20 Best Manufacturing Accounting Software Reviewed In 2024
10 Best Manufacturing Accounting Software Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best manufacturing accounting software.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Manufacturing accounting software is a valuable asset for any company. With the right software, teams can enhance financial accuracy and improve operational efficiency. However, finding the right manufacturing accounting software can be challenging, especially with so many available options.
Using my experience with finance and accounting software, I tested and compared several of the top manufacturing accounting software programs available. Then, I compiled my results into detailed reviews to help you find the best software for your needs.
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Best Manufacturing Accounting Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top manufacturing accounting software selections, helping you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Sage X3 | Pricing upon request | Website |
| DELMIAWorks Manufacturing ERP | From $35/user/month | Website |
| Cetec ERP | From $40/user/month | Website |
| aACE Software | From $99/user/month (min of 5 users + $199 monthly hosting fee) | Website |
| Aquilon ERP | From $125/user/month (min of 3 users) | Website |
| Alere ERP | Pricing upon request | Website |
| M1 ERP | Pricing upon request | Website |
| SYSPRO | From $199/user/month | Website |
| Acumatica Cloud ERP | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Katana | From $179/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow To Choose Manufacturing Accounting Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. Here's a checklist of factors to remember to help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process.
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Scalability | Will the software grow with your business? |
| Integrations | Does it integrate with your existing systems? |
| Customizability | Can the software be tailored to your needs? |
| Ease of Use | Is it user-friendly for your team? |
| Budget | Does it fit within your financial plan? |
| Security Safeguards | How secure is your data with this tool? |
| Support | Is there reliable customer support available? |
| Compliance | Does it meet industry-specific regulations? |
Best Manufacturing Accounting Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best manufacturing accounting software on my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at each tool’s key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases to help you find the best one.
Sage X3 manages operations across different countries and regions, making it an ideal tool for businesses with international operations. It offers financial management, inventory control, production tracking, and visibility into global supply chains and helps handle complex tax and regulatory compliance.
Why I picked Sage X3: Sage X3 handles multiple currencies, languages, and regulations, making it a suitable tool for managing operations across locations and countries. Its financial management tools allow you to track expenses, manage cash flow, and monitor financial performance in real-time. With customizable reporting and analytics, your team can gain insights into the business’s financial health and maintain compliance with international regulations.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include multi-language and multi-currency support, which help your team operate in different regions. The software provides financial management tools to control complex financial operations. Additionally, solid reporting features offer insights to keep your business informed.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365, HubSpot, Magento, Shopify, QuickBooks, Xero, and Avalara.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time expense tracking
- Advanced financial management tools
- Detailed cost control features
Cons:
- Limited job costing tools
- Complex multi-step cost allocation
DELMIAWorks is an accounting software that offers production planning, financial management, and real-time inventory control. It manages complex assembly processes and provides visibility into production data, helping manufacturers improve efficiency and control production costs.
Why I picked DELMIAWorks: DELMIAWorks provides tools for tracking production orders and managing costs, making it an ideal tool for discrete manufacturing. You can monitor your production and financial data, ensuring accurate cost control throughout manufacturing. Its reporting features let you analyze financial performance and track materials and production resources, and the built-in cost management tools give you visibility into your operations.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time monitoring, which helps your team track production processes efficiently. The software offers quality management functionalities to maintain high product standards. Additionally, its analytics tools support data-driven decision-making, giving insights into your operations.
Integrations include SolidWorks, QuickBooks, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, SAP, HubSpot, Google Workspace, Sage, and Xero.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Built-in cost management tools
- Support production order costing
- In-depth material resource tracking
Cons:
- Basic work-in-progress tracking
- Limited variance analysis tools
Cetec ERP stands out for its affordability, providing small to mid-sized manufacturers with an all-in-one solution for production management, inventory control, and financial reporting. It is suitable for managing operations while keeping expenses low.
Why I picked Cetec ERP: Cetec ERP offers great value for teams on a budget while still delivering features that help manage core business processes. With its affordable pricing, you have accounting, inventory tracking, and production management. You can easily track costs and orders in real-time, giving you the transparency needed to make informed decisions. Its user-friendly financial tools help keep your accounting organized without the high costs associated with many ERP systems.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time inventory tracking, which helps your team maintain accurate stock levels. The software also offers production scheduling for efficiently planning manufacturing tasks. Additionally, its web-based platform ensures you can access the system from any device, providing flexibility for your operations.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Excel, Shopify, PayPal, Stripe, Google Workspace, Xero, and WooCommerce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time cost tracking
- Integrated accounting and production
- Accurate margin reporting
Cons:
- No specialized tax management features
- Limited support for complex workflows
aACE offers job costing, inventory management, financial reporting, and deep integration with macOS environments, making it a suitable software for Apple users. It allows teams to leverage tools like calendars and contacts within the system.
Why I picked aACE: aACE’s smooth integration with Apple devices makes it a good fit for teams that rely heavily on Apple hardware. You’ll find features like custom reporting tools and financial management capabilities that are easy to access and navigate on Apple platforms. The software helps you automate invoicing and expense tracking, letting your team focus more on core operations. Additionally, its built-in tools support detailed budgeting and financial forecasting, which keeps your financial management organized and easy to maintain.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include order management for efficiently handling sales and purchase orders and inventory management for tracking stock levels and managing supply chain processes. aACE also includes project tracking features that enable your team to monitor project progress and allocate resources.
Integrations include Salesforce, QuickBooks, Shopify, Authorize.Net, Google Workspace, Slack, Mailchimp, FedEx, UPS, and Microsoft Office.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Built-in financial forecasting
- Centralized order management
- Supports multiple workflows
Cons:
- No real-time production tracking
- No specialized cost analysis tools
Aquilon ERP tracks production costs, manages cash flow, and optimizes inventory levels for growing businesses. It is scalable and offers easy implementation for small manufacturers needing improved efficiency and control over financial operations.
Why I picked Aquilon ERP: Aquilon ERP provides easy-to-use financial tools that help keep your costs under control. It includes automated general ledger accounting system management and multi-currency support. The software’s financial reporting tools make it easy to see how your business is performing, with data-driven insights that can inform your next steps.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time inventory tracking, which helps your team manage stock levels efficiently. The software also offers financial management tools that streamline accounting tasks. Additionally, it provides detailed reporting and analytics, allowing you to make data-driven decisions.
Integrations include Microsoft Office, Shopify, PayPal, QuickBooks, Salesforce, Sage, Google Workspace, Xero, Stripe, and WooCommerce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time financial visibility
- Integrated budget control
- Comprehensive audit trail
Cons:
- No advanced AI features
- Not ideal for complex manufacturing
Alere specializes in inventory tracking, providing real-time data on stock levels, movement, and usage across multiple locations for manufacturers to monitor inventory, reduce overstock and shortages, and optimize production workflows.
Why I picked ALERE: ALERE’s inventory tracking capabilities make it ideal if your team needs to stay on top of stock levels. You’ll find features like automated cost tracking and real-time inventory updates that help keep your operations running smoothly. It also allows you to manage your financials alongside inventory to get a full view of your costs. The software simplifies reporting with customizable tools, giving you the insights to make informed decisions quickly.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include lot and serial tracking, which ensures your inventory records are always accurate. The software offers real-time visibility into stock levels, helping you manage inventory efficiently. It also provides analytics tools that assist in purchasing and production decisions.
Integrations include Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks, Salesforce, Sage, PayPal, Shopify, Google Workspace, Stripe, Xero, and WooCommerce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time inventory updates
- Automated cost tracking
- Integrated financial operations
Cons:
- Limited production scheduling tools
- Not ideal for complex supply chains
M1 ERP offers financial management, production tracking, and sales management. It is also customizable, allowing manufacturers to tailor the system to their business needs with flexible modules and user-defined fields. It’s an integrated solution for sales, accounting, and finance.
Why I picked M1 ERP: M1 ERP allows you to adjust features to fit your business’s specific needs. You can tailor financial reports and manage accounting processes with tools that adapt to your operations. The system tracks expenses and revenue in real-time, providing a clear picture of your financial performance. With the ability to customize dashboards and reports, your team can focus on the data that matters most, improving decision-making and operational efficiency.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include tailored dashboards, providing your team with a personalized data view. The software offers advanced reporting tools to help you make informed decisions. Additionally, flexible modules allow you to adjust and scale the system as your business grows.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Office, Shopify, PayPal, Sage, Xero, Google Workspace, and Stripe.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible revenue management tools
- Support multi-level job costing
- In-depth financial costing features
Cons:
- Basic work-in-progress tracking
- No real-time production cost updates
SYSPRO provides compliance management, helping manufacturers meet industry regulations with audit trails, data security, and accurate reporting tools. It offers financial management, production tracking, and inventory control for operational and financial accuracy.
Why I picked SYSPRO: SYSPRO gives your team the tools to easily manage compliance and regulatory requirements while keeping financial data organized. You’ll find features like audit trails and automated reporting that help you comply with industry regulations. Its financial management tools allow you to track costs, manage cash flow, and generate accurate financial reports. The software’s focus on compliance ensures that your financial processes align with internal controls and external regulatory standards.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include financial reporting and auditing tools to help your team comply with regulatory standards. The software offers supply chain management functionalities to ensure efficient operations. Additionally, it provides tools for financial management, giving you control over accounting processes.
Integrations include Microsoft Office, Salesforce, Sage, QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle, Google Workspace, Xero, and Shopify.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed audit trail features
- Automated regulatory reporting
- Real-time cost tracking
Cons:
- Limited job costing features
- Limited detailed variance analysis
Acumatica Cloud ERP focuses on project accounting, inventory management, and financial tracking. Its cloud-based architecture allows manufacturers to access data from anywhere and enables deep integration with other business systems.
Why I picked Acumatica Cloud ERP: Acumatica offers flexible accounting process management in the cloud. It provides cost tracking and financial reporting features for your budgets and expenses. You can also monitor project profitability and allocate costs efficiently, ensuring that your financial data stays accurate. The cloud-based nature of Acumatica allows your team to stay connected and in control of financial operations, no matter where they are.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include project accounting tools that allow your team to manage budgets and track expenses efficiently. The software provides real-time financial reporting, giving insights into your financial performance. Additionally, its cloud infrastructure offers flexibility and access to your business data from anywhere.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Shopify, QuickBooks, Avalara, Magento, Adobe Commerce, and Smartsheet.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Project cost-tracking tools
- Detailed financial reporting
- Multi-location financial visibility
Cons:
- No work-in-progress tracking
- No detailed variance analysis
Katana offers production planning, financial management, and inventory control. It provides up-to-the-minute visibility into stock levels, material usage, and product availability. It also allows users to track inventory movements across multiple locations and maintain accurate inventory oversight.
Why I picked Katana: Katana gives you real-time control over your inventory, allowing your team to track stock levels as they change. You can easily manage raw materials and finished goods, which ensures your production stays on track. The software provides financial visibility with features like live cost tracking for monitoring expenses and margins, production planning, and cost analysis that simplifies workflows.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include live inventory updates, which ensure your team always has accurate stock information. The software also offers production scheduling tools to help you manage workflows efficiently. Additionally, its user-friendly dashboard provides a clear overview of your manufacturing operations.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Zapier, Salesforce, Stripe, HubSpot, and Google Workspace.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports multi-channel sales
- Customizable product costing
- Supports batch tracking
Cons:
- Weak overhead cost allocation
- Limited variance analysis
Other Manufacturing Accounting Software
Here are some additional manufacturing accounting software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out.
- Datacor
Best for chemical manufacturers
- MRPeasy
Best for visual production planning
- Xero
Best for multi-currency support
- QuickBooks Online
Best for cloud-based accounting
- FreshBooks
Best for small business invoicing
- NetSuite Cloud Accounting Software
Best for global business management
- Odoo
Best for modular customization
- QuickBooks Enterprise
Best for large inventory management
- Genius ERP
Best for custom manufacturing
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
Best for integration with Microsoft apps
Manufacturing Accounting Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best manufacturing accounting software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points, such as inventory management accuracy and production cost tracking. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair.
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these everyday use cases:
- Manage financial transactions
- Provide inventory tracking
- Generate financial reports
- Handle purchase orders
- Support cost accounting
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Real-time data analytics
- Customizable dashboards
- Advanced forecasting tools
- Multi-currency support
- Compliance management
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface design
- Easy navigation
- Minimal learning curve
- Responsive performance
- Adaptability to different devices
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to templates
- Supportive webinars
- Chatbot assistance
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 availability
- Response time
- Access to knowledgeable agents
- Multiple support channels
- Online help resources
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Pricing transparency
- Competitiveness against alternatives
- Flexibility in plans
- Cost vs. feature balance
- Availability of discounts
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction rating
- Frequency of positive feedback
- Commonly reported issues
- Testimonials on support experience
- Comparison to expectations
Trends In Manufacturing Accounting Software
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different manufacturing accounting software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on.
- AI-driven insights: AI is being used to analyze data and offer predictive insights, helping businesses make informed decisions, forecast demand, and optimize inventory levels.
- Blockchain for transparency: Blockchain technology enhances transparent financial transactions and supply chain operations. It offers an immutable ledger that ensures data integrity and trust and improves traceability and compliance.
- Sustainability tracking: There's a rising demand for accounting and ERP software that tracks sustainability metrics within manufacturing processes. This trend helps businesses reduce waste and manage resources efficiently.
- Augmented reality (AR) support: AR is being used to provide support and training for real-time accounting needs within manufacturing environments. It's helping teams visualize processes, quickly troubleshoot issues, and improve user experience, real-time insights, and efficiency.
- Real-time collaboration tools: There's a shift towards integrating tools that facilitate real-time team collaboration. This is important for remote work and global operations, ensuring everyone stays connected.
What Is Manufacturing Accounting Software?
Manufacturing accounting software manages financial transactions and operations specific to manufacturing businesses. Accountants, financial managers, operations teams, and manufacturing companies use the best accounting software to improve financial management and operational efficiency.
Inventory management, cost tracking, and ecommerce reporting capabilities help maintain accurate financial records and enhance decision-making. Overall, these tools provide valuable insights that assist in optimizing manufacturing processes and financial outcomes.
Features Of Manufacturing Accounting Software
When selecting manufacturing accounting software, look for the following key features.
- Inventory tracking: Manages stock levels and ensures accurate inventory records for efficient production planning.
- Cost accounting: Helps track and manage production costs to improve profitability and financial decision-making.
- Financial reporting: Provides detailed reports on financial performance, aiding in strategic planning and compliance.
- Project accounting: Manages budgets and tracks expenses for specific projects, ensuring financial control and accountability.
- Multi-currency support: Facilitates transactions in multiple currencies, crucial for businesses operating in global markets.
- Batch tracking: Ensures traceability and compliance by managing batches in manufacturing processes.
- Real-time data analytics: Offers insights into operational performance and forecasts demand, aiding in proactive decision-making.
- Quality management: Monitors and maintains product quality standards, essential for customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance.
- Collaboration tools: Enhances team communication and coordination, vital for remote work and global operations.
- Compliance management: Assists in adhering to industry and regulatory standards, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.
Benefits Of Manufacturing Accounting Software
Implementing manufacturing accounting software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to.
- Improved inventory accuracy: Real-time tracking and management of stock levels reduce errors and ensure efficient production planning.
- Enhanced cost control: Cost accounting features help manage and reduce production costs and boost profitability.
- Informed decision-making: Financial reporting and data analytics provide insights that aid strategic planning and operational adjustments.
- Better project management: Project accounting tools track budgets and expenses, ensuring projects stay on course financially.
- Global market readiness: Multi-currency support facilitates international transactions for distributors to facilitate easier operation in global markets.
- Regulatory compliance: Compliance management features help meet manufacturing industry standards and minimize the risks of penalties.
- Quality assurance: Quality management tools maintain product standards and ensure customer sales order satisfaction and trust.
Costs & Pricing Of Manufacturing Accounting Software
Selecting manufacturing accounting software requires understanding the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices and typical features included in manufacturing accounting software solutions.
Plan Comparison Table for Manufacturing Accounting Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0/user /month | Basic inventory tracking, simple reporting, and limited users. |
| Personal Plan | $10-$30 /user /month | Financial reporting, cost accounting, and single-user access. |
| Business Plan | $40-$80 /user /month | Multi-user access, project accounting, and advanced analytics. |
| Enterprise Plan | $100-$200 /user /month | Custom integrations, regulatory compliance, and comprehensive support. |
Manufacturing Accounting Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about manufacturing accounting software.
How can manufacturing accounting software help with inventory management?
Manufacturing accounting software helps track inventory levels, costs, and movements. You can monitor raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods, allowing your team to make informed purchasing and production decisions. It also helps reduce the risk of stockouts or excess inventory.
Can manufacturing accounting software handle job costing?
Yes, manufacturing accounting software can manage job costing by tracking labor, materials, and overhead for individual jobs. You can use it to break down expenses, analyze profitability, and adjust pricing based on real-time data. This feature is useful for custom manufacturing projects.
Does manufacturing accounting software support cost allocation?
Manufacturing accounting software can handle cost allocation by assigning indirect costs like utilities and rent to different products or departments. It ensures more accurate product pricing and profitability analysis. This helps you identify where resources are being used most efficiently.
Can I integrate manufacturing accounting software with my ERP system?
Yes, many manufacturing accounting software solutions integrate with ERP systems, providing a seamless flow of financial and operational data. This provides production costs, inventory, and overall financial health without switching between multiple platforms.
How does manufacturing accounting software improve compliance with tax regulations?
Manufacturing accounting software helps ensure tax compliance by automating tax calculations, keeping accurate records, and generating reports that comply with local and national regulations. It reduces manual errors and ensures filing deadlines and tax obligations are met.
Can my team track production costs with manufacturing accounting software?
Yes, manufacturing accounting software can track production costs by monitoring direct and indirect expenses. You can analyze labor, materials, and overhead costs to understand the true costs of each product, allowing you to adjust pricing or processes as needed.
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