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Free MRP software: plan materials before the line stops
Material requirements planning answers a question every maker faces: what do we need, how much, and by when. Open source tools can answer it, if your data is clean enough to trust.
The short answer. Free MRP software exists. ERPNext, Odoo Community, Dolibarr, Frepple Community and Tryton cover bills of materials, work orders and basic planning. They depend on accurate item data, lead times and stock counts. Free tools are weaker at capacity planning, shop floor data and advanced scheduling. Fix your BOMs and inventory first, then plan.
Written by Procurement VMS Editorial Team · Reviewed by Michael, Procurement Advisor Expert · Updated
MRP fails on data, not software
Ask a plant manager why the plan went wrong and you rarely hear about the algorithm. You hear that the stock count was off, the supplier lead time changed, or the bill of materials had a part that no longer existed. MRP does arithmetic on whatever you give it.
So before you install anything, audit three inputs: your bills of materials, your stock accuracy and your lead times. Our free BOM software and free inventory management software guides cover the first two.
What MRP needs to work
- Item master: one record per part, with units, supplier and lead time.
- Bills of materials: current, with correct quantities and scrap allowances.
- Stock: counted, located and updated at every move.
- Demand: firm orders and forecasts by date.
- Rules: safety stock, reorder points and lot sizes.
Start with the numbers that drive rules. The reorder point calculator, safety stock calculator, EOQ calculator and lead time calculator turn guesses into defensible settings.
Free routes worth testing
| Option | Type | Who runs it | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ERPNext Manufacturing | Open source suite | You or a partner | Small and mid sized makers wanting BOMs, work orders and planning in one system | Needs careful item and BOM setup |
| Odoo Community MRP | Free edition | You or a partner | Teams wanting a modular manufacturing app | Some advanced planning features are in the paid edition |
| Dolibarr MRP | Open source suite | You or a partner | Very small workshops with simple products | Limited planning depth |
| Frepple Community | Open source planning | You or developers | Teams who need an advanced planning layer on top of another system | Community edition has fewer features than paid editions |
| Tryton Production | Open source platform | You or a partner | Technical teams preferring a modular platform | Smaller partner base |
ERPNext Manufacturing
Manufacturing module with BOMs, work orders, production planning and material requests.
Odoo Community MRP
The community edition includes manufacturing basics. Check which planning features are enterprise only.
Dolibarr MRP
Modular application with BOM and manufacturing order features for simple production.
Frepple Community
An open source supply chain planning tool for forecasting, MRP and scheduling.
Tryton Production
Modules for production, stock and purchase planning.
Free download
Get the free mrp software scorecard and checklist
An Excel scorecard that scores up to four options against the criteria on this page, plus a one-page PDF checklist of upgrade triggers. Free, and ready the moment you submit the form.
- Excel scorecard with weights you can change and totals that update
- PDF checklist: the questions to ask before you commit and the signs it is time to pay
- No account, and no sales call unless you ask for one
Three planning mistakes
Treating lead time as a fixed number
Suppliers quote best case times. Measure actual receipt dates against order dates, and use the average with some buffer. The supplier performance pages show how to track it.
Planning without a stock count
If the system says 40 and the shelf holds 25, the plan is wrong before it runs. Count high value and fast moving parts weekly and the rest monthly.
Switching on everything at once
Pilot one product family. Prove the BOM, the planning run and the purchase suggestions, then extend. The manufacturing procurement software guide describes how buying connects to production.
A two week pilot
- Pick one product family. Choose products with stable bills and repeat orders.
- Clean the BOMs. Check every component, quantity and unit against the real build.
- Count the stock. Count all components for that family and load it.
- Enter lead times. Use measured receipt times, not quoted ones.
- Run the plan. Compare suggested purchases and builds with what an experienced planner would do.
Two-minute check
Are you ready for MRP?
Tick every statement that is true.
When to use paid MRP
Pay when you need finite capacity scheduling, shop floor data collection, multi site planning or regulated traceability. Paid ERP suites also provide support when planning runs stall.
Compare the cost of a free build with a paid system using the total cost of ownership calculator, and read the free ERP software guide for the wider picture. For buying side automation, our inventory management for procurement page links stock and orders.
Free download
Get the free mrp software scorecard and checklist
An Excel scorecard that scores up to four options against the criteria on this page, plus a one-page PDF checklist of upgrade triggers. Free, and ready the moment you submit the form.
- Excel scorecard with weights you can change and totals that update
- PDF checklist: the questions to ask before you commit and the signs it is time to pay
- No account, and no sales call unless you ask for one
Setting planning rules?
Start with the reorder point calculator and the safety stock calculator.
Questions people ask about free mrp software
Is there free MRP software?
Yes. ERPNext, Odoo Community, Dolibarr, Frepple Community and Tryton include MRP features. They need accurate data and some implementation effort.
What is the difference between MRP and ERP?
MRP plans materials and production. ERP is a broader suite covering accounts, sales, purchasing, HR and more, often including MRP.
What do I need before starting MRP?
Accurate bills of materials, counted stock, measured lead times and a clear demand signal.
Is MRP only for large manufacturers?
No. Small makers with repeat products and many components gain from it, if the data is reliable.
When do I need paid MRP?
When you need finite capacity scheduling, shop floor data, multi site planning or regulated traceability.
Sources and how this page is kept current
- US Census Bureau, Manufacturing and Trade Inventories and Sales: August 2026, released 15 October 2026.
- Panorama Consulting Group, The 2026 ERP Report, 4 March 2026.
Every figure above was opened at its source on 25 October 2026 and quoted as written. Where a source reports a survey, we name the year it was fielded. Tools named on this page are examples, not endorsements. Features, licences and free limits change, so read the vendor page before you commit, and tell us on the contact page if something is out of date. Our editorial team reviews each guide at least twice a year.