Top 3 MRP Systems for Subcontract Engineering and Manufacturing in 2025

Introduction

For subcontract engineering companies and manufacturers, staying on top of production planning, inventory management, and supply chain coordination is critical. Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems have become the backbone of modern manufacturing, enabling businesses to schedule work, track materials, and ensure that production deadlines are met efficiently.

With a wide variety of MRP solutions available, selecting the right system can be challenging. Factors such as scalability, ease of integration, cost, and industry-specific functionality all influence the decision.

In this blog, we review three of the top MRP systems for 2025, examining their features, benefits, real-world applications, and suitability for subcontract engineering companies.

1. SAP Business One

Overview:

SAP Business One is a widely adopted ERP and MRP system designed for small to medium-sized manufacturers. It combines production planning, inventory management, procurement, and financial tracking in a single platform.

Key Features:

• Production Planning & Scheduling: Create accurate production schedules with real-time visibility of material availability.

• Inventory Management: Track stock levels, batch numbers, and lot control to reduce waste.

• Procurement Management: Automate purchase orders, supplier evaluation, and cost tracking.

• Analytics & Reporting: Built-in dashboards provide insights into production efficiency and supply chain performance.

Benefits for Subcontractors:

• Improved on-time delivery through real-time scheduling

• Reduced stockouts and overstocking by optimizing inventory levels

• Centralized data improves cross-department collaboration

Example: A precision engineering subcontractor producing multi-part assemblies can use SAP Business One to synchronize supplier deliveries with shop floor production schedules, reducing idle time and improving throughput.

Considerations:

• Initial setup and configuration can be complex

• Requires dedicated staff or consultants for advanced customization

Pricing: Flexible, typically subscription-based, depending on company size and modules required

2. Oracle NetSuite Manufacturing Edition

Overview:

Oracle NetSuite is acloud-based ERP with integrated MRP functionality, designed for growing manufacturers and subcontract engineering firms. Its cloud deployment offers remote accessibility and scalable infrastructure.

Key Features:

• Real-Time Production Management: Monitor production jobs, work orders, and material usage in real time.

• Demand Planning: Forecast demand and adjust production plans proactively.

• Inventory & Supply Chain Optimization: Integrated tools for stock control, supplier management, and automated replenishment.

• Customizable Dashboards: Tailor KPIs and performance metrics to monitor shop floor efficiency.

Benefits for Subcontractors:

• Cloud accessibility allows management of multiple facilities from one platform

• Automated alerts for low stock or delayed orders reduce production interruptions

• Integration with CRM and financial modules provides complete visibility of costs and customer orders

Example: A subcontractor supplying aerospace components can use NetSuite’s demand planning to anticipate orders for high-volume projects, aligning CNC machine capacity and supplier deliveries automatically.

Considerations:

• Subscription costs can be higher than on-premise solutions

• Requires internet connectivity and some training for staff unfamiliar with cloud-based platforms

Pricing: Subscription-based, tiered according to users and modules selected

3. JobBOSS²

Overview:

JobBOSS² is ajob-based MRP systemtailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, especiallyjob shop and make-to-order subcontractors. It emphasizes ease of use and quick implementation.

Key Features:

• Job Tracking & Scheduling: Monitor the status of each job from quotation to delivery.

• Inventory & Material Requirements: Automatically calculate required materials per job to prevent delays.

• Costing & Quoting: Generate accurate job cost estimates and quotes based on real-time production data.

• Shop Floor Control: Track labour, machine time, and work order progress.

Benefits for Subcontractors:

• Provides job-specific visibility, ideal for small batch or bespoke orders

• Reduces manual tracking errors and improves quoting accuracy

• Improves shop floor productivity by aligning resources with job priorities

Example: A subcontractor producing custom CNC components can use JobBOSS² to monitor machine utilization, allocate operators efficiently, and track material consumption per job, minimizing delays and wastage.

Considerations:

• Less suitable for large, multi-site manufacturers

• Limited advanced analytics compared to full ERP platforms

Pricing: One-time license or subscription, with optional modules for advanced functionality

Feature / System	SAP Business One	Oracle NetSuite Manufacturing	JobBOSS²
Deployment	On-premise / Cloud	Cloud-based	On-premise / Cloud
Best For	SMBs needing full ERP	Growing multi-site businesses	Job shops, make-to-order
Inventory Management	Advanced	Advanced	Moderate
Scheduling & Planning	Advanced	Advanced	Job-focused
Analytics & Reporting	Strong	Strong	Moderate
Implementation Time	Medium to long	Medium	Short
Cost	Medium-high	Medium-high	Low-medium

Insights:

• SAP Business One is ideal for subcontractors seeking a robust, all-in-one ERP/MRP solution.

• Oracle NetSuite excels in scalability, cloud access, and integrated modules for growing multi-site operations.

• JobBOSS² is perfect for smaller subcontractors with job-shop workflows who need simplicity and fast implementation.

Key Considerations When Choosing an MRP System

1. Company Size & Complexity: Larger firms with multiple production lines benefit from full ERP integration, while smaller job shops may prefer simpler, job-based systems.

2. Budget & ROI: Factor in subscription costs, training, and implementation time against expected efficiency gains.

3. Integration Needs: Ensure the system integrates with existing tools, like CAD/CAM software, CRM, or accounting packages.

4. User Adoption: Ease of use is critical—choose a platform your team can adopt quickly to maximize benefits.

5. Scalability: Consider future growth and whether the system can expand with your business.

Practical Tips for Implementing an MRP System

• Start with a pilot project to test workflows and integration before full rollout.

• Assign a dedicated implementation team to oversee training and setup.

• Collect baseline performance data to measure efficiency improvements after implementation.

• Regularly review KPIs and metrics, including OTD, scrap rate, and machine utilization.

• Integrate MRP with digital shop floor systems to maximize automation and data visibility.

Conclusion

Selecting the right MRP system can transform a subcontract engineering company by streamlining production planning, optimizing inventory, and improving overall operational efficiency.

• SAP Business One: Robust, all-in-one ERP/MRP solution for small to medium manufacturers.

• Oracle NetSuite Manufacturing: Cloud-based, scalable solution for growing, multi-site subcontractors.

• JobBOSS²: Simple, job-focused system ideal for small job shops and make-to-order workflows.

By carefully evaluating your business needs, production complexity, and budget, you can choose an MRP system that enhances efficiency, reduces errors, and supports growth.

Explore Subservs suppliers using MRP systems to ensure your projects are delivered on time, on budget, and with consistent quality.