The Complete List of Manufacturing ERP Features You Need in 2025

As people began utilizing the concept of living in the moment, they started buying more products, be it food, clothes, household goods, or electronics. This paved the way for manufacturers to produce more products than ever. This is when global manufacturing challenges arose. For manufacturers, especially small businesses, the need for Manufacturing ERP became critical to automate these tasks to deliver the product at the right time. Below you will find the complete list of features needed in your manufacturing ERP software to make your business run smoother and faster.

What is Manufacturing ERP?

Manufacturing ERP is a useful tool to streamline operations effectively within your manufacturing unit. The best ERP software for manufacturing in India is one that helps automate the entire manufacturing operations in one place with unified control. The enterprise resource planning system is a generic software used to manage all core business operations. In contrast, manufacturing ERP software is a much more specific platform used to integrate and automate every task in and around manufacturing, making it equally effective for small business manufacturers as well as large enterprises.

Why ERP Features Matter in Manufacturing industry?

In 2025, global-level competition changed the way production and manufacturing occur. Manufacturers found a smart way to reduce Work in Progress (WIP) with integrated and advanced manufacturing ERP systems in India. WIP often piled up when different stages of production were found not to be integrated. This led to slowed delivery times and created unnecessary waste.

Manufacturing ERP platforms have changed this by using live data to synchronize production workflows. Managers can instantly identify bottlenecks with features such as automated scheduling, machine integration, and predictive analytics, production is kept balanced and efficient.

Core Manufacturing Features of ERP

New manufacturing ERP software is built in a way that combines the features of production, sales, procurement, finance and manufacturing into one advanced solution. Below are the complete features every ERP for manufacturing should have in 2025.

Production & Manufacturing Features

Production Scheduling:

When it comes to production, the first step is to start by adding the production details required to begin the process such as production type, start and completion dates and the product list. Forecasting by order and by product is a necessary feature in the manufacture ERP solution in India for the production to be successful and to avoid wastage.

Work Orders & BOM (Bill of Materials):

BOM, is also called the Bill of Materials, which is generated automatically within the production module when a product requirement or customer order is entered. This helps the system identify which raw materials and quantities are needed for manufacturing that specific product.

Package & Label Management:

The package and label feature in the manufacturing ERP makes it easier to generate accurate labels and QR codes with batch numbers, expiry dates, and shelf-life details. The QR code provides accurate details needed to avoid any kind of trouble during audits.

In-hand Stock Allocation:

Customer satisfaction makes or breaks a business. To improve the brand reputation, excellent service is expected by the customers. The In-hand Stock Allocation in the manufacturing ERP simplifies the process for the drivers to supply extra products on the spot and record them instantly in the app, boosting customer satisfaction and keeping stock records accurate.

Product Masters:

In any manufacturing ERP software in India, the Product Masters module is an important component that keeps all the product and raw material information centralised. Manage raw materials, non-inventory items, product categories, subcategories, and finished goods in a structured and organized manner with the product master feature to streamline the entire operations.

Inventory & Supply Chain Features

Purchase Orders & Procurement

Create your purchase orders (POs) based on all the required details. The purchase module gives the manager complete control over the verification and approval of the POs based on the information visible to them. The complete list of the purchase items will also be available in the manufacturing ERP. This makes it easier to prevent errors or fraud.

Goods Receipt Notes (GRN)

GRN is the proof of receipt which is received from the supplier by the buyer based on the contract. Record partially received or fully received orders, ensuring transparency when vendors deliver in split quantities. Details related to the supplier, the delivery status, quantity in the GRN module make the tracking of the deliverables accurate.

Force Close Option

A “force close” option in a manufacturing ERP system is used as a force close or manual cancellation of the POs. This feature is used when the outstanding items cannot be fulfilled by the vendor, to close orders that are complete but not fully processed, ensuring accurate financial reporting and efficient workflow management.

Raw Material Indent (RM Indent)

The Raw Material Indent (RM Indent) in manufacturing ERP is used to request the exact raw materials needed for production and how much is required. This avoids confusion, shortages, or overbuying. Once approved, the RM Indent can be turned into a purchase order, saving time and keeping the process clear.

Stock Returns

Accurately handle product returns, whether expired, near expiry, or unsold, with proper categorization. This stock return option in manufacturing ERP makes the product tracking accurate and under control. The items are properly logged, labeled and updated in the system. This gives management a clear picture of what’s coming back from the market.

Non-Inventory Item Tracking

Manage consumables (example: packaging material, cleaning supplies) that aren’t part of production inventory. Other essential items needed for production but not counted as inventory are classified as non-inventory items. This is where Non-Inventory Item Tracking comes in, to understand and support materials separately from raw materials and finished products.

Delivery Challan Management

Managing your delivery based on the delivery partner, drivers and the date is vital for traceability and accurate shipments. Documentation based on the deliveries is tracked with the manufacturing ERP. This module helps you by sharing accurate items and quantity details with customers. Delivery Challan Management gives both businesses and customers confidence in every shipment.

Sales & Customer Features

Sales Order Management

Sales order management in the ERP allows you to add new orders to the list, check and manage pending orders that need to be handed out to the customers on time. It can be done in both mobile and web app. Every sales order is tracked and monitored with distinct status updates such as pending, in progress, or completed, offering everyone full visibility.

POS Integration

POS integration with the manufacturing ERP helps connect both the front end and back-end operations effortlessly. When a sale is made at POS, the stock update is done immediately. This supports various modes of payment like cash, UPI, or card. Prompt billing and instant record updates make retail transactions smooth.

Customer Visits & Interaction Tracking

Nowadays, there’s a lot of production and manufacturing houses, but it only takes a few to consistently interact and visit the clients to gather feedback, discuss, and follow up for better relationship management. To enhance customer relationships, Customer Visits and Interaction Tracking features are included in the Manufacturing ERP system.

Financial & Business Features

Expenses Tracking

Manufacturers, in general, must deal with many expenses on a daily basis. The manufacturing ERP maintains all the expenses in one place. Logging both the expenses and the payments make it a holistic approach that renders profitability analysis far more accurate, helping businesses identify where money is earned, where it is spent, and how margins can be improved.

Fraud Prevention & Approvals

The ERP includes Fraud Prevention & Approvals as bulk orders and raw materials arrive in and are sent out of the manufacturing unit at any time. Manufacturing ERP software stores every single data to ensure procurement decisions are always backed by accuracy. Every purchase order (PO) or goods receipt note (GRN) is cross-checked against existing stock levels.

Credit Management

To keep up with customer relationships, the manufacturers in 2025 started implementing credit management. This feature enables the sales rep or the delivery person to track customer credit limits and overdue payments. Finances become more manageable with Credit Management in the manufacturing ERP system, where customer-specific credit limits are monitored.

Payment Collection

Payment collection from the customers is a critical process; without evidence, it can make or break the relationship and the audit. When sales representatives or delivery staff collect payments, they must capture proof of payment. This evidence is instantly uploaded into the system adding an extra layer of accountability in field operations.

Reporting & Analytics Features

1. Core Operational Reports

To ensure a manufacturing business operates uninterruptedly, ERP systems in manufacturing should provide Payments & Expenses reports, Product Masters, and User Management reports that ensure accurate transaction tracking, standardized product data, and role-based accountability. This helps management keep a consistent record of business activities.

2. Production & Sales Reports

A lot of waste during production takes place because of the lack of visibility and integration between sales and production. Reports such as Production Reports, Product Production Reports, and Waste Reports track material usage and losses to highlight areas for improvement. On the sales side, multiple sales reports and analysis offer insights into product performance and trends.

3. Financial & Strategic Reports

Management should be aware of the finances for long-term growth, which is why the manufacturing ERP should include Profit & Loss Reports, Product Profit Reports, Customer and Supplier Ledgers, Due Reports, Balance Reports, and Salary Reports, to get a clear picture of cash flow and profitability. Procurement and inventory decisions are further supported with live reports.

Modern Manufacturing ERP Features suitable for 2025

Mobile App Integration

With everything advancing in 2025, the manufacturing industry must keep up with the growing phase through mobile app integration.With mobile apps, the sales reps, drivers, and managers can carry the entire system in their pockets. From placing sales orders on the move to uploading proof of payments, the mobile ERP for manufacturing in India keeps the field and office connected.

Scalability

Indian Modern ERPs in 2025 excel at expanding into multiple warehouses, product lines, and higher order volumes without any obstacles. What makes the manufacturing ERP in 2025 much more effective is its ability to handle large-scale, multi-location operations with ease, using cloud and distributed architecture to avoid bottlenecks as businesses grow.

Predictive Analytics

Though older ERP has the reports features, the newer manufacturing ERP systems are future ready by utilizing AI and machine learning to forecast demand, predict raw material shortages, and recommend production schedules. This capability is now becoming a standard feature in competitive manufacturing ERP systems.

Traceability

From the very first step of production and manufacturing such as the purchasing of raw materials, to the feedback collection, traceability is vital. Every product, including raw materials, should be tracked for compliance and customer trust. The traceability feature in the manufacturing ERP facilitates smoother audits with accurate data in hand.

Case Example – Production and Manufacture ERP Features in Action

A bakery manufacturer once struggled with manual tracking and poor visibility across their operations. After adopting the ERP for manufacturing, all processes, were brought into one system. With mobile apps for field staff and dashboards for managers, operations became faster. The results were improved stock control based on accurate data and timely deliveries. The manufacturing ERP enabled stronger customer trust, and a scalable foundation for growth.

Conclusion

The manufacturing world in 2025 is fast and competitive. Customers need quality products delivered to them faster than ever, and manufacturers need an integrated system that can make all of this happen. That’s where AES Technologies – Production & Manufacture Management Software steps in. It tracks down every part of your business right from raw material procurement to production, sales, finance, and customer service.

AES Technologies helps in improving the process, with the most seamless, connected system that keeps manufacturing running flawlessly. With well advanced features needed for 2025, AES Technologies ERP helps manufacturers of every scale, from small businesses to enterprise leaders. The future of manufacturing belongs to those who are faster and more connected. With the right ERP like the AES Technologies – Production & Manufacture Management Software by your side, you’ll be ready to deliver exactly that.

FAQs

1. What is ERP in manufacturing?

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) in manufacturing refers to software used to bring together all major manufacturing operations into a single system. It enables manufacturers to operate their businesses more effectively by enhancing visibility between departments.

2. What are the main features of a manufacturing ERP system?

Core features of a manufacturing ERP system include production scheduling, bill of materials (BOM), inventory and raw material management, purchase and sales order tracking, delivery challan management, expense tracking, collection of payments, reporting, and analytics. Mobile application access, predictive analytics, and traceability are the other important features in manufacturing ERP in 2025.

3. What are the types of ERP in the manufacturing industry?

There are primarily three types of ERP in the manufacturing industry: On-Premises, ERP which is locally installed on the company’s servers; Cloud ERP, which is hosted on the cloud with remote access and lower initial costs; and Hybrid ERP, which is a combination of both, offering flexibility based on business requirements.

4. Is manufacturing ERP for large-scale industries only?

No. The current ERP for manufacturing businesses has become advanced and customizable, making it suitable for smaller industries as well. Small and medium-sized manufacturers can also utilize ERP to automate processes at low cost and prepare for expansion.