After hands-on testing and reviewing by our editorial review staff, we are comparing two standout ERP solutions: Fishbowl Inventory and Infor CloudSuite Industrial.
Fishbowl Inventory is a scalable inventory management software that is well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses. It stands out for businesses that need advanced inventory management or a light MRP system. We found it perfect for manufacturers with FDA or USDA audit requirements for traceability.
That said, Fishbowl Inventory’s strengths come with a somewhat steep learning curve, and its transactions do not post to QuickBooks in real-time. Despite these drawbacks, its competitive pricing and ability to function as a light MRP system make it an excellent choice for QuickBooks users.
On the other hand, Infor CloudSuite Industrial (formerly SyteLine) is has bill of materials features, customizable reports, and a modern design. It is best suited for small to medium-sized distributors and manufacturers, supporting made-to-order, made-to-stock, and mixed mode operations.
We appreciated its multi-site and multi-company support, built-in business intelligence, and comprehensive supply chain management. However, it does have a limited QMS module and can be difficult to upgrade. The broad feature set and complexity of navigation also mean it requires extensive training.
For most businesses, Fishbowl Inventory is likely the better choice. While both products have their strengths, Fishbowl’s competitive pricing, robust inventory management tools, and seamless integration with QuickBooks make it a versatile solution for many small to medium-sized businesses.
However, for businesses that require advanced planning and scheduling, supply chain management, and customizable reports, Infor CloudSuite Industrial may be the better fit.
For a broader selection of ERP software, check out our roundup of the best ERP software overall.