Quick Overview
- 1#1: MRPeasy - Cloud-based MRP software for small manufacturers to plan production, manage inventory levels, and automate parts purchasing.
- 2#2: Katana - Real-time cloud MRP platform that tracks live inventory, handles bill of materials, and streamlines parts manufacturing workflows.
- 3#3: Fishbowl Inventory - Advanced inventory control software with serial/lot tracking, multi-location support, and manufacturing tools for parts management.
- 4#4: Odoo - Open-source ERP suite with integrated inventory, manufacturing, and procurement modules optimized for parts handling.
- 5#5: ERPNext - Fully open-source ERP system featuring BOM management, stock tracking, and production planning tailored for parts operations.
- 6#6: Zoho Inventory - Cloud inventory management tool that automates order fulfillment, warehouse operations, and multi-channel parts sales.
- 7#7: Cin7 - Integrated inventory platform connecting e-commerce, POS, and ERP for real-time parts stock visibility and automation.
- 8#8: Plex - Smart manufacturing platform with MES capabilities for end-to-end parts production, quality control, and supply chain management.
- 9#9: Epicor Kinetic - Cloud-based ERP for discrete manufacturers managing complex parts assemblies, inventory, and distribution processes.
- 10#10: NetSuite - Comprehensive cloud ERP with advanced inventory, demand forecasting, and lot/serial tracking for enterprise parts management.
These tools were selected based on a focus on key attributes: robust feature sets (including real-time tracking, BOM management, and automation), user experience, scalability, and value, ensuring they cater to both small-scale and enterprise-level parts operations.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading Parts Software solutions, such as MRPeasy, Katana, Fishbowl Inventory, Odoo, ERPNext, and more, offering insights into key features, usability, and ideal use cases to help readers find their best fit.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MRPeasy Cloud-based MRP software for small manufacturers to plan production, manage inventory levels, and automate parts purchasing. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Katana Real-time cloud MRP platform that tracks live inventory, handles bill of materials, and streamlines parts manufacturing workflows. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Fishbowl Inventory Advanced inventory control software with serial/lot tracking, multi-location support, and manufacturing tools for parts management. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Odoo Open-source ERP suite with integrated inventory, manufacturing, and procurement modules optimized for parts handling. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | ERPNext Fully open-source ERP system featuring BOM management, stock tracking, and production planning tailored for parts operations. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.9/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 6 | Zoho Inventory Cloud inventory management tool that automates order fulfillment, warehouse operations, and multi-channel parts sales. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 7 | Cin7 Integrated inventory platform connecting e-commerce, POS, and ERP for real-time parts stock visibility and automation. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Plex Smart manufacturing platform with MES capabilities for end-to-end parts production, quality control, and supply chain management. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 9 | Epicor Kinetic Cloud-based ERP for discrete manufacturers managing complex parts assemblies, inventory, and distribution processes. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | NetSuite Comprehensive cloud ERP with advanced inventory, demand forecasting, and lot/serial tracking for enterprise parts management. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.2/10 | 6.8/10 |
Cloud-based MRP software for small manufacturers to plan production, manage inventory levels, and automate parts purchasing.
Real-time cloud MRP platform that tracks live inventory, handles bill of materials, and streamlines parts manufacturing workflows.
Advanced inventory control software with serial/lot tracking, multi-location support, and manufacturing tools for parts management.
Open-source ERP suite with integrated inventory, manufacturing, and procurement modules optimized for parts handling.
Fully open-source ERP system featuring BOM management, stock tracking, and production planning tailored for parts operations.
Cloud inventory management tool that automates order fulfillment, warehouse operations, and multi-channel parts sales.
Integrated inventory platform connecting e-commerce, POS, and ERP for real-time parts stock visibility and automation.
Smart manufacturing platform with MES capabilities for end-to-end parts production, quality control, and supply chain management.
Cloud-based ERP for discrete manufacturers managing complex parts assemblies, inventory, and distribution processes.
Comprehensive cloud ERP with advanced inventory, demand forecasting, and lot/serial tracking for enterprise parts management.
MRPeasy
specializedCloud-based MRP software for small manufacturers to plan production, manage inventory levels, and automate parts purchasing.
Intelligent production-driven inventory planning that automatically calculates parts needs from sales orders and schedules
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning) software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, excelling in parts management through advanced inventory tracking, bill of materials (BOM) handling, and automated procurement. It provides end-to-end visibility into parts usage with real-time stock levels, production scheduling, and demand forecasting to minimize shortages and overstock. Additional modules for CRM, shop floor control, and reporting make it a comprehensive solution for optimizing parts flow in manufacturing operations.
Pros
- Robust multi-level BOM and parts traceability for complex assemblies
- Real-time inventory forecasting tied to production schedules prevents stockouts
- Intuitive cloud interface with mobile access for on-the-go parts management
Cons
- Limited native support for highly customized industry-specific parts workflows
- Advanced analytics require higher-tier plans
- Scalability may strain with extremely high-volume parts catalogs
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers seeking an all-in-one MRP for efficient parts inventory, procurement, and production integration.
Pricing
Starts at $49 per user/month (billed annually) for basic MRP, up to $99+ for full features; minimum 5 users.
Katana
specializedReal-time cloud MRP platform that tracks live inventory, handles bill of materials, and streamlines parts manufacturing workflows.
Live inventory dashboard with visual production scheduling that auto-generates purchase orders based on real-time demand and stock levels
Katana is a cloud-based MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning) software designed specifically for small to medium-sized manufacturers to manage inventory, parts, production planning, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) in real-time. It offers multi-location inventory tracking, automated purchase orders, and seamless integrations with platforms like Shopify, QuickBooks, and Xero. By providing live visibility into stock levels and production schedules, Katana helps businesses avoid stockouts and overstocking while streamlining parts management workflows.
Pros
- Real-time inventory tracking across multiple locations prevents stock discrepancies
- Robust BOM management with infinite nesting supports complex parts assemblies
- Strong integrations with e-commerce and accounting tools for end-to-end visibility
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with production volume, which may strain very small operations
- Advanced reporting and analytics require higher-tier plans or custom setup
- Initial setup for intricate BOMs can involve a learning curve for non-experts
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers handling discrete parts production who need real-time MRP without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Maker plan for up to 500 orders/month), $299/month (Professional for 2,500 orders), with Enterprise custom pricing based on volume.
Fishbowl Inventory
specializedAdvanced inventory control software with serial/lot tracking, multi-location support, and manufacturing tools for parts management.
Native, bidirectional QuickBooks integration that syncs inventory data in real-time without manual entry
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust inventory management platform designed for small to midsize businesses in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution, with strong capabilities for parts tracking and control. It supports multi-location inventory, barcode scanning, lot/serial number tracking, purchase/sales order management, and bill of materials (BOM) for assemblies. The software excels in bridging inventory operations with accounting through native QuickBooks integration, making it ideal for parts-heavy operations.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for real-time accounting sync
- Advanced lot/serial tracking and multi-location inventory control
- Built-in manufacturing tools with BOM and work orders
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Higher upfront costs compared to cloud-only competitors
- Reporting requires customization or add-ons
Best For
QuickBooks-reliant SMBs in manufacturing or parts distribution needing detailed inventory and production tracking.
Pricing
One-time license starts at $4,395 for Fishbowl One (single-user), plus ~20% annual maintenance; multi-user and subscription tiers scale up.
Odoo
enterpriseOpen-source ERP suite with integrated inventory, manufacturing, and procurement modules optimized for parts handling.
Advanced inventory forecasting and automated replenishment rules based on real-time stock levels and sales data
Odoo is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform with dedicated modules for inventory management, purchasing, and manufacturing, ideal for handling parts catalogs, stock tracking, and procurement in industries like automotive repair or manufacturing. It supports serial/lot tracking, multi-warehouse operations, automated reordering, and bill of materials (BOM) for assemblies. The modular design allows customization to fit specific parts software needs, integrating with sales, CRM, and accounting for end-to-end visibility.
Pros
- Highly customizable modules for parts inventory, tracking, and procurement
- Seamless integration across ERP functions like sales and manufacturing
- Free community edition with strong core features
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Performance can lag with very large inventories
- Advanced features and support require paid Enterprise edition
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses or workshops needing scalable, integrated parts management within a full ERP system.
Pricing
Community edition free; Enterprise starts at ~$25/user/month (billed annually) for core apps, with additional costs for extra modules and hosting.
ERPNext
enterpriseFully open-source ERP system featuring BOM management, stock tracking, and production planning tailored for parts operations.
Multi-level Bill of Materials (BOM) with version control, routing, and real-time production planning for complex parts assembly.
ERPNext is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform with robust inventory and manufacturing modules tailored for parts management. It enables detailed tracking of parts through item masters, serial/batch numbers, multi-warehouse support, and bill of materials (BOM) creation. The system integrates parts procurement, stock valuation, and production planning, making it suitable for businesses handling complex parts inventories. While not a standalone parts software, it provides enterprise-grade capabilities within a full ERP suite.
Pros
- Highly customizable open-source architecture
- Advanced BOM, serial/batch tracking, and multi-level inventory features
- Seamless integration with manufacturing, purchasing, and accounting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS tools
- Limited out-of-box support for highly specialized parts industries like automotive
Best For
Small to medium manufacturing or distribution businesses needing integrated parts management within a cost-effective ERP system.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosting; Frappe Cloud hosting starts at $10/user/month for Standard plan, with Enterprise options up to $25/user/month.
Zoho Inventory
specializedCloud inventory management tool that automates order fulfillment, warehouse operations, and multi-channel parts sales.
Advanced serial and batch tracking with automated reorder points and composite kits for parts assemblies
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based platform designed for inventory management, enabling businesses to track stock levels, handle purchase and sales orders, and manage serial/batch numbers crucial for parts tracking. It supports multi-warehouse operations, composite items for assemblies or kits, and supplier management, making it suitable for parts distributors and repair shops. The software integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Amazon, as well as Zoho's suite for accounting and CRM.
Pros
- Robust serial/batch number tracking with expiration support ideal for parts
- Multi-warehouse and multi-channel sales integration
- Affordable scalability with strong Zoho ecosystem connectivity
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced setups like kits and automations
- Reporting lacks deep customization without higher tiers
- Interface can feel overwhelming for simple parts-only users
Best For
Small to medium parts distributors or repair shops needing integrated inventory with sales channels on a budget.
Pricing
Free for up to 20 online orders/month; Standard at $29/mo, Professional $79/mo, Elite $199/mo (billed annually).
Cin7
enterpriseIntegrated inventory platform connecting e-commerce, POS, and ERP for real-time parts stock visibility and automation.
UniFi's real-time, multi-entity inventory connectivity that prevents overselling across all channels and locations
Cin7 is a cloud-based inventory management platform that unifies stock control, sales, and purchasing for multi-channel retailers and wholesalers, making it suitable for parts distributors handling complex inventory. It offers real-time visibility across unlimited warehouses, supports serial, lot, and batch tracking essential for parts management, and automates replenishment based on sales forecasts. Seamless integrations with e-commerce platforms, accounting software, and EDI for suppliers enhance operational efficiency for parts businesses.
Pros
- Multi-location and multi-channel inventory synchronization in real-time
- Advanced tracking for serial/lot/batch numbers critical for parts
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and supplier EDI
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature depth and complexity
- Higher pricing may not suit very small parts operations
- Some specialized features require costly add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized parts distributors and wholesalers needing robust, scalable inventory control across multiple sales channels and warehouses.
Pricing
Core plan starts at $349/month (billed annually, 100 orders/mo), Operations at $599/month (1,000 orders), Enterprise at $999+/month; add-ons like EDI and 3PL extra.
Plex
enterpriseSmart manufacturing platform with MES capabilities for end-to-end parts production, quality control, and supply chain management.
Advanced parts genealogy and traceability with full lifecycle visibility
Plex is a cloud-native smart manufacturing platform that combines ERP and MES functionalities tailored for discrete manufacturers, particularly in automotive and aerospace. It excels in managing parts inventory, supply chain operations, production scheduling, quality control, and traceability throughout the manufacturing lifecycle. With IoT integration and real-time analytics, Plex provides end-to-end visibility to optimize operations and ensure compliance.
Pros
- Seamless integration of ERP and MES for parts management
- Superior traceability and genealogy for compliance
- Real-time data insights from shop floor to supply chain
Cons
- Pricing requires custom quotes and can be expensive
- Implementation may take time for full rollout
- Less ideal for very small manufacturers
Best For
Mid-to-large discrete manufacturers needing integrated parts tracking, inventory control, and production optimization.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on modules, users, and scale; typically quote-based starting in the mid-five figures annually.
Epicor Kinetic
enterpriseCloud-based ERP for discrete manufacturers managing complex parts assemblies, inventory, and distribution processes.
Kinetic's Advanced Material Requirements Planning (MRP) with AI-driven forecasting for precise parts demand and procurement optimization
Epicor Kinetic is a cloud-native ERP platform tailored for manufacturing, distribution, and service industries, providing robust parts management through advanced inventory control, serial/lot tracking, and demand forecasting. It integrates parts procurement, warehousing, and fulfillment with financials, CRM, and production modules for end-to-end visibility. Ideal for complex supply chains, it supports multi-site operations and customizable workflows to optimize parts handling efficiency.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management with real-time tracking, lot/serial control, and automated replenishment
- Scalable architecture supporting multi-location parts distribution and global supply chain integration
- Extensive customization via low-code tools and strong industry-specific modules for manufacturing
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring significant training and consulting
- High cost for implementation and ongoing maintenance, less ideal for small operations
- Occasional performance lags in highly customized deployments with large datasets
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturing and distribution businesses managing complex parts inventories across multiple sites.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically starting at $175/user/month for cloud subscriptions, with additional implementation fees often exceeding $100K for enterprises.
NetSuite
enterpriseComprehensive cloud ERP with advanced inventory, demand forecasting, and lot/serial tracking for enterprise parts management.
OneWorld edition for real-time, multi-location parts inventory visibility across subsidiaries, currencies, and compliance requirements
NetSuite is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform from Oracle that excels in enterprise resource planning, with robust inventory and warehouse management modules ideal for parts software applications. It supports multi-location inventory tracking, serial/lot number management, demand forecasting, and automated replenishment to optimize parts supply chains. The system integrates parts management with financials, procurement, and order fulfillment for end-to-end visibility.
Pros
- Highly scalable for global operations with multi-subsidiary support
- Advanced inventory features like bin management and cycle counting
- Deep integration with ERP modules for seamless parts-to-finance workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation
- High cost unsuitable for small businesses
- Overkill for standalone parts management without full ERP needs
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing integrated ERP with sophisticated parts inventory and supply chain management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $1,000-$10,000/month based on users/modules, plus $20,000+ implementation fees.
Conclusion
The top 10 parts software reviewed showcase diverse strengths in streamlining inventory, production, and supply chain management for parts operations. At the apex, MRPeasy shines as the top choice, excelling in cloud-based planning, inventory automation, and parts purchasing for small manufacturers. Katana and Fishbowl Inventory follow closely, offering standout real-time tracking and advanced inventory controls, respectively, as strong alternatives for specific needs.
Don’t miss out on optimizing your parts management—begin with MRPeasy to unlock seamless planning, efficient inventory handling, and tailored purchasing workflows for your operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison