Small and mid-sized manufacturers need agile, easy-to-use tools to manage growing operations without getting bogged down by complexity. Katana Manufacturing ERP offers a cloud-based, visual production management system designed specifically for makers, crafters, and product-based businesses.
In this article, we’ll explore how Katana ERP helps manufacturers optimize production, inventory, and order fulfillment, plus its key features, benefits, and why it’s a top choice in 2025.
What is Katana Manufacturing ERP?
Katana ERP is a cloud-native manufacturing and inventory platform tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, D2C brands, and scaling makers.
Katana connects production planning, inventory management, order management, purchasing, and sales channels into a single, easy-to-use system—giving full visibility across the manufacturing workflow.
Key Features of Katana Manufacturing ERP
✅ Visual Production Planning: Drag-and-drop production scheduling based on available materials and resources.
✅ Real-Time Inventory Management: Live tracking of raw materials, WIP (work in progress), and finished goods.
✅ Order Management: Seamless sales order processing from e-commerce (Shopify, WooCommerce) and B2B channels.
✅ Purchase Management: Automate purchase orders when raw material levels fall below set thresholds.
✅ Shop Floor App: Provide operators with real-time work orders, priorities, and task lists.
✅ Integrations: Native integrations with Shopify, QuickBooks Online, Xero, Amazon, and more.
✅ Batch Tracking: Ideal for food, cosmetics, and other industries requiring lot tracking.
Benefits of Using Katana ERP
🔹 Simplicity & Ease of Use: Minimal training required, intuitive workflows.
🔹 Real-Time Visibility: Stay updated on stock, production status, and sales orders instantly.
🔹 Faster Order Fulfillment: Prioritize and deliver customer orders more accurately.
🔹 Reduced Stockouts: Smart inventory controls help avoid production delays.
🔹 Scalable Solution: Grow from small maker to established manufacturer without system changeovers.
Ideal Businesses for Katana ERP
| Business Type | Why Katana is a Fit |
|---|---|
| Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) Brands | Manage Shopify/online orders and production simultaneously |
| Small Manufacturers | Affordable ERP alternative with key MRP features |
| Food & Beverage Producers | Batch tracking, shelf-life management |
| Health & Beauty Products | Lot tracking, order traceability |
| Apparel & Accessories | Customization, multi-product variations |
Katana ERP Pricing Overview (2025)
| Plan | Features | Price (Starting) |
| Essential | Core MRP, real-time inventory, integrations | $99/month |
| Advanced | Batch tracking, shop floor app, custom workflows | $299/month |
| Professional | Full API access, advanced permissions, priority support | Custom Pricing |
(Pricing may vary based on users, orders, and integration needs.)
Katana vs Traditional Manufacturing ERP
| Feature | Katana ERP | Traditional ERP |
| Deployment | Cloud-native | On-premise or hybrid |
| Usability | Very intuitive | Complex, requires training |
| Target Market | SMEs, Makers, D2C Brands | Mid-large enterprises |
| Pricing | Affordable monthly plans | High upfront costs |
| Customization | API and native integrations | Extensive but complex customizations |
Why Manufacturers Choose Katana ERP
- User-Friendly: Designed for makers without large IT teams.
- Quick Setup: Go live in days, not months.
- Affordable: Lower TCO (total cost of ownership) compared to legacy ERP systems.
- Omnichannel Ready: Sell across online, retail, and wholesale with centralized production management.
Conclusion
For small to medium-sized manufacturers, Katana Manufacturing ERP delivers powerful, simple, and scalable production management without the traditional ERP complexity.
If you’re looking for a modern ERP that integrates with your sales channels, provides real-time inventory control, and keeps production flowing smoothly, Katana is one of the top solutions to consider in 2025.