Benchling
Benchling is a cloud-based R&D management platform that provides scientists with integrated tools for DNA design, inventory tracking, and electronic lab notebook documentation to accelerate biological research.
Fishbowl
Fishbowl provides automated inventory management and manufacturing solutions that integrate with QuickBooks to help you track stock, manage production, and streamline your entire warehouse operation.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Benchling | Fishbowl |
|---|---|---|
| Website | benchling.com | fishbowlinventory.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | $329/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 14 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2012 | 2001 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | Orem, USA |
Overview
Benchling
Benchling is a unified cloud platform designed to modernize your life sciences research and development. Instead of juggling scattered paper notebooks, disparate spreadsheets, and disconnected legacy tools, you can centralize all your scientific data in one place. You can design DNA sequences, track samples across your facility, and document experiments with an intuitive interface built specifically for modern biology.
The platform serves everyone from individual academic researchers to global biopharmaceutical enterprises. By connecting your experimental context with your physical samples and results, you can eliminate data silos and speed up your time to discovery. It simplifies complex workflows like CRISPR design, antibody engineering, and cell line development while ensuring your data remains searchable and compliant.
Fishbowl
Fishbowl is a comprehensive inventory management platform designed to bridge the gap between your warehouse operations and your accounting software. You can track parts and finished goods across multiple locations, manage work orders for manufacturing, and handle complex shipping requirements without leaving a single interface. It specifically solves the problem of manual data entry by syncing your inventory levels directly with QuickBooks or Xero in real-time.
You can use the platform to generate barcodes, manage pick-pack-ship workflows, and oversee bill of materials for assembly processes. Whether you are a small manufacturer or a growing wholesale distributor, it provides the tools to prevent stockouts and overstocking. The software scales with your business by offering both cloud-based and on-premise deployment options to fit your specific IT infrastructure and security needs.
Overview
Benchling Features
- Electronic Lab Notebook Document your experiments in a collaborative digital space where you can link directly to sequences, samples, and results.
- Molecular Biology Suite Design and analyze DNA, RNA, and proteins with advanced tools for CRISPR, Gibson Assembly, and restriction cloning.
- Registry and Inventory Track your physical samples, reagents, and cell lines with a digital map that links every item to its experimental history.
- Workflow Management Standardize your lab processes by assigning tasks, tracking progress, and identifying bottlenecks across your entire research team.
- Structured Data Results Capture experimental data in standardized tables so you can perform cross-study analytics and visualize your scientific trends.
- Compliance Tools Maintain data integrity and meet regulatory requirements with full audit trails, electronic signatures, and granular access controls.
Fishbowl Features
- QuickBooks Integration. Sync your inventory data automatically with QuickBooks to eliminate double data entry and keep your financial records accurate.
- Manufacturing Management. Create complex work orders and manage multi-level bills of materials to streamline your production and assembly lines.
- Barcode Scanning. Use mobile devices to scan items during receiving and picking to reduce human error and speed up warehouse tasks.
- Multi-Location Tracking. Monitor stock levels across several warehouses or retail storefronts from one dashboard to ensure you always have inventory where it is needed.
- Automated Reordering. Set custom reorder points for every item so you get notified the moment stock runs low, preventing costly stockouts.
- Shipping Integration. Connect directly with major carriers like UPS and FedEx to generate labels and track shipments without switching applications.
Pricing Comparison
Benchling Pricing
Fishbowl Pricing
- Cloud-based inventory tracking
- QuickBooks Online integration
- Sales and purchase orders
- Basic reporting tools
- Mobile app access
- Everything in Drive, plus:
- On-premise or hosted deployment
- Advanced manufacturing work orders
- QuickBooks Desktop integration
- Customizable reporting
- Multi-level Bill of Materials
Pros & Cons
Benchling
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface designed specifically for biologists
- Seamless integration between notebook and molecular design tools
- Excellent searchability across historical experimental data
- Free access for academic and non-profit researchers
- Strong version control for DNA and protein sequences
Cons
- Customization for complex workflows requires significant setup
- Enterprise pricing is high for smaller startups
- Steep learning curve for advanced administrative configurations
- Occasional slow performance with very large datasets
Fishbowl
Pros
- Deepest QuickBooks integration available on the market
- Comprehensive manufacturing features for complex assemblies
- Mobile scanning significantly improves picking accuracy
- Excellent tracking for serialized and lot-controlled items
Cons
- Initial setup and implementation requires significant time
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
- Learning curve is steep for non-technical users