Fishbowl Warehouse vs Inform ERP

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Our analysts compared Fishbowl Warehouse vs Inform ERP 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

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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Inform ERP is a software solution that helps with distribution, production and financial activities. It integrates these processes to automate and streamline operations across various aspects of a business. Its financial management tool coordinates with production workflows so that as transactions are made, they are automatically inputted to the general ledger. It also allows users to plan transportation logistics and look at factors such as volume and necessary stops when planning routes.

This program further enables users to optimize the supply chain through visualization and control of a variety of processes. Users can benefit from personalized dashboards that leverage real-time data so that quicker and more relevant insights can be developed.
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Product Insights

  • 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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  • Paperless Workflows: Inform ERP includes electronic signature and electronic document scanning functionality. The system can also store documents such as product images, material safety data sheets (MSDS) and descriptions. 
  • Increased Productivity: This program can increase productivity through its demand planning tool, which forecasts material and production needs. The system also contains the ability to make orders into quotes and to create price inquiries with just one click, therefore reducing the amount of time that employees spend on these tedious tasks. 
  • Automation: Automation is a driving factor of increased productivity and, by extension, increased revenue. An example of how Inform ERP uses automation to its benefit is through its financial management tool, which archives important documents and posts transactions to the general ledger automatically. 
  • Improved Customer Relationships: The Embedded CRM tool allows users to keep track of important customer information. By using and sharing this data, employees can hone their sales tactics and improve customer relationships through more personalized and targeted conversations. 
  • Insight Development: This program uses real-time data and customizable dashboards to help users manage workflows such as sales and production. It includes drill-down functionality that allows users to find the specific data that they need to access. 
  • Accessibility: Inform ERP is available both on-premise and as a cloud-based solution. This makes the program accessible to a wide variety of businesses. If cloud deployment is opted for, the program can be accessed anytime and anywhere as long as there is an internet connection. 
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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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  • Financial Management: Inform ERP contains accounts payable, accounts receivable and bank reconciliation functionality. It gives users access to financial reports and allows them to perform tasks such as posting transactions to the general ledger as they occur. The program also contains the ability to archive documents such as invoices, financial reports and statements automatically. 
  • Inventory Management: This feature enables users to visualize inventory information such as purchase orders, availability, returned goods and open orders. It also allows for adjustment to sporadic demand and can balance warehouse overstocks. The advanced demand planning and forecasting tool contains a real-time replenishment calculation that facilitates adjustment to actual demand. 
  • Order Fulfillment: Inform ERP lets users make quotes into orders with the click of a button. Defective parts can be tracked through the system along with vendor reimbursement claims. The customer checkout process is streamlined through PCI-compliant card processing. 
  • Embedded CRM: This program enables users to gather relevant customer information such as purchase history, order status and personal notes to assist in the personalization and improvement of the customer experience. It can also create order entries and price inquiries with one click. Individual and group calendars are included in the program so that staff can look at operations and sales opportunities in real-time. 
  • Analytics and Reporting: Inform ERP’s reporting dashboards are customizable and can be segmented by user level. The Inventory Pivot Table Cube Editor allows users to manage stock transfers. The program also leverages real-time data and includes drill-down menus so that users can find relevant information. 
  • Warehouse Logistics: With this tool, users can assign transportation to orders. Delivery routes can also be created while keeping factors such as weight, volume and necessary stops in mind. Additionally, users can create and print manifests and shipping documents through this feature. 
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Product Ranking

#86

among all
Distribution Software

#124

among all
Distribution Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

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Reports, Dashboards and Business Intelligence
Sales Order Management
Inventory Management
Warehouse and Transportation Management
Purchase Order Management and Procurement
Accounting and Financial Management
Customer Relationship Management
Inventory Management
Mobile capabilities
Purchase Order Management and Procurement

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Fishbowl Warehouse
Inform ERP
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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 50 58 50 67 92 84 86 96 95 92 100 99 50 39 99 97 97 94 80 96 0 25 50 75 100
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User Sentiment Summary

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Excellent User Sentiment 72 reviews
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91%
of users recommend this product

Inform ERP has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 91% when considering 72 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

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3.7 (5)
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4.6 (67)

Awards

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SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Inform ERP and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Accounting and Financial Management and Customer Relationship Management. Inform ERP stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award
Accounting and Financial Management Award
Customer Relationship Management Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

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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Comprehensive Functionality: Inform ERP provides a wide range of features that cater to various aspects of distribution businesses, including inventory management, order processing, financials, and customer relationship management. This comprehensive functionality eliminates the need for multiple software solutions, streamlining operations and reducing complexity.
Industry-Specific Focus: Inform ERP is specifically designed for distributors, with features and functionalities tailored to their unique needs. This industry-specific focus ensures that the software aligns with the workflows and processes of distribution businesses, providing a more efficient and effective solution.
Scalability and Flexibility: Inform ERP is a scalable solution that can grow with the needs of a business. It offers flexible deployment options, including on-premise, cloud-based, and hybrid models, allowing businesses to choose the best fit for their infrastructure and budget.
User-Friendly Interface: Inform ERP features a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and learn. This intuitive design reduces training time and allows users to quickly become proficient with the software, improving productivity and user adoption.
Strong Reporting and Analytics: Inform ERP provides robust reporting and analytics capabilities, enabling businesses to gain insights into their operations and make data-driven decisions. Users can generate custom reports, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and analyze trends to identify areas for improvement.
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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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Customization Challenges: Making modifications to Inform ERP to fit specific business needs can be complex and time-consuming, often requiring specialized developer skills. This can lead to frustration for businesses with unique workflows or industry-specific requirements.
Reporting Limitations: Generating reports and extracting data from Inform ERP can be cumbersome, with limited built-in reporting tools and a steep learning curve for creating custom reports. This can hinder data analysis and decision-making processes.
User Interface: The user interface of Inform ERP can feel outdated and clunky, leading to a less-than-optimal user experience. Navigating through the system and finding specific functions can be challenging, especially for new users.
Integration Complexities: Integrating Inform ERP with other business systems, such as CRM or e-commerce platforms, can be a complex undertaking. This can create data silos and hinder overall business efficiency.
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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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Inform ERP receives praise for its robust functionality and adaptability, particularly in managing complex distribution operations. Users appreciate its ability to handle diverse tasks, from inventory and order management to financials and reporting. Its strength lies in providing a comprehensive solution that streamlines processes and enhances efficiency. However, some users note that the initial setup and learning curve can be challenging due to the system's extensive features. Inform ERP distinguishes itself by offering industry-specific modules and customization options, allowing businesses to tailor the software to their unique requirements. This flexibility is crucial for companies with specialized workflows or niche markets. While Inform ERP excels in functionality, some users mention that the user interface could be more intuitive and modern. Despite this, the software's strengths in customization, scalability, and industry-specific features make it a valuable tool for mid-sized to large distributors and manufacturers with complex operational needs. Its ability to adapt to evolving business requirements ensures long-term value and supports growth.

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