Materials Inventory vs SyncBase Airtable Instant Syncfor Shopify (2026)
Materials Inventory and SyncBase Airtable Instant Sync both offer inventory management solutions for Shopify merchants in 2026, but they cater to different needs and levels of customization. Materials Inventory focuses specifically on raw materials and product inventory management, particularly for makers and manufacturers. Its strength lies in its real-time inventory updates, bill of materials functionality, purchase order management, and profitability tracking. It’s a dedicated solution designed for a specific type of merchant with clear and actionable features. SyncBase Airtable Instant Sync, on the other hand, offers a more versatile and customizable approach. It uses Airtable as its base, allowing for real-time data synchronization between Shopify and Airtable. This offers a much broader range of possibilities, enabling merchants to create custom tools and workflows beyond basic inventory management. While it can manage inventory, its core value proposition lies in its ability to integrate Shopify data with Airtable for a full-scale ERP, PIM, or OMS implementation. It is a fit for larger businesses that are ready for building out advanced and custom workflows.
At a Glance
Materials Inventory
49 reviews
SyncBase Airtable Instant Sync
63 reviews
Detailed Overview
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
SyncBase Airtable Instant Sync
Connect your store with Airtable. Manage your data in real time and create custom tools & workflows.
Key Features
- Instant sync > Any change reflect in real-time to and from Airtable
- 2-way sync > Products, collections, orders, inventory, metaobjects, metafields..
- 1-click setup > Super easy onboarding, just choose a template or customize
- Studio > Ask our team to craft your PIM, ERP, OMS... or custom workflow for you
- Multi-store > Connect all your stores data in one place and save tons of time
Feature Comparison
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Rating Materials Inventory5/5 SyncBase Airtable Instant Sync5/5 | ||
| Reviews | 49 | 63 |
Reviews Materials Inventory49 SyncBase Airtable Instant Sync63 | ||
| Target Merchant | Makers & Manufacturers | All Merchants, especially larger ones needing custom solutions |
Target Merchant Materials InventoryMakers & Manufacturers SyncBase Airtable Instant SyncAll Merchants, especially larger ones needing custom solutions | ||
| Core Functionality | Raw Materials & Product Inventory, Bill of Materials, Profitability Tracking | Shopify Data Sync with Airtable, Customizable Tools & Workflows (ERP, PIM, OMS) |
Core Functionality Materials InventoryRaw Materials & Product Inventory, Bill of Materials, Profitability Tracking SyncBase Airtable Instant SyncShopify Data Sync with Airtable, Customizable Tools & Workflows (ERP, PIM, OMS) | ||
| Ease of Use | Intuitive & Easy to Use | 1-Click Setup with Templates, but advanced customization may require expertise. |
Ease of Use Materials InventoryIntuitive & Easy to Use SyncBase Airtable Instant Sync1-Click Setup with Templates, but advanced customization may require expertise. | ||
| Customization | Limited to purchase order customization. | Highly customizable through Airtable; Studio team available for custom builds. |
Customization Materials InventoryLimited to purchase order customization. SyncBase Airtable Instant SyncHighly customizable through Airtable; Studio team available for custom builds. | ||
| Value Proposition | Simplified inventory management for makers; prevent overselling and stockouts; track costs & profits. | Centralize all store data into Airtable; create highly customized solutions; manage multiple stores. |
Value Proposition Materials InventorySimplified inventory management for makers; prevent overselling and stockouts; track costs & profits. SyncBase Airtable Instant SyncCentralize all store data into Airtable; create highly customized solutions; manage multiple stores. | ||
| Primary Data Source | Shopify and App Database | Airtable |
Primary Data Source Materials InventoryShopify and App Database SyncBase Airtable Instant SyncAirtable | ||
| Reporting | Costs & profits per product, Inventory movements | Customizable reporting via Airtable |
Reporting Materials InventoryCosts & profits per product, Inventory movements SyncBase Airtable Instant SyncCustomizable reporting via Airtable | ||
Our Verdict
For small to medium-sized makers and manufacturers seeking a straightforward and easy-to-use solution for managing raw materials and finished product inventory, Materials Inventory is the clear winner. It offers targeted features like bill of materials, purchase orders, and profitability tracking specifically tailored to their needs. Its simplicity makes it ideal for merchants who want a quick and efficient solution without the complexity of a highly customizable platform.
However, if you're a larger business with multiple Shopify stores looking for a highly customizable and scalable solution that integrates with other systems and requires advanced workflows like a PIM, ERP or OMS, SyncBase Airtable Instant Sync is a stronger option. Its ability to connect Shopify data with Airtable allows for extensive customization and the creation of tailored solutions, making it a more powerful but also more complex choice.
Common Questions
Which app is easier to set up and use?
Materials Inventory is designed for ease of use and quick setup, offering a more intuitive experience for merchants. SyncBase Airtable Instant Sync boasts 1-click setup for basic connections, but requires a deeper understanding of Airtable to fully leverage its customization capabilities.
Which app is better for managing multiple Shopify stores?
SyncBase Airtable Instant Sync explicitly supports managing multiple Shopify stores and centralizing the data in one Airtable base. Materials Inventory focuses on managing a single store's inventory.
Which app is more affordable?
Without pricing information, it's impossible to say definitively. However, given the scope and customization options of SyncBase Airtable Instant Sync, it's plausible that it could have a higher price point than Materials Inventory.
Can both apps prevent overselling?
Yes, both apps aim to prevent overselling. Materials Inventory updates your Shopify inventory in real-time based on raw materials. SyncBase Airtable Instant Sync achieves this through real-time 2-way synchronization of inventory data between Shopify and Airtable.
Do either of these apps have built-in reporting features?
Materials Inventory explicitly states it provides 'Costs & profits per product. Full history of inventory movements'. SyncBase allows customizable reporting through Airtable based on the synced data, giving it flexibility in reporting options.
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