The Most Important Things to Know About The Fishbowl Software (Your Questions, Answered)

A majority of businesses today use spreadsheets and QuickBooks on a regular basis. Along with these tools, Fishbowl software helps to make the process of running a business simpler. It’s useful for solving problems that required expensive costs in the past. Here are the most important things you need to know about Fishbowl software.

What is Fishbowl software?

Fishbowl is a software that provides inventory-control for companies that use spreadsheets or QuickBooks to track inventory. In particular, it’s designed to manage inventory and automate business for small to midsize companies. It automates the ordering and purchasing processes and quoting as well. Users are able to create work orders and share them for a variety of different tasks. Additionally, Fishbowl software is able to perform manufacturing execution and material requirements planning. The software features customized reporting, cycle counting, asset management, barcoding, and raw materials management.

How much does Fishbowl cost?

The cost of using this software can vary depending on different factors. In general, Fishbowl software has two paid plans. One for Fishbowl warehouse, and one for fishbowl manufacturing. A business will get a customized price based on the desired type of support plan and the number of user licenses.

How do you install Fishbowl?

All firewalls and anti-virus software need to be turned off before you begin the process of installing Fishbowl. You’ll be able to turn them on again once the installation is finished. The first step is to double-click the Fishbowl installer. Once you’ve done this, you need to input your business type, industry, and country. When you’ve input the data, read the license agreement, accept it, and then click “Next.”

Once you select the current fishbowl user, you’ll have two options to choose from. The first option is Client Only. The Client should only be selected for all computers except for your server. Clients will be able to connect to your server through an internet access or a network. The second option is Server with Client. When you select this option, it will install the Fishbowl Server and Fishbowl Client. Work stations will mainly use the client version of Fishbowl, so it’s best to select Server with Client only for your Server computer. Additionally, there’s an option to configure advanced settings. If you select it, you’ll be able to adjust memory allocation, download and install iReport, and apply other additions that might be useful to your business.

After you’ve chosen your desired options, the install location needs to be chosen. You’ll also decide which icons will be created and what programs will start automatically. Lastly, you need to enter your license key. When you’ve done this, you should select the option “Run Fishbowl” and click “Finish.” Your installation will then be complete.

Can I move an existing installation?

Yes, it’s possible to move an existing Fishbowl installation. It’ll require you to either have a shared network folder or USB thumb drive. You’ll first have to do a Fishbowl installation on your new server computer. When you’ve completed the process, double-click the backup.bat file on your old server computer. A backup will be made, and then you should copy the backup folder to your new server computer. Be sure to also create a backup for the MySQL database as well. Once you’ve done this, you should copy the .sql backup file to your new computer.

Get the plugins from the fishbowl backup folder and paste it your new computer. Be sure also to delete the previous plugins folder. If your backup folder also has a custom folder, paste it into the Fishbowl server on the new computer as well. Lastly, run the new Fishbowl Server and restore the database using the .sql file. After you’ve done all of this, make sure you change the server address whenever you’re logging from Fishbowl clients. You’ll potentially have to modify ODBC connections to point to the new server. If you’re using QuickBooks, you’ll need to use it to reintegrate the Fishbowl Server.

Is Fishbowl an ERP?

If you’re unaware of what an ERP is, it stands for enterprise resource planning. This system allows businesses to track logistics, inventory, finances, and operations in one place. In the past, they were mainly used by manufacturing companies, but now they’re used in a variety of industries. Fishbowl is not an ERP but has its own version, which makes use of advanced inventory management combined with other solutions. As a result, it can perform all the same functions of an ERP.

For example, with wholesale distribution, Fishbowl Software can set up automatic reorder points, update the quantity of inventory, and fulfill orders. If inventory tracking is particularly important to your business, fishbowl software can allow you to scan items’ barcodes, helping you to receive orders, place new orders, and cycle counts your inventory. In addition to these functions, Fishbowl has UPS features built into its user interface. This allows you to stay in the inventory management solution while still being able to compare print shipping labels, shipping method prices, and to contact UPS to get one of your shipments. Fishbowl is able to integrate with multiple shippers to help create a simple process.

Manufacturing is another key aspect of business that requires an organized process. Fishbowl software can help track the production stage of products and monitor work orders, bills of materials, and manufacture orders. Another function fishbowl can perform for businesses is a point of sale. It will accept cash, credit or debit card, and checks from customers. In addition, the software can assist with picking and packing, accounting, and customer relationship management.

Business owners are able to pick and choose which tools are necessary for the specific needs of their business.

What is Fishbowl Go?

Fishbowl Go is an app that’s designed to help businesses with physical inventory. The app can be accessed on a mobile device that has an Android operating system. Businesses can use Fishbowl Go to perform a majority of management jobs throughout the warehouse. These jobs include scanning bar codes and doing cycle counting. The barcode scanning is able to perform a lot of different functions for manufacturers. For example, it can adjust the quantity of inventory being received and do real-time input of tracking information. You can even get suggestions from Fishbowl Go on the best location to place your incoming inventory. This helps to create more efficiency among your workers.

It also guides workers through the warehouse to find which order to pick and the quantity that is needed for the order. Additionally, it’ll assist with getting orders packed to go and shipped, scraping inventory by location, performing cycle counts, adding inventory, and finishing work orders. Fishbowl Go is designed to give workers a convenient way to perform all the functions of Fishbowl software through simply using a handheld device.

How do I resolve export issues with Fishbowl?

The best way to resolve export issues with Fishbowl is to restart it. To restart your Fishbowl software, right-click the Fishbowl icon in the tray and click exit. If you have Fishbowl Nexus running as well, right-click that icon and click exit as well. Once you’ve done that, click on the desktop icon to start the Fishbowl Server. Nexus will start again upon using the accounting export.

How often is Fishbowl updated?

Fishbowl software is usually updated about once a month. The updates will give you improvements and new features. The update will happen through a window that pops up when you start your Fishbowl Server. The process of updating Fishbowl takes a few minutes, and then you’re able to use the new advancements that have been added to the software.

Does Fishbowl have to be integrated with QuickBooks in order to run?

Fishbowl is a product that can run on its own without QuickBooks. The option to integrate with QuickBooks is for those who desire to import their accounting transactions and other data. Along with being able to integrate with QuickBooks, Fishbowl can integrate with Dropbox, Mailchimp, Salesforce, Shopify, and a number of other brands.

What are the pros of using Fishbowl?

The benefit that most users are satisfied with is the organization that’s provided. All purchases and sales orders are kept up-to-date by the integration of QuickBooks. Reviewers have also complemented the customer support provided.

What are the cons of using Fishbowl?

Some users have reported glitches that have occurred when migrating to a MySQL database. In addition, if you’re not the most familiar with remote desktops and servers, the process of installing Fishbowl can be time-consuming. Read through more reviews to get a fuller understanding of what users say about Fishbowl.

How do I uninstall Fishbowl Server?

In the event you need to uninstall a Fishbowl Server, the process is simple. You first need to close the Fishbowl Client and the Fishbowl Server. If you have any important files you need to save, run the backup.bat file. Once you’ve done that, run the Fishbowl uninstaller and wait until it’s complete.

You can learn more about Fishbowl software at Lilypad for Fishbowl. You’ll get all the information you need to make an informed decision. Take time to do a good amount of research to determine if Fishbowl software is what your business needs.