Quick Overview
- 1#1: Fishbowl Inventory - Comprehensive inventory management software optimized for manufacturing with BOM support, lot tracking, and multi-location capabilities.
- 2#2: Katana MRP - Cloud-based MRP system for real-time material tracking, production planning, and inventory optimization in small to medium manufacturers.
- 3#3: MRPeasy - Affordable cloud MRP software that manages material requirements, production scheduling, and inventory for small manufacturers.
- 4#4: Cin7 - Advanced inventory platform for syncing materials across sales channels, automating purchasing, and handling complex stock movements.
- 5#5: NetSuite - Enterprise cloud ERP with powerful inventory management for demand planning, lot/serial tracking, and global supply chain control.
- 6#6: Odoo - Open-source all-in-one platform featuring robust inventory tools for material traceability, warehouse management, and manufacturing workflows.
- 7#7: Zoho Inventory - User-friendly cloud inventory software for tracking materials, orders, serial numbers, and multi-warehouse operations.
- 8#8: inFlow Inventory - QuickBooks-integrated inventory solution for managing stock levels, purchase orders, and material sales efficiently.
- 9#9: Unleashed - Cloud inventory management tailored for distributors to track materials, automate reordering, and handle multi-currency operations.
- 10#10: Sortly - Visual inventory app using photos and QR codes to organize and track materials with custom fields and low-stock alerts.
We ranked these tools by evaluating core features (including lot tracking, integration capabilities, and scalability), user experience, and overall value, ensuring the list prioritizes solutions that balance robustness with practicality for modern businesses.
Comparison Table
This comparison table aids in evaluating material inventory software, showcasing tools like Fishbowl Inventory, Katana MRP, MRPeasy, Cin7, NetSuite, and others to help identify the right fit. Organized to highlight key features, usability, and scalability, it provides readers with clear insights into each tool's strengths for operational needs. By breaking down functionality across categories, it simplifies the process of selecting software tailored to inventory management goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fishbowl Inventory Comprehensive inventory management software optimized for manufacturing with BOM support, lot tracking, and multi-location capabilities. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Katana MRP Cloud-based MRP system for real-time material tracking, production planning, and inventory optimization in small to medium manufacturers. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | MRPeasy Affordable cloud MRP software that manages material requirements, production scheduling, and inventory for small manufacturers. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Cin7 Advanced inventory platform for syncing materials across sales channels, automating purchasing, and handling complex stock movements. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | NetSuite Enterprise cloud ERP with powerful inventory management for demand planning, lot/serial tracking, and global supply chain control. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Odoo Open-source all-in-one platform featuring robust inventory tools for material traceability, warehouse management, and manufacturing workflows. | other | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 7 | Zoho Inventory User-friendly cloud inventory software for tracking materials, orders, serial numbers, and multi-warehouse operations. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 8 | inFlow Inventory QuickBooks-integrated inventory solution for managing stock levels, purchase orders, and material sales efficiently. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Unleashed Cloud inventory management tailored for distributors to track materials, automate reordering, and handle multi-currency operations. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Sortly Visual inventory app using photos and QR codes to organize and track materials with custom fields and low-stock alerts. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
Comprehensive inventory management software optimized for manufacturing with BOM support, lot tracking, and multi-location capabilities.
Cloud-based MRP system for real-time material tracking, production planning, and inventory optimization in small to medium manufacturers.
Affordable cloud MRP software that manages material requirements, production scheduling, and inventory for small manufacturers.
Advanced inventory platform for syncing materials across sales channels, automating purchasing, and handling complex stock movements.
Enterprise cloud ERP with powerful inventory management for demand planning, lot/serial tracking, and global supply chain control.
Open-source all-in-one platform featuring robust inventory tools for material traceability, warehouse management, and manufacturing workflows.
User-friendly cloud inventory software for tracking materials, orders, serial numbers, and multi-warehouse operations.
QuickBooks-integrated inventory solution for managing stock levels, purchase orders, and material sales efficiently.
Cloud inventory management tailored for distributors to track materials, automate reordering, and handle multi-currency operations.
Visual inventory app using photos and QR codes to organize and track materials with custom fields and low-stock alerts.
Fishbowl Inventory
specializedComprehensive inventory management software optimized for manufacturing with BOM support, lot tracking, and multi-location capabilities.
Unrivaled QuickBooks integration that automatically syncs inventory transactions, costs, and assemblies without double-entry.
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust, QuickBooks-integrated inventory management solution tailored for manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution businesses handling complex material tracking. It provides real-time visibility into multi-location stock levels, supports bills of materials (BOM), lot/serial number tracking, purchase orders, and manufacturing workflows. With barcode scanning and mobile access, it streamlines operations from receiving to fulfillment, making it ideal for material-intensive environments.
Pros
- Deep, native integration with QuickBooks for seamless accounting sync
- Advanced material management including BOM, manufacturing workbench, and lot/serial tracking
- Multi-location support with barcode scanning and cycle counting for accurate inventory control
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature depth and desktop-centric interface
- Higher pricing tiers for additional users or locations
- Limited native reporting compared to some cloud-native competitors
Best For
Manufacturing and distribution companies using QuickBooks that need precise material tracking and production planning.
Pricing
Starts at ~$4,395/year for Warehouse edition (single location, unlimited users); scales with add-ons for multi-location/multi-currency (~$100/user/year extra); 14-day free trial available.
Katana MRP
specializedCloud-based MRP system for real-time material tracking, production planning, and inventory optimization in small to medium manufacturers.
Live inventory dashboard with drag-and-drop Kanban production scheduling for instant shop floor visibility
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning software that excels in real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order management for makers and small to medium manufacturers. It offers visual dashboards for monitoring stock levels across multiple locations, automates purchase orders based on sales forecasts, and integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks. Designed to eliminate spreadsheets, Katana provides end-to-end visibility from raw materials to finished goods dispatch.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory tracking with low-stock alerts
- Intuitive visual production scheduling board
- Seamless integrations with 100+ apps including Shopify and Xero
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for high-volume users
- Advanced reporting requires higher tiers or integrations
- Limited native support for complex bill of materials in basic plans
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers needing intuitive, real-time inventory and production management without heavy IT setup.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Essentials, up to 100 orders/mo), $299/month (Professional), custom Enterprise pricing.
MRPeasy
specializedAffordable cloud MRP software that manages material requirements, production scheduling, and inventory for small manufacturers.
MRP-driven material requirements planning that automatically calculates exact inventory needs from production schedules and BOMs
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP/ERP software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, focusing on streamlining production planning, inventory management, and operations. It provides robust material inventory features like real-time stock tracking, lot and serial number traceability, multi-warehouse support, and automated reorder points. The system integrates inventory with BOM management, purchasing, and scheduling to minimize stockouts and overstocking while offering mobile access for on-the-go monitoring.
Pros
- Comprehensive manufacturing-specific inventory tools including BOM integration and demand-driven planning
- Real-time visibility with multi-warehouse and lot traceability support
- Scalable cloud platform with strong mobile app for inventory checks
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-manufacturing users due to MRP focus
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics without higher tiers
- Customization options require professional services for complex needs
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers seeking integrated material inventory management tied to production scheduling.
Pricing
Starts at $49 per user/month (billed annually) for Basic plan, up to $179 for Platinum with advanced features; free trial available.
Cin7
specializedAdvanced inventory platform for syncing materials across sales channels, automating purchasing, and handling complex stock movements.
3-Way Sync for real-time inventory updates across sales channels, warehouses, and suppliers
Cin7 is a comprehensive cloud-based inventory management platform tailored for retailers, wholesalers, and distributors handling complex material inventories across multiple channels. It offers real-time stock tracking, multi-warehouse support, purchase order management, and manufacturing capabilities to streamline operations from procurement to fulfillment. With extensive integrations to e-commerce, POS, and accounting systems, Cin7 ensures accurate inventory visibility and reduces stockouts or overstock issues.
Pros
- Unlimited integrations with e-commerce, POS, and ERP systems for seamless data sync
- Advanced multi-location inventory tracking with bundle and matrix support
- Robust automation for purchase orders, manufacturing, and B2B portals
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Pricing can be high for small businesses
- Limited native customization without add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized businesses with omnichannel sales needing sophisticated material inventory control across warehouses and suppliers.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Core plan (billed annually), with Pro at $599/month and Enterprise custom pricing; includes user-based scaling.
NetSuite
enterpriseEnterprise cloud ERP with powerful inventory management for demand planning, lot/serial tracking, and global supply chain control.
AI-powered demand planning and real-time inventory optimization integrated across the entire supply chain
NetSuite is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform from Oracle that includes advanced inventory management modules tailored for material inventory tracking across multiple locations. It provides real-time visibility, lot and serial number tracking, cycle counting, demand planning, and integration with procurement, manufacturing, and order fulfillment processes. While powerful for complex operations, it functions as a full business suite rather than a standalone inventory tool.
Pros
- Robust multi-location inventory tracking with lot/serial control and cycle counting
- Seamless integration with ERP modules for end-to-end supply chain visibility
- Scalable real-time analytics and demand forecasting for optimized stock levels
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation requiring expert configuration
- High cost makes it less accessible for small businesses
- Overkill for users needing only basic inventory management without full ERP
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises in manufacturing or distribution requiring integrated ERP with advanced material inventory capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $999/month for base license plus $99-$199 per user/month, with implementation fees often exceeding $50K.
Odoo
otherOpen-source all-in-one platform featuring robust inventory tools for material traceability, warehouse management, and manufacturing workflows.
Modular all-in-one ERP integration, allowing inventory to sync effortlessly with CRM, accounting, and manufacturing in a single platform
Odoo is an open-source ERP platform with a powerful Inventory Management module tailored for material inventory tracking, warehouse operations, and supply chain automation. It supports multi-warehouse management, real-time stock visibility, barcode scanning, lot/serial number traceability, automated procurement, and demand forecasting. Businesses can deploy it standalone or integrate it seamlessly with sales, purchasing, manufacturing, and accounting modules for end-to-end operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory features like traceability, forecasting, and multi-location support
- Free open-source Community edition with unlimited users
- Highly customizable and scalable through modular apps
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Enterprise edition incurs per-user fees and potential implementation costs
- Can feel overkill for basic inventory needs without full ERP utilization
Best For
Medium-sized businesses needing scalable inventory management integrated with broader ERP functions like manufacturing and sales.
Pricing
Community edition free; Enterprise starts at $24.90/user/month (billed annually), plus optional implementation and hosting fees.
Zoho Inventory
specializedUser-friendly cloud inventory software for tracking materials, orders, serial numbers, and multi-warehouse operations.
Advanced multi-warehouse management with smart stock transfer and consolidated reporting across locations
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses to track stock levels, manage purchase and sales orders, and handle multi-warehouse operations. It supports serial and batch number tracking, automated reorder alerts, and integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and accounting tools like Zoho Books. The software streamlines material inventory processes with real-time visibility and customizable reports, making it suitable for businesses dealing with physical goods.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with Zoho ecosystem and major e-commerce platforms
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for on-the-go management
- Strong multi-warehouse and batch/serial tracking capabilities
Cons
- Limited advanced manufacturing features like full BOM support
- Reporting customization can feel basic for complex needs
- Customer support response times vary for non-premium users
Best For
Small to medium businesses with multi-channel sales and multiple warehouses needing affordable, user-friendly inventory tracking.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 20 orders/month; paid plans start at $59/organization/month (Standard), up to $249/month (Elite), billed annually.
inFlow Inventory
specializedQuickBooks-integrated inventory solution for managing stock levels, purchase orders, and material sales efficiently.
Seamless mobile barcode scanning with offline support for accurate, real-time material inventory adjustments anywhere.
inFlow Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses handling physical goods, including materials and parts. It provides real-time stock tracking, purchase order management, sales processing, and multi-location support with barcode scanning and serial/batch number tracking. The platform integrates with tools like QuickBooks and Shopify, offering customizable reporting to streamline material inventory operations.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup for inventory tracking
- Powerful mobile app for on-the-go barcode scanning and counts
- Strong multi-location and real-time reporting capabilities
Cons
- Limited advanced manufacturing tools like BOM or MRP
- Higher pricing tiers required for unlimited users and locations
- Integrations could be more extensive for enterprise needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized distributors, wholesalers, and light manufacturers managing material stock without complex production planning.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month (Solo, 1 user), $159/month (Team, 5 users), $349/month (Business, 20 users); annual discounts available, Enterprise custom.
Unleashed
specializedCloud inventory management tailored for distributors to track materials, automate reordering, and handle multi-currency operations.
Live, multi-channel inventory dashboard providing instant visibility across warehouses, suppliers, and sales channels
Unleashed is a cloud-based inventory management platform tailored for wholesalers, distributors, and manufacturers handling physical goods like materials and components. It offers real-time stock tracking across multiple locations, batch/serial number management, and automated purchasing workflows to prevent stockouts or overstocking. The software integrates deeply with accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks, as well as e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, enabling seamless order fulfillment and reporting for material inventory control.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory visibility prevents discrepancies
- Strong integrations with accounting and e-commerce platforms
- Advanced batch/serial tracking ideal for materials with expiry or traceability needs
Cons
- Pricing scales with order volume, which can get expensive for high-volume users
- Initial setup and customization require some technical know-how
- Reporting is robust but lacks some advanced analytics without add-ons
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers and distributors managing material stocks across multiple warehouses who need real-time tracking and e-commerce integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $85 USD/month for up to 100 orders, with tiers scaling by order volume up to enterprise plans (billed monthly or annually; custom quotes available).
Sortly
specializedVisual inventory app using photos and QR codes to organize and track materials with custom fields and low-stock alerts.
Visual photo matrix view that displays inventory as a grid of images for instant material recognition
Sortly is a visual inventory management platform designed for tracking physical items using photos, custom fields, barcodes, and QR codes. It enables users to organize materials into folders by location, set low-stock alerts, and generate basic reports for inventory oversight. Primarily suited for small teams handling material inventory in warehouses, job sites, or retail settings where visual identification speeds up processes.
Pros
- Intuitive visual catalog with item photos for quick material identification
- Mobile barcode/QR scanning for efficient check-in/out
- Customizable folders, alerts, and basic reporting for small-scale tracking
Cons
- Limited advanced features like lot/serial tracking or manufacturing integrations
- Scalability issues for large inventories (entry limits on lower plans)
- Reporting lacks depth compared to enterprise solutions
Best For
Small businesses or field teams needing simple, visual material inventory tracking without complex ERP requirements.
Pricing
Free plan (100 items); paid plans start at $29/month (Pro, unlimited items, teams) up to $79/month (Business) and custom Enterprise.
Conclusion
The top material inventory software tools each bring unique strengths: Fishbowl Inventory leads with comprehensive manufacturing support, Katana MRP excels in real-time cloud tracking, and MRPeasy offers affordability for small operations. While Fishbowl stands as the top choice, Katana and MRPeasy remain strong alternatives tailored to specific needs.
Dive into Fishbowl Inventory to experience why it’s the top pick for efficient material management, and explore Katana or MRPeasy if their features better align with your workflow.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison