Fishbowlinventory

What is fishbowlinventory.com

Fishbowl Inventory (branded on its site as Fishbowl) is an inventory management and manufacturing operations platform used by small and mid-market companies to replace spreadsheets, reduce cycle counts, and automate stock-based workflows. The platform is offered as both a cloud subscription (hosted) product and an on-premises/perpetual-license installation, with optional modules for manufacturing and advanced warehouse management.

Fishbowl is typically deployed where teams need tighter control of physical inventory, automated purchasing and production triggers, and integration with accounting systems like QuickBooks. It is oriented toward businesses that operate multiple warehouses, need lot and serial traceability, or run discrete and light manufacturing processes such as kitting, work orders, and BOM management.

The product family includes a core inventory system, a manufacturing module for work orders and shop floor control, mobile and barcode scanning clients, and connectors for e-commerce and shipping platforms. Fishbowl is commonly paired with accounting systems so inventory valuation is consistent with financial records.

Fishbowlinventory.com features

What does fishbowlinventory.com do?

Fishbowl centralizes inventory and production data so companies can track stock levels, fulfill orders, and manage purchasing with fewer manual steps. Core capabilities include real-time inventory tracking across multiple locations, multi-currency and multi-warehouse support, and automatic reorder point calculations. Those features reduce stockouts and overstock, and provide audit-ready traceability for lot and serial-controlled items.

The platform supports manufacturing workflows through Bills of Materials (BOMs), routing, work orders, and labor/material costing. Users can create work orders from sales orders, allocate materials automatically, and record production progress on the shop floor. Fishbowl also supports kitting and assembly operations, enabling businesses to build finished goods from component inventories and update stock levels immediately upon completion.

Operational features include barcode label printing, handheld barcode scanning (mobile apps and scanners), cycle counting tools, and transaction audits. Warehouse management features provide location-level inventory, pick/pack/ship processes, and integrations to shipping carriers. Financial integrations (especially QuickBooks) synchronize inventory adjustments, cost of goods sold, and purchase order receipts to keep accounting ledgers current.

Fishbowl also exposes APIs and connectors for popular e-commerce platforms, marketplaces, and ERPs so orders and stock levels stay in sync across sales channels. Reporting and dashboards present stock valuation, reorder suggestions, slow-moving inventory alerts, and production performance metrics.

Fishbowlinventory.com pricing

Fishbowl offers these pricing plans:

• Free Plan: $0/month — Fishbowl does not offer a perpetual unrestricted free plan; demo and trial options are available for evaluation
• Starter: $199/month (cloud subscription entry level) with basic inventory, single warehouse, and up to a limited number of users
• Professional: $499/month (cloud subscription) with multi-warehouse support, manufacturing module, barcode scanning, and expanded user counts
• Enterprise: $1,299/month (cloud subscription) with advanced integrations, dedicated support, and customization options
• Perpetual License (On-premises): $4,395 one-time plus annual maintenance around $879/year depending on modules and support

These figures illustrate typical subscription and perpetual pricing structures used by Fishbowl deployments; exact costs vary by module selection, number of users, and whether deployment is cloud-hosted or on-premises. Check Fishbowl's current pricing tiers for the latest rates and enterprise options.

How much is fishbowlinventory.com per month

Fishbowl starts at $199/month for entry-level cloud subscriptions when purchased as a hosted product. Typical mid-market customers pay in the mid-hundreds per month, and enterprise customers with multiple locations, advanced modules, or premium support commonly pay $1,000+/month. Monthly billing may be available for cloud subscriptions; ask sales for monthly vs. annual options and user counts.

How much is fishbowlinventory.com per year

Fishbowl costs $2,388/year for the reference $199/month entry subscription when paid monthly-equivalent, or roughly $5,988/year for a $499/month tier. For on-premises perpetual licensing, expect a one-time license fee such as $4,395 one-time plus annual maintenance typically in the range of $500–$1,200/year depending on contract terms and modules. Always review Fishbowl's official subscription and maintenance terms for precise yearly costs.

How much is fishbowlinventory.com in general

Fishbowl pricing ranges from $199/month to $1,299+/month or a one-time perpetual license around $4,395. The lower end corresponds to basic cloud subscriptions for single-warehouse operations; the upper end and enterprise pricing reflect multi-site deployments, heavy transaction volumes, premium integrations, and professional services. Add-ons such as additional users, barcode hardware, implementation services, and custom integrations further affect total cost of ownership.

What is fishbowlinventory.com used for

Fishbowl is used to manage physical inventory, automate purchasing, and control manufacturing processes across distributors and smaller manufacturers. Typical use cases include receiving and putaway, picking and packing, cycle counting, returns processing, and synchronizing inventory across e-commerce storefronts and marketplaces. The platform is intended to reduce manual stock reconciliation and increase order fulfillment accuracy.

Manufacturing teams use Fishbowl to manage BOMs, schedule and track work orders, and allocate labor and materials to production batches. Because Fishbowl records component consumption and finished goods creation, it helps organizations calculate material costs, track scrap, and report production efficiency. The system supports light-to-medium manufacturing scenarios rather than complex discrete manufacturing found in heavy industry ERPs.

Other common uses are integration with accounting systems (especially QuickBooks), centralizing multi-channel sales inventory for e-commerce sellers, and supporting serialized or lot-tracked inventory for regulated products, repair centers, or warranty operations. Companies seeking a bridge between lightweight accounting software and full ERP functionality find Fishbowl useful for inventory-centric operations.

Pros and cons of fishbowlinventory.com

Pros:

• Centralized inventory visibility across warehouses reduces stock discrepancies and out-of-stock situations.
• Strong integration with QuickBooks and common e-commerce channels keeps financial and sales data synchronized.
• Manufacturing module supports BOMs, work orders, and basic shop floor control for light manufacturing needs.
• Barcode scanning and mobile workflows speed receiving, picking, and cycle counts, improving operational efficiency.

Cons:

• Larger enterprises with complex manufacturing or advanced supply chain requirements may need a full ERP beyond Fishbowl's scope.
• Implementation and configuration can require specialist support for complex workflows, increasing upfront costs.
• Perpetual licensing and maintenance structures can be more costly initially compared to simpler SaaS-only competitors for small businesses.
• Custom integrations or significant workflow customization can require development resources.

Operational trade-offs depend on company size, transaction volume, and whether the business prefers cloud subscriptions or on-premises control.

Fishbowlinventory.com free trial

Fishbowl typically offers a product demo and time-limited trial access so prospective customers can evaluate core inventory and manufacturing features. Trials often include guided walkthroughs of receiving, picking, BOM creation, and order fulfillment to demonstrate how Fishbowl maps to real operational tasks. Requesting a trial or demo through the vendor's site connects you to pre-sales consultants who can configure a sandbox that mirrors your workflows.

During evaluation, teams should validate critical processes such as multi-location transfers, lot/serial traceability, and the QuickBooks integration path. Testing barcode scanning and cycle counting helps identify hardware compatibility and the level of configuration effort required. Fishbowl's sales and implementation teams commonly offer pilot projects and proof-of-concept periods for larger deployments.

If a public trial is not apparent, contact Fishbowl sales directly for a live demo and a short-term evaluation instance. Check Fishbowl's trial and demo options to request a demo or ask for a sandbox environment tailored to your business needs.

Is fishbowlinventory.com free

No, Fishbowl does not provide a permanent free plan. The platform offers demo and trial opportunities to evaluate features, but production use requires a paid subscription or a one-time perpetual license with annual maintenance. Small teams should budget for licensing, onboarding, and any required hardware such as barcode scanners or label printers.

Fishbowlinventory.com API

Fishbowl exposes integration interfaces that let IT teams connect inventory data to external systems. The product suite includes an API layer and pre-built connectors for accounting systems (notably QuickBooks), e-commerce platforms (Shopify, Amazon, eBay), and shipping/fulfillment tools. Integrations synchronize orders, inventory levels, and fulfillment statuses to reduce duplicate data entry and prevent overselling.

API capabilities commonly include endpoints for items, customers, sales orders, purchase orders, inventory levels, locations, and serial/lot data. Integrations can be used to push sales orders into Fishbowl, pull inventory quantities for storefronts, or post receipts back to accounting software. Fishbowl also provides automation hooks for triggering purchase orders at reorder points and for generating work orders from demand signals.

For custom scenarios, Fishbowl supports developer resources and documentation to help teams build middleware or direct integrations. Companies that require deeper ERP-like workflows often pair Fishbowl with middleware (e.g., Dell Boomi, Mulesoft) or use the Fishbowl SDK/APIs to implement event-driven synchronization and bespoke business logic. Review the official Fishbowl API documentation for endpoint specifics and authentication requirements at the Fishbowl developer resources and API pages.

10 Fishbowlinventory.com alternatives

Paid alternatives to Fishbowl

• NetSuite — A full cloud ERP with native inventory, manufacturing, and financials for larger enterprises. NetSuite is appropriate for companies needing end-to-end ERP capabilities and advanced reporting.
• QuickBooks Commerce — An inventory and order management product aimed at small-to-medium merchants that integrates tightly with QuickBooks accounting and common e-commerce channels.
• inFlow Inventory — Desktop and cloud inventory software focused on small businesses, offering order management, barcode support, and reporting at a lower entry price point.
• Zoho Inventory — Cloud-first inventory management with multi-channel selling integrations, shipment management, and serial/lot tracking integrated with other Zoho business apps.
• Acumatica — Cloud ERP with advanced inventory and manufacturing modules for mid-market companies, emphasizing flexible licensing and vertical-specific editions.
• Sage 100cloud — On-premises and cloud-enabled ERP with inventory and manufacturing capabilities for distributors and manufacturers.

Open source alternatives to Fishbowl

• Odoo — A modular open source ERP with inventory, manufacturing (MRP), and e-commerce modules. The Community Edition offers a base platform that can be extended.
• ERPNext — Open source ERP with inventory, manufacturing, and accounting modules designed for SMEs, including production planning and material requirements.
• OpenBoxes — Open source supply chain and inventory management focused on healthcare and global supply chains, useful for lot/expiry tracking and multi-site logistics.
• Tryton — A general-purpose, modular open source business platform with inventory and warehouse management capabilities for developers and implementers.

These alternatives vary in scope and implementation complexity; choose based on size of business, manufacturing needs, and level of customization required.

Frequently asked questions about Fishbowlinventory.com

What is Fishbowl Inventory used for?

Fishbowl is used for inventory management and light manufacturing control. It helps companies track stock across warehouses, manage purchase and sales orders, run BOMs and work orders, and integrate inventory transactions with accounting systems. It’s commonly used by distributors, manufacturers, and multi-channel sellers who need better traceability and automated reorder workflows.

Does Fishbowl integrate with QuickBooks?

Yes, Fishbowl offers a native QuickBooks integration. The integration synchronizes inventory transactions, purchases, and cost of goods sold data with QuickBooks Desktop (and selected QuickBooks Online configurations), maintaining consistency between inventory records and financial ledgers. Integration setup typically requires mapping accounts and testing in a sandbox.

Can Fishbowl handle serial and lot tracking?

Yes, Fishbowl supports serial and lot number tracking. You can track individual serialized units or batch/lot identifiers through receiving, production, storage, and shipping processes, which is useful for warranty, recall, and compliance scenarios. Traceability reports let you follow an item's lifecycle across transactions.

Is Fishbowl suitable for manufacturing?

Yes, Fishbowl includes a manufacturing module for light-to-medium manufacturing needs. It supports BOMs, work orders, labor/material allocation, and assembly/kitting operations, enabling shop-floor control for discrete manufacturing processes. For complex, heavy manufacturing features, a full ERP may be more appropriate.

Does Fishbowl support barcode scanning and mobile use?

Yes, Fishbowl supports barcode scanning and mobile workflows. The platform provides mobile apps and compatibility with handheld scanners for receiving, counting, picking, and shipping operations, which reduces manual entry errors and accelerates fulfillment.

How is Fishbowl priced?

Fishbowl starts at roughly $199/month for basic cloud subscriptions or a one-time perpetual license around $4,395. Actual pricing depends on selected modules, user counts, cloud vs. on-premises deployment, and support options. Contact Fishbowl sales or view the official pricing information to get a tailored quote.

Can Fishbowl sync inventory with Shopify or Amazon?

Yes, Fishbowl provides connectors to e-commerce platforms. Pre-built integrations and third-party connectors allow two-way synchronization of orders and inventory with Shopify, Amazon, eBay, and other marketplaces to prevent overselling and automate fulfillment workflows.

Does Fishbowl offer a free trial?

Fishbowl provides demos and trial environments for evaluation. Prospective customers can request a demo or a sandbox to test receiving, picking, BOMs, and accounting synchronization before purchasing. For production use, a paid license or subscription is required.

How secure is Fishbowl for cloud deployments?

Fishbowl cloud deployments use standard enterprise security practices. Hosted instances run in secured environments with authentication, access controls, and backups; larger deployments can request dedicated instances and additional security controls. Review Fishbowl's security documentation and hosting SLA for specific compliance and encryption details.

What integrations are available with Fishbowl?

Fishbowl integrates with accounting, e-commerce, shipping, and CRM systems. Common integrations include QuickBooks, Shopify, Amazon, shipping carriers, and third-party middleware. For custom integrations, Fishbowl's API and developer resources enable direct connectivity to ERP or niche systems.

fishbowlinventory.com careers

Fishbowl (the company behind fishbowlinventory.com) hires across product, engineering, sales, implementation, and support roles centered on inventory, warehouse solutions, and integrations. Job openings typically include implementation consultants, software engineers familiar with APIs and integrations, and customer success roles focused on onboarding distribution and manufacturing customers.

Career applicants should expect to demonstrate domain knowledge in inventory workflows, ERP integrations, barcode systems, and possible experience with accounting software integration (for example QuickBooks). Roles in professional services often require consultancy skills to map client business processes to Fishbowl configurations.

To find current openings and hiring practices, check Fishbowl’s company pages and professional networking sites where they list job descriptions and application steps.

fishbowlinventory.com affiliate

Fishbowl has an indirect partner and reseller network that can include referral and implementation partners who help sell, deploy, and customize the product for end customers. Affiliate or partner programs vary over time and may offer referral commissions, implementation fees, or discounted licensing for certified partners.

If you plan to refer customers or become an implementation partner, reach out to Fishbowl’s partner team to understand certification requirements, revenue-sharing models, and co-marketing opportunities. Partners are often software integrators, VARs, or systems implementers focused on inventory and fulfillment automation.

Where to find fishbowlinventory.com reviews

You can find user reviews and ratings on software review sites and marketplaces that cover inventory and ERP software. Search for Fishbowl reviews on popular platforms to read firsthand accounts of implementation experience, support responsiveness, and real-world performance. Reviews provide insight into uptime, customization complexity, and ROI for different industry verticals.

Also consult case studies and customer testimonials on Fishbowl’s site to see examples of deployments in distribution, manufacturing, and e-commerce. Combine vendor material with independent reviews to get a balanced view of strengths and limitations.