Quick Overview
- 1#1: Fishbowl Inventory - Advanced inventory management software tailored for manufacturing with BOM support, production tracking, and QuickBooks integration.
- 2#2: MRPeasy - Cloud-based MRP system for small manufacturers offering real-time inventory control, production scheduling, and procurement automation.
- 3#3: Katana MRP - Visual manufacturing and inventory management platform for makers to track stock, plan production, and sync with e-commerce.
- 4#4: Cin7 - Integrated inventory and order management solution with manufacturing modules for multi-channel sales and supply chain visibility.
- 5#5: Odoo - Modular open-source ERP with robust inventory, manufacturing, and MRP apps for tracking materials and production processes.
- 6#6: NetSuite - Cloud ERP platform providing comprehensive inventory management, demand planning, and manufacturing execution for global operations.
- 7#7: Plex - Smart manufacturing ERP with real-time inventory tracking, MES, and quality control for discrete and process manufacturers.
- 8#8: Epicor Kinetic - Industry-specific ERP software featuring advanced inventory control, shop floor management, and supply chain optimization for manufacturers.
- 9#9: SYSPRO - ERP solution for manufacturing with strong inventory visibility, lot traceability, and production planning capabilities.
- 10#10: Acumatica - Cloud ERP with distribution and manufacturing editions offering inventory management, warehouse automation, and forecasting tools.
We ranked these tools based on features such as production tracking, BOM support, and integration capabilities, combined with usability, reliability, and value, ensuring they cater to manufacturers of all sizes and operational needs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table outlines key inventory management manufacturing software, such as Fishbowl Inventory, MRPeasy, Katana MRP, Cin7, Odoo, and more. Readers will gain insights into features, pricing, and usability to identify the best fit for their business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fishbowl Inventory Advanced inventory management software tailored for manufacturing with BOM support, production tracking, and QuickBooks integration. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | MRPeasy Cloud-based MRP system for small manufacturers offering real-time inventory control, production scheduling, and procurement automation. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 3 | Katana MRP Visual manufacturing and inventory management platform for makers to track stock, plan production, and sync with e-commerce. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Cin7 Integrated inventory and order management solution with manufacturing modules for multi-channel sales and supply chain visibility. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Odoo Modular open-source ERP with robust inventory, manufacturing, and MRP apps for tracking materials and production processes. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 6 | NetSuite Cloud ERP platform providing comprehensive inventory management, demand planning, and manufacturing execution for global operations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.7/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 7 | Plex Smart manufacturing ERP with real-time inventory tracking, MES, and quality control for discrete and process manufacturers. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Epicor Kinetic Industry-specific ERP software featuring advanced inventory control, shop floor management, and supply chain optimization for manufacturers. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | SYSPRO ERP solution for manufacturing with strong inventory visibility, lot traceability, and production planning capabilities. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Acumatica Cloud ERP with distribution and manufacturing editions offering inventory management, warehouse automation, and forecasting tools. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
Advanced inventory management software tailored for manufacturing with BOM support, production tracking, and QuickBooks integration.
Cloud-based MRP system for small manufacturers offering real-time inventory control, production scheduling, and procurement automation.
Visual manufacturing and inventory management platform for makers to track stock, plan production, and sync with e-commerce.
Integrated inventory and order management solution with manufacturing modules for multi-channel sales and supply chain visibility.
Modular open-source ERP with robust inventory, manufacturing, and MRP apps for tracking materials and production processes.
Cloud ERP platform providing comprehensive inventory management, demand planning, and manufacturing execution for global operations.
Smart manufacturing ERP with real-time inventory tracking, MES, and quality control for discrete and process manufacturers.
Industry-specific ERP software featuring advanced inventory control, shop floor management, and supply chain optimization for manufacturers.
ERP solution for manufacturing with strong inventory visibility, lot traceability, and production planning capabilities.
Cloud ERP with distribution and manufacturing editions offering inventory management, warehouse automation, and forecasting tools.
Fishbowl Inventory
specializedAdvanced inventory management software tailored for manufacturing with BOM support, production tracking, and QuickBooks integration.
Two-way QuickBooks synchronization that keeps inventory and financial data in perfect sync without manual reconciliation
Fishbowl Inventory is a comprehensive inventory management software tailored for manufacturing and warehousing operations, offering robust tools for tracking stock across multiple locations, managing bills of materials (BOMs), and executing work orders. It excels in streamlining production processes, order fulfillment, and barcode-enabled inventory control while providing seamless two-way integration with QuickBooks for real-time accounting synchronization. Designed for scalability, it supports everything from discrete manufacturing to distribution, with mobile accessibility via Fishbowl Go.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for automated accounting
- Advanced manufacturing tools including BOMs, production planning, and lot/serial tracking
- Multi-location inventory management with barcode and RFID support
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex manufacturing setups
- Higher pricing may deter very small businesses
- Primarily desktop-focused with some cloud limitations
Best For
Small to mid-sized manufacturers relying on QuickBooks who need powerful inventory tracking and production management.
Pricing
Starts at $4,395/year for Essential edition (single user), scaling to $13,995+/year for Advanced with unlimited users and full features.
MRPeasy
specializedCloud-based MRP system for small manufacturers offering real-time inventory control, production scheduling, and procurement automation.
Accuracy-based production scheduling that automatically plans orders using available materials, capacities, and lead times
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP and ERP software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering comprehensive tools for production planning, inventory management, and shop floor control. It handles bill of materials (BOM), real-time inventory tracking with lot and serial number support, demand forecasting, and scheduling to optimize manufacturing workflows. Additionally, it integrates CRM, procurement, and basic financials, enabling end-to-end visibility without complex setups.
Pros
- Real-time inventory tracking and automatic reorder points reduce stockouts effectively
- Visual Gantt-based production scheduling simplifies complex manufacturing planning
- Mobile app and shop floor reporting enable seamless operations across devices
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and custom reporting capabilities
- Integrations with non-standard tools can require custom development
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or high-volume operations
Best For
Small to medium-sized discrete manufacturers focused on make-to-order or make-to-stock production needing an intuitive, all-in-one MRP system.
Pricing
Starts at €49 per user per month (billed annually) for the Basic plan, with Professional tier at higher rates based on users and features; custom enterprise pricing available.
Katana MRP
specializedVisual manufacturing and inventory management platform for makers to track stock, plan production, and sync with e-commerce.
Live Inventory Sync that provides instant, multi-channel visibility and automatic reorder suggestions based on real-time demand
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning (MRP) software designed for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and demand planning. It streamlines operations by managing bills of materials (BOMs), work orders, and multi-location inventory with seamless integrations to e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks. The platform emphasizes visual dashboards for shop floor control and purchasing automation, making it suitable for make-to-order and make-to-stock businesses.
Pros
- Real-time inventory visibility across multiple locations and sales channels
- Intuitive visual production planning and shop floor execution tools
- Strong integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and ERP systems
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting compared to enterprise solutions
- Pricing scales quickly with users and features for larger operations
- Some customization options require higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers seeking an intuitive, cloud-based MRP for inventory and production management without heavy IT overhead.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Starter, up to 5 users), $299/month (Pro), $799+/month (Enterprise); 14-day free trial available.
Cin7
specializedIntegrated inventory and order management solution with manufacturing modules for multi-channel sales and supply chain visibility.
Unlimited sales channel connectors for true omnichannel sync without per-integration fees
Cin7 is a cloud-based inventory management platform that unifies stock across multiple sales channels, including e-commerce, POS, marketplaces, and B2B portals. It provides real-time visibility, automated order fulfillment, and light manufacturing features like bill of materials (BOM), assemblies, kitting, and production tracking. Designed for scaling businesses, it handles complex inventory movements across warehouses while integrating with accounting and shipping systems.
Pros
- Seamless multi-channel integrations with 100+ platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and QuickBooks
- Real-time inventory tracking across unlimited locations with auto stock adjustments
- Robust light manufacturing tools including BOM, work orders, and batch/serial tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and customization options
- Pricing scales quickly with order volume, less ideal for very small businesses
- Lacks advanced MRP or heavy manufacturing capabilities like capacity planning
Best For
Mid-sized retailers, distributors, and light manufacturers with multi-channel sales needing centralized, real-time inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month (Core plan, up to 5 users/1,000 orders), scales to $599+/month (Omni) based on orders/users; custom enterprise pricing available.
Odoo
enterpriseModular open-source ERP with robust inventory, manufacturing, and MRP apps for tracking materials and production processes.
Fully integrated single-database architecture linking inventory, manufacturing, and procurement for real-time visibility and automation.
Odoo is an open-source ERP platform offering integrated inventory management and manufacturing modules for streamlined operations. It supports real-time stock tracking, multi-warehouse management, lot/serial traceability, demand forecasting, and advanced manufacturing features like bills of materials (BOM), production planning, work orders, and quality control. The modular design allows businesses to scale from basic inventory control to full MRP systems without switching tools.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration between inventory, manufacturing, and other ERP modules
- Highly customizable with open-source community edition
- Scalable for small to large operations with real-time data syncing
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and advanced configurations
- Performance can lag with very large datasets without proper hosting
- Customization often requires developer expertise
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers needing an affordable, all-in-one ERP for inventory and production management.
Pricing
Free Community edition; Enterprise starts at ~$25/user/month (per app bundle, billed annually).
NetSuite
enterpriseCloud ERP platform providing comprehensive inventory management, demand planning, and manufacturing execution for global operations.
Advanced MRP engine with real-time capacity planning and finite scheduling for optimized production
NetSuite is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform that excels in inventory management for manufacturing, offering real-time tracking, multi-location support, and advanced tools like MRP, demand planning, and shop floor control. It supports discrete, process, and mixed-mode manufacturing with features for bill of materials, work orders, and quality management. Fully integrated with financials, procurement, and supply chain modules, it provides end-to-end visibility and automation for complex operations.
Pros
- Highly scalable for enterprise-level manufacturing with robust MRP and production scheduling
- Real-time inventory visibility and lot/serial number traceability across global locations
- Deep integration with CRM, financials, and e-commerce for unified operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface requiring extensive training
- High implementation costs and time (often 6-12 months)
- Premium pricing not ideal for small or mid-sized manufacturers
Best For
Large-scale manufacturing enterprises seeking an all-in-one ERP with advanced inventory and production management capabilities.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starts at ~$10,000-$20,000 annually for base plus $99-$199/user/month; quotes required.
Plex
enterpriseSmart manufacturing ERP with real-time inventory tracking, MES, and quality control for discrete and process manufacturers.
Embedded IIoT platform for real-time machine data capture and automatic inventory updates
Plex is a cloud-native MES and ERP platform designed for manufacturing, offering advanced inventory management features like real-time tracking, MRP, and lot/serial traceability integrated with production and supply chain operations. It provides end-to-end visibility from raw materials to finished goods, supporting discrete manufacturing industries such as automotive and aerospace. The system automates inventory replenishment, demand forecasting, and quality checks to minimize stockouts and waste.
Pros
- Real-time inventory visibility and MRP automation
- Seamless integration with shop floor and IIoT devices
- Scalable for complex manufacturing environments
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- High implementation and subscription costs
- Less ideal for pure inventory needs without full MES adoption
Best For
Mid-to-large discrete manufacturers needing integrated inventory management with production execution.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $1,000-$5,000/month depending on users, modules, and scale.
Epicor Kinetic
enterpriseIndustry-specific ERP software featuring advanced inventory control, shop floor management, and supply chain optimization for manufacturers.
AI-powered Smart Inventory Optimization that automatically adjusts reorder points and safety stock based on real-time demand, production, and supplier data
Epicor Kinetic is a cloud-native ERP platform designed specifically for manufacturing, delivering advanced inventory management capabilities including real-time tracking, lot/serial traceability, and multi-location support. It integrates seamlessly with production planning, supply chain, and financial modules to optimize stock levels, forecast demand, and minimize carrying costs. Tailored for discrete, process, and mixed-mode manufacturers, it provides comprehensive visibility and control over inventory throughout the production lifecycle.
Pros
- Advanced lot/serial number tracking and traceability for compliance-heavy industries
- Real-time inventory analytics with AI-driven forecasting and optimization
- Deep integration with manufacturing execution systems (MES) and supply chain modules
Cons
- Complex implementation requiring significant customization and consulting
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set
- Higher cost structure not ideal for small-scale operations
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise-level manufacturers in discrete or process industries needing integrated ERP with robust inventory control.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription pricing; typically $175-$350 per user/month for cloud deployment, varying by modules, users, and customizations.
SYSPRO
enterpriseERP solution for manufacturing with strong inventory visibility, lot traceability, and production planning capabilities.
SYSPRO Espresso low-code platform for rapid, user-driven customizations to inventory and manufacturing processes
SYSPRO is a comprehensive ERP software designed primarily for manufacturing and distribution industries, with robust inventory management features that support multi-location tracking, lot and serial number control, and advanced MRP functionalities. It enables precise demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and real-time visibility across the supply chain to streamline manufacturing operations. The system integrates inventory with production planning, procurement, and financials for end-to-end control.
Pros
- Highly customizable with low-code tools like SYSPRO Espresso
- Advanced inventory features including multi-dimensional tracking and optimization
- Strong integration for manufacturing workflows and reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Dated user interface compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
- High implementation costs for smaller operations
Best For
Mid-sized to large manufacturers needing a flexible, enterprise-grade ERP with deep inventory and production management capabilities.
Pricing
Quote-based; subscription from ~$175/user/month or perpetual licenses, with implementation often $50,000+ depending on modules and customization.
Acumatica
enterpriseCloud ERP with distribution and manufacturing editions offering inventory management, warehouse automation, and forecasting tools.
Unlimited user licenses for seamless scalability without extra costs
Acumatica is a cloud-based ERP platform with comprehensive inventory management and manufacturing capabilities tailored for mid-sized businesses. It offers real-time inventory tracking across multiple warehouses, lot/serial number control, demand forecasting, and advanced manufacturing tools like bills of materials (BOMs), material requirements planning (MRP), production orders, and shop floor control. The system integrates seamlessly with CRM, finance, and distribution modules for end-to-end operations.
Pros
- Robust inventory tools with multi-warehouse support and real-time visibility
- Advanced manufacturing features including MRP, BOMs, and production scheduling
- Unlimited users and scalable cloud architecture
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Implementation often requires partner assistance
- Pricing can escalate with higher resource usage
Best For
Mid-sized manufacturers seeking a scalable ERP with integrated inventory and production management.
Pricing
Subscription-based, starting at ~$1,000/month; priced by resource units (users, transactions, storage) with no per-user limits.
Conclusion
Reviewing the top 10 inventory management solutions for manufacturing reveals Fishbowl Inventory as the top choice, with its tailored BOM support, production tracking, and QuickBooks integration. MRPeasy and Katana MRP, ranking second and third, offer strong alternatives—perfect for small manufacturers needing real-time control (MRPeasy) or visual, e-commerce-synced tools (Katana)—ensuring a fit for diverse operational needs. The range of options shows the industry’s focus on adaptability, making selecting one that aligns with specific workflows key to success.
Take the first step to enhance your operations: try Fishbowl Inventory to unlock efficient tracking, seamless integration, and streamlined processes tailored to your manufacturing needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
