MRPeasy Review | Podcastbricks

MRPeasy is a cloud-based ERP/MRP system tailored for small and scaling manufacturers and distributors across industries like aerospace, automotive, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and more. Launched with the mission to simplify complex MRP systems, MRPeasy offers a robust yet intuitive platform that automates critical processes such as production planning, inventory management, and order fulfillment. Unlike traditional ERP systems that can be costly and complex, MRPeasy aims to bridge the gap for smaller businesses by providing enterprise-level functionality at a fraction of the cost.

The software integrates five core modules: production planning, inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), procurement, and accounting. These modules work together to provide a holistic view of operations, enabling businesses to streamline workflows, reduce manual errors, and improve decision-making. With integrations for platforms like Xero, Shopify, QuickBooks, and Zapier, MRPeasy ensures compatibility with existing systems, making it a versatile choice for small manufacturers.

Key Features of MRPeasy

1. Production Planning and Scheduling

MRPeasy’s production planning module is the heart of its functionality. It allows users to create manufacturing orders (MOs) with ease, specifying product groups, quantities, and due dates. The system supports:

Master Production Schedule (MPS): Provides a comprehensive overview of production timelines.
Dynamic Rescheduling: Features drag-and-drop Gantt charts and calendars for real-time schedule adjustments.
Bill of Materials (BOM) Management: Supports multi-level BOMs, matrix BOMs, and sub-assemblies, with tools for routing, workstation management, and version control.
Backward and Forward Scheduling: Ensures flexibility in planning to meet deadlines.

Users can convert customer orders into MOs with a single click, and the system automatically generates purchase orders for out-of-stock materials, minimizing production delays. Reviewers praise the intuitive design, with one user noting, “The production scheduling format is excellent, and the actuals vs. planned screens handle BOM costings expertly.”

2. Inventory Management

Inventory control is a standout feature, offering real-time insights into stock levels, movements, and traceability. Key capabilities include:

Real-Time Stock Monitoring: Tracks stock lots, serial numbers, and expiration dates to prevent stockouts or overages.
Automated Restocking: Generates purchase orders when inventory falls below preset thresholds.
Multi-Warehouse Support: Allows tracking and transferring items across multiple locations.
Barcoding and Quality Control: Enhances traceability with batch and serial number tracking.

Users appreciate the system’s ability to streamline inventory processes. One reviewer stated, “MRPeasy has facilitated our inventory control, giving us more visibility on critical items and allowing preventive measures for backorders.” However, some users have noted that manual inventory entries can cause issues with automatic write-offs, requiring careful setup.

3. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

While MRPeasy’s CRM module is basic compared to dedicated CRM platforms, it covers essential needs for small manufacturers. Features include:

Order Pipeline Tracking: Manages quotes, orders, and deliveries from a single interface.
Customer Data Management: Stores customer information, purchase history, and invoicing details.
Sales Reporting: Provides metrics on sales values, deliveries, and late invoices.

The CRM integrates seamlessly with the production and inventory modules, ensuring alignment between sales and manufacturing. Users find it “intuitive and logical,” particularly for micro-businesses with complex stock requirements.

4. Procurement

The procurement module simplifies purchasing by:

Automating Purchase Orders: Pre-fills POs based on inventory needs and production plans.
Vendor Management: Tracks supplier interactions and delivery timelines.
Quality Inspections: Flags delayed parts with color-coded warnings.

Reviewers highlight the module’s simplicity, with one stating, “The single object in the purchasing section is the PO, making it straightforward compared to systems with 20 windows for purchasing.”

5. Accounting

MRPeasy includes a standard accounting module for reconciling profit and loss, balance sheets, and cash flow forecasts. While not as robust as dedicated accounting software, it integrates seamlessly with Xero and QuickBooks, allowing users to streamline financial reporting. The module supports multi-currency transactions and global reach, which is beneficial for businesses with international operations.

Additional Features

API Access: Available in the Unlimited plan, enabling custom integrations and bespoke solutions.
Mobile Support: Accessible via web browsers on Android, iPad, and iPhone, though some features are limited on mobile.
Multi-Language Support: Includes languages like English, Spanish, French, German, and more, catering to global users.
Comprehensive User Manual: Offers detailed guidance and demo videos to ease onboarding.

Pricing and Plans

MRPeasy operates on a subscription-based model with four pricing tiers, as outlined in a 2023 review:

Starter ($49/user/month): Includes basic production planning, inventory management, and integrations with Xero and QuickBooks.
Professional ($69/user/month): Adds co-product BOMs, custom columns, serial numbers, and quality control.
Enterprise ($99/user/month): Includes advanced features like tiered pricing and subcontracting.
Unlimited ($149/user/month): Offers API access and full customization capabilities.

The first 10 users are billed at the chosen plan’s rate, with additional users at $59/month (or $5.99/user for each batch of 10). An 8% discount applies to annual subscriptions. A 15-day free trial is available, extendable by watching demo videos or following MRPeasy on LinkedIn.

Compared to industry averages ($20–$250/user/month for cloud-based ERP solutions), MRPeasy is cost-effective, especially for small businesses. However, some users have noted that the Starter plan limits the number of BOMs/products, which may restrict scalability for growing companies.

User Experiences and Reviews

Positive Feedback

MRPeasy has earned a strong reputation for its ease of use, affordability, and comprehensive functionality. Common themes in user reviews include:

User-Friendly Interface: Many users praise the slick, modern interface, with one stating, “The default UI is incredibly well-optimized and was easily picked up by all my employees.”
Seamless Integrations: Integration with Xero, Shopify, and Zapier is a significant draw. A user noted, “The integrations with our website and accounting system are amazing, automating all our previous manual processes.”
Efficiency Gains: Businesses report significant time savings and improved workflows. One reviewer said, “With MRPeasy, our capacity doubled, streamlining production and procurement so I can focus on growth and sales.”
Customer Support: The support team is frequently described as responsive and knowledgeable. A user highlighted, “The customer support team is exceptional, providing timely assistance whenever needed.”
ISO Compliance: Several users noted that MRPeasy’s documentation capabilities impressed ISO auditors, eliminating the need for additional systems.

On platforms like Trustpilot, MRPeasy holds a 3.8/5 rating based on limited reviews, with 100% of reviewers giving 5 stars for ease of implementation and BOM functionality. Software Finder reports a 4.6/5 rating from 17 reviews, with high scores for ease of use, value for money, and customer support.

Criticisms and Shortcomings

Despite its strengths, MRPeasy is not without flaws. Common criticisms include:

Limited Customization: Some users find customization options restricted, particularly in the lower-tier plans. One reviewer noted, “The program is the same for all users, which can limit bespoke solutions unless you opt for the Unlimited plan.”
Learning Curve: While intuitive for many, new users without ERP experience may face a learning curve. MRPeasy recommends following its implementation guidelines, but the self-service setup can be challenging without consulting support.
Technical Glitches: Occasional hiccups, such as manual inventory entry issues or slow dashboard refreshes on mobile, have been reported.
Constrained Reporting: Some users find report layouts inflexible, with limited options for adding extra information or printing graphs.
Customer Support Variability: While many praise the support team, others report delays or inconsistent responses for complex queries.
Missing Features: Features like catch weight labeling, outsourced work tracking, and automatic stock movement refreshes are either limited or absent.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Affordable pricing for small businesses.
Intuitive, modern interface with minimal training required.
Comprehensive ERP/MRP functionality, including production planning, inventory, and CRM.
Seamless integrations with Xero, Shopify, QuickBooks, and Zapier.
Real-time stock and production tracking with robust BOM management.
Excellent customer support and detailed user manual.
Cloud-based with 99.9% uptime and global accessibility.
Supports ISO compliance with strong documentation.

Cons

Limited customization in lower-tier plans.
Learning curve for users new to ERP systems.
Occasional technical glitches, particularly with manual inventory entries.
Reporting features lack flexibility and advanced customization.
Some features, like outsourced work tracking, are missing or underdeveloped.
Mobile app functionality is limited compared to desktop.

Who Should Use MRPeasy?

MRPeasy is ideal for:

Small to Medium Manufacturers (10–200 employees): Perfect for businesses in industries like automotive, aerospace, or pharmaceuticals needing robust yet affordable ERP/MRP solutions.
Businesses Transitioning to MRP: Its intuitive design and self-service implementation make it suitable for companies formalizing their processes.
Cost-Conscious Organizations: With plans starting at $49/user/month, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to complex systems like SAP or NetSuite.
Companies Using Xero or Shopify: Seamless integrations enhance compatibility for e-commerce and accounting workflows.

It may not suit:

Large Enterprises: Businesses with over 200 employees or complex, multi-site operations may find MRPeasy’s features too basic.
Users Needing Advanced Customization: The software’s standardized approach may frustrate those requiring highly tailored solutions without the Unlimited plan.
Non-Manufacturing Businesses: While versatile, MRPeasy is optimized for manufacturing and distribution, not service-based industries.

Implementation and Support

MRPeasy’s self-service implementation process allows businesses to deploy the software independently, guided by a comprehensive user manual and demo videos. The process varies based on complexity but typically takes weeks, not months. For additional support, MRPeasy offers access to authorized consulting partners, though this incurs extra costs.

The support team is available via email, help desk, chat, and a knowledge base. Most users find the support responsive, though some report delays for niche issues. The software’s 99.9% uptime ensures reliability, with maintenance windows scheduled during weekends to minimize disruption.

Alternatives to MRPeasy

For businesses considering alternatives, here are three competitors:

Odoo: A modular ERP with broader functionality, including non-manufacturing modules. It’s more customizable but can be complex and pricier.
Katana: A cloud-based MRP focused on simplicity for small manufacturers. It’s less feature-rich than MRPeasy but excels in e-commerce integrations.
NetSuite: A comprehensive ERP for larger businesses. It offers advanced features but comes with a higher cost and steeper learning curve.

Conclusion

MRPeasy is a game-changer for small to medium-sized manufacturers seeking an affordable, user-friendly ERP/MRP system. Its robust feature set, seamless integrations, and intuitive interface make it a strong contender in the market, particularly for businesses transitioning to formalized MRP processes. With a 4.6/5 rating on platforms like Software Finder and glowing reviews for its efficiency and support, MRPeasy delivers significant value for its price.

However, it’s not perfect. Limited customization, occasional glitches, and a learning curve for new users may pose challenges. Businesses needing advanced reporting or non-manufacturing features might look elsewhere. Still, for small manufacturers aiming to streamline production, inventory, and customer management without breaking the bank, MRPeasy is a compelling choice.