Tempus Tools vs ERP/MRP Systems
Job shop ERP software vs quoting tools: what small shops actually need
ERP and MRP systems help manufacturers manage operations, inventory, and production at scale.
Tempus Tools is built specifically for fast, drawing-based quoting and estimating to help laser cutting, fabrication, and sheet metal shops respond to RFQs quickly — without the cost, complexity, or setup of fabrication ERP software.
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Is job shop ERP software built for fast quoting and estimating?
ERP and MRP systems are designed to manage manufacturing operations, from inventory and purchasing to scheduling and production planning. They are often evaluated as manufacturing quoting software or manufacturing estimating software, even though quoting is only one part of a much broader system.
But for small fabrication and laser cutting shops, quoting often looks very different.
Instead of a few large jobs, shops are handling daily RFQs, custom parts, and repeat work across laser cutting, sheet metal, and fabrication workflows — where speed, consistency, and accuracy from drawings matter most.
This is where ERP-based quoting can fall short:
Quoting taking too long?
ERP workflows often rely on manual inputs, routings, and setup, slowing response times to RFQs.
Working from drawings?
ERP systems aren’t designed to read part geometry directly, requiring manual interpretation of CAD files or PDFs.
Too much setup for simple jobs?
Configuring pricing, operations, and workflows in ERP systems can take significant time before quoting even begins.
Quoting frequently, not occasionally?
ERP systems often require significant configuration, yet many shops only use a small portion of the functionality.
Relying on specialists to manage quoting?
Complex systems often require dedicated expertise, creating risk if key team members are unavailable.
Tempus Tools is designed specifically for this type of work — giving shops a fast, drawing-based quoting workflow that fits how fabrication and laser cutting businesses actually operate day to day.
Tempus Tools
vs
ERP/MRP Systems
Key differences
Features
ERP / MRP Systems
Primary focus
Laser cutting & fabrication quoting and estimating
End-to-end manufacturing management (inventory, production, finance)
Target customers
Small-to-mid fabrication and laser cutting shops
Mid-sized to enterprise manufacturers, contract manufacturers
Core purpose
Fast, accurate quoting from drawings
Managing operations, planning, and production at scale
Quoting speed
Designed for fast, high-frequency quoting
Slower workflows built around routings and manual inputs
Quoting approach
Drawing-based quoting using CAD/PDF geometry
Routing-based quoting with manual setup and inputs
Geometry handling
Reads part geometry directly from drawings
No native geometry processing (manual interpretation required)
Laser cutting workflows
Built specifically for laser cutting and fabrication
General-purpose workflows across many manufacturing types
Pricing logic
Structured rules based on machine rates, materials, and processes
Configurable but requires setup, maintenance, and expertise
Secondary process pricing
Formula-based pricing for folding, welding, coating, etc.
Built through routings and cost tables (more complex to manage)
Repeat work
Part libraries for instant re-quoting
Typically relies on quote history or duplicating records
Production documents
Work orders, labels, and job details generated automatically
Supported, but tied to broader system workflows
Workflow
Simple flow from drawing → quote → production documents
Multi-step workflows tied to full ERP system setup
Implementation time
Start quoting in hours
Often weeks to months for implementation and configuration
Ease of use
Built for estimators and shop owners
Requires training and ongoing system management
Cost structure
Simple subscription pricing
High upfront costs + implementation + per-user pricing
Best fit
Shops quoting frequently from drawings and needing speed
Shops managing complex operations, large production runs
Estimating approach
Purpose-built manufacturing estimating and job shop quoting software
General manufacturing estimating within a broader system
What sets Tempus Tools apart
Built for quoting and estimating, not full factory management
ERP and MRP systems are designed to manage operations like inventory, scheduling, and production. Tempus Tools focuses specifically on quoting and estimating, giving shops a faster way to respond to RFQs with software designed for laser cutting workflows, not general manufacturing.
Quote directly from drawings
Tempus Tools reads CAD files and PDFs to generate quotes from part geometry. Estimators can move from file to quote quickly without manually building routings or interpreting drawings.
Faster quoting for daily workflows
Shops quoting every day need speed and consistency. Tempus Tools is built for high-frequency quoting, helping teams respond to RFQs in minutes instead of working through slower ERP processes.
Structured pricing without complex setup
Machine rates, materials, and fabrication processes are configured once and applied automatically. The system is designed to be simple enough for the whole team to use, without relying on a specialist to manage quoting.
Re-quote repeat work quickly
With dedicated part libraries, previously quoted parts can be reused without rebuilding estimates. For shops handling similar parts every day, this makes repeat work faster to quote and easier to manage.
From quote to production in one flow
Tempus Tools generates work orders, labels, and job details directly from quotes. For smaller shops, this removes the need to rely on multiple systems or fully implement ERP just to move jobs into production.
Where ERP/MRP systems might be a better fit
ERP or MRP systems may be a better fit if:
You are managing large-scale manufacturing operations with complex production planning, inventory, and purchasing needs
Your business runs on long production cycles with fewer, high-value jobs
You need a system to coordinate multiple departments, locations, and workflows
You require deep reporting, financial tracking, and operational visibility across the business
You have the time and resources for implementation, configuration, and ongoing system management
ERP and MRP systems are built to help manufacturers run and scale operations across the entire business.
Tempus Tools is built for shops that need to quote work quickly and consistently, especially when handling frequent RFQs, custom parts, and drawing-based jobs.
Why fabrication shops choose
Tempus Tools
ERP/MRP systems
Faster quoting directly from drawings
Built for high-frequency, day-to-day quoting
Simple, structured pricing without complex setup
Instant re-quoting with part libraries
No long implementation or onboarding required
Tempus Tools vs.
ERP/MRP pricing
Tempus Tools
Plans starting at
$75/mo
or $900/year*
Tempus Tools offers simple, transparent pricing designed for fabrication and laser cutting shops that want to start quoting quickly.
Includes:
- Geometry-based quoting from CAD files and PDFs
- Machine rates, material pricing, and structured quoting rules
- Secondary process pricing for fabrication workflows
- Production documents (work orders, labels, job details)
- Part libraries for repeat quoting
- Built-in web store for customer quoting and ordering
- Integrations with Xero, QuickBooks Online, and Google Drive
- Free onboarding, training, and support
Local currency pricing is available inside the app for international customers.
ERP / MRP systems
ERP and MRP systems typically use custom pricing based on users, modules, and implementation.
Typical costs include:
- High upfront implementation fees (often $10,000–$100,000+)
- Per-user licensing fees
- Additional costs for modules, integrations, and customization
- Ongoing support and maintenance costs
Additional considerations:
- Implementation can take months before you start seeing value
- Setup often requires consultants or dedicated internal resources
- Costs increase as the system expands across your business
ERP systems are priced as full operational platforms, not just quoting tools.
What fabrication teams say about Tempus Tools
“Since implementing Tempus Tools, we’ve found it is much more accurate, reliable, and fast. Instead of two people quoting full time, we can now have one person do a better job in a quarter of the time.”
Olivier S.
,
MSG Industries
“I like that my laser machine operator and I can get an accurate idea of material usage, time, labour, and other relevant data for each job – and it greatly reduces the risk of human error, because Tempus Tools is a rules-based program.”
Frank M.
Owner
,
Rolleston Sheetmetal
Final verdict:
Tempus Tools
vs
ERP/MRP systems
ERP and MRP systems play an important role in manufacturing. They are designed to manage operations across inventory, production, purchasing, and finance.
But they are not built for fast, day-to-day quoting.
Tempus Tools is designed specifically for laser cutting and fabrication shops that need to quote work quickly from drawings, apply consistent pricing, and move jobs into production without complex setup.
If your priority is:
- Responding to RFQs quickly and consistently
- Quoting directly from CAD files and PDFs
- Avoiding long implementation timelines and high upfront costs
- Keeping your quoting workflow simple and reliable
Tempus Tools provides a faster, more practical alternative to using ERP for quoting and estimating.
Ready to quote faster without the overhead of ERP?
If you're looking for an alternative to ERP for your fabrication shop, or spending too much time configuring systems, building quotes manually, or waiting on complex workflows, there’s a simpler way.
Tempus Tools helps fabrication and laser cutting shops move from drawing to quote faster, with a workflow built for everyday estimating.
Faster quotes from drawings
Consistent pricing without complex setup
Built for high-frequency quoting workflows
