• What’s the origin and evolution of Fishbowl vs. Cin7 Core?

• Who is each platform really built for?

• Cloud-native vs. server-hosted vs. hybrid models

• Scalability, customization, and extensibility philosophy

• How they handle data, modules, and workflows at the core

TL;DR – Fishbowl vs Cin7 Core (DEAR)

Introduction

Fishbowl and Cin7 Core are both popular IMS platforms in the U.S., but they cater to different business mindsets. Fishbowl is a legacy, on-premise solution built for QuickBooks-centric manufacturers. Cin7 Core, by contrast, is a modern, cloud-native system designed for multi-channel, fast-scaling businesses. After a decade working in the industry, our conclusion is clear: Cin7 Core is the future.

Choosing the right inventory management system can unlock operational clarity, or cause years of bottlenecks. This post compares Fishbowl and Cin7 Core across the critical foundational pillars: company origin, deployment model, functionality, manufacturing depth, and scalability. We’ll keep it direct and U.S.-focused, tailored for businesses in the $1M–$50M revenue range.

Origins and evolution

Fishbowl (2001, Utah): Initially a QuickBooks add-on, Fishbowl evolved into a stand-alone MRP. It remains deeply tied to QuickBooks with on-premise software roots.

Cin7 Core (2012, formerly DEAR): Built as a cloud-native mini-ERP with accounting DNA, Cin7 Core was rebranded after its acquisition by Cin7. Its product vision is tightly aligned with modern, connected inventory and multi-channel sales.

Key Insight: Fishbowl was built for the QuickBooks generation. Cin7 Core was built for the post-eCommerce era.

Target markets (with revenue context)

Fishbowl: Ideal for U.S.-based manufacturers with $1M–$15M in revenue, often single-channel or internal ops only, heavily reliant on QuickBooks Desktop.

Cin7 Core: Tailored for $5M–$30M multi-channel businesses—especially in food & beverage, retail, and consumer goods. It thrives in distributed, online-first environments.

Key Insight: If your business is moving fast and selling everywhere, Cin7 Core is structurally more equipped.

Deployment: control vs. cloud

Fishbowl: On-premise or privately hosted. Offers perpetual licenses. Server required. Updates must be managed manually.

Cin7 Core: Cloud-native SaaS. Access from anywhere. No servers, no installs. Real-time updates included.

Key Insight: Cin7 Core’s cloud model enables agility and scalability with zero infrastructure friction.

Inventory & Order Management

Both platforms cover:

• Real-time multi-warehouse tracking

• Lot & serial tracking

• Purchasing workflows

• Pick/pack/ship

Fishbowl: Strong internal warehouse focus. Syncs data with QuickBooks. Good for batch manufacturing and controlled environments.

Cin7 Core: Unmatched in multi-channel. Integrates natively with Shopify, Amazon, 3PLs, and POS systems. Dynamic forecasting and demand planning.

Key Insight: Fishbowl is good at managing what’s inside your four walls. Cin7 Core is built to manage everything beyond them too.

Manufacturing capabilities

Fishbowl: BOMs, MRP, work orders, scheduling. Solid for straightforward builds.

Cin7 Core: All of the above, plus Advanced Manufacturing (add-on): multi-step routing, capacity planning, Gantt scheduling, subcontracting, and co-/by-products.

Key Insight: Cin7 Core’s manufacturing features rival mid-tier ERPs. If you’re serious about scaling production, there’s no contest.

Product vision

Fishbowl: Extends QuickBooks. Feature-rich, stable, but aging interface. Best suited for businesses not looking to change much.

Cin7 Core: Forward-looking, integration-first, automation-friendly. Built to adapt to the modern landscape.

Key Insight: Fishbowl feels like software from 2010. Cin7 Core feels like software for 2030.

Scalability and customization

Fishbowl: Scales via user licenses and add-ons. Requires internal IT support. Customizations through SDKs, plugins.

Cin7 Core: Cloud scaling is instant. Extensive integrations. Configurable without heavy coding.

Key Insight: Fishbowl makes you build the infrastructure. Cin7 Core already built it for you.

Final recommendation

After over a decade working with U.S. manufacturers, distributors, and eCommerce brands, here’s our clear position:

Cin7 Core is the superior platform for modern, growing businesses.

It’s not just about cloud vs. on-premise. Cin7 Core is:

• More scalable

• More integrated

• More intuitive

• More future-proof

Fishbowl had its moment—but that moment was years ago. If you’re building a company for the next 5–10 years, Cin7 Core gives you the platform to grow without friction.

Choose Cin7 Core if:

• You’re scaling online and offline channels

• You need advanced manufacturing and automation

• You want real-time data without server headaches

• You believe your software should keep up with your ambition

Choose Fishbowl only if:

• You’re heavily committed to QuickBooks Desktop

• You require offline control or internal hosting

• You prefer one-time licensing over SaaS pricing

Conclusion

Cin7 Core is the modern choice, plain and simple. While Fishbowl offers legacy value for those married to QuickBooks and on-premise preferences, it lacks the momentum, innovation, and scalability that today’s competitive landscape demands. In contrast, Cin7 Core is more than a tool; it’s an operational growth engine.

We’ve seen firsthand how Cin7 Core outpaces Fishbowl in real-world implementations, especially for U.S. businesses looking to future-proof their systems, unify online and offline sales, and drive manufacturing efficiency.

If you’re planning for the next stage of your company’s growth - not just the next quarter - Cin7 Core is the platform we trust, recommend, and implement.

In Part 2, we’ll compare their user interfaces, workflows, and usability side by side.

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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