Native integrations: eComm, marketplaces, accounting, shipping, 3PLs
Depth of integration with QuickBooks, Xero, Shopify, Amazon, etc.
API robustness, webhook support, and middleware compatibility
App marketplaces and extensibility via partners
How “connected” is the business using Fishbowl vs. Cin7?

Contents

TL;DR – Fishbowl vs Cin7 Core (DEAR)

Introduction

• Fishbowl: Huge library of connectors, especially strong with QuickBooks Desktop/Online, EDI (SPS Commerce), and long-standing partner plug-ins. Syncs are mostly scheduled; power users lean on consultants or the Commerce Suite for near-real-time.

• Cin7 Core: Cloud-native, webhook-ready platform with one-click links to Shopify, Amazon, Xero, QBO, ShipStation, Zapier/Make, 3PLs and more. Real-time inventory updates come standard; robust REST API + webhooks speed custom builds.

• Bottom line: For fast-moving, multi-channel brands that live in the cloud, Cin7 Core’s modern API and instant sync win. Fishbowl remains a solid choice for QuickBooks-centric, on-premise shops that value a vast but older plug-in network.

Choosing an inventory management system means choosing how every other tool, Shopify, Amazon, Xero, your 3PL, talks to it. In this post we stack Fishbowl and Cin7 Core (DEAR) side-by-side on:

• Native integrations (Shopify, Amazon, Xero, QBO, HubSpot, ShipStation, big-box EDI, 3PLs)

• API maturity and developer experience

• Real-time vs. batch sync architecture

• Ecosystem size, cost, and DIY effort

All framed for U.S. businesses in the $1 M–$50 M range, especially food-and-beverage brands juggling wholesale, retail, and e-commerce channels.

Native integrations at a glance

Key insight: Fishbowl’s list is longer, but many integrations rely on timed tasks. Cin7 Core focuses on cloud-first, near-instant sync via platform APIs.

API & real-time sync

• Fishbowl API – REST endpoints (Fishbowl Advanced) cover parts, orders, inventory. No official dev support; polling required. Real-time triggers only for select events (e.g., invoice to QuickBooks).

• Cin7 Core API – Full REST + interactive docs. Webhooks (Automation module) push order, stock, and shipment events instantly to external apps. Zapier connector adds no-code options.

Developer takeaway: If you want to build a custom HubSpot or 3PL connector in weeks, not months, Cin7 Core’s webhooks and SaaS endpoint shorten the path.

Two common use cases

1. Shopify + Amazon + ShipStation (D2C)

• Fishbowl: Commerce Suite polls channels every 5–15 min; orders batch to ShipStation for labels; tracking flows back on next sync.

• Cin7 Core: Shopify/Amazon webhooks drop orders in seconds; Cin7 kicks them to ShipStation instantly, then pushes tracking back to channels, no polling.

2. Big-Box EDI + QuickBooks (Wholesale)

• Fishbowl: SPS Commerce sends POs → Fishbowl; shipping ASN & invoice return via same EDI; Fishbowl posts invoices to QBD in real time.

• Cin7 Core: SPS Commerce add-on lands POs; shipment confirm triggers webhook to SPS; invoice syncs to Xero/QBO automatically. If you’re on QBD, Fishbowl wins here.

Ecosystem, cost & effort

Objective recommendation

Pick Fishbowl when…

• QuickBooks Desktop is non-negotiable

• You need mature EDI + on-prem control

• Batch updates (every 10 min) are fine and you have a trusted Fishbowl reseller for setup

Pick Cin7 Core when…

• Real-time Shopify/Amazon stock sync is mission-critical

• You rely on cloud apps (Xero, QBO, HubSpot, Zapier, 3PL APIs)

• Your dev team, or Zapier, wants webhook events to automate everything

Both platforms integrate broadly, but their architectures differ: Fishbowl extends legacy depth; Cin7 Core races ahead with cloud flexibility. Match your tech stack and velocity to the IMS that best keeps every system, accounting, storefronts, 3PLs, talking without manual babysitting.

---

Next up: Part 4 – Cost of Ownership & ROI.

Share on your socials.