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Manufacturing Engineering

Top 10 Best Manufacturing Stock Management Software of 2026

Discover the top 10 manufacturing stock management software to boost efficiency. Compare features and choose the best for your business – start reading!

Alexander Schmidt

Alexander Schmidt

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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Efficient stock management is vital for manufacturers, directly impacting production efficiency, cost control, and supply chain resilience. With a spectrum of tools—from cloud-based MRP systems to modular ERP platforms—choosing the right solution is key to optimizing workflows. Discover our top 10 selections tailored to meet diverse manufacturing needs, ensuring seamless inventory tracking and operational excellence.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: Katana MRP - Real-time cloud MRP software that provides visual inventory tracking, production scheduling, and stock optimization for small to medium manufacturers.
  2. 2#2: MRPeasy - Cloud-based MRP solution offering production planning, inventory management, and real-time stock visibility tailored for SMB manufacturers.
  3. 3#3: Fishbowl Inventory - Advanced inventory control software with manufacturing order management, multi-location tracking, and QuickBooks integration.
  4. 4#4: Odoo - Modular open-source ERP with integrated inventory, manufacturing, and procurement modules for efficient stock management.
  5. 5#5: ERPNext - Open-source ERP platform featuring manufacturing, inventory tracking, and serial/batch management for cost-effective stock control.
  6. 6#6: Plex - Cloud-native smart manufacturing platform with MES, inventory management, and supply chain visibility for discrete manufacturers.
  7. 7#7: Epicor Kinetic - Comprehensive ERP system designed for manufacturers, providing advanced inventory control, forecasting, and production planning.
  8. 8#8: NetSuite - Cloud ERP offering scalable inventory management, demand planning, and manufacturing execution for growing businesses.
  9. 9#9: SAP Business One - ERP software for SMBs with robust manufacturing and inventory modules supporting bin locations, serial tracking, and MRP.
  10. 10#10: Prodsmart - Real-time MES platform that tracks production, manages inventory levels, and optimizes stock usage on the shop floor.

We evaluated tools based on feature depth (including real-time visibility, production planning, and integration abilities), reliability, user-friendliness, and value, prioritizing those that cater to both small-to-medium and large manufacturers, ensuring robust performance across varied operational scales.

Comparison Table

This comparison table explores top manufacturing stock management software options, featuring Katana MRP, MRPeasy, Fishbowl Inventory, Odoo, ERPNext, and more, to guide businesses toward suitable tools. Readers will find details on key functionalities, integration strengths, and operational fit to optimize inventory control and production efficiency.

1Katana MRP logo9.7/10

Real-time cloud MRP software that provides visual inventory tracking, production scheduling, and stock optimization for small to medium manufacturers.

Features
9.8/10
Ease
9.5/10
Value
9.4/10
2MRPeasy logo9.1/10

Cloud-based MRP solution offering production planning, inventory management, and real-time stock visibility tailored for SMB manufacturers.

Features
9.4/10
Ease
8.7/10
Value
9.0/10

Advanced inventory control software with manufacturing order management, multi-location tracking, and QuickBooks integration.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
8.4/10
4Odoo logo8.8/10

Modular open-source ERP with integrated inventory, manufacturing, and procurement modules for efficient stock management.

Features
9.3/10
Ease
7.9/10
Value
9.1/10
5ERPNext logo8.7/10

Open-source ERP platform featuring manufacturing, inventory tracking, and serial/batch management for cost-effective stock control.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
7.4/10
Value
9.5/10
6Plex logo8.4/10

Cloud-native smart manufacturing platform with MES, inventory management, and supply chain visibility for discrete manufacturers.

Features
9.1/10
Ease
7.9/10
Value
7.8/10

Comprehensive ERP system designed for manufacturers, providing advanced inventory control, forecasting, and production planning.

Features
9.1/10
Ease
7.2/10
Value
7.9/10
8NetSuite logo8.2/10

Cloud ERP offering scalable inventory management, demand planning, and manufacturing execution for growing businesses.

Features
9.1/10
Ease
6.7/10
Value
7.4/10

ERP software for SMBs with robust manufacturing and inventory modules supporting bin locations, serial tracking, and MRP.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
6.8/10
Value
7.5/10
10Prodsmart logo8.1/10

Real-time MES platform that tracks production, manages inventory levels, and optimizes stock usage on the shop floor.

Features
8.4/10
Ease
8.7/10
Value
7.6/10
1
Katana MRP logo

Katana MRP

specialized

Real-time cloud MRP software that provides visual inventory tracking, production scheduling, and stock optimization for small to medium manufacturers.

Overall Rating9.7/10
Features
9.8/10
Ease of Use
9.5/10
Value
9.4/10
Standout Feature

Live Inventory Dashboard with color-coded visual stock levels and instant demand forecasting across all locations

Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning (MRP) software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order management. It automates stock replenishment, handles multi-location inventory, and supports bill of materials (BOM) for efficient production planning. With seamless integrations to e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks, Katana eliminates manual spreadsheets and provides visual dashboards for complete operational visibility.

Pros

  • Real-time multi-location inventory tracking prevents stockouts and overstocking
  • Visual drag-and-drop production planning and automated scheduling based on demand
  • Robust integrations with Shopify, QuickBooks, Xero, and more for streamlined workflows

Cons

  • Advanced custom reporting locked behind higher plans
  • Initial BOM setup can be time-intensive for complex products
  • Pricing increases significantly for high-volume operations

Best For

Small to medium manufacturers needing real-time stock control, production automation, and e-commerce integration without complex ERP overhead.

Pricing

Essentials at $99/mo (100 orders), Professional at $299/mo (unlimited), Business/Enterprise custom; 14-day free trial.

Visit Katana MRPkatanamrp.com
2
MRPeasy logo

MRPeasy

specialized

Cloud-based MRP solution offering production planning, inventory management, and real-time stock visibility tailored for SMB manufacturers.

Overall Rating9.1/10
Features
9.4/10
Ease of Use
8.7/10
Value
9.0/10
Standout Feature

Infinite-level BOM support with automatic MRP calculations for precise material requirements planning

MRPeasy is a cloud-based ERP/MRP software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, providing comprehensive tools for production planning, real-time inventory management, and order fulfillment. It integrates CRM, purchasing, shop floor control, and basic accounting to streamline operations from quoting to shipping. The platform excels in handling make-to-order and make-to-stock scenarios with accurate stock tracking and demand forecasting.

Pros

  • Robust real-time inventory tracking with multi-warehouse support and lot/serial number traceability
  • Intuitive production scheduling with drag-and-drop Gantt charts and capacity planning
  • All-in-one integration covering MRP, CRM, and finances without needing multiple tools

Cons

  • Pricing scales with production volume, which can become costly for high-output manufacturers
  • Steeper learning curve for complex multi-level BOM setups
  • Limited advanced analytics and reporting compared to enterprise-level competitors

Best For

Small to medium-sized make-to-order manufacturers needing integrated stock management and production planning without heavy IT overhead.

Pricing

Starts at €49 per user/month for Basic (up to 10 users), with Standard at €99/user/month and custom Enterprise plans; free trial available.

Visit MRPeasymrpeasy.com
3
Fishbowl Inventory logo

Fishbowl Inventory

specialized

Advanced inventory control software with manufacturing order management, multi-location tracking, and QuickBooks integration.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
8.4/10
Standout Feature

Deep, bidirectional QuickBooks integration that syncs inventory data in real-time without double-entry

Fishbowl Inventory is a robust inventory management platform designed for small to mid-sized businesses, offering advanced stock tracking, order fulfillment, and manufacturing capabilities through bills of materials (BOM), work orders, and production planning. It excels in multi-location warehouse management, barcode scanning, lot/serial tracking, and seamless integration with QuickBooks for real-time accounting sync. As a manufacturing stock management solution, it provides tools to streamline raw material allocation, assembly processes, and finished goods inventory control.

Pros

  • Seamless QuickBooks integration for automated accounting
  • Advanced manufacturing tools like multi-level BOMs and work order management
  • Multi-warehouse support with barcode and RFID scanning

Cons

  • Primarily Windows desktop-based with limited mobile access
  • Steep learning curve for complex setups
  • Additional costs for manufacturing add-ons and advanced modules

Best For

Small to medium manufacturing businesses using QuickBooks that require precise inventory tracking and production management.

Pricing

Subscription starts at $199/month per user; one-time licenses from $4,395 for Warehouse edition plus annual maintenance fees.

Visit Fishbowl Inventoryfishbowlinventory.com
4
Odoo logo

Odoo

enterprise

Modular open-source ERP with integrated inventory, manufacturing, and procurement modules for efficient stock management.

Overall Rating8.8/10
Features
9.3/10
Ease of Use
7.9/10
Value
9.1/10
Standout Feature

Integrated MRP with real-time production planning, inventory automation, and full traceability across the supply chain

Odoo is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform with dedicated modules for manufacturing and stock management, enabling real-time inventory tracking, multi-warehouse support, and automated replenishment. It handles complex manufacturing processes including bills of materials (BOMs), work orders, production planning, lot/serial traceability, and demand forecasting. The software integrates seamlessly with procurement, sales, and accounting for end-to-end visibility in manufacturing operations.

Pros

  • Robust MRP features with real-time stock synchronization, traceability, and multi-level BOMs
  • Highly modular and customizable open-source architecture
  • Seamless integration across manufacturing, inventory, procurement, and other ERP functions

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for setup and advanced configuration
  • Performance can lag in Community edition with large-scale operations
  • Key advanced manufacturing tools locked behind Enterprise paywall

Best For

Small to mid-sized manufacturing businesses needing a scalable, integrated ERP for stock and production management.

Pricing

Free Community edition; Enterprise starts at ~$25/user/month (app-based pricing, billed annually).

Visit Odooodoo.com
5
ERPNext logo

ERPNext

enterprise

Open-source ERP platform featuring manufacturing, inventory tracking, and serial/batch management for cost-effective stock control.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
7.4/10
Value
9.5/10
Standout Feature

Integrated perpetual inventory system with real-time stock levels, automatic BOM-based material consumption, and multi-level serial/batch traceability

ERPNext is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform that excels in manufacturing stock management, offering tools for bill of materials (BOM) management, production planning, work orders, and real-time inventory tracking across multiple warehouses. It supports serial and batch tracking, stock valuation methods like FIFO and Moving Average, and integrates quality control with production processes. Designed for small to medium enterprises, it provides end-to-end visibility from procurement to dispatch, minimizing stock discrepancies.

Pros

  • Robust manufacturing modules with BOM, sub-contracting, and production analytics
  • Advanced inventory features like perpetual inventory, multi-warehouse, and auto-replenishment
  • 100% open-source with no licensing fees, highly customizable via low-code tools

Cons

  • Steep learning curve due to extensive features and ERP complexity
  • UI feels dated compared to modern SaaS tools, with occasional performance lags on self-hosted setups
  • Limited official support; relies heavily on community forums unless opting for paid hosting

Best For

Small to medium manufacturing businesses seeking a cost-effective, fully customizable open-source solution for integrated stock and production management.

Pricing

Free open-source self-hosted version; cloud hosting starts at $10/user/month with tiers up to enterprise support.

Visit ERPNexterpnext.com
6
Plex logo

Plex

enterprise

Cloud-native smart manufacturing platform with MES, inventory management, and supply chain visibility for discrete manufacturers.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
9.1/10
Ease of Use
7.9/10
Value
7.8/10
Standout Feature

Real-time shop floor data capture and IIoT integration for precise, automated inventory management

Plex is a cloud-based smart manufacturing platform designed for discrete manufacturers, offering robust stock management through real-time inventory tracking, lot and serial traceability, and automated material requirements planning (MRP). It integrates shop floor data collection with ERP functions to provide end-to-end visibility into stock levels, production scheduling, and supply chain operations. While powerful for complex manufacturing environments, it excels in environments requiring precise inventory control and scalability.

Pros

  • Real-time inventory visibility and automated updates from shop floor devices
  • Strong lot/serial number traceability and MRP capabilities
  • Seamless integration with IIoT and machine monitoring for accurate stock data

Cons

  • Pricing can be high for small manufacturers
  • Steep learning curve for full customization and setup
  • Reporting tools lack some advanced flexibility compared to dedicated ERP giants

Best For

Mid-sized discrete manufacturers needing integrated real-time stock management with MES functionality.

Pricing

Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $175/user/month for core modules, scaling with usage and add-ons.

Visit Plexplex.com
7
Epicor Kinetic logo

Epicor Kinetic

enterprise

Comprehensive ERP system designed for manufacturers, providing advanced inventory control, forecasting, and production planning.

Overall Rating8.3/10
Features
9.1/10
Ease of Use
7.2/10
Value
7.9/10
Standout Feature

AI-powered Epicor Data Analytics (EDA) for predictive inventory forecasting and automated replenishment alerts

Epicor Kinetic is a cloud-based ERP solution tailored for manufacturing, providing advanced stock management features like real-time inventory visibility, lot/serial tracking, and multi-warehouse support. It integrates inventory with production scheduling, procurement, and demand forecasting to streamline manufacturing operations and minimize stock discrepancies. Leveraging AI-driven analytics, it enables predictive replenishment and optimized stock levels for efficient supply chain management.

Pros

  • Robust manufacturing-specific inventory tools including MRP, kanban, and FIFO/LIFO support
  • Scalable for multi-site operations with real-time global visibility
  • Deep integration with production, quality, and financial modules

Cons

  • Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options
  • High initial implementation and training costs
  • Interface can feel overwhelming for smaller teams

Best For

Mid-to-large manufacturers requiring integrated ERP with sophisticated stock control and supply chain optimization.

Pricing

Custom subscription pricing starting around $150-300/user/month for cloud; includes implementation fees often exceeding $100K for full deployment.

8
NetSuite logo

NetSuite

enterprise

Cloud ERP offering scalable inventory management, demand planning, and manufacturing execution for growing businesses.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
9.1/10
Ease of Use
6.7/10
Value
7.4/10
Standout Feature

Integrated Material Requirements Planning (MRP) with real-time synchronization across inventory, production, and procurement

NetSuite is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform that excels in manufacturing stock management by offering real-time inventory tracking, demand planning, and supply chain optimization. It supports discrete, process, and mixed-mode manufacturing with features like lot/serial traceability, bill of materials management, and automated replenishment. Integrated with financials, CRM, and order fulfillment, it provides end-to-end visibility for manufacturers handling complex stock operations.

Pros

  • Robust real-time inventory visibility and multi-location support
  • Advanced MRP and demand forecasting integrated with production planning
  • Scalable for global enterprises with strong customization options

Cons

  • Steep learning curve requiring extensive training and setup
  • High implementation costs often needing certified partners
  • Premium pricing may not suit small or mid-sized manufacturers

Best For

Large-scale manufacturers needing an all-in-one ERP with sophisticated stock management and enterprise-wide integration.

Pricing

Quote-based subscription starting at around $999/user/month, plus one-time implementation fees often exceeding $50,000.

Visit NetSuitenetsuite.com
9
SAP Business One logo

SAP Business One

enterprise

ERP software for SMBs with robust manufacturing and inventory modules supporting bin locations, serial tracking, and MRP.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
6.8/10
Value
7.5/10
Standout Feature

Integrated MRP I/II for demand-driven material planning directly tied to production schedules

SAP Business One is an ERP platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering comprehensive manufacturing stock management through modules for inventory tracking, material requirements planning (MRP), and production order management. It provides real-time visibility into stock levels across multiple warehouses, supports serial/batch/lot tracking, and integrates seamlessly with procurement and sales processes to minimize stockouts and overstock. Advanced features like Available-to-Promise (ATP) checks and demand forecasting help optimize inventory for manufacturing efficiency.

Pros

  • Powerful MRP and production integration for accurate stock forecasting
  • Real-time multi-location inventory tracking with serial/batch management
  • Scalable analytics and reporting for manufacturing insights

Cons

  • Steep learning curve requiring extensive training
  • High upfront costs and implementation fees
  • Overly complex for businesses needing only basic stock management

Best For

Mid-sized manufacturing companies requiring integrated ERP with advanced stock control and production planning.

Pricing

Perpetual licenses start at ~$3,200 per user plus annual maintenance (~22%); cloud subscriptions from $99/user/month.

10
Prodsmart logo

Prodsmart

specialized

Real-time MES platform that tracks production, manages inventory levels, and optimizes stock usage on the shop floor.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
8.4/10
Ease of Use
8.7/10
Value
7.6/10
Standout Feature

Digital real-time Kanban boards for visual stock replenishment and production flow management

Prodsmart is a cloud-based Manufacturing Execution System (MES) designed for small to medium manufacturers, offering real-time shop floor visibility, production monitoring, and integrated stock management. It tracks raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods inventory with mobile apps for instant updates, helping optimize stock levels and reduce waste. The platform emphasizes paperless operations, quality control, and OEE metrics to streamline manufacturing workflows.

Pros

  • Real-time inventory tracking and material usage monitoring via mobile apps
  • Intuitive dashboards and Kanban boards for shop floor stock visibility
  • Strong focus on waste reduction and production efficiency

Cons

  • Quote-based pricing lacks upfront transparency
  • Limited scalability and advanced analytics for large enterprises
  • Fewer native integrations with major ERP systems compared to competitors

Best For

Small to medium-sized manufacturers needing mobile-first, real-time stock and production management without heavy IT investment.

Pricing

Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $500/month for basic plans, scaling with users, production lines, and features.

Visit Prodsmartprodsmart.com

Conclusion

The top tools analyzed highlight the best in manufacturing stock management, with Katana MRP emerging as the leading choice, offering real-time cloud tracking, production scheduling, and visual inventory optimization tailored for small to medium manufacturers. Close behind, MRPeasy excels in SMB-focused production planning and stock visibility, while Fishbowl Inventory stands out with advanced control, multi-location tracking, and QuickBooks integration—each bringing distinct strengths to diverse needs. These solutions demonstrate the depth of options available, making them vital for efficient and precise stock management.

Katana MRP logo
Our Top Pick
Katana MRP

To streamline operations and gain precise inventory control, consider the top-ranked Katana MRP—an ideal starting point for mastering manufacturing stock management.