Quick Overview
- 1#1: Katana MRP - Cloud-based MRP software providing real-time material tracking, inventory management, and production planning for small to medium manufacturers.
- 2#2: MRPeasy - Cloud MRP system for small manufacturers offering comprehensive material tracking, scheduling, and procurement features.
- 3#3: Prodsmart - Real-time shop floor control software that tracks materials, jobs, and productivity with mobile scanning capabilities.
- 4#4: Fishbowl Inventory - Advanced inventory management platform with multi-location material tracking and manufacturing order support.
- 5#5: Odoo - Open-source ERP suite featuring robust inventory and manufacturing apps for end-to-end material tracking.
- 6#6: ERPNext - Open-source ERP platform with powerful material tracking, BOM management, and serial/lot number support.
- 7#7: Cin7 - Multichannel inventory management software that tracks materials across sales, purchasing, and warehousing.
- 8#8: DEAR Systems - Cloud inventory and MRP solution for tracking materials, assemblies, and supply chain operations.
- 9#9: inFlow Inventory - User-friendly inventory software for tracking stock levels, materials, and orders in real-time.
- 10#10: SOS Inventory - QuickBooks-integrated inventory system providing material tracking, lot management, and reorder alerts.
We ranked tools based on core features (e.g., real-time tracking, BOM management), user experience, reliability, and overall value, prioritizing solutions that deliver robust functionality across manufacturing, distribution, and small-business environments.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading material tracking software tools—such as Katana MRP, MRPeasy, Prodsmart, Fishbowl Inventory, Odoo, and more—to help readers understand their core features, integrations, and suitability for various business workflows, enabling informed software selection.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Katana MRP Cloud-based MRP software providing real-time material tracking, inventory management, and production planning for small to medium manufacturers. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | MRPeasy Cloud MRP system for small manufacturers offering comprehensive material tracking, scheduling, and procurement features. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Prodsmart Real-time shop floor control software that tracks materials, jobs, and productivity with mobile scanning capabilities. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Fishbowl Inventory Advanced inventory management platform with multi-location material tracking and manufacturing order support. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Odoo Open-source ERP suite featuring robust inventory and manufacturing apps for end-to-end material tracking. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 6 | ERPNext Open-source ERP platform with powerful material tracking, BOM management, and serial/lot number support. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | Cin7 Multichannel inventory management software that tracks materials across sales, purchasing, and warehousing. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | DEAR Systems Cloud inventory and MRP solution for tracking materials, assemblies, and supply chain operations. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | inFlow Inventory User-friendly inventory software for tracking stock levels, materials, and orders in real-time. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 10 | SOS Inventory QuickBooks-integrated inventory system providing material tracking, lot management, and reorder alerts. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
Cloud-based MRP software providing real-time material tracking, inventory management, and production planning for small to medium manufacturers.
Cloud MRP system for small manufacturers offering comprehensive material tracking, scheduling, and procurement features.
Real-time shop floor control software that tracks materials, jobs, and productivity with mobile scanning capabilities.
Advanced inventory management platform with multi-location material tracking and manufacturing order support.
Open-source ERP suite featuring robust inventory and manufacturing apps for end-to-end material tracking.
Open-source ERP platform with powerful material tracking, BOM management, and serial/lot number support.
Multichannel inventory management software that tracks materials across sales, purchasing, and warehousing.
Cloud inventory and MRP solution for tracking materials, assemblies, and supply chain operations.
User-friendly inventory software for tracking stock levels, materials, and orders in real-time.
QuickBooks-integrated inventory system providing material tracking, lot management, and reorder alerts.
Katana MRP
specializedCloud-based MRP software providing real-time material tracking, inventory management, and production planning for small to medium manufacturers.
Live MRP that dynamically recalculates material requirements across sales orders, production plans, and inventory in real-time
Katana MRP (katana.io) is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering real-time inventory tracking, automated material requirements planning (MRP), and production scheduling. It excels in material tracking by providing lot and serial number traceability, multi-warehouse support, and visual kanban boards for work-in-progress monitoring. Seamless integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks make it a comprehensive solution for tracking materials from procurement to fulfillment, helping prevent stockouts and overstocking.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory tracking with lot/serial traceability
- Automated MRP engine that calculates exact material needs instantly
- Intuitive visual production scheduling and strong ecosystem integrations
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly for larger operations or advanced features
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise ERPs
- Initial setup may require some configuration for complex bill of materials
Best For
Growing manufacturers with 5-100 employees seeking scalable material tracking and MRP without full ERP complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Cloud Inventory), MRP plans from $179/month; billed annually with discounts or monthly at higher rates.
MRPeasy
specializedCloud MRP system for small manufacturers offering comprehensive material tracking, scheduling, and procurement features.
End-to-end material traceability with lot/serial numbers and full audit trails from supplier receipt to customer delivery
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP/ERP software designed specifically for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering robust material tracking capabilities from procurement to production and shipment. It provides real-time inventory visibility, multi-level bill of materials (BOM) management, lot and serial number traceability, and barcode integration for accurate material flow monitoring. The platform automates production planning and scheduling to minimize stockouts and overstocking, ensuring efficient material utilization across operations.
Pros
- Excellent real-time inventory tracking with lot/serial traceability
- Intuitive interface with mobile app support for shop floor data capture
- Seamless integration of material tracking with production scheduling and purchasing
Cons
- Learning curve for advanced BOM and routing setups
- Reporting customization is somewhat limited without add-ons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or high-volume users
Best For
Small to medium-sized make-to-order manufacturers seeking comprehensive, user-friendly material tracking without complex IT infrastructure.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (Standard plan), with Production ($99/user/month) and Business ($149/user/month) tiers; custom enterprise pricing available.
Prodsmart
specializedReal-time shop floor control software that tracks materials, jobs, and productivity with mobile scanning capabilities.
Instant material consumption alerts and digital kanban for just-in-time inventory control
Prodsmart is a cloud-based Manufacturing Execution System (MES) designed for real-time shop floor management, with strong capabilities in material tracking through barcode scanning, RFID, and mobile apps. It provides end-to-end visibility into inventory levels, material consumption, waste tracking, and traceability to optimize production efficiency. The software integrates seamlessly with ERPs like SAP and QuickBooks, helping manufacturers reduce stockouts and overproduction.
Pros
- Real-time material tracking and traceability via mobile scanning
- Seamless ERP integrations for automated data flow
- Customizable dashboards for shop floor visibility
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small operations
- Advanced customization requires setup time
- Limited offline functionality in remote areas
Best For
Small to mid-sized manufacturers seeking integrated MES with robust material tracking for discrete production.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting at around $100/user/month; scales with features, users, and production volume.
Fishbowl Inventory
enterpriseAdvanced inventory management platform with multi-location material tracking and manufacturing order support.
Real-time, two-way synchronization with QuickBooks accounting software
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, with strong capabilities in material tracking through barcode scanning, lot and serial number control, and multi-location inventory management. It integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for accounting synchronization and supports manufacturing processes via bills of materials (BOMs), work orders, and production scheduling. Ideal for warehouses and manufacturers needing precise tracking of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
Pros
- Seamless two-way QuickBooks integration for real-time data sync
- Advanced material tracking with lot/serial numbers, barcodes, and RFID support
- Comprehensive manufacturing tools including BOMs and work orders
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Primarily on-premise deployment with limited cloud-native options
- Higher upfront licensing costs may deter very small businesses
Best For
Small to mid-sized manufacturers and distributors using QuickBooks who require detailed material tracking across multiple locations.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $4,395 for Standard edition, $5,795 for Manufacturing, plus annual maintenance fees around 20% of license cost.
Odoo
enterpriseOpen-source ERP suite featuring robust inventory and manufacturing apps for end-to-end material tracking.
End-to-end traceability linking purchases, production, and deliveries via lots and serials
Odoo is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform with dedicated Inventory and Manufacturing modules tailored for material tracking. It enables precise tracking of materials using serial numbers, lots, barcodes, and RFID across warehouses, production, and supply chains, providing real-time visibility into stock movements and locations. The software supports multi-warehouse management, automated reordering, and full traceability for compliance in industries like manufacturing and logistics.
Pros
- Advanced traceability with lot/serial number tracking
- Highly customizable and modular architecture
- Seamless integration with CRM, sales, and accounting
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex setups
- Performance can lag with very large inventories
- Enterprise features require paid subscriptions
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing an integrated ERP with robust material tracking for manufacturing or distribution.
Pricing
Free Community edition; Enterprise starts at $24.90/user/month (billed annually) with app-based pricing.
ERPNext
enterpriseOpen-source ERP platform with powerful material tracking, BOM management, and serial/lot number support.
Tree-view batch and serial traceability for complete material lifecycle tracking
ERPNext is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform with robust material tracking capabilities integrated into its inventory, manufacturing, and warehouse management modules. It enables precise tracking of materials via serial numbers, batches, multiple warehouses, real-time stock levels, and automated valuation methods. The system supports traceability, production planning with BOMs, and seamless integration across procurement, sales, and accounting for end-to-end visibility.
Pros
- Advanced serial and batch tracking with full traceability
- Real-time inventory analytics and multi-warehouse support
- Open-source with no licensing fees and strong manufacturing integration
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and customization
- Requires technical expertise for self-hosting
- Overkill for businesses needing only basic material tracking
Best For
Mid-sized manufacturers and distributors looking for an integrated, cost-effective ERP with powerful material tracking.
Pricing
Free open-source software; hosted Frappe Cloud plans start at $10/user/month with tiered options.
Cin7
enterpriseMultichannel inventory management software that tracks materials across sales, purchasing, and warehousing.
Intelligent multi-warehouse stock allocation that dynamically routes materials based on real-time demand and location availability
Cin7 is a robust cloud-based inventory management platform that excels in real-time material tracking across multiple warehouses, sales channels, and supply chains. It provides advanced features like batch and serial number traceability, automated stock adjustments, and 3PL integrations for comprehensive visibility into material movements. Designed for scaling operations, it syncs inventory data across e-commerce, POS, and accounting systems to prevent stockouts and overstocking.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory tracking with automated updates
- Batch and serial number tracking for full material traceability
- Extensive integrations with 700+ platforms for seamless data flow
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature complexity
- Higher pricing may not suit small-scale operations
- Customization limited in entry-level plans
Best For
Mid-sized retailers and wholesalers managing complex, multi-channel inventory with multiple warehouse locations.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Operations plan, $599 for Operations + ASM, up to custom Enterprise pricing; annual billing with additional per-order fees.
DEAR Systems
enterpriseCloud inventory and MRP solution for tracking materials, assemblies, and supply chain operations.
Advanced lot and serial number tracking with expiry dates and quality assurance for precise material traceability.
DEAR Systems (now Cin7 Core) is a cloud-based inventory and order management platform tailored for SMBs in retail, wholesale, and light manufacturing. It excels in real-time material tracking across multiple locations, with support for lot and serial number traceability, bill of materials (BOM), and quality control workflows. The software integrates purchasing, sales orders, and fulfillment to streamline material flow from supplier to customer.
Pros
- Comprehensive lot/serial tracking and multi-location inventory management
- Strong integrations with e-commerce (Shopify, Amazon) and accounting (Xero, QuickBooks)
- Built-in manufacturing tools like BOM and assemblies for material planning
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Pricing escalates quickly for advanced features and higher volumes
- Occasional reports of slow customer support and UI glitches
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers and distributors needing robust traceability for materials in production and supply chains.
Pricing
Starts at $325 AUD/month (Essentials, billed annually) up to $999 AUD/month (Enterprise); custom quotes for larger needs.
inFlow Inventory
specializedUser-friendly inventory software for tracking stock levels, materials, and orders in real-time.
Offline-capable mobile app with barcode scanning for real-time material tracking in warehouses or field operations
inFlow Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management software tailored for small and medium-sized businesses, offering real-time tracking of stock levels, materials, and assets across multiple locations. It supports barcode scanning, serial/lot number tracking, purchase/sales order management, and detailed reporting to streamline material flow and prevent stockouts. With mobile app integration and QuickBooks/Shopify compatibility, it's effective for material tracking in retail, wholesale, and light manufacturing environments.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and minimal training required
- Strong mobile app supporting offline barcode scanning for on-the-go tracking
- Comprehensive reporting and multi-location inventory visibility
Cons
- Limited advanced manufacturing features like production scheduling or BOM management
- Customization options are basic compared to enterprise solutions
- Pricing scales up significantly with additional users and locations
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, wholesale, or light assembly needing reliable, user-friendly material tracking without complex ERP requirements.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month (Standard for 1 user), $149/month (Premium), up to custom Enterprise pricing; free trial available.
SOS Inventory
specializedQuickBooks-integrated inventory system providing material tracking, lot management, and reorder alerts.
Bi-directional QuickBooks synchronization that keeps inventory levels and financials in perfect sync across systems
SOS Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management platform that specializes in material tracking, offering multi-location inventory control, serial and lot number tracking, and bin-level precision. It excels in manufacturing workflows with bill of materials (BOM) support, assemblies, and production scheduling, while integrating deeply with QuickBooks for real-time financial syncing. Designed for small to mid-sized businesses, it provides tools for purchase orders, sales orders, and CRM to streamline material flow from procurement to fulfillment.
Pros
- Seamless bi-directional integration with QuickBooks Online and Desktop
- Robust material tracking with lot/serial numbers, bins, and multi-warehouse support
- Comprehensive manufacturing tools including BOM, kitting, and production planning
Cons
- Steep learning curve, especially for users unfamiliar with QuickBooks
- Pricing scales quickly with additional users and advanced features
- Less ideal as a standalone solution without QuickBooks integration
Best For
Small to mid-sized manufacturers and distributors already using QuickBooks who require detailed material tracking and production management.
Pricing
Starts at $59/user/month (billed annually) for basic plan; scales to $149/user/month for enterprise features with volume discounts available.
Conclusion
The reviewed material tracking tools showcase diverse capabilities, with Katana MRP leading as the top choice, excelling in real-time tracking, inventory management, and production planning for small to medium manufacturers. MRPeasy and Prodsmart follow closely, offering strong alternatives—MRPeasy for comprehensive scheduling and procurement, and Prodsmart for mobile-driven shop floor control. Whether prioritizing specific features or operational needs, the top three deliver reliable solutions to streamline material management.
Explore tailored efficiency by trying Katana MRP, the top-ranked tool, to experience its seamless real-time tracking, integrated planning, and user-friendly design that simplifies material operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison