Growing manufacturers need Material Requirements Planning (MRP) software that can scale operations and handle supply chain challenges. The right MRP software not only helps streamline operations but also positions your business to scale efficiently and profitably. As competition increases and supply chains remain unpredictable, investing in MRP software with the right set of features is necessary to stay ahead.
This guide explores the best MRP software features for growing manufacturers. Whether you're looking to compare software options or enhance your current systems, understanding which features drive value will help you make the most informed decision.
Contents
Top MRP software features to look for in 2025
Benefits of MRP software for small manufacturers
Choosing the best MRP software for your manufacturing business
Why QT9 MRP is a top choice for growing manufacturers in 2025
Material Requirements Planning software automates the planning, scheduling, purchasing and inventory control processes required for manufacturing to ensure materials are available when needed.
By integrating data across production, procurement, sales and inventory, MRP software ensures you have the right materials at the right time to meet demand without overstocking or under-producing.
For growing manufacturers, the right MRP software eliminates guesswork and reduces manual workloads, so your team can focus on scaling operations efficiently.
Inventory management is the foundation of any MRP system. A feature-rich MRP platform offers real-time visibility into raw materials, components and finished goods across all warehouses and production lines.
Key capabilities to look for:
With accurate, up-to-date inventory data, manufacturers can avoid costly shortages or overstock scenarios while improving order fulfillment rates.
Efficient production planning is essential for minimizing downtime and maximizing throughput. The best MRP software automates scheduling based on real-time data, current inventory levels, labor availability and machine capacity.
Top features include:
Automation enables faster decision making, reduces bottlenecks and helps manufacturers meet customer delivery timelines.
Growing manufacturers may be particularly sensitive to fluctuations in customer orders, so effectively balancing supply and demand becomes particularly important. MRP software with integrated forecasting and sales order management helps you plan smarter and respond faster.
Key functions:
Accurate forecasting supports better procurement, fewer production delays and stronger customer satisfaction.
Reliable procurement ensures you can acquire materials when needed without overextending your budget. Leading MRP solutions streamline purchasing workflows with supplier management tools and smart purchasing automation.
Top procurement features:
By integrating procurement with production and inventory, manufacturers can maintain lean operations and reduce manual errors.
Accurate BOMs are essential for ensuring consistent product quality and efficient production. Your MRP software should support flexible BOM structures to handle simple and complex assemblies alike.
Look for these features:
Well-managed Bills of Materials help eliminate confusion on the shop floor, minimize waste, and support quality control efforts.
Visibility into work-in-progress is vital for scaling production. MRP software with shop floor control tools lets manufacturers monitor job status, resource usage and production efficiency in real time.
Essential functions include:
These tools reduce downtime, improve accountability and help managers make informed decisions quickly.
Manufacturers in regulated industries, such as medical devices, aerospace, or food and beverage production, must maintain traceability across operations. The best MRP platforms offer lot and serial number tracking from raw materials through finished goods.
Compliance-supporting features include:
Traceability not only ensures compliance but also simplifies recalls, audits and corrective actions when needed.
Managing invoices and shipments within your MRP system creates seamless coordination between back-end and front-end operations. Look for MRP software that eliminates the need to re-enter order or shipment data manually.
Helpful feature integrations include:
With integrated shipping and invoicing, manufacturers can shorten cash cycles, reduce order errors, and enhance customer communication.
Access to meaningful data empowers growing manufacturers to make smarter decisions. Leading MRP solutions provide customizable dashboards and detailed reports for operations, finance, inventory and more.
Top reporting capabilities:
Dashboards enable team members to easily monitor key operations, while real-time data support continuous improvement and promotes quick resolution of any problems.
Modern MRP software should support remote access and cloud hosting to enable greater flexibility and scalability. Cloud-based systems provide real-time data updates across departments, locations and even continents.
Key advantages of cloud MRP:
Cloud access also supports hybrid work environments and remote teams, which may be important as workforces preferences evolve.
Like so much in the realm of business planning, there is a lot to consider for effective material requirements planning, especially at higher production volumes or for products that are more complex. MRP software seamlessly and systematically evaluates material requirements, production schedules, sales forecasts, customer orders and inventory to calculate the optimal supply of product inputs. This leads to:
Using a centralized database and integrations between production functions, such as purchasing and shop floor management, MRP software is able to simplify the process of ensuring that materials are where they need to be at the optimal time, so that production can proceed on time, in the correct sequence, with minimal interruptions.
MRP software reduces the cost of purchases by determining the most cost-effective materials and components. It can also reduce inventory carrying costs and waste through better alignment of production and demand, and help manufacturers avoid employee overtime through more efficient scheduling and fewer bottlenecks.
MRP software’s helps companies reach optimal inventory levels by using real-time and historical data to accurately forecast material needs. The software gives immediate insight into inventory locations and quantities, so you always know what’s on hand and what needs to be ordered or reordered. Inventory capabilities enable the software to automatically update inventory data when shipments arrive or leave the warehouse.
With the more accurate forecasting capabilities of MRP software, it becomes easier for manufacturers to schedule production for optimal efficiency, which keeps order-to-delivery times low and makes customers happy.
Many manufacturers must keep detailed records of product materials. Some MRP systems enable easy traceability using barcoding for lot or serial number traceability, satisfying regulatory mandates and making it easier to track products in the event of a recall.
Greater production efficiency means manufacturers are able to get their products to market more quickly, improving customer satisfaction and market position.
Selecting an MRP solution is a long-term investment. When evaluating platforms, consider these factors:
Scalability: Can the system grow with your company as you expand operations, add locations, or introduce new product lines?
Ease of use: Does the software have an intuitive interface that requires minimal training?
Integration capabilities: Can the MRP platform connect with your existing ERP, QMS, CRM, or accounting systems?
Support and training: Does the provider offer onboarding assistance, documentation, and ongoing customer support?
Customization options: Can you tailor the software to match your unique workflows and reporting needs?
Demo the system with real data and scenarios to ensure it fits your operations before committing.
QT9 MRP offers all the features growing manufacturers need—without the complexity that slows down implementation. It’s a fully integrated, cloud-based solution built for manufacturers who want to scale smarter.
With QT9 MRP, you get:
Whether you're a small manufacturer preparing for growth or a mid-sized company ready to digitize operations, QT9 MRP delivers the visibility and control you need—without requiring a full IT department.
As the manufacturing landscape becomes more dynamic, the right MRP software features can give your business a major advantage. Look for systems that offer automation, real-time visibility, and built-in flexibility. With a future-ready MRP platform, your team will be equipped to handle growing production demands, improve efficiency, and deliver exceptional customer outcomes.