MRP vs ERP

ERP and MRP Software Guide, what’s the difference anyway?

QCS Techniques helps manufacturers reduce errors, improve traceability, and gain complete control over quality and production processes.

When and Why should I move to an ERP over an MRP

Moving from an MRP system to an ERP system is often driven by business growth. While an MRP is excellent for controlling materials and production, it focuses mainly on the factory floor. As a business expands, teams outside of manufacturing, such as sales, purchasing, finance, and management, also need accurate, real-time information. An ERP system brings all of these functions together, ensuring everyone works from the same data rather than relying on spreadsheets, emails, or manual updates.

An ERP system also improves visibility and decision-making at a strategic level. Instead of reviewing production data separately from financial performance or customer activity, an ERP connects everything in one platform. This allows businesses to understand true costs, margins, and capacity, respond faster to change, and plan confidently for the future. For many organisations, moving to an ERP is less about replacing an MRP and more about building on it to support long-term growth and control.

ERP and MRP Features Explained

Typical ERP System Features

  • Sales orders, quotations, and customer management
  • Purchasing and supplier control
  • Stock and inventory management
  • Manufacturing and production planning
  • Quality management and traceability
  • Invoicing, accounts, and financial reporting
  • Costing, margins, and profitability analysis
  • User permissions and role-based access
  • Dashboards and real-time management reporting

Typical MRP System Features

  • Bills of Materials (single and multi-level)
  • Material requirements planning
  • Purchase planning and supplier lead times
  • Work orders and production jobs
  • Routing and operation tracking
  • Shop-floor data collection
  • Work-in-progress (WIP) visibility
  • Capacity planning and scheduling
  • Manufacturing stock and traceability
Area ERP System MRP System
Primary focus Entire business Manufacturing
Sales and order management Included Limited
Purchasing and suppliers Included Included
Stock and inventory Business-wide Manufacturing-focused
Bills of Materials Included Core feature
Production planning Included Core feature
Shop-floor tracking Included Core feature
Financials and accounting Core feature Not included
Best suited for Growing, multi-department businesses Manufacturing-led operations

Looking for a Manufacturing-Focused ERP?

QCS Hub is a modern ERP platform designed specifically for precision engineering and regulated manufacturing environments.

Explore QCS Hub

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