Fishbowl is best for QuickBooks users that need advanced inventory management or a light MRP system. Typically best for small to medium sized businesses. Median business user has 30 employees.

This software can be deployed on-premise or on the cloud, and accessed from any mobile device through iOS and Android apps. The SAP API Business Hub allows for a wide range of partner integrations.

Best For:

Small to midsize enterprises seeking a comprehensive ERP solution. It suits businesses aiming to centralize data management and streamline core operations. Companies leaning towards SAP Business One should understand specialized ERP systems.

8.9

Our Rating

based on our expert editorial analysis

6.7

USER RATING

based on 23 user reviews

Our Verdict:

If you’re a small or midsize business on the hunt for a powerful and scalable inventory management software that won’t break the bank, Fishbowl is the way to go. We found it perfect for manufacturers with FDA or USDA audit requirements for traceability.

However, if you’re looking for a simple inventory management system to handle just a few assets, Fishbowl might be a bit too robust for your needs. And its seamless integration with QuickBooks means if you already have a full ERP solution in place, some features might end up being redundant.

Pros:

Competitive pricing; does not require a subscription
Integrates with QuickBooks
Can function as a light MRP system

Cons:

Somewhat steep learning curve
Transactions do not post to QuickBooks in realtime; manual or scheduled sync only
Customizations can lead to difficult support scenarios
Does not store quotes

8.3

USER RATING

based on 12 user reviews

Our Verdict:

SAP Business One is crafted to help businesses with steady expansion. The platform offers a refined methodology for managing core business operations. Noteworthy attributes include centralized data management, real-time decision-making capabilities, efficient customer data retrieval, and many customizable reports.

While SAP Business One prides itself on catering to the needs of small to midsize entities, its complexity and pricing structure might resonate more with midsize firms familiar with intricate ERP landscapes. With its ability to allow businesses to adeptly harness their data in real time, it remains a top ERP choice.

Pros:

Highly customizable
Improved decision-making capabilities via extensive BI
Multi-currency/multi-language support
Native iOS and Android apps
Supports both SQL Server and SAP HANA database engines

Cons:

Requires phone consult for pricing
Setup usually requires help from a Value Added Reseller (VAR)
No payroll module
Limited chart of accounts

Price Range
$ $ $ $ $
$ $ $ $ $
Starting Price $4,395 (perpetual license)
Client OS Windows, macOS

Price Range
$ $ $ $ $
$ $ $ $ $
Starting Price $410/user/year
Client OS Windows

Our editorial review staff has spent time using, demoing, and reviewing both Fishbowl Inventory and SAP Business One. In this comparison, we’ll share our firsthand knowledge, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Target Market Comparison

Fishbowl Inventory serves small to medium-sized businesses needing advanced inventory management, often complementing platforms like QuickBooks. SAP Business One provides a broader ERP solution tailored for small to mid-sized enterprises seeking comprehensive business management tools.

Fishbowl Inventory: Overview

Fishbowl Inventory offers advanced inventory control and light MRP features. It can cater to a variety of industries and is especially useful for manufacturers with FDA or USDA audit requirements for traceability.

Pros:

Competitive pricing; does not require a subscription
Integrates with QuickBooks
Can function as a light MRP system

Cons:

Somewhat steep learning curve
Transactions do not post to QuickBooks in real time; manual or scheduled sync only
Customizations can lead to difficult support scenarios
Does not store quotes

SAP Business One: Overview

SAP Business One is an ERP solution for small to midsize enterprises that require a centralized system to manage core operations. This software provides integrated support for finance, sales, supply chain management, production, and project management. It’s useful for businesses familiar with intricate ERP landscapes aiming to streamline their operations.

Pros:

Highly customizable
Improved decision-making capabilities via extensive BI
Multi-currency/multi-language support
Native iOS and Android apps
Supports both SQL Server and SAP HANA database engines

Cons:

Requires phone consult for pricing
Setup usually requires help from a Value Added Reseller (VAR)
No payroll module
Limited chart of accounts

Fishbowl Inventory vs SAP Business One: The Verdict

Fishbowl Inventory is generally the better choice for most businesses. This is due to its competitive pricing, ease of integration with QuickBooks, and its capability to function as a light MRP system. These features make it attractive for SMBs looking for a powerful and scalable inventory management solution.

SAP Business One, although highly customizable and rich in features, may be more complex than needed for businesses new to ERP systems. Its setup often requires assistance from a Value Added Reseller (VAR) and its pricing requires a phone consult, which could present potential hurdles for some businesses.

Check out our roundup of the best ERP software overall.

Fishbowl Inventory

★★★★★

(23)

Fishbowl Inventory is an out-of-the-box software which caters to a lot of different industries in need of inventory management tools.

Price Range

$ $ $ $ $

Starting Price

$4,395 (perpetual license)

Client OS

Windows, macOS

Deployment

Cloud or On-Premises

SAP Business One

★★★★★

(12)

SAP Business One provides comprehensive business management capabilities for small and medium-sized companies. This system provides integrated departmental support for finance, sales, supply chain management, production, project management, and production processes. This software can be deployed on-premise or on the cloud, and accessed from any mobile device through iOS and Android apps. The SAP API Business Hub allows for a wide range of partner integrations.

Price Range

$ $ $ $ $

Starting Price

$410/user/year

Client OS

Windows

Deployment

Cloud or On-Premises