Quick Overview
- 1#1: MRPeasy - Cloud-based MRP software that integrates production planning, inventory management, procurement, and CRM for small to medium manufacturers.
- 2#2: Katana MRP - Visual manufacturing ERP tool for real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order fulfillment in small businesses.
- 3#3: Fishbowl Inventory - Robust inventory management solution with manufacturing orders, bill of materials, and multi-location warehouse control.
- 4#4: Odoo - Modular open-source ERP platform featuring inventory management, manufacturing execution, and supply chain automation.
- 5#5: ERPNext - Open-source ERP system with built-in manufacturing, inventory tracking, quality control, and production planning modules.
- 6#6: NetSuite - Cloud ERP offering advanced inventory management, demand planning, and work order processing for manufacturing enterprises.
- 7#7: Epicor Kinetic - Industry-specific ERP with comprehensive inventory control, shop floor management, and supply chain visibility for manufacturers.
- 8#8: Plex - Smart manufacturing platform providing real-time inventory tracking, MES, and quality management in a cloud-native environment.
- 9#9: DELMIAworks - Integrated ERP and MES software for discrete and process manufacturers handling inventory, production, and quality assurance.
- 10#10: Prodsmart - Real-time shop floor management system with inventory control, production monitoring, and performance analytics for manufacturers.
Tools were ranked based on key factors including comprehensive feature sets (integrations, scalability, real-time tracking), user-centric quality (reliability, support, intuitive design), practical ease of use (onboarding, workflow efficiency), and long-term value (ROI, adaptability to growth).
Comparison Table
Effective manufacturing inventory management is vital for optimizing operations and reducing costs; this comparison table examines key tools like MRPeasy, Katana MRP, Fishbowl Inventory, Odoo, ERPNext, and more. It details features, integration strengths, and suitability for various business scales, empowering readers to select the right software for their unique needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MRPeasy Cloud-based MRP software that integrates production planning, inventory management, procurement, and CRM for small to medium manufacturers. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Katana MRP Visual manufacturing ERP tool for real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order fulfillment in small businesses. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Fishbowl Inventory Robust inventory management solution with manufacturing orders, bill of materials, and multi-location warehouse control. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Odoo Modular open-source ERP platform featuring inventory management, manufacturing execution, and supply chain automation. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 5 | ERPNext Open-source ERP system with built-in manufacturing, inventory tracking, quality control, and production planning modules. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 6 | NetSuite Cloud ERP offering advanced inventory management, demand planning, and work order processing for manufacturing enterprises. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Epicor Kinetic Industry-specific ERP with comprehensive inventory control, shop floor management, and supply chain visibility for manufacturers. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Plex Smart manufacturing platform providing real-time inventory tracking, MES, and quality management in a cloud-native environment. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | DELMIAworks Integrated ERP and MES software for discrete and process manufacturers handling inventory, production, and quality assurance. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.3/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Prodsmart Real-time shop floor management system with inventory control, production monitoring, and performance analytics for manufacturers. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
Cloud-based MRP software that integrates production planning, inventory management, procurement, and CRM for small to medium manufacturers.
Visual manufacturing ERP tool for real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order fulfillment in small businesses.
Robust inventory management solution with manufacturing orders, bill of materials, and multi-location warehouse control.
Modular open-source ERP platform featuring inventory management, manufacturing execution, and supply chain automation.
Open-source ERP system with built-in manufacturing, inventory tracking, quality control, and production planning modules.
Cloud ERP offering advanced inventory management, demand planning, and work order processing for manufacturing enterprises.
Industry-specific ERP with comprehensive inventory control, shop floor management, and supply chain visibility for manufacturers.
Smart manufacturing platform providing real-time inventory tracking, MES, and quality management in a cloud-native environment.
Integrated ERP and MES software for discrete and process manufacturers handling inventory, production, and quality assurance.
Real-time shop floor management system with inventory control, production monitoring, and performance analytics for manufacturers.
MRPeasy
specializedCloud-based MRP software that integrates production planning, inventory management, procurement, and CRM for small to medium manufacturers.
Visual Gantt-based production scheduler that dynamically adjusts plans for material shortages, machine capacity, and priorities in real-time
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP/ERP software designed specifically for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering comprehensive tools for production planning, inventory management, and order fulfillment. It streamlines operations with features like BOM management, real-time shop floor tracking, automated scheduling, and integrated CRM and procurement. Ideal for make-to-order and make-to-stock businesses, it provides end-to-end visibility to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
Pros
- Advanced production scheduling with Gantt charts and automatic rescheduling based on real-time data
- Robust inventory control including lot tracking, serial numbers, and multi-warehouse support
- All-in-one platform integrating CRM, purchasing, and financial reporting for seamless workflows
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can become expensive for larger teams
- Initial setup may require data migration effort for complex BOMs
- Limited advanced analytics compared to enterprise-level ERPs
Best For
Small to medium-sized discrete manufacturers seeking an intuitive, scalable MRP solution for make-to-order production without needing IT expertise.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (billed annually) for Basic plan; scales to $79/user/month for Professional and custom Enterprise pricing.
Katana MRP
specializedVisual manufacturing ERP tool for real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order fulfillment in small businesses.
Live MRP engine that automatically generates and schedules manufacturing orders based on real-time demand and stock levels
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning (MRP) software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering real-time inventory tracking, production planning, and order management. It automates bill of materials (BOM) processing, shop floor execution, and integrates with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks. The platform emphasizes visual dashboards and kanban-style workflows to simplify complex manufacturing processes.
Pros
- Intuitive visual interface with kanban boards for production planning
- Seamless integrations with 100+ apps including Shopify and Xero
- Real-time inventory visibility across multiple warehouses
Cons
- Advanced features like multi-level BOMs locked behind higher tiers
- Reporting and analytics could be more customizable
- Customer support response times vary for non-enterprise users
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers seeking an easy-to-use MRP system for scaling production without heavy IT involvement.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Maker plan for basic inventory), up to $2,499/month (Enterprise); billed annually with a free trial.
Fishbowl Inventory
specializedRobust inventory management solution with manufacturing orders, bill of materials, and multi-location warehouse control.
Native, two-way QuickBooks Desktop integration that automatically posts inventory transactions to general ledger without double-entry
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust on-premise inventory management software tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, with specialized tools for manufacturing operations. It enables precise tracking of inventory across multiple warehouses, management of bills of materials (BOMs), work orders, production scheduling, and barcode scanning for efficient fulfillment. The platform excels in automating inventory adjustments and integrates deeply with QuickBooks to streamline accounting without manual data entry.
Pros
- Seamless, native integration with QuickBooks Desktop for real-time accounting sync
- Comprehensive manufacturing capabilities including multi-level BOMs, routings, and work order management
- Strong multi-location inventory tracking with barcode and RFID support
Cons
- Primarily Windows-based interface feels dated compared to modern cloud competitors
- Steeper learning curve for advanced manufacturing and customization features
- Higher upfront costs may deter very small businesses
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers using QuickBooks who need detailed production planning and multi-warehouse inventory control.
Pricing
One-time license starts at $4,395 for standard edition (1-10 users); Warehouse edition at $5,147; annual maintenance ~20%; subscription from $169/month; add-ons for advanced manufacturing extra.
Odoo
enterpriseModular open-source ERP platform featuring inventory management, manufacturing execution, and supply chain automation.
Fully integrated Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) with dynamic BOMs and real-time production scheduling
Odoo is a modular, open-source ERP platform with comprehensive manufacturing and inventory management capabilities, enabling real-time stock tracking, multi-warehouse operations, and lot/serial number traceability. Its Manufacturing module supports production planning, Bills of Materials (BOMs), work orders, and quality control, integrating seamlessly with procurement and sales. This makes it suitable for streamlining end-to-end manufacturing processes in a unified system.
Pros
- Highly customizable modular architecture with deep manufacturing features like MRP, PLM, and maintenance integration
- Real-time inventory visibility across multiple locations with advanced traceability
- Scalable from small shops to enterprises with strong automation and reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and customization without developer support
- Performance can lag in very large deployments without proper hosting
- Enterprise features require paid subscription, limiting free tier depth
Best For
Small to mid-sized manufacturers seeking an affordable, all-in-one ERP for integrated inventory and production management.
Pricing
Free open-source Community edition; Enterprise starts at ~$25/user/month (app-based pricing).
ERPNext
enterpriseOpen-source ERP system with built-in manufacturing, inventory tracking, quality control, and production planning modules.
Integrated open-source Manufacturing Execution System (MES) with real-time shop floor tracking and automatic inventory adjustments
ERPNext is a fully open-source ERP platform that excels in manufacturing and inventory management, offering tools like multi-level Bill of Materials (BOM), production planning, work orders, shop floor execution, and perpetual inventory tracking with serial/batch support. It enables real-time stock valuation using methods like FIFO, Moving Average, and LIFO, alongside quality control, subcontracting, and warehouse management. The system integrates manufacturing seamlessly with CRM, accounting, and procurement for end-to-end visibility.
Pros
- Comprehensive open-source manufacturing modules including BOM, work orders, and quality inspections
- Real-time inventory tracking with serial/batch management and multiple valuation methods
- Highly customizable without licensing fees, ideal for tailored workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring technical expertise
- Functional but dated user interface compared to modern SaaS tools
- Performance can lag with very large-scale operations without optimization
Best For
Small to medium manufacturing businesses needing a cost-effective, fully customizable ERP with strong inventory and production planning capabilities.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted version; Frappe Cloud hosting starts at $10/user/month (Basic) up to $25/user/month (Pro), with enterprise support available.
NetSuite
enterpriseCloud ERP offering advanced inventory management, demand planning, and work order processing for manufacturing enterprises.
Advanced Production Management with multi-level BOMs, routings, and real-time shop floor execution
NetSuite is a cloud-based ERP platform that provides comprehensive manufacturing inventory management, enabling real-time tracking of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods across multiple locations. It includes advanced tools like MRP, BOM management, demand planning, lot/serial tracking, and shop floor control to optimize production and supply chain efficiency. The system integrates inventory seamlessly with financials, procurement, and order management for end-to-end visibility.
Pros
- Highly scalable with robust MRP, production planning, and multi-location inventory support
- Deep integration across ERP modules for real-time financial and operational insights
- Advanced analytics and customizable dashboards for manufacturing KPIs
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring implementation partners
- High cost, especially for smaller manufacturers
- Overkill for simple inventory needs without full ERP adoption
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturers with complex operations needing integrated ERP and advanced inventory controls.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at ~$1,000/user/month, plus implementation fees ($50K+ typical) and add-ons.
Epicor Kinetic
enterpriseIndustry-specific ERP with comprehensive inventory control, shop floor management, and supply chain visibility for manufacturers.
Advanced Material Requirements Planning (MRP) with multi-level pegging and finite capacity scheduling for precise inventory control in complex manufacturing.
Epicor Kinetic is a cloud-based ERP platform designed specifically for manufacturing operations, offering robust inventory management capabilities including real-time tracking, demand forecasting, and multi-location support. It integrates seamlessly with production planning, procurement, and quality control to optimize supply chain efficiency. As a comprehensive solution, it supports complex manufacturing environments with lot and serial number traceability, MRP, and advanced analytics for inventory optimization.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory tools with MRP, lot/serial tracking, and demand planning tailored for manufacturers
- Scalable for multi-site operations with real-time visibility and strong integration across ERP modules
- Advanced customization via low-code tools and AI-driven insights for inventory optimization
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation requiring significant training and consulting
- High cost structure, especially for smaller manufacturers
- Interface can feel dated in some areas despite browser-based updates
Best For
Mid-sized to large manufacturers seeking an integrated ERP with deep inventory and production management capabilities.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription pricing, typically starting at $175-$300 per user/month with implementation costs often exceeding $50,000.
Plex
enterpriseSmart manufacturing platform providing real-time inventory tracking, MES, and quality management in a cloud-native environment.
Real-time IIoT-connected inventory visibility with infinite traceability from raw materials to finished products
Plex is a cloud-based Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and ERP platform that excels in inventory management for discrete and process manufacturers. It provides real-time visibility into raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods with advanced lot, serial, and container traceability. The system integrates inventory data seamlessly with production scheduling, quality control, supply chain management, and shop floor operations to optimize manufacturing efficiency.
Pros
- Real-time inventory tracking and traceability across the supply chain
- Seamless integration with IIoT devices and shop floor equipment for automated data capture
- Scalable for mid-to-large manufacturers with robust MES/ERP capabilities
Cons
- High implementation costs and lengthy setup for complex environments
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Less ideal for very small manufacturers due to pricing and feature depth
Best For
Mid-sized to large discrete manufacturers seeking an integrated MES with advanced inventory management and real-time production insights.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at around $100,000 annually, scaled by users, production volume, and modules; no public tiered pricing.
DELMIAworks
enterpriseIntegrated ERP and MES software for discrete and process manufacturers handling inventory, production, and quality assurance.
Real-time MES-ERP integration for end-to-end visibility from raw materials to finished goods
DELMIAworks is a robust ERP platform tailored for manufacturing, with advanced inventory management features including real-time tracking, lot/serial traceability, and demand-driven replenishment. It integrates inventory control with production planning, quality management, and supply chain operations to optimize material flow and reduce stockouts. Originally IQMS and now part of Dassault Systèmes, it supports discrete, repetitive, and process manufacturing environments with scalable, industry-specific tools.
Pros
- Comprehensive real-time inventory visibility and traceability
- Deep integration with MES for shop floor control
- Scalable for mid-to-large manufacturers with customizable modules
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation
- Higher upfront costs and customization fees
- User interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS tools
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise-level manufacturers needing an integrated ERP for precise inventory and production management.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing; typically $15,000+ initial setup, $100-300/user/month for cloud subscriptions, varying by modules and scale.
Prodsmart
specializedReal-time shop floor management system with inventory control, production monitoring, and performance analytics for manufacturers.
Geolocated real-time operator tracking via mobile app for precise shop floor visibility and accountability
Prodsmart is a cloud-based Manufacturing Execution System (MES) that delivers real-time visibility into shop floor operations, with strong capabilities in inventory tracking, production monitoring, and resource management for manufacturers. It supports barcode/RFID scanning, material traceability, and work order execution via mobile apps, enabling paperless operations and OEE optimization. Ideal for streamlining manufacturing workflows, it integrates with ERPs to provide end-to-end control from raw materials to finished goods.
Pros
- Real-time inventory tracking and material traceability with mobile scanning
- Intuitive mobile-first interface for shop floor workers
- Customizable dashboards and OEE reporting for quick insights
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger operations
- Limited built-in advanced analytics without add-ons
- Heavy reliance on stable internet for cloud functionality
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers needing affordable, real-time shop floor and inventory control without complex IT setups.
Pricing
Quote-based; starts around $500/month for basic plans, scaling with users, sites, and modules (Essentials, Advanced, Enterprise tiers).
Conclusion
The top tools cater to varied manufacturing needs, with MRPeasy leading as the top choice, offering seamless integration of production planning, inventory management, procurement, and CRM for small to medium operations. Katana MRP stands out for real-time tracking and agile production scheduling, ideal for small businesses, while Fishbowl Inventory excels with robust multi-location control and bill of materials management, making it a strong pick for complex workflows.
Don't miss the chance to enhance efficiency—start with MRPeasy to experience integrated, scalable solutions that streamline your operations and drive growth.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
