Cin7 Core vs Materials Inventoryfor Shopify (2026)
Cin7 Core and Materials Inventory both address inventory management needs within Shopify, but cater to distinct segments. Cin7 Core positions itself as an enterprise-level solution offering a comprehensive suite of features, including inventory management, manufacturing, sales integration, and automation. It aims to provide a holistic 360-degree view and streamline various business processes. Materials Inventory, on the other hand, focuses on raw material and product inventory management specifically for makers and manufacturers. It emphasizes ease of use, real-time updates, and profitability tracking, aiming to prevent overselling and stockouts. The major distinction lies in scope and complexity. Cin7 Core targets businesses needing a multi-module, broad solution covering sales channels and manufacturing processes, potentially appealing to larger operations. Materials Inventory focuses on detailed raw materials tracking and bill of materials management, which can be useful for businesses that produce their own products and want very precise inventory insights. Both apps share an equal amount of reviews but Materials Inventory has a much higher rating which suggests Cin7 Core might be more complex to implement or have a less-than-ideal user experience.
At a Glance
Cin7 Core
49 reviews
Materials Inventory
49 reviews
Detailed Overview
Cin7 Core
Cin7 Core makes inventory management, manufacturing and automations accessible to all businesses.
Key Features
- Get a holistic, 360-degree view of production costs and inventory status.
- Simplify your inventory management with real time updates.
- Streamline your warehouse productivity and fulfilment processes.
- Manage sales across multiple channels into one platform.
Materials Inventory
Inventory management for makers & manufacturers. Create bills of materials & track profitability
Key Features
- Stop overselling: The app updates your Shopify inventory in real-time
- Plan ahead: Know your real-time inventory of bundles, products & raw materials
- Easy to use: Intuitive & easy to use so you can focus on your business
- Informative: Costs & profits per product. Full history of inventory movements
- Low inventory alerts. Thresholds dynamically adjusted. Custom Purchase Orders
Feature Comparison
| Rating | 3.5/5 | 5/5 |
Rating Cin7 Core3.5/5 Materials Inventory5/5 | ||
| Reviews | 49 | 49 |
Reviews Cin7 Core49 Materials Inventory49 | ||
| Target Merchant | All Businesses (Retail, Wholesale, Manufacturing) | Makers & Manufacturers |
Target Merchant Cin7 CoreAll Businesses (Retail, Wholesale, Manufacturing) Materials InventoryMakers & Manufacturers | ||
| Scope | Broad: Inventory, Manufacturing, Sales, Automation | Narrow: Raw Materials, Products, Bill of Materials |
Scope Cin7 CoreBroad: Inventory, Manufacturing, Sales, Automation Materials InventoryNarrow: Raw Materials, Products, Bill of Materials | ||
| Emphasis | Holistic View, Automation, Multi-Channel Sales | Real-time Updates, Profitability Tracking, Preventing Stockouts |
Emphasis Cin7 CoreHolistic View, Automation, Multi-Channel Sales Materials InventoryReal-time Updates, Profitability Tracking, Preventing Stockouts | ||
| Ease of Use (Implied) | Potentially more complex | Intuitive & Easy to Use |
Ease of Use (Implied) Cin7 CorePotentially more complex Materials InventoryIntuitive & Easy to Use | ||
| Value Proposition | Enterprise-level capabilities accessible to all | Simple, targeted raw materials inventory management |
Value Proposition Cin7 CoreEnterprise-level capabilities accessible to all Materials InventorySimple, targeted raw materials inventory management | ||
Our Verdict
For businesses requiring comprehensive inventory management, manufacturing, sales channel integration, and automation capabilities, Cin7 Core could be a fit, especially if they are willing to deal with potential complexity for broader functionality. However, the lower rating relative to Materials Inventory is concerning and warrants further investigation. For smaller manufacturers or makers who primarily need to manage raw materials, track costs, and prevent overselling, Materials Inventory is likely the better choice, emphasizing simplicity and targeted features. Its perfect rating suggests a strong user experience.
Ultimately, the decision depends on the specific needs and priorities of the merchant. Businesses should consider their current scale, future growth plans, and the complexity they are willing to manage. If the goal is robust, all-encompassing, but somewhat complex inventory management, Cin7 Core may be viable after careful review and maybe a trial. However, for straightforward raw materials management with an emphasis on simplicity, Materials Inventory appears to be the superior option.
Common Questions
What happens if my business handles both wholesale and manufacturing?
Cin7 Core is likely the better option in this scenario because it offers features for both wholesale and manufacturing. Materials Inventory focuses more on the raw material aspects of the manufacturing process.
Which app is easier to set up and use?
Based on the app descriptions, Materials Inventory appears to be easier to set up and use because of its focus on an intuitive interface. Cin7 Core, with its enterprise-level features, likely involves a more complex setup and learning curve.
Does either app offer forecasting features?
While Materials Inventory mentions planning ahead with real-time inventory, it doesn't explicitly state advanced forecasting. Cin7 Core's description doesn't directly mention forecasting either, but its enterprise features might include more advanced reporting which can be used for demand forecasting.
Which app is better for a small, growing business?
Materials Inventory would likely be better. Small businesses can focus on product and raw material management, and the app has better reviews. Once the company scales, they can reassess if the need for a more comprehensive ERP is necessary.
Do both apps offer integrations with other software?
Cin7 Core mentions sales integration but doesn't explicitly name which platforms. Materials Inventory doesn't specify integrations but highlights that it integrates with Shopify for inventory updates. More research would need to be done to determine if either platform connects with accounting or other platforms the business uses.
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