Katana Manufacturing ERP is a cloud-based software solution designed specifically for small to medium-sized manufacturers and makers. It provides a visual and user-friendly platform for managing inventory, production, sales, and purchasing, helping businesses streamline their operations and gain better control over their manufacturing processes. This article provides a comprehensive review of Katana, covering its features, benefits, pricing, integrations, and how it compares to competitors.
What is Katana Manufacturing ERP? (Overview)
Katana, sometimes referred to as Katana MRP, is a modern, cloud-based ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning) system. It’s built to be intuitive and easy to use, with a strong focus on visual workflows. Katana targets:
- Small to Medium-Sized Manufacturers: Businesses that make their own products.
- Makers and Craft Businesses: Businesses producing handmade goods.
- E-commerce Businesses: Manufacturers that sell their products online (especially through platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce).
Katana’s cloud-based nature means you can access it from anywhere with an internet connection, and it eliminates the need for on-premise servers and IT infrastructure.
Key Features of Katana Manufacturing ERP
Katana offers a comprehensive suite of features to manage the entire manufacturing process:
Inventory Management
- Real-Time Inventory Control: Track inventory levels across multiple locations in real-time.
- Raw Material Tracking: Manage raw materials, components, and finished goods.
- Multi-Location Support: Manage inventory in multiple warehouses or locations.
- Batch and Serial Number Tracking: Track products by batch or serial number for traceability.
- Automated Reordering: Set reorder points and automatically generate purchase orders.
Production Planning and Scheduling
- Master Production Schedule (MPS): Plan and manage production based on demand forecasts and sales orders.
- Shop Floor Control: Track the progress of production orders on the shop floor.
- Make-to-Order (MTO) and Make-to-Stock (MTS) Support: Handle both make-to-order and make-to-stock production workflows.
- Bill of Materials (BOM) Management: Create and manage multi-level BOMs.
- Resource Planning: Manage resources (labor, equipment) and capacity.
Sales Order Management
- Manage sales orders from multiple channels (e.g., online stores, wholesale orders).
- Track order status and fulfillment.
- Generate invoices and packing slips.
Purchase Order Management
- Create and manage purchase orders for raw materials and components.
- Track supplier lead times and performance.
- Automate purchase order generation.
Shop Floor Control
- Real-Time Tracking: Monitor the progress of production orders in real-time.
- Task Management: Assign tasks to shop floor workers.
- Resource Tracking: Track the utilization of resources (labor, equipment).
Reporting and Analytics
- Real-Time Dashboards: Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for inventory, production, and sales.
- Customizable Reports: Generate reports on various aspects of your business.
- Inventory Valuation: Track the value of your inventory.
Integrations
- E-commerce Platforms: Deep integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, and other e-commerce platforms. (This is a major strength of Katana.)
- Accounting Software: Integrations with QuickBooks Online, Xero, and other accounting systems.
- Shipping Providers: Integrations with shipping carriers.
- Other Apps
Benefits of Using Katana Manufacturing ERP
Improved Inventory Visibility
Gain real-time insights into your inventory levels, allowing you to avoid stockouts and overstocking.
Optimized Production Planning
Plan and schedule production more efficiently, minimizing lead times and maximizing resource utilization.
Streamlined Order Fulfillment
Manage orders from multiple channels seamlessly and fulfill them faster.
Reduced Costs
Minimize waste, optimize inventory levels, and improve operational efficiency.
Increased Efficiency
Automate tasks, streamline workflows, and reduce manual data entry.
Better Decision-Making
Access real-time data and analytics to make informed decisions about your business.
Katana Manufacturing ERP Pricing
Katana offers tiered pricing plans based on the features and number of users you need.
- Visit Katana’s official website for the most current and accurate pricing information. Pricing models can change.
- Generally, expect to pay a monthly subscription fee.
- Higher-tier plans offer more advanced features, such as batch tracking, shop floor control, and more integrations.
Katana Integrations
Katana’s strong integration capabilities, particularly with e-commerce platforms, are a key differentiator:
- Shopify: A deep, two-way integration that synchronizes orders, inventory, and product data. This is a major selling point for Katana.
- WooCommerce: Similar integration capabilities to Shopify.
- QuickBooks Online: Synchronize financial data for accurate accounting.
- Xero: Another popular accounting software integration.
- Shipstation
- Zapier
Katana’s focus on these integrations makes it particularly well-suited for businesses that sell manufactured goods online.
Katana Manufacturing ERP vs. Competitors (Brief, Objective Comparisons)
- Katana vs. MRPeasy: Both are cloud-based ERP/MRP systems for small manufacturers. MRPeasy might offer slightly more advanced features in some areas, but Katana generally has a more user-friendly interface and stronger e-commerce integrations (especially with Shopify).
- Katana vs. Fishbowl Inventory: Fishbowl is primarily an inventory management system, with some manufacturing capabilities. Katana offers a more comprehensive manufacturing ERP solution, particularly for production planning and shop floor control. Fishbowl is often used with QuickBooks Desktop, while Katana integrates with QuickBooks Online.
Is Katana Manufacturing ERP Right for Your Business?
Katana is an excellent choice for:
- Small to Medium-Sized Manufacturers: Businesses that need a comprehensive but user-friendly ERP system.
- Makers and Craft Businesses: Businesses that produce handmade goods and need to manage inventory and production.
- E-commerce Businesses Selling Manufactured Goods: Businesses that sell their products online, especially through Shopify or WooCommerce.
- Businesses Looking for a Cloud-Based Solution: Businesses that want the accessibility and ease of use of a cloud-based system.
Potential drawbacks:
- Not for Very Large or Complex Manufacturers: Katana might not have the scalability or advanced features needed for very large or complex manufacturing operations.
- Limited Customization:
Conclusion
Katana Manufacturing ERP provides a powerful and user-friendly solution for small to medium-sized manufacturers, particularly those with an e-commerce presence. Its strong focus on visual workflows, ease of use, and deep integrations with platforms like Shopify make it a compelling option for businesses looking to streamline their operations, gain better control over their inventory and production, and grow their sales.