Quick Overview
- 1#1: Fishbowl Inventory - Comprehensive inventory management software with advanced lot and serial number tracking for manufacturing traceability.
- 2#2: MRPeasy - Cloud-based MRP system offering batch tracking, production scheduling, and inventory control for small manufacturers.
- 3#3: Katana MRP - Real-time manufacturing platform with live inventory and batch tracking for streamlined production workflows.
- 4#4: Odoo - Modular open-source ERP with built-in lot and serial tracking for end-to-end inventory management.
- 5#5: Cin7 - Multi-channel inventory platform featuring lot tracking, expiry management, and order fulfillment automation.
- 6#6: NetSuite - Cloud ERP solution providing robust lot number management and supply chain traceability for enterprises.
- 7#7: Unleashed - Cloud inventory software with lot tracking capabilities for wholesalers and light manufacturers.
- 8#8: Prodsmart - Manufacturing execution system for real-time shop floor monitoring including lot and batch traceability.
- 9#9: ERPNext - Open-source ERP with serial and batch tracking features for quality control and compliance.
- 10#10: BatchMaster - Process manufacturing ERP specializing in formula management and lot traceability for chemical and food industries.
We selected and ranked these tools by evaluating core functionality (e.g., batch/lot traceability, integration capabilities), platform reliability, ease of use, and value, ensuring a balance of versatility and practicality for diverse business requirements.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines popular Lot Number Tracking Software tools, such as Fishbowl Inventory, MRPeasy, Katana MRP, Odoo, and Cin7, to assist businesses in selecting the right solution for efficient lot tracking. Readers will discover key features, integration options, and usability details across these platforms, facilitating informed decisions to optimize inventory management processes.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fishbowl Inventory Comprehensive inventory management software with advanced lot and serial number tracking for manufacturing traceability. | specialized | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | MRPeasy Cloud-based MRP system offering batch tracking, production scheduling, and inventory control for small manufacturers. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Katana MRP Real-time manufacturing platform with live inventory and batch tracking for streamlined production workflows. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Odoo Modular open-source ERP with built-in lot and serial tracking for end-to-end inventory management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | Cin7 Multi-channel inventory platform featuring lot tracking, expiry management, and order fulfillment automation. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | NetSuite Cloud ERP solution providing robust lot number management and supply chain traceability for enterprises. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Unleashed Cloud inventory software with lot tracking capabilities for wholesalers and light manufacturers. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | Prodsmart Manufacturing execution system for real-time shop floor monitoring including lot and batch traceability. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | ERPNext Open-source ERP with serial and batch tracking features for quality control and compliance. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | BatchMaster Process manufacturing ERP specializing in formula management and lot traceability for chemical and food industries. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
Comprehensive inventory management software with advanced lot and serial number tracking for manufacturing traceability.
Cloud-based MRP system offering batch tracking, production scheduling, and inventory control for small manufacturers.
Real-time manufacturing platform with live inventory and batch tracking for streamlined production workflows.
Modular open-source ERP with built-in lot and serial tracking for end-to-end inventory management.
Multi-channel inventory platform featuring lot tracking, expiry management, and order fulfillment automation.
Cloud ERP solution providing robust lot number management and supply chain traceability for enterprises.
Cloud inventory software with lot tracking capabilities for wholesalers and light manufacturers.
Manufacturing execution system for real-time shop floor monitoring including lot and batch traceability.
Open-source ERP with serial and batch tracking features for quality control and compliance.
Process manufacturing ERP specializing in formula management and lot traceability for chemical and food industries.
Fishbowl Inventory
specializedComprehensive inventory management software with advanced lot and serial number tracking for manufacturing traceability.
Comprehensive lot traceability with built-in expiration date alerts, recall wizards, and FIFO lot costing for regulatory compliance
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust warehouse management and inventory control software renowned for its advanced lot number tracking capabilities, enabling precise traceability from receipt to shipment. It supports lot costing, expiration date management, FIFO processing, and full recall functionality to ensure regulatory compliance in industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. The platform integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks and other ERPs, providing real-time visibility and customizable reporting for lot-level inventory analysis.
Pros
- Superior lot and serial number tracking with expiration dates and full traceability for compliance
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks and barcode scanning for efficient operations
- Advanced reporting and multi-location support for scalable inventory management
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced lot tracking configurations
- Higher upfront costs and ongoing maintenance fees
- Limited native mobile app features compared to cloud-only competitors
Best For
Mid-sized manufacturers, distributors, and warehouses in regulated industries requiring precise lot-level traceability and QuickBooks integration.
Pricing
One-time perpetual license starting at $4,395 per user, plus annual maintenance fees around 20% of license cost; volume discounts available.
MRPeasy
specializedCloud-based MRP system offering batch tracking, production scheduling, and inventory control for small manufacturers.
Full backward and forward lot traceability across the entire supply chain
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP/ERP software designed for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering robust lot number tracking for full traceability from procurement to delivery. It enables batch and serial number management, expiration date tracking, and compliance reporting to meet industry standards like FDA or ISO. The system integrates lot tracking seamlessly with production scheduling, inventory control, and sales orders for efficient operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive lot and serial number traceability with forward/backward tracking
- Real-time inventory visibility and expiration date management
- Seamless integration with MRP modules for end-to-end manufacturing workflows
Cons
- Minimum user requirements may not suit very small operations
- Advanced customizations require higher-tier plans
- Steeper learning curve for non-manufacturing users
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers requiring integrated lot tracking within MRP processes for compliance and efficiency.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (Gold plan, min. 10 users, billed annually); higher tiers up to $79/user/month for advanced features.
Katana MRP
specializedReal-time manufacturing platform with live inventory and batch tracking for streamlined production workflows.
Live multi-warehouse lot tracking with automatic stock movements and expiration alerts
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning software that provides robust lot and batch number tracking for inventory management and production traceability. It enables real-time monitoring of lots from procurement through manufacturing to sales, including expiration dates, quality checks, and recall capabilities. Designed for small to medium-sized manufacturers, it integrates lot tracking seamlessly with production scheduling, multi-warehouse support, and accounting tools.
Pros
- Excellent real-time lot traceability across the supply chain
- Intuitive visual dashboards for production and inventory
- Strong integrations with e-commerce and accounting platforms
Cons
- Limited advanced customization for highly regulated industries like pharma
- Pricing can escalate quickly with multiple users or locations
- Reporting tools lack depth for complex lot analytics
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers in food, beverages, or consumer goods needing straightforward lot tracking integrated with MRP workflows.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Essentials, up to 100 orders), $299/month (Pro, up to 750 orders), with custom Enterprise pricing.
Odoo
enterpriseModular open-source ERP with built-in lot and serial tracking for end-to-end inventory management.
Bidirectional lot traceability linking suppliers, production, and customers in a unified ERP environment
Odoo is an open-source ERP platform with robust inventory management modules that excel in lot number tracking for products throughout the supply chain. It enables assigning lots to incoming goods, tracking their use in manufacturing, sales, and returns, while monitoring key attributes like expiration dates and production batches. The system generates detailed traceability reports to ensure compliance and quick recalls when needed.
Pros
- Advanced lot traceability with expiration, best-before, and production date tracking
- Seamless integration across inventory, manufacturing, purchasing, and sales modules
- Customizable reports and automation for compliance and efficiency
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial configuration and module setup
- Some advanced traceability features require the paid Enterprise edition
- Can be resource-heavy for very small operations or large-scale deployments
Best For
Medium-sized manufacturers and distributors needing integrated ERP with comprehensive lot tracking.
Pricing
Free Community edition; Enterprise starts at $31.10/user/month (billed annually) with additional hosting options.
Cin7
specializedMulti-channel inventory platform featuring lot tracking, expiry management, and order fulfillment automation.
Advanced batch traceability linking lots across the entire supply chain with automated expiration and recall workflows
Cin7 is a robust inventory management platform designed for multi-channel retailers and distributors, offering comprehensive lot number tracking to manage batches, expirations, and recalls. It provides full traceability from procurement to sales, with real-time updates across integrated sales channels, warehouses, and accounting systems. While powerful for scaling businesses, its lot tracking is embedded within a broader inventory suite rather than being a standalone focus.
Pros
- Strong lot and serial number traceability with expiration alerts and recall tools
- Seamless integrations with e-commerce platforms, POS, and accounting software
- Real-time multi-warehouse inventory visibility and automation
Cons
- Complex interface with a steep learning curve for lot-specific setups
- Pricing can be expensive for small businesses focused solely on lot tracking
- Less specialized depth in lot tracking compared to dedicated solutions
Best For
Mid-sized retailers and distributors handling perishable or regulated goods who need integrated lot tracking within full inventory management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $349/month for Starter plan, scaling to $999+/month for Enterprise based on order volume and users.
NetSuite
enterpriseCloud ERP solution providing robust lot number management and supply chain traceability for enterprises.
Advanced Lot and Serial Number Management with automated recall workflows and real-time multi-entity traceability
NetSuite is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform from Oracle that includes advanced inventory management with lot number tracking capabilities for precise inventory traceability. It enables businesses to assign lot numbers, track movements across locations, manage expirations, and perform recalls, ensuring compliance in industries like manufacturing, food, and pharmaceuticals. Integrated with financials, supply chain, and manufacturing modules, it provides end-to-end visibility beyond standalone lot tracking tools.
Pros
- Powerful lot tracking with expiration dates, recalls, and multi-location support
- Deep integration with ERP modules for full supply chain visibility
- Scalable for enterprises with robust reporting and compliance tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation requiring consultants
- High cost not ideal for small businesses or lot-tracking-only needs
- Customization-heavy interface can overwhelm non-expert users
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises in regulated industries needing integrated ERP with advanced lot number traceability.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription pricing, typically starting at $999/user/month plus modules and implementation fees.
Unleashed
specializedCloud inventory software with lot tracking capabilities for wholesalers and light manufacturers.
Advanced forward/backward lot traceability for rapid recalls and regulatory compliance
Unleashed is a cloud-based inventory management platform designed for wholesalers, manufacturers, and distributors, offering robust lot and batch number tracking for traceability and compliance. It enables users to assign lot numbers to inventory items, track expiry dates, and generate detailed reports for audits or recalls. The software supports multi-location inventory with real-time updates and integrates seamlessly with accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks.
Pros
- Comprehensive lot/batch tracking with expiry date management and full traceability
- Real-time multi-warehouse inventory visibility and automated stock alerts
- Strong integrations with e-commerce and accounting platforms
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with order volume and locations, less ideal for small businesses
- Feature-rich interface has a moderate learning curve for new users
- Reporting customization is somewhat limited without add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized distributors and manufacturers requiring end-to-end inventory control with lot-level traceability for compliance.
Pricing
Starts at ~$349 NZD/month (billed annually) for up to 100 orders/month; scales to $999+ NZD/month based on volume and locations.
Prodsmart
specializedManufacturing execution system for real-time shop floor monitoring including lot and batch traceability.
Live production control center with granular lot-level tracking and alerts
Prodsmart is a cloud-based Manufacturing Execution System (MES) that offers robust lot number tracking as part of its real-time shop floor control capabilities. It enables full traceability of materials and products by lot, supporting compliance, quality control, and rapid recalls through mobile data capture and dashboards. The platform integrates with ERPs and provides OEE metrics alongside lot management for comprehensive production oversight.
Pros
- Real-time lot and serial number traceability across production
- Mobile app for seamless shop floor data entry
- Strong ERP integrations for end-to-end visibility
Cons
- Custom pricing lacks upfront transparency
- Geared more toward full MES than standalone lot tracking
- Initial setup requires configuration for optimal lot workflows
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers needing integrated MES with reliable lot traceability for compliance and efficiency.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on users and features; typically starts around $100/user/month with enterprise quotes required.
ERPNext
enterpriseOpen-source ERP with serial and batch tracking features for quality control and compliance.
Batch traceability linking lots across procurement, production, quality checks, and sales for complete supply chain audit trails
ERPNext is an open-source ERP platform that offers robust lot number tracking through its batch management system, enabling precise traceability of inventory from procurement to sales. It supports lot-specific details like manufacturing dates, expiry dates, quality inspections, and serial numbers, integrated with manufacturing, warehouse, and accounting modules. This makes it suitable for businesses needing comprehensive inventory control beyond basic tracking.
Pros
- Open-source and free to self-host
- Strong traceability with expiry and quality controls
- Deep integration with full ERP for end-to-end visibility
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to ERP complexity
- Requires technical setup for optimal performance
- Overkill for simple lot tracking needs
Best For
Manufacturing or distribution companies requiring integrated ERP alongside advanced lot tracking.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted version; Frappe Cloud hosting starts at $10/site/month with paid tiers up to enterprise levels.
BatchMaster
specializedProcess manufacturing ERP specializing in formula management and lot traceability for chemical and food industries.
Batch genealogy trees for visual forward/backward traceability across multi-level bills of materials
BatchMaster is an ERP solution tailored for process and batch manufacturers, with robust lot number tracking that provides end-to-end traceability from raw materials to finished goods. It supports forward and backward lot tracing, expiration date management, and compliance with regulations like FDA and HACCP. The software integrates lot tracking seamlessly with inventory, production scheduling, quality control, and formula management for regulated industries such as food, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
Pros
- Comprehensive lot and batch traceability with genealogy trees
- Strong regulatory compliance tools for FDA, ISO, and HACCP
- Deep integration with manufacturing processes and inventory control
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive ERP functionality
- Primarily customized implementations requiring professional services
- Limited modern cloud-native options compared to newer SaaS competitors
Best For
Mid-sized process manufacturers in regulated industries seeking integrated ERP with advanced lot tracking.
Pricing
Custom pricing via quote; typically starts at $20,000+ annually based on users, modules, and deployment (on-premise or hosted).
Conclusion
The top tools highlight varied strengths, with Fishbowl Inventory emerging as the leading choice for comprehensive manufacturing traceability. MRPeasy stands out as a cloud-based option tailored for small manufacturers, and Katana MRP excels with real-time production workflow management. Each offers unique value, ensuring alignment with different operational needs.
Explore Fishbowl Inventory to elevate your lot number tracking, efficiency, and control—key for modern operations aiming to streamline processes.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison