Best Manufacturing Execution Software of 2026

Here’s what we’ll cover:

What is MES software?

5 steps to buying Manufacturing Execution Software (MES)

What are the features of MES?

Related MES and Manufacturing Software

Who uses MES?

What is MES software?

Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software connects your factory floor and business operations. It tracks, manages, and optimizes production processes in real time, offering visibility from raw materials to finished goods. By connecting machines, people, and workflows, MES helps manufacturers reduce errors, boost productivity, and ensure quality standards are met.

Our site features over 400 MES and manufacturing software vendors, with more than 900 new user reviews published in the past year. [1] This reviewer feedback, combined with thousands of advisor calls and our ongoing research, gives us a unique perspective on what manufacturers need most from MES solutions, and how to successfully select and implement them. [2]

In our 2026 Software Buying Trends Survey, 77% of manufacturers plan to increase their software budgets, and 78% expect business growth in the next 18 months. [3] As demand for data-driven operations rises, choosing the right MES is more important than ever.

As Cameron Pugh, senior manufacturing software advisor, explains, “Manufacturing execution system or MES is basically tracking their work in progress like the actual production floor where a job is.” MES software enables you to monitor performance, pinpoint bottlenecks, and make data-driven decisions. Whether managing a single plant or multiple sites, MES provides the control and insight needed to deliver consistent results and adapt quickly to changing demands.

The takeaway: Successful MES buyers don’t just rely on product specs, they align their teams, plan ahead, and use real-world insights from peers and industry experts. On average, manufacturers who follow a structured, five-step buying process select and implement new software in just three months, maximizing ROI and minimizing disruption.

5 steps to buying Manufacturing Execution Software (MES)

Selecting the right MES is a pivotal decision for any manufacturer aiming to boost efficiency, improve quality, and gain real-time control over production. Yet, with a crowded marketplace and rapidly evolving technology, the path to a successful MES investment can be daunting. 

Our research with software buyers reveals that only a minority, just 34%, ultimately choose a solution that truly fits their needs. The rest face costly setbacks, implementation headaches, or buyer’s remorse. [3]

Why this matters: This five-step MES buyer’s guide is built on proven strategies from manufacturers who have successfully navigated the selection process. By following these steps, you’ll sidestep common pitfalls, focus your search on solutions that align with your production goals, and ensure a smoother rollout.

The result: A higher chance of measurable ROI, less disruption on the shop floor, and a foundation for long-term operational growth.

Step 1: Pinpoint your manufacturing priorities

The journey to the right MES begins with a deep dive into your plant’s unique needs, not just generic software wish lists. MES is purpose-built for the shop floor, so your selection process should focus on operational realities, production targets, and the specific pain points that impact your bottom line.

Clarify your production challenges

MES is designed to bridge the gap between planning and execution. Start by mapping out your biggest obstacles: 

• Are you losing valuable time to manual data entry? 

• Struggling to trace materials across multiple workstations? 

• Facing bottlenecks that slow down throughput or make quality control a headache? 

These are the issues MES can directly address.

Think about how your current processes limit visibility or responsiveness. For example, if you can’t quickly identify the root cause of production defects, or if real-time performance data is missing, MES can help you close those gaps.

“MES, or manufacturing execution system, is basically tracking their work in progress—like the actual production floor where a job is. Kind of where it is in the process, and that is also used to track any kind of bottlenecks or constraints. They can see, hey, this spent two hours at station #2 and it should be an hour and 30 minutes and kind of optimize that process.” — Cameron Pugh, senior manufacturing software advisor

Define success in manufacturing terms

Once you’ve identified your operational hurdles, translate them into clear, measurable goals. MES excels at tracking and improving metrics that matter to manufacturers:

• Real-time visibility into work-in-progress

• Faster response to equipment failures

• Automated quality checks and traceability

• Reduced unplanned downtime

• More accurate production scheduling

Set targets that reflect your priorities, such as reducing changeover times by 20%, cutting scrap rates in half, or achieving full electronic batch records compliance. These goals will guide your MES search and help you evaluate solutions objectively.

Consider your shop floor’s future

MES investments should be forward-looking. Will you expand to new lines or plants? Are you planning to adopt lean manufacturing or Industry 4.0 technologies? Make sure your MES can scale, support new integrations (like IoT sensors or advanced analytics), and adapt to evolving regulatory demands.

Common triggers for MES upgrades include:

• Launching new product lines or custom manufacturing

• Needing tighter integration with ERP or supply chain systems

• Preparing for stricter compliance audits

• Moving toward paperless operations

Focus your feature list

MES platforms offer a wide range of capabilities: from real-time dashboards to automated work order routing. Prioritize features that directly support your goals. For example, if traceability is critical, look for robust genealogy tracking and electronic recordkeeping. If downtime is your biggest issue, prioritize predictive maintenance and machine connectivity.

“Sometimes buyers tell me they want everything under the sun—accounting, HR, supply chain—all in one. One thing I like to recommend is integration. I give them an analogy: Sometimes people have multiple different cars. They've got a minivan for all the kids and they've got a sports car for the weekend and then a truck if they're hauling lumber. That way you're getting the best of each system. A huge manufacturing suite might not have the greatest HR functionality, but a vendor that focuses on HR is gonna be really good at HR. And if they do integrate, it's basically like they're in the same system.” — Cameron Pugh

Build your selection team

MES impacts every corner of the plant, so involve stakeholders who understand both the technical and operational sides. Include production supervisors, line operators, IT specialists, quality managers, and anyone with firsthand experience of your manufacturing challenges.

Step 2: Build your MES shortlist and engage stakeholders

The quality of information you rely on during your MES search can make or break your investment. With so many vendors and features to consider, it’s crucial to filter out marketing hype and focus on insights that reflect real-world manufacturing scenarios.

Disappointed buyers often lean heavily on generic online forums or automated tools for advice. In contrast, successful buyers prioritize structured guidance from industry experts and user review platforms, supplementing their research with practical feedback from peers and trusted advisors. [3]

Get real advice from real people

Our MES advisors are a valuable resource for manufacturers who want guidance grounded in actual plant implementations, not just vendor brochures. They help you:

• Match MES features to your production goals, workflows, and facility size

• Compare vendors on practical factors like cost, support, and integration capabilities

• Plan for a smooth rollout and anticipate common implementation challenges

Speaking with an advisor can clarify your shortlist, answer tough questions, and reduce the risk of costly mistakes. Need help choosing the right MES for your operation? Connect with an advisor for tailored, one-on-one support.

How to leverage user reviews for MES

User reviews are one of the most powerful tools for software buyers. Nearly a third of global software buyers say real user feedback is the most influential part of their decision-making process. [3] For manufacturers, reviews can reveal how an MES performs in actual production environments, offering insights that vendor materials often overlook.

Here’s how to make user reviews work for you:

• Seek out feedback from manufacturers with similar operations, whether you run discrete, process, or mixed-mode production, reviews from peers in your industry and facility size are most relevant.

• Look for specifics on MES workflows: onboarding, production tracking, quality management, and how the software integrates with machines and ERP systems.

• Prioritize recent reviews: MES platforms evolve quickly, so focus on feedback from the past 6–12 months for the most accurate picture.

• Balance star ratings with detailed commentary: A thorough review, even with a lower rating, can highlight critical issues or advantages.

• Identify recurring themes: Multiple reviewers mentioning integration challenges, reporting limitations, or customer support issues should prompt further questions for vendors.

Expert tip for SMBs:

“By focusing on user reviews that reflect your specific manufacturing environment, you’ll gain a clearer sense of which MES solutions can truly support your production goals, and which ones may fall short.” — Sabrina Khoulalène, Content Analyst for manufacturing at Software Advice

MES pricing: What should you expect?

MES pricing varies widely based on your plant’s needs, complexity, and integration requirements.

Several factors influence MES pricing:

• Number of users and production sites: More users and multi-site deployments increase license costs.

• Feature set and compliance requirements: Advanced modules for traceability, quality, or regulatory compliance often come at a premium.

• Integration needs: Connecting MES to ERP, supply chain, or machine data may incur additional fees for custom integrations or API access.

• Support and training: Comprehensive onboarding and ongoing support may be included or billed separately.

• Deployment model: Cloud-based (SaaS) MES solutions typically have subscription fees, while on-premise systems may require upfront licensing plus maintenance.

Always request detailed pricing breakdowns from vendors, including setup, customization, and upgrade fees, to avoid surprises and accurately estimate your total cost of ownership.

Comparing MES pricing model

MES vendors offer several pricing approaches, understanding these will help you choose the best fit for your plant:

• Subscription (cloud/SaaS): Pay a monthly or annual fee for access, updates, and basic support. Pricing is often based on users, modules, or production sites. This model offers predictable costs and flexibility for growing operations.

• Perpetual license (on-premise): Pay a one-time fee to own the license and host MES on your servers. This can be cost-effective for larger plants but may require ongoing maintenance and upgrade costs.

• Usage-based pricing: Some MES solutions charge based on production runs, data processed, or machine connections—ideal for plants with variable production volumes.

• Modular pricing: Purchase only the MES modules you need (e.g., scheduling, traceability, maintenance), tailoring costs to your requirements and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

When comparing pricing models, consider your plant size, growth plans, and IT infrastructure. The right model ensures you get the features and flexibility you need at a cost that aligns with your budget.

Expert tip for SMBs:

“Remember that what you see on a vendor’s pricing page does not necessarily match what your total cost of ownership will be. Hidden fees for onboarding, support, and additional user seats are par for the course. So is the time you’ll spend transitioning to the new tool, which could result in downtime and costly errors if you don’t properly plan for implementation.” — Sabrina Khoulalène, Content Analyst for manufacturing at Software Advice

Step 3: Compare MES solutions and move forward with confidence

With your shortlist in hand, it’s time to dive deeper and evaluate how each MES option stacks up against your operational needs. This stage is all about hands-on comparison, engaging with vendors through demos and trials, and making sure you’re set up for a decisive, informed decision.

Successful software buyers keep their process streamlined: 61% narrow their shortlist to three or fewer vendors when 68% finalize their purchase within three months of starting their search.

Keeping your shortlist focused and your timeline tight helps maintain momentum and avoids analysis paralysis.

What to watch for as you compare MES vendors

As you evaluate your MES options, pay close attention to these critical factors:

• Vendor support and implementation help: MES impacts core shop floor operations, so choose vendors who offer robust onboarding, data migration, and integration assistance.

• Compliance and industry fit: If you operate in regulated sectors (like pharmaceuticals, food, or aerospace), verify that MES solutions support necessary compliance standards and documentation.

• Manufacturing process alignment: Ensure the MES is designed for your production type, whether discrete, process, batch, or hybrid manufacturing.

• Total setup costs: Beyond subscription fees, factor in expenses for customizations, hardware integration, training, and ongoing support.

• Usability and training: Assess how intuitive the MES is for operators and supervisors. Consider how much training will be needed to get your team up to speed.

How to maximize MES demos

Product demos are your chance to see how MES solutions perform in real-world scenarios. Bring your key stakeholders—production leads, IT, quality managers—to these sessions for well-rounded feedback.

• Request tailored demos: Ask vendors to demonstrate how their MES handles your specific workflows, such as real-time production tracking, quality checks, or downtime alerts.

• Test mobile access: If your team relies on tablets or smartphones for tasks like barcode scanning or logging production data, make sure the MES’s mobile features are reliable and user-friendly.

Key questions to ask during MES demos

Use your demo time to dig into the details and clarify how the MES will support your plant’s daily operations and long-term goals:

• How does your MES handle real-time shop floor visibility and alerts?

• What onboarding and training support do you provide?

• What is the typical implementation timeline for a facility like ours?

• How do you manage data security, backups, and compliance documentation?

• Can your MES integrate with our existing ERP, quality, or supply chain systems?

• What are the ongoing support options and response times?

Use our MES comparison scorecard

Stay organized and objective by using a structured comparison scorecard. This tool lets you evaluate MES vendors side-by-side, tracking scores for features, support, integration, and costs. With clear notes and auto-calculated totals, you’ll quickly identify which MES best fits your requirements.

Expert tip for SMBs:

“Consider scheduling two demos per vendor: one focused on your everyday production workflows, and another dedicated to technical topics like integration and data security. This approach helps you cover all bases and makes the most of your team’s time.” — Sabrina Khoulalène, Content Analyst for manufacturing at Software Advice

Step 4: Negotiate your MES contract and pricing

Once you’ve selected your preferred MES solution, it’s time to negotiate a contract that protects your interests and aligns with your plant’s requirements. MES contracts can be complex, so don’t hesitate to ask for clarity, customizations, or better terms. Most vendors expect negotiation and have flexibility around pricing, bundling, and service levels.

Key MES contract terms to know

Understanding the language of MES contracts will help you avoid surprises and ensure you’re getting the value you expect. Here are some terms to review carefully:

• Master services agreement (MSA): The main contract outlining responsibilities, deliverables, payment terms, and dispute resolution between you and the MES provider.

• Service level agreement (SLA): Defines measurable service standards—such as system uptime, support response times, and compensation for downtime. Make sure SLAs reflect the needs of your production schedule.

• Implementation scope and change orders: Clearly define what’s included in your implementation, timelines, deliverables, and how changes will be managed. Unclear scopes can lead to delays and unexpected costs.

• License scope and deployment rights: Specifies where and how you can use the MES—across multiple plants, test environments, or specific lines.

• User and device licensing: MES may be licensed by named user, concurrent user, or by connected devices (like PLCs, HMIs, or barcode scanners). Choose the model that fits your shift patterns and equipment.

• Data ownership and portability: Ensure your plant retains ownership of all production and quality data, with clear terms for exporting data if you switch vendors.

• Integration and API access: If you need to connect MES to ERP, SCADA, or other systems, confirm integration capabilities and any associated costs.

Tips for negotiating your MES agreement

Approach MES contract negotiation as a collaborative process. Here’s how to secure the best terms for your operation:

• Get a full cost breakdown: Request a detailed quote that covers subscription or license fees, implementation, training, support, integrations, and any add-on modules. Watch for recurring or hidden charges.

• Negotiate pricing and bundling: Ask about discounts for multi-year agreements, bundled modules, or volume licensing. Vendors are often willing to match competitor pricing or offer incentives to win your business.

• Clarify support and escalation: Ensure your contract spells out support hours, escalation paths for urgent issues, and any included on-site assistance. Reliable support is critical for MES, especially during go-live.

• Address compliance and security: If you operate in a regulated industry, make sure the contract covers all necessary compliance, audit, and data security requirements.

• Customize your package: Don’t pay for features you won’t use. Negotiate to remove unnecessary modules and focus on the capabilities that will deliver the most value to your team.

• Plan for growth: If you expect to expand, discuss terms for adding users, lines, or plants in the future.

MES contract negotiation checklist

• Review all contract documents and clarify any vague terms

• Confirm all pricing, fees, and renewal/cancellation terms

• Ensure data ownership and export rights are clearly stated

• Validate support commitments and SLAs

• Document all customizations and agreed-upon deliverables

Expert tip for SMBs:

“If some of the language in your contract is vague, get clarification from your vendor until it’s crystal-clear. Don’t close an agreement without understanding every aspect of your contract and addressing every operational, compliance, and workflow requirement.” — Sabrina Khoulalène, Content Analyst for manufacturing at Software Advice

Step 5: Prepare for MES implementation

Selecting your MES is a major milestone, but the real transformation happens during implementation. For manufacturers, rolling out MES impacts every layer of production—from data migration to operator training. A well-planned implementation helps you avoid downtime, streamline adoption, and maximize your investment’s value. Here’s how to set your plant up for a smooth MES launch.

Onboarding

• Project leads: Designate a primary point of contact on both your team and the MES vendor’s side. This ensures clear communication and quick resolution of issues.

• Implementation timeline: Establish concrete milestones for each phase—initial configuration, pilot testing, and full deployment—so everyone knows what to expect and when.

• Cross-functional participation: Identify which departments (production, quality, IT, maintenance, etc.) need to be involved at each stage, from initial setup to go-live.

Integration and data migration

• Data selection: Decide which production records, quality logs, inventory data, and machine histories need to be migrated into the new MES.

• System connections: List all required integrations—such as ERP, SCADA, or quality management systems—and confirm technical requirements with your vendor.

• Vendor involvement: Clarify what support the MES provider offers for data migration, integration setup, and troubleshooting during the transition.

Testing and validation

• Workflow testing: Assign team members to validate production workflows, user roles, and alert systems in a test environment before going live.

• Performance review: Evaluate whether the MES configuration supports your current processes and enables your operational goals.

Documentation and training

• Process documentation: Appoint someone to document MES procedures, user permissions, and step-by-step guides for common tasks.

• User training: Schedule hands-on training sessions for all end users—operators, supervisors, and managers—and plan for refresher sessions as needed.

• Ongoing support: Ensure there’s a plan for continued support and troubleshooting after launch, including how to escalate issues to your vendor.

Expert tip for SMBs:

“Schedule regular check-ins to gauge progress during an implementation. Post-launch reviews are your time to gather feedback, address issues, and unlock long-term value from your new software.” — Sabrina Khoulalène, Content Analyst for manufacturing at Software Advice

What are the features of MES?

Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) are purpose-built to bridge the gap between enterprise planning and shop floor execution. MES empowers manufacturers to gain real-time visibility, control, and optimization over every stage of production—whether you’re assembling electronics, producing pharmaceuticals, or fabricating metal parts. The right MES helps you coordinate people, machines, and materials for maximum efficiency and quality.

Core MES features

Based on conversations with hundreds of MES users and industry experts, we’ve identified the foundational features that are most critical for manufacturers seeking to streamline operations and drive continuous improvement: [2]

• Production scheduling: MES provides robust tools to plan, sequence, and allocate production resources, ensuring the right jobs are run at the right time. Dynamic scheduling helps minimize downtime, balance workloads, and quickly adapt to changing priorities on the shop floor.

• Bills of material (BOM) management: A core MES feature, BOM management allows you to maintain a detailed, up-to-date list of all materials, components, and assemblies required for each product. Accurate BOMs support precise production planning, cost tracking, and regulatory compliance.

• Quality management: MES collects quality data at every stage of production, enabling manufacturers to detect defects early, identify process bottlenecks, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Integrated quality management helps minimize scrap, rework, and costly recalls.

Common MES features

When evaluating MES solutions, look for these widely adopted capabilities:

• Built-in accounting: MES platforms often include basic accounting tools, allowing manufacturers to manage expenses, invoices, and financial records without needing third-party integrations.

• Cost tracking: Track, record, and analyze expenses across projects or production runs. This feature enables better budgeting, cost control, and profitability analysis.

• Data collection: MES automates the gathering and measurement of production data—from machines, sensors, and operators—ensuring accurate and timely insights for decision-making.

• Document management: Store, manage, and track electronic documents (such as work instructions, quality certificates, and maintenance logs) in a centralized, secure location.

• Forecasting: Use historical and real-time data to predict demand, inventory needs, and production schedules, helping manufacturers plan proactively.

• Inventory management: Maintain optimal inventory levels by tracking raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods, reducing shortages and excess stock.

• Order management: Manage and track customer orders, production jobs, and purchase requests to ensure timely fulfillment and visibility.

• Product information management: Import, update, and manage product data, including descriptions, specifications, and compliance documents.

• Resource allocation: Assign available resources—such as labor, machines, and materials—to projects and tasks, optimizing utilization and minimizing idle time.

• Shop floor management: Oversee and control daily operations on the factory floor, from scheduling to workflow adjustments.

• Supply chain management: Plan and execute supply chain activities, ensuring materials and products flow efficiently from suppliers to customers.

These common features help manufacturers maintain control, improve collaboration, and drive efficiency throughout the production process.

Advanced MES capabilities manufacturers should consider

As manufacturing operations become more complex and competitive, advanced MES capabilities can unlock greater value and support strategic growth. These features go beyond standard functionality, offering deeper integration, analytics, and automation.

Manufacturers looking to future-proof their operations should consider MES solutions with these advanced features:

• Integration with IoT and machine data: Connect MES directly to smart machines, sensors, and PLCs for real-time data exchange, predictive maintenance, and automated alerts.

• Advanced analytics and AI: Leverage built-in analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to identify trends, optimize processes, and support data-driven decision-making.

• Automated workflow management: Configure rule-based workflows that adapt to changing conditions, trigger alerts, and automate repetitive tasks.

• Electronic batch records and compliance tools: Streamline regulatory reporting with automated batch records, audit trails, and compliance documentation—especially important for sectors like pharmaceuticals and food production.

• Mobile access and remote monitoring: Enable operators and managers to view dashboards, enter data, and respond to issues from anywhere, using tablets or smartphones.

• Customizable dashboards and KPIs: Tailor dashboards to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to your plant, providing instant visibility into production, quality, and efficiency metrics.

• Advanced scheduling and optimization: Use algorithms to optimize production sequencing, minimize changeovers, and maximize throughput based on real-time constraints.

• Supplier and customer portal integration: Facilitate seamless communication and data sharing with suppliers and customers, improving collaboration and visibility across the supply chain.

• Energy and sustainability tracking: Monitor energy usage, emissions, and sustainability metrics to support green manufacturing initiatives.

Related MES and Manufacturing Software

MES is often deployed alongside other specialized manufacturing software to create a seamless digital thread across the production lifecycle. When selecting MES, consider how it will integrate with related systems to maximize efficiency and data visibility.

• Material requirements planning (MRP): Ensures accurate material requirements and inventory planning for production.

• Supply chain management (SCM): Coordinates supplier relationships, logistics, and inventory flow.

• Inventory management: Tracks and manages raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.

• Enterprise resource planning (ERP): Integrates business processes, including finance, HR, and procurement, with production operations.

• Computer aided design (CAD): Supports product design and engineering workflows.

• Quality management software (QMS): Enables compliance, inspection, and corrective action tracking.

• Environmental health and safety (EHS): Manages workplace safety and regulatory compliance.

• Product lifecycle management (PLM): Oversees product development, revisions, and end-of-life management.

MES works best when connected to these systems, creating a unified platform for production, quality, and supply chain management.

Who uses MES?

MES is used by manufacturers of all sizes and production types to gain real-time visibility, improve quality, and optimize shop floor operations. Typical MES users include operators, supervisors, production managers, engineers, and quality teams.

Our advisors regularly support buyers from a broad range of manufacturing sectors, including:

• Metal fabrication

• Industrial machinery, equipment, and supplies

• Food and beverage

• Consumer goods

• Medical equipment

• Building and garden materials

• Aerospace

• Job shops

• Electronics

MES adapts to the specific needs of each industry, supporting everything from batch production and discrete assembly to highly regulated environments.

About our contributors

Author

Sabrina Khoulalène is a Content Analyst at Software Advice, specializing in manufacturing and inventory management solutions. Her research empowers business leaders to make informed software choices that streamline production and optimize operations. Sabrina’s insights draw from thousands of real-world user reviews and extensive conversations with manufacturers and software buyers. She frequently surveys industry professionals to capture evolving trends and challenges, ensuring her guidance reflects the latest market dynamics. Sabrina is dedicated to helping small and midsize manufacturers find the right tools to drive efficiency, growth, and long-term success.

Editor

Parul Sharma is a content editor at Software Advice with expertise in curating content for various niches, including SaaS, digital marketing, and search engine optimization. With over half a decade of experience in content writing and editing, Parul has the expertise to simplify complex terms into engaging, valuable content for targeted audiences. She completed her graduation and post-graduation in English literature from Delhi University and was awarded the Dr. Asha Sahni Memorial Award for being the highest scorer in her graduating class. Parul has contributed to the news, lifestyle, education, and health verticle of DNA India, India’s premier media channel. Outside of work, she can be found curating healthy recipes, coloring in mandala books, and spending quality time with her family.

Advisors

Cameron Pugh is a senior advisor. He joined Software Advice in 2022, and he is based in Austin, TX. Cameron works directly with small business leaders to connect them with best fit software providers. He assesses the technology needs of small businesses seeking tools such as CMMS, inventory management, call center, and facilities software through one-to-one conversations and provides a short list of potential matches. His favorite part of being a software advisor is experiencing the buyer’s gratitude and relief when he finds the best software solution for their needs.

Source

1. Software Advice reviews data: Reviews are collected from verified users for individual software products. 

2. Software Advice advisor call notes: Findings are based on data from telephonic conversations that Software Advice’s advisor team had with small to mid-sized businesses seeking manufacturing softwareCMMS tools.

3. Software Advice 2026 Software Buying Trends survey was conducted online in August 2025 among 3,385 respondents in Australia (n=281), Brazil (n=278), Canada (n=293), France (n=283), Germany (n=279), India (n=260), Italy (n=263), Mexico (n=288), Spain (n=273), the U.K. (n=299), and the U.S. (n=588), at businesses across multiple industries (including 389 respondents in manufacturing roles), ages (1 year in business or longer), and sizes (5 or more employees). Business sizes represented in the survey include: 1,676 small (5-249 full-time employees), 822 midsize  (250-999), and 887 enterprise (1,000+). The goal of this study was to understand the timelines, organizational challenges, research behaviors, and adoption processes of business software buyers. Respondents were screened to ensure their involvement in business software purchasing decisions.