TL;DR – Fishbowl vs Cin7 Core (DEAR)

Company origins & product evolution

Fishbowl is a long-standing inventory & manufacturing system tightly integrated with QuickBooks, often deployed on-premise. It offers robust core features (BOMs, work orders, barcoding, etc.) and an affordable one-time licensing option. It’s popular among small U.S. manufacturers who want to extend QuickBooks’ capabilities without a full ERP . Cin7 Core (formerly DEAR Inventory) is a newer, cloud-native platform with a broader “mini-ERP” vision. It targets small-to-mid businesses in retail, wholesale, and manufacturing, emphasizing multi-channel integration and advanced manufacturing (multi-step production, capacity planning) via an add-on module . Cin7 Core runs entirely in the cloud (subscription-based) and scales easily across locations and sales channels. In short, Fishbowl is a QuickBooks-centric workhorse for on-premise inventory control, while Cin7 Core is a cloud-first solution excelling in complex, multi-channel operations and sophisticated production planning. The right choice depends on your business’s size, industry, and tech orientation, as summarized below.

Fishbowl: Founded in 2001 in Orem, Utah, Fishbowl built its reputation as the top-selling manufacturing and warehouse management add-on for QuickBooks . It was created by small business owners to fill QuickBooks’ inventory gaps, and it remains closely tied to the QuickBooks ecosystem. Over the years Fishbowl split its flagship product into Fishbowl Manufacturing and Fishbowl Warehouse, reflecting its focus on production and warehouse management for SMBs . Fishbowl has grown through the 2000s and 2010s, earning awards for rapid growth and, as of 2021, came under new backing (Diversis Capital) to fuel its development. Historically an on-premise Windows application, Fishbowl has introduced cloud-hosted options and even a separate cloud product (Boxstorm) for very small businesses . Still, the core Fishbowl products carry forward a legacy of QuickBooks-centric design – they integrate tightly with QuickBooks Desktop/Online for accounting and were built to mirror many accounting concepts (e.g. using QuickBooks as the financial ledger while Fishbowl manages operational data) . This origin as a manufacturing add-on for QuickBooks defines Fishbowl’s product evolution and target user base.

Cin7 Core (DEAR): DEAR Systems (now Cin7 Core) launched in 2012 (originally in Australia) as a purely cloud-based inventory management solution. The name “DEAR” itself stands for “Double Entry Accounting Records,” signaling its intent to combine inventory operations with accounting integration. In fact, DEAR developed its own internal accounting module while also offering seamless sync with Xero or QuickBooks for full ledger needs . Over the 2010s, DEAR gained a reputation as a comprehensive SaaS inventory/ERP for small and mid-sized businesses – “branding itself as an ERP” for companies not ready for enterprise software . In 2021, DEAR was acquired by Cin7 (a New Zealand-founded IMS company also started in 2012) and later rebranded as Cin7 Core within Cin7’s product suite. Cin7’s vision has been “Connected Inventory,” and since the acquisition, Cin7 Core continues to evolve with that ethos – e.g. leveraging Cin7’s 700+ integrations (e-commerce, 3PL, EDI, marketplaces) to broaden its reach . Today Cin7 Core inherits DEAR’s strong cloud foundation and adds the backing of a global IMS leader (Cin7 serves 8,500+ customers worldwide) . In summary, Fishbowl grew from a local QuickBooks add-on (on-premise) into a full MRP system, whereas Cin7 Core was born in the cloud as an all-in-one inventory platform and is now part of a larger omnichannel inventory software family.

Key Insight: Fishbowl’s legacy is rooted in extending QuickBooks for U.S. manufacturers (established in 2001), while Cin7 Core emerged a decade later as a cloud-native solution (DEAR in 2012) aimed at unifying inventory and accounting for globally minded SMBs.

Target markets and business sizes

Both Fishbowl and Cin7 Core target small to mid-sized organizations, but their typical customer profiles have some differences:

• Fishbowl: Most Fishbowl users are small manufacturers or distributors that have outgrown basic tools (like QuickBooks alone or spreadsheets) and need more advanced inventory control without moving to a full-scale ERP. Fishbowl itself markets to “small to mid-sized manufacturers” seeking to upgrade from entry-level systems, providing an affordable step up. Annual revenue of Fishbowl clients often falls roughly in the $1 million to $20–30 million range (with a sweet spot in the single-digit millions). These companies often have anywhere from a few up to a few dozen employees using the system. Common sectors include light manufacturing, food & beverage producers, wholesale distributors, and e-commerce merchants who maintain their accounting in QuickBooks. For example, a $5M craft brewery or a 10-employee electronics assembly shop in the U.S. might choose Fishbowl to manage production, inventory, and warehousing while keeping QuickBooks for financials. Fishbowl is also used by some retailers/wholesalers – it’s described as great for “small and medium-sized retailers looking for a cost-effective desktop solution with a large feature-set.” However, its strongest adoption is among QuickBooks-centric manufacturers and warehouses, including those needing lot tracking (e.g. food batch tracking) or assembly builds. Notably, Fishbowl’s customer base tends to value on-premise control or a one-time license model, and they often operate in the U.S. market where QuickBooks dominates.

• Cin7 Core (DEAR): Cin7 Core is aimed at a broad range of product-centric businesses in the SMB space, often a bit further along in complexity. Its ideal users include “e-commerce, retail, wholesale, and manufacturing businesses” that need a versatile system which can scale quickly . Many Cin7 Core customers are in the $5 million to $30+ million revenue range, or have around 5–50 employees – essentially those medium-sized firms that find entry-level apps too limiting but aren’t ready for an expensive enterprise ERP . In the U.S., this often includes multi-channel brands (e.g. a consumer goods company selling via Shopify, Amazon, and wholesale channels), import/export wholesalers, and manufacturers who sell direct online. Cin7 Core has a reputation in the multi-channel commerce and online retail space due to its extensive integrations (shopping carts, marketplaces, 3PL logistics, etc.), which historically made it a go-to for e-commerce-driven businesses. At the same time, it caters to manufacturers (especially those needing more sophisticated production features than QuickBooks offers). For instance, a $10M organic snack manufacturer distributing through both grocery chains and an online store could leverage Cin7 Core to handle ingredient inventory, production runs, and fulfillment across Shopify and Amazon. Because Cin7 Core presents itself as a full cloud ERP-lite, it’s positioned for companies that want one system for inventory, orders, and manufacturing along with built-in connections to their sales channels and accounting. Its user base is truly global (originating in APAC and expanding in the US), but all examples and features relevant to U.S. businesses (like QuickBooks integration, FDA-compliant lot traceability for food, etc.) are well supported.

Key Insight: Fishbowl is most popular with U.S. manufacturers and distributors in the low millions of revenue – often those extending QuickBooks – whereas Cin7 Core (DEAR) tends to attract slightly larger or more tech-forward SMBs, including multi-channel retailers and manufacturers who need a scalable cloud system beyond basic inventory tools.

Deployment models: on-premise vs. cloud

One of the starkest differences between Fishbowl and Cin7 Core is the deployment and architecture:

• Fishbowl Deployment: Fishbowl’s software was traditionally an on-premise, desktop application. Customers install a Fishbowl server (with a database) and use Fishbowl client programs (primarily Windows-based) on local machines . This means you can host it on your own server (or a private cloud server) and you retain control over your data and upgrade timing. Fishbowl is one of the few modern IMS vendors that still offers a perpetual license (lifetime license) option in addition to subscriptions . Many Fishbowl customers purchase a one-time license for a set number of users and then pay annual support for updates. This model can be cost-effective long-term and appeals to companies wanting to minimize recurring costs or those in environments with unreliable internet (since a locally installed system isn’t internet-dependent for daily use). Fishbowl can also be deployed in the cloud – typically meaning you can have Fishbowl hosted on a remote server or use Fishbowl’s hosting service, but it’s essentially the same application delivered via the cloud. It’s not a multi-tenant SaaS; rather, it’s your instance running on a cloud VM. The vendor has introduced a cloud-based product (Boxstorm) and “Fishbowl Online” hosting, indicating a gradual shift toward cloud convenience. Still, when you choose Fishbowl, you’re effectively choosing a client-server software that you either run on-premise or in a private cloud, with the associated maintenance of backups, upgrades, and IT support for the server. The upside is you can even operate Fishbowl offline within your LAN, and integration to QuickBooks can happen locally. The downside is you don’t get the instant anywhere-access or automatic updates of a true SaaS. Companies that have internal IT resources and value data control often appreciate this model, whereas very lean startups might find it cumbersome.

• Cin7 Core Deployment: Cin7 Core is 100% cloud-native SaaS. There is no software to install on your own machines (aside from optional connectors or mobile scanning apps); you access it via a web browser. All data is stored in the cloud (on Cin7’s servers), and updates are rolled out automatically by the provider. This means access from anywhere – your operations team can be spread across multiple locations (or working remotely) and still use the system in real time, and you don’t need to manage any server infrastructure. The SaaS model is subscription-based: you pay a monthly or annual fee per company account (often tiered by features or users). For example, DEAR’s pricing before rebrand started around $199 per month for a base package , making it relatively affordable to start. Since becoming Cin7 Core, pricing may be integrated with Cin7’s plans, but the principle remains: it’s an ongoing service cost. There is no on-premise option for Cin7 Core – businesses that require an internally hosted system for compliance or preference would not choose Cin7 Core. Conversely, companies that prioritize ease of deployment, minimal IT overhead, and web accessibility gravitate to Cin7 Core. Another aspect of Cin7 Core’s cloud model is scalability on demand – adding a new user or new warehouse is as simple as updating your subscription and permissions, with no new hardware or complex installs . However, reliance on internet connectivity is a consideration; if your connection goes down, you lose direct access (Cin7 does have some offline-capable features in related products, but generally a live connection is assumed). For most modern U.S. businesses, cloud deployment is a welcomed advantage, especially if they have multiple sales channels and remote stakeholders (e.g. a CFO can log in from anywhere to check reports).

Key Insight: Fishbowl offers a traditional on-premise model (with optional hosting) and even one-time licensing – attractive if you want local control or to avoid subscriptions . Cin7 Core is a cloud-native SaaS, delivering convenience and easy scalability at the cost of requiring internet and a subscription mindset. In short, Fishbowl = own your software (and its IT upkeep); Cin7 Core = rent a constantly updated online service.

Core inventory & order management functionality

Both systems cover the fundamental needs of inventory and order management, but they reflect their heritage in feature emphasis:

• Inventory Control: Multi-warehouse management is supported in both Fishbowl and Cin7 Core, allowing tracking of stock across multiple locations. Fishbowl lets you manage multiple warehouses and even bin locations, as does Cin7 Core (which offers bin/location tracking especially in its WMS features) . Both systems handle real-time inventory levels, stock movements, and can generate reorder point alerts to replenish stock. Fishbowl provides robust lot and serial number tracking (critical for food & beverage or pharma), along with expiration date management, which is a must-have in sectors like F&B – these are natively supported in Fishbowl Manufacturing’s module and similarly in Cin7 Core (Cin7 Core can enable batch/serial tracking and even traceability reporting) . Both have units of measure conversions (Fishbowl explicitly touts support for various units and conversions to help, for example, batch manufacturers measure ingredients ). They each maintain costing methods like FIFO or average cost: Fishbowl aligns with QuickBooks’ costing (typically average cost for QB desktop, FIFO for QB Online, etc.) while Cin7 Core/DEAR allows FIFO costing and tracks COGS with each sale, synchronizing financials to accounting systems. In short, for basic inventory tracking (add stock, remove stock, move stock, count stock), both are very capable. Fishbowl’s long tenure means it has lots of operational polish – e.g. cycle count tools, barcode scanning support (including mobile barcode apps for receiving and picking) , and integration with popular shipping carriers. Cin7 Core, being cloud, also has mobile app support and even a full warehouse management module (allowing directed picking, packing, put-away workflows on mobile devices) as part of its offering . Where Cin7 Core shines is the breadth of integrations in inventory context: for example, it can automatically pull orders from Shopify/Amazon (deducting inventory) and push stock updates back to those channels, whereas Fishbowl might rely on add-ons or periodic sync for e-commerce integration. Cin7 Core’s real-time integrations can give a more unified stock picture across channels. However, for purely internal inventory processes (like managing a single-site warehouse), Fishbowl’s features are equally strong – many users praise Fishbowl for “up-to-date visibility into inventory levels… to optimize workflows”.

• Order Management (Sales & Purchasing): Both systems manage the full order cycle. In sales orders: you can create quotes, sales orders, fulfill/ship orders, and invoice customers. Fishbowl’s sales order module integrates with QuickBooks (so invoices or journal entries sync over to QB), and it offers picking, packing, and shipping steps in the workflow. Cin7 Core similarly provides end-to-end sales order processing – from order capture (which can be manual entry or automatically imported from online stores) through picking and shipping. Cin7 Core has a feature specifically to “Pick, Pack, and Ship” in a streamlined way , automating fulfillment tasks and even connecting to shipping carriers (through integrations like ShipStation or native shipping modules) to generate labels. On the purchase order side, both systems handle vendor POs, receiving, and landed cost tracking. Cin7 Core can automate re-ordering by analyzing min/max levels or using demand forecasting (an AI-based forecasting add-on exists in Cin7’s ecosystem), whereas Fishbowl’s MRP module can suggest purchase orders based on reorder points and production needs. In terms of multi-channel sales, Cin7 Core has a clear edge: it’s built to be a central hub for omnichannel commerce – it integrates with major e-commerce platforms (Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Amazon, eBay, etc.), pulling in orders and syncing inventory availability . Fishbowl, historically focused on QuickBooks, has over time added integrations to shopping carts and online marketplaces (through its plugin system or via the recently acquired Sellware integration tool), but these may require additional configuration or third-party involvement. A U.S. business selling on multiple channels might find Cin7 Core’s out-of-the-box connectors more seamless, while a primarily offline or B2B business might not mind Fishbowl’s lighter integration approach. Accounting integration is a crucial part of order management: Fishbowl essentially requires QuickBooks or Xero for the accounting ledger – it posts invoices, bills, and inventory value changes to the accounting system. Cin7 Core can operate with or without an external accounting system (it has its own basic general ledger for internal use), but in practice many U.S. users connect it to QuickBooks Online or Xero, achieving similar financial synchronization . In either case, both platforms ensure that sales and purchasing transactions flow through to keep your financials accurate (e.g. stock asset values, COGS, and revenue).

• Other Core Functions: Both solutions offer reporting and analytics on inventory and sales. Fishbowl provides a range of standard reports and the ability to customize reports (e.g. through Crystal Reports or built-in editors) . Users note Fishbowl’s reporting is decent though sometimes requires expansion for complex needs . Cin7 Core comes with 70+ built-in reports and even AI-powered demand forecasting in the Cin7 suite . Each has user permission controls to restrict access to certain modules (Cin7 Core allows granular permissions for inventory, sales, production, etc., including read-only vs edit rights , and Fishbowl similarly supports user roles). Both also support multi-currency and multi-country operations to a point – Cin7 Core natively handles multi-currency purchasing and sales, whereas Fishbowl relies on the accounting system for currency handling but can record transactions in different currencies if QuickBooks supports it. For U.S. businesses, sales tax integration is also important: Fishbowl can integrate with tax solutions or use QuickBooks’ tax codes; Cin7 Core integrates with tax engines like TaxJar or Avalara for automated sales tax calculations if needed.

Key Insight: At a high level, both Fishbowl and Cin7 Core cover the bases of inventory tracking and order management (sales, purchasing, shipping). Fishbowl excels in core warehouse and manufacturing transactions for QuickBooks-based shops, while Cin7 Core excels in connected commerce – unifying online/offline channels and automating fulfillment. If your business is primarily internal manufacturing/warehousing with accounting in QuickBooks, Fishbowl’s depth in inventory control will shine . If your business sells across e-commerce and retail channels and needs everything integrated in one cloud system, Cin7 Core’s multi-channel design and extensive integrations give it an edge.

Manufacturing capabilities: basic vs. advanced

Manufacturing functionality is a critical differentiator between these systems. Both Fishbowl and Cin7 Core offer manufacturing modules, but the scope and depth differ – especially when considering Cin7 Core’s optional Advanced Manufacturing features.

• Fishbowl Manufacturing: Fishbowl’s Manufacturing module (often sold as “Fishbowl Manufacturing” product) provides the tools for bill of materials (BOM) management, work order processing, and some level of material planning. Users can create multi-level BOMs and manufacture assemblies – for example, turning raw ingredients into a finished food product or assembling components into a kit. Fishbowl supports various manufacturing modes from simple one-step assemblies to basic job shop and batch processes . Notably, Fishbowl includes a Material Requirements Planning (MRP) feature to help planners know when to order or produce components: “Fishbowl Manufacturing provides MRP to know when and where materials are needed… allowing production to scale as needed while eliminating surprises.” . This MRP module can generate suggested purchase orders and work orders based on demand and stock levels (often using reorder points and open orders as inputs). Fishbowl also offers production scheduling and capacity planning tools: it can schedule work orders and consider a workstation’s capacity and current loads when suggesting production timing . According to analyst reviews, Fishbowl enables “intelligent scheduling based on available production capacity, inventory levels, and demand to maximize throughput” . In practice, this means Fishbowl can prioritize work orders and help you avoid over-committing your shop floor. However, Fishbowl’s scheduling is generally considered simpler than an advanced ERP – it’s often based on lead times and basic capacity definitions rather than a full finite scheduling engine. Fishbowl also covers job costing (tracking labor and overhead costs on work orders) and work-in-process accounting, which are vital for manufacturing accounting. It has features for quality control and lot traceability in production – e.g. recording lot numbers of components used and performing inspections – as highlighted by its quality/traceability tools . One limitation often cited is that Fishbowl’s interface and workflow for manufacturing can feel a bit dated or clunky, and extremely complex production processes (with many steps or resources) might require workarounds. Still, for small manufacturers with straightforward assembly or batching needs, Fishbowl covers the essentials out-of-the-box. For example, a brewery can use Fishbowl to manage brewing batches (BOM of ingredients), track fermentation as work in process, bottle the beer into finished goods, and account for all raw material usage and labor. Fishbowl would then alert when ingredient stock is low (MRP) and generate purchase orders accordingly. It’s worth noting Fishbowl distinguishes its Fishbowl Warehouse vs. Fishbowl Manufacturing products – if you only need inventory management, you might license Warehouse; if you need BOM and production features, you get Manufacturing (or the unified “Fishbowl Enterprise” which includes both). This modular approach lets companies start with inventory management and later add manufacturing as they grow.

• Cin7 Core Manufacturing (Standard vs Advanced): Cin7 Core includes Standard Manufacturing features in its base subscription, and offers an Advanced Manufacturing module as an add-on for businesses with more complex production needs . In its standard manufacturing, Cin7 Core (formerly DEAR) already supports core functionality similar to Fishbowl: you can define BOMs (Bills of Materials), perform assembly builds or disassemblies, and issue production orders that consume components and produce finished goods. It handles cost roll-up of produced items (tracking material, labor, and overhead costs in the finished product) and can allocate costs to WIP and finished goods accounts for accounting purposes . This means a small manufacturer can use Cin7 Core base features to manage assembly work orders and get accurate product costs, much like in Fishbowl. Where Cin7 Core may outperform Fishbowl is in its Advanced Manufacturing extension: this module introduces capabilities typically found in higher-end manufacturing ERP/MRP systems. According to Cin7’s documentation, Advanced Manufacturing allows you to “model more complex production processes, such as when production capacity is limited by resources, part of the process is carried out by a third party (outsourced), or multiple items are produced from the same process.” . Concretely, this includes: multi-stage routings and operations (you can break a production into sequential steps with their own times and resource requirements), work centers and factory calendars (defining working hours, shifts, and work center capacities) , production scheduling with a Gantt chart scheduler and capacity planner , finite capacity planning (taking into account machine/labor availability when scheduling jobs), resource and labor cost tracking (tracking machine hours or labor hours as resources, including associated costs) , and even co-product/byproduct handling (the ability to have one production order yield multiple output SKUs from one batch). These features go beyond what Fishbowl’s base scheduling can do. Essentially, Cin7 Core’s Advanced Manufacturing brings a level of manufacturing execution and planning that you’d expect in a more expensive system: it even offers a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) interface for shop floor workers to log production task progress on the go . For example, consider a nutraceutical manufacturer mixing a batch that produces both a primary product and a secondary byproduct – Cin7 Core can handle that in one production order (multiple outputs), whereas Fishbowl would need separate work orders or manual adjustments. Or imagine a woodwork factory with several machines (resources) – Cin7 Core can schedule jobs considering each machine’s availability and show a visual schedule (Gantt) of all production orders, helping the production manager optimize the flow . This level of resource planning is something Fishbowl’s simpler MRP doesn’t fully replicate. Important: The Advanced Manufacturing module is a paid add-on to Cin7 Core’s subscription . Not every Cin7 Core user needs it – many use the standard BOM assembly features which are comparable to Fishbowl’s basic functionality. But the fact that Cin7 Core can scale up to this advanced level is a key difference. It positions Cin7 Core closer to an ERP for manufacturers who have complex workflows (e.g. custom fabrication shops, multi-step food production with external packagers, etc.). In summary, Fishbowl handles “light manufacturing” very well, and even includes some scheduling and MRP that smaller shops require. Cin7 Core handles light manufacturing too, but can extend to “advanced manufacturing” scenarios like capacity-constrained production scheduling, which can be a game-changer for growing manufacturers who might otherwise need to switch to a larger ERP. Both systems integrate manufacturing with inventory and orders – e.g. a sales order for a manufactured item in Cin7 Core can automatically trigger a production order (and even purchase of raw materials if stock is short), a level of automation that improves operational efficiency.

Key Insight: For basic manufacturing needs (assemblies, simple BOMs, MRP replenishment), Fishbowl and Cin7 Core’s standard features are comparable – both will help a small manufacturer plan and track production. However, when it comes to advanced production planning – multi-step processes, machine capacity scheduling, outsourcing steps, or producing co-products – Cin7 Core’s Advanced Manufacturing module gives it a significant edge . This means a company with complex shop-floor operations might find Cin7 Core not only competes with Fishbowl, but outperforms it in manufacturing management. Fishbowl is often the go-to for QuickBooks manufacturers with straightforward production, while Cin7 Core can handle those cases and scale into more sophisticated manufacturing workflows as the business grows.

Product vision and design assumptions

The design philosophy behind Fishbowl and Cin7 Core influences how they feel to users and how they fit into your business ecosystem:

• Fishbowl’s Design Philosophy: Fishbowl was designed as an add-on to existing accounting software (QuickBooks), not as a standalone accounting system. The assumption is that the business will use Fishbowl for operational inventory, warehousing, and manufacturing tasks, and continue to use QuickBooks (or Xero) for the general ledger, accounts receivable/payable, payroll, etc. This philosophy manifests in the way Fishbowl syncs data: inventory receipts, shipments, and adjustments in Fishbowl can post accounting entries to QuickBooks, but Fishbowl itself does not attempt to produce full financial statements – that’s left to QuickBooks. This tight QuickBooks-centric design is a big part of Fishbowl’s vision: it “helps QuickBooks do what QuickBooks can’t.” Because of this heritage, Fishbowl’s UI and workflow will feel somewhat familiar to QuickBooks Desktop users (e.g. the concept of an item list, purchase orders, sales orders, etc., mirror accounting system documents). The product vision is very much “inventory control and MRP for the everyman” – provide smaller companies an affordable way to get many ERP-like capabilities (inventory tracking, manufacturing, barcoding) without having to leave QuickBooks. Fishbowl’s decisiveness in this area made it the #1 choice for QuickBooks manufacturing for many years . Design-wise, because it started in 2001, the interface is often described as utilitarian. Long-time users appreciate that it’s a mature, stable system with many features toggles and options built-in (you’re unlikely to encounter a scenario it hasn’t considered, in SMB terms). New users, however, might find the UI a bit dated or less intuitive than modern web apps – as one reviewer quipped, parts of Fishbowl “look and work like we are in 2001” in terms of interface design and user experience. Fishbowl’s design also assumes you run it on Windows clients (though there are ways to run on Mac via parallel or using the web interface of Fishbowl Hosted). It’s a rich client application, meaning it can be very responsive and robust, but it doesn’t have the thin-web-app aesthetic. In terms of product vision, Fishbowl focuses on depth of features for operations (inventory, warehouse, manufacturing) while intentionally not replacing your accounting. This can be very appealing to CFOs who want to keep using QuickBooks + add Fishbowl for operations. It also means Fishbowl leans on QuickBooks for things like financial reporting, multi-currency accounting, or detailed tax management, rather than duplicating them. Fishbowl’s design includes a high degree of customizability in configuration – e.g. you can define custom fields on almost any record, set up custom workflows, and integrate via API – reflecting a vision to be a flexible operations hub that adapts to different industries (from food production to aerospace parts distribution, as their marketing covers ). Overall, Fishbowl’s ethos could be summarized as “Comprehensive inventory & manufacturing control, integrated with your existing accounting, at a reasonable cost.” It’s a bit old-school but very functional-first.

• Cin7 Core’s Design Philosophy: Cin7 Core (DEAR) was conceived as a unified cloud ERP for SMBs, meaning it strives to handle as many business functions in one system as possible – inventory, orders, manufacturing, and even some accounting aspects – all under one roof (or rather, one browser tab). It brands itself as an “ERP” solution for medium businesses , which indicates a design assumption that users may want to do everything from issuing a purchase order to generating a financial profit-and-loss report in one platform. Indeed, DEAR included an accounting module (double-entry ledger) internally, so it could produce basic financial statements, though many still integrate to Xero/QB for advanced accounting . The vision here is more all-in-one than Fishbowl’s add-on approach. Cin7 Core is also cloud-first UI – the interface is web-based, relatively modern and clean, and consistent across modules. This can make it more approachable for new users (less of the dense menus that traditional Windows apps have). The design assumes that users value connectivity and automation: Cin7 Core’s developers put heavy emphasis on integrations (700+ connectors implies a philosophy of “connect everything and centralize data” ). For example, instead of treating e-commerce integration as an afterthought, it’s a core part of the design – in Cin7 Core you can natively link your Shopify store, and the system is built to import web orders and update stock with minimal custom work. The product vision is akin to “enterprise-grade inventory and order capabilities for the little guys.” Microsoft’s news release notes Cin7’s mission to give *“businesses of all sizes the kind of systems usually limited to huge corporations like Walmart” . This is reflected in features like built-in EDI (electronic data interchange) in the broader Cin7 suite, advanced warehouse features, and manufacturing planning – things smaller firms traditionally couldn’t afford in one package. Also, Cin7 Core’s design is inherently multi-tenant SaaS – every user is on the latest version, features are added frequently, and the UI is consistent globally. There’s an assumption that customers prefer this continuous improvement (even if it means they have less control over when updates happen). Another design aspect: Cin7 Core and the Cin7 ecosystem place a strong emphasis on analytics and intelligence – e.g. providing lots of reports, dashboards, and even AI forecasting to support data-driven decision making. This aligns with a CFO or COO at a $20M firm who wants more insight into performance (whereas Fishbowl might rely on exporting data to Excel or QuickBooks for certain analysis). Lastly, Cin7 Core’s vision includes mobility and distributed work – the idea that your sales team, warehouse team, and management can all interact with the system from different locations via the cloud. This is increasingly crucial for multi-location businesses (say, a California HQ with a fulfillment center in Nevada and a 3PL warehouse on the East Coast – all can work in Cin7 Core live). In summary, Cin7 Core’s design assumption is “be the central nervous system of a product business” – replacing or integrating all peripheral tools as needed, whereas Fishbowl is comfortable being one piece of the puzzle (albeit a big piece for operations).

Key Insight: Fishbowl’s product design is shaped by its role as a QuickBooks companion – it’s very operations-focused and deliberately avoids reinventing accounting . It’s a feature-rich, somewhat old-school application that values stability and depth for manufacturing/warehouse tasks. Cin7 Core’s design is holistic and modern – aiming to be a one-stop cloud platform where inventory, sales channels, and production all converge, with a slick UI and strong automation/integration ethos . If your company prefers to keep using established accounting software and just bolt on inventory control, Fishbowl’s philosophy aligns well. If you’d rather have a single cloud system running much of your business process (and are open to a new way of working), Cin7 Core’s vision will resonate.

Scalability and customization

When investing in an inventory management system, businesses need to know if it will grow with them and adapt to their unique processes. Fishbowl and Cin7 Core both address scalability and customization, but with differences:

• Scalability (Users, Data, Transactions): Fishbowl is used by companies ranging from mom-and-pop shops to fairly large operations, but it does have practical limits. Being a self-hosted application, scalability can depend on the hardware you run it on – you might need to beef up your server as transactions or user counts grow. Fishbowl’s architecture (with a SQL database behind it) can handle tens of thousands of SKUs and transactions; however, when a business grows to hundreds of users or extremely high transaction volumes (say, approaching enterprise scale), Fishbowl may become less responsive or more cumbersome to manage. That said, Fishbowl offers Standard vs Enterprise editions which suggest scaling: the Enterprise editions are intended for larger environments, and indeed Fishbowl markets that it serves “small to large manufacturers globally” . In practice, “large” might mean a $50M manufacturer with 50 users – beyond that, many would consider transitioning to a tier-1 ERP. Cin7 Core, as a cloud service, can scale more transparently – performance and capacity on the backend are managed by Cin7. Adding more users is usually just a matter of updating your subscription. Cin7 Core is known to support multi-warehouse operations with significant order volumes, especially given Cin7’s overall customer base of 8,500+ largely retail businesses (many of which run high volume e-commerce). One of Cin7 Core’s advantages is scaling across multiple channels and locations – it’s designed to coordinate inventory across, say, 5 sales channels and 3 warehouses, where Fishbowl might require more manual oversight or third-party tools to do the same. Also, peak loads (e.g. holiday online order spikes) are handled by Cin7’s cloud infrastructure, whereas Fishbowl users need to ensure their own server can handle those peaks. For a U.S. company expecting fast growth or seasonal surges, Cin7 Core’s cloud scaling is a safety net. Both systems allow you to operate in multiple entities in some fashion (Fishbowl can have multiple company files if needed; Cin7 Core supports multi-organizational setups or you might use separate accounts). Importantly, concurrency: Fishbowl’s licensing model means you pay for a certain number of concurrent users – it’s engineered to handle dozens of simultaneous users working on orders, but heavy concurrency in a client/server app can sometimes lead to record locking or slowdowns if not managed. Cin7 Core, being cloud, is built for concurrent web users – multiple people can edit different orders simultaneously with less risk of collision, and the system manages record locks via its web app logic. For international scalability, Cin7 Core as part of a global company has offices/support in multiple countries and handles multi-currency well, so a U.S. business expanding overseas might lean toward that. Fishbowl is U.S.-based and supports North American needs excellently (as evidenced by being a top SMB solution in the U.S. and Canada ), but a globally expanding firm might need additional tools around Fishbowl.

• Customization & Flexibility: Both Fishbowl and Cin7 Core understand that every business has unique workflows. Fishbowl offers customization primarily through configuration and add-ons. It has an extensive settings menu to tweak how orders and inventory behave. You can create custom fields on items, orders, etc., to track business-specific data. Fishbowl also provides a report designer or the ability to modify reports (with some expertise). For more heavy customization, Fishbowl has a well-documented API that allows external applications to push or pull data. In fact, an ecosystem of third-party developers (like the Lilypad partner we saw earlier) build add-ons – such as advanced mobile apps, EDI connectors, or QC modules – to extend Fishbowl. This means if Fishbowl doesn’t natively do something, there’s likely a plugin or integration possible to achieve it. For example, integrating Fishbowl with an e-commerce platform that isn’t natively supported can be done via API or tools like Zapier. Fishbowl also allows some scripting via its SDK for those inclined. The company itself offers professional services to customize or tailor the system to client needs (e.g. custom reports, slight feature tweaks) . One area of flexibility is Fishbowl’s module-based licensing: you only pay for the modules you need, so you can essentially “customize” your package by including manufacturing or not, etc. . Cin7 Core likewise is API-friendly – it has a RESTful API and even a dedicated developer portal for building custom integrations. Being cloud-based, it’s very compatible with automation services (for instance, using webhooks or Zapier to trigger flows when an event happens in Cin7 Core). Cin7 Core also supports custom fields on transactions and items, enabling you to capture bespoke data. While you can’t change the fundamental cloud software, Cin7’s approach to customization is often through its integration marketplace: need a specialized function? – connect a specialized app to Cin7 Core. For example, some companies integrate Cin7 Core with a Business Intelligence tool for deeper analytics, or with a specialized production scheduling app if needed. Cin7’s team and partners can assist with configuration to tailor workflows (like setting up automation rules in the system to auto-assemble kits when stock runs low, etc.). Cin7 Core includes some built-in automation settings – e.g. you can set it to automatically create a production order when a sales order for a manufactured item is confirmed, or automatically backorder and purchase missing components – these are configuration options that tailor how the system reacts to events . Overall, Cin7 Core’s cloud nature means you won’t be modifying the software code, but you will be configuring a lot of parameters and possibly leveraging add-on modules (like the Advanced Manufacturing, or integrations) to get the functionality you need. Another facet is user interface customization: Fishbowl’s screens are somewhat fixed (though you can hide fields via custom field settings), and Cin7 Core’s web UI is uniform for all. Neither is an open-source platform where you can completely change the UI or logic; you work within their frameworks.

• Growth Path: If we consider outgrowing the systems – Fishbowl can carry a company from a few million in revenue up to perhaps $50M or more, but at some point, if the complexity outpaces what Fishbowl can do (for instance, if you need multi-entity consolidated financials, or extremely granular production scheduling beyond Fishbowl’s scope), you might graduate to an ERP like NetSuite, Sage X3, or Microsoft Dynamics. Cin7 Core, by offering more advanced functions and being cloud, could potentially handle a bit more complexity within the SMB range – e.g. it could postpone the need for a big ERP until you’re larger because it already has ERP-like modules (POS, manufacturing, B2B e-commerce portal, etc., via Cin7 ecosystem). However, Cin7 Core is still focused on the small/mid market; an enterprise with hundreds of users would likely consider Cin7 Core too small and would move to a higher tier solution. That said, for the $1M–$30M segment, both systems are quite scalable. A key difference is technical scaling vs. functional scaling: technically, Cin7 Core’s cloud can scale without the customer worrying, whereas Fishbowl’s technical scaling is on the customer (maintaining servers). Functionally, Cin7 Core’s rich feature set (especially with add-ons) can scale in complexity, whereas Fishbowl might require bolting on a few external tools to achieve the same breadth.

Key Insight: Both platforms are built to grow with small businesses into mid-sized ones. Fishbowl can be surprisingly scalable in the hands of a good IT team – you can add users, modules, and integrate add-ons as your operation expands. Cin7 Core offers a more hands-off scaling, with the cloud handling performance and easy addition of users or locations . In terms of customization, Fishbowl gives you levers to pull (custom fields, reports, API) to mold it to your processes , and a strong partner network for enhancements, whereas Cin7 Core emphasizes configuration and integration over bespoke modifications – you adapt the flexible workflows it provides and utilize its vast integration options to meet special needs. Companies with unique on-premise integration needs or a desire for one-time licensing might lean toward Fishbowl’s customizable, self-hosted nature; those who value plug-and-play integrations and minimal maintenance will favor Cin7 Core’s approach.

Which businesses should choose Fishbowl vs. Cin7 Core? (Our recommendation)

Choosing between Fishbowl and Cin7 Core comes down to your company’s priorities, existing systems, and growth plans. Both are strong solutions, but each caters to a slightly different profile. Here’s our clear guidance:

Choose Fishbowl if: you are a U.S.-based business that is manufacturing- or inventory-centric and deeply invested in QuickBooks as your accounting backbone. Fishbowl is an excellent choice for QuickBooks-centric manufacturers – e.g. a food producer, electronics assembler, or craft manufacturer doing $1–$10M in revenue – who need better inventory control and production management but aren’t ready to overhaul their entire software ecosystem. If you prefer an on-premise solution (for control, security, or offline capability) or like the idea of a one-time license cost to own the software, Fishbowl aligns with that mindset. Companies with a capable IT infrastructure that can host the system, and those that value a tried-and-true interface (even if older in style) that staff have used for years, will find comfort in Fishbowl. Fishbowl is also ideal if your operations are primarily B2B or internal – say you manufacture and wholesale goods, manage a warehouse, and only have a basic e-commerce presence. It will handle complex BOMs, lot tracking, and warehouse workflows adeptly, and it will keep QuickBooks financials in sync . Many small U.S. manufacturers choose Fishbowl initially because it’s a known quantity in the QuickBooks community – it’s the safer, “get up and running quickly” option to add manufacturing muscle to QuickBooks. Additionally, if you require specific custom tweaks, the Fishbowl ecosystem likely has a plugin or consultant who can implement it at reasonable cost. In short, Fishbowl suits manufacturers/distributors in the $1M–$20M range who want a powerful, cost-effective inventory & production system that extends (not replaces) their current accounting system. For example, a $5M regional food & beverage producer with a few warehouse staff and a QuickBooks-financials-run office would typically find Fishbowl a straightforward fit to manage recipes, lot traceability, and reorder planning while their accountant stays in familiar QuickBooks territory.

Choose Cin7 Core if: your business is multi-channel, growth-oriented, or requires more sophisticated process automation – essentially, if you’re looking for a modern, cloud-based central platform to unify your operations. Cin7 Core is the better choice for companies that sell across e-commerce and retail channels (and need real-time integration of those channels with inventory), or those that foresee rapid scaling in volume or complexity. If you value access anywhere, anytime (for example, you have remote teams, multiple locations, or just a preference for web apps over desktop apps), Cin7 Core’s SaaS nature is a big plus. It is particularly strong for brand manufacturers or wholesalers who also sell direct-to-consumer – e.g. a company at $10M–$30M that manufactures goods and sells on Shopify, Amazon, and to retailers can use Cin7 Core to manage all inventory and orders in one place. Also, if your manufacturing process is a bit more complex – perhaps you have multi-stage production or you outsource part of your production – Cin7 Core’s Advanced Manufacturing module will serve you better than Fishbowl’s capabilities . Cin7 Core is often chosen by firms that might otherwise consider an entry-level cloud ERP; it offers a lot of ERP functionality without the hefty price tag. If you’re not tied to QuickBooks (or you’re using QuickBooks Online and are comfortable integrating it), Cin7 Core can effectively become your primary operations and inventory system with accounting in the background. CFOs and COOs who want rich data insights, dashboards, and automated workflows will appreciate Cin7 Core’s forward-looking design (e.g. demand forecasting, bundle of integrations to marketing or CRM systems, etc.). It’s also a great fit if you have limited IT support and want the software vendor to handle the heavy lifting (hosting, updates, security). For example, a $15M multi-channel apparel company that imports goods, light-assembles kits, and sells online nationwide would benefit from Cin7 Core keeping their multiple sales channels in sync, providing an up-to-date inventory across all, and planning production runs for seasonal collections. U.S. businesses in dynamic sectors like health & wellness products, electronics ecommerce, or omnichannel retail will find Cin7 Core’s comprehensive approach and scalability align with their needs.

In summary: Fishbowl is best for SMBs that want to stick close to QuickBooks and need solid on-premise inventory/manufacturing control for a single-channel (or limited-channel) operation. Cin7 Core is best for SMBs that are embracing cloud technology, selling or operating across multiple channels, or need advanced manufacturing/automation features in a unified system.

Conclusion

Both Fishbowl and Cin7 Core are capable inventory management platforms that can transform an emerging business’s operations, but their foundational differences are clear. Fishbowl carries the torch as the seasoned, QuickBooks-savvy manufacturing solution – it’s often the top choice for a small U.S. manufacturer’s first inventory system, thanks to its depth and one-and-done licensing value . Cin7 Core represents the new wave of cloud-first, integrated thinking – it competes head-on by offering broader functionality (especially in multi-channel commerce and advanced production) and may indeed outperform Fishbowl in scenarios that demand that breadth . As a COO or CFO, the decision comes down to aligning the tool with your strategy: if you prioritize continuity with QuickBooks, on-site control, and a focus on internal manufacturing efficiency, Fishbowl will feel like a natural extension of your business. If you prioritize cloud accessibility, selling everywhere, and future-ready capabilities (without fear of new technology), Cin7 Core will provide a decisive platform to scale on. Each has its niche – and as we’ve shown, understanding these foundational differences will guide you to the right choice for your unique business journey.

Written by:

Pierre Goldie, Chartered Global Management Accountant & Co-Founder at Fiskal
Specialist in eCommerce operations, financial systems, and post-implementation ERP recovery.

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