Unleashed vs Fishbowl Inventory
When it comes to managing inventory for your business, there are numerous software options available, each claiming to be the best. Two popular choices that often get compared are Unleashed and Fishbowl Inventory. This comprehensive comparison aims to help you determine which inventory management solution is right for your business needs by analyzing their features, pricing, pros and cons, and suitability for different business sizes.
Overview of 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 provides small to medium-sized businesses with access to enterprise-level inventory management functionality and ease of use at an affordable price.
Fishbowl Inventory, established in 2001 and based in the USA, primarily targets small to medium-sized businesses. It is renowned for its advanced features such as QuickBooks integration, making it a preferred choice for businesses requiring robust accounting and manufacturing capabilities.
Key Features Comparison
Unleashed Features
- Real-time inventory tracking
- Automated stock control
- Sales order management
- Purchase order management
- Production management
- Mobile app integration
- Integrations with popular accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, and MYOB
- Customizable reporting options
Unleashed offers comprehensive inventory management, providing businesses with control over stock levels, sales orders, and production. Its mobile app integration allows users to manage inventory on the go, enhancing efficiency and productivity.
Fishbowl Inventory Features
- Real-time inventory tracking
- Sales and purchase order management
- Inventory forecasting and reporting
- Barcode scanning
- Manufacturing management
- Integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, and Sage
- Integrations with e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce
- Shipping carrier integrations with UPS and FedEx
Fishbowl Inventory is known for its robust feature set, including advanced inventory tracking, order management, and reporting capabilities. Its ability to integrate seamlessly with various e-commerce platforms and shipping carriers makes it a versatile choice for businesses with diverse operational needs.
Pricing Plans
When it comes to pricing, both Unleashed and Fishbowl Inventory offer various plans to cater to different business sizes and needs.
Unleashed Pricing
- Basic Plan: Starting at $299 per month, includes real-time inventory tracking and sales order management.
- Premium Plan: $579 per month, includes additional features such as purchasing and production management.
Fishbowl Inventory Pricing
- Basic Plan: Starts at $4,395 per year, includes inventory tracking and sales order management.
- Premium Plan: $7,395 per year, includes advanced features like manufacturing, forecasting, and enhanced reporting.
While Unleashed offers a subscription-based pricing model, Fishbowl Inventory typically involves a one-time license fee, which can be more cost-effective for businesses with a large number of users.
Pros and Cons
Unleashed Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management 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
Unleashed 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
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
Fishbowl Inventory 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
Both platforms offer unique advantages tailored to different business needs. Businesses should weigh these pros and cons in the context of their specific requirements.
Suitability for Different Business Sizes
Small Businesses
For small businesses, Unleashed is often preferred due to its affordability and ease of use. Its integration with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify allows small businesses to efficiently manage inventory across multiple sales channels.
Fishbowl Inventory is also suitable for small businesses, especially those looking to expand into manufacturing and require advanced forecasting capabilities. However, its higher cost may be a consideration for startups with limited budgets.
Medium-Sized Businesses
Medium-sized businesses may benefit from the scalability of Unleashed, which offers a more cost-effective solution as they grow. Meanwhile, Fishbowl Inventory provides advanced features necessary for managing more complex inventory needs, such as manufacturing processes and detailed reporting.
Large Businesses
For large enterprises, features like automated stock control, production management, and scalability make Unleashed an excellent choice. Its comprehensive feature set supports the complexity of large-scale operations.
While Fishbowl Inventory offers advanced functionalities, its lack of scalability and higher costs may make it less suitable for very large businesses unless the specific advanced features are essential.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Customer feedback plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of inventory management software. Both Unleashed and Fishbowl Inventory have garnered positive reviews, but they cater to different priorities.
Unleashed is frequently praised for its ease of use, comprehensive features, and excellent customer support. Users appreciate its real-time inventory tracking and the ability to generate detailed reports, which assist in making informed business decisions.
Fishbowl Inventory receives commendations for its advanced features like manufacturing management and forecasting. Users value its robust integration capabilities with accounting and e-commerce platforms. However, some users have reported that customer support can be inconsistent and that the software may experience technical glitches.
Conclusion: Which Inventory Management Software is Right for Your Business?
Choosing between Unleashed and Fishbowl Inventory depends on your business's unique needs, size, and budget. Unleashed is a more affordable option that offers a comprehensive range of features suitable for growing businesses, especially those focused on e-commerce.
On the other hand, Fishbowl Inventory provides advanced features such as manufacturing and forecasting, making it ideal for businesses that require these functionalities. Its robust integration options support complex operations but come at a higher cost.
Ultimately, businesses should carefully evaluate their inventory management requirements, consider their budget constraints, and possibly take advantage of free trials or demos to determine which software aligns best with their operational goals.
