy’s Core Features
MRPeasy distinguishes itself by offering a wide range of features tailored to meet the needs of small and medium-sized manufacturers. These features help streamline production, manage inventory efficiently, and ensure smooth operation from procurement to sales. Let’s explore the core functionalities that make MRPeasy an ideal solution for manufacturers.
1. Inventory Management
Inventory management is one of the most crucial elements of a successful manufacturing business, and MRPeasy excels in this area. The software provides real-time visibility into stock levels, allowing businesses to track inventory from raw materials to finished goods.
- Automated Stock Adjustments: MRPeasy automatically adjusts inventory levels based on orders and production activities. For example, when raw materials are consumed in production, stock levels are updated accordingly, reducing the need for manual tracking.
- Barcode Scanning: This feature enables quick and accurate scanning of products during inventory intake or dispatch, minimizing human error and increasing efficiency.
- Stock Lot and Serial Number Tracking: Businesses can track inventory at a granular level, including stock lots and serial numbers, making it easier to trace products back to specific batches or production runs. This is particularly useful for industries with strict quality control or regulatory requirements.
- Reorder Alerts and Forecasting: MRPeasy can automate the reordering process by setting minimum stock levels and providing reorder alerts when inventory runs low. Additionally, the software offers demand forecasting based on historical data, helping businesses maintain optimal stock levels and avoid overproduction or stockouts.
These inventory management features help businesses reduce excess stock, improve cash flow, and ensure that production is never interrupted due to material shortages.
2. Production Planning and Scheduling
Effective production planning is essential for manufacturers to optimize their resources and meet customer deadlines. MRPeasy offers a powerful production planning module that enables businesses to schedule jobs, allocate resources, and monitor the status of work in progress in real-time.
- Gantt Charts and Visual Calendar: The production planning tool includes Gantt charts and a visual production calendar that give users a clear overview of ongoing and upcoming jobs. This visual representation allows manufacturers to see potential bottlenecks and adjust schedules in advance to avoid delays.
- Job Assignment and Resource Allocation: Managers can assign tasks to specific machines or workers based on their availability and skill set. This ensures that jobs are completed efficiently without overloading certain resources or leaving others idle.
- Real-Time Shop Floor Reporting: MRPeasy includes shop floor reporting, where workers can log their progress on assigned tasks. This real-time data helps managers track the status of production and identify any issues that may arise during the process.
- Bill of Materials (BOM) Management: For each production job, MRPeasy allows businesses to create and manage detailed Bills of Materials (BOMs). This ensures that all necessary materials are accounted for before production begins, reducing waste and improving accuracy in the production process.
By providing these planning and scheduling tools, MRPeasy helps manufacturers optimize their production workflows, reduce lead times, and increase on-time delivery rates.
3. Order Management
Managing customer orders effectively is key to building trust and ensuring repeat business. MRPeasy’s order management functionality simplifies the process from order creation to fulfillment, helping businesses improve customer satisfaction.
- Quotation and Order Creation: MRPeasy allows businesses to generate quotes based on the estimated cost of materials, labor, and overhead. Once a customer approves the quote, it can be easily converted into a sales order, saving time and reducing the chances of errors.
- Order Tracking and Fulfillment: The software provides full visibility into the status of customer orders, from production to shipping. Managers can track the progress of each order and ensure that it is completed on time, improving communication between departments and reducing miscommunication.
- Invoicing and Payments: MRPeasy integrates order management with invoicing, allowing businesses to automatically generate invoices upon order fulfillment. This integration reduces the administrative burden and ensures that businesses can promptly collect payments.
With its end-to-end order management capabilities, MRPeasy helps businesses streamline sales and production coordination, ensuring orders are processed efficiently and delivered accurately.
4. CRM Integration and Customer Management
While MRPeasy is primarily a manufacturing and inventory management tool, it also offers valuable integration with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. This helps businesses manage customer relationships and sales processes alongside their production operations.
- Integration with Popular CRMs: MRPeasy integrates seamlessly with popular CRM platforms like QuickBooks, Xero, and others. This integration ensures that financial data flows smoothly between systems, eliminating the need for double data entry and minimizing the risk of errors.
- Customer Database Management: MRPeasy provides a simple CRM feature that allows businesses to maintain customer profiles, track interactions, and manage sales activities. This ensures that all relevant customer information is easily accessible when managing orders and production.
This integrated approach helps manufacturers maintain strong relationships with their clients by offering personalized service and timely deliveries.
5. Purchasing and Supply Chain Management
Procurement and supply chain management are critical for ensuring that production runs smoothly and that the right materials are available when needed. MRPeasy simplifies these processes with its purchasing and supplier management features.
- Purchase Order Management: Businesses can create and track purchase orders directly within the system. MRPeasy allows users to manage supplier relationships, monitor lead times, and ensure that materials are ordered in time to meet production needs.
- Supplier Database: The software provides a database for managing supplier information, including contact details, lead times, and historical performance. This allows businesses to quickly evaluate supplier reliability and manage multiple suppliers effectively.
- Automated Procurement: MRPeasy can automatically generate purchase orders based on production schedules and inventory levels. By automating this process, businesses can ensure they never run out of materials and avoid costly production delays.
- Supply Chain Visibility: MRPeasy offers real-time visibility into the supply chain, allowing businesses to track the status of orders from suppliers and manage delivery schedules accordingly.
Pros and Cons
Advantages and Disadvantages
While MRPeasy offers an impressive range of features tailored to small and medium-sized manufacturers, no software is without its strengths and limitations. Below is a detailed look at the pros and cons of MRPeasy.
Pros
- User-Friendly Interface: MRPeasy’s intuitive layout and clean design make it easy for users to navigate the system, even with minimal training. Its drag-and-drop rescheduling tool and simple visual tools such as Gantt charts make production planning a breeze.
- Affordable Pricing: Compared to other MRP and ERP systems, MRPeasy is competitively priced, especially when considering its extensive features. The four-tier pricing structure offers flexibility for businesses of varying sizes and needs.
- Comprehensive Inventory Management: With features like Lot Traceability, automatic reordering, and real-time inventory updates, MRPeasy ensures that businesses can manage their stock efficiently and avoid costly production delays.
- Integrations with Key Business Tools: MRPeasy integrates with popular accounting platforms like QuickBooks and Xero, as well as e-commerce solutions such as Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce. This makes it easier for manufacturers to sync data between sales, inventory, and production.
- Scalable for Growth: As businesses expand, MRPeasy’s tiered pricing and modular features make it easy for companies to upgrade and access more advanced functionalities, such as multiple production sites and advanced BOMs.
Cons
- Limited for Large Enterprises: While MRPeasy offers extensive features for small to medium-sized manufacturers, it may not be suitable for very large enterprises with complex, global operations. The software is designed for companies that don’t require the extensive customization and depth that larger ERP systems provide.
- Basic Customization Options: While MRPeasy offers some customization, businesses looking for extensive custom workflows or unique process management may find the options limited.
- Advanced Setup Needed: Some of MRPeasy’s more advanced features, such as custom BOMs or backward production scheduling, require a deeper setup process, which might demand technical expertise or additional time.
- No Mobile App: As of now, MRPeasy lacks a dedicated mobile app, which might be a drawback for manufacturers who prefer to manage operations via mobile devices on the go.
Overall, MRPeasy provides an impressive suite of tools that will appeal to small and growing manufacturers. Its affordability, scalability, and ease of use make it an excellent choice for businesses looking to optimize their production without the complexity and cost of larger ERP systems.
User Experience
User Interface and Usability
A user-friendly interface is one of the key considerations for small and medium-sized manufacturers when selecting an MRP system. MRPeasy delivers a straightforward and intuitive user experience that simplifies complex production management tasks.
The interface is designed with simplicity in mind, featuring easy-to-navigate dashboards that present key metrics at a glance. Users can quickly access essential modules such as inventory management, production planning, and order tracking. The layout is clean and well-organized, reducing the learning curve for new users.
One of the standout features is the Drag and Drop Rescheduling tool, which allows users to easily adjust production timelines without disrupting ongoing operations. This flexibility is particularly useful for businesses that frequently deal with shifting customer orders or production delays.
While the interface is intuitive, some users may find that mastering the more advanced features—such as custom BOMs (Bill of Materials) or backward production scheduling—requires a bit more time. However, MRPeasy’s detailed help center, complete with tutorials and guides, helps ease the transition for new users.
Overall, MRPeasy offers an excellent balance of usability and functionality, making it accessible for businesses without extensive technical resources or training departments.
Top Benefits
How MRPeasy Improves Manufacturing Efficiency
MRPeasy significantly enhances manufacturing efficiency by automating core production and inventory management processes. Let’s look at some of the key ways it helps manufacturers boost productivity and streamline their operations.
1. Optimized Inventory Control
With real-time inventory tracking, MRPeasy ensures that businesses always know their stock levels. This reduces the risk of stockouts or overstocking, both of which can be costly for manufacturers. The system’s Lot Traceability feature also allows businesses to track materials by lot or serial number, which is critical for industries that require stringent quality control.
The system can also forecast future stock needs based on historical demand, allowing manufacturers to order the right quantities at the right time. Automated reordering ensures that production lines aren’t disrupted due to missing materials, ultimately leading to fewer delays and better delivery timelines.
2. Accurate Production Planning
MRPeasy offers a robust production scheduling tool that allows businesses to plan jobs and allocate resources efficiently. Using Gantt charts, managers can visualize production timelines and adjust schedules dynamically to prevent bottlenecks. The system also supports backward scheduling, which helps businesses plan production based on delivery deadlines and work backward to determine the optimal start date.
These tools lead to more accurate production timelines and greater flexibility in responding to changes in demand, helping businesses reduce downtime and improve lead times.
3. Enhanced Order Management
MRPeasy’s seamless integration of order management with production and inventory ensures that customer orders are processed accurately and fulfilled on time. The software tracks each order from quotation through to invoicing, ensuring that all departments have visibility into the status of the job.
This level of coordination helps businesses improve their order accuracy, avoid miscommunications between sales and production, and enhance overall customer satisfaction.
4. Real-Time Reporting
Real-time data is crucial for improving operational efficiency, and MRPeasy provides businesses with detailed reports on production progress, inventory levels, and order status. The Internet-Kiosk feature allows shop floor workers to report on their tasks in real time, giving managers instant insights into the status of ongoing jobs and the ability to address any potential delays immediately.
With these efficiency-boosting features, MRPeasy helps manufacturers stay agile, reduce waste, and meet customer expectations more consistently.
Who Should Use MRPeasy?
MRPeasy is a versatile solution designed for a range of small and medium-sized manufacturers across various industries. Its feature set, ease of use, and affordable pricing make it an ideal choice for businesses looking to improve their production processes without the complexity of enterprise-level ERP systems.
Ideal Industries
MRPeasy works well for manufacturers in industries such as:
- Electronics: Manufacturers can benefit from MRPeasy’s detailed BOM management and lot traceability to ensure accurate production and component tracking.
- Furniture and Woodworking: The software’s ability to manage multiple production sites, track inventory in real-time, and adjust production schedules makes it ideal for furniture manufacturers dealing with large volumes of materials and orders.
- Machinery: MRPeasy supports businesses that produce custom machinery by allowing for flexible production scheduling, custom BOMs, and advanced supply chain management.
- Food Production: With features like expiry date tracking and lot traceability, MRPeasy is an excellent choice for food manufacturers looking to manage their production with strict quality control standards.
Best Suited For:
- Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturers: Companies with 10 to 200 employees will find MRPeasy most useful, especially those looking to improve their production planning, inventory management, and order tracking without needing a complex or costly ERP system.
- Growing Manufacturers: For businesses that are scaling operations, MRPeasy’s flexibility and ability to upgrade plans make it a great option for supporting future growth. Features such as backward production scheduling, MPS (Master Production Schedule), and multi-site production ensure that the system can handle more complex manufacturing needs as the business expands.
Not Ideal For:
- Large Enterprises: Larger manufacturers with multiple global locations, complex supply chains, and the need for extensive customization may find MRPeasy limiting. These businesses may require more comprehensive ERP solutions designed for large-scale operations.
Pricing and Packages
Pricing and Plans for MRPeasy
One of MRPeasy’s greatest strengths is its affordability, especially when compared to other MRP systems designed for small and medium-sized manufacturers. With four pricing tiers, businesses can select the plan that best suits their operational needs and budget. The prices listed below are for the annual billing option, which offers a slight discount (effectively paying for 11 months instead of 12).
1. Starter Plan ($44.92 per user/month)
This plan is ideal for small manufacturers just getting started with MRP software. It includes all the main functions needed to run a manufacturing operation, including:
- Production Planning and Reporting
- BOM Management
- Lot Traceability
- Supply Chain Management
- Warehouse Management System (WMS)
- Workforce Planning
It also integrates with key platforms such as QuickBooks, Xero, Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, Pipedrive, ShipStation, and Zapier. This plan is best suited for businesses that need basic MRP functionalities without the more advanced features found in higher-tier plans.
2. Professional Plan ($63.25 per user/month)
The Professional Plan is designed for growing businesses that need more advanced MRP features. In addition to everything included in the Starter Plan, it offers:
- B2B Customer Portal
- Custom Fields
- Disassembly BOM
- Product Configurator (Matrix BOM)
- Piece Payment and Quality Control
This plan is ideal for businesses looking to expand their operations and require more customization and control over production processes.
3. Enterprise Plan ($90.75 per user/month)
The Enterprise Plan is the most popular option and is tailored to larger manufacturers with more complex needs. It includes all the features of the Professional Plan, plus:
- Approval System
- Barcode Printing and Scanning
- Backward Production Scheduling
- Maintenance Management System (MMS)
- Master Production Schedule (MPS)
- Multiple Production Sites
With these advanced features, the Enterprise Plan is best suited for manufacturers with larger production volumes and more intricate production requirements.
4. Unlimited Plan ($136.58 per user/month)
The Unlimited Plan is designed for businesses that require the full spectrum of MRP features and scalability. This plan offers unlimited access to all main, professional, and enterprise functions, as well as advanced features such as:
- API and Webhooks
- Unlimited Customization Options
This plan is ideal for businesses that need complete flexibility and the ability to integrate deeply with other business systems.
Each plan includes a discount when billed annually, making MRPeasy a highly cost-effective solution for small to medium-sized manufacturers. Additionally, as businesses grow, they can easily upgrade their plans to unlock more advanced features.
Integrations
Connecting with Other Tools
One of the strengths of MRPeasy is its ability to integrate with a wide range of other business tools, making it easier for manufacturers to maintain a seamless flow of information across departments.
1. Accounting Software Integration
MRPeasy integrates with popular accounting software such as QuickBooks Online and Xero, allowing businesses to sync their financial data effortlessly. This integration eliminates the need for manual data entry between platforms and ensures that production costs are accurately reflected in the company’s financial records.
2. E-Commerce and CRM Integration
For manufacturers who also run e-commerce operations, MRPeasy integrates with platforms such as Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce, allowing businesses to sync sales orders directly with production schedules. This ensures that online orders are processed smoothly and helps businesses manage inventory across multiple sales channels.
MRPeasy also integrates with Pipedrive and ShipStation, which further streamlines the process of managing customer relationships and shipping logistics.
3. API and Customization
For businesses that require more flexibility, MRPeasy offers an API and support for webhooks (available for paid accounts), allowing for deeper customization and integration with other business systems. This feature makes it easier for businesses to tailor MRPeasy to their unique operational needs and extend its functionality beyond standard integrations.
These integrations make MRPeasy a versatile solution for manufacturers that need to coordinate across multiple systems, ensuring that data flows smoothly and processes are streamlined from sales to production.
Customer Service
Customer Support and Resources
Customer support is a critical factor when choosing MRP software, and MRPeasy delivers solid options for businesses that may need help with setup or ongoing usage.
Support Channels
MRPeasy offers several support channels, including live chat, email, and an extensive knowledge base filled with guides, tutorials, and FAQs. The live chat feature is particularly useful for quick queries, offering real-time assistance from the support team during business hours.
For more complex issues, users can submit email support requests, which the team typically responds to within one business day. There’s also a ticketing system in place to track more detailed or technical inquiries. While there is no direct phone support available, the response time via live chat and email is generally prompt.
Online Resources
One of the key strengths of MRPeasy’s support system is its well-structured help center. This section of the website contains a wide array of articles, covering everything from setup tutorials to troubleshooting specific features. For new users, there are onboarding guides that walk through the essential steps for getting started, making the transition to MRPeasy much smoother.
Additionally, MRPeasy offers webinars and video tutorials to help businesses fully utilize the software’s capabilities. These resources are particularly helpful for companies implementing the software for the first time or for users learning more advanced functionalities like custom BOMs or production scheduling.
Customer Feedback
Feedback on MRPeasy’s customer support is generally positive. Most users praise the quick response times and helpfulness of the support team, particularly when dealing with urgent queries. The availability of detailed self-help resources also adds to the overall experience, reducing the need for extensive direct support in many cases.
In summary, while the lack of phone support may be a downside for some, MRPeasy makes up for it with prompt online support and an extensive library of self-help materials.
Summary
Final thoughts and conclusion
MRPeasy is a highly effective MRP system for small and medium-sized manufacturers who need a robust yet user-friendly solution. Its strong points lie in its affordability, scalability, and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for businesses that want to streamline their production processes without diving into the complexities and costs of larger ERP systems.
From inventory control and production planning to order management and supply chain optimization, MRPeasy provides the essential tools needed to improve manufacturing efficiency. The software’s seamless integrations with accounting and e-commerce platforms, coupled with its real-time reporting and flexible scheduling tools, make it a versatile and valuable solution.
While MRPeasy may not be the best fit for large enterprises with highly complex needs, it is a perfect choice for small to mid-sized manufacturers looking for an affordable, reliable, and feature-rich MRP solution. Overall, MRPeasy offers excellent value for money and is definitely worth considering for businesses in search of a streamlined manufacturing management tool. If you’re exploring other production management tools, be sure to check out our Best Production Management Software comparison for more options.
Have more questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does MRP software cost?
The cost of MRP software varies based on the features, user licenses, and scalability required by the business. For MRPeasy, pricing starts at $44.92 per user/month with the Starter plan, which includes essential features such as production planning, BOM management, and inventory control. Advanced plans like the Professional and Enterprise tiers cost $63.25 and $90.75 per user/month, respectively, offering more sophisticated tools such as B2B portals, barcode scanning, and multi-site production. The Unlimited plan is available for $136.58 per user/month, including API access and advanced integrations. Many MRP solutions, including MRPeasy, offer discounts for annual billing.
When was MRPeasy founded?
MRPeasy was founded in 2014 with the goal of providing small and medium-sized manufacturers an easy-to-use, cloud-based Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system. Since then, the company has grown and expanded its offerings to serve manufacturers in a wide range of industries worldwide.
Is MRPeasy suitable for small manufacturers?
Yes, MRPeasy is specifically designed for small and medium-sized manufacturers. It offers a range of features tailored to the needs of smaller businesses, including inventory management, production scheduling, order tracking, and seamless integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero. Its affordable pricing structure and scalability make it an excellent choice for growing manufacturers.
Is there a free trial for MRPeasy?
Yes, MRPeasy offers a free trial that allows businesses to explore the software and test its features before making a commitment. The trial provides full access to the system, helping potential users determine whether it’s the right fit for their manufacturing needs. The length of the free trial is typically 15 days, though this may vary based on promotions or specific offerings.
Can MRPeasy handle multi-site manufacturing?
Yes, the Enterprise and Unlimited plans of MRPeasy support multi-site production. This feature allows businesses to manage production across multiple manufacturing locations, track inventory in different warehouses, and consolidate data from various sites into a centralized dashboard. This is particularly useful for businesses with geographically distributed operations or multiple production lines.
Is MRPeasy available offline?
No, MRPeasy is a cloud-based software, meaning it requires an internet connection to access. There is currently no offline version available. This cloud-based approach allows for real-time data synchronization and access from any device, but it may pose a challenge for businesses operating in areas with unreliable internet connectivity.
Does MRPeasy offer integrations with other software?
Yes, MRPeasy offers integrations with several popular platforms. For accounting, it integrates with QuickBooks Online and Xero, helping businesses manage their finances seamlessly. It also integrates with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce, making it ideal for manufacturers with online sales channels. Additionally, it supports Zapier for custom workflows and ShipStation for shipping logistics.
What does MRP stand for?
MRP stands for Material Requirements Planning. It’s a system used by manufacturers to manage production planning, inventory control, and material purchasing. MRP ensures that the right materials are available at the right time to meet production schedules and customer demands, helping businesses avoid stockouts and reduce excess inventory.
What is better than MRP?
ERP systems are considered more comprehensive than MRP because they cover a wider range of business processes, including financial management, HR, and supply chain management. However, this doesn’t necessarily make ERP “better”—it depends on the specific needs of the business. For manufacturers focused primarily on production and inventory, MRP is more specialized, simpler, and often less expensive. For companies that require more robust enterprise-wide integration, ERP might be a better fit.
Is MRP better than ERP?
MRP (Material Requirements Planning) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) are both powerful systems, but they serve different purposes. MRP is typically focused on manufacturing, production planning, and inventory control, making it ideal for manufacturers who need to streamline these specific operations. ERP, on the other hand, is broader and includes modules for accounting, human resources, supply chain management, and customer relationship management (CRM), providing a more comprehensive solution for larger businesses that need to manage multiple departments beyond manufacturing.
If your primary concern is optimizing production and inventory management, MRP software like MRPeasy is often more straightforward and cost-effective. However, larger businesses with more complex needs may benefit from an ERP system.