• 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?

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

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.

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

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.

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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