Quick Overview
- 1#1: Katana MRP - Provides real-time visual planning, inventory tracking, and production management for small to medium factories.
- 2#2: MRPeasy - Delivers cloud-based MRP with inventory control, production scheduling, procurement, and CRM for manufacturers.
- 3#3: Fishbowl Inventory - Offers advanced inventory management, manufacturing orders, and multi-warehouse tracking with QuickBooks integration.
- 4#4: Odoo - Modular open-source ERP with inventory, manufacturing, PLM, and quality control apps for factories.
- 5#5: Plex - Cloud manufacturing platform with real-time inventory, MES, quality, and supply chain management.
- 6#6: Epicor Kinetic - ERP solution for manufacturers featuring inventory optimization, production management, and shop floor control.
- 7#7: NetSuite - Cloud ERP with demand planning, lot/serial tracking, and work order management for complex factory inventory.
- 8#8: Cin7 - Multichannel inventory platform connecting sales channels, warehouses, and suppliers for manufacturing operations.
- 9#9: DEAR Systems - Cloud inventory software with BOM, picking, and landed cost tracking for SMB manufacturers.
- 10#10: Unleashed - Real-time inventory control with multi-currency, multi-location, and batch management for factories and distributors.
These tools were chosen based on robust feature sets (including production management, integration capabilities, and scalability), user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring a balanced guide for diverse manufacturing needs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines factory inventory management software tools including Katana MRP, MRPeasy, Fishbowl Inventory, Odoo, Plex, and others, outlining their core features, operational strengths, and target use cases. Readers will discover critical details to select the right tool, whether prioritizing automation, integrations, or scalability for their specific production environment.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Katana MRP Provides real-time visual planning, inventory tracking, and production management for small to medium factories. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | MRPeasy Delivers cloud-based MRP with inventory control, production scheduling, procurement, and CRM for manufacturers. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Fishbowl Inventory Offers advanced inventory management, manufacturing orders, and multi-warehouse tracking with QuickBooks integration. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Odoo Modular open-source ERP with inventory, manufacturing, PLM, and quality control apps for factories. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 5 | Plex Cloud manufacturing platform with real-time inventory, MES, quality, and supply chain management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | Epicor Kinetic ERP solution for manufacturers featuring inventory optimization, production management, and shop floor control. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | NetSuite Cloud ERP with demand planning, lot/serial tracking, and work order management for complex factory inventory. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Cin7 Multichannel inventory platform connecting sales channels, warehouses, and suppliers for manufacturing operations. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 9 | DEAR Systems Cloud inventory software with BOM, picking, and landed cost tracking for SMB manufacturers. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | Unleashed Real-time inventory control with multi-currency, multi-location, and batch management for factories and distributors. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
Provides real-time visual planning, inventory tracking, and production management for small to medium factories.
Delivers cloud-based MRP with inventory control, production scheduling, procurement, and CRM for manufacturers.
Offers advanced inventory management, manufacturing orders, and multi-warehouse tracking with QuickBooks integration.
Modular open-source ERP with inventory, manufacturing, PLM, and quality control apps for factories.
Cloud manufacturing platform with real-time inventory, MES, quality, and supply chain management.
ERP solution for manufacturers featuring inventory optimization, production management, and shop floor control.
Cloud ERP with demand planning, lot/serial tracking, and work order management for complex factory inventory.
Multichannel inventory platform connecting sales channels, warehouses, and suppliers for manufacturing operations.
Cloud inventory software with BOM, picking, and landed cost tracking for SMB manufacturers.
Real-time inventory control with multi-currency, multi-location, and batch management for factories and distributors.
Katana MRP
specializedProvides real-time visual planning, inventory tracking, and production management for small to medium factories.
Live MRP engine that automatically generates production plans, purchase orders, and schedules based on real-time demand and inventory data
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning software tailored for small to medium-sized factories, offering real-time inventory tracking, production planning, and order fulfillment. It automates bill of materials (BOM) management, shop floor scheduling, and multi-location inventory control to streamline factory operations. With seamless integrations to e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks, it provides end-to-end visibility from purchasing to shipping.
Pros
- Real-time inventory visibility and automatic stock level updates across multiple locations
- Intuitive drag-and-drop production scheduling and live MRP planning
- Robust integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and sales platforms
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and custom reporting for complex enterprises
- Pricing scales quickly with additional users and locations
- Steep initial setup for businesses with highly customized BOMs
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers seeking an intuitive, real-time MRP solution for inventory and production management without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for Essentials (1 user, basic features), $299/month for Professional (unlimited users, advanced planning), up to custom Enterprise pricing.
MRPeasy
specializedDelivers cloud-based MRP with inventory control, production scheduling, procurement, and CRM for manufacturers.
Dynamic production scheduling with visual Gantt charts that automatically adjusts for material shortages, capacity limits, and order priorities
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP/ERP software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturing businesses, offering end-to-end management of production planning, inventory control, procurement, and sales. It excels in real-time inventory tracking, bill of materials (BOM) management, and shop floor execution with features like lot and serial number traceability. The platform supports make-to-order, make-to-stock, and mixed-mode manufacturing, providing visual scheduling tools to optimize capacity and reduce waste.
Pros
- Comprehensive real-time inventory management with multi-warehouse support and traceability
- Advanced production scheduling with Gantt charts and capacity planning
- Strong integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and shop floor devices
Cons
- Learning curve for complex BOMs and custom configurations
- Pricing scales quickly with users and advanced features
- Reporting tools lack deep customization in base plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized discrete manufacturers needing robust inventory and production control without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Starts at €49/user/month (billed annually) for Production Planning, up to €99/user/month for full Cloud ERP; free trial available.
Fishbowl Inventory
specializedOffers advanced inventory management, manufacturing orders, and multi-warehouse tracking with QuickBooks integration.
Multi-level bill of materials (BOM) and work order management for complex factory production processes
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust on-premise inventory management software tailored for manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution operations. It excels in tracking raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods with real-time visibility across multiple locations. Key capabilities include bill of materials (BOM) management, production scheduling, work orders, and barcode scanning, with seamless integration to QuickBooks for accounting.
Pros
- Deep QuickBooks integration for effortless accounting sync
- Advanced manufacturing tools like multi-level BOM and production planning
- Strong multi-location inventory tracking with barcode support
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring training
- Primarily on-premise deployment with IT setup needs
- Higher upfront costs not ideal for very small factories
Best For
Mid-sized manufacturing businesses using QuickBooks that require detailed production tracking and inventory control.
Pricing
Quote-based; starts at ~$4,395 for single-user perpetual license, plus per-user fees (~$439/user), modules, and annual maintenance (~20% of license).
Odoo
enterpriseModular open-source ERP with inventory, manufacturing, PLM, and quality control apps for factories.
Integrated Manufacturing and Inventory modules for real-time production scheduling synced directly with stock levels and procurement
Odoo is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform with a dedicated Inventory Management module optimized for factory environments, offering real-time stock tracking, multi-warehouse support, and lot/serial number traceability. It integrates seamlessly with Odoo's Manufacturing app for production planning, bill of materials management, work orders, and automated replenishment based on manufacturing needs. Additional features like barcode scanning, demand forecasting, and supplier portal enhance factory inventory efficiency and visibility across the supply chain.
Pros
- Deep integration with manufacturing for end-to-end factory operations
- Highly customizable with open-source flexibility and app store modules
- Strong traceability and automation tools like forecasting and reordering
Cons
- Steep learning curve for configuration and advanced setup
- Performance issues with very large inventories on basic hosting
- Key features like advanced reporting locked in paid Enterprise edition
Best For
Medium-sized factories needing an integrated ERP for inventory, manufacturing, and operations without high upfront costs.
Pricing
Free Community edition; Enterprise starts at $24.90/user/month (billed annually) for cloud hosting, with on-premise and custom options available.
Plex
enterpriseCloud manufacturing platform with real-time inventory, MES, quality, and supply chain management.
Embedded IIoT connectivity for machine-to-cloud data syncing, enabling predictive inventory adjustments based on real production data
Plex is a cloud-based smart manufacturing platform (MES/ERP) that excels in factory inventory management by providing real-time visibility and control over materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods. It integrates inventory tracking with production scheduling, quality control, and supply chain management to optimize operations and reduce waste. Features like lot-level traceability, automated replenishment, and demand forecasting make it suitable for complex manufacturing environments. Overall, it transforms inventory data into actionable insights for efficient factory floor management.
Pros
- Real-time inventory visibility and traceability across the supply chain
- Seamless integration with shop floor equipment and IIoT devices
- Scalable for mid-to-large manufacturers with multi-plant support
Cons
- High implementation costs and custom pricing
- Steep learning curve for full feature utilization
- Limited flexibility for highly customized workflows
Best For
Mid-sized to large manufacturers seeking an integrated MES/ERP solution for real-time inventory and production control.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at around $50,000-$100,000 annually depending on modules, users, and facility size; no public tiers.
Epicor Kinetic
enterpriseERP solution for manufacturers featuring inventory optimization, production management, and shop floor control.
AI-powered inventory optimization and material requirements planning (MRP) for predictive stock management
Epicor Kinetic is a cloud-based ERP solution tailored for manufacturing industries, providing robust factory inventory management through real-time tracking, lot/serial traceability, and integration with production planning. It enables multi-location inventory control, demand forecasting, and automated replenishment to optimize stock levels and reduce waste. The platform supports advanced warehouse management, including RFID/barcode integration and cycle counting, making it suitable for complex manufacturing environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory traceability with lot/serial tracking
- Seamless integration with MES and production modules
- Real-time analytics and forecasting for demand planning
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup
- High implementation costs and customization needs
- Overkill for small-scale factories
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturing factories requiring scalable, integrated ERP with advanced inventory controls.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription pricing; typically starts at $175/user/month for core modules, with enterprise setups ranging from $50K-$500K+ annually depending on scale.
NetSuite
enterpriseCloud ERP with demand planning, lot/serial tracking, and work order management for complex factory inventory.
Advanced Manufacturing module with real-time production monitoring and automated work order fulfillment
NetSuite is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform that includes robust inventory management capabilities tailored for manufacturing and factory operations, offering real-time tracking, demand planning, and multi-location support. It enables factories to manage raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods with features like lot and serial number tracking, bill of materials, and production scheduling. As part of Oracle's suite, it integrates inventory data with financials, supply chain, and CRM for end-to-end visibility.
Pros
- Extensive inventory features including lot/serial tracking, MRP, and advanced manufacturing routing
- Real-time analytics and customizable dashboards for factory floor visibility
- Scalable for multi-site global operations with strong integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex customization requiring expert implementation
- High cost prohibitive for small to mid-sized factories
- Lengthy setup and onboarding process often exceeding 6 months
Best For
Large-scale manufacturers needing a full ERP system with integrated factory inventory management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at $10,000-$25,000 annually for base platform plus $99-$199 per user/month; implementation fees often $50,000+.
Cin7
specializedMultichannel inventory platform connecting sales channels, warehouses, and suppliers for manufacturing operations.
3-way stock sync across sales channels, warehouses, and production for automatic replenishment and accuracy
Cin7 is a cloud-based inventory management platform designed to centralize stock control, order management, and light manufacturing for multi-channel businesses. It supports factory inventory needs through features like bill of materials (BOM), production orders, multi-warehouse tracking, and real-time visibility into raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods. While strong in integrations and scalability, its manufacturing capabilities are more suited to assembly-based production rather than complex discrete manufacturing.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory tracking with lot and serial number support
- Integrated manufacturing module for BOMs, kits, and production planning
- Seamless integrations with over 700 apps including e-commerce and accounting tools
Cons
- Manufacturing features lack depth for advanced MRP or scheduling compared to dedicated factory software
- Pricing scales quickly with order volume, making it costly for small factories
- Steep initial setup for complex workflows and customizations
Best For
Small to mid-sized factories with e-commerce sales channels needing unified inventory and light manufacturing without heavy ERP overhead.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month (Operations plan) for up to 500 orders/mo, with higher tiers like Professional ($599+) and Enterprise (custom) based on volume and features; annual discounts available.
DEAR Systems
specializedCloud inventory software with BOM, picking, and landed cost tracking for SMB manufacturers.
Advanced BOM management and assembly/production tracking with automatic inventory adjustments
DEAR Systems (now part of Cin7) is a cloud-based inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses in retail, wholesale, and light manufacturing. It provides real-time inventory tracking across multiple locations, order management, purchasing, and manufacturing tools including bills of materials (BOMs), assemblies, and production orders. The platform excels in integrating with e-commerce, POS, and accounting systems for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive real-time inventory tracking with multi-location support
- Robust manufacturing module for BOMs, assemblies, and light production
- Extensive integrations with Shopify, Xero, QuickBooks, and more
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex manufacturing setups
- Pricing can be high for smaller factories
- Limited advanced MRP features for heavy manufacturing
Best For
Small to medium factories handling light manufacturing and needing integrated inventory with sales and accounting.
Pricing
Starts at $349 AUD/month for Lite plan (billed annually), scales to $999+ AUD/month for Core/Advanced with add-ons for users and features.
Unleashed
specializedReal-time inventory control with multi-currency, multi-location, and batch management for factories and distributors.
Advanced batch and serial traceability with full audit trails for compliance in regulated manufacturing environments
Unleashed is a cloud-based inventory management software tailored for wholesalers, distributors, and manufacturers, offering real-time stock tracking across multiple locations. It supports factory-specific needs like bill of materials (BOM), production orders, batch and serial number traceability, and demand forecasting to optimize manufacturing workflows. The platform integrates with accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks, e-commerce platforms, and EDI systems for seamless operations.
Pros
- Robust manufacturing tools including BOM, assemblies, and production planning
- Real-time multi-location inventory visibility with batch/serial tracking
- Strong integrations with accounting, e-commerce, and sales channels
Cons
- Lacks advanced MRP and shop floor control compared to dedicated factory ERPs
- Pricing can escalate quickly for high-volume or multi-user factories
- Steep learning curve for complex manufacturing setups
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers seeking integrated inventory control with sales and accounting without full-scale ERP complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $85 AUD/month for Small Business (up to 200 orders), $215 for Professional (up to 1,000 orders), with Enterprise custom pricing; billed annually.
Conclusion
Evaluating factory inventory management software highlights tools that drive operational excellence, with Katana MRP emerging as the top choice, thanks to its real-time visual planning and tailored features for small to medium factories. MRPeasy and Fishbowl Inventory stand out as strong alternatives—MRPeasy for its comprehensive cloud-based MRP and CRM, and Fishbowl for advanced multi-warehouse tracking and QuickBooks integration—meeting varied operational needs. For those seeking to optimize their inventory management, starting with Katana MRP is a strategic move to unlock efficiency and precision in production processes.
Don’t miss the chance to elevate your factory’s efficiency—try Katana MRP today and experience the power of real-time visual planning and seamless inventory management.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison