Unleashed vs Fishbowl Inventory

Unleashed vs Fishbowl Inventory

When it comes to managing inventory for your business, there are a multitude of software options available, each claiming to be the best. Two popular options that often get compared are Unleashed and Fishbowl Inventory. In this article, we provide a comprehensive comparison of these two inventory management solutions to help you determine which one is right for your business needs.

Introduction to Unleashed and Fishbowl Inventory

Unleashed and Fishbowl Inventory are both cloud-based inventory management systems designed to help businesses manage their inventory more efficiently and in an organized manner.

Unleashed was founded in 2009 and is based in New Zealand. It has rapidly become one of the leading inventory management solutions, serving over 3,500 customers in more than 80 countries. Unleashed aims to provide small to medium-sized businesses with access to enterprise-level inventory management functionality and ease of use at an affordable price.

Fishbowl Inventory, on the other hand, is a more established inventory management system. It was founded in 2001 and is based in the USA. Fishbowl Inventory primarily targets small to medium-sized businesses, with a focus on those that require advanced features such as QuickBooks integration.

One of the key advantages of Unleashed is its user-friendly interface, which makes it easy for businesses to get started with the system. Additionally, Unleashed offers a range of integrations with other business software, such as Xero and Shopify, which can help to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

Fishbowl Inventory, on the other hand, is known for its robust feature set, which includes advanced inventory tracking, order management, and reporting capabilities. Fishbowl Inventory also offers a range of integrations with popular accounting software, such as QuickBooks and Sage, which can help businesses to manage their finances more effectively.

Main Features of Unleashed

Unleashed comes equipped with a broad range of features, including:

• Real-time inventory tracking
• Automated stock control
• Sales order management
• Purchase order management
• Production management
• Mobile app integration
• Integrations with popular accounting software such as QuickBooks, Xero, and MYOB

Unleashed provides comprehensive inventory management, giving businesses more control over their stock levels, sales orders, and production. The platform's mobile app integration also allows users to manage their inventory on the go, increasing efficiency and productivity.

In addition to these features, Unleashed offers customizable reporting options, allowing businesses to generate reports on their inventory, sales, and production data. This feature enables businesses to gain valuable insights into their operations, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions.

Main Features of Fishbowl Inventory

Fishbowl Inventory also comes equipped with an extensive range of features, including:

• Real-time inventory tracking
• Sales and purchase order management
• Inventory forecasting and reporting
• Barcode scanning
• Manufacturing management
• Integrations with popular accounting software such as QuickBooks, Xero, and MYOB

Fishbowl Inventory aims to provide businesses with an easy-to-use and affordable inventory management solution that also includes advanced features such as manufacturing and forecasting.

One of the key benefits of Fishbowl Inventory is its ability to integrate with a wide range of e-commerce platforms, including Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce. This means that businesses can easily manage their inventory across multiple sales channels, without the need for manual data entry or complex integrations.

In addition to its core features, Fishbowl Inventory offers a range of add-ons and plugins to extend its functionality. These include tools for managing shipping and fulfillment, as well as integrations with popular shipping carriers such as UPS and FedEx.

Pros and Cons of Unleashed

There are several pros and cons of using Unleashed, including:

Pros:

• A comprehensive inventory management solution with a broad range of features
• Real-time updates and notifications
• Mobile app integration for added convenience
• Affordable pricing options for smaller businesses
• Scalable for growing businesses
• User-friendly interface

Cons:

• No built-in support for accounting processes outside of integrations
• The interface can be slow at times
• No procurement functions
• No automatic reordering or demand forecasting

One major advantage of Unleashed is its ability to integrate with a wide range of other software applications, including accounting software, e-commerce platforms, and shipping providers. This makes it a highly flexible solution that can be customized to meet the specific needs of your business.

Another benefit of Unleashed is its ability to provide detailed analytics and reporting on your inventory levels, sales trends, and other key metrics. This can help you make more informed decisions about your business and identify areas where you can improve your operations and profitability.

Pros and Cons of Fishbowl Inventory

Similarly, there are several pros and cons of using Fishbowl Inventory:

Pros:

• Easy-to-use interface
• Popular accounting integrations
• Advanced features such as manufacturing and forecasting
• Barcode scanning functionality
• Efficient procurement process with automatic order creation

Cons:

• More expensive than Unleashed
• Not as scalable as some other inventory management options
• Limited mobile app functionality
• No automatic reordering or demand forecasting
• No integration with non-US-based accounting software

It is important to note that Fishbowl Inventory is primarily designed for small to medium-sized businesses. While it offers advanced features such as manufacturing and forecasting, it may not be the best fit for larger enterprises with more complex inventory management needs. Additionally, some users have reported issues with customer support and technical glitches, which can be frustrating for businesses relying on the software for day-to-day operations.

Which One is Better for Small Businesses?

When selecting an inventory management system for small businesses, both Unleashed and Fishbowl Inventory have their advantages. Unleashed is a more affordable option that provides a comprehensive range of features that are easy to use and scalable for growing businesses. However, Fishbowl Inventory offers more advanced features such as forecasting and manufacturing, which may be beneficial for smaller businesses looking to expand into these areas.

It is important for small businesses to consider their specific needs and goals when selecting an inventory management system. For example, if a small business is primarily focused on e-commerce sales, Unleashed may be the better option due to its integration with popular e-commerce platforms. On the other hand, if a small business is focused on manufacturing and production, Fishbowl Inventory's advanced features may be more suitable. Ultimately, small businesses should carefully evaluate their options and choose the system that best fits their unique needs.

Which One is Better for Medium-Sized Businesses?

For medium-sized businesses, both Unleashed and Fishbowl Inventory can provide the necessary functionality to manage inventory effectively. However, as businesses grow, they may find that Unleashed is a more cost-effective option, whereas Fishbowl Inventory offers more advanced features that can help manage more complex inventory needs.

It is important for businesses to carefully evaluate their inventory management needs and consider factors such as budget, scalability, and required features before deciding between Unleashed and Fishbowl Inventory. Additionally, businesses may want to seek advice from industry experts or consult with the software providers to ensure they are making the best choice for their specific needs.

Which One is Better for Large Businesses?

For larger businesses, features such as automated stock control, production management, and scalability become more critical. Unleashed's comprehensive feature set makes it an excellent option for large businesses, whereas Fishbowl Inventory may not offer sufficient functionality. However, if a business requires advanced features such as manufacturing and forecasting, Fishbowl Inventory may still be a viable option.

Another important factor for large businesses is the level of customer support provided by the inventory management software. Unleashed offers 24/7 customer support, which can be crucial for businesses that operate around the clock. On the other hand, Fishbowl Inventory's customer support may not be as readily available, which could be a disadvantage for businesses that require immediate assistance.

Additionally, the cost of the inventory management software can be a significant consideration for large businesses. Unleashed's pricing is based on the number of users and the level of features required, which can make it more expensive for larger businesses. Fishbowl Inventory, on the other hand, offers a one-time license fee, which can be more cost-effective for businesses that have a large number of users.

Comparison of Pricing Plans for Unleashed and Fishbowl Inventory

When it comes to pricing, Unleashed and Fishbowl Inventory both offer various plans to cater to different business sizes and needs.

Unleashed's pricing starts at $299 per month for a basic plan that includes real-time inventory tracking and sales order management. They also offer a premium plan at $579 per month that includes features such as purchasing and production management.

Fishbowl Inventory's pricing starts at $4,395 per year for a basic plan that includes inventory tracking and sales order management. They also offer a premium plan that includes manufacturing, forecasting, and reporting for $7,395 per year.

Ease of Use Comparison Between Unleashed and Fishbowl Inventory

Both Unleashed and Fishbowl Inventory have user-friendly interfaces that make it easy for users to navigate and find the features they need. However, some may prefer Unleashed due to its more straightforward design and easier customization options.

Support Options Available for Unleashed and Fishbowl Inventory Users

Both Unleashed and Fishbowl Inventory offer a wide range of support options, including email, phone, and online help resources. However, Fishbowl Inventory also provides on-site training and support for businesses requiring more hands-on assistance.

Security Features Comparison Between Unleashed and Fishbowl Inventory

When it comes to security, Unleashed and Fishbowl Inventory both offer secure cloud-based storage solutions that protect user data. However, Fishbowl Inventory's security features are more advanced and include user access controls, data backup, and SSL encryption.

Integrations Available with Unleashed and Fishbowl Inventory

Both Unleashed and Fishbowl Inventory offer integrations with popular accounting software such as QuickBooks, Xero, and MYOB. However, Fishbowl Inventory also offers integrations with CRMs, e-commerce platforms, and shipping software, providing businesses with more flexibility.

Customer Reviews and Ratings for Unleashed vs Fishbowl Inventory

When it comes to customer reviews, both Unleashed and Fishbowl Inventory have positive ratings. However, Unleashed tends to have more positive reviews in terms of ease of use and functionality, whereas Fishbowl Inventory tends to have more positive reviews for its advanced features.

Conclusion: Which Inventory Management Software is Right for Your Business?

Ultimately, the decision to use Unleashed or Fishbowl Inventory will depend on your business's needs, size, and budget. Both software options offer a comprehensive range of features and integrations, making them suitable inventory management solutions for businesses of various sizes. However, those looking for a more affordable option may prefer Unleashed, whereas those requiring more advanced features may opt for Fishbowl Inventory.