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Sarah Ericson

Sarah is a seasoned writer with over 9 years of experience in the manufacturing space.

In this article

22+ Best Food and Beverage Manufacturing ERP Software

June 02, 2025

Choosing the right enterprise resource planning solution (ERP) is your secret ingredient for managing compliance, traceability, inventory, and production in the food and beverage industry. With specialized features that remove the road bumps from batch processing, quality control, and recall management, the best food and beverage manufacturing ERP software can help you confidently scale without wasting product (or losing sleep).

Even small-batch makers need more than sticky notes and spreadsheets to keep things moving. An ERP helps tie everything together, from staying compliant to tracking ingredients and making sure the bottom line actually adds up.

Whether you're optimizing shelf-life tracking or managing complex recipes, the right food and beverage ERP is essential. Not all products are the same, which is why we’ve compared some industry leaders to help you find the right ERP for your business’s needs.

What is a Food and Beverage Manufacturing ERP Software?

Food and beverage manufacturing ERP software is a specialized solution built to meet the unique needs of producers in the food industry. Unlike generic ERP platforms, these systems often include tools for:

  • Recipe and formula management
  • Batch and lot traceability
  • Regulatory compliance (e.g., Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Safe Quality Food (SQF), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP))
  • Expiration and allergen tracking
  • Quality control and production monitoring


  • These systems integrate procurement, production, sales, inventory, and finance into a single platform. This centralized control helps manufacturers reduce waste, improve accuracy, and maintain transparency across the supply chain.

    Key Features of Food and Beverage Manufacturing ERP Software

    Food and beverage manufacturers face unique operational, regulatory, and logistical challenges. When you’re juggling strict regulations and perishable inventory, your food and beverage manufacturing ERP software needs to optimize every stage of production. Here are some of the most impactful features to look for when choosing ERP software for food and beverage companies:

  • Compliance Management: Stay audit-ready with tools aligned to FSMA, HACCP, SQF, and even Systems and Organization Controls 2 (SOC 2) standards. Automate lot numbers, expiration dates, certifications, and production logs to avoid costly fines and maintain a transparent transaction trail.
  • Product Traceability: Track every input and output across the supply chain with traceability tools. Link batches to suppliers and distribution data for fast, accurate recall management and allergen tracking.
  • Smart Barcode Labeling: Generate live barcodes with batch IDs, expiration dates, and allergen info. Support first-in, first-out (FIFO) or first-expire, first-out (FEFO) logic while improving accuracy in warehouse and inventory workflows.
  • B2B Portal: Let wholesale buyers place orders, check stock, and track shipments independently through a B2B portal. Reduce manual entry and ensure real-time pricing and inventory visibility.
  • Enterprise-Grade MRP: Forecast demand, plan production, and manage ingredient purchasing around compliance and shelf life with material requirements planning (MRP). Look for integrations with inventory and quality control so you never have to switch between apps.
  • Easy Ecommerce Integrations: Modern food brands often sell on Shopify, Amazon, or direct-to-consumer (DTC) sites. Your ERP should integrate with these platforms to automate inventory updates and route orders to the correct warehouse, reducing errors and delays.
  • Streamlined Production Module: A strong production module tracks costs, labor, equipment, and yields. Top systems support real-time data capture, allowing teams to maintain compliance and optimize profitability at scale.
  • Best Food and Beverage Manufacturing ERP Software Solutions

    Whether you’re running a nationwide assembly line or a boutique mom-and-pop bakery, you can benefit from ERP systems purpose-built for food and beverage businesses. Here’s our list of the top tools that handle the nuts and bolts of compliance, production, and profitability without generic ERP features getting in the way.

    1. Wherefour

    Badges

    Wherefour is a cloud-based ERP built from the ground up for food and beverage manufacturers. It’s designed to cut the clutter and give you a clearer, faster way to manage purchasing, production, and materials requirement planning. The system supports compliance with FSMA, HACCP, SQF, and SOC 2, making it a strong fit for manufacturers navigating strict regulatory environments.

    Real-time inventory tracking and full lot traceability come standard, while its mobile-friendly interface makes it easy for anyone—on the floor or off—to stay in sync. Whether you’re managing a few stock-keeping units or scaling fast, Wherefour helps you simplify operations without sacrificing control.

    Best for: Modern, forward-thinking manufacturers working with food and beverages recipes and formulas

    work orders

    Features:

  • Automatic lot, serial, or barcode sequencing with batch date, facility, or Julian date
  • FIFO, FEFO, last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory pulls for ingredients and supplies
  • Start-to-finish traceability with real-time inventory visibility
  • Custom QA test creation and linkage to specific stock lots or production runs
  • Digital archiving of certificates of authenticity (COAs) and delivery images with searchable tags
  • Global Standards 1 (GS1), Code 128, and Code 93 barcode generation for products
  • Built-in recall reports tied to specific customers and lots
  • Work order-driven production with true unit-level COGS tracking through accounting integrations
  • Direct integrations with Shopify, ShipStation, LeafLink, and SPS Commerce
  • User-friendly interface for shop floor and remote access from desktop, tablet, or phone
  • Pros:

  • Perfectly customized to meet the needs of food and beverage manufacturers
  • Unmatched customer success team that is always available and highly personable
  • Accurate, reliable traceability
  • Cons:

  • A mild learning curve, but the customer support team makes it rather seamless
  • Pricing: Wherefour provides custom price quotes depending on your company’s specific needs.

    Schedule a free demo with Wherefour today.

    2. Acumatica

    Acumatica logo

    Acumatica's ERP is a modular, cloud-based business management platform that spans ERP and accounting. Known for its flexible deployment options, open APIs, and mobile-first interface, Acumatica supports operations across finance, commerce, and supply chains—especially helpful for food manufacturers managing multiple entities or complex logistics.

    Best for: Small and mid-size food manufacturers with complex supply chains or multi-entity operations

    work orders

    Features:

  • Real-time data access from a unified system of record
  • No-code customization of workflows, dashboards, and reports
  • Open APIs for integrating with storefronts, direct store delivery (DSD), and electronic data interchange (EDI) platforms
  • Mobile access and telework support across devices
  • Built-in compliance tools for standards such as SOC 1 and 2, and Payment Card Industry Security Standard (PCI DSS)
  • Pros:

  • Flexibility for customer discounts
  • Frequent additional features and innovations
  • Cons:

  • Users report Acumatica forcing them to upgrade or receive a monetary penalty
  • Customizing reports and general inquiries is tricky, especially if fields aren’t part of the standard report
  • Pricing: No public pricing is available.

    3. Aptean Food and Beverage ERP

    Aptean logo

    Aptean Food & Beverage ERP is built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and includes pre-configured modules for industry-specific needs. The platform combines legacy ERP functionality from several well-known food systems into a single, cloud-native solution.

    Best for: Food and beverage manufacturers that require an out-of-the-box tool that meets strict traceability and compliance standards

    work orders

    Features:

  • End-to-end ingredient and product traceability with recall support
  • Integrated food safety tools for allergen tracking and HACCP compliance
  • Catch weight management and FEFO inventory logic
  • Warehouse controls, including license plating and lot tracking
  • Built-in trade management and pricing configuration tools
  • Pros:

  • A range of customization options within the food and beverage sphere
  • Smart integration options if you’re already using Microsoft products
  • Cons:

  • Many users find the tech support to be slow
  • The platform takes a long time to set up
  • Pricing: No public pricing is available.

    4. Aquilon Software

    Aquilon Software logo

    Aquilon’s food and beverage ERP features integrated modules that manage production, inventory, compliance, and distribution. The platform emphasizes traceability and cost control for businesses managing perishable goods.

    Best for: Small to mid-size manufacturers and distributors requiring end-to-end visibility

    work orders

    Features:

  • Lot and batch-level tracking across inventory and production
  • Two-step quality control process with detailed checkpoint capture
  • Perishable inventory management with demand forecasting tools
  • Traceability and compliance reporting for audits and recalls
  • Production cost tracking with real-time process visibility
  • Pros:

  • Fair pricing for small businesses
  • Effective inventory management and sales reporting
  • Cons:

  • Some modules feel outdated and are not user-friendly
  • Customer service could provide more training for users to get the most out of the platform
  • Pricing: No public pricing is available.

    5. BatchMaster

    BatchMaster logo

    BatchMaster provides an ERP system tailored for process manufacturers, including food and beverage. It can run as a standalone program or integrate with platforms like QuickBooks, SAP Business One, and Microsoft Dynamics GP.

    Best for: Mid-sized food manufacturers, co-packers, and private label producers needing formula-based production tools and regulatory support

    work orders

    Features:

  • Recipe and formula management for process manufacturing
  • Lot traceability with SQF compliance tools
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory support and labeling compliance
  • Integrated planning and scheduling modules
  • Cloud or on-premise deployment with optional financial system integrations
  • Pros:

  • Responsive customer success team
  • Reliable integrations with financial software
  • Cons:

  • The safety data sheets module is cumbersome
  • Labeling doesn’t always follow industry standards, which can be unclear to native English speakers
  • Pricing: No public pricing is available.

    6. Deacom (by ECI Solutions)

    Deacom logo

    Deacom, by ECI Solutions, provides in-built functionality for production, quality, inventory, and regulatory management. The platform centralizes core operations and offers built-in process controls designed to support scaling complexity.

    Best for: Food and beverage companies requiring deep lot control, quality management, and regulatory compliance

    deacom bom

    Features:

  • Lot-level traceability with customer complaint resolution tools
  • Native quality control with configurable checkpoints and real-time adjustments
  • Proprietary Hyper-Tight Process Control for enforcing production workflows
  • Regulatory and labeling document automation, including CoAs and nutrition labels
  • Custom reporting and data management for allergen tracking and food safety standards
  • Pros:

  • Affordable, with a flat-rate implementation cost
  • No add-ons, so you get the entire platform from day one
  • Cons:

  • The unclear layout makes navigation difficult
  • Generates many windows instead of having a single, integrated UI
  • Pricing: No public pricing is available.

    7. DELMIAWorks

    DELMIAWorks logo

    DELMIAWorks is an integrated ERP and manufacturing execution system (MES) built for both process and discrete manufacturers. It connects the shop floor to the back office and supports multi-plant operations, complex scheduling, and seasonal production needs.

    Best for: Food manufacturers with high compliance burdens, multiple facilities, or complex scheduling requirements

    DELMIAWorks MES screenshot

    Features:

  • Batch, lot, and serial traceability with two-way tracking
  • FEFO shelf-life and spoilage tracking
  • Industry-specific BOMs and recipe reformulation tools
  • Advanced scheduling engine with sequencing and wait time logic
  • Regulatory compliance tools for FDA, FSMA, GFSI, HACCP, and SQF
  • Pros:

  • Real-time monitoring and visibility into production processes
  • User-friendly with a well-designed interface
  • Cons:

  • Users with complex workflows have to combine DELMIAWorks with other solutions for a complete service
  • Automations aren’t great, so companies rely mainly on manual input
  • Pricing: No public pricing is available.

    8. Enterprise 21 (by TGI)

    TGI logo

    Enterprise 21 ERP by TGI combines core business functions with manufacturing, inventory, and order management. It also includes CRM, e-commerce, and project accounting features in a single system.

    Best for: Manufacturers and distributors seeking an all-in-one ERP with built-in business intelligence tools

    Enterprise 21 dashboard

    Features:

  • Integrated order, inventory, warehouse, and procurement management
  • Advanced planning and scheduling for manufacturing operations
  • Business intelligence and customizable reporting tools
  • CRM and project accounting modules included in the core package
  • Compatibility with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook for document workflows
  • Pros:

  • Reliable purchase and usage tracking
  • End-to-end workflows including receiving, billing, payments, and shipping
  • Cons:

  • Users require specialist training to use the platform, which slows down adoption
  • The platform is dated and can be slow
  • Pricing: No public pricing is available.

    9. ERPNext

    ERPNext logo

    ERPNext is an open-source ERP system designed for manufacturers seeking flexibility and customization. It offers batch-level traceability, quality control, and production planning in a DIY, cloud-hosted platform.

    Best for: Food manufacturers with in-house technical teams or a preference for open-source ERP solutions

    ERPNext manufacturing dashboard

    Features:

  • Item variant and BOM management for complex product configurations
  • Batch inventory tracking with automated batch creation
  • Quality inspection tools with customizable templates
  • Built-in MRP functionality for procurement and production planning
  • Subcontracting workflows with raw material tracking and reporting
  • Pros:

  • Smart customizable features to track projects
  • Free code that you can host on your own servers
  • Cons:

  • Installation is complex and requires Linux knowledge
  • Integrationsare more limited than others on this list
  • Pricing:

  • Open-source version: Free
  • Small business: Starting at $5/month
  • Mid to Large Enterprises: Starting at $200/month
  • 10. Genius ERP

    Genius ERP logo

    Genius ERP is a full-suite ERP platform tailored for custom manufacturing, combining production, engineering, and financial tools with support for CAD integration and project-based workflows.

    Best for: Manufacturers of custom food equipment or specialized machinery requiring CAD integration, job costing, and custom order management

    Genius ERP CAD2BOM

    Features:

  • Production scheduling and shop floor oversight for custom orders
  • Job costing tools to track labor, materials, and overhead
  • CAD2BOM functionality to convert designs into BOMs and quotes
  • Integrated accounting for billing, expenses, and financial oversight
  • Inventory and procurement modules aligned with project needs
  • Pros:

  • Spot and resolve bottlenecks prior to delivery delays
  • Smart scheduling based on each job’s needs
  • Cons:

  • The system speed can slow down when performing big operations such as batch data runs or part data updates
  • Some users see the CRM component as underdeveloped
  • Pricing: No public pricing is available.

    11. IFS Cloud

    IFS Cloud logo

    IFS Cloud is a modular enterprise software suite that delivers ERP, EAM, and service management tailored for food and beverage industries. It leverages AI and automation within a composable, enterprise-grade platform.

    Best for: Large food and beverage manufacturers and processors needing enterprise-grade ERP with integrated asset and service management

    IFS Cloud interface

    Features:

  • AI-powered tools for simulation, optimization, and anomaly detection
  • Configurable ERP modules for production, finance, and supply chain
  • Industry-specific features for food manufacturing and compliance
  • Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) to monitor and optimize critical equipment
  • Workforce productivity tools, including scheduling and service management
  • Pros:

  • Multiple reporting tools with Excel integration and business analytics
  • Broad module connectivity supports business-wide consolidation
  • Cons:

  • User interface can be confusing for new users
  • Workflow permissions require manual setup and lack automation
  • Pricing: No public pricing is available.

    12. iNECTA Food ERP

    iNECTA Food ERP logo

    iNECTA Food ERP is a food manufacturing and distribution software built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. It centralizes production planning, ingredient tracking, compliance, and real-time business visibility in one industry-specific system.

    Best for: Small to mid-size food and beverage manufacturers and distributors looking for a Microsoft-based ERP with food-industry-specific modules

    iNECTA ERP interface

    Features:

  • Ingredient-level traceability for allergens and dietary compliance
  • Batch and lot tracking with real-time production visibility
  • Quality inspection workflows for raw materials and finished goods
  • Integrated cost control across departments and production lines
  • Built-in support for seafood and produce sectors
  • Pros:

  • Responsive development team with overnight turnaround support
  • Integration with Microsoft Dynamics Business Central
  • Cons:

  • Lacks basic out-of-the-box reporting—many standard needs require custom builds
  • High ongoing costs tied to incremental customizations and support
  • Pricing: No public pricing is available.

    13. Infor M3

    Infor M3 logo

    Infor M3 has a specialized CloudSuite for food and beverage businesses. It combines core ERP with industry-specific modules for traceability, compliance, recipe formulation, and supply chain optimization.

    Best for: Mid-sized to large food and beverage manufacturers managing multiple facilities, global operations, or complex supply chains

    Infor M3 screenshot

    Features:

  • Integrated product lifecycle management and recipe development
  • Shelf-life tracking and yield optimization with raw materials
  • Regulatory compliance tools for traceability and food safety
  • Cloud-based architecture with AI-powered scheduling and reporting
  • Multisite, multilingual, multicurrency, and mobile-enabled support
  • Pros:

  • System updates automaticallys through the cloud, reducing manual upgrades
  • Strong integration with manufacturing operations and external Microsoft products
  • Cons:

  • Customizations take a lot of time and development is expensive
  • Documentation and support for specialized features can be sparse
  • Pricing: No public pricing is available.

    14. JustFood

    JustFood logo

    JustFood is a Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central-based ERP for food processors and distributors. It combines standard ERP capabilities with food-industry-specific tools like traceability, formulation, and quality auditing.

    Best for: Mid-sized food and beverage manufacturers and distributors requiring production planning, quality controls, and regulatory compliance in a Microsoft-based ERP

    JustFood ERP screenshot

    Features:

  • Batch management and bidirectional lot traceability
  • Integrated MRP, demand forecasting, and production scheduling
  • Quality audits and allergen segregation controls
  • Warehouse and logistics management with mobile device access
  • Reverse BOM support for meat, seafood, and poultry processors
  • Pros:

  • Responsive communication from customer support
  • Cloud-based deployment provides accessibility and scalability
  • Cons:

  • Documentation and built-in help are limited
  • Minor issues with screen fit and mobile usability in warehouse modules
  • Pricing: No public pricing is available.

    15. Katana

    Katana logo

    Katana is a cloud-based inventory and production management platform that centralizes stock, sales, and manufacturing workflows. It offers live inventory tracking, real-time planning, and integrations with ecommerce, accounting, and shipping tools.

    Best for: Food and beverage producers seeking lightweight MRP features and ecommerce integration

    Katana ERP screenshot

    Features:

  • Real-time inventory tracking with batch traceability and perishable management
  • Shop Floor App for task-level production and warehouse control
  • Moving average cost tracking for production cost visibility
  • Native integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, QuickBooks, and Xero
  • Demand forecasting and real-time master planning for raw materials
  • Pros:

  • Simple onboarding with an intuitive user interface and recipe creation
  • Strong customer support and responsive service team
  • Cons:

  • Users have found warehouse and lot tracking features priced too high for small manufacturers
  • Basic features like bin location tracking moved behind expensive add-ons
  • Pricing:

  • Starter plan: From $199/month
  • Standard: From $399/month
  • Professional: From $899/month
  • Add-ons (e.g., warehouse, batch tracking, API access): $199/month or more each
  • 16. NetSuite

    NetSuite logo

    NetSuite offers a cloud-based food and beverage manufacturing ERP platform with integrated tools for finance, operations, CRM, and production. It supports supply chain optimization, batch production, and quality control in a single centralized system.

    Best for: Food and beverage companies looking for a customizable, scalable cloud ERP to unify operations and finance

    Katana ERP screenshot

    Features:

  • Integrated CRM, marketing, and promotions for customer engagement
  • Centralized product data management with recipe and change control
  • Batch-based production control with shop floor and WMS integration
  • Supply chain planning and full lot traceability with recall management
  • Quality management tools for company-wide compliance oversight
  • Pros:

  • Real-time reporting for better decision-making
  • Responsive support team and scalable infrastructure
  • Cons:

  • Setup for smaller banks may not work smoothly with automated features
  • User interface can be clunky or complex for new users
  • Pricing: No public pricing is available.

    17. MRPeasy

    MRPeasy logo

    MRPeasy is a cloud-based ERP system that offers production, inventory, and order management features. It supports batch traceability, BOM control, CRM, and real-time integrations with accounting and ecommerce tools.

    Best for: Small food and beverage manufacturers needing affordable, scalable ERP functionality with traceability and production planning

    Katana ERP screenshot

    Features:

  • Batch and serial number tracking with end-to-end traceability
  • BOM and routing control with automatic unit conversions
  • Real-time inventory and production scheduling
  • Built-in CRM, procurement, and order management
  • Integrations with Xero, QuickBooks, and ecommerce platforms
  • Pros:

  • Flexible enough to scale with business growth
  • Cost-effective platform with a wide range of features for the price
  • Cons:

  • Support and customizations can be expensive and inflexible
  • Limited gross profit reporting and invoice layout customization
  • Pricing:
    Starter: $49/user/month
    Professional: $69/user/month
    Enterprise: $99/user/month
    Unlimited: $149/user/month

    18. Plex, by Rockwell Automation

    Plex logo

    Plex is a cloud-based ERP solution designed for manufacturers, with specific tools tailored to the food and beverage industry. It provides real-time visibility, production control, and compliance support across operations, from raw material intake to final shipping.

    Best for: Mid-sized and enterprise manufacturers looking for production control, end-to-end traceability, and cloud accessibility.

    Katana ERP screenshot

    Features:

  • Inventory and production management tailored to date-sensitive goods
  • Quality management systems to support audits and recalls
  • Automated shop floor data collection and reporting
  • Industry-specific modules for dairy, meat, bakery, and beverage manufacturing
  • Integrated compliance and traceability tools for FDA and global regulations
  • Pros:

  • User-friendly for shop floor workers inputting data
  • Improved visibility across inventory, costing, and traceability
  • Cons:

  • There’s a disconnect between data input on the shop floor and reporting, which slows down progress
  • UX updates are slow to arrive, leading to a buggy system
  • Pricing: No public pricing is available.

    19. QuickBooks

    QuickBooks logo

    Intuit QuickBooks® is a desktop-based ERP and accounting solution that does not have a dedicated food and beverage function. It offers core financial tools with optional advanced modules for inventory, payroll, pricing, and reporting.

    Best for: Businesses that need robust accounting features with optional inventory management and payroll integrations

    Katana ERP screenshot

    Features:

  • Core accounting tools for income, expenses, accounts payable/accounts receivable (AP/AR), and bank reconciliation
  • Advanced Inventory with barcode scanning and FIFO costing
  • Customizable reporting and budgeting tools
  • Integrated payroll, time tracking, and e-commerce modules
  • Desktop-based, with remote access options and mobile functionality
  • Pros:

  • Inventory features include barcode scanning and FIFO support
  • Reliable reporting tracks client balances and overdue accounts
  • Cons:

  • Too basic for complex operations—often requires workarounds
  • Frequent updates and occasional lags disrupt workflows
  • Pricing:
    Gold: $2210/year
    Platinum: $2717/year
    Diamond: $5364/year

    20. Sage X3 ERP

    Sage X3 logo

    Sage X3 ERP is a scalable ERP platform for process and discrete manufacturers, with support for food and beverage companies. It features integrated modules for finance, inventory, quality, compliance, and production, and is available on the cloud or on-premise.

    Best for: Food manufacturers needing multi-site, multi-language, and multi-currency capabilities with strict regulatory and traceability requirements

    Katana ERP screenshot

    Features:

  • Formula and recipe management for consistent product quality
  • Batch traceability, allergen tracking, and recall management
  • Multi-site inventory and warehouse visibility with expiry controls
  • Supplier compliance and procurement automation tools
  • Financial management with real-time reporting and mobile access
  • Pros:

  • Strong multi-site and lot control functionality tailored to food production
  • A range of integrated features reduces the need for third-party tools
  • Cons:

  • Error messages are vague, often requiring external support
  • Mobile usability is limited, with most screens designed for desktops
  • Pricing: No public pricing is available.

    21. SAP S/4HANA

    SAP logo

    SAP S/4HANA Cloud is an AI-powered ERP system that provides real-time insights and operational visibility. It supports end-to-end business operations, including finance, production, supply chain, and compliance.

    Best for: Large, multinational food and beverage enterprises needing global scalability and strict compliance with supply chain traceability

    Katana ERP screenshot

    Features:

  • End-to-end traceability and automated recall management
  • Centralized inventory visibility with forecasting and batch control
  • Real-time production scheduling and downtime reduction
  • Embedded analytics with in-memory computing
  • Flexible deployment on cloud, on-premise, or hybrid
  • Pros:

  • Embedded analytics and real-time data insights enable fast, informed decision-making
  • Well-documented release cycles and online learning resources support user adoption
  • Cons:

  • High implementation and maintenance costs, especially for smaller companies
  • Migration from legacy systems is time-consuming and resource-intensive
  • Pricing: No public pricing is available.

    22. SYSPRO

    SYSPRO logo

    SYSPRO is a manufacturing-focused ERP platform with food and beverage version features. It combines core functionality like inventory, manufacturing operations management (MOM), and financials with customization options and artificial intelligence tools.

    Best for: Food and beverage manufacturers requiring advanced manufacturing and costing functionality, traceability, and tailored deployments

    Syspro ERP screenshot

    Features:

  • MOM and batch BOM support
  • Advanced traceability, quality control, and recall capabilities
  • Warehouse management system with cycle counting and Kanban replenishment
  • Product catalog and pricing engine with promotional tools
  • Embedded analytics, internet of things-ready big data connectors, and AP invoice automation
  • Pros:

  • Quick out-of-the-box functionality, with the ability to scale and adapt
  • Reliable for core ERP needs and integrates easily with external systems
  • Cons:

  • Not ideal for small businesses due to software complexity and resource needs
  • The interface can feel outdated, and update rollout is sometimes slow
  • Pricing: No public pricing is available.

    How to Choose the Right Food and Beverage Manufacturing ERP for Your Company

    Choosing the right ERP isn’t solely a question of features. It’s about how the tool fits your organization.

    The best food and beverage ERP software needs to support your company’s workflows, growth plans, and regulatory needs. Before comparing vendors, you need to assess your operations and goals. Here, we’ve outlined the key criteria that should shape your ERP decision.

    1. Determine Your Manufacturing Model and Company Growth Plans

    Food and beverage manufacturers vary widely in how they operate. Whether you use make-to-stock, make-to-order, batch process, or mixed-mode production, your ERP must support that model.

    Process manufacturers that blend or bake need ERPs with strong formula and batch capabilities. These industries rely on error-free BOM and work order tracking. Align your ERP with your method from the start.

    Plus, ERP software is a long-term investment—ensure the one you choose can scale with you. Are you expanding into new regions? Launching new products? Adding ecommerce? Choose a system with multi-site management, user permissions, and support for multiple currencies and languages.

    Some platforms offer modular pricing so you can start small and scale up as you grow.

    2. Outline Food and Beverage Industry Requirements

    Regulations and traceability demands vary. List the certifications you follow (e.g., FSMA, GFSI, SQF) and make sure your ERP supports them.

    Features like allergen tracking, lot-level traceability, or catch weight management may not come standard in generic ERPs. Choosing a food-focused platform reduces customization needs.

    3. Determine Your ERP Budget

    Costs vary widely depending on the deployment model, user count, and required functionality. But the up-front price is only the beginning. When building your ERP budget, go beyond the base software fee and look at essential expenses like training, data migration, implementation support, and ongoing maintenance.

    Cloud-based systems typically offer more predictable, subscription-style pricing, while on-premise software can offer long-term control with higher upfront investment. Either way, look at the total cost of ownership over at least three to five years. This should include:

    • • System upgrades and patches
    • • Custom development or integrations
    • • Module or user add-ons as you grow
    • • Long-term savings from operational efficiencies

    4. List All Required and Preferred ERP Features

    Document what your team needs, like inventory, production, traceability, quality, and financial reporting. Then list “nice to have” features like ecommerce integrations or portals. Generic ERPs often lack tools like batch tracking, allergen management, or recall readiness.

    Focus on platforms designed for food manufacturing or those with dedicated modules. Watch demos, review feature lists, and read customer reviews—especially from companies in your sector.

    Involve stakeholders across production, quality, finance, sales, and IT to build a well-rounded checklist of functional and technical needs. Ask each department to identify daily challenges, must-have features, and existing software pain points. From there, create a shared evaluation document that includes questions to ask during demos, workflows to test, and integrations to validate.

    5. Consider Implementation Needs and Required Resources

    ERP implementation is a major undertaking. Who will manage it? Will you need outside help? Do you have clean, structured data?

    Training is essential. A good ERP only works if your team uses it. Some vendors offer hands-on onboarding, while others expect you to self-manage.

    When speaking with vendors, ask for specific details: Do they offer guided onboarding, live training sessions, or only static documentation? How long is the average implementation?

    Clarify how much of the training burden will fall on your internal team versus the vendor’s services. You’ll want to understand exactly what’s included and whether your staff will need to budget time for self-learning or additional third-party support.

    Choose the Best Food and Beverage Manufacturing ERP Software

    Selecting the right ERP software is one of the most strategic decisions a food and beverage company can make.

    While many platforms offer powerful features, not all are designed with food and beverage in mind. Generic systems often require heavy customization and costly integrations to function properly in this space.

    Wherefour created a purpose-built ERP for food and beverage manufacturers, designed to manage industry-specific challenges like batch and lot traceability, allergen and nutritional data, and regulatory compliance, including built-in SOC 2 controls. The system is cloud-based and mobile-friendly, making it easy to access from the shop floor or on the go.

    Because it's pre-configured for process manufacturing, there’s no need for heavy customization, meaning you can implement faster and start seeing a return on investment sooner. Whether you're scaling a small team or juggling multiple production runs and audits, Wherefour provides clear visibility, inventory accuracy, and flexibility to adapt as you grow.

    Schedule a demo to learn how Wherefour's beverage manufacturing software can simplify your operations.

    Schedule a free demo today.