Fishbowl is a comprehensive inventory management system that helps businesses handle their stock, warehousing, and manufacturing operations. It works particularly well with QuickBooks and other popular accounting software, making it a practical choice for companies that need strong inventory control.
The software offers two main versions: Fishbowl Manufacturing and Fishbowl Warehouse. Each version comes with specific tools designed for different business needs. The manufacturing edition includes features like work orders and bills of materials, while the warehouse version focuses on stock management and shipping functions.
Users can choose between cloud-based and on-premises installations, with monthly subscriptions starting at $349 for two users. The software scales well for both small businesses and larger operations, offering features like barcode scanning, multi-location management, and real-time reporting.
While the system provides robust inventory tracking and cost management tools, its real strength lies in how it connects different parts of a business. It can link your warehouse operations with your accounting system, online store, and point-of-sale terminals, helping create a more streamlined workflow.
Fishbowl Inventory presents a mixed bag of experiences for users and employees. While the software earns praise for its QuickBooks integration and manufacturing process management, customers have reported significant challenges with scalability and platform compatibility. Some users find the tool limiting, especially when trying to connect with different business systems.
Employee perspectives are equally nuanced. Some team members appreciate the company's collaborative culture and independence, but others critique compensation levels and career advancement opportunities. The software receives recognition as a solution for small businesses, yet customer service issues and potential deceptive advertising practices have sparked concern among its user base.
Fishbowl works smoothly with QuickBooks and other accounting systems. When you update inventory in Fishbowl, it automatically syncs that data to your accounting software. This saves you from doing double entry and keeps your financial records accurate. The integration happens in real-time, so your accounting always reflects what's actually in your warehouse. Users tell us this integration is one of the biggest time-savers, especially for businesses that previously tracked inventory in spreadsheets.
Can I use Fishbowl if I have multiple warehouse locations?Yes! Fishbowl is built to handle multiple locations. You can track products across different warehouses, transfer items between locations, and see your total inventory at a glance. The system lets you set different reorder points for each location and run reports that break down inventory by warehouse. This feature works great for growing businesses with distribution centers in different regions or retail stores that share inventory.
What kind of support is available if I need help?Fishbowl offers several support options depending on your needs. They provide phone support during business hours, email ticketing, and an online knowledge base with tutorials and guides. New customers get free implementation support to help with setup and training. Many users recommend their training sessions for getting teams up to speed quickly. Keep in mind that some advanced support options might require an additional support plan.
Does Fishbowl work well for manufacturing businesses?Fishbowl Manufacturing is specially designed for production-based businesses. It handles bills of materials, work orders, and production stages. You can track raw materials as they move through your production process and calculate actual costs for each finished product. The system also helps with production planning by showing you what materials you need to order based on upcoming work orders. Small to mid-sized manufacturers find it bridges the gap between basic inventory tracking and expensive ERP systems.
Can I scan barcodes with Fishbowl?Yes, Fishbowl fully supports barcode scanning. You can use scanners to quickly receive shipments, pick orders, count inventory, and track movements between locations. The system works with most standard USB barcode scanners, and Fishbowl can generate and print barcode labels directly. Users report that adding barcode scanning cuts down on errors and speeds up warehouse operations significantly. For businesses processing lots of orders daily, this feature is a huge time-saver.
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