
As the manufacturing industry continues to evolve, many companies are looking for ways to streamline their operations and cut costs. One solution gaining popularity is cloud-based manufacturing software. Standard Manufacturing SaaS (Software as a Service) refers to subscription-based software that helps manage key processes such as production planning, inventory management, quality control, and analytics.
What makes SaaS stand out is that it's ready to use. Unlike custom-built software, which can take months (or even years) to develop and requires a significant financial investment, standard SaaS solutions come pre-built with features tailored to the common needs of most manufacturers. And because it's hosted in the cloud, there's no need for expensive hardware or complex IT maintenance—making it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes.
Why Are Businesses Shifting to Cloud-Based Manufacturing Software?
However, cloud-based manufacturing software is becoming very popular. The research states that the global Manufacturing Execution System (MES) market is expected to grow to $24.2 billion by the year 2026 with the cloud-based solutions booming. However, why is this happening? There are various reasons why more and more businesses are moving over with this type of delivery.
1. Cost Savings
One of the biggest draws of SaaS applications for manufacturing is that they run on a subscription-based model. This means you’re not faced with those hefty upfront costs like with traditional, on-premise software. Instead, you can pay as you go, which is often much easier on your budget, especially when starting or upgrading.
2. Scalability
Another huge benefit is the scalability. As your business grows, you don’t have to worry about your software falling short. With SaaS, it's easy to upgrade or add more features to match your evolving needs, all without the hassle of dealing with new installations or complex configurations.

3. Remote Accessibility
The ability to access critical data from anywhere is a game-changer. With cloud-based manufacturing SaaS, your team can stay connected, collaborate, and make decisions in real time—no matter where they are. This flexibility is crucial, especially in today’s remote and hybrid work environments.
4. Faster Implementation
Unlike custom-built solutions that can take months (sometimes even years) to roll out, standard SaaS can be up and running in just a few days. That means minimal downtime and a quicker path to productivity, without long waits for development or complicated setups.
5. Automatic Updates
One of the perks of SaaS is that the vendor takes care of updates and security patches for you. That means your system is always running the latest version, with the most up-to-date features and security measures—no need for you to handle it all on your own.
Benefits of SaaS in Manufacturing
If you’re considering standard manufacturing SaaS, you’re probably wondering what the real benefits are compared to traditional on-premise solutions. There’s a lot to love about SaaS, especially when it comes to modernizing production processes and making your business more efficient. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between Manufacturing SaaS and on-premise software in terms of key features:
1. Upfront Costs
With Manufacturing SaaS, the biggest advantage is the low upfront cost. Because SaaS operates on a subscription model, you avoid the large, initial investment that comes with on-premise solutions (which often include both software licenses and expensive hardware). This means you get a more affordable, predictable cost structure—perfect for businesses with tighter budgets.
2. Implementation Time
One of the most frustrating parts of on-premise software is the long implementation time. It can take months (sometimes even years!) to get everything up and running, which is a huge drain on time and resources. On the other hand, Manufacturing SaaS solutions are quick to deploy—often taking just days or weeks. This allows you to start benefiting from the software almost immediately.

3. Maintenance
With traditional software, you’re on the hook for handling all the maintenance—this means managing updates, fixing bugs, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. With SaaS, the vendor takes care of this for you, so you don’t have to worry about it at all. This frees up your internal team to focus on more important tasks rather than dealing with software issues.
4. Scalability
Another big perk of SaaS is how easy it is to scale up or down as your business grows or changes. You can easily adjust your subscription, add more users, or unlock more features as needed. On-premise software doesn’t offer this level of flexibility—it often requires additional hardware and costly upgrades when you need to scale.
5. Accessibility
With SaaS, you get the benefit of remote access. This means you can access the software from anywhere—whether you’re at the office, at home, or on the go. It’s a real game-changer for teams that need to stay connected and make decisions in real time. In contrast, on-premise software typically limits you to on-site access, making it less flexible for businesses that require mobility.
6. Updates & Security
With Manufacturing SaaS, you don’t need to worry about manually installing updates or security patches—the vendor handles all of that automatically. This ensures that you always have the latest features and security measures in place. On the flip side, on-premise software requires you to manage updates manually, which can be time-consuming and sometimes risky if updates are missed.
Who Typically Buys Manufacturing SaaS Solutions?
Manufacturing SaaS isn’t just for one type of business—it caters to a wide range of industries, from small startups to large enterprises. Let’s take a closer look at who typically buys Manufacturing SaaS solutions:
1. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Small and medium-sized businesses are often on the lookout for affordable software that helps automate key processes without costing too much. Manufacturing SaaS is a great fit for these businesses because it offers powerful automation tools at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems. These businesses can access the same advanced features that big companies use but in a more budget-friendly way.
2. Large Manufacturers
Large manufacturers need advanced production planning and supply chain integration to keep things running smoothly. These companies often deal with complex operations, and SaaS solutions give them the flexibility and scalability required to manage everything effectively. Cloud-based platforms allow them to stay connected, track inventory in real-time, and streamline their production processes, all without the limitations of on-premise software.

3. Startups
Startups need to keep their expenses as low as possible, which is why many opt for cloud-based software. It’s a great way to avoid the high infrastructure costs that come with traditional software. The pay-as-you-go model also works well for new businesses, letting them only pay for the features they need without committing to huge, upfront investments.
4. Industrial Consultants
Industrial consultants often assist businesses in transitioning from legacy manufacturing systems to more modern, cloud-based SaaS applications. They understand the value of helping companies make the switch because SaaS platforms offer flexibility, ease of implementation, and ongoing support. It’s all part of a broader strategy to help businesses optimize operations and boost efficiency.
Why Buy a Standard Manufacturing SaaS?
The Difference Between Custom vs. Standard Manufacturing SaaS
There are clear differences between custom-built software and standard manufacturing SaaS. Let’s break them down:
1. Development Time
Standard manufacturing SaaS is ready to deploy immediately, while custom-built software can take months or even years to develop.
2. Cost
SaaS offers a lower cost with a subscription-based model, making it more affordable upfront. In comparison, custom software involves a high initial investment for development, hardware, and ongoing maintenance.
3. Maintenance
With SaaS, the vendor handles all maintenance, including updates and bug fixes. Custom-built software requires an in-house IT team to manage maintenance.
4. Flexibility
The only flexibility is customized to your needs with custom software. Standardized SaaS features come with fewer customized options but they are good to go and fit most business needs.
5. Scalability
SaaS is easy and cost-effective to scale as your business grows, while custom-built software can be expensive and complex to scale.
6. Security Updates
As part of SaaS, the vendor takes care to keep its software patched and updated automatically. When it comes to custom software you will have to guarantee updates, security measures, etc.
Cost-Effectiveness of Standard Solutions
One of the main reasons manufacturers are flocking to standard manufacturing SaaS solutions is their affordability. Rather than making a hefty investment in on-premise systems, you can access high-quality, cloud-based software without breaking the bank. Here’s why it’s such a cost-effective choice:
1. No Upfront Hardware Investment
Traditional software often requires expensive servers and hardware to run. With SaaS, everything is hosted in the cloud, so you don’t need to spend on physical infrastructure. This means no hefty upfront costs for servers, storage, or IT equipment.

2. Predictable Subscription Fees
Most SaaS vendors offer simple, predictable subscription plans—whether monthly or annually. This makes it much easier to budget for your software expenses, knowing exactly how much you’ll pay every month or year. No more unexpected costs or surprise fees.
3. No Costly Software Updates
One of the biggest hidden costs of traditional software is regular updates and security patches. With SaaS, your vendor handles all the updates automatically, ensuring your system stays up to date without any extra charges. You won’t have to worry about budgeting for expensive updates or system downtime.
How Manufacturing SaaS Improves Efficiency & Productivity
One of the biggest perks of using manufacturing SaaS solutions is the boost in efficiency and productivity they provide. With built-in automation tools, these solutions help eliminate repetitive manual tasks, letting you focus on what truly matters. Here’s how transitioning to SaaS can make a big difference:
30-40% Faster Production Cycles
By automating workflows, SaaS solutions streamline many of the time-consuming tasks that slow down production. Manufacturers typically see production cycles speed up by 30-40%, meaning you can get more done in less time.
25% Fewer Inventory Errors
Real-time tracking is another game-changer. SaaS solutions keep you updated on inventory levels, reducing the risk of stockouts or overstocking. Many businesses report a 25% reduction in inventory errors, helping them manage their supply chain much more effectively.
Improved Workforce Collaboration
Because SaaS is cloud-based, teams can access the system from anywhere, anytime. This improves communication and collaboration, making it easier for different departments to stay on the same page. Cloud-based dashboards give everyone a clear view of what’s happening in real time, improving decision-making and responsiveness.
Common Features Included in a Standard Manufacturing SaaS
A standard manufacturing SaaS provides a variety of features designed to help streamline and optimize your operations. Here are some of the most valuable features:
🔹 Production Planning & Scheduling
Automated scheduling based on demand forecasts helps streamline production. You no longer need to manually adjust plans—everything runs according to an optimized schedule.
🔹 Inventory Management
With real-time inventory tracking, you’re always up-to-date on stock levels. Plus, automatic replenishment alerts ensure you won’t run out of key items. It’s like having a virtual inventory assistant at all times.
🔹 Quality Control & Compliance
Some of these features include tracking inspections to ensure that your product complies with industry regulations and managing product quality. These built-in features are included in Retherm. This makes maintaining everything consistent somewhat easier.
🔹 Supply Chain Integration
Here, the SaaS platforms integrate your supply chain, making suppliers and vendors available for you. Logistics are optimized, delays are minimized, and the overall efficiency of your supply chain band has been improved.
🔹 Data Analytics & AI Insights
These most are with a built in data analytics tool where the performance gets computerized to give the reports quite in detail automatically. The AI will only do more, will do more better, and will learn to be better.
Key Features to Look for in a Manufacturing SaaS

If you are seeking a standard manufacturing SaaS to grab, then first you must reevaluate the features that are going to help you improve your efficiency, automation of task completion, and eventually your profitability. If these are the key factors that you will be searching for, then here they come.
Production Planning & Scheduling
One of the standout features of manufacturing SaaS solutions is how they automate production planning, helping to reduce delays and improve how resources are allocated. This makes your operations run much smoother and more efficiently.
Key Benefits:
Automated Job Scheduling – This takes the guesswork out of the equation by reducing human errors and ensuring everything runs as planned.
Real-Time Production Tracking – Managers stay in the loop with live updates on work progress, so everyone knows exactly where things stand.
Capacity Planning – With smart tools that balance production loads, SaaS helps prevent bottlenecks from slowing things down, keeping your production line moving at full speed.
Inventory & Supply Chain Management
A great cloud-based manufacturing software makes managing inventory and coordinating with suppliers much easier. With built-in tools for both, it helps keep everything organized and running smoothly.
Key Benefits:
Real-Time Inventory Updates – No more guesswork. You get live updates on stock levels, which helps avoid overstocking or running out of products. It’s a win-win!
Supplier Management Dashboards – These tools make it easier to build and maintain strong relationships with your suppliers by giving you a clear overview of all vendor interactions.
Automated Order Processing – With automated systems, you can speed up procurement and ensure your orders are processed faster, cutting down delays in your supply chain.
Quality Control & Compliance
Manufacturing is an important activity and one of the things one shall take care of in its execution is quality control SaaS applications for manufacturing come with tools that help track defects, system designs that force enforcement of regulations, and compliance to industry standards.
Key Benefits:
Automated Defect Detection – This feature helps catch defects early, reducing waste and minimizing costly rework. You can nip issues in the bud before they become bigger problems.
Regulatory Compliance Tracking – With tools that track compliance, you’ll stay up to date with industry standards and regulations. No more scrambling at the last minute to meet requirements.
Traceability Features – If defects occur, these tools help you trace them back to the source, so you can fix the root cause quickly and prevent future issues.
Data Analytics & Reporting

Modern manufacturing efficiency software makes the most of data analytics and AI to give you valuable business insights. These tools take all the raw data and turn it into actionable information that can boost your operations.
Key Benefits:
Predictive Maintenance – By analyzing data, the software can predict when machinery might break down, allowing you to fix problems before they happen and avoid unexpected downtimes.
Custom Reporting – With custom reports, you can dig deep into your production efficiency. These reports help you spot areas for improvement and fine-tune your processes.
KPI Dashboards – These dashboards track your key performance indicators (KPIs), giving you a clear overview of how your business is performing. It’s an easy way to see what’s working and what needs attention.
How to Evaluate a Manufacturing SaaS Before Buying
So you should ensure that your manufacturing SaaS fulfills your company's needs. The key factors you should think about before going for a buy are:
1. Features & Customization Options
The function will not be the same for manufacturing SaaS applications. Before buying one yourself, you should consider these questions.
All that I would want for? What does it include? Also, ensure that it can include credentials like production planning, inventory management, and quality control.
Am I using systems I have now that it would work with? It should complement your existing ERP, CRM, or IoT devices. This will help you maintain an escape from any type of compatibility issues you might fall into.
Can it be customized? Read reviews of options that allow you to customize the software more according to your specific business needs. Flexibility is key.
2. Pricing & Subscription Models
The pricing for manufacturing SaaS can vary quite a bit, depending on what features you need, how many users you'll have, and the amount of data storage required.
Common Pricing Models:
Per-user pricing – This model charges based on how many users will access the software. It’s pretty straightforward—you pay for each person who needs an account.
Tiered pricing – Different plans are available, depending on the features you need. For example, a basic plan might cover essential features, while a pro or enterprise plan adds more advanced tools.
Usage-based pricing – Here, the cost depends on how much data you use or the number of transactions you make. This is ideal if your needs vary from month to month.
Plan Types & Typical Cost Range:
Plan Type | Typical Cost Range | Best For |
Basic | $50 - $200/month | Small businesses |
Pro | $200 - $500/month | Medium manufacturers |
Enterprise | $500 - $2000+/month | Large enterprises |
3. Ease of Use & Implementation Time
A complex system can slow down your operations, so it’s important to choose one that’s simple to use and quick to get up and running. Here’s what to look for:
User-friendly dashboards – You don’t want to waste time learning a complicated interface. Look for software that’s easy to navigate, so your team can start using it with minimal training.
Fast setup – Some SaaS solutions can be deployed within just a few days, meaning you won’t have to wait forever to see results.
Mobile accessibility – If you need to manage things on the go, mobile access is a must. Having the flexibility to manage operations remotely will keep things running smoothly no matter where you are.
4. Security & Compliance Standards
Manufacturing companies deal with sensitive data, so security is a top concern. You want to make sure the SaaS solution you choose keeps everything protected. Here are the key security features to look out for:
End-to-end encryption – This ensures sensitive data is safe throughout the entire process, from start to finish.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) – Adds an extra layer of protection by requiring more than just a password to access the system, preventing unauthorized access.
Industry compliance – Make sure the software meets standards like ISO 27001, GDPR, or SOC 2, ensuring it follows legal and regulatory requirements.
Manufacturing SaaS vs. On-Premise Software – A Comparison

Cloud-based manufacturing software and traditional on-premise solutions offer distinct advantages and drawbacks. Let’s take a closer look at the key differences between the two options.
1. Key Differences
Manufacturing SaaS and On-Premise Software have several important differences:
Factor | Manufacturing SaaS | On-Premise Software |
Deployment | Cloud-based, accessible from anywhere | Installed on local servers |
Cost | Subscription-based, lower upfront cost | High initial investment for hardware & setup |
Maintenance | Handled by the SaaS provider | Requires an in-house IT team |
Scalability | Easily scalable as your business grows | Scaling requires additional infrastructure |
Security | Cloud provider ensures updates & Encryption | Requires internal security measures |
Access | Available remotely via web or mobile | Limited to on-site access |
2. Pros & Cons of Manufacturing SaaS for Sale
Pros:
Lower upfront costs – You don’t need to invest in expensive hardware to get started.
Automatic updates – The software always runs the latest version with all security patches taken care of.
Easy scalability – Need to add or remove users? No problem, it's simple to scale up or down as your business evolves.
Remote accessibility – You can manage production and monitor progress from anywhere, which is great for flexibility.
Cons:
Ongoing subscription fees – While the upfront costs are low, subscription fees do add up over time.
Internet dependency – A stable internet connection is a must for accessing the software.
Limited customization – While the software is designed to be flexible, it may not be fully tailored to your unique manufacturing needs.
3. Pros & Cons of On-Premise Software
Pros:
Full control – You have the freedom to fully customize the software to meet your specific business needs.
No recurring costs – After the one-time purchase, there are no subscription fees (though maintenance costs may still apply).
Better for regulated industries – If you're in an industry with strict data security and compliance requirements, on-premise software can be a better fit.
Cons:
High upfront investment – The initial costs are high, with expenses for hardware, installation, and ongoing maintenance.
Requires an IT team – You’ll need a dedicated IT team for setup, troubleshooting, and support.
Difficult to scale – Adding new users or features isn’t always straightforward and can be expensive.
Conclusion
It is witnessing a day-by-day change in the way manufacturing software (SaaS) is implemented in Cloud, resulting in better production, lower cost, and efficiency.
For example, when we talk about manufacturing SaaS Solutions (SaaS stands for commonly usable software) it is not at all scalable, not automated, and most of all it is not at all cost-effective when compared to their respective counterparts. Software that affords all the functions needed for inventory administration, planning, and actual time analytics is the easiest software application.
Pricing for SaaS is based on the number of users and what features they’re using in a subscription or licensing price tag. If you are going to do it, it’ll be cheaper per month or cheaper per year to save 10 to 30% based on how many members you have — but it’s a lot when it’s every year. It also lets manufacturers know which enterprise deals, free trials, promos, and discounts the enterprise level would be willing to offer when negotiated.
Moreover, almost 76 percent of the manufacturers are on board with manufacturing software for SaaS solutions. We know that SaaS is the future of the manufacturing company, as it is flexible, efficient, and saves money.
FAQ
1. What is the best SaaS software for manufacturing?
Top choices include Katana, MRPeasy, Odoo, Fishbowl, and Plex. The best option depends on your business size, budget, and features needed.
2. Is cloud-based manufacturing software secure?
Yes! Leading providers use end-to-end encryption, and MFA, and follow standards like ISO 27001, GDPR, and SOC 2 to keep your data safe.
3. How much does manufacturing SaaS cost?
The cost of manufacturing SaaS depends on features and user numbers. For small businesses, you’ll typically pay around $50 - $200 per month. For larger enterprises, expect prices to range from $500 to $2000+ per month.
4. Can manufacturing SaaS integrate with other business tools?
Yes! Although there are manufacturing SaaS platforms available, most are integrated well with ERP, CRM, and IoT devices as well as accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, and SAP which makes your workflow smooth and efficient.
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