Quick Overview
- 1#1: MRPeasy - Cloud-based MRP software for small manufacturers offering complete lot traceability, expiration tracking, and production planning.
- 2#2: Fishbowl Inventory - Advanced inventory management system with robust lot, serial number, and matrix tracking for precise control.
- 3#3: Katana - Cloud MRP platform providing real-time lot tracking, inventory visibility, and manufacturing scheduling.
- 4#4: Cin7 - Multichannel inventory management software featuring lot and serial number control across sales channels.
- 5#5: Odoo - Open-source ERP with modular lot and serial tracking for full inventory traceability and compliance.
- 6#6: Unleashed - Real-time cloud inventory tool with multi-location lot tracking, expiry management, and reporting.
- 7#7: Zoho Inventory - Affordable online inventory solution supporting batch tracking, expiry alerts, and supply chain traceability.
- 8#8: Acctivate - QuickBooks-integrated inventory management with detailed lot and serial number tracking capabilities.
- 9#9: NetSuite - Cloud ERP platform delivering enterprise-grade lot management, traceability, and regulatory compliance.
- 10#10: SOS Inventory - QuickBooks add-on for inventory control featuring lot tracking, assemblies, and advanced reporting.
These tools were carefully chosen based on key features (including lot/serial tracking, expiration management, and planning), usability, reliability, and value, ensuring they deliver robust, adaptable solutions for modern inventory control challenges.
Comparison Table
This comparison table streamlines the selection of lot control software, featuring tools like MRPeasy, Fishbowl Inventory, Katana, Cin7, Odoo, and more. It outlines key capabilities, strengths, and practical use cases to help readers determine the best fit for their inventory management needs. Whether for small or large operations, the table equips users with clear insights to make informed choices.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MRPeasy Cloud-based MRP software for small manufacturers offering complete lot traceability, expiration tracking, and production planning. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Fishbowl Inventory Advanced inventory management system with robust lot, serial number, and matrix tracking for precise control. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Katana Cloud MRP platform providing real-time lot tracking, inventory visibility, and manufacturing scheduling. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Cin7 Multichannel inventory management software featuring lot and serial number control across sales channels. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Odoo Open-source ERP with modular lot and serial tracking for full inventory traceability and compliance. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 6 | Unleashed Real-time cloud inventory tool with multi-location lot tracking, expiry management, and reporting. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Zoho Inventory Affordable online inventory solution supporting batch tracking, expiry alerts, and supply chain traceability. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 8 | Acctivate QuickBooks-integrated inventory management with detailed lot and serial number tracking capabilities. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | NetSuite Cloud ERP platform delivering enterprise-grade lot management, traceability, and regulatory compliance. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 10 | SOS Inventory QuickBooks add-on for inventory control featuring lot tracking, assemblies, and advanced reporting. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
Cloud-based MRP software for small manufacturers offering complete lot traceability, expiration tracking, and production planning.
Advanced inventory management system with robust lot, serial number, and matrix tracking for precise control.
Cloud MRP platform providing real-time lot tracking, inventory visibility, and manufacturing scheduling.
Multichannel inventory management software featuring lot and serial number control across sales channels.
Open-source ERP with modular lot and serial tracking for full inventory traceability and compliance.
Real-time cloud inventory tool with multi-location lot tracking, expiry management, and reporting.
Affordable online inventory solution supporting batch tracking, expiry alerts, and supply chain traceability.
QuickBooks-integrated inventory management with detailed lot and serial number tracking capabilities.
Cloud ERP platform delivering enterprise-grade lot management, traceability, and regulatory compliance.
QuickBooks add-on for inventory control featuring lot tracking, assemblies, and advanced reporting.
MRPeasy
specializedCloud-based MRP software for small manufacturers offering complete lot traceability, expiration tracking, and production planning.
Comprehensive lot traceability matrix that visualizes connections between raw materials, production steps, and finished goods for instant recall and audit support
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP system renowned for its robust lot control capabilities, allowing manufacturers to track batches and lots from raw material receipt through production to shipment. It supports lot numbering, expiration date management, FEFO/FIFO dispatching, and generates full traceability reports for compliance with standards like FDA, ISO, and HACCP. The software integrates lot control seamlessly with inventory, production planning, and order management, minimizing errors and enabling quick recalls if needed.
Pros
- Exceptional end-to-end lot traceability with visual matrices
- Seamless integration of lot control into MRP workflows
- Supports regulatory compliance with audit-ready reports
Cons
- Full potential requires mastering broader MRP features
- Pricing scales with number of users, less ideal for solos
- Limited customization for highly specialized lot rules
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers in regulated industries like food, pharma, or electronics needing integrated lot tracking within production planning.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (billed annually) for Production plan; scales to $99/user/month for Enterprise, with a free tier for basic use.
Fishbowl Inventory
specializedAdvanced inventory management system with robust lot, serial number, and matrix tracking for precise control.
Comprehensive lot traceability with expiration date alerts and one-click recall functionality
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust inventory management platform designed for small to mid-sized businesses, with strong capabilities in lot and serial number tracking for precise control and traceability. It supports expiration date management, FIFO/LIFO processing, and full lot history for compliance in industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. The software integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks and other platforms, enabling real-time inventory visibility across multiple locations.
Pros
- Excellent lot and serial tracking with expiration and recall features
- Deep integration with QuickBooks and e-commerce platforms
- Supports multi-warehouse and manufacturing workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Pricing can be high for very small operations
- Reporting requires customization or add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized distributors and manufacturers requiring robust lot control and QuickBooks integration for traceability and compliance.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $439/month (billed annually); perpetual license from $4,395 plus ~20% annual maintenance.
Katana
specializedCloud MRP platform providing real-time lot tracking, inventory visibility, and manufacturing scheduling.
Full lot traceability with one-click recall reports and audit trails
Katana (katana.io) is a cloud-based MRP and inventory management software designed for manufacturers, with strong lot control capabilities including batch tracking, serial number management, and full traceability. It enables real-time visibility into lot movements across production, inventory, and sales, supporting FEFO dispatching and compliance needs. Users can generate reports for recalls and audits, integrating seamlessly with e-commerce and accounting tools.
Pros
- Comprehensive lot and serial number tracking with forward/backward traceability
- FEFO and expiry date management for perishable goods
- Strong integrations with Shopify, QuickBooks, and Xero
Cons
- Limited customization for highly regulated industries like pharma
- Advanced MRP features may overwhelm beginners
- Higher-tier pricing required for multi-warehouse lot control
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers needing scalable lot tracking for traceability and efficiency without enterprise complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Essentials) for basic lot tracking; $299/month (Professional) for advanced features; Enterprise custom pricing.
Cin7
specializedMultichannel inventory management software featuring lot and serial number control across sales channels.
Automated lot traceability with 3-way inventory sync across sales channels, enabling precise expiry alerts and compliance reporting
Cin7 is a comprehensive cloud-based inventory management platform that includes robust lot and batch tracking capabilities for traceability in regulated industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It enables businesses to manage expiration dates, serial numbers, and perform targeted recalls while syncing inventory across multiple sales channels, warehouses, and accounting systems. As a full-suite solution, it goes beyond basic lot control to offer real-time visibility and automation for complex supply chains.
Pros
- Advanced lot/batch tracking with expiry management and recall tools
- Seamless integration with e-commerce, POS, and ERP systems
- Multi-warehouse support with real-time inventory syncing
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Pricing can be high for small businesses or basic lot control needs
- Over-featured for users seeking simple, standalone lot tracking
Best For
Multi-channel retailers and distributors in traceability-focused industries needing integrated inventory management.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Core plan (billed annually), with higher tiers up to $999+/month based on order volume; includes setup fees and per-order charges.
Odoo
enterpriseOpen-source ERP with modular lot and serial tracking for full inventory traceability and compliance.
Advanced multi-level lot traceability that tracks movements across the entire supply chain in a single dashboard
Odoo is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform with a powerful Inventory module that supports lot and serial number tracking for precise stock control. It enables businesses to manage lot assignments, expiration dates, quality checks, and full traceability from procurement to delivery. The system integrates lot control seamlessly with manufacturing, sales, and purchasing for end-to-end visibility.
Pros
- Robust lot traceability with multi-level reporting and expiration management
- Seamless integration with ERP modules like manufacturing and CRM
- Free community edition with extensive customization options
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial configuration and advanced setup
- Performance can lag with very large inventories without optimization
- Enterprise add-ons required for premium features and support
Best For
Mid-sized manufacturers and distributors needing integrated ERP with strong lot tracking capabilities.
Pricing
Community edition free; Enterprise starts at $24.90/user/month (billed annually) with Inventory app included.
Unleashed
specializedReal-time cloud inventory tool with multi-location lot tracking, expiry management, and reporting.
End-to-end batch traceability from supplier receipt to customer delivery, including automated recall workflows
Unleashed is a cloud-based inventory management software designed for wholesalers, manufacturers, and distributors, with strong capabilities in batch and lot tracking for full traceability. It enables users to assign batch numbers, manage expiry and best-before dates, and perform quick recalls to ensure compliance in regulated industries. The platform integrates seamlessly with accounting and e-commerce tools, providing real-time visibility across multiple locations.
Pros
- Robust batch/lot tracking with expiry management and full traceability
- Seamless integrations with Xero, QuickBooks, Shopify, and more
- Multi-location inventory support with real-time updates
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with business size, potentially expensive for startups
- Advanced customization requires setup time
- Reporting tools lack depth for highly specialized lot analytics
Best For
Wholesalers and distributors in food, beverage, or cosmetics needing reliable lot traceability without complex ERP systems.
Pricing
Starts at $349 USD/month for small plans (up to 120 orders/month), scaling to $599+ for medium/large with higher volumes; annual billing discounts available.
Zoho Inventory
specializedAffordable online inventory solution supporting batch tracking, expiry alerts, and supply chain traceability.
Real-time lot traceability with automated expiration notifications and recall workflows
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management platform that provides robust lot and batch tracking capabilities, including expiration date management, traceability, and recall features for industries requiring precise inventory control. It supports multi-warehouse operations, serial number tracking, and integrates with e-commerce platforms, shipping carriers, and Zoho's ecosystem for end-to-end order fulfillment. While versatile for SMBs, it offers solid lot control without the depth of specialized enterprise solutions.
Pros
- Comprehensive lot/batch tracking with expiration alerts and FIFO/LIFO support
- Seamless integrations with Zoho apps, e-commerce, and accounting tools
- Cost-effective with a free tier for small operations
Cons
- Steeper learning curve due to feature density
- Limited advanced compliance tools for highly regulated industries like pharma
- Reporting customization lacks depth for complex lot analytics
Best For
Small to medium businesses in manufacturing, food, or retail needing affordable lot tracking with multi-channel sales support.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 20 online orders/month; paid plans start at $59/month (Standard) billed annually, up to $249/month (Elite).
Acctivate
specializedQuickBooks-integrated inventory management with detailed lot and serial number tracking capabilities.
Advanced lot traceability engine for full forward/reverse tracking and compliance reporting
Acctivate is a robust inventory management software that integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks, offering comprehensive lot and serial number tracking for precise inventory control. It supports lot assignment at receipt, expiration date management, FIFO/LIFO lot costing, and full traceability for recalls and compliance. Designed for distributors and wholesalers, it provides detailed lot history reports and multi-location support to streamline operations.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for accounting and inventory sync
- Strong lot traceability with recall capabilities and expiration tracking
- Customizable reports and multi-location inventory support
Cons
- Desktop-only Windows application with dated interface
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Pricing can be high for small businesses without QuickBooks
Best For
Small to mid-sized distributors and wholesalers relying on QuickBooks who require reliable lot control and traceability.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$1,995 per concurrent user, plus ~20% annual maintenance; modular pricing available.
NetSuite
enterpriseCloud ERP platform delivering enterprise-grade lot management, traceability, and regulatory compliance.
Real-time lot traceability integrated with financials, procurement, and sales for complete supply chain compliance.
NetSuite is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform from Oracle that includes robust inventory management with lot control features for tracking batches, expiration dates, and traceability in industries like manufacturing, food, and pharmaceuticals. It enables lot-numbered inventory tracking, FIFO/LIFO methods, recall management, and compliance reporting, all integrated with finance, supply chain, and order fulfillment. While powerful for enterprise-scale operations, it functions as part of a broader suite rather than a standalone lot control tool.
Pros
- Advanced lot tracking with expiration, recall, and compliance tools
- Seamless integration across ERP modules for end-to-end visibility
- Highly customizable via SuiteScript and workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup
- High cost unsuitable for small businesses
- Overkill for pure lot control without needing full ERP
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises in regulated industries requiring integrated lot control within a full ERP ecosystem.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically $999+ base/month plus $99-$150 per user/month.
SOS Inventory
specializedQuickBooks add-on for inventory control featuring lot tracking, assemblies, and advanced reporting.
Native QuickBooks Desktop and Online integration that automatically reconciles lot-tracked inventory with financial records
SOS Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management platform designed for small to mid-sized businesses, with robust lot control capabilities for tracking batches, expiration dates, and traceability in industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. It enables users to assign lots during receiving, manage them across multiple locations, and apply rules like FEFO (First Expired, First Out) for fulfillment. Deep integration with QuickBooks ensures inventory data syncs automatically with accounting, while supporting barcode scanning, custom reports, and reorder alerts.
Pros
- Comprehensive lot tracking with expiration dates, FEFO logic, and full traceability from purchase to sale
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for automated accounting sync
- Multi-location inventory support and customizable reporting
Cons
- Heavily reliant on QuickBooks integration, limiting standalone appeal
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Advanced features may require a learning curve for non-accounting users
Best For
QuickBooks-using SMBs in regulated industries needing affordable lot tracking for perishable or batch-controlled inventory.
Pricing
Starts at $59.99/month (Lite, 1 user), $99.99/month (Pro, up to 3 users), $199.99/month (Advanced, up to 5 users), with Enterprise custom pricing.
Conclusion
After examining the top 10 lot control software options, MRPeasy stands out as the top choice, offering cloud-based functionality with complete lot traceability, expiration tracking, and production planning designed for small manufacturers. Fishbowl Inventory and Katana follow as strong alternatives, with Fishbowl excelling in advanced lot and serial number tracking and Katana providing real-time visibility and manufacturing scheduling to suit diverse operational needs. Each tool brings unique strengths, but MRPeasy leads with its comprehensive feature set tailored to optimize lot control processes.
Don’t miss out on MRPeasy—start exploring its robust lot traceability and production planning capabilities today, or consider Fishbowl or Katana if your needs focus on advanced tracking or real-time scheduling to find the perfect fit for your operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
