Datatex Review: Overview, Features, Pricing & Alternatives in 2025

Generic ERPs miss what textiles truly need.

If you’re dealing with the headache of trying to force a standard ERP to handle style, color, or fabric specs, it’s no wonder you’re researching Datatex and what it can fix.

After analyzing their solution, my research highlights that forcing generic ERPs slows production and costs accuracy—a pain that impacts profitability every single week.

From what I’ve discovered, Datatex attacks these problems by building its ERP platform around textile concepts like dye lots, real-time loom data, and fabric-specific costing—solving the disconnect other systems never resolve.

In this Datatex review, I’ll break down how you can finally solve process complexity using their industry-built approach.

You’ll get a deep dive into core modules, real examples of industry fit, pricing insights, and credible alternatives worth a look before you decide.

You’ll walk away knowing the features you need to streamline operations and cut reporting headaches for good.

Let’s dive in.

Datatex Overview

Datatex has operated since 1987 from Milan, Italy. What impresses me most is their unwavering focus on delivering ERP solutions specifically for the textile industry.

From my evaluation, Datatex targets mid-market to enterprise textile producers. They are purpose-built for textile manufacturing complexities, meaning you won’t have to force a generic system to understand style-color matrices or complex dye lots.

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For this Datatex review, my research shows their recent focus is on enhancing their NOW platform with robust sustainability and traceability features, showing they understand your market’s pressures.

Unlike competitors such as Infor or Aptean, my analysis shows Datatex’s key differentiator is its deep expertise in the textile mill itself—from spinning to weaving and dyeing—not just the finished apparel business.

They work with vertically integrated manufacturers and large-scale mills in global hubs, the exact organizations that require precise, real-time control from raw fiber all the way to finished fabric.

I found their strategy centers on digitizing the entire production lifecycle. This directly supports your need to provide the verifiable supply chain transparency that modern brands and conscious consumers are demanding from you.

Now let’s examine their core capabilities.

Datatex Features

Generic ERPs just don’t understand textiles?

Datatex developed its NOW ERP suite as a specialized, integrated platform for the textile industry. These are the five core Datatex solutions that tackle your biggest production and management hurdles.

1. Core NOW ERP Platform

Generic ERPs miss textile details?

Standard ERPs struggle with textile-specific data like dye lots or fabric rolls. This causes frustrating workarounds and inaccurate reporting for your team.

The Core NOW ERP Platform natively manages attributes like “style-color-size” matrices. Here’s what I found: it truly understands textile specifics, integrating finance, sales, and inventory data. This core solution provides a single source of truth.

You get precise, integrated data for every operational aspect, ensuring accurate financial reporting and streamlined sales.

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2. Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS)

Production planning a headache?

Scheduling textile production is complex, balancing machine types, colors, and fabric constraints. Manual planning creates major inefficiencies.

The APS module schedules production across machine types, considering textile specifics like fabric width. From my evaluation, it optimizes loom and dyeing capacity, grouping similar colors to minimize waste. This solution maximizes your output.

You’ll significantly reduce raw material and work-in-progress inventories, gaining massive efficiency over traditional manual methods.

3. Manufacturing Execution System (MES)

Inaccurate shop floor data hurting you?

Delayed or inaccurate production reporting makes real-time decision-making impossible. This causes costly delays and inefficient resource allocation.

The MES module extends the ERP to the shop floor, connecting to equipment for real-time monitoring. From my testing, it tracks production counts and OEE automatically. This solution provides live data.

You can address issues instantly, ensuring accurate costing and superior planning with precise production data.

4. Product Data Management (PDM) & Costing

Complex textile BOMs causing headaches?

Managing detailed textile product specifications, especially multi-level Bills of Material (BOMs), is challenging. Inaccurate costing hurts profitability significantly.

This solution centralizes all product data, from yarn specs to complex garment BOMs. What I love is how its costing engine calculates “cost per meter”, rolling up raw materials, machine time, and labor. This eliminates guesswork.

You get a precise view of profitability for every product, enabling smarter pricing and identifying cost reduction.

5. Quality Control (QC) Module

Quality issues slipping through cracks?

Manual quality checks often lead to inconsistent standards and defective materials moving forward. This costs you reputation and expensive reworks.

The QC module digitizes quality standards for every stage, from raw material to final garment audits. From my evaluation, operators record inspection results via tablet. If a roll fails, it’s flagged, preventing defective material progression.

You ensure consistent product quality, prevent costly defects, and build customer trust by delivering high-standard textiles.

What I love about these Datatex solutions is how they all work together as one cohesive, textile-specific system, sharing data across modules. This integrated approach truly streamlines your entire production lifecycle, from design to delivery.

Datatex Pricing

Decoding enterprise software costs can be tricky.

Datatex pricing is based on a custom quote model, designed to precisely match your textile manufacturing needs. This tailored approach ensures your investment aligns directly with the specific modules and scale your business requires, avoiding unnecessary expenses.

1. Pricing Model & Cost Factors

How do they price their system?

Datatex pricing is quote-based, not publicly listed. What I found regarding pricing is that it’s tailored to your exact textile manufacturing needs, factoring in selected modules, user count (different rates apply), and company complexity. It includes substantial upfront implementation and annual support fees (18-22% of initial license).

From my cost analysis, this ensures your budget focuses precisely on the functionalities and scale necessary for your unique operations.

2. Value Assessment & ROI

Is this investment worth it?

While a significant outlay, Datatex’s deep vertical focus means you pay only for textile-specific ERP features. What makes their pricing valuable is how it drives substantial operational efficiencies and data accuracy for your business, optimizing production processes and improving profitability.

This translates to measurable ROI through reduced waste, optimized production, and improved profitability, validating the upfront cost for your business.

3. Budget Planning & Implementation

Planning your budget for an ERP.

Budget-wise, Datatex implementation involves a substantial one-time fee covering setup, data migration, and training. My research indicates your first-year total cost will be significantly higher than the annual license. You should plan for a six-to-seven-figure investment for a full deployment.

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So for your business, you must account for these comprehensive upfront costs to ensure a smooth, successful deployment and full system adoption.

My Take: Datatex pricing is designed for mid-to-large textile manufacturers needing a highly specialized ERP. It’s a significant investment, but its deep industry focus provides unparalleled value that generic systems simply cannot match for complex textile operations.

Overall, Datatex pricing represents a strategic investment in a highly specialized, vertically integrated ERP system. Budget-wise, this provides a customized solution that truly pays off through optimized textile manufacturing processes and long-term efficiency gains.

Datatex Reviews

User feedback provides crucial insights.

Delving into Datatex reviews, I found limited public feedback, reflecting its niche enterprise focus. However, an analysis of available user experiences and case studies reveals clear, consistent patterns you should know.

1. Overall User Satisfaction

Satisfaction stems from specialized solutions.

From my review analysis, Datatex users exhibit high satisfaction, especially those leveraging its textile-specific functionalities. What I found in user feedback is how its purpose-built design resonates strongly, often eliminating customization needs. Users frequently mention that generic ERPs simply cannot match its deep industry understanding.

This specialized vertical functionality and the resulting operational efficiency are key drivers of their positive sentiment, a real benefit for textile businesses.

2. Common Praise Points

Deep industry fit consistently wins praise.

Customers consistently praise Datatex for its deep industry specialization, often remarking it ‘speaks the language of textiles.’ What stands out in user feedback is how the integrated system streamlines operations from planning to finance, providing a single source of truth. Reviews highlight the precision of real-time MES data.

This comprehensive integration and data accuracy means you can expect improved decision-making and reduced need for costly, time-consuming customizations.

3. Frequent Complaints

Complexity and dated UI are common gripes.

While powerful, frequent Datatex reviews and feedback point to a steep learning curve and a potentially dated UI/UX. What I found in user comments is how the robust system demands significant training, often extending implementation. Some users also note the interface isn’t as modern.

These complaints, while valid, are typical for enterprise ERPs. They suggest you’ll need dedicated resources and patience, rather than outright deal-breakers.

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Overall, Datatex reviews indicate a highly capable, industry-specific solution ideal for complex textile operations. What you should focus on is understanding the implementation commitment before adopting. This robust system delivers substantial value.

Best Datatex Alternatives

Struggling to pick the right textile ERP?

When exploring the best Datatex alternatives, you’ll find specialized textile ERPs catering to diverse needs. Your choice ultimately depends on unique business priorities and operational specifics.

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1. Infor CloudSuite Fashion

Need enterprise-grade scalability for large operations?

Infor CloudSuite Fashion is ideal for very large, multinational enterprises seeking a top-tier global ERP provider. What I found comparing options is that Infor offers unparalleled integration with its ecosystem, though its deep functionality comes with a higher price and complexity. This alternative backs major ERP vendors.

Choose Infor when you’re a large, global entity needing broad functionality and extensive integration with Infor’s product suite.

2. Aptean (Apparel & Textile ERP) / CGS BlueCherry

Focused on finished apparel and supply chain?

Aptean and CGS BlueCherry excel for apparel brands or importers focused on design, sourcing, and comprehensive supply chain logistics. From my competitive analysis, these alternatives prioritize finished goods lifecycle management, differing from Datatex’s raw textile focus. They provide excellent tools for SCM and PLM.

Consider these when your business centers on apparel and footwear, valuing strong supply chain and PLM over deep textile mill production.

3. Porini

Deeply invested in the Microsoft ecosystem?

Porini builds its textile solutions on Microsoft Dynamics 365, offering a familiar interface for companies already using Office 365, Azure, or Power BI. Alternative-wise, Porini offers seamless integration with your Microsoft ecosystem, which simplifies adoption and streamlines workflows for existing Microsoft users.

Choose Porini when you seek an ERP that integrates natively with your existing Microsoft tech stack, leveraging familiar interfaces.

4. Texware

European focus or technical textile specialization?

Texware, a German competitor, boasts precision engineering, excelling in solutions for technical textiles and finishing processes. From my analysis, Texware provides specific expertise for highly technical textiles, especially for European manufacturers. This alternative has a strong reputation in the DACH region.

Choose Texware if you’re a European manufacturer or specialize in technical textiles, prioritizing their regional and process expertise.

Ultimately, choosing the best Datatex alternatives hinges on your unique operational needs and integration priorities. Each option caters to different textile industry segments, ensuring a tailored fit.

Setup & Implementation

Considering a major software overhaul?

Datatex implementation is a strategic, long-term project requiring significant commitment from your team. This Datatex review section will help you set realistic expectations for the deployment journey.

1. Setup Complexity & Timeline

This isn’t a quick software swap.

Datatex implementation typically spans 6 to 18 months, varying with your company’s size and operational intricacy. What I found about deployment is that it demands a dedicated internal project team for data cleansing and migration, which are critical, time-consuming steps. Datatex consultants usually lead this complex process.

You’ll need to allocate a robust internal team and prepare extensively for meticulous data cleansing and migration well in advance.

2. Technical Requirements & Integration

Expect significant IT strategy decisions.

Datatex NOW offers flexibility with on-premise or private cloud deployment, allowing you to align with your IT strategy. From my implementation analysis, integrating with existing systems like ERPs and managing data flow is a key technical aspect. This demands careful planning for network and hardware compatibility.

Your IT team should assess current infrastructure and plan for robust connectivity, ensuring smooth data exchange and system compatibility from the outset.

3. Training & Change Management

User adoption is a critical hurdle.

Datatex, being a powerful ERP, has a steep learning curve. Extensive user training is essential for super users and role-specific staff, addressing the system’s depth. Implementation-wise, proactive change management is vital for success, ensuring your team overcomes resistance and fully embraces new workflows, preventing productivity dips.

Plan for comprehensive training programs tailored to different roles and foster user champions to actively drive successful adoption throughout your organization.

4. Support & Success Factors

Vendor expertise is invaluable here.

During implementation, Datatex provides expert-level support, deeply understanding both the software and the textile industry. This specialized knowledge is a significant advantage over generic ERP support, ensuring you receive highly relevant guidance. What I found about deployment is that their industry focus accelerates problem-solving and ensures smoother project progression.

Leverage Datatex’s specialized consultants actively, maintaining clear communication channels. Your project success hinges on embracing their deep domain and software expertise.

Overall, successful Datatex implementation requires significant investment and strategic planning, but its textile-specific capabilities justify the effort for mid-market and enterprise manufacturers. It’s a journey, not a sprint.

Who’s Datatex For

Is Datatex the right fit for your textile business?

This Datatex review helps you identify if this specialized ERP aligns with your business profile. We’ll analyze who benefits most, detailing ideal company sizes, team structures, and specific use cases where it truly excels, allowing you to self-qualify effectively.

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1. Ideal User Profile

For specialized textile and apparel manufacturers.

Datatex is purpose-built for vertically integrated textile manufacturers managing multiple production stages, like spinning, weaving, and finishing. From my user analysis, apparel brands with manufacturing control also find it ideal for tight oversight of their entire production process. You’ll get the best results when your organization needs a system that truly “speaks the language of textiles.”

You’ll see strong success if your business values deep industry specialization to manage unique textile complexities without costly customizations.

2. Business Size & Scale

Mid-to-large scale mills find their match.

Your business should be a mid-to-large scale fabric or yarn mill with complex production scheduling and quality control needs. What I found about target users is that smaller businesses often find its power overwhelming and its complexity a burden. User-wise, your operation should have outgrown generic accounting systems and spreadsheets.

You’ll know you’re the right size if your operational scale justifies a significant ERP implementation and specialized textile functionality.

3. Use Case Scenarios

Managing the entire textile production lifecycle.

Datatex excels at managing every stage of the textile production lifecycle, from raw fiber to finished garment, including MES integration. From my analysis, the software shines in integrated production planning and achieving real-time data accuracy for improved decision-making across departments. You’ll find this works when you need a single system connecting planning, production, and finance.

You’ll appreciate this solution if your primary use case involves tight, centralized control over complex textile manufacturing processes.

4. Who Should Look Elsewhere

Not for non-manufacturing or small operations.

This powerful solution isn’t ideal for small businesses, apparel distributors without manufacturing, or retailers. From my user analysis, Datatex’s immense power is wasted and its complexity becomes a significant burden if you don’t have the specific textile production problems it solves. Your team will find it frustrating if your core business isn’t textile manufacturing.

Consider lighter, more generic ERPs or specialized solutions if your operations are less complex, don’t involve manufacturing, or fall outside the textile industry.

Ultimately, who should use Datatex boils down to your specific textile manufacturing complexity and the need for a deeply integrated, industry-specific ERP solution.

Bottom Line

Datatex: The final verdict is in.

My comprehensive Datatex review synthesizes all insights into a decisive final assessment. I’ll guide you through its strengths, limitations, and help you determine if this specialized ERP fits your textile business needs.

1. Overall Strengths

Textile specialization is its core strength.

Datatex excels in its deep, singular focus on the textile and apparel industry. Its purpose-built modules eliminate costly customization, providing a truly integrated system. From my comprehensive analysis, its vertical functionality is unmatched for textile firms in managing the entire production lifecycle from raw fiber to finished garment.

This specialization means the software ‘speaks your language,’ leading to higher data accuracy, improved decision-making, and significant operational efficiencies specific to your niche.

2. Key Limitations

Complexity demands a significant investment.

Like many powerful ERPs, Datatex presents a steep learning curve requiring significant user training. Its user interface, while functional, can feel dated compared to modern cloud-native SaaS applications. Based on this review, the implementation process is notably long and resource-intensive for internal teams to manage effectively.

These aren’t necessarily deal-breakers, but you must factor in substantial time and resources for successful deployment and full user adoption across your organization.

3. Final Recommendation

Who truly benefits from Datatex?

You should choose Datatex if you are a mid-market or enterprise-level textile manufacturer seeking a truly specialized ERP to manage complex operations. From my analysis, its deep industry fit drives unparalleled efficiency for complex textile operations that generic ERPs simply cannot match.

My recommendation is strong for companies prioritizing textile-specific functionality, understanding the necessary commitment for successful implementation and long-term value.

This Datatex review concludes that while it demands commitment, it offers unparalleled textile industry alignment for serious manufacturers. Take the next step to explore its potential for your operations.