Quick Overview
- 1#1: Katana MRP - Cloud-based manufacturing ERP that provides real-time tracking of raw material inventory, production planning, and shop floor execution.
- 2#2: MRPeasy - MRP software for small manufacturers offering precise raw material inventory management, BOM tracking, and automated procurement.
- 3#3: Fishbowl Inventory - Advanced inventory management solution with manufacturing features for tracking raw materials, assemblies, and QuickBooks integration.
- 4#4: Cin7 - Omnichannel inventory platform that manages raw material stock levels, multi-location warehouses, and supply chain operations.
- 5#5: Odoo - Open-source ERP with a powerful inventory module for raw material traceability, lot/serial tracking, and manufacturing workflows.
- 6#6: NetSuite - Cloud ERP providing comprehensive raw material inventory control, demand planning, and integration across manufacturing processes.
- 7#7: SAP Business One - ERP solution for SMBs with robust inventory management for raw materials, including procurement, valuation, and production integration.
- 8#8: Epicor Kinetic - Manufacturing ERP with advanced raw material inventory tracking, forecasting, and shop floor control features.
- 9#9: Acumatica - Cloud ERP offering distribution and manufacturing tools for managing raw material inventories, replenishment, and multi-warehouse support.
- 10#10: SYSPRO - ERP software designed for manufacturers with detailed raw material inventory management, lot traceability, and supply chain visibility.
These tools were selected based on core features (real-time tracking, BOM management, integration), quality (reliability, scalability), user-friendliness (intuitive interfaces), and value (ROI and cost-efficiency), ensuring they cater to manufacturers of all sizes and operational demands.
Comparison Table
Effective management of raw material inventory is key to optimizing operations, and selecting the right software requires careful evaluation. This comparison table outlines top tools like Katana MRP, MRPeasy, Fishbowl Inventory, Cin7, Odoo, and more, helping readers compare features, pricing, and usability to find the best fit. By exploring these options side by side, users can identify which solution aligns with their workflow and operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Katana MRP Cloud-based manufacturing ERP that provides real-time tracking of raw material inventory, production planning, and shop floor execution. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | MRPeasy MRP software for small manufacturers offering precise raw material inventory management, BOM tracking, and automated procurement. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | Fishbowl Inventory Advanced inventory management solution with manufacturing features for tracking raw materials, assemblies, and QuickBooks integration. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Cin7 Omnichannel inventory platform that manages raw material stock levels, multi-location warehouses, and supply chain operations. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Odoo Open-source ERP with a powerful inventory module for raw material traceability, lot/serial tracking, and manufacturing workflows. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 6 | NetSuite Cloud ERP providing comprehensive raw material inventory control, demand planning, and integration across manufacturing processes. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.1/10 | 6.7/10 |
| 7 | SAP Business One ERP solution for SMBs with robust inventory management for raw materials, including procurement, valuation, and production integration. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Epicor Kinetic Manufacturing ERP with advanced raw material inventory tracking, forecasting, and shop floor control features. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | Acumatica Cloud ERP offering distribution and manufacturing tools for managing raw material inventories, replenishment, and multi-warehouse support. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | SYSPRO ERP software designed for manufacturers with detailed raw material inventory management, lot traceability, and supply chain visibility. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
Cloud-based manufacturing ERP that provides real-time tracking of raw material inventory, production planning, and shop floor execution.
MRP software for small manufacturers offering precise raw material inventory management, BOM tracking, and automated procurement.
Advanced inventory management solution with manufacturing features for tracking raw materials, assemblies, and QuickBooks integration.
Omnichannel inventory platform that manages raw material stock levels, multi-location warehouses, and supply chain operations.
Open-source ERP with a powerful inventory module for raw material traceability, lot/serial tracking, and manufacturing workflows.
Cloud ERP providing comprehensive raw material inventory control, demand planning, and integration across manufacturing processes.
ERP solution for SMBs with robust inventory management for raw materials, including procurement, valuation, and production integration.
Manufacturing ERP with advanced raw material inventory tracking, forecasting, and shop floor control features.
Cloud ERP offering distribution and manufacturing tools for managing raw material inventories, replenishment, and multi-warehouse support.
ERP software designed for manufacturers with detailed raw material inventory management, lot traceability, and supply chain visibility.
Katana MRP
specializedCloud-based manufacturing ERP that provides real-time tracking of raw material inventory, production planning, and shop floor execution.
Live multi-location inventory sync that updates in real-time across all warehouses and sales channels
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning software that excels in raw material inventory management, providing real-time tracking of stock levels, purchase orders, and supplier performance. It supports multi-location inventory, bill of materials (BOM) management, and automated reorder points to prevent stockouts and overstocking. Designed for manufacturers, it integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms, accounting software, and production tools for end-to-end visibility.
Pros
- Real-time inventory tracking with multi-location support and lot/serial traceability
- Robust integrations with QuickBooks, Shopify, Xero, and more for streamlined workflows
- Automated purchase orders and demand forecasting to optimize raw material procurement
Cons
- Higher-tier plans required for advanced reporting and unlimited users
- Initial setup can be time-intensive for complex BOM structures
- Limited native mobile app functionality compared to desktop experience
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers seeking comprehensive raw material inventory control integrated with production planning.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Maker plan, up to 100 orders/mo), $299/month (Producer), $799/month (Business), with custom Enterprise pricing.
MRPeasy
specializedMRP software for small manufacturers offering precise raw material inventory management, BOM tracking, and automated procurement.
Intelligent MRP engine that dynamically calculates exact raw material requirements from production orders and BOMs to prevent shortages and overstocking
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP/ERP software designed for small to medium manufacturers, offering robust raw material inventory management as a core component. It enables real-time tracking of stock levels, automated material requirements planning (MRP) based on bills of materials (BOMs) and production schedules, and seamless integration with purchasing and production modules. The system supports lot and serial number tracking, multi-warehouse management, and detailed cost analysis to optimize raw material usage and reduce waste.
Pros
- Advanced MRP functionality automatically forecasts and generates purchase orders for raw materials based on production needs
- Real-time inventory visibility with lot/serial tracking and multi-warehouse support
- Comprehensive reporting on material costs, usage, and turnover for better decision-making
Cons
- Full ERP features may overwhelm users needing only basic inventory tracking
- Steeper learning curve for complex manufacturing setups
- Pricing scales with users, which can be costly for larger teams
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers who require integrated raw material inventory management tightly coupled with production planning and scheduling.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (Standard plan) with Gold ($59/user/month) and Enterprise (custom) tiers; 14-day free trial available.
Fishbowl Inventory
specializedAdvanced inventory management solution with manufacturing features for tracking raw materials, assemblies, and QuickBooks integration.
Deep, bidirectional QuickBooks integration that automatically syncs raw material inventory, sales orders, and financial data in real-time
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust inventory management software tailored for small to midsize businesses, with strong capabilities for tracking raw materials in manufacturing and distribution environments. It offers real-time inventory visibility, bill of materials (BOM) management, work orders, and multi-location support, making it suitable for handling raw material procurement, usage, and replenishment. The software integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks, automating accounting entries while supporting barcode scanning, lot/serial tracking, and cycle counting for precise raw material control.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for automated accounting and inventory syncing
- Advanced manufacturing tools like BOMs, work orders, and raw material tracking
- Multi-location inventory and lot/serial number traceability for compliance
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and customization options
- Higher pricing compared to basic inventory tools
- Primarily desktop-based with some cloud limitations
Best For
Small to midsize manufacturers relying on QuickBooks who need detailed raw material tracking and production planning.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $439/month for up to 20 users; perpetual licenses available from $4,395 plus annual maintenance.
Cin7
specializedOmnichannel inventory platform that manages raw material stock levels, multi-location warehouses, and supply chain operations.
Connected multi-channel inventory sync that unifies raw material stock levels across online stores, POS, and B2B portals in real-time
Cin7 is a robust cloud-based inventory management platform designed for businesses handling raw materials, offering real-time tracking across multiple locations, bill of materials (BOM) support, and production order management. It integrates seamlessly with e-commerce, accounting, and ERP systems to streamline raw material procurement, usage, and replenishment. While versatile for retail and wholesale, its manufacturing modules make it suitable for tracking raw inventory in light assembly and production environments.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory visibility and automated replenishment alerts
- Strong BOM and production planning for raw material assembly
- Extensive integrations with 700+ apps including accounting and e-commerce platforms
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced manufacturing features
- Pricing can be high for smaller operations without full utilization
- Limited deep traceability for highly regulated industries like food or pharma
Best For
Medium-sized manufacturers or distributors managing raw materials across multiple warehouses and sales channels.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Core plan (billed annually); custom quotes for Omni enterprise tier; scales with order volume and users.
Odoo
enterpriseOpen-source ERP with a powerful inventory module for raw material traceability, lot/serial tracking, and manufacturing workflows.
Advanced multi-step routes and push/pull inventory flows for precise raw material handling across warehouses
Odoo is an open-source ERP platform with a comprehensive Inventory module designed for managing raw material stocks, including real-time tracking, automated reordering, and multi-warehouse support. It integrates seamlessly with purchasing, manufacturing, and sales modules to streamline raw material procurement and usage. This makes it suitable for businesses handling complex supply chains beyond basic inventory needs.
Pros
- Robust traceability with lot/serial numbers for raw materials
- Automated reordering rules and inventory forecasting
- Free community edition with scalable enterprise options
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and customization
- Performance can lag with very large inventories
- Limited free support; enterprise requires paid plans
Best For
Mid-sized manufacturers or distributors needing integrated ERP-level raw material inventory management.
Pricing
Free open-source Community edition; Enterprise SaaS starts at $31.10/user/month (billed annually) for full features.
NetSuite
enterpriseCloud ERP providing comprehensive raw material inventory control, demand planning, and integration across manufacturing processes.
Real-time, multi-dimensional inventory visibility with built-in demand planning and MRP integration for raw materials
NetSuite is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform from Oracle that includes robust inventory management modules tailored for tracking raw materials in manufacturing environments. It supports multi-location inventory, lot and serial number tracking, cycle counts, demand planning, and integration with procurement and production processes for real-time visibility. While not a standalone inventory tool, its capabilities excel in complex supply chains requiring scalability and customization.
Pros
- Seamless integration with ERP modules for end-to-end supply chain management
- Advanced features like lot/serial tracking, demand forecasting, and automated replenishment
- Highly scalable for enterprise-level raw material inventory needs
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring extensive training
- High cost with custom pricing and lengthy implementation timelines
- Overkill for small businesses focused solely on basic inventory tracking
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturing companies needing integrated ERP with sophisticated raw material inventory and supply chain management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $999/user/month plus one-time implementation fees often exceeding $50,000.
SAP Business One
enterpriseERP solution for SMBs with robust inventory management for raw materials, including procurement, valuation, and production integration.
Material Requirements Planning (MRP) that automates raw material demand forecasting and replenishment.
SAP Business One is a full-featured ERP system designed for small and medium-sized businesses, offering robust inventory management capabilities for tracking raw materials across procurement, production, and sales processes. It supports real-time visibility into stock levels, batch and serial number tracking, multi-location inventory, and integration with MRP for demand forecasting. While powerful for end-to-end operations, it's more than just inventory software, providing comprehensive business management tools.
Pros
- Advanced inventory tracking with lot/serial/batch management
- Seamless integration with procurement, production, and financial modules
- Scalable MRP functionality for raw material planning
Cons
- Steep learning curve and requires professional implementation
- High upfront and ongoing costs
- Overkill for businesses needing only basic inventory tools
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers or distributors requiring integrated ERP with strong raw material inventory controls.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$3,000-$5,000 per user plus 22% annual maintenance; cloud subscriptions from $100-$200/user/month.
Epicor Kinetic
enterpriseManufacturing ERP with advanced raw material inventory tracking, forecasting, and shop floor control features.
End-to-end raw material traceability with Spectrum analytics for predictive inventory insights
Epicor Kinetic is a cloud-based ERP platform with robust inventory management modules designed for manufacturing and distribution industries, offering real-time tracking of raw materials across multiple locations. It supports lot and serial number traceability, demand forecasting, and seamless integration with procurement, production planning, and supply chain operations. As a comprehensive solution, it enables precise inventory valuation, cycle counting, and automated replenishment to minimize stockouts and overstock.
Pros
- Advanced traceability for lots, serials, and expiration dates on raw materials
- Strong integration with MRP, procurement, and manufacturing modules
- Scalable for multi-site operations with real-time analytics and reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its full ERP complexity
- High implementation and customization costs
- Overkill for businesses needing only basic inventory tracking
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturing companies requiring integrated raw material inventory management within a broader ERP ecosystem.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription pricing; typically $150-$300 per user/month plus implementation fees starting at $50,000+ for mid-sized deployments.
Acumatica
enterpriseCloud ERP offering distribution and manufacturing tools for managing raw material inventories, replenishment, and multi-warehouse support.
Resource-based unlimited user licensing combined with multi-dimensional inventory tracking (lot/serial/location/grade)
Acumatica is a cloud-based ERP platform with robust inventory management modules tailored for tracking raw materials in manufacturing and distribution environments. It provides features like multi-location inventory control, lot and serial number traceability, cycle counting, and integration with procurement and production planning for accurate raw material stock visibility. While not a standalone inventory tool, its comprehensive ERP capabilities ensure seamless handling of raw material inflows, usage, and valuation.
Pros
- Advanced lot/serial tracking and multi-warehouse support for precise raw material management
- Seamless integration with purchasing and manufacturing modules
- Scalable cloud deployment with strong reporting and analytics
Cons
- Steep learning curve typical of full ERP systems
- Customization often requires partner assistance
- Higher pricing may not suit very small operations
Best For
Mid-sized manufacturers and distributors needing integrated ERP-level raw material inventory control.
Pricing
Subscription-based, resource-model pricing starting at ~$1,000/month (scales with transactions/users; contact for quote).
SYSPRO
enterpriseERP software designed for manufacturers with detailed raw material inventory management, lot traceability, and supply chain visibility.
Integrated MRP with multi-level BOM explosion for precise raw material planning and allocation
SYSPRO is a comprehensive ERP solution with strong inventory management modules designed for manufacturing and distribution industries, enabling precise tracking of raw materials across multiple locations. It supports lot and serial traceability, bill of materials (BOM) management, and material requirements planning (MRP) to optimize raw material procurement and usage. The system provides real-time visibility into stock levels, demand forecasting, and automated replenishment, making it suitable for complex supply chains.
Pros
- Advanced lot/serial tracking and traceability for raw materials
- Seamless integration with MRP and manufacturing modules
- Scalable multi-warehouse support with real-time inventory analytics
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to ERP complexity
- High implementation and customization costs
- Less intuitive interface compared to dedicated inventory tools
Best For
Mid-sized manufacturing firms requiring integrated ERP with robust raw material inventory control.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; perpetual licenses start around $5,000-$10,000 per user, with subscription options from $200/user/month.
Conclusion
The roundup of top raw material inventory software highlighted solutions designed to meet varied operational needs, with Katana MRP emerging as the standout choice for its real-time tracking, production planning, and shop floor execution. MRPeasy provided a strong alternative for small manufacturers, excelling in precise inventory management and automated procurement, while Fishbowl Inventory proved valuable with advanced manufacturing features and QuickBooks integration, catering to specific workflow requirements.
To elevate your raw material inventory processes, start with Katana MRP—its robust capabilities are a top pick for many. For different needs, explore MRPeasy or Fishbowl Inventory to find the solution that best aligns with your operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.