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WorkCell vs Fishbowl

This page compares WorkCell, a modern cloud-native platform, with Fishbowl, an inventory-focused system for QuickBooks users. It covers features, pricing, and common user pain points for both.

Founded: 2001HQ: Orem, UTDeployment: Hybrid
Where They Fall Short

Mismatched Sales Promises

Users report that features promised during the sales process do not match the software's actual functionality. This includes integrations that do not work as described.

Source: G2, Capterra, and Reddit reviews

Extra Costs for Support

Fishbowl does not include free support with its standard subscription. The company has two separate paid support plans that cost extra.

Source: Finale Inventory Comparison

Declining Software Quality

Recent user reviews mention a decline in software quality. They report that updates introduce breaking changes and that reporting can be incorrect.

Source: G2 reviews

Expensive Custom Reports

The software has limited customization options. Users state that necessary custom reports are expensive add-ons, making the reporting tools disappointing.

Source: G2 reviews
Side-by-Side
Feature
WorkCell
Fishbowl
Quoting & Estimating

Fishbowl does not have a quoting or estimating module.

Sales Order Management
Bill of Materials
Production Scheduling
Shop Floor Tracking
Inventory Management

This is a core strength of the Fishbowl platform.

Quality Management
Shipping & Logistics
Purchasing
Accounting Integration

Fishbowl has native integrations with QuickBooks and Xero.

CRM

Fishbowl does not include a native CRM.

Analytics & Reporting

Fishbowl includes standard reports, but custom reports cost extra.

Mobile Access
API / Integrations

Some integrations require third-party add-ons.

WorkCell Strengths

Single, Connected Platform

WorkCell includes quoting, CRM, and production management in one system. Fishbowl lacks native quoting and CRM, requiring other software for those functions.

Transparent Pricing

A WorkCell subscription includes all features, standard support, and updates. Fishbowl charges extra for its manufacturing module, support plans, and custom reports.

Modern Cloud Architecture

WorkCell is a cloud-native platform with a focus on consistent performance. Fishbowl users have reported declining software quality and issues with recent updates.

Integrated Custom Reporting

WorkCell includes tools to build custom reports at no extra cost. Fishbowl's custom reports are expensive add-ons that increase the total cost of ownership.

Who Each Is Right For

WorkCell

Manufacturers needing a single system for sales, operations, and analytics.
Companies wanting predictable software costs without extra fees for support or modules.
Operations that require quoting and estimating tools integrated with production.
Businesses looking for a modern, actively developed cloud platform.

Fishbowl

Small businesses deeply integrated with QuickBooks needing better inventory control.
Wholesale distributors with simple manufacturing or assembly processes.
Companies that prefer or require an on-premise deployment option.
Operations where inventory management is the primary need.
Frequently Asked Questions

Does Fishbowl include quoting or CRM?

No, Fishbowl does not have native quoting or CRM modules. These functions require separate software.

What does support cost with Fishbowl?

Fishbowl has two paid support plans that cost extra. Standard support is limited after the initial setup period.

Can I get custom reports with Fishbowl?

Yes, but custom reports are expensive and must be purchased separately. WorkCell includes a custom report builder.

How does Fishbowl's cloud option work?

Fishbowl's cloud product is called Fishbowl Drive. The company also has an on-premise version called Fishbowl Advanced.

What is the process for exporting data from Fishbowl?

You can export inventory and order data as CSV files. Cloud data storage may have limits that increase costs over time.

Is Fishbowl a good fit for food manufacturers?

The research indicates Fishbowl is a poor fit for food manufacturers with complex scheduling and changeover needs.

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WorkCell vs Fishbowl

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