Quick Overview
- 1#1: Fishbowl Inventory - Provides advanced inventory tracking, manufacturing management, and order fulfillment with seamless QuickBooks integration for material-heavy operations.
- 2#2: Katana MRP - Offers visual cloud-based MRP and inventory management for small manufacturers to track materials, production, and sales in real-time.
- 3#3: MRPeasy - Delivers affordable MRP software for production planning, material inventory tracking, procurement, and CRM tailored to small manufacturers.
- 4#4: Cin7 - Connects inventory across sales channels, warehouses, and suppliers with powerful automation for material stock management.
- 5#5: NetSuite - Cloud ERP platform with comprehensive inventory management, lot/serial tracking, and demand planning for complex material supply chains.
- 6#6: Odoo - Open-source ERP with modular inventory app for real-time material tracking, barcode scanning, and multi-warehouse management.
- 7#7: Zoho Inventory - Cloud inventory tool for managing stock levels, purchase orders, and serial numbers with integrations for e-commerce and accounting.
- 8#8: inFlow Inventory - SMB-focused inventory software offering multi-location tracking, purchasing, and reporting for material stock control.
- 9#9: Unleashed - Real-time cloud inventory management for multi-currency, multi-location material tracking and B2B order processing.
- 10#10: Prodsmart - Mobile-first manufacturing execution system with real-time inventory tracking and production monitoring for material usage.
We evaluated these tools based on key metrics including robust feature sets (such as real-time tracking and integration capabilities), user experience, and overall value, ensuring they cater to the varied needs of manufacturers, distributors, and small to medium businesses.
Comparison Table
Efficient material inventory management is critical for operational success, and selecting the right software can differentiate businesses. This comparison table evaluates tools like Fishbowl Inventory, Katana MRP, MRPeasy, Cin7, NetSuite, and more, examining their key features, integration options, and suitability for various operational scales. Readers will discover actionable insights to match their specific needs, from small businesses to enterprise-level organizations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fishbowl Inventory Provides advanced inventory tracking, manufacturing management, and order fulfillment with seamless QuickBooks integration for material-heavy operations. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Katana MRP Offers visual cloud-based MRP and inventory management for small manufacturers to track materials, production, and sales in real-time. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | MRPeasy Delivers affordable MRP software for production planning, material inventory tracking, procurement, and CRM tailored to small manufacturers. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | Cin7 Connects inventory across sales channels, warehouses, and suppliers with powerful automation for material stock management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | NetSuite Cloud ERP platform with comprehensive inventory management, lot/serial tracking, and demand planning for complex material supply chains. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Odoo Open-source ERP with modular inventory app for real-time material tracking, barcode scanning, and multi-warehouse management. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 7 | Zoho Inventory Cloud inventory tool for managing stock levels, purchase orders, and serial numbers with integrations for e-commerce and accounting. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 8 | inFlow Inventory SMB-focused inventory software offering multi-location tracking, purchasing, and reporting for material stock control. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 9 | Unleashed Real-time cloud inventory management for multi-currency, multi-location material tracking and B2B order processing. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Prodsmart Mobile-first manufacturing execution system with real-time inventory tracking and production monitoring for material usage. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
Provides advanced inventory tracking, manufacturing management, and order fulfillment with seamless QuickBooks integration for material-heavy operations.
Offers visual cloud-based MRP and inventory management for small manufacturers to track materials, production, and sales in real-time.
Delivers affordable MRP software for production planning, material inventory tracking, procurement, and CRM tailored to small manufacturers.
Connects inventory across sales channels, warehouses, and suppliers with powerful automation for material stock management.
Cloud ERP platform with comprehensive inventory management, lot/serial tracking, and demand planning for complex material supply chains.
Open-source ERP with modular inventory app for real-time material tracking, barcode scanning, and multi-warehouse management.
Cloud inventory tool for managing stock levels, purchase orders, and serial numbers with integrations for e-commerce and accounting.
SMB-focused inventory software offering multi-location tracking, purchasing, and reporting for material stock control.
Real-time cloud inventory management for multi-currency, multi-location material tracking and B2B order processing.
Mobile-first manufacturing execution system with real-time inventory tracking and production monitoring for material usage.
Fishbowl Inventory
specializedProvides advanced inventory tracking, manufacturing management, and order fulfillment with seamless QuickBooks integration for material-heavy operations.
Deep, native integration with QuickBooks that automatically syncs inventory levels, sales orders, and financial data in real-time
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust, QuickBooks-integrated inventory management solution tailored for small to medium-sized businesses in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution. It provides real-time tracking of inventory across multiple locations, barcode scanning, lot/serial number management, and advanced bill of materials (BOM) for production planning. The software streamlines order fulfillment, purchasing, and manufacturing processes while ensuring accurate inventory visibility and reporting.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for synchronized accounting and inventory data
- Comprehensive manufacturing tools including BOM, work orders, and production scheduling
- Real-time multi-location inventory tracking with barcode and RFID support
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features requiring training
- Higher upfront cost may deter very small businesses
- Mobile app is functional but lacks some desktop capabilities
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers, distributors, and warehouses needing robust inventory control with QuickBooks integration.
Pricing
One-time license starting at $4,395 for Warehouse edition (single user), up to $13,995+ for Manufacturing edition, plus annual maintenance fees around 20% of license cost.
Katana MRP
specializedOffers visual cloud-based MRP and inventory management for small manufacturers to track materials, production, and sales in real-time.
Live inventory syncing and P&L tracking that updates in real-time across production, sales, and purchases
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning software that provides real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and material requirements planning for small to medium-sized manufacturers. It offers visual tools for managing bills of materials (BOMs), work orders, and multi-location inventory, ensuring accurate stock levels and minimizing overstock or shortages. The platform integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks for end-to-end visibility.
Pros
- Real-time inventory visibility across multiple locations and sales channels
- Intuitive drag-and-drop production planning and scheduling
- Robust integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and ERP systems
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be expensive for very small operations
- Advanced customization requires higher plans or developer support
- Reporting features lack depth compared to enterprise-level tools
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers seeking real-time material tracking and production control without complex setups.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Maker plan for 100 orders/month), $299/month (Producer), up to $799+/month (Business) with custom enterprise options; 14-day free trial available.
MRPeasy
specializedDelivers affordable MRP software for production planning, material inventory tracking, procurement, and CRM tailored to small manufacturers.
Dynamic MRP engine that forecasts exact material requirements based on production orders and lead times
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP (Material Requirements Planning) software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering robust tools for inventory management, production planning, and procurement. It enables real-time tracking of materials through features like bill of materials (BOM) management, stock level monitoring, and automated reorder points. The platform integrates shop floor control, purchasing, and reporting to optimize material flow and reduce waste in manufacturing operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive MRP with automatic material needs calculation
- Real-time inventory tracking across multiple warehouses
- Visual production scheduling with Gantt charts
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced manufacturing setups
- Limited third-party integrations compared to enterprise tools
- Per-user pricing can scale up for larger teams
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers needing integrated inventory and production planning without complex enterprise software.
Pricing
Starts at €49/user/month (Basic), €79/user/month (Production), €99/user/month (Standard); 30-day free trial available.
Cin7
enterpriseConnects inventory across sales channels, warehouses, and suppliers with powerful automation for material stock management.
Real-time, centralized inventory visibility across unlimited warehouses and 700+ integrations, preventing stockouts and overstock in multi-channel environments
Cin7 is a cloud-based inventory management platform that provides real-time tracking and control of materials across multiple warehouses, sales channels, and suppliers. It supports essential material inventory functions like batch and serial number tracking, bill of materials (BOM) for assemblies, and demand forecasting to optimize stock levels. Designed for scalability, it integrates deeply with e-commerce, accounting, and POS systems to streamline operations for growing businesses handling physical goods.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with over 700 apps including Shopify, QuickBooks, and Xero for seamless data sync
- Advanced inventory tools like multi-location tracking, batch/serial management, and automated reordering
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for demand planning and stock optimization
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring significant configuration
- High pricing that may not suit small businesses or basic needs
- Limited depth in advanced manufacturing features compared to dedicated MRP systems
Best For
Mid-sized retailers, wholesalers, and light manufacturers needing multi-channel inventory control and material tracking across sales platforms.
Pricing
Cin7 Core starts at $349/month (billed annually); Cin7 Omni is custom-priced from $999/month based on order volume and users.
NetSuite
enterpriseCloud ERP platform with comprehensive inventory management, lot/serial tracking, and demand planning for complex material supply chains.
Real-time global inventory visibility with multi-subsidiary consolidation and advanced replenishment planning
NetSuite is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform from Oracle that includes robust material inventory management features, enabling real-time tracking, lot and serial number control, and multi-location warehouse management. It integrates inventory with procurement, manufacturing, and order fulfillment for end-to-end visibility and automation. Designed for scaling businesses, it supports demand planning, cycle counting, and advanced analytics to optimize stock levels and reduce costs.
Pros
- Advanced inventory features like lot/serial tracking and demand forecasting
- Seamless integration with ERP modules for procurement and fulfillment
- Scalable multi-location and multi-subsidiary support
Cons
- Complex setup and steep learning curve for non-experts
- High implementation costs and long deployment times
- Overkill and expensive for small-scale operations
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing integrated ERP with sophisticated material inventory management across multiple locations.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting around $999/user/month, plus setup fees; scales with users, modules, and complexity (annual contracts typical).
Odoo
enterpriseOpen-source ERP with modular inventory app for real-time material tracking, barcode scanning, and multi-warehouse management.
Full lot and serial number traceability with automated lifecycle management from procurement to production and sales.
Odoo is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform with a robust Inventory Management module tailored for material tracking, warehouse operations, and supply chain efficiency. It offers real-time stock visibility across multiple locations, automated reordering, barcode integration, and advanced forecasting to optimize material flow. The module seamlessly integrates with purchasing, manufacturing, and sales apps, making it suitable for end-to-end material inventory control.
Pros
- Highly customizable with modular apps for inventory, manufacturing, and procurement integration
- Real-time tracking, lot/serial traceability, and demand forecasting
- Open-source community edition available at no cost
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and customization
- Performance can lag with very large inventories without optimization
- Advanced features and support require paid Enterprise edition
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers or distributors seeking scalable, integrated material inventory management within a full ERP system.
Pricing
Community edition free; Enterprise starts at $24.90/user/month (Standard plan with all apps) or $37.40/user/month (Custom plan).
Zoho Inventory
specializedCloud inventory tool for managing stock levels, purchase orders, and serial numbers with integrations for e-commerce and accounting.
Seamless multi-channel order and inventory synchronization across e-commerce platforms and warehouses
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based solution designed for tracking inventory, managing purchase and sales orders, and automating stock replenishment for businesses. It supports multi-warehouse operations, serial/batch tracking, barcode scanning, and seamless integrations with Zoho's ecosystem including CRM and Books, as well as e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Amazon. The software excels in providing real-time visibility into stock levels, helping prevent stockouts and overstocking through smart reorder alerts and reporting tools.
Pros
- Robust integrations with Zoho apps and third-party platforms like Shopify and Amazon
- Advanced inventory tools including multi-warehouse, batch/serial tracking, and automated reordering
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and custom workflows
- Reporting capabilities lack depth compared to enterprise-level tools
- Customer support can be slow outside of paid premium plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking integrated inventory management with e-commerce and accounting tools.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 20 orders/month; paid plans start at $59/month (Standard) up to $249/month (Ultimate), billed annually.
inFlow Inventory
specializedSMB-focused inventory software offering multi-location tracking, purchasing, and reporting for material stock control.
Offline-capable mobile app for real-time barcode scanning and inventory adjustments
inFlow Inventory is a user-friendly inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses handling material tracking, sales, and purchasing. It supports perpetual inventory control, bill of materials for assemblies, multi-location stock management, and barcode scanning via a robust mobile app. The platform integrates with tools like QuickBooks and Shopify, making it suitable for manufacturers and distributors managing raw materials and finished goods.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with minimal learning curve
- Excellent mobile app for barcode scanning and counts
- Solid manufacturing tools like BOM and assemblies
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and forecasting
- Scalability issues for large enterprises
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers and distributors seeking affordable, straightforward material inventory tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month (Solo, 1 user/1 location), $279/month (Pro, 5 users/3 locations), with Enterprise custom pricing.
Unleashed
specializedReal-time cloud inventory management for multi-currency, multi-location material tracking and B2B order processing.
Live, multi-warehouse stock syncing with automatic low-stock alerts and mobile access
Unleashed is a cloud-based inventory management software tailored for wholesalers, distributors, and light manufacturers, offering real-time tracking of stock levels across multiple locations. It handles purchasing, sales orders, batch/serial number tracking, and integrates with accounting platforms like Xero and QuickBooks, as well as e-commerce channels. The platform emphasizes accurate inventory control, order fulfillment, and customizable reporting to optimize material flow and reduce stockouts or overstock.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory visibility
- Seamless integrations with accounting and e-commerce tools
- Batch and serial number tracking for material traceability
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with order volume
- Limited depth in advanced manufacturing modules
- Steeper learning curve for complex setups
Best For
Medium-sized distributors and wholesalers managing multi-channel material inventory with a need for real-time accuracy.
Pricing
Starts at ~$85 NZD/month for small plans (up to 100 orders/mo), scaling to $349+ NZD/month for larger volumes; billed annually with per-user add-ons.
Prodsmart
specializedMobile-first manufacturing execution system with real-time inventory tracking and production monitoring for material usage.
Real-time material consumption proof via mobile photos and videos linked to production orders
Prodsmart is a cloud-based Manufacturing Execution System (MES) with robust material inventory management features designed for small to medium-sized manufacturers. It provides real-time tracking of raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods through mobile scanning and automated consumption logging tied directly to production activities. The platform includes digital Kanban for replenishment, low-stock alerts, and integration with shop floor operations to minimize waste and disruptions.
Pros
- Real-time inventory visibility integrated with production execution
- Mobile-first interface for easy scanning and updates on the shop floor
- Automated alerts and digital Kanban to prevent stockouts
Cons
- Primarily MES-focused, with inventory as a supporting module rather than standalone depth
- Limited advanced features like multi-warehouse lot/batch traceability compared to dedicated IMS
- Pricing is quote-based and can scale higher for larger operations
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers needing inventory management tightly coupled with shop floor production tracking.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around €99/month per factory, scaling with users and features; free trial available.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools present a range of options, each designed to address distinct material management needs. Leading the pack, Fishbowl Inventory shines with its advanced tracking, manufacturing tools, and QuickBooks integration, perfect for material-intensive operations. Katana MRP and MRPeasy, meanwhile, stand as strong alternatives for small manufacturers, offering real-time insights and affordable planning. Together, these top tools showcase the best in streamlined material organization and operational efficiency.
Don't let material management hold you back—explore Fishbowl Inventory today, and unlock a smarter, more efficient way to track, manage, and optimize your materials.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison