Quick Overview
- 1#1: MRPeasy - Cloud-based MRP software for small to medium manufacturers providing real-time inventory tracking, production planning, and purchase management.
- 2#2: Katana - Visual MRP platform that enables manufacturers to manage inventory, production scheduling, and sales orders in real-time.
- 3#3: Plex - Smart manufacturing cloud ERP offering end-to-end inventory visibility, traceability, and control across production processes.
- 4#4: Fishbowl Inventory - Advanced inventory management system with manufacturing order processing and multi-location tracking for SMBs.
- 5#5: Epicor Kinetic - Enterprise ERP solution tailored for manufacturing with robust inventory control, forecasting, and supply chain management.
- 6#6: NetSuite - Cloud ERP platform featuring manufacturing and inventory modules for demand planning, lot tracking, and automation.
- 7#7: Odoo - Modular open-source ERP with integrated manufacturing and inventory apps for streamlined production and stock control.
- 8#8: SYSPRO - ERP software designed for manufacturing industries offering comprehensive inventory management and MRP functionality.
- 9#9: Global Shop Solutions - ERP system for job shops and make-to-order manufacturers providing real-time inventory visibility and quoting tools.
- 10#10: DELMIAworks - Manufacturing ERP with strong inventory control features including serial/lot tracking and shop floor management.
We ranked these tools by evaluating key factors including robust feature sets (such as real-time visibility, production planning, and traceability), user-friendly interfaces, system reliability, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring each solution delivers tangible value to diverse manufacturing environments.
Comparison Table
Manufacturing inventory control software streamlines operations, and this comparison table breaks down key tools like MRPeasy, Katana, Plex, Fishbowl Inventory, Epicor Kinetic, and more, guiding readers to identify options that fit their unique production and stock management needs. By examining features, integration capabilities, and scalability, the table helps users assess which software aligns best with their operational goals, from small-scale workflows to large-scale manufacturing environments.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MRPeasy Cloud-based MRP software for small to medium manufacturers providing real-time inventory tracking, production planning, and purchase management. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Katana Visual MRP platform that enables manufacturers to manage inventory, production scheduling, and sales orders in real-time. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Plex Smart manufacturing cloud ERP offering end-to-end inventory visibility, traceability, and control across production processes. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Fishbowl Inventory Advanced inventory management system with manufacturing order processing and multi-location tracking for SMBs. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 5 | Epicor Kinetic Enterprise ERP solution tailored for manufacturing with robust inventory control, forecasting, and supply chain management. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | NetSuite Cloud ERP platform featuring manufacturing and inventory modules for demand planning, lot tracking, and automation. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Odoo Modular open-source ERP with integrated manufacturing and inventory apps for streamlined production and stock control. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 8 | SYSPRO ERP software designed for manufacturing industries offering comprehensive inventory management and MRP functionality. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Global Shop Solutions ERP system for job shops and make-to-order manufacturers providing real-time inventory visibility and quoting tools. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | DELMIAworks Manufacturing ERP with strong inventory control features including serial/lot tracking and shop floor management. | enterprise | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
Cloud-based MRP software for small to medium manufacturers providing real-time inventory tracking, production planning, and purchase management.
Visual MRP platform that enables manufacturers to manage inventory, production scheduling, and sales orders in real-time.
Smart manufacturing cloud ERP offering end-to-end inventory visibility, traceability, and control across production processes.
Advanced inventory management system with manufacturing order processing and multi-location tracking for SMBs.
Enterprise ERP solution tailored for manufacturing with robust inventory control, forecasting, and supply chain management.
Cloud ERP platform featuring manufacturing and inventory modules for demand planning, lot tracking, and automation.
Modular open-source ERP with integrated manufacturing and inventory apps for streamlined production and stock control.
ERP software designed for manufacturing industries offering comprehensive inventory management and MRP functionality.
ERP system for job shops and make-to-order manufacturers providing real-time inventory visibility and quoting tools.
Manufacturing ERP with strong inventory control features including serial/lot tracking and shop floor management.
MRPeasy
specializedCloud-based MRP software for small to medium manufacturers providing real-time inventory tracking, production planning, and purchase management.
Interactive visual production scheduler with drag-and-drop rescheduling and automatic bottleneck detection for optimal shop floor efficiency
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP/ERP software designed specifically for small to medium-sized manufacturers, providing end-to-end control over production planning, inventory management, and order fulfillment. It excels in real-time tracking of materials, work orders, and shop floor operations, with tools for BOM management, procurement, CRM, and financial reporting. The platform supports discrete, repetitive, and mixed-mode manufacturing, enabling accurate scheduling via Gantt charts and infinite capacity planning to minimize downtime and waste.
Pros
- Comprehensive production scheduling with interactive Gantt charts and real-time capacity adjustments
- Robust inventory control including lot/serial tracking, cycle counts, and multi-warehouse support
- Integrated modules for CRM, purchasing, and reporting reduce the need for multiple tools
Cons
- Pricing scales with users (minimum 10), which can be costly for very small teams
- Advanced custom reporting requires some configuration or add-ons
- Limited built-in support for highly regulated industries like food or pharma compliance
Best For
Small to medium-sized discrete manufacturers (up to 200 employees) needing an intuitive, all-in-one MRP system for make-to-order or repetitive production without enterprise complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (Basic plan, min. 10 users), with Production ($99/user/month) and full ERP tiers; custom enterprise pricing available; 14-day free trial.
Katana
specializedVisual MRP platform that enables manufacturers to manage inventory, production scheduling, and sales orders in real-time.
Dynamic MRP engine that auto-calculates and adjusts production plans in real-time based on live sales, inventory, and supplier data
Katana is a cloud-based MRP (Material Requirements Planning) software tailored for manufacturers, providing real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order management across multiple locations. It automates material needs calculations, helps prevent stockouts and overstocking, and integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks. Ideal for make-to-order or make-to-stock operations, Katana offers visual planning boards and demand forecasting to streamline manufacturing workflows.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory visibility and tracking
- Automated MRP for precise material planning and production scheduling
- Strong integrations with Shopify, QuickBooks, and Xero
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with production volume, less ideal for very high-output manufacturers
- Limited advanced custom reporting without enterprise plan
- Initial setup requires accurate BOM (Bill of Materials) data entry
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers seeking intuitive, real-time MRP and inventory control without complex ERP implementation.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Essentials, up to 500 orders/month), $219/month (Professional), custom Enterprise; billed annually with volume-based scaling.
Plex
enterpriseSmart manufacturing cloud ERP offering end-to-end inventory visibility, traceability, and control across production processes.
Infinite traceability for full lot-level visibility from raw materials to finished goods
Plex is a cloud-native smart manufacturing platform that excels in inventory control by providing real-time visibility, automated tracking, and seamless integration with MES, ERP, and supply chain management. It enables manufacturers to monitor stock levels, manage lot traceability, and optimize replenishment across multiple facilities. Ideal for discrete and process manufacturing, Plex reduces waste and improves accuracy through data-driven insights and embedded analytics.
Pros
- Real-time inventory visibility and automated replenishment across the supply chain
- Deep integration with production scheduling and quality management for end-to-end control
- Scalable cloud architecture supporting complex, multi-site operations
Cons
- High implementation costs and time for full deployment
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Pricing model less transparent, often requiring custom quotes
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturers needing integrated, real-time inventory control within a comprehensive smart factory platform.
Pricing
Subscription-based with custom quotes; typically starts at $5,000+ per month depending on modules, users, and facility size.
Fishbowl Inventory
specializedAdvanced inventory management system with manufacturing order processing and multi-location tracking for SMBs.
Native, real-time two-way synchronization with QuickBooks
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust inventory management software tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, with strong capabilities in manufacturing inventory control including bill of materials (BOM), work orders, and production tracking. It excels in real-time inventory visibility across multiple locations and supports barcode scanning, cycle counting, and order fulfillment. The platform integrates natively with QuickBooks, bridging inventory data with accounting seamlessly, making it a go-to for manufacturers reliant on Intuit tools.
Pros
- Seamless two-way QuickBooks integration for accurate accounting sync
- Comprehensive manufacturing tools like BOM management and work order processing
- Multi-location inventory tracking with mobile barcode support
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels clunky for new users
- Steep learning curve for advanced manufacturing features
- Limited advanced planning tools like full MRP compared to enterprise ERPs
Best For
Small to mid-sized manufacturers using QuickBooks who need affordable, real-time inventory control with basic production management.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $4,395 (Standard), $13,995 (Manufacturing edition), plus ~20% annual maintenance.
Epicor Kinetic
enterpriseEnterprise ERP solution tailored for manufacturing with robust inventory control, forecasting, and supply chain management.
Integrated Manufacturing Execution System (MES) that provides real-time synchronization between shop floor production and inventory levels for unparalleled accuracy.
Epicor Kinetic is a cloud-based ERP platform designed specifically for manufacturing operations, providing advanced inventory control capabilities including real-time tracking, lot and serial number management, and demand-driven replenishment. It integrates inventory management seamlessly with production planning, procurement, quality control, and supply chain functions to optimize material flow and reduce stockouts. With robust multi-location support and analytics, it enables manufacturers to achieve precise inventory visibility and forecasting across global operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory tools with lot/serial traceability and MRP integration
- Real-time analytics and AI-driven forecasting for demand accuracy
- Scalable for multi-site manufacturing with strong customization options
Cons
- Complex implementation requiring significant setup time and expertise
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Higher cost structure compared to standalone inventory solutions
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturing enterprises needing an integrated ERP with deep inventory control tied to production and supply chain processes.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at approximately $175/user/month, with full implementations often ranging from $100,000 to $500,000+ annually depending on modules and scale.
NetSuite
enterpriseCloud ERP platform featuring manufacturing and inventory modules for demand planning, lot tracking, and automation.
Unified real-time dashboard integrating inventory, manufacturing, and financial data across the entire enterprise
NetSuite is a cloud-based ERP platform from Oracle that provides comprehensive manufacturing and inventory control solutions, including real-time inventory tracking, material requirements planning (MRP), and production management. It supports discrete, assembly, and process manufacturing with features like lot/serial number tracking, demand forecasting, and supply chain visibility. The system integrates inventory data with financials, CRM, and order management for end-to-end operational control.
Pros
- Robust real-time inventory visibility and multi-location support
- Advanced MRP, production scheduling, and demand planning tools
- Deep integration with financials, procurement, and sales modules
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation (often 6-12 months)
- High cost prohibitive for small manufacturers
- Heavy reliance on customizations and professional services
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturers needing a scalable, integrated ERP for complex inventory and production control.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription; typically $999-$2,999/user/month plus implementation fees starting at $50,000+.
Odoo
otherModular open-source ERP with integrated manufacturing and inventory apps for streamlined production and stock control.
Integrated multi-level BOMs with full forward/backward traceability for precise inventory control in complex manufacturing environments
Odoo is an open-source ERP platform with a dedicated Manufacturing and Inventory apps that provide end-to-end control over production planning, inventory tracking, and supply chain management. It supports bill of materials (BOMs), work orders, real-time stock visibility, lot/serial traceability, and automated replenishment rules tailored for manufacturing operations. As a modular system, it integrates seamlessly with other Odoo apps like purchasing, sales, and accounting for comprehensive business oversight.
Pros
- Highly customizable with no-code tools and open-source flexibility
- Real-time inventory tracking with lot/serial traceability and multi-warehouse support
- Integrated MRP module for production scheduling, quality control, and forecasting
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex setups and customizations
- Performance can lag with very large-scale manufacturing without optimization
- Advanced features and support require paid Enterprise edition
Best For
Small to mid-sized manufacturers seeking an affordable, all-in-one ERP with robust inventory and production management that scales with growth.
Pricing
Free Community edition; Enterprise apps start at $24.90/user/month (per app) or $37.40/user/month for unlimited apps.
SYSPRO
enterpriseERP software designed for manufacturing industries offering comprehensive inventory management and MRP functionality.
Advanced Inventory Accuracy module with automated cycle counting and perpetual inventory for real-time precision
SYSPRO is a robust ERP system designed for manufacturing and distribution companies, providing comprehensive inventory control features such as real-time tracking, lot and serial number management, multi-location support, and demand forecasting. It integrates inventory management tightly with production planning, material requirements planning (MRP), purchasing, and financial modules to optimize stock levels and reduce costs. Highly customizable, SYSPRO supports discrete, process, and mixed-mode manufacturing environments with advanced traceability and compliance tools.
Pros
- Powerful inventory optimization with MRP and demand planning
- Excellent lot/serial traceability and multi-warehouse management
- Deep customization for complex manufacturing BOMs and routings
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation
- Dated user interface compared to modern SaaS alternatives
- High upfront costs for customization and support
Best For
Mid-sized manufacturers requiring flexible, integrated inventory control within a full ERP suite.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; perpetual licenses start at $5,000-$10,000 per module plus annual maintenance, or cloud subscriptions from $175/user/month.
Global Shop Solutions
enterpriseERP system for job shops and make-to-order manufacturers providing real-time inventory visibility and quoting tools.
Infinity APS: Drag-and-drop visual scheduling that dynamically optimizes capacity, materials, and due dates in real-time.
Global Shop Solutions is an ERP/MES software tailored for discrete manufacturers, especially job shops and make-to-order operations, offering end-to-end control from quoting to shipping. It excels in inventory management with real-time tracking, multi-level BOMs, MRP functionality, lot/serial traceability, and automated replenishment. The system integrates inventory seamlessly with production scheduling, shop floor execution, and quality control for optimized manufacturing workflows.
Pros
- Powerful Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) with visual Gantt charts
- Comprehensive inventory control including MRP and lot/serial tracking
- Deep customization for complex manufacturing processes
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- Primarily on-premise with lengthy, costly implementation
- Limited native cloud/mobile features compared to SaaS competitors
Best For
Mid-sized job shops and contract manufacturers requiring robust, integrated inventory and scheduling for discrete production.
Pricing
Quote-based; on-premise licensing starts at $50,000+ for setup, plus per-user fees (~$200-300/user/month equivalent) and annual maintenance.
DELMIAworks
enterpriseManufacturing ERP with strong inventory control features including serial/lot tracking and shop floor management.
End-to-end lot and serial number traceability with real-time shop floor integration
DELMIAworks is a comprehensive ERP platform tailored for manufacturers, providing advanced inventory control through real-time tracking, lot/serial traceability, and material requirements planning (MRP). It integrates inventory management seamlessly with production scheduling, quality control, and financials to optimize supply chain operations. Designed for discrete, process, and repetitive manufacturing, it offers scalability from small shops to enterprise-level deployments.
Pros
- Robust real-time inventory visibility and traceability
- Integrated MRP and demand forecasting tools
- Scalable with strong manufacturing-specific modules
Cons
- Steep learning curve and extensive training required
- High implementation costs and complexity
- Customization can be time-intensive
Best For
Mid-sized discrete and repetitive manufacturers seeking an all-in-one ERP with deep inventory control integration.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically $150-$300 per user/month for cloud deployments, with additional setup fees.
Conclusion
After reviewing the top 10 tools, MRPeasy stands out as the top choice, offering real-time inventory tracking, production planning, and purchase management tailored for small to medium manufacturers. Katana, with its visual MRP and real-time sales and production scheduling, and Plex, providing end-to-end visibility and traceability across processes, are strong alternatives that suit different operational needs.
Don’t miss the chance to try MRPeasy—the top-ranked software—to enhance your inventory control and manufacturing efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison