Aerospace manufacturing software has to do more than manage work orders. Manufacturers supplying aerospace, aviation, space, and defense programs often need to coordinate complex routings, changing schedules, controlled documentation, material certifications, quality inspections, serial and lot traceability, supplier requirements, and detailed production records all while delivering parts on time.

That makes software selection particularly important. A traditional ERP may provide strong financial and purchasing capabilities but limited shop floor execution. A manufacturing execution system (MES) may provide much deeper production control while working alongside an existing ERP. Other platforms combine ERP, MES, quality management, inventory, and planning within one environment.

The best manufacturing software for an aerospace manufacturer therefore depends on the problems the company is trying to solve.

This guide compares seven manufacturing software options for aerospace manufacturers in 2026, including systems designed for small manufacturers, precision job shops, growing aerospace suppliers, and more complex operations. There is no universal best aerospace manufacturing system. A 40-person precision machining supplier has very different requirements from a multi-site aerospace manufacturer or a company already operating a capable ERP.

The right choice depends on your production complexity, compliance requirements, existing technology, budget, implementation resources, and long-term growth plans.

table of contents

aerospace manufacturing software compared

what should aerospace manufacturing software do?

1. Quantum MES – Best for growing small aerospace manufacturers that need stronger production visibility & control
2. ProShop ERP – Best for aerospace machine shops that want ERP, MES, and QMS functionality in one system
3. Epicor Kinetic – Best for larger or more complex aerospace manufacturers that need a full manufacturing ERP
4. Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform – Best for manufacturers that want integrated ERP, MES, quality, and plant-floor visibility
5. DELMIAWorks – Best for small and midsize manufacturers looking for combined ERP and MES capabilities
6. MRPeasy – Best for smaller aerospace manufacturers that want an accessible manufacturing ERP
7. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central – Best for growing manufacturers already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem

ERP, MES, & QMS: which software does an aerospace manufacturer need?

how to choose aerospace manufacturing software

which aerospace manufacturing software is the best?

frequently asked questions about aerospace manufacturing software

aerospace manufacturing software compared

what should aerospace manufacturing software do?

Aerospace manufacturers should evaluate software differently from companies producing simpler or less regulated products.

The system should not only tell you what needs to be built. It should help you demonstrate how it was built, which materials were used, which instructions were followed, what inspections occurred, who completed the work, and what changed along the way.

Important capabilities can include:

• Production scheduling
• Work order and job management
• Material and component traceability
• Lot and serial tracking
• Controlled digital work instructions
• Revision management
• Quality inspections
• Nonconformance management
• Corrective actions
• First article inspection support
• Production history
• Labor and resource tracking
• Inventory management
• Supplier documentation
• Audit trails
• ERP integration
• Shop floor data collection
• Reporting and analytics

Software alone does not make a manufacturer compliant with aerospace requirements. However, the right system can make it considerably easier to maintain controlled processes, retain evidence, trace production history, and prepare for customer or certification audits.

That is especially important as aerospace manufacturers continue operating under standards such as AS9100 and related customer-specific requirements. Current AS9100 requirements emphasize quality management, risk, control, traceability, and documented processes within aviation, space, and defense organizations.

1. Quantum MES

Best for: Growing small aerospace manufacturers that want deeper production visibility & control

Quantum MES is manufacturing execution software designed to manage production from scheduling through completion. For aerospace manufacturers, its biggest advantage is that it does not require the business to abandon an ERP or accounting platform that is already working.

Instead, Quantum can become the production layer connecting planning, scheduling, operators, materials, work instructions, inventory, quality, and shop floor data. That approach can be particularly useful for small and midsize aerospace suppliers that have grown beyond spreadsheets, paper travelers, and basic ERP production modules but do not want to undertake a company-wide ERP replacement.

key aerospace capabilities

Quantum supports functions such as:

• Production and finite-capacity scheduling
• Job and work order management
• Digital work instructions
• Production routing
• Real-time WIP visibility
• Inventory and material tracking
• Quality checks
• Production data collection
• Lot and serial traceability
• Resource management
• Revision-controlled processes
• Audit history
• Manufacturing automation

Its manufacturing focus makes it particularly relevant when a company's primary gaps exist between the production schedule and what is happening on the shop floor.

why aerospace manufacturers may consider it

Aerospace suppliers often already have accounting, ERP, or customer-order systems but still rely on disconnected spreadsheets, paper travelers, tribal knowledge, or manual production updates.

Quantum can address that gap while allowing the company to retain other business systems. This can make it a strong option for growing small aerospace manufacturers that want more sophisticated production management without adopting a much larger ERP platform.

Quantum is designed to connect with existing ERP, accounting, inventory, scheduling, and business applications. It also offers cloud and on-premise deployment options.

what to consider

Quantum is primarily manufacturing execution software, not a broad financial ERP. A company that needs to replace accounting, CRM, company-wide finance, and other enterprise functions would typically use Quantum alongside another business system rather than as a complete replacement.

2. ProShop ERP

Best for: Aerospace machine shops that want ERP, MES, and quality management closely connected

ProShop is a manufacturing platform built specifically for precision manufacturing environments such as aerospace, defense, medical, and machine shops. One of its most distinctive characteristics is the integration of ERP, MES, and QMS functionality within the same platform.

For aerospace manufacturers, that can reduce the amount of quality and production information spread across separate databases, spreadsheets, binders, and applications. ProShop specifically positions its aerospace product around traceability, AS9100-oriented quality workflows, ITAR-related controls, scheduling, digital documentation, and paperless shop-floor management.

key aerospace capabilities

ProShop includes features for:

• Work orders
• Scheduling
• Shop floor management
• Visual work instructions
• Product data management
• Material planning
• Inventory
• Inspection
• Nonconformance management
• Corrective actions
• Document control
• Calibration
• Preventive maintenance
• Training records
• Job costing
• Quality records and certifications

Its integrated QMS is a particularly important differentiator for aerospace shops where production and quality documentation are tightly linked.

why aerospace manufacturers may consider it

ProShop is especially well suited to precision machining and job-shop environments where documentation, traceability, inspection, and production execution need to live close together. Manufacturers trying to eliminate paper travelers and disconnected quality records may find the integrated approach attractive.

ProShop also supports both cloud and on-premise implementation even though the application itself is browser-based.

what to consider

ProShop's integrated approach can be an advantage for shops that want one manufacturing-focused environment. Companies with established enterprise ERP systems, however, should compare whether replacing existing systems or adding a specialized MES is the less disruptive route.

3. Epicor Kinetic

Best for: Complex aerospace and defense manufacturers that need a full manufacturing ERP

Epicor Kinetic is a manufacturing-focused ERP platform built for discrete, make-to-order, configure-to-order, engineer-to-order, and other complex production environments.

Epicor also provides aerospace-and defense-specific functionality around quality, traceability, contracts, supplier management, security, planning, and production. This makes Kinetic a much broader system than a standalone MES or production-management platform.

key aerospace capabilities

Depending on configuration, Kinetic can support:

• ERP and financial management
• Job management
• Material planning
• Advanced planning and scheduling
• Production management
• Inventory
• Purchasing
• Supply chain management
• Quality assurance
• Supplier management
• Traceability
• Contract and clause management
• Project management
• Shop floor data collection
• MES and IoT capabilities

Epicor specifically highlights digital-thread traceability, supplier certifications, quality controls, contract requirements, and aerospace/defense workflows.

why aerospace manufacturers may consider it

Kinetic is a stronger fit when the organization needs to modernize not just production but the broader business. It can be appropriate for aerospace manufacturers that have outgrown smaller ERP or accounting applications and want one platform connecting finance, purchasing, supply chain, planning, and manufacturing.

what to consider

That breadth also means implementation can be more substantial. Smaller manufacturers should compare whether they truly need a company-wide ERP transformation or primarily need deeper production control.

4. Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform

Best for: Aerospace manufacturers that want ERP, MES, quality, and plant-floor data in a connected platform

Plex, part of Rockwell Automation, offers a Smart Manufacturing Platform that includes ERP, MES, QMS, supply chain planning, production monitoring, asset performance, and connected-worker capabilities.

Plex has a dedicated aerospace offering built around traceability, production planning, quality management, audit trails, and shop-floor visibility.

key aerospace capabilities

Plex can support:

• Manufacturing execution
• ERP
• Quality management
• Production planning
• Scheduling
• Traceability
• Digital audit trails
• Inventory
• Supply chain collaboration
• Supplier certification management
• Production monitoring
• Equipment performance
• Shop floor data collection

Plex specifically highlights genealogy and traceability down to inventory, lot, and heat information as well as integrated quality management for aerospace operations.

why aerospace manufacturers may consider it

Plex is well suited to companies that want to connect enterprise processes directly with plant-floor execution. Its combination of ERP and MES can be particularly useful for manufacturers trying to eliminate the disconnect between corporate business systems and production.

what to consider

Plex is a broad manufacturing platform. Smaller shops should compare its implementation scope and cost against more focused MES, MRP, or job-shop systems.

5. DELMIAWorks

Best for: Small and midsize manufacturers that want an integrated ERP and MES environment

DELMIAWorks, from Dassault Systèmes, combines manufacturing ERP and MES capabilities and is specifically positioned toward small and midsize manufacturers. Its approach centers on maintaining a connected flow of information from business planning through production.

For aerospace manufacturers, that can help consolidate planning, quality, inventory, production, and reporting into a shared environment.

key manufacturing capabilities

DELMIAWorks provides capabilities across:

• ERP
• MES
• Production planning
• Scheduling
• Material requirements planning
• Inventory
• Quality management
• Document control
• Supply chain management
• Production monitoring
• Costing
• Business intelligence

Dassault also identifies aerospace and defense as relevant applications for DELMIAWorks, with functions around quality, planning, supplier management, scheduling, and production visibility.

why aerospace manufacturers may consider it

DELMIAWorks can be attractive to manufacturers that want both enterprise and shop-floor functionality but want a system designed specifically around manufacturing rather than a general-purpose ERP.

what to consider

Manufacturers should determine how much of the broader Dassault environment they expect to use and compare the implementation requirements with lighter manufacturing platforms.

6. MRPeasy

Best for: Smaller aerospace manufacturers moving beyond spreadsheets or basic accounting software

MRPeasy is a cloud manufacturing ERP designed primarily for smaller manufacturers. Its emphasis is on making production planning, scheduling, inventory, purchasing, costing, BOM management, and manufacturing orders accessible without the scope of a traditional enterprise ERP.

MRPeasy also specifically markets the platform for aerospace and defense manufacturers and publishes customer examples from aerospace-related organizations.

key manufacturing capabilities

MRPeasy includes:

• Material requirements planning
• Production scheduling
• Capacity planning
• Manufacturing orders
• BOMs and routings
• Inventory
• Purchasing
• Shop floor reporting
• Product costing
• Lot and serial traceability
• Quality functionality
• Product revisions
• Sales and order management

Its manufacturing ERP environment is intended to give smaller manufacturers one connected source for planning, materials, production, and business information.

why aerospace manufacturers may consider it

MRPeasy may make sense for smaller aerospace suppliers whose primary goal is moving away from spreadsheets and disconnected production planning tools. It provides more manufacturing structure without requiring the scope of a large enterprise ERP implementation.

what to consider

Companies with sophisticated quality systems, extensive regulatory workflows, complex operator guidance, or deeper shop-floor execution requirements should compare MRPeasy against more specialized aerospace MES or QMS-oriented systems.

7. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Best for: Growing aerospace manufacturers already invested in Microsoft technology

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a broader ERP platform covering financials, inventory, purchasing, sales, projects, warehousing, and manufacturing. For aerospace manufacturers already relying heavily on Microsoft 365, Power BI, Power Platform, Azure, or other Microsoft technology, Business Central can provide a familiar ERP foundation.

Its manufacturing capabilities include production orders, BOMs, routings, capacity planning, inventory, purchasing, costing, and supply planning.

why aerospace manufacturers may consider it

Business Central can be useful when the company needs stronger financial and operational integration across the business, not just the shop floor. Its Microsoft ecosystem also makes it easier to connect reporting, workflow, collaboration, and custom applications.

what to consider

Business Central is an ERP first. Aerospace manufacturers requiring more detailed operator instructions, real-time production execution, extensive quality workflows, or shop-floor traceability may still pair it with an MES or specialized manufacturing system.

ERP, MES, and QMS: which software does an aerospace manufacturer need?

Aerospace manufacturers frequently encounter three software categories:

ERP manages the business. It typically covers accounting, purchasing, sales, financial reporting, inventory, and high-level planning.

MES manages production execution. It controls jobs, routings, schedules, work instructions, WIP, labor, materials, production data, and shop-floor activity.

QMS manages quality processes. It can include document control, inspections, nonconformances, corrective actions, audits, training, calibration, supplier quality, and other controlled quality records.

Some software platforms combine all three. Others specialize in one layer and integrate with the rest. Neither approach is inherently better. Aerospace manufacturers should decide whether they want one broad platform or several specialized systems based on their existing technology and operational needs.

when an ERP may make more sense

A full ERP may be the stronger option when:

• Financial systems need replacement
• Purchasing and inventory are disconnected
• Multiple departments operate from different systems
• The business needs stronger company-wide reporting
• Existing ERP software no longer supports growth

when MES may make more sense

MES may be the stronger option when:

• The ERP works but the shop floor does not
• Schedules are managed manually
• Supervisors lack real-time WIP visibility
• Operators rely on paper travelers
• Work instructions are difficult to control
• Quality records are disconnected from production
• Production data is entered manually after the fact

when QMS depth becomes especially important

Aerospace manufacturers should pay particular attention to QMS functionality when audit preparation, document control, first article inspection, calibration, supplier quality, corrective actions, or nonconformances consume significant administrative time.

how to choose aerospace manufacturing software

Choosing software for an aerospace operation should begin with process requirements rather than vendor demonstrations.

1. Start with your biggest operational gaps

Document where production currently loses time or information.

Look for areas such as:

• Manual scheduling
• Missing WIP information
• Paper travelers
• Duplicate data entry
• Outdated instructions
• Missing material certifications
• Quality data stored outside production records
• Slow audit preparation
• Inaccurate inventory
• Tribal knowledge
• Long onboarding times
• Difficulty tracing a completed job

These gaps should define your requirements.

2. Evaluate traceability carefully

Do not simply ask whether a system “has traceability.” Ask what can actually be traced.

Can you identify:

• Which raw-material lot went into a specific part?
• Which operator completed an operation?
• Which machine or resource was used?
• Which revision of the instructions was active?
• Which inspection results were recorded?
• Which serial or lot numbers were produced?
• Which supplier certifications accompanied the material?

The depth of traceability can vary significantly between systems.

3. Look for controlled documentation

Aerospace production frequently depends on drawings, specifications, customer requirements, work instructions, inspection plans, and revisions. The manufacturing system should make it easy to ensure operators are working from the correct information.

4. Consider scheduling as an execution problem

Scheduling aerospace work is rarely just a matter of machine capacity. Materials, certifications, tooling, labor skills, outside processing, inspections, priority changes, and rework can all affect when a job can actually run. Look for software that connects scheduling with real production conditions.

5. Decide what you want to keep

If QuickBooks, Epicor, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, or another ERP already performs its job effectively, replacing it may not be necessary. In that situation, evaluate whether MES or another production system can solve the shop-floor problem while integrating with the systems you already trust.

6. Compare total implementation effort

Consider:

• Data migration
• Integrations
• Training
• Workflow configuration
• Internal IT requirements
• Hardware
• Implementation services
• Customization
• Ongoing support

A sophisticated system only creates value if the company can realistically implement and maintain it.

which aerospace manufacturing software is best?

There is no single best manufacturing platform for every aerospace manufacturer. The right software depends on the company's size, production model, compliance requirements, existing systems, budget, and goals.

A smaller supplier moving beyond spreadsheets may prioritize an accessible MRP or manufacturing ERP. A precision machine shop may place greater value on an integrated quality and job-management system. A larger aerospace operation may need a complete ERP with supply chain, financial, contract, and multi-site capabilities. A growing manufacturer whose ERP already works may get more value from adding an MES rather than replacing the entire business system.

The most important step is to define what you need the software to accomplish before comparing vendors. The best manufacturing system is the one that gives your team the control, traceability, visibility, and flexibility required to produce aerospace work consistently without adding unnecessary complexity.

frequently asked questions about aerospace manufacturing software

What is the best manufacturing software for aerospace companies?

There is no universal best system. Aerospace manufacturers should choose software based on production complexity, company size, quality requirements, traceability needs, existing ERP systems, budget, and implementation resources. Common options include manufacturing ERP, MES, QMS, MRP, and integrated manufacturing platforms.

What software do aerospace manufacturers use?

Aerospace manufacturers commonly use a combination of ERP, MES, QMS, scheduling, inventory, PLM, CAD/CAM, and inspection software. Smaller manufacturers may consolidate several of these functions within one manufacturing platform, while larger companies often integrate multiple specialized systems.

Does aerospace manufacturing software need to support AS9100?

Software itself does not become AS9100-certified on behalf of the manufacturer. However, manufacturing software can support the processes required to maintain a quality management system by controlling documents, retaining records, supporting traceability, managing quality events, and providing audit history.

What is the difference between aerospace ERP and MES?

Aerospace ERP generally manages financials, purchasing, inventory, customer orders, and business planning. MES focuses on production execution, including scheduling, work instructions, WIP, operators, quality checks, materials, traceability, and shop-floor data. Many aerospace manufacturers use both.

Can small aerospace manufacturers use MES?

Yes. MES is not limited to large aerospace manufacturers. Smaller manufacturers can use MES to replace paper travelers, improve scheduling, capture production data, manage quality, and improve traceability.

The key is selecting a system whose cost and implementation requirements match the size of the operation.

What software can replace paper travelers in aerospace manufacturing?

MES, paperless manufacturing systems, and some integrated ERP platforms can replace paper travelers with digital work instructions and electronic production records. The system should include revision control so operators consistently access the latest approved information.

What should aerospace manufacturers look for in production scheduling software?

Aerospace manufacturers should look beyond basic calendars. Useful scheduling software should account for machine capacity, labor, materials, tooling, routing requirements, outside processing, due dates, and changing priorities while providing visibility into WIP and potential delays.

Why is traceability important in aerospace manufacturing software?

Traceability allows manufacturers to reconstruct how a product was built. This can include materials, lots, serial numbers, operators, machines, process steps, revisions, inspections, and quality results.

That information is important for quality management, customer requirements, investigations, audits, and product history.

Do aerospace manufacturers need ERP and MES?

Not always, but many benefit from both. ERP can manage the wider business while MES manages production execution. Small manufacturers may use a single platform that combines portions of both, while larger companies often integrate dedicated ERP and MES systems.

How do I know when my aerospace shop has outgrown spreadsheets?

Warning signs include conflicting schedules, difficulty locating WIP, manual quality records, duplicate data entry, poor inventory accuracy, outdated work instructions, slow traceability searches, heavy dependence on tribal knowledge, and excessive time spent preparing for audits.

When spreadsheets become the primary system holding production together rather than an analysis tool, dedicated manufacturing software is usually worth evaluating.

final thoughts

Aerospace manufacturers do not need the largest software platform available. They need a system that matches the complexity of their production environment. For some companies, that means replacing an outdated ERP. For others, it means adding MES to improve shop-floor execution. For precision manufacturers, integrated quality management may be the most important requirement.

The better buying question is not simply, “Which aerospace manufacturing software has the most features?” It is: “Which system solves the production, quality, and visibility problems that matter most to our operation?”

Answer that question first, and the software comparison becomes much easier.

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