Is QuickBooks an MRP System?
Is QuickBooks an MRP system?
An excellent question to be sure!
Before we can answer, let’s take a quick look at what an MRP system actually is…
MRP SYSTEM – A WORKING DEFINITION
Wikipedia shares this definition of MRP:
Material requirements planning (MRP) is a production planning, scheduling, and inventory control system used to manage manufacturing processes. Most MRP systems are software-based, but it is possible to conduct MRP by hand as well.
An MRP system is intended to simultaneously meet three objectives:
- Ensure raw materials are available for production and products are available for delivery to customers.
- Maintain the lowest possible material and product levels in store
- Plan manufacturing activities, delivery schedules and purchasing
QUICKBOOKS AS AN MRP? A CLOSER LOOK…
Using the above definition as our guidepost, we can take a closer look at all the versions of QuickBooks – Pro/Premier/Enterprise (known as the desktop versions) and Online. This includes the “QuickBooks Manufacturing Edition”, which is one of the industry-specific Premier and Enterprise desktop editions.
In addition, I’d like to introduce KatanaMRP software for QuickBooks so we can compare and contrast across these platforms.
I’ve put together this handy chart that compares the key functional areas of MRP software to see how QuickBooks and Katana match up:
QUICKBOOKS (ALL VERSIONS) VS. KATANAMRP
Are you noticing a lot of red X marks in the QuickBooks selections?
Me too…
When you lay things out this way, it’s pretty clear that QuickBooks does not stack up very well as an MRP system.
Terrific accounting software? Yes.
For many manufacturers, it comes up short…
ENTER: THE KATANAMRP SOLUTION
Designed to integrate directly with QBO, KatanaMRP provides critical manufacturing functionality at a very reasonable price point. (NOTE: It is possible to use KatanaMRP as a standalone system along with QuickBooks Pro/Premier/Enterprise. Journal entries can easily handle the tracking of inventory and cost activities).
Let’s take a closer look at the features KatanaMRP brings to manufacturing businesses using QuickBooks:
SEE KATANA IN ACTION
Get a front row seat to the inner workings of Katana during this live demo we did…
TAKE KATANAMRP FOR YOUR OWN TEST DRIVE
Want to take KatanaMRP for a test drive to see it in action?
Use the full package for up to 14 days – add your own information or use their demo data.
Get rolling with your trial – no credit card needed.
NEED CONSULTING HELP TO SORT IT ALL OUT?
Tap into my 35+ years of accounting, manufacturing and inventory experience to help guide you.
My background includes over 10 years as the CFO for a $15 million manufacturing business – I’ve been in the trenches just like you!
