Quick Overview
- 1#1: Katana MRP - Cloud-based MRP software that provides real-time tracking of raw materials, production planning, and inventory optimization for manufacturers.
- 2#2: MRPeasy - Affordable cloud MRP system designed for small manufacturers to manage raw material procurement, production scheduling, and inventory levels.
- 3#3: Fishbowl Inventory - Robust inventory management software with advanced manufacturing features for tracking raw materials, bills of materials, and work orders.
- 4#4: Odoo - Open-source ERP platform with a powerful inventory module for raw material tracking, lot/serial numbers, and manufacturing workflows.
- 5#5: Cin7 - Scalable inventory management platform that handles raw materials, multi-location stock, and production for growing businesses.
- 6#6: NetSuite - Cloud ERP solution offering comprehensive raw material inventory control, demand planning, and supply chain management for enterprises.
- 7#7: Unleashed - Real-time cloud inventory software with strong support for raw material tracking, supplier management, and multi-currency operations.
- 8#8: inFlow Inventory - User-friendly inventory system for small businesses managing raw materials, purchase orders, and sales with QuickBooks integration.
- 9#9: Prodio - Shop floor management software that tracks raw material usage, production progress, and inventory in real-time for manufacturers.
- 10#10: SAP Business One - ERP software for SMEs with advanced inventory management capabilities for raw materials, traceability, and production integration.
Tools were ranked based on core functionality (e.g., raw material tracking, production integration), user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring relevance across business sizes, from small operations to large enterprises.
Comparison Table
Effective raw material inventory management is vital for operational efficiency and cost control, with the right software playing a critical role. This comparison table details tools like Katana MRP, MRPeasy, Fishbowl Inventory, Odoo, Cin7, and more, helping readers assess key features to find a solution aligned with their business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Katana MRP Cloud-based MRP software that provides real-time tracking of raw materials, production planning, and inventory optimization for manufacturers. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | MRPeasy Affordable cloud MRP system designed for small manufacturers to manage raw material procurement, production scheduling, and inventory levels. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Fishbowl Inventory Robust inventory management software with advanced manufacturing features for tracking raw materials, bills of materials, and work orders. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Odoo Open-source ERP platform with a powerful inventory module for raw material tracking, lot/serial numbers, and manufacturing workflows. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 5 | Cin7 Scalable inventory management platform that handles raw materials, multi-location stock, and production for growing businesses. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | NetSuite Cloud ERP solution offering comprehensive raw material inventory control, demand planning, and supply chain management for enterprises. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Unleashed Real-time cloud inventory software with strong support for raw material tracking, supplier management, and multi-currency operations. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | inFlow Inventory User-friendly inventory system for small businesses managing raw materials, purchase orders, and sales with QuickBooks integration. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | Prodio Shop floor management software that tracks raw material usage, production progress, and inventory in real-time for manufacturers. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | SAP Business One ERP software for SMEs with advanced inventory management capabilities for raw materials, traceability, and production integration. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
Cloud-based MRP software that provides real-time tracking of raw materials, production planning, and inventory optimization for manufacturers.
Affordable cloud MRP system designed for small manufacturers to manage raw material procurement, production scheduling, and inventory levels.
Robust inventory management software with advanced manufacturing features for tracking raw materials, bills of materials, and work orders.
Open-source ERP platform with a powerful inventory module for raw material tracking, lot/serial numbers, and manufacturing workflows.
Scalable inventory management platform that handles raw materials, multi-location stock, and production for growing businesses.
Cloud ERP solution offering comprehensive raw material inventory control, demand planning, and supply chain management for enterprises.
Real-time cloud inventory software with strong support for raw material tracking, supplier management, and multi-currency operations.
User-friendly inventory system for small businesses managing raw materials, purchase orders, and sales with QuickBooks integration.
Shop floor management software that tracks raw material usage, production progress, and inventory in real-time for manufacturers.
ERP software for SMEs with advanced inventory management capabilities for raw materials, traceability, and production integration.
Katana MRP
specializedCloud-based MRP software that provides real-time tracking of raw materials, production planning, and inventory optimization for manufacturers.
Live Inventory Dashboard with dynamic material requirements planning based on real-time sales and production orders
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning software that provides comprehensive real-time inventory management, particularly excelling in tracking raw materials through purchase orders, bill of materials (BOM), and automated reordering. It enables manufacturers to monitor stock levels across multiple locations, forecast demand, and integrate seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks. Ideal for streamlining raw material workflows from procurement to production, it reduces stockouts and overstocking with data-driven insights.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location tracking and automated reorder points for raw materials prevent shortages
- Robust BOM management and lot/serial traceability ensure precise material usage
- Deep integrations with Shopify, QuickBooks, and Xero simplify data flow
Cons
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
- Initial setup for complex BOMs can be time-intensive
- Pricing scales quickly for larger operations with many users
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers needing integrated raw material inventory tracking with production planning.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Digital plan) for basic inventory; Essentials at $179/month includes MRP features; scales to $799+/month for enterprise with unlimited users.
MRPeasy
specializedAffordable cloud MRP system designed for small manufacturers to manage raw material procurement, production scheduling, and inventory levels.
Production-driven inventory forecasting that automatically calculates exact raw material requirements from manufacturing orders and BOMs
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP/ERP software tailored for small to medium manufacturers, with strong capabilities in raw material inventory management including real-time tracking and traceability. It automates reorder points, purchase order generation based on Bills of Materials (BOMs), and supports lot/serial number tracking for compliance and quality control. The system integrates inventory seamlessly with production planning, ensuring raw materials are available exactly when needed without overstocking.
Pros
- Real-time inventory visibility with lot and serial traceability
- Automated raw material procurement tied to production schedules and BOMs
- Multi-warehouse support and cycle counting for accurate stock levels
Cons
- Full MRP suite may be overkill for inventory-only needs
- User-based pricing can add up for larger teams
- Steeper learning curve for advanced manufacturing integrations
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers seeking integrated raw material inventory management with production planning and scheduling.
Pricing
Starts at €49 per user/month (Gold plan) up to €119 per user/month (Diamond plan), billed annually with a free trial.
Fishbowl Inventory
specializedRobust inventory management software with advanced manufacturing features for tracking raw materials, bills of materials, and work orders.
Deep, native QuickBooks integration that syncs inventory data in real-time without double-entry
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust inventory management software tailored for manufacturing and distribution businesses, offering advanced tracking of raw materials through bill of materials (BOM), production planning, and lot/serial number traceability. It provides real-time visibility into inventory levels across multiple locations, supports work orders, and automates replenishment for raw materials. Deep integration with QuickBooks ensures seamless accounting synchronization, making it ideal for businesses managing complex supply chains.
Pros
- Advanced manufacturing tools including BOM and production tracking for precise raw material management
- Excellent QuickBooks integration for automated accounting
- Multi-location inventory support with lot/serial traceability
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring training for full utilization
- Higher upfront costs and ongoing maintenance fees
- Limited mobile app functionality compared to cloud-native competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized manufacturers handling complex raw material inventories who use QuickBooks and need on-premise deployment options.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at $4,395 for standard edition (up to 10 users), plus $65/user/month maintenance; warehouse edition from $13,195; subscription options available.
Odoo
enterpriseOpen-source ERP platform with a powerful inventory module for raw material tracking, lot/serial numbers, and manufacturing workflows.
Push/Pull rules for automated, rule-based inventory movements tailored to complex raw material flows
Odoo is an open-source ERP platform with a powerful Inventory module designed for managing raw materials, including real-time stock tracking, automated reordering, and lot/serial number traceability. It integrates seamlessly with procurement for purchase orders and manufacturing for BOM-based consumption, enabling efficient raw material lifecycle management. Advanced features like multi-warehouse support, forecasting, and customizable reports make it scalable for production environments.
Pros
- Robust traceability with lot/serial tracking and expiration dates for raw materials
- Automated replenishment rules and integration with procurement/manufacturing modules
- Multi-warehouse management and real-time inventory visibility
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and advanced customizations
- Some premium features like advanced forecasting locked behind Enterprise edition
- Performance optimization needed for very large-scale inventories
Best For
Small to medium manufacturing businesses needing integrated ERP with strong raw material tracking and scalability.
Pricing
Free Community Edition; Enterprise starts at €24.90/user/month (annual billing), with custom on-premise pricing.
Cin7
enterpriseScalable inventory management platform that handles raw materials, multi-location stock, and production for growing businesses.
Real-time connected inventory syncing across unlimited locations and channels for instant raw material availability insights
Cin7 is a cloud-based inventory management platform designed for real-time tracking of stock across multiple warehouses and sales channels, making it suitable for managing raw material inventories in distribution and light manufacturing environments. It excels in purchase order automation, supplier management, and stock level visibility to prevent shortages or overstocking of raw materials. While not a dedicated manufacturing ERP, it integrates with accounting and e-commerce tools to streamline raw material procurement and inbound logistics.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory tracking prevents stockouts of raw materials
- Automated purchase orders and supplier portal for efficient raw material replenishment
- Robust integrations with accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks
Cons
- Lacks advanced manufacturing features like bill of materials (BOM) or production scheduling for raw material usage
- Steep learning curve for complex inventory setups
- Higher pricing may not suit very small operations focused solely on raw materials
Best For
Small to mid-sized distributors or light manufacturers needing scalable inventory visibility and procurement automation for raw materials.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Cin7 Core (billed annually), with Cin7 Omni from $599/month; custom enterprise pricing available.
NetSuite
enterpriseCloud ERP solution offering comprehensive raw material inventory control, demand planning, and supply chain management for enterprises.
Advanced lot/serial traceability and demand-driven replenishment planning fully integrated within a unified ERP platform
NetSuite is a cloud-based ERP platform from Oracle that provides comprehensive inventory management features, including real-time tracking of raw materials across multiple locations, lot and serial number traceability, and demand planning. It integrates seamlessly with procurement, manufacturing, and financial modules to optimize raw material flows and reduce stockouts or overstock. While powerful for enterprise-scale operations, it excels in handling complex supply chains with advanced analytics and automation.
Pros
- Robust real-time inventory tracking and traceability for raw materials
- Deep integration with ERP modules for end-to-end supply chain visibility
- Scalable analytics and demand forecasting tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring customization
- High implementation and ongoing costs
- Overkill for small-scale raw material management needs
Best For
Enterprise manufacturers and distributors with complex, multi-location raw material inventories needing full ERP integration.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $999/user/month plus implementation fees often exceeding $50,000.
Unleashed
specializedReal-time cloud inventory software with strong support for raw material tracking, supplier management, and multi-currency operations.
Advanced Bill of Materials (BOM) with multi-level assemblies for precise raw material tracking and production planning
Unleashed is a cloud-based inventory management platform tailored for manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors handling raw materials and finished goods. It offers real-time multi-location stock tracking, bill of materials (BOM) for production planning, purchase order automation, and supplier management to streamline raw material inflows and usage. The software integrates with accounting tools like Xero and e-commerce platforms, providing visibility into inventory levels, expiry dates, and batch tracking essential for raw material control.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory tracking with mobile app support
- Robust BOM and production order tools for raw material allocation
- Seamless integrations with Xero, QuickBooks, and Shopify
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with order volume, less ideal for very small operations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced manufacturing features
- Reporting customization is somewhat limited without add-ons
Best For
Medium-sized manufacturers and distributors managing raw materials across multiple warehouses with production needs.
Pricing
Starts at $349 USD/month for Starter (up to 120 orders), scales to $999+ for higher volumes and advanced features; custom enterprise pricing available.
inFlow Inventory
specializedUser-friendly inventory system for small businesses managing raw materials, purchase orders, and sales with QuickBooks integration.
Drag-and-drop bill of materials (BOM) builder for simplifying raw material usage in assemblies without needing advanced manufacturing expertise
inFlow Inventory is a user-friendly inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering robust tools for tracking raw materials, purchase orders, sales, and light manufacturing processes. It supports barcode scanning, lot and serial number tracking, bill of materials (BOM) for assemblies, and multi-location inventory control. Real-time reporting and QuickBooks integration make it suitable for raw material management in wholesale, distribution, and basic manufacturing environments.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop BOM creation for easy raw material assembly tracking
- Strong mobile app for on-the-go inventory scanning and updates
- Comprehensive reporting and real-time stock visibility across multiple locations
Cons
- Lacks advanced MRP features for complex manufacturing workflows
- Pricing scales quickly with additional users and premium add-ons
- Limited native integrations beyond major accounting software like QuickBooks
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers or distributors handling raw material inventory with light assembly needs and requiring an easy-to-use, mobile-friendly solution.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month for Starter plan (1 user, basic features); Professional at $129/month (unlimited users, advanced tools); billed annually with add-ons for extra locations.
Prodio
specializedShop floor management software that tracks raw material usage, production progress, and inventory in real-time for manufacturers.
Real-time automatic deduction of raw materials from inventory as production jobs are logged complete on the shop floor
Prodio is a cloud-based manufacturing execution system (MES) tailored for small to medium-sized make-to-order manufacturers, offering real-time production tracking, scheduling, and integrated inventory management. For raw material inventory, it tracks stock levels, monitors usage against bills of materials (BOMs), and automates deductions as jobs progress on the shop floor. While effective for production-linked inventory needs, it lacks the depth of standalone inventory systems for complex warehousing or advanced forecasting.
Pros
- Seamless integration of raw material tracking with production scheduling and job tracking
- Real-time inventory visibility via mobile app and dashboard
- Automated stock deductions based on completed manufacturing jobs
Cons
- Limited advanced inventory features like lot/serial tracking or multi-warehouse support
- More focused on MES than dedicated raw material procurement and forecasting
- Pricing scales quickly for larger operations without proportional inventory depth
Best For
Small make-to-order manufacturers who need basic raw material inventory tied directly to shop floor production without complex standalone inventory requirements.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for basic plans (up to 10 users), with custom enterprise pricing based on factory size and features; annual contracts offer discounts.
SAP Business One
enterpriseERP software for SMEs with advanced inventory management capabilities for raw materials, traceability, and production integration.
Material Requirements Planning (MRP) that automatically calculates raw material requirements from bills of materials and sales forecasts
SAP Business One is a full-featured ERP system designed for small and medium-sized businesses, offering robust inventory management modules tailored for tracking raw materials in manufacturing environments. It provides real-time visibility into stock levels, supports batch and serial number tracking, and integrates with production planning and procurement for efficient raw material handling. While powerful for complex operations, it excels in scenarios requiring scalability and end-to-end supply chain integration.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory tracking with batch/lot management and multi-warehouse support
- Integrated MRP for forecasting raw material needs based on production orders
- Seamless scalability and customization for growing manufacturing businesses
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation requiring professional services
- High upfront and ongoing costs make it less ideal for small-scale operations
- Overkill for businesses needing only basic raw material inventory without full ERP
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers seeking an integrated ERP with advanced raw material inventory and production planning capabilities.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$3,200 per user plus 20-22% annual maintenance; implementation often adds $10K+.
Conclusion
After evaluating the top 10 raw material inventory management tools, each provides distinct value, but Katana MRP leads as the top choice, excelling in real-time tracking, production planning, and inventory optimization for manufacturers. MRPeasy and Fishbowl Inventory stand out as strong alternatives, with MRPeasy offering affordability for small operations and Fishbowl boasting robust manufacturing features, catering to different needs.
For those seeking a leading solution, Katana MRP delivers exceptional functionality—take the next step by exploring its capabilities today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
