Quick Overview
- 1#1: Katana MRP - Cloud-based MRP software that tracks materials inventory in real-time for small to medium manufacturers with production planning and traceability.
- 2#2: MRPeasy - Manufacturing resource planning software offering comprehensive materials tracking, inventory management, and production scheduling for SMBs.
- 3#3: Fishbowl Inventory - Inventory management system that excels in multi-location materials tracking, barcode scanning, and integration with QuickBooks for manufacturing.
- 4#4: Prodsmart - Real-time shop floor tracking software that monitors materials usage, production progress, and waste to optimize manufacturing efficiency.
- 5#5: Odoo - Open-source ERP platform with robust inventory module for tracing materials through procurement, warehousing, and manufacturing processes.
- 6#6: Cin7 - Inventory and order management platform that tracks materials across multiple channels with advanced forecasting and automation for e-commerce and wholesale.
- 7#7: NetSuite - Cloud ERP solution providing end-to-end materials tracking from supply chain to fulfillment with demand planning and lot traceability.
- 8#8: Epicor Kinetic - Manufacturing ERP software focused on materials resource planning, inventory control, and real-time visibility for discrete and process industries.
- 9#9: Plex - Smart manufacturing platform that tracks materials, quality, and production data in real-time on a cloud MES/ERP system.
- 10#10: ERPNext - Open-source ERP with integrated materials tracking for inventory, manufacturing, and serial/batch management suitable for growing businesses.
We selected and ranked these tools by evaluating real-time tracking capabilities, integration flexibility, user-friendliness, scalability, and value, ensuring they deliver robust functionality while meeting the diverse demands of manufacturing and distribution environments.
Comparison Table
materials tracking software is vital for optimizing inventory management and streamlining supply chain workflows, supporting businesses of all sizes in maintaining efficiency. This comparison table showcases tools like Katana MRP, MRPeasy, Fishbowl Inventory, Prodsmart, Odoo, and more, equipping readers to identify the right solution for their specific operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Katana MRP Cloud-based MRP software that tracks materials inventory in real-time for small to medium manufacturers with production planning and traceability. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | MRPeasy Manufacturing resource planning software offering comprehensive materials tracking, inventory management, and production scheduling for SMBs. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Fishbowl Inventory Inventory management system that excels in multi-location materials tracking, barcode scanning, and integration with QuickBooks for manufacturing. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Prodsmart Real-time shop floor tracking software that monitors materials usage, production progress, and waste to optimize manufacturing efficiency. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Odoo Open-source ERP platform with robust inventory module for tracing materials through procurement, warehousing, and manufacturing processes. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 6 | Cin7 Inventory and order management platform that tracks materials across multiple channels with advanced forecasting and automation for e-commerce and wholesale. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | NetSuite Cloud ERP solution providing end-to-end materials tracking from supply chain to fulfillment with demand planning and lot traceability. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Epicor Kinetic Manufacturing ERP software focused on materials resource planning, inventory control, and real-time visibility for discrete and process industries. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Plex Smart manufacturing platform that tracks materials, quality, and production data in real-time on a cloud MES/ERP system. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | ERPNext Open-source ERP with integrated materials tracking for inventory, manufacturing, and serial/batch management suitable for growing businesses. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
Cloud-based MRP software that tracks materials inventory in real-time for small to medium manufacturers with production planning and traceability.
Manufacturing resource planning software offering comprehensive materials tracking, inventory management, and production scheduling for SMBs.
Inventory management system that excels in multi-location materials tracking, barcode scanning, and integration with QuickBooks for manufacturing.
Real-time shop floor tracking software that monitors materials usage, production progress, and waste to optimize manufacturing efficiency.
Open-source ERP platform with robust inventory module for tracing materials through procurement, warehousing, and manufacturing processes.
Inventory and order management platform that tracks materials across multiple channels with advanced forecasting and automation for e-commerce and wholesale.
Cloud ERP solution providing end-to-end materials tracking from supply chain to fulfillment with demand planning and lot traceability.
Manufacturing ERP software focused on materials resource planning, inventory control, and real-time visibility for discrete and process industries.
Smart manufacturing platform that tracks materials, quality, and production data in real-time on a cloud MES/ERP system.
Open-source ERP with integrated materials tracking for inventory, manufacturing, and serial/batch management suitable for growing businesses.
Katana MRP
specializedCloud-based MRP software that tracks materials inventory in real-time for small to medium manufacturers with production planning and traceability.
Live Inventory Sync, providing instant, accurate materials visibility across all warehouses, sales channels, and production stages in real-time
Katana MRP is a cloud-based Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering real-time materials tracking, inventory management across multiple locations, and automated production planning. It handles bill of materials (BOM) management, lot and serial number tracking, purchasing automation, and seamless integration with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks. By providing end-to-end visibility from raw materials to finished goods, it helps businesses reduce stockouts, overstock, and manual errors in materials handling.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory tracking with lot/serial traceability
- Automated production and purchasing based on demand forecasting
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and shop floor tools
Cons
- Higher-tier plans required for advanced reporting and customizations
- Initial setup can be time-intensive for complex BOM structures
- Limited free tier for scaling businesses
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers seeking scalable, real-time materials tracking and production automation without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for MRP+ Essentials (up to 500 orders/mo), $299/month for Professional, and custom Enterprise pricing; free Cloud Inventory tier available for basic tracking.
MRPeasy
specializedManufacturing resource planning software offering comprehensive materials tracking, inventory management, and production scheduling for SMBs.
Dynamic MRP engine that instantly recalculates material requirements based on production changes, orders, and inventory levels
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP/ERP software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering robust materials tracking through real-time inventory management, lot and serial number traceability, and automated material requirements planning. It enables precise tracking of raw materials from procurement to production and finished goods dispatch, with features like barcode scanning and multi-warehouse support. The system integrates BOM management and production scheduling to minimize stockouts and overstocking, providing full visibility into material flows.
Pros
- Comprehensive lot and serial number tracking for full traceability
- Real-time MRP calculations adjust material needs dynamically
- Integrated inventory with multi-warehouse and barcode support
Cons
- Can feel complex for very small operations without dedicated staff
- Customization requires higher-tier plans
- Reporting could be more advanced for enterprise-scale tracking
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers seeking integrated MRP and precise materials tracking without heavy IT investment.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (Basic, annual billing) up to $99/user/month (Gold); custom Enterprise pricing available.
Fishbowl Inventory
specializedInventory management system that excels in multi-location materials tracking, barcode scanning, and integration with QuickBooks for manufacturing.
Native, real-time two-way synchronization with QuickBooks
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust inventory management platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution, offering advanced materials tracking capabilities including lot/serial numbers, multi-location support, and barcode scanning. It streamlines material movements from receiving raw materials through production to shipping finished goods, with built-in manufacturing order management and reorder alerts. The software stands out for its deep integration with QuickBooks, enabling real-time syncing of inventory data with accounting.
Pros
- Seamless two-way QuickBooks integration for real-time financial accuracy
- Comprehensive materials tracking with lot/serial, expiration dates, and multi-location support
- Powerful manufacturing module for bills of materials and work orders
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature-rich interface
- Higher upfront costs may deter very small businesses
- Reporting requires customization or add-ons for advanced needs
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers and distributors using QuickBooks who need precise materials tracking across multiple sites.
Pricing
One-time license starts at $4,395 for the first user + $1,465 per additional user; annual maintenance ~20% of license cost.
Prodsmart
specializedReal-time shop floor tracking software that monitors materials usage, production progress, and waste to optimize manufacturing efficiency.
Mobile-first barcode/RFID scanning for real-time material consumption and inventory updates
Prodsmart is a cloud-based Manufacturing Execution System (MES) designed for real-time shop floor management, with strong capabilities in materials tracking. It enables manufacturers to monitor material inventory, consumption, and movement via mobile devices, eliminating paper-based processes. The software provides traceability from raw materials to finished goods, helping optimize stock levels and reduce waste.
Pros
- Real-time materials tracking with mobile scanning for instant accuracy
- Paperless operations that reduce errors and waste
- Seamless integration with ERPs like SAP and QuickBooks
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can be high for small teams
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Primarily focused on manufacturing, less flexible for non-production tracking
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers seeking mobile-first materials visibility on the shop floor.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting around €50/user/month; contact sales for tailored quotes based on users and modules.
Odoo
enterpriseOpen-source ERP platform with robust inventory module for tracing materials through procurement, warehousing, and manufacturing processes.
Comprehensive lot/serial traceability matrix showing origin, usage, and destination across the entire supply chain
Odoo is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform with a powerful Inventory module designed for materials tracking, enabling lot/serial number management, multi-warehouse operations, and full traceability across the supply chain. It integrates seamlessly with manufacturing, purchasing, and sales modules to provide end-to-end visibility into material movements, reservations, and stock levels. Ideal for businesses scaling from basic tracking to complex production environments, Odoo's modular approach allows customization without heavy coding.
Pros
- Advanced lot and serial tracking with full backward/forward traceability reports
- Multi-warehouse support and automated reordering rules
- Deep integration with manufacturing and procurement for streamlined workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to ERP complexity for non-technical users
- Customization often requires developer expertise or paid apps
- Performance can lag in very large-scale deployments without optimization
Best For
Small to mid-sized manufacturers or distributors needing integrated ERP-level materials tracking without vendor lock-in.
Pricing
Free Community edition; Enterprise edition starts at $24.90/user/month (billed annually) for full apps and support.
Cin7
enterpriseInventory and order management platform that tracks materials across multiple channels with advanced forecasting and automation for e-commerce and wholesale.
Connected Inventory Engine for automatic, real-time syncing of material stock across all warehouses, channels, and purchase orders.
Cin7 is a cloud-based inventory management platform designed for real-time tracking of materials, stock levels, and orders across multiple warehouses and sales channels. It excels in materials tracking with features like batch, serial number, and expiry date management, purchase order processing, and stocktake tools. Ideal for businesses handling complex supply chains, it integrates seamlessly with e-commerce, accounting, and POS systems to ensure accurate material visibility and traceability.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory tracking with automated stock adjustments
- Robust batch, serial, and lot tracking for precise materials traceability
- Extensive integrations with 700+ apps including Shopify, Xero, and QuickBooks
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and customization options
- Pricing can be high for small businesses with basic needs
- Reporting tools lack some advanced analytics without add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized manufacturers, distributors, and retailers needing scalable materials tracking integrated with multi-channel sales.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Operations plan (billed annually); scales to $999+/month for advanced EDI and enterprise features, with custom quotes available.
NetSuite
enterpriseCloud ERP solution providing end-to-end materials tracking from supply chain to fulfillment with demand planning and lot traceability.
Real-time, multi-location inventory visibility with advanced traceability for compliance-heavy industries
NetSuite is a cloud-based ERP platform from Oracle that provides comprehensive materials tracking through its inventory management, supply chain, and manufacturing modules. It supports lot and serial number traceability, multi-location inventory visibility, demand planning, and real-time analytics for efficient materials flow across the supply chain. While powerful for enterprises, it's a full-suite ERP rather than a standalone materials tracking tool.
Pros
- Advanced lot/serial number tracking with full traceability
- Scalable for global enterprises with multi-subsidiary support
- Seamless integration with financials, CRM, and e-commerce
Cons
- Complex setup and long implementation timelines
- High cost prohibitive for small businesses
- Steep learning curve requiring training and consultants
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises in manufacturing or distribution needing integrated ERP with robust materials tracking.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at ~$10,000/year for basic setups, scaling to $100,000+ annually based on users, modules, and customization.
Epicor Kinetic
enterpriseManufacturing ERP software focused on materials resource planning, inventory control, and real-time visibility for discrete and process industries.
EpicTrace module for full pedigree and forward/backward traceability across the supply chain
Epicor Kinetic is a cloud-based ERP platform designed for manufacturing and distribution industries, offering robust materials tracking through its inventory management module. It provides real-time visibility into material flows, lot and serial number traceability, and integration with production planning for end-to-end monitoring. The system supports compliance requirements with detailed pedigree reporting and quality control features, making it suitable for complex supply chains.
Pros
- Advanced lot/serial traceability for regulatory compliance
- Real-time inventory dashboards and analytics
- Seamless integration with ERP modules like MRP and production
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to comprehensive ERP nature
- High implementation and customization costs
- Overkill for small businesses focused solely on basic tracking
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturing firms requiring integrated materials tracking within a full ERP ecosystem.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting at $175/user/month for cloud deployment, plus implementation fees; scales with modules and users.
Plex
enterpriseSmart manufacturing platform that tracks materials, quality, and production data in real-time on a cloud MES/ERP system.
Real-time digital thread for materials traceability from raw goods to finished products
Plex is a cloud-based smart manufacturing platform offering integrated ERP, MES, and SCM solutions tailored for discrete manufacturers. It provides robust materials tracking capabilities, including real-time inventory visibility, traceability from supplier to production, and automated replenishment. The system excels in connecting shop floor operations with enterprise data for streamlined material management and reduced waste.
Pros
- Comprehensive real-time materials tracking and traceability
- Seamless integration with MES and ERP for end-to-end visibility
- Scalable for mid-sized manufacturers with multi-plant support
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and configuration
- Pricing can be high for smaller operations
- Limited flexibility for highly customized workflows
Best For
Mid-sized discrete manufacturers in industries like automotive and aerospace needing integrated materials management.
Pricing
Subscription-based SaaS model starting at around $1,000/month per facility, scales with users, modules, and production volume; custom quotes required.
ERPNext
otherOpen-source ERP with integrated materials tracking for inventory, manufacturing, and serial/batch management suitable for growing businesses.
Perpetual inventory system with automatic stock reconciliation and full serial/batch traceability across the supply chain
ERPNext is an open-source ERP platform with robust Inventory and Manufacturing modules tailored for materials tracking, enabling real-time stock monitoring, serial and batch number tracking, multi-warehouse management, and BOM-based production planning. It supports purchase orders, supplier management, and quality inspections to ensure traceability throughout the supply chain. While comprehensive for integrated business operations, it excels in handling complex materials flows for manufacturing and distribution.
Pros
- Highly customizable open-source platform with no licensing fees
- Advanced serial/batch tracking and full materials traceability
- Seamless integration with manufacturing, purchasing, and accounting modules
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Requires technical expertise for customization and self-hosting
- Performance can lag with very large-scale inventory datasets
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturing or distribution businesses seeking a free, all-in-one ERP with strong materials tracking capabilities.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted version; hosted plans via Frappe Cloud start at $25/month for basic setups.
Conclusion
The reviewed materials tracking tools span cloud-based MRP to open-source ERP, each prioritizing real-time inventory management and production optimization. At the summit, Katana MRP leads, excelling in integrated production planning and traceability for small to medium manufacturers. MRPeasy follows with comprehensive SMB-focused features, while Fishbowl Inventory stands out for multi-location tracking and QuickBooks integration, ensuring there’s a best fit for diverse needs.
Don’t miss out on Katana MRP—its real-time capabilities and tailored design can streamline your materials tracking, boosting efficiency and visibility for your operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.