Manufacturing accounting software are designed to provide small and large business manufacturers with a level of detail they need to make financial decisions. The apps and downloads we feature below have features such as the ability to sync with QuickBooks or ProSeries, project management tools, time tracking, forecasting and other manufacturing financial controls.
Manufacturing Accounting Software is a web application that is designed to offer real-time manufacturing accounting and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) capabilities. The software provides access to both group and individual data through intuitively designed dashboards, lists, charts and reports.
QuickBooks Online
You might have been told QuickBooks Online is not a good fit for inventory-based businesses like your small-manufacturing company.
On its own, this is true. QuickBooks Online has a very limited inventory feature, though Intuit is continuously updating and upgrading it.
However, there are a number of very powerful third-party integrations specifically designed for small-manufacturing businesses that integrate beautifully with QuickBooks Online. Fishbowl Manufacturing provides a full ERP system for your manufacturing business that integrates with QuickBooks Online using a plugin built right into the software. Fishbowl integrates with a number of other accounting platforms, as well, so if you switch accountants you will also be able to switch accounting platforms with ease (if necessary). Although it is server-based, there is a hosting option you can use to access Fishbowl via a URL.
MISys Manufacturing is another great option for your “back-of-house” manufacturing accounting needs. MISys is modular, meaning you can start small and build as your business grows and you need more functionality. This will help you keep your costs down while you are building your business. Unlike Fishbowl, MISys integrates only with QuickBooks and Sage products, so keep this in mind if you plan to work closely with an accountant or bookkeeper.
QuickBooks Online is supported by thousands of accountants and bookkeepers around the world, making it easy to find a provider who specializes in accounting for small manufacturers. This, combined with the ease of integration with software specifically designed for manufacturing businesses, makes it our top pick.
QuickBooks Enterprise for Manufacturing & Wholesale
Although this is a desktop-based solution, QuickBooks Enterprise for Manufacturing & Wholesale can easily be hosted in the cloud. We recommend hosting this software with a reputable company like RightNetworks to provide you with access from anywhere, routine backups and regular updates.
This version of QuickBooks has many of the features manufacturers need right inside the software, like assemblies management and available-to-promise functionality to help manage demand. Like with QuickBooks Online, finding support is easy, but you’ll want to choose an accountant or bookkeeper who has experience using the manufacturing and inventory features.
Even though QuickBooks Enterprise for Manufacturing & Wholesale is sold as an all-in-one solution, the manufacturing features aren’t as advanced as those you will find in Fishbowl or MISys. Take some time to consider not only your current needs but also what features you might need for your business in the future. If you will ever need advanced manufacturing features, your better bet will be to go with QuickBooks Online and a third-party application from the start.
NetSuite Manufacturing
NetSuite Manufacturing is a completely cloud-based, all-in-one solution built specifically for manufacturers. Used by large, global manufacturing companies, NetSuite has everything any manufacturing business of any size needs to run operate effectively and profitably.
With this level of robustness comes some challenges, though. NetSuite could be a little too robust for small and emerging manufacturing businesses, creating complexities where simplicity would benefit the business owner more. NetSuite is also not as widely supported as QuickBooks products, meaning you could have difficulty finding an accountant or bookkeeper to support it.
Still, if you are planning to grow your manufacturing business into a large enterprise, NetSuite is worth considering. Even if you choose to use different accounting software for your small-manufacturing business now, keep NetSuite in the back of your mind as a solution to consider as your business grows.
FreshBooks
Freshbooks is a robust accounting software that empowers manufacturers like you to spend less time on bookkeeping and more time doing what matters most in your business. It is designed to help you keep your books in check and watch your profits grow.
With FreshBooks accounting software for manufacturing companies, accounting becomes quicker and easier than ever. Because with a few simple inputs, this powerful accounting software can send invoices, track your expenses automatically, and help you stay up-to-date with your customers. Likewise, you can secure your data in the FreshBooks Cloud and access your account from any device you choose. So whether you’re on the go or working remotely, your business’s information is just a few clicks away.
Try out FreshBooks with their free trialGET 60% OFFFREE TRIAL
What’s more, FreshBooks integrations help you to easily extend its functionalities with third-party systems. And this suits manufacturers and wholesalers that need a tool with automated recurring invoices and payment reminders, streamlined hours billing, etc.
Detailed FreshBooks ReviewREAD MORE
Why choose FreshBooks?
- Professional client interactions. You can create an invoice template that is sent automatically or at the click of a button. Likewise, you can even brand your invoices with your company’s brand, color, and logo.
- Collect payments quickly and easily. Make payment easier for your clients, and you’ll have money hitting your account in no time. With the accounting software from FreshBooks, your clients can make secure online payments through the app or website.
- Robust double-entry accounting. As a manufacturer, your accounts and inventory are a bit more complex. While some simpler businesses can get away with single-entry, cash-based accounting, you can’t. On the other hand, double-entry accounting is a better, more complete approach. In fact, it may even be a legal requirement for your company.
- Built for tax management. It prepares your business for the tax season to organize your expenses, review income and expenses, and utilize the balance sheet.
- Project management. Monitor your production operations in collaborating with business partners, employees, and contractors.
QuickFile
- Great range of features
- Responsive support community
- Fee applies for larger accounts
- Cloud-based – works on web browser, mobile, and tablet
What is QuickFile?
Founded in 2010, QuickFile is accounting software that’s specifically aimed at freelancers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. It’s a simple and intuitive cloud-based solution that helps any small business owner with little accounting knowledge to easily keep track of their finances.
It’s also got great reviews on Trustpilot, amassing an average score of 4.7 out of 5 from over 1,100 reviews, with reviewers praising its ease of use and range of features.
What can QuickFile do?
QuickFile boasts an enviable range of features, including:
- Integration with over 50 automated bank feeds
- Easily manage invoices through a branded portal, which your clients can use to view and pay invoices through a range of online payment providers like PayPal and Stripe
- Track and file VAT returns – QuickFile is fully compatible with Making Tax Digital
- Generate a range of reports that give insight into your business
- Full multi-currency support
- Tools to create estimates, purchase orders, and delivery notes
- A mobile app that allows you to create invoices/estimates and snap expenses receipts on the go
- A seamless ‘click to print’ service if you need to post hard copies of your invoices, estimates, or statements
Why is QuickFile free?
QuickFile is only free for accounts of a certain size. This is slightly technical, but you’re limited to 1,000 ledger entries (this includes all invoices, purchases and bank transactions). Once you go over this limit, you pay a set fee of £45+VAT per year (approximately £54 in total at current rates). This fee also grants you access to some advanced features, such as enhanced bulk invoice entry and VAT bridging tools.
The free version is also supported by ads.
This pricing structure makes it perfect for startups – who can upgrade as their business grows – and means that you can easily try QuickFile for free to see if it’s the right fit for your business.
What support does QuickFile offer?
While there is no phone support available, QuickFile has a very active online community forum, and promises to answer most questions posted there within a few hours. You can also email their support team directly, but you’re likely to get a quicker response by posting a question in the forum.
QuickFile Verdict
QuickFile is the ideal free solution for very small businesses that can stay under the ledger entry limit. Its highly competitive pricing and great range of features means it should also be strongly considered by larger businesses, too.
Conclusion
Manufacturing accounting can be a complicated matter, but it doesn’t have to be. Our manufacturing accounting software is designed to make your job easier, and that starts with the simple interface. We’ll show you exactly what you need to know, when you need to know it, so you can manage all aspects of your company’s finances. And because this is a cloud-based solution, services are always up-to-date.