Quick Overview
- 1#1: Craftybase - Inventory and manufacturing software tailored for crafters and makers to track materials, products, COGS, and sales across channels.
- 2#2: Katana MRP - Cloud platform for small manufacturers to manage live inventory, production planning, and sales orders in real-time.
- 3#3: MRPeasy - Cloud-based MRP system for small manufacturers handling inventory, production scheduling, procurement, and CRM.
- 4#4: Cin7 - Inventory management platform that automates stock control, order fulfillment, and multichannel selling for growing craft businesses.
- 5#5: Fishbowl Inventory - Advanced inventory software with manufacturing, warehousing, and QuickBooks integration for craft production tracking.
- 6#6: Odoo Inventory - Flexible open-source inventory module within Odoo ERP for tracking stock, serial numbers, and manufacturing bills of materials.
- 7#7: Zoho Inventory - Online inventory tool integrated with sales channels for order management, stock tracking, and shipping automation.
- 8#8: inFlow Inventory - User-friendly inventory software for small businesses with barcode support, purchasing, and multi-location management.
- 9#9: Sortly - Visual inventory app using photos, QR codes, and folders for easy tracking of craft supplies and finished goods.
- 10#10: Lightspeed Retail - POS and inventory system for retail craft stores with omnichannel sales, stock management, and reporting features.
We ranked tools based on functionality, ease of use, adaptability to craft-specific needs, and overall value, ensuring each entry delivers robust performance for diverse business scales and requirements.
Comparison Table
Managing craft inventory effectively demands tools that handle supplies, production, and sales seamlessly. This comparison table outlines key software options—including Craftybase, Katana MRP, MRPeasy, Cin7, Fishbowl Inventory, and more—to guide users in selecting the right fit. Readers will discover insights on features, pricing, and practical use cases to make informed decisions.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Craftybase Inventory and manufacturing software tailored for crafters and makers to track materials, products, COGS, and sales across channels. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Katana MRP Cloud platform for small manufacturers to manage live inventory, production planning, and sales orders in real-time. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | MRPeasy Cloud-based MRP system for small manufacturers handling inventory, production scheduling, procurement, and CRM. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Cin7 Inventory management platform that automates stock control, order fulfillment, and multichannel selling for growing craft businesses. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Fishbowl Inventory Advanced inventory software with manufacturing, warehousing, and QuickBooks integration for craft production tracking. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Odoo Inventory Flexible open-source inventory module within Odoo ERP for tracking stock, serial numbers, and manufacturing bills of materials. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 7 | Zoho Inventory Online inventory tool integrated with sales channels for order management, stock tracking, and shipping automation. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 8 | inFlow Inventory User-friendly inventory software for small businesses with barcode support, purchasing, and multi-location management. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Sortly Visual inventory app using photos, QR codes, and folders for easy tracking of craft supplies and finished goods. | other | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Lightspeed Retail POS and inventory system for retail craft stores with omnichannel sales, stock management, and reporting features. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.4/10 |
Inventory and manufacturing software tailored for crafters and makers to track materials, products, COGS, and sales across channels.
Cloud platform for small manufacturers to manage live inventory, production planning, and sales orders in real-time.
Cloud-based MRP system for small manufacturers handling inventory, production scheduling, procurement, and CRM.
Inventory management platform that automates stock control, order fulfillment, and multichannel selling for growing craft businesses.
Advanced inventory software with manufacturing, warehousing, and QuickBooks integration for craft production tracking.
Flexible open-source inventory module within Odoo ERP for tracking stock, serial numbers, and manufacturing bills of materials.
Online inventory tool integrated with sales channels for order management, stock tracking, and shipping automation.
User-friendly inventory software for small businesses with barcode support, purchasing, and multi-location management.
Visual inventory app using photos, QR codes, and folders for easy tracking of craft supplies and finished goods.
POS and inventory system for retail craft stores with omnichannel sales, stock management, and reporting features.
Craftybase
specializedInventory and manufacturing software tailored for crafters and makers to track materials, products, COGS, and sales across channels.
Advanced recipe builder that handles variable quantities, waste factors, and multi-step craft processes for hyper-accurate COGS.
Craftybase is a specialized inventory management platform tailored for crafters, makers, and small creative businesses handling handmade goods. It tracks raw materials, supplies, and finished products with precise cost-of-goods-sold (COGS) calculations, recipe builders for craft formulas, and automated inventory adjustments. The software integrates seamlessly with Etsy, Shopify, and other sales channels to sync sales data, monitor profitability in real-time, and generate detailed reports for tax and business insights.
Pros
- Craft-specific recipe and bill-of-materials (BOM) builder for accurate costing of handmade items
- Seamless integrations with Etsy, Shopify, and QuickBooks for automated sales and inventory syncing
- Comprehensive reporting on profitability, waste tracking, and multi-location inventory support
Cons
- No free plan or trial beyond 14 days, which may deter casual users
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced features like unlimited recipes
- Occasional reports of sync delays with external platforms during peak sales
Best For
Serious crafters, Etsy sellers, and small handmade businesses seeking precise inventory control and profitability analysis.
Pricing
Starts at $19/month (Maker plan) for basic tracking, $39/month (Crafter) for recipes and integrations, up to $99/month (Artisan) for unlimited features; annual billing saves 20%.
Katana MRP
specializedCloud platform for small manufacturers to manage live inventory, production planning, and sales orders in real-time.
Live inventory dashboard with infinite traceability from raw materials to sales across all channels
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning (MRP) software tailored for craft makers and small manufacturers, offering real-time inventory tracking across multiple locations and sales channels. It automates production planning, bill of materials (BOM) management, and manufacturing orders to streamline operations from raw materials to finished goods. With seamless integrations to platforms like Shopify, QuickBooks, and Xero, it ensures accurate stock levels and prevents stockouts or overproduction.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory syncing prevents discrepancies
- Intuitive production scheduling and BOM management for complex craft recipes
- Robust integrations with e-commerce and accounting tools
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may not suit very small or solo craft operations
- Advanced reporting requires higher plans or custom setups
- Steeper learning curve for non-manufacturing users
Best For
Small to medium craft makers and workshops needing integrated inventory, production planning, and multi-channel sales management.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for Essentials (up to 500 orders/mo), $179/month for Professional, and $399+/month for Business; 14-day free trial available.
MRPeasy
specializedCloud-based MRP system for small manufacturers handling inventory, production scheduling, procurement, and CRM.
Dynamic production scheduling with real-time capacity leveling and material requirements forecasting
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning) software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, including craft businesses, providing end-to-end inventory management, production scheduling, and order processing. It supports multi-level bills of materials (BOMs), real-time stock tracking with lot and serial numbers, and integrates procurement, CRM, and reporting for streamlined operations. Ideal for craft producers scaling from hobby to professional levels, it helps manage custom products, raw materials, and production runs efficiently.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory tracking with lot/serial numbers and multi-warehouse support
- Advanced production planning with BOMs and capacity scheduling
- Integrated CRM, purchasing, and reporting for full workflow automation
Cons
- Higher cost may overwhelm solo crafters or very small operations
- Initial setup and learning curve for complex manufacturing features
- Limited built-in tools for highly creative or one-off craft designs
Best For
Growing craft manufacturers and small workshops needing robust MRP to manage inventory, production, and scaling without spreadsheets.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (billed annually) for Basic plan; scales to $79/user/month for Advanced with more features and users.
Cin7
enterpriseInventory management platform that automates stock control, order fulfillment, and multichannel selling for growing craft businesses.
Unlimited integrations with seamless, real-time inventory syncing across all connected channels
Cin7 is a robust cloud-based inventory management platform that centralizes stock across multiple sales channels, warehouses, and suppliers for retailers and wholesalers. It provides real-time tracking, order fulfillment, B2B portals, and manufacturing tools, making it suitable for craft businesses handling variants like custom colors or materials. While powerful for scaling operations, its enterprise focus can make it complex for solo crafters.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and Etsy
- Real-time multi-location inventory synchronization
- Advanced tools for product assemblies and variants ideal for crafts
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup
- High cost not ideal for small craft operations
- Overkill features for basic inventory needs
Best For
Growing craft businesses managing multi-channel sales, multiple stock locations, and product assemblies.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Core plan (billed annually), with Pro at $599/month and custom Enterprise pricing; setup fees apply.
Fishbowl Inventory
enterpriseAdvanced inventory software with manufacturing, warehousing, and QuickBooks integration for craft production tracking.
Native, real-time QuickBooks Desktop integration for synchronized inventory and financial data
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust warehouse management and inventory control software tailored for manufacturing, distribution, and light assembly operations. It excels in tracking inventory across multiple locations with features like barcode scanning, lot and serial number tracking, and bill of materials (BOM) management for production workflows. While versatile for craft producers handling ingredients and finished goods, it integrates deeply with QuickBooks to streamline accounting and operations. Its manufacturing module supports work orders, making it suitable for small-batch craft production but less specialized for industry-specific needs like recipe formulation.
Pros
- Seamless two-way integration with QuickBooks eliminates data entry duplication
- Strong manufacturing tools including BOMs, work orders, and lot tracking for traceability
- Supports multi-location inventory and mobile barcode scanning for efficient warehouse operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and customization options
- Higher upfront costs may not suit very small craft operations
- Lacks deep craft-specific features like automated recipe scaling or compliance reporting for breweries/distilleries
Best For
Craft manufacturers and distributors already using QuickBooks who need advanced inventory tracking and production management across multiple sites.
Pricing
Quote-based; standard edition starts at ~$4,395 one-time license + ~20% annual maintenance; subscription options from $150/user/month.
Odoo Inventory
enterpriseFlexible open-source inventory module within Odoo ERP for tracking stock, serial numbers, and manufacturing bills of materials.
Built-in manufacturing integration for tracking craft production from raw materials to finished goods
Odoo Inventory is a robust module within the open-source Odoo ERP suite, providing comprehensive warehouse management, real-time stock tracking, and multi-location support for businesses handling physical goods. It excels in automating procurement, inventory forecasting, and barcode scanning, with seamless integration into sales, manufacturing, and accounting modules. For craft inventory software, it supports tracking raw materials, work-in-progress items, and finished handmade products, making it suitable for scalable craft operations but potentially complex for solo artisans.
Pros
- Highly customizable with extensive features like lot/serial tracking and multi-warehouse management
- Free Community edition available for basic needs
- Strong integrations with manufacturing and sales for end-to-end craft workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its ERP complexity
- Overkill for very small craft businesses with simple needs
- Enterprise features require paid subscription and potential custom development
Best For
Growing craft businesses or workshops needing scalable inventory tied to production and sales processes.
Pricing
Free Odoo Community edition; Enterprise plans start at $24.90/user/month (billed annually) with hosting and advanced features.
Zoho Inventory
enterpriseOnline inventory tool integrated with sales channels for order management, stock tracking, and shipping automation.
Deep integration with Zoho Books and 40+ e-commerce/shipping apps for end-to-end craft sales automation
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based solution for managing stock, orders, and warehouses, with features like batch/serial tracking, kitting, and multi-channel sales integration. It automates reordering, generates barcodes, and supports item variants ideal for craft materials like fabrics or beads in various colors/sizes. While versatile for small craft businesses, it's part of Zoho's broader suite, enabling seamless accounting and CRM ties.
Pros
- Robust integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Etsy for craft sellers
- Multi-warehouse and batch tracking perfect for managing craft supplies across locations
- Automation tools for low-stock alerts and reorder points tailored to variable craft production
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to extensive features overwhelming solo crafters
- Paid plans can get expensive for very small craft operations with low order volumes
- Limited built-in craft-specific templates or industry presets
Best For
Growing craft businesses with online sales needing scalable inventory across multiple channels and warehouses.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 20 online orders/month; Standard at $29/mo (50 orders), Professional at $79/mo (unlimited), billed annually with discounts.
inFlow Inventory
specializedUser-friendly inventory software for small businesses with barcode support, purchasing, and multi-location management.
Assembly builder allowing crafters to define bill-of-materials for complex products from raw components with automatic stock deductions.
inFlow Inventory is a robust cloud-based inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, including craft operations, offering real-time stock tracking, barcode scanning, and multi-location support. It streamlines purchasing, sales, and order fulfillment with features like assemblies for building products from raw materials—ideal for crafters managing supplies and finished goods. Detailed reporting and QuickBooks integration help users maintain accurate financials and inventory insights.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop functionality
- Strong mobile app for on-the-go scanning and updates
- Flexible assemblies and kits for craft production workflows
Cons
- Limited advanced customization without developer help
- No native e-commerce platform integration
- Pricing scales quickly with order volume and users
Best For
Small craft businesses or makers with physical retail, online sales, and multi-location needs requiring reliable, mobile-friendly inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month (Starter, 100 orders/mo) up to $289/month (Pro, 5,000 orders/mo); annual discounts available, free trial offered.
Sortly
otherVisual inventory app using photos, QR codes, and folders for easy tracking of craft supplies and finished goods.
Visual photo library that turns inventory into a browsable image catalog
Sortly is a visual inventory management platform designed for easy tracking of items using photos, barcodes, QR codes, and custom fields. It allows users to organize inventory into folders, monitor stock levels, set low-stock alerts, and generate basic reports. Particularly suited for craft businesses, it excels in cataloging diverse supplies like fabrics, beads, and tools through its photo-centric interface, with mobile apps for on-the-go scanning and updates.
Pros
- Highly intuitive visual catalog with item photos for quick identification
- Seamless barcode/QR scanning via mobile app
- Flexible folder structure and custom fields for craft categorization
Cons
- Lacks advanced features like bill of materials or production planning
- Reporting is basic without deep analytics
- Pricing escalates quickly for multi-user or high-volume needs
Best For
Solo crafters, artisans, and small craft shops needing simple, visual tracking of supplies without complex manufacturing workflows.
Pricing
Free plan (100 entries, 1 user); paid plans from $29/month (billed annually) for Simple tier with unlimited entries, up to $99+/month for Business.
Lightspeed Retail
enterprisePOS and inventory system for retail craft stores with omnichannel sales, stock management, and reporting features.
Product matrix for handling complex craft inventory variants like colors, sizes, and bundles with automated pricing rules
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS and retail management platform that excels in inventory control for specialty retail like crafts stores. It provides real-time stock tracking across multiple locations, variant management for products with sizes/colors, and automated purchase orders to prevent stockouts. The software integrates seamlessly with e-commerce tools like Shopify, enabling omnichannel sales while offering robust reporting for sales and inventory insights.
Pros
- Powerful inventory tools including matrix pricing for craft variants and low-stock alerts
- Multi-location support and e-commerce integrations for growing craft businesses
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for inventory optimization
Cons
- Higher pricing can be steep for small craft shops
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Occasional glitches in mobile app and customer support delays
Best For
Medium-sized craft retailers with physical stores and online sales needing advanced multi-channel inventory management.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month per register (Retail XS plan), scaling to $289/month (Retail Pro) with add-ons for advanced features; hardware sold separately.
Conclusion
Craftybase leads the pack as the top choice, offering tailored tools for crafters to track materials, costs, and sales across channels. Katana MRP follows closely with real-time features for live inventory and production planning, ideal for small manufacturers, while MRPeasy stands out with its blend of inventory, scheduling, and CRM capabilities for holistic needs. Each tool has unique strengths, but Craftybase excels as the best overall for craft-specific workflows.
Explore Craftybase to simplify your inventory management—try it, or consider Katana MRP or MRPeasy if your focus is on manufacturing planning or ERP integration, and take the first step toward organized, efficient operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
