Katana vs MRPeasy: Which MRP Wins for Small Makers?

Pricing Snapshot (as at Jul 25)

Pricing is one of the first factors when selecting an MRP solution, so let's cover as the first battle of our MRP showdown. Below is a side-by-side look at the entry cost, onboarding fees, and trial periods for Katana, MRPeasy, and Craftybase, so you can quickly identify the most budget‑friendly option that still delivers comprehensive manufacturing features.

Summary: It’s hard to justify Katana’s steep entry price and hefty setup fees if you’re a small‐batch maker juggling tight margins—its visual scheduler is slick, but only after you’ve shelled out thousands just to get started. By contrast, MRPeasy’s per-user model can feel more approachable on paper, but that rapid climb in costs as your team grows quickly erases any initial savings. Neither gives you true pricing peace of mind. Craftybase’s all-in-one flat-rate approach cuts through the complexity: one predictable monthly fee, zero surprise onboarding charges, and the same core manufacturing features you need. For makers who value simplicity and want to invest more in materials or marketing than in software add-ons, it’s a model that scales with your craft, not against it.

Ratings & Trust

One of the best ways to assess MRP software is to read real, unbiased reviews, it helps to see how each platform fares in the real world. Below is a snapshot of user-generated ratings across leading review sites. These scores reflect not only raw functionality but also ease of use, support quality, and overall satisfaction—key indicators of how each tool performs in everyday manufacturing workflows.

Katana earns high marks for its slick interface and solid e-commerce integrations, while MRPeasy shines with slightly stronger procurement and CRM features as reflected in its G2 and Capterra scores. Craftybase, however, consistently leads or matches both on ease of use and overall satisfaction—demonstrating that small-batch makers not only appreciate its comprehensive feature set but also value the smooth onboarding and ongoing support that keep production running without hiccups.

Feature Comparison

Summary: All three platforms deliver strong core functionality—inventory management and multi-level BOMs—but diverge on advanced automation. Katana’s Standard tier covers basics like real-time COGS but tacks on hefty add-ons for batch traceability and scheduling. MRPeasy builds those deeper process controls right into its core offering, making it a solid pick for operations needing out-of-the-box automation. Craftybase bridges both worlds with automated assemblies, compliance features, and detailed variance analysis, all under a single flat-rate plan.

When it comes to cost and usage, Katana’s high entry price and mandatory setup fees suit well-funded teams but can strain small makers. MRPeasy’s per-user fees offer flexibility but can climb sharply as headcount grows. Craftybase’s indie-friendly model combines generous usage limits with zero onboarding charges and predictable pricing—balancing feature depth with budget clarity for small-batch manufacturers.

Customer Support Comparison

When you’re running a small‐batch manufacturing business, reliable support can make or break your software experience. Below, we compare how Katana, MRPeasy, and Craftybase handle everything from onboarding guidance to ongoing issue resolution—so you know which provider will actually be there when you need them.

Who Uses These Tools?

Katana: Ideal for mid-sized makers in food & beverage, apparel, cosmetics, and artisanal goods, Katana’s visual scheduler and real-time stock updates help streamline multi-stage production. Teams with straightforward BOM requirements and basic traceability needs appreciate its drag-and-drop interface and built-in e-commerce connectivity.

MRPeasy: Favored by growing manufacturers in electronics, machinery, and medical devices, MRPeasy offers robust CRM, procurement, and advanced reporting out of the box. Companies that require multi-level routing, strict compliance tracking, and customer order management find its modular architecture indispensable for scaling operations.

Craftybase: Designed for solo artisans, small-batch brands, and direct-to-consumer businesses across categories like jewelry, home goods, and specialty foods, Craftybase combines full MRP, real-time COGS, and batch traceability into one flat-rate plan. Makers who juggle multiple sales channels and seasonal spikes rely on its intuitive reports and responsive support to keep growth on track.

Which MRP Should You Choose?

If you need a straightforward visual scheduler, Katana is solid. For CRM and procurement workflows, MRPeasy fits well. But for small-batch makers seeking all-in-one MRP plus real-time COGS and zero add-ons, Craftybase is the clear winner.