SYSPRO is a major developer in the ERP world. Since 1978, it’s built a solid reputation in the manufacturing and distribution sectors. SYSPRO is an ERP software designed for discrete manufacturing and mixed-mode operations.

Best For:

SYSPRO is best for small businesses (under 50 employees), mid-sized companies (50-200 employees), and large enterprises (over 10,000 employees). It serves various industries, including automotive, cannabis, chemicals, electronics, fabricated metal, food, and more.

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

Best For:

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.

8.9

Our Rating

based on our expert editorial analysis

9.1

USER RATING

based on 15 user reviews

Our Verdict:

We like SYSPRO for its user-friendliness, accessibility across devices, and extensive AI and IoT integrations. It also offers hybrid on-prem and cloud options and supports parallel accounting for global regulations.

We don’t like that SYSPRO requires 3rd party add-ons for functions like EDI and shipping notifications. It also lacks customization flexibility and doesn’t include payroll or HR modules. Additionally, there are limited training resources available.

Pros:

Mostly straight-forward and user-friendly
Accessible from any device
Built with over 40 years of manufacturer and distributor expertise
Integration with AI, MI, IoT, and Cloud-hosting
Offers hybrid on-prem and cloud platform

Cons:

3rd party add-ons may be necessary, like EDI and shipping notifications
Difficult to customize
No payroll or HR modules
Few training resources available

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

Price Range
$ $ $ $ $
$ $ $ $ $
Starting Price $199/user/month
Client OS Windows, Web

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

Our editorial review team demoed SYSPRO and Fishbowl Inventory. We’ve utilized our firsthand experience to bring you a detailed comparison between the two.

Target Market Comparison

While both solutions offer inventory management, Fishbowl Inventory is more focused on SMBs using QuickBooks. In contrast, SYSPRO offers broad ERP functionalities suitable for small to large enterprises in manufacturing and distribution.

SYSPRO Overview

SYSPRO is a reliable ERP solution with a solid reputation in the manufacturing and distribution sectors. It’s been around since 1978, supporting discrete manufacturing and mixed-mode operations. The software is best for small businesses, mid-sized companies, and large enterprises. It serves a wide array of industries, including automotive, cannabis, chemicals, electronics, fabricated metal, food, and more.

Our editorial review staff found SYSPRO to be user-friendly and accessible across devices. Its extensive AI and IoT integrations and hybrid on-prem and cloud options make it a versatile choice. However, it does require third-party add-ons for certain functions like EDI and shipping notifications, and lacks customization flexibility. Also, it doesn’t include payroll or HR modules, and there are limited training resources available.

Fishbowl Inventory Overview

On the other hand, Fishbowl Inventory is an out-of-the-box software that caters to many industries in need of inventory management tools. It is best for QuickBooks users that need advanced inventory management or a light MRP system, typically serving small to medium-sized businesses.

We appreciate Fishbowl for its competitive pricing and seamless integration with QuickBooks. It can also function as a light MRP system. However, it has a somewhat steep learning curve, transactions don’t post to QuickBooks in real time, and customizations can lead to difficult support scenarios. Furthermore, it does not store quotes.

Fishbowl Inventory vs Syspro: Which is Better for Most Businesses?

If you’re a small to mid-sized business looking for advanced inventory management, Fishbowl Inventory is the way to go. It offers competitive pricing and robust inventory features.

However, if your business operates in the manufacturing or distribution sectors, SYSPRO will be a better fit. It is designed to cater to these industries and offers a hybrid on-prem and cloud platform.

For a more extensive comparison of ERP software, visit our roundup of the best ERP software.

SYSPRO

★★★★★

(15)

Price Range

$ $ $ $ $

Starting Price

$199/user/month

Client OS

Windows, Web

Deployment

Cloud or On-Premises

Fishbowl Inventory

★★★★★

(23)