Critical Manufacturing MES vs. VIA IT Comparison Chart

Efficiently executing the complex processes of enterprise manufacturers and distributors. Infor M3 is a cloud-based, manufacturing and distribution ERP system that leverages the latest technologies to provide an exceptional user experience and powerful analytics in a multicompany, multicountry, and multisite platform. Infor M3 and related CloudSuite™ industry solutions include industry-leading functionality for the chemical, distribution, equipment, fashion, food and beverage, and industrial manufacturing industries. Staying ahead of the competition means staying agile. Our new capabilities bring improved data-driven insights and streamlined workflows to help you make informed decisions and take quick action.

Epicor Connected Process Control (CPC), formerly eFlex Systems, provides manufacturers a flexible, no-code/low-code MES solution. No programming or special skills required. Digital work instructions, with multi-media capabilities, along with the ability to integrate virtually any device with communication capabilities, provides 100% historical record of the product and the process. Providing data insight, from production reports, to part history, quality summary and more — address issues quickly, minimize waste and disruptions. Whether you start small in subassembly areas, an entire line, or apply enterprise wide - we work with manufacturers of all sizes and needs. Hosted on prem or in the cloud, you decide what's best for your operations.

Epicor Kinetic is a global, cloud-focused cognitive ERP solution built for manufacturers, driving profitability through real-time insights, people-centric AI, and seamless collaboration. Positioned at the core of your business applications, Kinetic leverages artificial intelligence to extract maximum value from your enterprise data, processes, and decision-making information. Purposely designed with deep industry expertise, it offers end-to-end capabilities for discrete, make-to-order, and mixed-mode manufacturers in the small and mid-market space. Kinetic supports the needs of leading manufacturers across multiple industries, including Industrial Machinery, Fabricated Metals, Electronics and High Tech, Plastics and Rubber, Automotive, Aerospace and Defense, Medical Device, Consumer Products, Furniture and Fixtures, Measuring and Controlling Devices, and more. Embrace future-ready business, digital transformation, and flexible deployment with this singular, AI-powered ERP solution.

Flowlens - built by a small business, designed for small businesses. Flowlens is end-to-end business management software designed specifically for growing SME manufacturers around the world. Whether you’re scaling production, managing complex supply chains, or improving customer service, Flowlens brings your people, processes, and data together in one connected platform. With Flowlens, you can: • Centralize your business information in one secure, cloud-based system • Manage customers, suppliers, and inventory with complete visibility • Streamline production and capacity planning • Automatically identify stock shortages and create purchase orders • Handle multi-level BOMs and production routings with ease • Manage unlimited SKUs across your product lines • Maintain traceability and quality compliance • Control multi-site and multi-level stock operations • Deliver exceptional after-sales service with full product history • Integrate seamlessly with Xero, QuickBooks and Sage.

Trusted by manufacturers worldwide, Evocon is a simple and easy-to-use OEE software that helps manufacturing companies improve their production efficiency and reduce waste. The system enables automated data collection, real-time data visualization, downtime tracking, bottleneck identification, and performance monitoring. With Evocon, you get all the tools you need to improve OEE and understand what is actually going on in your production processes.

MRPeasy helps small manufacturers grow with easy-to-use tools that cover all the essentials they need to manage their production. Having built the first cloud-based MRP platform in 2014, we offer user-friendly software-as-a-service that covers everything from production planning to CRM, skipping all the features that are too complex or irrelevant for small manufacturers. This means smaller manufacturers get access to powerful production planning tools, levelling the playing field with larger competitors. With MRPeasy, you know exactly how much your products cost and when they’re ready, helping you to steer your business effectively. MRPeasy integrates with leading accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero and e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, providing a comprehensive, fully integrated business management solution.

Fishbowl is the #1 selling manufacturing and warehouse management software for QuickBooks. Designed for small and medium-sized businesses, including manufacturers, distributors, and service providers, Fishbowl gives businesses the flexibility to stay within the QuickBooks platform for accounting while seamlessly integrating advanced inventory features with it. It also offers multi-location tracking, work orders, bills of materials, barcoding, shipping, auto reorder points, and integrations with EDI, shopping carts, merchant services, and other business solutions. If you are looking for an affordable inventory management solution that can help your business take advantage of the latest technology to streamline operations and save time and money, Fishbowl is a great option.

Epsilon3 is an AI-powered procedure and resource management tool designed for teams building, testing, and operating advanced products and systems. ✔ Standardize & Optimize Processes Our interoperable procedure execution system replaces inefficient checklists managed with paper, spreadsheets, docs, and outdated planning tools. Automatically track every step to ensure quality, consistency, and traceability. ✔ Fuel Rapid Iteration & Innovation Built-in version control, conditional workflows, and real-time data synchronization keep teams on the same page. Enable continuous improvement and quick, data-driven decisions to stay far ahead of the competition. ✔ Streamline & Scale Operations Securely integrate siloed systems and automate error-prone tasks to boost productivity and prevent delays. Simplify training, reduce costs, and maintain efficiency as your operations expand to meet demand. Trusted by industry leaders like NASA, Firefly Aerospace, and Commonwealth Fusion.

Shoplogix is a smart, scalable platform trusted by manufacturers worldwide for over 20 years. It transforms real-time machine and production data into actionable insights, helping teams uncover hidden losses and drive rapid ROI. Features include intuitive visual dashboards, integrated analytics, and real-time alerts for fast, informed decisions. Shoplogix connects to any machine type, tracking downtime, scrap, throughput, and setup stages. Operators and managers can quickly spot issues, launch action plans, and improve efficiency on the fly. With built-in continuous improvement tools and seamless scaling from one line to multi-plant operations, Shoplogix empowers your team to eliminate bottlenecks, boost OEE, and achieve lasting operational excellence.

Odoo is a fully integrated, customizable, open-source software packed with hundreds of expertly designed business applications. Odoo’s intuitive database is able to meet a majority of business needs, such as: CRM, Sales, Project, Manufacturing, Inventory, and Accounting, just to name a few. Odoo is an all-in-one software solution designed to meet the needs of companies, regardless of their size (or budget). The unbeatable, seamless nature of Odoo helps businesses become more efficient by reducing redundant manual processes, which helps companies save countless hours of labor. Every module is interconnected to provide a fully-integrated experience from app to app, and users can automate many processes that would’ve otherwise required manual inputs into multiple applications. Odoo keeps all business functions in one place, allowing teams to collaborate with other departments from one unified platform in the most efficient way possible.