What to Look for in Product Costing Software

Selecting a product costing solution isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s a strategic decision that shapes cost transparency, operational speed, and profitability across the business. Whether you’re calculating early-stage target costs or preparing detailed supplier comparisons, your software needs to support your team’s complexity instead of adding to it. 

But with many tools offering similar features, how do you know which one actually meets your needs? This guide breaks down what matters most when comparing options - so you can choose with clarity rather than guesswork. 

Why Choosing the Right Product Costing Software Matters 

Cost pressures, supplier complexity, and accelerated development cycles have raised the stakes for manufacturers. Procurement, engineering, controlling, and sales teams are expected to work together seamlessly, deliver real-time cost insights, and support product development from concept to launch. 

That’s only possible with the right software infrastructure. 

A system built for static product portfolios won’t scale inside a business managing thousands of variants and global supplier networks. And legacy tools often fall short when engineers need to simulate multiple scenarios, collaborate across teams, or manage large data sets. 

That said, investing in a solution that’s too rigid or difficult to use introduces new bottlenecks. Poor adoption, inaccurate data, and weak integration with existing systems often lead to more workarounds and less clarity. To avoid this, manufacturers need to focus on features and architecture that align with how they actually operate. 

Why Tset Is Built for Today’s Costing Demands 

Tset is built for manufacturers who need speed, consistency, and precision across product development, cost engineering, and procurement. Our cloud-based platform replaces fragmented tools and manual work with a centralized system that delivers results in seconds - not days. Here’s what makes Tset different: 

Automated Bottom-Up Costing 

Tset uses algorithm-based logic to generate detailed bottom-up cost calculations based on part geometries, materials, and manufacturing processes. There is no need for manual effort or guesswork - just fast, accurate estimates that reflect how things are actually made. 

Standardized Costing Across Teams 

With Tset, all departments - from engineering to procurement - work from the same methodology and cost models. This alignment ensures consistent results, reduces errors, and supports confident decision-making. 

Real-Time Scenario Simulation 

Quickly assess design changes, production shifts, or supplier quotes with built-in “what-if” analysis. Tset allows you to test assumptions and understand cost impacts immediately, helping teams make smarter choices earlier. 

Built-In Market Data 

Tset enhances decision-making with access to benchmark cost structures and relevant external data. This empowers users to challenge supplier quotes, validate assumptions, and drive negotiations based on facts. 

Centralized, Cloud-Based Collaboration 

Our SaaS platform eliminates version chaos and data silos. Teams across locations and functions can collaborate in real time, with role-based access and no need for IT administration. 

Moreover, for manufacturers focused on sustainability, Tset also offers optional CO₂ analysis alongside cost models, therefore making it easier to balance commercial and environmental targets.