In this report, we define and compare manufacturing software and distribution software so you can decide which tool is right for your business.
Manufacturing software and distribution software are two closely related but distinct categories. This report will identify the similarities and differences between the two products to help you understand which one is better suited for your requirements.
What is manufacturing software?
Manufacturing software helps automate manufacturing operations on the shop floor, such as inventory tracking, workforce scheduling, and production and assembly planning. It also helps create work orders for employees and allocate raw materials and other resources for jobs.
Manufacturing software is used to capture real-time updates on shop floor operations and optimize processes for enhanced labor and equipment productivity.
What is distribution software?
Distribution software helps manufacturers handle the distribution of their finished goods or products. It also assists in tracking inventory levels at warehouses, creating purchase orders for replenishments, and maintaining customer and supplier information, including their contact details, purchase history, and reorder points.
Distribution software is mostly used by manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers for logistics planning and warehouse management.
What do they have in common?
There are a few similarities between manufacturing and distribution software since manufacturing involves the production of goods and materials in production units, whereas distribution starts right after manufacturing and involves the movement of the produced goods from manufacturing units to end consumers.
Manufacturing software features
Distribution software features
Which tool is right for you?
If your business is into manufacturing goods and you want to keep an account of the materials/equipment required for the process, then manufacturing software would be ideal for you. However, if your business is looking for fleet, inventory, and distribution management, distribution software would make more sense.
Once you decide which software to use, head to our manufacturing software and distribution software category pages where you can find a sortable list of products, software reviews from verified users, and comprehensive buyers guides.
If you wish to narrow down your search to only the most popular and highest-rated solutions, visit Capterra’s Shortlist reports for the top manufacturing software and distribution software tools—our reports are based on an analysis of thousands of user reviews.
6 top-rated manufacturing and distribution software
These 6 products, listed in alphabetical order, are among the top rated in both software categories:
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Device compatibility
Trial/Free Version
- Free Trial
- Free Version
Device compatibility
Trial/Free Version
- Free Trial
- Free Version
Device compatibility
Trial/Free Version
- Free Trial
- Free Version
Device compatibility
Trial/Free Version
- Free Trial
- Free Version
Device compatibility
Trial/Free Version
- Free Trial
- Free Version