Quick Overview
- 1#1: Fishbowl Inventory - Advanced inventory management software designed for manufacturers with multi-location tracking, serial/lot control, and manufacturing integrations.
- 2#2: Katana MRP - Cloud-based manufacturing resource planning tool for real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order fulfillment in factories.
- 3#3: MRPeasy - Comprehensive MRP system for small to medium factories handling production planning, stock control, and procurement automation.
- 4#4: Odoo - Open-source ERP with modular inventory and manufacturing apps for efficient stock management, traceability, and shop floor control.
- 5#5: NetSuite - Cloud ERP platform delivering advanced inventory management, demand planning, and lot/serial tracking for manufacturing operations.
- 6#6: Epicor Kinetic - Manufacturing ERP software providing real-time inventory visibility, warehouse optimization, and production integration.
- 7#7: Plex - Smart manufacturing platform with MES capabilities for end-to-end inventory control and factory floor management.
- 8#8: SAP S/4HANA - Intelligent ERP system offering embedded analytics, inventory optimization, and supply chain management for large factories.
- 9#9: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management - AI-powered supply chain solution with inventory forecasting, warehouse management, and manufacturing execution features.
- 10#10: Infor CloudSuite Industrial - Industry-specific ERP for discrete manufacturing with integrated inventory tracking and shop floor control.
We ranked these tools by evaluating key factors, including feature depth (such as lot/serial tracking and manufacturing integrations), quality of user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring a list that balances robustness with accessibility for different factory sizes and operational priorities.
Comparison Table
Factory stock management software varies widely in features, scalability, and functionality, making this comparison table essential for evaluating tools like Fishbowl Inventory, Katana MRP, MRPeasy, Odoo, NetSuite, and more. It outlines key capabilities, strengths, and ideal use cases to help readers identify the best fit for their operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fishbowl Inventory Advanced inventory management software designed for manufacturers with multi-location tracking, serial/lot control, and manufacturing integrations. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Katana MRP Cloud-based manufacturing resource planning tool for real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order fulfillment in factories. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | MRPeasy Comprehensive MRP system for small to medium factories handling production planning, stock control, and procurement automation. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Odoo Open-source ERP with modular inventory and manufacturing apps for efficient stock management, traceability, and shop floor control. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 5 | NetSuite Cloud ERP platform delivering advanced inventory management, demand planning, and lot/serial tracking for manufacturing operations. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | Epicor Kinetic Manufacturing ERP software providing real-time inventory visibility, warehouse optimization, and production integration. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Plex Smart manufacturing platform with MES capabilities for end-to-end inventory control and factory floor management. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | SAP S/4HANA Intelligent ERP system offering embedded analytics, inventory optimization, and supply chain management for large factories. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management AI-powered supply chain solution with inventory forecasting, warehouse management, and manufacturing execution features. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Infor CloudSuite Industrial Industry-specific ERP for discrete manufacturing with integrated inventory tracking and shop floor control. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
Advanced inventory management software designed for manufacturers with multi-location tracking, serial/lot control, and manufacturing integrations.
Cloud-based manufacturing resource planning tool for real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order fulfillment in factories.
Comprehensive MRP system for small to medium factories handling production planning, stock control, and procurement automation.
Open-source ERP with modular inventory and manufacturing apps for efficient stock management, traceability, and shop floor control.
Cloud ERP platform delivering advanced inventory management, demand planning, and lot/serial tracking for manufacturing operations.
Manufacturing ERP software providing real-time inventory visibility, warehouse optimization, and production integration.
Smart manufacturing platform with MES capabilities for end-to-end inventory control and factory floor management.
Intelligent ERP system offering embedded analytics, inventory optimization, and supply chain management for large factories.
AI-powered supply chain solution with inventory forecasting, warehouse management, and manufacturing execution features.
Industry-specific ERP for discrete manufacturing with integrated inventory tracking and shop floor control.
Fishbowl Inventory
specializedAdvanced inventory management software designed for manufacturers with multi-location tracking, serial/lot control, and manufacturing integrations.
Advanced Manufacturing Workbench for detailed production planning, scheduling, and real-time WIP tracking
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust inventory management software tailored for manufacturing and warehouse operations, providing real-time tracking of stock across multiple locations. It excels in factory stock management with features like bills of materials (BOM), work orders, production scheduling, and labor tracking to handle raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods efficiently. The system supports barcode scanning, cycle counting, and seamless integration with QuickBooks for accounting synchronization.
Pros
- Powerful manufacturing module with multi-level BOMs and production tracking
- Seamless real-time QuickBooks integration for accurate stock valuation
- Multi-location inventory support with barcode and RFID capabilities
Cons
- Dated user interface that may feel clunky for new users
- Steep learning curve for advanced manufacturing setup
- Limited built-in reporting requires customization or exports
Best For
Mid-sized factories and manufacturers using QuickBooks who need comprehensive stock management for production processes without enterprise-level costs.
Pricing
One-time licenses start at $4,395 for Warehouse edition and $5,795 for Manufacturing edition, plus $65 per user annual maintenance.
Katana MRP
specializedCloud-based manufacturing resource planning tool for real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order fulfillment in factories.
Live Inventory Sync that automatically updates stock levels in real-time across all modules to prevent discrepancies
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning (MRP) software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, focusing on real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order management. It automates stock movements across sales, purchasing, and manufacturing processes, ensuring accurate stock levels with visual kanban boards and BOM support. The platform integrates with e-commerce tools like Shopify and accounting software like QuickBooks, making it a comprehensive solution for factory stock management.
Pros
- Real-time inventory synchronization across sales, stock, and production
- Intuitive visual production scheduling with drag-and-drop kanban boards
- Seamless integrations with e-commerce and accounting platforms
Cons
- Higher-tier plans can become expensive for larger operations
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting compared to enterprise tools
- Initial setup may require time for complex multi-location inventories
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers seeking an intuitive, all-in-one solution for inventory control and production planning without needing a full ERP.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Essentials) up to $599/month (Ultimate), billed annually with a free trial.
MRPeasy
specializedComprehensive MRP system for small to medium factories handling production planning, stock control, and procurement automation.
Dynamic MRP engine that automatically calculates and schedules material purchases based on production orders and inventory levels
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP/ERP software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering robust factory stock management through real-time inventory tracking, multi-warehouse support, and bill of materials (BOM) integration. It automates material requirements planning (MRP), reorder points, and cycle counting to minimize stockouts and overstock. The platform also connects inventory data seamlessly with production scheduling, procurement, and shop floor execution for efficient operations.
Pros
- Real-time inventory visibility with lot/serial tracking and expiry management
- Strong MRP integration that automates stock needs based on production schedules
- Mobile app for on-the-go stock checks and shop floor data entry
Cons
- Learning curve for advanced MRP and multi-site setups
- Pricing scales quickly with additional users and features
- Limited native support for highly complex or industry-specific customizations
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers handling discrete production who need integrated stock management with MRP functionality.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (billed annually, minimum 1 user) for Basic plan; Gold at $99/user/month (min 5 users); custom Enterprise pricing.
Odoo
enterpriseOpen-source ERP with modular inventory and manufacturing apps for efficient stock management, traceability, and shop floor control.
Full traceability from procurement through production to delivery with automated stock adjustments
Odoo is a modular, open-source ERP platform with powerful inventory and manufacturing apps designed for factory stock management. It provides real-time stock tracking across multiple warehouses, lot/serial number traceability, automated replenishment, and seamless integration with production planning via Bills of Materials (BOMs) and work orders. This makes it suitable for manufacturers handling complex supply chains and production workflows.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory tools with multi-warehouse support and barcode integration
- Tight integration between stock management and manufacturing MRP
- Highly customizable via open-source modules and app store
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and customization
- Performance can lag at enterprise scale without optimization
- Advanced features locked behind paid Enterprise edition
Best For
Small to mid-sized manufacturers seeking an integrated, scalable ERP for stock and production management.
Pricing
Free Community edition; Enterprise starts at $24/user/month (billed annually).
NetSuite
enterpriseCloud ERP platform delivering advanced inventory management, demand planning, and lot/serial tracking for manufacturing operations.
Integrated MRP and demand planning that unifies procurement, production, and inventory in a single real-time platform
NetSuite is a cloud-based ERP platform that provides robust factory stock management through its inventory control, warehouse management, and manufacturing modules. It enables real-time tracking of stock levels across multiple locations, supports bill of materials (BOM), work orders, and material requirements planning (MRP) for efficient production planning. The system integrates seamlessly with supply chain, financials, and order management to optimize factory operations and reduce stock discrepancies.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory tracking with lot/serial number control and multi-location support
- Advanced manufacturing tools including MRP, production scheduling, and shop floor management
- Real-time analytics and customizable dashboards for stock visibility
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring professional implementation
- High cost, especially for smaller factories
- Overkill for simple stock management needs without full ERP adoption
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturing enterprises with complex supply chains needing integrated ERP for factory stock management.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically starts at $10,000-$50,000 annually for base modules, scaling with users, customizations, and implementation fees.
Epicor Kinetic
enterpriseManufacturing ERP software providing real-time inventory visibility, warehouse optimization, and production integration.
Spectrum Enterprise Inventory Management for precise lot/serial tracking and automated replenishment across global warehouses
Epicor Kinetic is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform designed for manufacturing enterprises, with robust factory stock management features including real-time inventory tracking, warehouse optimization, and material requirements planning. It integrates stock control seamlessly with production scheduling, supply chain management, and financials to minimize stockouts and overstock. The solution supports multi-location inventories, lot and serial number tracking, and advanced analytics for demand forecasting.
Pros
- Advanced inventory management with real-time visibility and multi-site support
- Seamless integration with manufacturing modules like MRP and APS
- Customizable dashboards and reporting for stock analytics
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- High implementation costs and customization expenses
- Overkill for small factories without full ERP needs
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturing factories requiring integrated ERP with sophisticated stock management and production planning.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at $175/user/month; enterprise plans range from $50,000-$500,000+ annually based on users and modules.
Plex
enterpriseSmart manufacturing platform with MES capabilities for end-to-end inventory control and factory floor management.
Embedded shop floor connectivity for automatic real-time stock updates from machines and RFID scanners
Plex is a cloud-native Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and ERP platform designed for discrete and process manufacturers, offering robust factory stock management through real-time inventory tracking and material flow optimization. It integrates seamlessly with shop floor operations, providing automated replenishment, traceability, and demand-driven planning to minimize stockouts and overstock. With modules for warehouse management, supplier collaboration, and quality control, Plex delivers end-to-end visibility into stock levels and production schedules.
Pros
- Real-time inventory visibility and traceability across the supply chain
- Seamless integration with shop floor equipment and IoT devices
- Scalable cloud architecture with no on-premise hardware required
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex configurations
- Pricing can be prohibitive for small factories
- Limited flexibility in highly customized reporting
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, and electronics seeking integrated MES-driven stock management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $5,000+ per month depending on facility size, users, and modules.
SAP S/4HANA
enterpriseIntelligent ERP system offering embedded analytics, inventory optimization, and supply chain management for large factories.
SAP HANA in-memory database for real-time stock optimization and predictive inventory insights
SAP S/4HANA is an enterprise-grade ERP platform with powerful factory stock management features via its Materials Management (MM), Extended Warehouse Management (EWM), and Embedded Analytics modules. It offers real-time inventory visibility, advanced lot/serial number tracking, demand forecasting, and seamless integration with manufacturing and supply chain processes. Leveraging SAP HANA's in-memory computing, it enables instant analytics and optimized stock levels for complex operations.
Pros
- Real-time inventory analytics and predictive planning with AI/ML capabilities
- Highly scalable for global factories with multi-site support
- Deep integration across ERP functions for end-to-end visibility
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation (often 6-18 months)
- Prohibitively expensive for SMEs with custom enterprise licensing
- Requires dedicated IT expertise for customization and maintenance
Best For
Large-scale manufacturing enterprises with complex, global supply chains needing integrated ERP beyond basic stock management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $100,000+ annually for mid-sized deployments, based on users, modules, and cloud/on-premise options.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management
enterpriseAI-powered supply chain solution with inventory forecasting, warehouse management, and manufacturing execution features.
AI-driven master planning engine for predictive inventory optimization and automated replenishment
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management is a robust ERP module designed for end-to-end supply chain optimization, with strong capabilities in factory stock management including real-time inventory tracking, warehouse operations, and demand forecasting. It enables precise control over stock levels, automated replenishment, and integration with manufacturing processes to minimize disruptions. While powerful for enterprise-scale factories, it excels in handling complex, multi-site inventory needs within a broader operational ecosystem.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory and warehouse management with real-time visibility
- Seamless integration with Microsoft tools like Power BI for analytics
- Advanced planning tools for demand forecasting and stock optimization
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring extensive training and customization
- High implementation costs and ongoing subscription fees
- Overkill for small factories focused solely on basic stock tracking
Best For
Enterprise-level factories and manufacturers needing integrated ERP-driven stock management across global supply chains.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~$210/user/month for Supply Chain Management (part of Finance + Operations), plus implementation fees often exceeding $100K.
Infor CloudSuite Industrial
enterpriseIndustry-specific ERP for discrete manufacturing with integrated inventory tracking and shop floor control.
Dynamic MRP integration that synchronizes stock levels directly with production schedules and shop floor data
Infor CloudSuite Industrial is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform tailored for discrete manufacturers, with robust factory stock management features including real-time inventory tracking, multi-location warehouse control, and demand-driven replenishment. It integrates stock management seamlessly with production planning, MRP, and shop floor execution to minimize stockouts and overstock in make-to-order environments. Advanced capabilities like lot/serial traceability and analytics provide deep visibility into factory inventory dynamics.
Pros
- Deep integration with manufacturing processes for accurate stock forecasting
- Scalable multi-site inventory management with strong traceability
- Powerful analytics and reporting for inventory optimization
Cons
- Complex implementation requiring significant customization
- Steep learning curve for non-ERP users
- Higher costs compared to standalone stock management tools
Best For
Mid-to-large discrete manufacturers needing integrated ERP-driven factory stock control.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting around $150/user/month, plus substantial implementation fees.
Conclusion
After assessing 10 top factory stock management tools, Fishbowl Inventory emerges as the clear winner, excelling in multi-location tracking, serial/lot control, and seamless manufacturing integrations. Katana MRP follows closely, impressing with real-time inventory monitoring and agile production scheduling, while MRPeasy stands out for its comprehensive, user-friendly MRP capabilities. Each top tool offers unique strengths, but Fishbowl Inventory leads in balancing advanced features with practicality for diverse manufacturing needs.
Don’t miss out—try Fishbowl Inventory today to experience its powerful stock management solutions and take your operations to the next level of efficiency and accuracy.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison