Quick Overview
- 1#1: Katana MRP - Cloud-based MRP software offering real-time inventory tracking, production planning, and shop floor control for small manufacturers.
- 2#2: MRPeasy - Comprehensive cloud MRP system for small manufacturers with production scheduling, inventory management, procurement, and CRM features.
- 3#3: Fishbowl Inventory - Advanced inventory management solution with manufacturing, order fulfillment, and QuickBooks integration tailored for small businesses.
- 4#4: Odoo - Open-source ERP platform with modular manufacturing, inventory tracking, and production management apps for small enterprises.
- 5#5: Cin7 - Integrated inventory and order management platform supporting light manufacturing, multi-channel sales, and warehouse operations.
- 6#6: inFlow Inventory - User-friendly inventory software with assembly, kitting, and manufacturing features for small to medium-sized businesses.
- 7#7: Unleashed - Cloud inventory platform designed for manufacturers with multi-location tracking, BOM management, and production planning.
- 8#8: ERPNext - Open-source ERP system providing manufacturing resource planning, inventory control, and quality management for small manufacturers.
- 9#9: Craftybase - Inventory and production tracking software built for makers, crafters, and small-scale manufacturers to manage materials and COGS.
- 10#10: SOS Inventory - Cloud-based inventory management with manufacturing orders, serial tracking, and seamless QuickBooks Online integration.
Ranked by a focus on manufacturing-specific features (including production planning and BOM management), user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring the tools meet the unique needs of small manufacturers.
Comparison Table
Explore a comparison of top small manufacturing inventory management software, featuring Katana MRP, MRPeasy, Fishbowl Inventory, Odoo, Cin7, and more, crafted to simplify operations. This table helps you evaluate key tools—from integration capabilities to scalability—so you can identify the best fit for your business needs, with insights into features, pricing, and user-friendliness.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Katana MRP Cloud-based MRP software offering real-time inventory tracking, production planning, and shop floor control for small manufacturers. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | MRPeasy Comprehensive cloud MRP system for small manufacturers with production scheduling, inventory management, procurement, and CRM features. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Fishbowl Inventory Advanced inventory management solution with manufacturing, order fulfillment, and QuickBooks integration tailored for small businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Odoo Open-source ERP platform with modular manufacturing, inventory tracking, and production management apps for small enterprises. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 5 | Cin7 Integrated inventory and order management platform supporting light manufacturing, multi-channel sales, and warehouse operations. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | inFlow Inventory User-friendly inventory software with assembly, kitting, and manufacturing features for small to medium-sized businesses. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | Unleashed Cloud inventory platform designed for manufacturers with multi-location tracking, BOM management, and production planning. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | ERPNext Open-source ERP system providing manufacturing resource planning, inventory control, and quality management for small manufacturers. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | Craftybase Inventory and production tracking software built for makers, crafters, and small-scale manufacturers to manage materials and COGS. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | SOS Inventory Cloud-based inventory management with manufacturing orders, serial tracking, and seamless QuickBooks Online integration. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.5/10 |
Cloud-based MRP software offering real-time inventory tracking, production planning, and shop floor control for small manufacturers.
Comprehensive cloud MRP system for small manufacturers with production scheduling, inventory management, procurement, and CRM features.
Advanced inventory management solution with manufacturing, order fulfillment, and QuickBooks integration tailored for small businesses.
Open-source ERP platform with modular manufacturing, inventory tracking, and production management apps for small enterprises.
Integrated inventory and order management platform supporting light manufacturing, multi-channel sales, and warehouse operations.
User-friendly inventory software with assembly, kitting, and manufacturing features for small to medium-sized businesses.
Cloud inventory platform designed for manufacturers with multi-location tracking, BOM management, and production planning.
Open-source ERP system providing manufacturing resource planning, inventory control, and quality management for small manufacturers.
Inventory and production tracking software built for makers, crafters, and small-scale manufacturers to manage materials and COGS.
Cloud-based inventory management with manufacturing orders, serial tracking, and seamless QuickBooks Online integration.
Katana MRP
specializedCloud-based MRP software offering real-time inventory tracking, production planning, and shop floor control for small manufacturers.
Visual Kanban-style manufacturing dashboard with drag-and-drop scheduling and live WIP tracking
Katana MRP (katana.io) is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning software designed specifically for small manufacturers, providing real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order fulfillment in one intuitive platform. It excels in managing bills of materials (BOMs) with infinite nesting, multi-location inventory, and shop floor execution, helping users avoid stockouts and overproduction. Seamless integrations with e-commerce like Shopify, accounting software like QuickBooks, and CRMs make it a comprehensive solution for end-to-end operations.
Pros
- Visual production planning and scheduling dashboard for easy shop floor management
- Real-time multi-channel inventory sync with strong e-commerce and accounting integrations
- Advanced BOM management with infinite nesting and automated reorder points
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or high order volumes
- Reporting and analytics are solid but lack deep customization in lower tiers
- Mobile app is functional but misses some advanced desktop features
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers running make-to-order or make-to-stock operations who need real-time visibility into inventory, production, and sales orders.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Starter, up to 5 users, 100 orders/mo), $179/month (Professional, 10 users, 500 orders/mo), $399+/month (Enterprise, unlimited), billed annually with a free trial.
MRPeasy
specializedComprehensive cloud MRP system for small manufacturers with production scheduling, inventory management, procurement, and CRM features.
Dynamic production scheduling with automatic rescheduling based on material availability and capacity
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP/ERP software designed specifically for small to medium-sized manufacturers handling make-to-order and make-to-stock production. It offers end-to-end management of inventory, production scheduling, bills of materials (BOMs), procurement, CRM, and shop floor control. The platform provides real-time visibility into manufacturing operations, helping businesses streamline workflows and reduce waste.
Pros
- Comprehensive manufacturing tools including multi-level BOMs and automatic production scheduling
- Unlimited office users and strong mobile shop floor app
- Real-time inventory tracking and demand-driven planning
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for complex features
- Shop floor users limited in lower plans, requiring upgrades
- Customer support can be slower for non-enterprise users
Best For
Small manufacturers with discrete production processes needing integrated inventory and scheduling without enterprise complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month (Basic: unlimited office users, 10 shop floor hours); Gold $99/month (40 shop floor hours); scales with production volume and custom Enterprise plans.
Fishbowl Inventory
specializedAdvanced inventory management solution with manufacturing, order fulfillment, and QuickBooks integration tailored for small businesses.
Native, bi-directional QuickBooks integration that syncs inventory, orders, and financials in real-time without double-entry.
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust, on-premise inventory management software designed for small to medium-sized manufacturers and distributors, offering advanced tracking of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods. It supports complex manufacturing processes through bills of materials (BOMs), production scheduling, work orders, and lot/serial number traceability. The platform integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for real-time financial syncing and provides multi-location inventory control with barcode scanning capabilities.
Pros
- Deep QuickBooks integration for seamless accounting sync
- Advanced manufacturing tools including BOMs, work orders, and production planning
- Multi-location inventory tracking with lot/serial and barcode support
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Primarily on-premise deployment limits remote access flexibility
- High upfront licensing costs with ongoing maintenance fees
Best For
Small manufacturers already using QuickBooks who need sophisticated production and multi-warehouse inventory management.
Pricing
One-time license starts at $4,395 for standard edition; includes annual maintenance (~20% of license) and optional plugins/add-ons.
Odoo
enterpriseOpen-source ERP platform with modular manufacturing, inventory tracking, and production management apps for small enterprises.
Odoo Studio for no-code app customization and workflow automation directly within the manufacturing modules
Odoo is a modular, open-source ERP platform that provides comprehensive tools for small manufacturing businesses, including inventory management, manufacturing resource planning (MRP), bill of materials, production scheduling, and real-time stock tracking. It integrates inventory with purchasing, sales, and accounting for seamless operations. Businesses can start with core modules and scale by adding apps from its extensive marketplace.
Pros
- Highly modular with deep MRP and multi-warehouse inventory features tailored for manufacturing
- Open-source Community edition is free and highly customizable
- Strong integration across supply chain, reducing data silos
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup for non-technical users
- Community edition misses some advanced reporting and mobile features available in Enterprise
- Performance can lag with large datasets without proper hosting
Best For
Small manufacturers seeking a scalable, integrated ERP that combines inventory management with production planning without high upfront costs.
Pricing
Free Community edition; Enterprise from $24.90/user/month (billed annually, minimum 5 users).
Cin7
enterpriseIntegrated inventory and order management platform supporting light manufacturing, multi-channel sales, and warehouse operations.
Real-time multi-channel inventory sync with built-in BOM and production order management
Cin7 is a robust inventory management platform designed for small manufacturers and multi-channel retailers, offering real-time tracking across multiple warehouses and sales channels. It includes essential manufacturing tools like bill of materials (BOM), assemblies, production orders, and kitting to handle light manufacturing workflows efficiently. The software excels in integrations with e-commerce platforms, POS systems, and accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks, enabling seamless order fulfillment and reporting.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with 700+ apps including e-commerce and accounting
- Strong multi-location inventory and manufacturing BOM/production tools
- Comprehensive reporting and B2B portal for wholesale
Cons
- Steep learning curve and somewhat dated interface
- Pricing starts high for very small manufacturers
- Limited depth in advanced MRP compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Small manufacturers with omnichannel sales needing integrated inventory, light production management, and sales channel sync.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month (Core, annually billed) up to $649/month (Pro); Enterprise custom pricing.
inFlow Inventory
specializedUser-friendly inventory software with assembly, kitting, and manufacturing features for small to medium-sized businesses.
Integrated bill of materials (BOM) and assemblies workbench for seamless light manufacturing workflows
inFlow Inventory is a Windows-based desktop software solution tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, with strong capabilities in inventory tracking, order management, and light manufacturing processes. It supports bill of materials (BOM), assemblies, work orders, serial/lot tracking, and multi-location inventory, making it suitable for small manufacturers handling production alongside sales and purchasing. The software integrates with QuickBooks, Shopify, and other tools, offering barcode scanning via a mobile companion app for efficient operations.
Pros
- Robust BOM and work order support for light manufacturing
- Intuitive interface with mobile barcode scanning app
- One-time perpetual licensing provides long-term cost savings
Cons
- Windows-only desktop application, no native Mac or web version
- Limited advanced MRP and forecasting compared to enterprise tools
- Multi-user setup requires local network configuration
Best For
Small manufacturing businesses needing straightforward, affordable inventory and production management without ongoing subscriptions.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses from $999 (Basic) to $2,999 (Enterprise), plus optional annual support (~20% of license cost).
Unleashed
specializedCloud inventory platform designed for manufacturers with multi-location tracking, BOM management, and production planning.
Real-time, multi-location inventory syncing with automatic replenishment alerts and forecasting
Unleashed is a cloud-based inventory management software tailored for small to medium wholesalers, distributors, and light manufacturers, offering real-time stock tracking across multiple locations. It supports bill of materials (BOM), production orders, and assemblies for basic manufacturing needs, alongside purchase/sales order management and reporting. The platform excels in integrations with accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks, as well as e-commerce platforms such as Shopify.
Pros
- Robust multi-warehouse and multi-currency inventory tracking
- Seamless integrations with Xero, QuickBooks, and e-commerce platforms
- Batch/serial number tracking and basic BOM for light manufacturing
Cons
- Manufacturing module lacks advanced MRP or production scheduling
- Pricing scales with order volume, which can become costly for growing businesses
- Reporting customization is somewhat limited without add-ons
Best For
Small manufacturers and distributors handling light assembly with a need for real-time inventory visibility and accounting integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $349 NZD/month for up to 1,200 orders, with tiers scaling by monthly order volume (no per-user fees); 14-day free trial available.
ERPNext
enterpriseOpen-source ERP system providing manufacturing resource planning, inventory control, and quality management for small manufacturers.
Integrated Manufacturing Workbench for visual production planning, capacity analysis, and real-time job card execution
ERPNext is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform designed for small to medium businesses, offering robust modules for inventory management, manufacturing, sales, purchasing, and accounting. For small manufacturing operations, it excels in handling multi-level bills of materials (BOMs), production planning, work orders, quality control, and serial/batch tracking to streamline inventory from raw materials to finished goods. Its modular architecture allows seamless integration across business functions, providing end-to-end visibility and automation.
Pros
- Powerful manufacturing tools including multi-level BOMs, production planning, and shop floor management
- Fully open-source with no licensing fees and high customizability
- Excellent inventory features like serial/batch tracking, stock reconciliation, and automated reordering
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring technical knowledge
- User interface feels functional but dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
- Self-hosting demands IT resources; cloud hosting adds ongoing costs
Best For
Small manufacturing businesses seeking a scalable, cost-free ERP with advanced inventory and production capabilities that can be customized without vendor lock-in.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted version; Frappe Cloud hosting starts at $10/site/month for basic plans, scaling with users and resources.
Craftybase
specializedInventory and production tracking software built for makers, crafters, and small-scale manufacturers to manage materials and COGS.
Recipe-style Bill of Materials (BOM) with automatic waste tracking and layered costing for craft production
Craftybase is a cloud-based inventory management software designed for crafters, artisans, and small manufacturers producing handmade or small-batch goods. It excels in tracking raw materials, finished products, bills of materials (BOMs), and costs of goods sold (COGS) to help users understand profitability. The platform integrates with e-commerce sites like Etsy and Shopify, plus accounting tools like QuickBooks, providing real-time inventory sync and reporting for small-scale operations.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop BOM creation ideal for non-technical users
- Accurate COGS calculation and profitability analysis for small-batch production
- Strong integrations with Etsy, Shopify, and QuickBooks for seamless e-commerce workflow
Cons
- Lacks advanced manufacturing features like production scheduling or MRP
- Limited scalability and customization for complex or high-volume operations
- Reporting tools are solid but lack depth for enterprise-level analytics
Best For
Solo crafters, Etsy sellers, and small workshops managing inventory and costs for handmade or custom products.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 100 products; paid plans start at $19/month (Maker), $39/month (Craftsman), $79/month (Master), with annual billing discounts and 14-day free trial.
SOS Inventory
specializedCloud-based inventory management with manufacturing orders, serial tracking, and seamless QuickBooks Online integration.
Native, two-way synchronization with QuickBooks for real-time inventory and accounting updates
SOS Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses, with strong integration to QuickBooks for accounting synchronization. It provides essential tools for small manufacturers, including bill of materials (BOM), work orders, assemblies, lot/serial tracking, and multi-location inventory control. The software also handles purchasing, sales orders, picking/packing/shipping, CRM, and customizable reporting to streamline operations.
Pros
- Seamless, native integration with QuickBooks Online and Desktop
- Robust light manufacturing capabilities like BOM, assemblies, and work orders
- Real-time inventory tracking with lot/serial numbers and multi-warehouse support
Cons
- Strong dependency on QuickBooks limits flexibility for non-QB users
- User interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Pricing scales quickly with users and advanced features
Best For
Small manufacturers using QuickBooks who need affordable, integrated inventory and light production management without full ERP complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $59.99/user/month (Standard, billed annually) up to $149.99/user/month (Enterprise); minimum 1 user, QuickBooks required.
Conclusion
The top small manufacturing inventory management tools reviewed cater to diverse needs, with Katana MRP emerging as the clear leader, offering robust real-time tracking, production planning, and shop floor control tailored to small manufacturers. MRPeasy follows closely with its comprehensive feature set, including production scheduling and CRM, while Fishbowl Inventory distinguishes itself with strong QuickBooks integration and focused fulfillment capabilities, each providing valuable solutions depending on operational priorities.
Take the next step in optimizing your inventory operations by trying Katana MRP, our top-ranked tool, to unlock enhanced efficiency and support your manufacturing goals.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison