In a world where customers expect custom-built solutions instead of off-the-shelf products, traditional ERP systems no longer cut it. For manufacturers who engineer every order to specification, the stakes are higher, timelines tighter, and complexity far greater. This is the reality of Engineer to Order (ETO) manufacturing.
What sets ETO apart isn’t just customization; it’s the fact that engineering starts only after the order is received. It requires deep integration between design, project planning, production, procurement, and finance. That’s why generic ERP systems fail to deliver the agility ETO businesses demand.
In this blog, we spotlight the top 9 ERP systems specifically built or tailored for ETO operations. Whether you’re a machinery manufacturer, fabricator, or high-tech engineering firm, these platforms offer the specialized features that can transform your business into a responsive, streamlined, and scalable operation.
Engineer to Order (ETO) software is a specialized form of ERP designed for businesses that manufacture complex, highly customized products. Unlike Make to Stock (MTS) or Make to Order (MTO) models, ETO begins with engineering and design after a customer order is confirmed.
ETO ERP integrates engineering with core business processes to manage everything from RFQs, project costing, BOM creation, design iterations, resource scheduling, procurement, change management, and delivery.
Why it’s ideal for ETO:
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management is purpose-built for engineering-centric organizations that require robust project management and operational agility. For Engineer to Order manufacturers, it delivers an integrated environment that connects engineering, procurement, production, and finance within a single intelligent platform. It supports complex configurations, enables project forecasting, and ensures real-time collaboration between teams.
Standout Features:
Who uses it:
Ideal for mid to large-scale manufacturers in sectors like aerospace, electrical systems, industrial machinery, and heavy engineering.
The ability to extend and automate workflows using Microsoft Power Platform makes Dynamics 365 one of the most scalable ERP software for engineering companies. It empowers teams to manage every stage of the ETO lifecycle efficiently, from concept design to final delivery.
Why it’s ideal for ETO:
SAP S/4HANA brings together the power of enterprise-wide integration with deep project manufacturing capabilities. ETO manufacturers benefit from its project systems, product configuration engine, and tight integration with CAD and PLM environments, enabling complete lifecycle management.
Standout Features:
Who uses it:
Ideal for large global enterprises manufacturing engineered products like turbines, defense equipment, rail systems, and industrial automation units.
SAP's holistic ecosystem supports global compliance, multilingual configurations, and scalable operations, making it an industry-standard ERP software for complex ETO manufacturing.
Why it’s ideal for ETO:
Infor CloudSuite Industrial is designed to support highly configurable, engineer-to-order operations with strong quoting, estimation, and post-sales tracking capabilities. It streamlines customer-specific product development and seamlessly connects design to production.
Standout Features:
Who uses it:
Best suited for mid-sized manufacturers dealing with custom tooling, fabricated equipment, and niche engineered products.
Infor’s focus on industry-specific ERP software for engineering companies ensures faster implementation and lower customization costs, making it a flexible choice for ETO environments.
Why it’s ideal for ETO:
Epicor Kinetic delivers a unified platform that integrates engineering, sales, shop floor control, and finance, tailored for custom manufacturers. It is particularly strong in managing multi-level BOMs, work instructions, and design revisions.
Standout Features:
Who uses it:
Preferred by SMBs and mid-sized manufacturers in sectors like metal fabrication, high-tech electronics, and industrial components.
Epicor’s intuitive interface and industry templates allow rapid deployment for ETO manufacturers, supporting agile change handling and improved time to market.
Why it’s ideal for ETO:
Plex offers a fully cloud-native platform that integrates ERP, MES, and quality management into one solution. It is built for manufacturers requiring real-time visibility, compliance, and engineering traceability.
Standout Features:
Who uses it:
Highly effective for industries with complex product lifecycles and compliance requirements such as aerospace, medical device, and automotive sectors.
Plex's manufacturing-first architecture enables engineering companies to minimize disruptions, enhance traceability, and deliver highly regulated, custom-built products with confidence.
Why it’s ideal for ETO:
IFS Cloud ERP is tailored for asset-intensive and long-cycle project manufacturers. It supports ETO operations by integrating project management, service lifecycle, and engineering collaboration into a single digital framework.
Standout Features:
Who uses it:
Engineering-driven companies in industries like construction, shipbuilding, aviation, and power generation.
IFS offers one of the most comprehensive platforms for project-centric manufacturing, allowing for granular visibility and better control across the entire engineer-to-order value chain.
Why it’s ideal for ETO:
JobBOSS² simplifies ETO management for job shops with high variability in design, order frequency, and production volumes. Its focus is on speed, clarity, and control from quote to delivery.
Standout Features:
Who uses it:
Ideal for small to medium manufacturers delivering prototypes, specialty parts, and customer-specific assemblies.
JobBOSS² delivers flexibility and control without over-engineering the system. It’s a practical ETO ERP for engineering firms that need quick turnaround without compromising accuracy.
Why it’s ideal for ETO:
Deltek Costpoint caters specifically to engineering firms and government contractors, where regulatory compliance, cost control, and labor tracking are essential. It combines project ERP with earned value management for full lifecycle project tracking.
Standout Features:
Who uses it:
A trusted ERP for engineering companies handling government contracts in defense, aerospace, infrastructure, and environmental sectors.
Deltek's focus on compliance and accountability makes it the go-to choice for firms that must meet strict regulatory, financial, and reporting standards while managing complex ETO workflows.
Why it’s ideal for ETO:
Priority ERP is a modular, cloud-enabled ERP system offering high functionality with minimal implementation friction. It provides strong capabilities for ETO companies that need efficiency without complexity.
Standout Features:
Who uses it:
Best suited for small engineering firms, tool manufacturers, and custom builders looking for scalable ERP in software engineering.
Priority ERP delivers core ETO functionality at an affordable price point, making it a great entry point for growing manufacturers who require process visibility and collaboration without the burden of a large ERP deployment.
For manufacturers building the future one custom project at a time, the ERP system you choose is not just software: it's the backbone of your operations. It determines how efficiently your teams collaborate, how accurately you quote and deliver, and how resilient your projects are against disruption.
The ERP systems highlighted above are more than digital tools. They are strategic enablers built for a world where no two orders are alike. And for engineering-centric manufacturers, they unlock the precision, speed, and control necessary to succeed in a demanding market.
At DynaTech, being a Microsoft Dynamics 365 Partner, we work closely with engineering and manufacturing leaders to implement tailored ERP solutions – especially Microsoft Dynamics 365 – that fit ETO complexity without compromising speed or scalability. Our industry accelerators and integration tools are designed to make ETO transformation practical, fast, and ROI-driven.