If you’re searching for MRPeasy alternatives and want a tool that’s actually built for small steel fabrication shops, you’re at the right place. This article will compare EZIIL Steel Fabrication Software and MRPeasy to help you figure out which option fits your shop better.
MRPeasy Alternatives: Is EZIIL a Better Fit for Small Custom Steel Fabricators?
If you’re running a small steel fabrication shop that’s outgrown Excel and whiteboards, you’re not alone. Many fabricators reach a tipping point: the jobs are piling up, the project changes are constant, and the chaos of disconnected tools starts eating into your margins. So, you started looking at digital solutions and stumbled upon cloud MRP systems like MRPeasy.
At first glance, it seems promising. But very then, you might realize that MRPeasy isn’t built for your kind of work. It’s considered a generic manufacturing ERP, not designed for the realities of custom steel fabrication (the constant drawing changes, the multi-phase jobs, the need for live visibility across the shop floor, etc).
That’s where EZIIL Starter enters the conversation. This article compares EZIIL vs MRPeasy through the lens of small custom steel fabrication businesses, with a clear focus on what matters most: project planning, BOM accuracy, team communication, real-time tracking, and low-friction implementation.
MRPeasy vs EZIIL: the Best MRPeasy alternatives for Steel Fabrication Shops
When you’re running a small custom steel fabrication shop, you need a production management software that enables better control over projects, less firefighting, and more on-time deliveries. The wrong tool wastes your time, stalls your production, and eats into your already thin margins.
Among MRPeasy alternatives, the tool offers great scheduling and inventory tools, but they’re primarily built for general manufacturing, not for the messy reality of make-to-order steel fabrication. You’ll likely still be stuck doing workarounds to customize it to your fabrication processes. That can often mean more admin, not less.
EZIIL Starter, on the other hand, is purpose-built for project-driven metal fabrication. It’s designed to get you out of spreadsheet chaos, without forcing you into a bloated expensive ERP system that takes months to implement. The outcome is immediate: better shop-floor visibility, fewer delays, faster quoting, and tighter margins, from day one, all without disrupting your daily operations.
Here’s how the two tools compare side by side.
MRPeasy vs EZIIL Comparison Table
| EZIIL Starter | MRPeasy | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose-built for custom steel fabrication | Yes. Designed specifically for project-based steel fabrication: real-time scheduling, BOM, drawings, job tracking. | General MRP for small manufacturers, not tailored for custom steel fabrication-specific workflows like cut lists or nesting. |
| Ease of use/Learning Curve | Intuitive and matching the workflows and processes of custom steel fabricators. Fast adoption in 3 week. | Many independent reviewers commend its intuitive interface and minimal learning curve. Some users mention UI clutter and hidden modules as downsides. |
| Implementation | Fast, modular implementation with dedicated support for roll-out. Start by introducing the core production management module and add more modules whenever you’re ready. | Self-setup. Some users reported deep learning curve and limited onboarding support. |
| Scheduling and Planning Tools | Real-time visual smart scheduling, project pipelines, production routing, task templates and OTD alerts. | Includes production planning. Many users cite the Gantt charts and multi-level BOMs as strong benefits. |
| Shop-floor reporting | Mobile-first task reporting and work progress tracking. | Offers good shop-floor tracking, though not steel fabrication-specific. |
| Job Costing/Profitability Tracking | Tracks planned vs actual project margins per project and/or phase in real-time. | Customers report complex usability and unclear structure of costing and fixed-cost reporting. |
| Inventory Management and Traceability | Real-time inventory tracking, centralized project documentation. | Users praise strong inventory, batch and lot traceability. |
| Support and Customer Service | Offers dedicated support person during implementation and personal email or web support thereafter. | Ticket-only support and slow response cited on online forums. |
| Pricing Model | Monthly subscription starting from €90 ($100) for a team of up to 15 users, cancel anytime. | Monthly subscription starting from €39/per user ($49/per user). |
| Best Fit For | Ideal for small custom steel fabricators (5–50 people, project-based workflows). | Best suited for small manufacturers with repetitive or batch workflows, not heavy fabrication jobs. |
What Is MRPeasy? Pros, Cons, and Who It’s For
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP (Material Requirements Planning) and light ERP software solution designed for small manufacturers. It aims to cover the full production pipeline, from quoting and inventory to purchasing and scheduling, at a fraction of the cost of traditional ERP systems.
It’s a popular option for companies making repeat products in small batches, especially in industries like electronics, plastics, packaging, and light assembly. With per-user pricing and a relatively low barrier to entry, it’s a flexible manufacturing system for small businesses that need more than spreadsheets, but less than SAP.
However, despite its affordability and breadth of features, MRPeasy isn’t built for custom steel fabrication. As fabrication shops have very specific needs, especially in areas like shop-floor coordination, job costing, and traceability, MRPeasy might not be able to support the processes and workflows fully.
MRPeasy Pros ✅
Affordable per-user pricing: Starting at around €39 or $49/user/month, with multiple plan tiers.
Solid inventory and production planning modules: Includes multi-level BOMs, production routing, work orders, and reorder points.
Integrations available: Works with QuickBooks, Xero, Shopify, and Zapier for basic connectivity.
Cloud-based and modular: Accessible from anywhere. No need for local server installation.
MRPeasy Cons (Especially for steel Fabricators) ❌
Not fabrication-specific: Lacks features like nesting, EN 1090 traceability, cut list support, and drawing-based task workflows.
Complex setup and configuration: Users often report that getting MRPeasy to “fit” their business takes weeks of trial and error, especially without ERP experience.
Poor onboarding experience: Implementation support is minimal. No dedicated onboarding team. Users are expected to self-configure or rely on paid consultants.
No native shop-floor tracking: Workers cannot easily report work-in-progress or time spent without jumping through workflow hoops or using expensive add-ons.
Ticket-based support only: Multiple users describe long response times and unclear documentation.
Rigid workflows for project-based work: Project-driven manufacturers (like steel fabricators) find it difficult to adapt MRPeasy’s part-based workflow to complex jobs with custom steps, drawings, and dependencies.
Who Is MRPeasy Best For?
If your business makes the same product on repeat (like printed circuit boards, injection-molded parts, small assemblies, or packaged goods, etc) MRPeasy is an ideal fit. It’s functional, affordable, and gets the basics right for batch manufacturing.
But for custom steel fabrication, where every job is different, where drawings change mid-project, and where real-time shop-floor visibility is critical, MRPeasy often falls short.
It’s not built to track fabrication stages, link drawings to operations, or help foremen prioritize tasks on the floor. For that, you’ll need one of the best MRPeasy alternatives that’s actually built for fabrication workflows, like EZIIL Starter.
What Is Eziil Starter and Why Steel Fabricators Prefer It
EZIIL Starter is a cloud-based MES (Manufacturing Execution System) and production management tool built exclusively for small-to-mid-sized steel fabrication shops. Unlike generic MRPs that try to serve every type of manufacturer, EZIIL is designed around the real-world phases of steel fabrication: Prepare, Plan, Report and Analyze.
This focus matters because fabrication is project-driven, not product-driven. Every staircase, railing, or structural element is different, with custom drawings, unique BOMs, and multiple production stages. EZIIL Starter was created specifically to bring order to that complexity, helping fabricators cut through messy spreadsheets, static whiteboards, and scattered communication. That’s why EZIIL has quickly become one of the top MRPeasy alternatives for steel fabricators.
EZIIL’s Key Features That Matter for Steel Fabricators
🔹 Visual Scheduling (MasterView)
Drag-and-drop Gantt scheduling that shows all fabrication phases (from cutting to welding to painting) with live capacity planning. You’ll spot bottlenecks before they become missed deadlines.
🔹 BOMs (add on module) and Drawings Linked to Tasks
Bills of materials, cut lists, drawings, and project files are stored in one place and connected directly to each job stage. No more hunting through folders or email chains to find the right version.
🔹 Mobile Shop-Floor Tracking
Workers log time and progress from their phones or tablets in seconds. Every update flows back into MasterView, so management always sees the real-time status of jobs.
🔹 Plan vs. Reality Insights
Compare estimated vs. actual hours and costs per project. These insights help fabricators improve quoting accuracy and identify common inefficiencies.
🔹 Modular Pricing Model
Start with the essential modules (such as Smart Planning, Manufacturing Scheduling and project management) and add features (such as BOM and Inventory Management) as your shop grows. No massive upfront license fee, no paying for modules you’ll never use.
🔹 Fabrication-Specific Compliance
EZIIL supports traceability workflows needed for EN 1090 EXC2/3, logging who performed each operation and attaching QC documents or images for full compliance.
Why is EZIIL the best alternative to MRPeasy for steel Fabricators
For small custom steel fabricators, the main benefits of choosing EZIIL include:
- Instead of struggling with generic ERP templates, EZIIL workflows and processes are built for the way steel shops actually work.
- Instead of guessing where a project stands, EZIIL delivers real-time visibility on every steel fabrication phase.
- Instead of overpaying for unused ERP features, shops pay only for what they need and scale when they’re ready.
In short, EZIIL Starter helps fabrication shops deliver more projects on time, protect their margins, and move confidently toward digital production management. All without the complexity, hefty price tag and downtime of a big ERP rollout.
MRPeasy vs EZIIL: Which Is Better for Your Fabrication Shop?
Choosing between EZIIL, MRPeasy and other MRPeasy alternatives comes down to whether you want a system that’s built for your shop, or one you have to bend your shop to fit.
Across reviews and forums, MRPeasy users often say the system is good value for general manufacturing, but also difficult to configure, slow to get support, and not well-suited to project-based work. EZIIL Starter, on the other hand, is built specifically for custom fabrication, which means it matches your workflows out of the box, without the steep learning curve.
Here’s how they compare on the factors that matter most:
1. Feature Fit for a steel fabrication shop
- MRPeasy: Broad feature set for general manufacturers. Strong inventory and BOM management, but lacks fabrication essentials like nesting, EN 1090 traceability, or drawing-linked workflows. Multiple online reviewers mention that it “feels generic” and doesn’t handle job-shop complexity well.
- EZIIL: Steel fabrication-focused. Built for the “cut, weld, paint” workflow, with drawings and BOMs tied directly to tasks. EN 1090-ready for compliance-heavy projects.
Verdict: For project-based steel work, EZIIL wins.
2. Implementation and Support
- MRPeasy: DIY setup. Users on comparison sites often mention “steep learning curve” and “trial-and-error configuration.” Support is ticket-based only, and some complain about long response times.
- EZIIL: Guided personal onboarding with help from steel fabrication experts. Setup is modular and typically completed within weeks. Ongoing support via video calls, email and direct contact.
Verdict: EZIIL reduces the risk of a failed rollout by holding your hand through setup.
3. Team Usability
- MRPeasy: While some reviewers praise the interface as clean, many note that non-ERP users struggle. As one independent reviewer puts it, the tool is “not intuitive for shop-floor workers” and more suited for office/admin users.
- EZIIL: Designed so that welders and shop-floor staff can use it with minimal training. The interface is visual, drag-and-drop, and built for real jobs instead of ERP codes.
Verdict: EZIIL’s UI is fabrication-worker friendly, reducing training headaches.
4. Shop-Floor Integration
- MRPeasy: Offers shop-floor tracking modules, but users report they feel “clunky” and “not natural” for workers. Lacks real-time visibility across fabrication stages.
- EZIIL: Mobile reporting app allows workers to log time and mark tasks as they go. Updates flow directly into MasterView so managers see job status live.
Verdict: EZIIL stands out in real-time visibility and keeps the whole team aligned.
5. Scalability
- MRPeasy: Per-user/month pricing that scales up quickly as teams grow. Users note that adding more licenses can get expensive.
- EZIIL: Monthly modular subscription pricing per whole team. Start small with core planning and production management, and add features as needed. No need to over-invest up front.
Verdict: Both tools grow well with your needs.
Bottom Line
For batch manufacturers in electronics or plastics, MRPeasy is the ideal choice. However, EZIIL is a better fit for custom steel fabricators, as it’s easier to implement, easier for teams to use, and better aligned with the real-world phases of fabrication.
When MRPeasy is a Good Fit
While MRPeasy might not always be the best match for custom steel fabrication, it can still be an amazing tool in certain situations. User reviews consistently highlight that it’s best suited for batch or stock-based manufacturing where workflows are repetitive and less dependent on one-off project complexity.
Here are the cases where MRPeasy can still deliver great value:
👉 If you’re not doing custom steel work
MRPeasy is not designed for project-based fabrication. But if you’re in electronics, plastics, furniture, or packaging, its strengths in inventory control, BOM management, and production scheduling can be a great fit. Multiple online reviewers mention that MRPeasy “handles repeat manufacturing well” and is “best for smaller companies with simple production lines.”
👉 If you’re producing repeat stock parts
MRPeasy is excellent for companies with standardized products but struggles when every job is unique. For steel fabricators making the same items over and over (like metal furniture or light assemblies), MRPeasy’s part-based workflows work extremely smoothly.
👉 If you have in-house ERP skills and IT staff
Several users point out that MRPeasy can be very powerful, but only if you have the resources to configure it properly, as it often “takes someone with ERP knowledge to really get value out of it”.
To sum it up, if you’re a batch manufacturer with repeatable workflows and an IT-savvy team, MRPeasy might be an excellent choice. But if you’re a custom steel fabricator juggling unique projects, drawings, and traceability needs, you’ll likely find it frustrating and inefficient compared to a fabrication-specific MRPeasy alternatives like EZIIL.
EZIIL: The Best MRPeasy Alternative for Small Steel Fabricators
EZIIL is specifically designed with steel fabrication at its core, which makes it one of the best MRPeasy alternatives for metal fabrication shops on the market. You get faster ROI and far less risk, especially if it’s your digital production management solution when moving away from Excel and whiteboards.
We call it the “Goldilocks of steel fabrication management software” because it’s the “just right” solution for small fabrication shops. Not too simple like spreadsheets, not too complex like a full ERP. It’s purpose-built to give you clarity, control, and better margins right away.
🔹 Built for your exact workflows
EZIIL handles fabrication stages out of the box. BOMs, drawings, and compliance documents are linked directly to tasks. No messy workarounds needed.
🔹 No 6-month ERP rollout
Implementation is modular and guided by EZIIL’s dedicated onboarding team. Most shops are live in weeks, not months, with minimal disruption to daily operations.
🔹 Immediate impact on delivery and margins
Real-time shop-floor tracking and plan-vs-reality insights give fabricators instant visibility. That means fewer delays, tighter quotes, and better profitability from day one.
🔹 Works perfectly for 5-50 person shops
Whether you’re a small crew or a growing operation, EZIIL scales with you. It’s powerful enough to manage complex jobs but simple enough for teams without ERP experience.
🔹 Low financial risk, high control
With subscription pricing and no massive upfront fees, you can start small and expand as needed. You’re in control of how deep you go, without locking your shop into a complex and expensive ERP system.
To sum it up
When comparing MRPeasy alternatives, the choice comes down to your type of manufacturing.
MRPeasy works well for batch producers and stock-based manufacturing in industries like electronics, plastics, or packaging. It’s affordable, integrates with accounting tools, and covers the basics of production planning and inventory. But reviews consistently highlight its steep learning curve, ticket-only support, and the fact that it’s not designed for project-based fabrication.
EZIIL Starter, on the other hand, is purpose-built for custom steel fabrication shops. It gives you visual scheduling, real-time shop-floor tracking, BOMs and drawings linked directly to tasks, and plan-vs-reality insights to keep projects profitable. Onboarding takes weeks, not months, and the modular pricing makes it low-risk to start and easy to scale.
If you’re evaluating MRPeasy alternatives, you can sign up for a free demo account with EZIIL Starter to see how it simplifies workflows for small steel fabricators.
