In today’s competitive manufacturing industry, efficiency and accuracy are no longer optional—they are critical to survival. From raw material sourcing to production scheduling, inventory control, and supply chain management, manufacturers face countless moving parts that must align perfectly to deliver products on time and within budget. For small workshops and global enterprises alike, the backbone of this operational success lies in the right enterprise resource planning (ERP) or manufacturing resource planning (MRP) software.
As of 2025, three platforms consistently stand out in conversations about ERP and MRP for manufacturers: NetSuite ERP, Katana MRP, and Unleashed Software. Each of these solutions caters to different segments of the manufacturing market, offering unique strengths. NetSuite is an enterprise-grade ERP that provides an all-in-one solution for global operations. Katana MRP is designed with small and medium-sized manufacturers in mind, offering user-friendly production scheduling and inventory management. Unleashed Software specializes in inventory-first functionality with ERP-like extensions, serving businesses that prioritize strong supply chain control.
This article provides a comprehensive comparison of NetSuite, Katana, and Unleashed. We will evaluate features, pricing, usability, integrations, scalability, customer support, and real-world case studies. By the end, you will know which system best aligns with the size and needs of your manufacturing business in 2025.
ERP Landscape in 2025
The Evolution of ERP for Manufacturing
ERP systems have been around for decades, but their role in manufacturing has transformed significantly. Traditional on-premise ERP software was expensive and required significant IT infrastructure. In contrast, modern ERP platforms are cloud-based, making them more accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises.
The rise of industry-specific ERP and MRP solutions means manufacturers no longer need to adopt generic software and customize it heavily. Instead, they can choose platforms like Katana or Unleashed, built specifically for production and inventory workflows. Large enterprises, however, often require platforms like NetSuite, which integrate finance, HR, CRM, supply chain, and production into one unified system.
Key ERP Trends for 2025
The ERP landscape in 2025 is defined by several key trends. Artificial intelligence is embedded in many platforms, powering demand forecasting, predictive maintenance, and smart scheduling. IoT integration allows machines on the shop floor to communicate with ERP systems in real-time, improving productivity and reducing downtime. Mobile-first ERP enables managers and workers to access data anywhere, improving decision-making speed.
Another important trend is supply chain resilience. After years of global disruptions, manufacturers prioritize ERP systems that offer visibility across suppliers, distributors, and logistics providers. Cloud ERP adoption continues to rise, giving businesses real-time access to global operations at lower costs than traditional systems.
NetSuite ERP Overview (2025)
Key Features
NetSuite, developed by Oracle, is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP that serves thousands of enterprises worldwide. For manufacturing, NetSuite provides modules for advanced production planning, shop floor control, inventory management, quality assurance, and global supply chain visibility. Its financial management suite is deeply integrated, ensuring businesses can track profitability by product line, region, or customer.
NetSuite also leverages artificial intelligence for demand forecasting, identifying bottlenecks, and suggesting process optimizations. Its global compliance capabilities make it especially valuable for multinational manufacturers that need to adhere to different tax laws and regulations.
Pros and Cons of NetSuite
Pros
- Complete enterprise-level ERP system with modules for finance, HR, CRM, and supply chain
- Scalable for global manufacturers with complex workflows
- Advanced AI-driven analytics and forecasting
- Strong partner ecosystem for industry-specific customization
Cons
- High subscription and implementation costs
- Requires IT resources for full customization
- Steeper learning curve compared to SMB-focused solutions
Katana MRP Overview (2025)
Key Features
Katana MRP is built with small to medium-sized manufacturers in mind. Its main strength lies in its visual production scheduling, which allows teams to plan, prioritize, and track work orders through an intuitive interface. Katana connects inventory management with shop floor operations, ensuring raw materials are available for each job and avoiding costly delays.
Key features include real-time inventory tracking, order management, and AI automation for capacity planning. Katana integrates well with accounting platforms like QuickBooks and Xero, as well as e-commerce solutions like Shopify, making it a natural fit for smaller manufacturers selling directly to consumers.
Pros and Cons of Katana MRP
Pros
- User-friendly design that requires minimal training
- Affordable subscription plans accessible to SMBs
- Strong integrations with accounting and e-commerce platforms
- Excellent visual interface for production scheduling
Cons
- Limited functionality for enterprises with complex supply chains
- Relies on integrations for financial and HR modules
- Not designed for multinational compliance or large-scale automation
Unleashed Software Overview (2025)
Key Features
Unleashed Software is a cloud-based inventory management platform that offers ERP-like functionality for manufacturers and distributors. Its focus is on inventory and supply chain management, with features such as stock control, batch tracking, bill of materials management, and sales order integration.
Unleashed has expanded its AI capabilities in 2025, offering predictive demand forecasting and smarter purchasing suggestions. The platform integrates with accounting systems, e-commerce platforms, and CRMs, making it versatile for small to mid-sized manufacturers that prioritize stock accuracy.
Pros and Cons of Unleashed Software
Pros
- Robust inventory management with deep stock tracking
- Affordable pricing compared to full ERP suites
- Strong integrations with accounting and e-commerce tools
- AI-driven forecasting for better purchasing decisions
Cons
- Limited finance and HR features compared to full ERP
- May require add-ons for advanced production management
- Better suited for product-based SMEs than complex manufacturers
Feature Comparison – NetSuite vs Katana vs Unleashed
Manufacturing and Production Management
NetSuite provides advanced production planning and shop floor modules, making it suitable for enterprises with complex operations. Katana focuses on visual scheduling and order tracking, perfect for SMBs needing simplicity. Unleashed supports BOMs and light manufacturing but is primarily inventory-first.
Inventory and Supply Chain Control
NetSuite excels in global supply chain visibility. Katana tracks raw materials in real time for small-scale production. Unleashed is strongest in inventory management, offering batch tracking, demand forecasting, and automated reordering.
Reporting and Analytics
NetSuite delivers enterprise-grade analytics, leveraging AI to provide predictive insights. Katana provides dashboards that are simple but effective for small teams. Unleashed offers advanced inventory and sales reporting but lacks full financial analytics.
Financial and Accounting Capabilities
NetSuite includes a complete ERP finance suite. Katana integrates with external accounting platforms like QuickBooks. Unleashed also relies on integrations for accounting.
Comparison Table: NetSuite vs Katana vs Unleashed (2025)
| Feature | NetSuite ERP 2025 | Katana MRP 2025 | Unleashed Software 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Focus | Full ERP (enterprise) | MRP for SMBs | Inventory-first ERP-lite |
| Production Planning | Advanced AI + modules | Visual scheduling | Basic BOM + stock mgmt |
| Inventory Management | Enterprise-grade global | Real-time tracking | Strong forecasting |
| Finance & Accounting | Built-in ERP suite | Integrations only | Integrations only |
| Scalability | Global enterprise ready | SMB-focused | SMB to mid-market |
| Ease of Use | Complex, training needed | Very intuitive | Moderate, inventory-led |
Pricing Comparison (2025)
NetSuite Pricing
NetSuite follows a subscription model, with pricing varying depending on modules and company size. Costs can range from thousands per month, plus significant implementation fees. It is best suited for enterprises with large budgets and complex requirements.
Katana Pricing
Katana offers tiered monthly subscription plans, starting at affordable per-user rates. This makes it highly attractive to small and medium manufacturers. Pricing transparency and a low barrier to entry make it accessible to startups and growing companies.
Unleashed Pricing
Unleashed uses a subscription-based model with tiered pricing based on features and users. It is more affordable than NetSuite but slightly higher than Katana in some tiers. Add-ons like advanced reporting or integrations may increase total costs.
Pricing Comparison Table: NetSuite vs Katana vs Unleashed
| Plan Type | NetSuite ERP 2025 | Katana MRP 2025 | Unleashed Software 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $$$ (high cost) | ~$15–20/user/month | ~$25–30/user/month |
| Mid-Tier | $$$$ | ~$50–100/user/month | ~$50–100/user/month |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing (premium) | Limited scalability | Limited scalability |
| Free Trial | No | Yes | Yes |
Usability and User Experience
NetSuite is powerful but complex. Its enterprise-grade modules require training and IT support. Katana is extremely user-friendly, designed for small businesses without dedicated IT departments. Unleashed sits in between, with a focus on inventory-first workflows that are moderately easy to learn.
Integrations and Ecosystem
NetSuite has a vast partner ecosystem with thousands of integrations. Katana integrates with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like Xero, making it strong for SMB workflows. Unleashed integrates with accounting, CRM, and e-commerce but relies on third-party connectors for some features.
Scalability and Flexibility
NetSuite is highly scalable, supporting multinational enterprises with thousands of employees. Katana scales well for SMBs but may hit limitations at larger enterprise levels. Unleashed scales for mid-market manufacturers but lacks the enterprise depth of NetSuite.
Customer Support and Resources
NetSuite provides enterprise-level support with 24/7 assistance and partner-led training. Katana offers live chat, tutorials, and a strong knowledge base for SMBs. Unleashed provides email and chat support, plus community forums.
Suitability for Different Business Sizes
Small Manufacturers
Katana is the clear choice for small manufacturers due to affordability and ease of use. Unleashed can also work for small businesses prioritizing inventory management.
Mid-Sized Companies
Unleashed serves mid-market manufacturers well, offering advanced inventory features. Katana remains viable but may need integrations.
Large Enterprises
NetSuite is best for global enterprises needing complex ERP modules, compliance, and scalability. Katana and Unleashed cannot match its enterprise functionality.
Real-World Case Studies (2025)
Case Study: SMB Using Katana MRP
A small food manufacturer implemented Katana to manage raw material inventory and production scheduling. The result was a 40% reduction in stockouts and a smoother production process.
Case Study: Mid-Market Manufacturer Using Unleashed
An electronics company adopted Unleashed for inventory forecasting. AI-driven purchasing suggestions helped them reduce excess stock by 25% and cut costs.
Case Study: Enterprise Using NetSuite
A multinational automotive parts supplier adopted NetSuite to unify operations across three continents. With NetSuite’s advanced supply chain modules, they gained global visibility and reduced lead times by 30%.
Final Verdict – Which ERP/MRP Solution Fits Best?
When to Choose NetSuite
Choose NetSuite if you are a large enterprise with complex global operations, requiring an all-in-one ERP with finance, HR, and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
When to Choose Katana
Choose Katana if you are a small to medium-sized manufacturer looking for affordability, ease of use, and strong production scheduling without enterprise complexity.
When to Choose Unleashed
Choose Unleashed if you are a product-based SME or mid-market manufacturer that prioritizes inventory and supply chain accuracy while maintaining cost efficiency.
Conclusion
NetSuite, Katana MRP, and Unleashed Software all provide value, but they serve different audiences. NetSuite is the enterprise powerhouse, Katana is the SMB-friendly production scheduler, and Unleashed is the inventory-focused ERP-lite platform. The right choice depends on the size of your business, your budget, and the complexity of your operations.
In 2025, manufacturers have more options than ever before, but the best ERP solution is the one that aligns with your production workflows and growth trajectory. Whether you need enterprise-grade scalability, small business simplicity, or inventory-first precision, one of these platforms can power your manufacturing success.
