IFS vs Fishbowl Warehouse

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Our analysts compared IFS vs Fishbowl Warehouse based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Distribution Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Fishbowl Warehouse Software Tool

Product Basics

IFS offers is a suite of connected workflows such as accounting, warehouse management, distribution, sales and HCM. By integrating a range of front- and back-office workflows, the program aims to alleviate internal snags and streamline operations.

The software contains real-time insights and can be accessed either through the cloud or via on-premise installation. It’s intended for use by medium and large companies. The program is highly integrative and contains various online support and training options for users.

To learn more about their primary ERP offering, visit our IFS Cloud page.
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Fishbowl Warehouse is a highly integrative solution that assists businesses of all sizes with processes related to inventory, shipping and accounting. The tool is available both as an on-premise or cloud-based solution, making it highly accessible to various companies seeking a connected platform.

The program uses automation and real-time data to centralize and streamline operations across departments and various physical locations. Companies that have production facilities scattered across the country or even the globe can manage multiple locations and multiple currencies in one place with this tool.
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$8,000 Monthly
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Product Assistance

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Product Insights

  • Accessibility: IFS solutions can be deployed through different avenues: SaaS, cloud service models, IFS Managed Cloud or on-premise. With cloud deployment, the program can be accessed at any time and any location as long as there is an internet connection available. 
  • Real-Time Data: The program includes real-time data and visualizations. For example, engineering changes, bottlenecks in the production system and any material shortages can be analyzed as they occur. Barcode scanning is also included to track the movement of products and materials throughout the supply chain. 
  • Revenue Boost: By identifying and reducing bottlenecks, forecasting demand and honing the sales process, revenue can be increased. IFS includes a range of features that can maximize revenue through elements such as reduction in spoilage and increased efficiency. 
  • Increase Productivity: IFS helps streamline and automate facets of workflows such as sales, manufacturing and distribution. By reducing the amount of time that employees spend on tasks such as supplier invoicing, which can be automated through this tool, more time is freed up for staff to work on other important tasks. 
  • Legal Compliance: This program helps to ensure company compliance with a range of industry or governmental standards and regulations. For example, IFS Human Capital Management can keep track of and manage employee health and safety measures in accordance with legal requirements. A dedicated maintenance tool is also available to help ensure that the company adheres to rules. 
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  • Connectivity: Fishbowl Warehouse can easily integrate with popular software solutions such as QuickBooks and Xero. This makes it easier for users to retain the software that they already use and increases the possibility of a smooth transition. 
  • Accessibility: This program is available for deployment both on-premise or as a cloud-based solution, making it accessible to a range of users with diverse needs. With the SasS option, customers can use the software anytime and anywhere, as long as they have an internet connection. 
  • Centralization: This solution connects various business processes and also contains the capability for users to manage multiple production facilities and multiple types of currencies in the same program. This allows users to look at information such as inventory level across the entirety of a company instead of being relegated to looking at data from just one of many warehouses in the business portfolio. 
  • Increase Productivity: Fishbowl Warehouse contains a range of automated functions, including the adjustment of accounting records as inventory changes and the reordering of materials when a set level is reached. By streamlining these workflows, employee time can be freed up for other tasks, therefore creating improved productivity levels. 
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  • IFS Financials: IFS includes basic accounting tools such as general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable and fixed assets. It also contains business planning functionality that uses customer-defined planning models to enable demand-driven planning. The eInvoice tool automates supplier invoicing and enables electronic invoicing. Consolidation can also be conducted across multiple companies and with multiple reporting currencies. 
  • IFS Human Capital Management: This system allows employees to manage their own data as well as perform tasks such as applying for leave and updating time and expense reports. HR personnel can also manage payroll procedures, maintain health and safety information in accordance with government regulations and develop internal training programs through the tool. Recruitment can be done through the program’s connectivity with third-party applicant tracking systems (ATS). 
  • IFS Engineering: This feature includes the ability for continuously updated data related to factors such as design elements, products and facilities to be accessed throughout an organization. Change management capabilities allow users to view, approve and check changes before going ahead with change orders. The commissioning tool also ensures that facility components are designed, tested, etc. in accordance with operational requirements through the use of punch lists and mechanical completion packages. 
  • IFS Projects: IFS includes project management, risk management, project reporting and project budgeting features. Specific functionality consists of the ability to process project cost transactions, create projects using WBS, develop project schedules and develop forecasts using multiple versions of project estimates, reviews, budgets, etc. Estimate to Complete (ETC) and Estimate at Complete (EAC) principles are supported and spreading rules are available. 
  • IFS Manufacturing: This tool can calculate capacity requirements, conduct Master Scheduling for finished goods, manage the production to order process and enable employees to report production information quickly. Project-based, discrete, repetitive and batch process manufacturing are also supported through the system. Visualization of the production plan is included and enables users to identify bottlenecks and material shortages. 
  • IFS Supply Chain: IFS offers demand forecasting, supply chain planning, inventory replenishment, sales order management, procurement, rental management, warehouse management and shipment management features. The inventory function is connected to the demand forecasting tool and includes different planning strategies such as economic order quantity and service level-driven safety stocks. Item traceability is also supported through barcode functionality, which provides real-time stock information. 
  • IFS Sales & Service: This feature controls the customer lifecycle from the time a lead comes in to the time that a product reaches its final destination. It assists with transportation by allowing users to visualize driving routes. It also supports service quote and contract management. Sales efforts can be streamlined through the sales configurator, which includes a product advisor that uses a series of questions to define requirements and recommend products. 
  • IFS Maintenance: IFS enables users to evaluate potential improvements in equipment performance, communicate with subcontractors through a collaboration portal, develop leaner MRO operations and manage preventive maintenance schedules. It also makes regulatory compliance for vehicle fleets easier and manages tasks such as fault reporting, preparation, execution and final reporting for maintenance-related matters. 
  • IFS Business Enablers: This solution includes role-based portals and personalized access to ensure that employees, customers and suppliers view the most relevant information and that no one has access to privileged information that they should not be able to review. The solution contains real-time data and allows for the connection of internal and external programs through web services. Add-ins and add-ons can be implemented to customize the solution through RESTful oData APIs from IFS. 
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  • QuickBooks Integration: Fishbowl Warehouse can be easily integrated with QuickBooks, a popular and commonly used accounting solution. By connecting these systems, inventory and accounting records can be instantly adjusted, and duplicate data entry can be reduced. This solution connects with every desktop version of QuickBooks and with QuickBooks online. 
  • Multiple Locations: This program supports the tracking of inventory across a number of locations. It contains constantly updated inventory level information from different warehouses, stores or offices so that transfer needs can be identified and sales trends can be calculated. 
  • Inventory Management: Inventory management is one of the primary functions of Fishbowl Warehouse. The system can create and print barcodes, develop automatic reordering points and receive and track shipments. The program also aims to streamline the process of picking, packing and shipping items. 
  • Order Management: Fishbowl Warehouse lets users create sales orders, pick tickets, purchase orders and other important documents within the program. It also expedites the process of receiving products in the warehouse and contains in-depth reports to assist users in analyzing the efficiency of production facilities. 
  • Part Tracking: This function lets users see where parts are located in a warehouse and can track items by factors such as tag numbers, lot, serial and revision. The program can also develop unit-of-measure conversions and adds up all of the costs that are included in the manufacturing process, including labor. Part levels can also be monitored, and reordering points can be developed so that orders are automatically made when levels get below a certain point. 
  • Shipping: Fishbowl Warehouse contains UPS shipping features in its interface. It can also integrate with shipping companies such as USPS and FedEx and offers plugins that aid in order fulfillment. Items can be transferred to different warehouses, finished goods can be sent to customers and inventory can be received through this tool. 
  • Sales and Purchasing: This feature enables users to set up pricing tiers and save quick lists to streamline order fulfillment. It also assists in vendor relationship management, converting price quotes into sales orders, customizing items and creating discounts or variable pricing for certain customer groups. 
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Product Ranking

#73

among all
Distribution Software

#86

among all
Distribution Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

87
80
97
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76
58
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50
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Mobile capabilities
Accounting and Financial Management
Inventory Management
Reports, Dashboards and Business Intelligence
Purchase Order Management and Procurement
Reports, Dashboards and Business Intelligence
Sales Order Management
Inventory Management
Warehouse and Transportation Management
Purchase Order Management and Procurement

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

IFS
Fishbowl Warehouse
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Accounting And Financial Management Customer Relationship Management E-commerce Capabilities Integrations And Extensibility Inventory Management Mobile Capabilities Purchase Order Management And Procurement Reports, Dashboards And Business Intelligence Sales Order Management Warehouse And Transportation Management 97 76 73 72 96 98 91 94 81 83 50 58 50 67 92 84 86 96 95 92 0 25 50 75 100
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User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 121 reviews
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80%
of users recommend this product

IFS has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 80% when considering 121 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

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3.6 (20)
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3.7 (22)
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4.2 (65)
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4.1 (14)
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Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated IFS and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Mobile capabilities.

Mobile capabilities Award

No awards.

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Intuitive interface: Users consistently praise IFS for its user-friendly design and easy-to-navigate interface, which reduces training time and improves adoption rates.
Flexibility and customization: The system's modular architecture allows for a high degree of customization, enabling businesses to tailor it to their unique processes and requirements without extensive coding.
Strong industry focus: IFS is particularly well-suited for industries such as aerospace, manufacturing, and energy, offering deep functionality and expertise in these areas.
Mobile accessibility: Users can access the system from any device, including smartphones and tablets, enabling them to stay connected and productive while on the go.
Robust project management: IFS provides comprehensive project management capabilities, from planning and scheduling to resource allocation and cost tracking, helping businesses deliver projects on time and within budget.
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Inventory Management: Fishbowl Warehouse helps businesses track inventory levels, orders, and shipments. It can also be used to generate reports and forecasts.
Order Management: Fishbowl Warehouse can be used to create and manage sales orders, purchase orders, and work orders. It can also be used to track the status of orders and shipments.
Shipping and Receiving: Fishbowl Warehouse can be used to manage the shipping and receiving of goods. It can also be used to track the status of shipments and generate shipping labels.
Reporting: Fishbowl Warehouse can be used to generate a variety of reports, including inventory reports, sales reports, and purchase reports. These reports can be used to track the performance of the business and identify areas where improvements can be made.
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High upfront investment: IFS can require a significant initial investment for implementation and customization, potentially exceeding budgets for smaller businesses.
Steep learning curve: The system's complexity can lead to a steeper learning curve for users, requiring extensive training and support to achieve full proficiency.
Limited out-of-the-box functionality: While configurable, IFS may not offer pre-built features for specific industry needs, necessitating additional development or workarounds.
Integration complexities: Integrating IFS with existing systems can be challenging, requiring specialized expertise and potentially leading to data silos.
Performance bottlenecks: Large or complex implementations may experience performance issues, requiring careful optimization and infrastructure considerations.
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Limited Functionality: Fishbowl's features may not be sufficient for companies with complex warehouse operations or those requiring advanced automation.
Customization Challenges: Adapting Fishbowl to specific workflows can be difficult due to limited customization options, potentially requiring workarounds or compromises.
Scalability Concerns: As businesses grow, Fishbowl's performance and ability to handle increasing data volumes may become limitations, potentially necessitating a switch to a more robust system.
Integration Complexity: Integrating Fishbowl with other business software or e-commerce platforms can be challenging, requiring additional configuration or custom development.
User Interface: Some users find Fishbowl's interface outdated and less intuitive compared to modern warehouse management systems, potentially impacting user adoption and efficiency.
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User reviews for IFS paint a picture of a powerful and flexible ERP system, but one that demands investment and expertise. Fans praise its intuitive interface and industry-specific depth, especially in sectors like aerospace and manufacturing. "The power of IFS is amazing and overwhelming," one user gushes, noting its ability to handle 95% of their business processes. The modular architecture allows for significant customization, a major draw for many. "It can be tailored to fit almost any business environment," says another reviewer, contrasting it with the "rigid" feel of competing products like SAP. However, IFS isn't for everyone. The initial investment and customization needs can be daunting, particularly for smaller companies. "The cost can be high," admits a user, comparing it to the "more affordable" options like Microsoft Dynamics 365. Additionally, the complexity can lead to a steep learning curve. "It's not as user-friendly as NetSuite," says another reviewer, highlighting the need for extensive training. Integration challenges and potential performance bottlenecks are also mentioned as drawbacks. Ultimately, IFS seems best suited for companies with specific industry needs and the resources to invest in its extensive capabilities. "If you're looking for a deep dive into your industry, IFS is amazing," one user concludes. "But if you need something quick and easy, there are other options."

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Fishbowl Warehouse appears to be a popular choice among businesses seeking a reliable and efficient warehouse management solution. Users frequently highlight its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features as standout qualities. The software's ability to streamline inventory management, order fulfillment, and shipping processes has garnered significant praise, with many users reporting improved operational efficiency and accuracy. Additionally, Fishbowl Warehouse's seamless integration with QuickBooks and other business software has been well-received, as it eliminates the need for manual data entry and ensures data consistency across different systems. This integration capability is particularly valuable for businesses that rely on multiple software platforms to manage their operations. Fishbowl Warehouse seems to be a good fit for businesses of all sizes, but it may be particularly beneficial for small and midsize businesses that require a robust yet affordable warehouse management solution. The software's scalability allows it to grow alongside a business, accommodating increasing inventory volumes and order complexities. Moreover, Fishbowl Warehouse's modular structure enables businesses to select and implement the specific features they need, avoiding unnecessary costs and complexity. The availability of cloud-based and on-premise deployment options further enhances its suitability for diverse business environments and preferences.

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