10 Best  Automotive ERP Solutions of 2024 (Features and Benefits)

The automotive industry is one of the world’s most complex and fast-paced industries. 

To keep up, you need an ERP system that can handle the complexity and speed of the automotive industry. 

But with so many different ERP solutions on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for your business. 

This blog post will discuss the ten best automotive ERP solutions available.

What are Automotive ERP Solutions?

They are software systems that help automotive companies manage their finances, manufacturing processes, and supply chains.

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software is used by businesses of all sizes to manage various aspects of their operations. However, automotive ERP solutions are specialized versions of these software systems designed specifically for the automotive industry. 

Benefits of ERP solutions in the automotive industry

Increased efficiency and productivity

An automotive ERP solution can increase efficiency and productivity by helping manage inventory levels, schedule and track production, and manage sales and customer information.

That helps ensure that the right parts are available and that the manufacturing process runs smoothly. 

Improved decision-making

ERP solution improves decision-making by providing a unified view of the business. That allows managers to see how different parts of the business are performing and makes it easier to identify and fix problems. 

Better customer service

It enhances customer service by providing a unified view of the customer across all channels and touchpoints. That gives customer service representatives a complete view of the customer’s history and preferences, which can help them provide better service.

The solution also provides tools for automating processes and tasks, such as order management, invoicing, and shipping, which can help reduce the time it takes to serve customers.

Reduced inventory costs

An automotive ERP solution helps to reduce inventory costs by optimizing stock levels and improving inventory management. With an ERP system, businesses can keep track of inventory levels and usage and forecast future demand.

That allows them to order only the necessary supplies, reducing waste and improving efficiency.

Additionally, an ERP system can help identify slow-moving items and excess stock so that businesses can take action to reduce or eliminate these items from their inventory.

Streamlined operations

ERP solutions can help streamline operations by automating tasks and providing a single, central system for all information. Hence it enhances communication and coordination between departments and reduces the risk of human error. 

Here is the list of the 10 best Automotive ERP solutions.

1. IFS

IFS ERP is a comprehensive software solution that enables automotive suppliers to manage every step of the production procedure, from design and engineering to manufacturing and distribution.

Features

• Finance
• Human capital management
• Commerce
• Customer relationship management
• Manufacturing
• Supply chain management
• Procurement 
• Projects

Some screenshots of IFS

Likes

• Increased efficiency and accuracy in inventory management
• Faster, more accurate financial reporting
• Quicker and easier access to information for strategic decision making
• Reduced downtime and improved production planning
• Easily customizable
• Supports end-to-end product life cycle

Dislikes

• Poor customer service 
• UI is inconvenient and has bugs
• Some features are not easy to understand, and the learning curve can be tedious.
• Licensing price is high 
• Lacks some automation and integrations

Supported industries

• Aerospace and defense
• Energy utilities and resources
• Construction and engineering
• Manufacturing
• Service industries
• Telecommunications

Other details

Deployment	Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based
Supported Device	Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android
Support	Phone Support, FAQs/Forum, Email/Help Desk, 24/7 (Live Rep), Chat, Knowledge Base
Training	Live Online, In Person, Webinars, Documentation
Customer Ratings	In Capterra: 3.8 out of 5(number of reviews;26+)  In G2: 4.1 out of 5(number of reviews; 118+)

2. Epicore Kinetic

Epicor kinetic ERP is a complete enterprise resource planning solution specifically designed for manufacturing distribution.

It offers a range of features and functionality that can help automotive manufacturers and distributors streamline operations and improve efficiencies. 

Features

• Employ experience
• Manufacturing operations
• Global supply chain
• Customer focus
• HR and Finance
• Business intelligence
• Product management
• Services and Assets
• Risk and Compliance

Screenshot of Epicor

Likes

• Helps to generate good planning and material logistics system
• With the help of a lean production strategy, it enhances lead times and reduces wastes
• Monitors the whole production process and product life history
• Provides a comprehensive end-to-end solution

Dislikes 

• Installation and upgradation are elaborate and time-consuming
• Poor customer support 
• Is not value for money
• Customizing is complicated
• Maintenance only by expert personnel or team

Supported industries

• Distribution
• Manufacturing

Other details

Deployment	Cloud, Web-Based, SaaS
Supported device	Mac, Linux, Windows, Chromebook, iPhone, iPad, Andriod
Support	Email/Help Desk, Knowledge Base, FAQs/Forum, Phone Support, Chat, 24/7 (Live Rep)
Training	Live Online, In person, Documentation, Webinars, Videos
Customer ratings	In Capterra: 3.8 out of 5 (Number of reviews 173+)

3. Plex Cloud ERP

Plex is a cloud-based ERP for the automotive industry that helps manage production, finance, and sales. With Plex, you can streamline your business processes and get a real-time view of your operations.

Features

• Advanced product quality planning
• Production part approval process
• Failure mode and effects analysis
• Measurement system analysis
• Statistical process control
• Material management operations guidelines
• Logistics evaluation
• Electronic data interchange support
• Customer and industry compliance
• Lean manufacturing principles
• Manufacturing intelligence

Some screenshots of Plex

Likes

• It helps to eliminate manual errors by creating orders automatically
• Automated shipping notifications
• Allows you to coordinate with new trading partners
• Provides in-built EDI source
• Automates the process and reduces the cost 
• Provides real-time visibility of inventories and production process
• Provides easy-to-read dashboards and reports

Dislikes

• Pricey upgrades
• Cumbersome to use
• UI is inconvenient
• Poor customer support 
• Unresolved technical issues
• Some features like BOM are missing.

Supported industries

• Automotive
• Food and beverage
• Precision Metalforming
• Plastics and rubber
• Industrial manufacturing
• High Tech and Electronics
• Aerospace

Other details

Deployment	Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based
Support	Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live Rep), Chat
Training	In-person, Webinars, Live Online, Documentation, Videos
Customer Ratings	In Capterra: 4.2 out of 5 (number of reviews;11+) In G2: 3.6 out of 5 (number of reviews; 23+)

4. QAD

QAD ERP software enables automotive OEMs (Original equipment manufacturers) to manage their production processes, quality assurance and recalls effectively and efficiently. It helps to improve customer satisfaction by ensuring the highest quality products.

Features

• Finance
• Internationalization
• Fixed asset management
• Analytics and Reporting
• Production execution
• Quality management system
• Customer and service management
• Customer self-service
• CRM for manufacturers

Some screenshots of QAD

Likes 

• The software is flexible and serves the unique requirements of manufacturers in the automotive industry.
• It provides effective onboarding and implementation.
• You can customize the automotive software with a no-code approach.
• It provides 24/7 support. 

Dislikes

• Implementation is time-consuming
• UI is not aesthetically pleasing

Supported industries

• Automotive
• Consumer Products
• Food and Beverage
• High Tech Manufacturing
• Industrial Manufacturing
• Life Sciences
• Distribution and Logistics

Other details

Deployment	Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based
Support Device	Mac, Windows, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iPhone, iPad
Support	Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live Rep), Chat
Training	In-person, Live Online, Videos, Webinars, Documentation
Customer Ratings	In Capterra: 3.8 out of 5 (number of reviews;17)  In G2: 3.5 out of 5 (number of reviews;16)

5. SYSPRO

SYSPRO is a worldwide (ERP) software solutions provider for manufacturing and distribution organizations. It specializes in the automotive component manufacturing industry.

SYSPRO’s comprehensive and adaptable solution set enables companies to manage and enhance their operational efficiencies while providing the scalability to meet the ever-changing needs of today’s business.

Features

• Inventory management
• Order management
• Planning and scheduling
• Production management
• Procurement management
• Supply chain management
• Warehouse management
• Financial management
• Global business management
• Governance risk and compliance

Screenshot of SYSPRO

Likes

• The software provides a complete view of operations, from planning and scheduling to purchasing.
• It allows you to forecast sales quotes and operates budgets. 
• It allows you to manage extensive inventories and complex warehouse operations.
• It enhances the management process for OEM returns.
• It improves the quotation process.

Dislikes

• Technical glitches
• Time-consuming
• Customization problems

Supported industries

• Manufacturing
• Distribution
• Discover

Other details

Deployment	Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based
Supported Device	Mac, Windows, Android, iPad, iPhone
Support	Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, Chat
Training	In-person, Webinars, Live Online, Documentation, Videos
Customer Ratings	In Capterra: 4.02 out of 5 (number of reviews;98+) In G2: 4.1 out of 5 (number of reviews;186+)

6. SAP Business One

SAP Business One is a cloud-based ERP software that provides a complete solution to the automotive industry. It helps automakers, suppliers, and dealerships to transform their businesses and prepare for the future of mobility.

SAP Business One automotive ERP can help them by providing a single system to manage all aspects of their operations. From sales and marketing to manufacturing and logistics, SAP Business One can help companies optimize their operations and stay ahead of the competition.

Features

• Financial management
• Supply chain management
• Human capital management
• CRM
• Data and analytics
• Spend management
• Product life cycle management
• Enterprise asset management
• Sales performance management

Screenshot of SAP

Likes

• The software provides a centralized vehicle repository to support mobility as a service.
• It provides vehicle data, incidents, customer feedback, and market analysis.
• It provides a 360-degree customer view.
• It enhances the billing and buying experience.
• It provides industry 4.0 scenarios.

Dislikes

• Implementation is tedious
• Complicated to use
• Costly upgrades
• Limited customizations
• Fewer security features

Other details

Deployment	Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based
Supported Device	Mac, Windows, iPhone, Android,  iPad
Support	Email/Help Desk, Knowledge Base, Chat, Phone Support
Training	In-person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos
Customer Ratings	In Capterra: 4.2 out of 5(number of reviews;191+)

7. Fishbowl Inventory

Fishbowl Manufacturing is the perfect solution for businesses in the automotive industry. It streamlines the manufacturing process by tracking bills of materials, sub-assemblies, and serial numbers. It also keeps track of costs to stay on top of your inventory budget.

Features

• Manufacturing
• Inventory management
• Work orders
• Bar code scanning
• MRP
• Labor and job tracking
• Order management
• Quickbooks integration
• EDI integration
• Business Intelligence

Some screenshots of Fishbowl

Likes

• Generates bill of materials for all manufacturing items 
• It helps you to organize subassemblies
• Integrates with Quickbooks, Xero, Salesforce, and Shopify

Dislikes 

• Limited customizations 
• High cost
• Poor Customer support
• MRP and BOM creation 
• UI needs improvement

Supported industries

• Consumer goods
• Food and beverage
• Health care
• Materials
• Services
• Technology and parts

Other details

Deployment	Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based
Supported Device	Mac, Linux, Windows, Android, iPad, iPhone
Support	Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Chat, Phone Support
Training	In-person, Live Online, Documentation, Videos
Customer Ratings	In Capterra; 4.2 out of 5(number of reviews;770+) In G2: 4.0 Out of 5 (number of reviews; 180+)

8. ABAS ERP

ABAS ERP is a comprehensive yet modular ERP solution ideally suited for the needs of mid-market automotive suppliers.

It provides a wide range of features that can help you manage your business more efficiently and cost-effectively while providing transparency and visibility into your operations.

Features

• Efficient automotive processes
• Integrated EDI standards
• Flexible plan material and due dates
• Financial Accounting
• Production
• Scheduling
• Customization
• Sales
• Purchasing
• Warehouse
• Mobile applications

Screenshot of ABAS ERP

Likes

• It provides several functions to help midmarket companies to meet their requirements.
• It manages complex supply chains efficiently.
• It provides both on-premise and cloud deployment models.

Dislikes 

• Difficulty in managing BOM
• Poor UX
• Tedious implementation
• UI needs improvement

Other details

Deployment	Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based
Supported device	Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, iPad
Support	Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, Chat
Training	In-person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos
Customer Ratings	In Capterra: 4.0 out of 5 (numbers of reviews; 45+) In G2: 3.0 Out of 5 (number of reviews; 2+)

9. Katana MRP

Katana MRP is a manufacturing ERP that transforms your manufacturing enterprise by providing the latest in the field. It gives a real-time peak into the business process, making it simpler, more visible, and more efficient.

Features

• Real-time inventory management
• Single platform for manufacturing, scheduling, and resource management 
• All tasks on the factory shop floor are scheduled and controlled.
• Integrated B2B and sales order management
• Complete tracking of batches, materials, expiry dates, and more
• Production planning
• BOM, Purchase, and Sales management
• Transparent view when working with contractors
• Ensure accuracy with costing features built for precision
• Creating workflows to streamline your operations

Some screenshots of Katana MRP

Detailed insights with visualized sales reports for better collaboration and performance

Likes

• Optimized InventoryInventory with control in real time
• Methodical insights and envisaged reports
• Streamlining of operations
• Specific pricing decisions based on profit margin
• Survey of raw materials used and outsourced purchases 
• Automate the resettling of materials concerning the set priorities
• Tracking of Inventory
• Complete access to live planning to optimize all main resources

Dislikes

• Some features are absent
• Costly 
• Slow and has some technical glitches

Supported industries

• Apparel and footwear
• Automotive and boating
• Coffee roasting
• Custom arts and crafts
• Electronics and high tech
• Food and beverage
• Health and beauty

10. ProShop 

An all-inclusive web-based paperless shop management platform typically suitable for small to medium manufacturing enterprises. It offers to manage tough manufacturing assemblies, giving a thoroughly detailed view of the manufacturing plant’s operations.

Features

• Estimations and quotations 
• Work orders and customer purchase orders
• Inventory and purchasing
• Time tracking
• Scheduling
• Job costing
• Dashboards 
• Reporting and BOM 

Some screenshots of ProShop 

Likes

• Completely paperless
• Scalability 
• Good management of inventory
• Customizable
• User friendly 
• Complete tracking
• Handles all operations from quotes to shipping

Dislikes

• GUI needs improvement
• Interface needs improvement
• Costing 
• Tedious implementation

Supported industries

• Aerospace
• Space
• Medical
• Defense

Conclusion 

So, if you are looking for an automotive ERP solution that can take your business to the next level, we suggest you consider one of the ten solutions we’ve outlined in this post. Each solution has been selected because it is reliable, efficient, and user-friendly.

Additionally, each of these automotive ERP providers has a team of experts available to help you get up and running with their software as quickly as possible.

Reference

• IFS Case study – China airlines
• Epicor ebooks and white papers
• Plex whitepapers – State of smart manufacturing-automotive
• SAP Business one white paper – The intelligent enterprise for the automotive industry
• Fishbowl case study – east coast defender
• ABAS whitepapers