GibbsCAM vs Fishbowl Manufacturing

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Our analysts compared GibbsCAM vs Fishbowl Manufacturing based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Manufacturing Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

GibbsCAM Software Tool
Fishbowl Manufacturing Software Tool

Product Basics

GibbsCAM is a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software intended to aid CNC programmers, machinists, engineers and more with CNC-specific modules. It's scalable and provides users with the modules needed to program parts.

It reduces machine time with toolpath strategies and post processors. Production milling, production turning, 2.5D solids, five-axis and tombstone management system are some of its popular attributes.
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Fishbowl Manufacturing is an ERP that keeps users one step ahead of their competitors by automating intricate tasks and time tracking. It monitors inventory and streamlines production to ensure products are delivered to patrons in a timely manner.

Work orders, bill of materials (BOM), shipping, inventory management and barcode scanning are a few of its quintessential features.
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$550 Annually
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Tailored to your specific needs
$329 Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
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Windows
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Chromebook
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Android
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Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
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Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
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Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Machine Simulation: Implement animated machine tool models to recognize any errors before making mistakes on the shop floor via the machine simulation. 
  • Wire EDM: Work with the two through four-axis CNC Wire EDM module to gain full control of wire EDM machining operations and post processors for each major wire EDM machine brand. 
  • 5-Axis MultiBlade: Simplify bisk, bling and impeller parts with blades by leveraging the 5-axis multiblade accessory. It also streamlines machining programming centers and multi-tasking machines. 
  • VoluMill: Work with uninterrupted toolpaths, which streamlines the CNC program with the VoluMill tool. 
  • Multi-Task Machining: Utilize the graphical interface for multi-task machining with a variety of turning and milling capabilities. This solution also enables users to update operations as production changes appear. 
  • Polar and Cylindrical Milling: Execute three-axis milling functions with a rotary axis that wraps over shapes, performs cylindrical and polar rotary milling and conducts rotary repeats via the polar and cylindrical milling asset. 
  • Radial Milling: Review 3D wireframes and solids to pinpoint off-centered rotary machining through the radical milling appliance via the radial milling accessory. 
  • 5-Axis Porting: Implement a variety of machining strategies such as spiral and plunge-along finishing, roughing and more through the five-axis porting appliance. 
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  • Track Jobs: Track employee hours, overtime, payroll, vacation time and other information with the labor and job tracking module. Users may also implement GPS tracking to verify where employees clock in and out and permit employees to clock in and out from any mobile device. 
  • In-Depth BOMs: Add subassemblies, several finished goods and intricate units of measure via the bill of materials accessory. Users can produce and complete numerous BOMs at once in addition to writing thorough instructions and attaching pictures for each step of a BOM. 
  • Manage Serial & Lot Numbers: Rapidly track parts with serial and lot numbers with the serial and lot number feature. Users may also review expiration dates, batch numbers and revision levels along with lot history and part audit trails. 
  • Work with Multiple Locations: Upkeep inventory throughout several worksites and warehouses, enabling users to get as detailed or extensive as necessary to find the right parts or workpieces. This attribute enables users to automatically restock inventory levels by moving products from one site to another. 
  • Integrate with Other Software: Link CRM software, such as Salesforce and Zoho CRM and other programs, to Fishbowl Manufacturing to check the availability of product amounts, prices and other product intel. 
  • BI Capabilities: Find out manufacturing costs and receive the most accurate costs of raw goods and materials with the BI suite. Users may also produce detailed reports on several business operations and utilize inventory data to formulate smarter business decisions.  
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  • Production Milling: Activate two-axis with three-axis wireframe machining that contains contouring, pocketing, thread milling, face milling, 2D/3D spiral creation and drilling that supports drill cycles, tapping and boring through the production milling. 
  • Production Turning: Utilize contouring, repetitive shape roughing, threading and more through the production turning appliance. There are also advanced features, including lathe programming and current stock conditioning. 
  • Solids Import: Analyze, evaluate and change solid models with the solids import appliance.  
  • 2.5D Solids: Produce, upload and adjust solid models while generating programs to machine them with the 2.5D solids idiosyncrasy. Users may also implement particular tools to import, rectify and solidify surface information. 
  • SolidSurfacer: Develop, open and change solid CAD models and then draft toolpaths with native shapes through the solidsurfacer appliance. 
  • 5-Axis: Use collision detection and gouge checking for several tool shapes with the five-axis machining appliance. Users may also utilize multi-task machines with live tooling. 
  • Tombstone Management System: Execute multi-part setup, programming, toolpath verification and post-processing for tombstone machining with the tombstone management system. Users also obtain CNC developers' options to determine and alter machining strategies and construct G-codes for machines. 
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  • Manufacturing: Superintend advanced work orders, manufacture orders, BOMs and more with the manufacturing apparatus. Users may also execute automatic custom, batch or repair work orders. 
  • Barcode Scanning: Construct inventory and manufacturing records with precision by accessing the barcode scanning tool. It executes cycle counts, enables users to pick, pack and ship goods and complete work orders as well as produce sales orders and update intricate part details. 
  • Inventory Management: Track products that are going to clients, develop reorder points for every item in a facility and cipher the suitable reorder quantity for every inventory item with the inventory management appliance. 
  • Production Stages: Craft multi-layered work orders that showcase the progress of each job that users receive to ensure everything is on schedule or to make certain adjustments for jobs that are falling behind. It designates duties to particular employees and even determines yield and waste estimates for every stage. 
  • Shipping: Integrate Fishbowl with other shipping solutions to expeditiously create shipping labels and synchronize shipping costs, tracking numbers, client addresses, weights and more so packages get to the right destination. 
  • Material Requirements Planning (MRP): Promptly produce purchase orders as items reach their reorder points, establish minimum order quantities and vendor expenses to steer the purchase order creation process and administer vendor performances with this idiosyncrasy. 
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Product Ranking

#67

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Manufacturing Software

#6

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User Sentiment Summary

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Great User Sentiment 707 reviews
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83%
of users recommend this product

Fishbowl Manufacturing has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 83% when considering 707 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

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4.6 (14)
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3.3 (62)
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4.2 (629)
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4.0 (2)

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Intuitive Interface: Many users find GibbsCAM easy to learn and use, even for those who are new to CAM software. They appreciate the logical layout and the clear, concise menus.
Powerful 3D Machining: GibbsCAM excels at generating complex 3D toolpaths, making it suitable for industries like aerospace and moldmaking that require intricate geometries.
Extensive Post Processor Library: Users praise the wide range of post processors available, ensuring compatibility with various CNC machines. This streamlines the transition from design to manufacturing.
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User-Friendly Interface: Approximately 85% of users reported that this solution has a user-friendly interface and is easy to use.
Helpful Support Team: Nearly 82% of users stated Fishbowl has a responsive customer support team.
Bountiful Features: This program has an abundant amount of features such as BOMs, inventory tracking, reporting, production planning, invoicing and more according to 64% of users.
Integratable: Precisely 82% of users stated this solution integrates with QuickBooks, Salesforce and other EDI, accounting and shipping software.
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High Learning Curve: Many users find GibbsCAM's interface and workflow to be complex and difficult to learn, especially for those who are new to CAM software or have experience with other, more user-friendly systems.
Cost: GibbsCAM is known for being relatively expensive, both in terms of initial purchase price and ongoing maintenance fees. This can be a significant barrier for smaller businesses or hobbyists with limited budgets.
Limited Post Processor Options: Users have reported difficulties finding or creating post processors for specific CNC machines, which can limit the software's compatibility and require additional time and effort for setup.
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Sluggish System: According to 58% of users, this solution has a clunky and sluggish system that occasionally crashes.
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GibbsCAM users rave about its user-friendly interface, making it a breeze to learn, even for those new to CNC programming. Many highlight its powerful capabilities, allowing them to tackle complex machining tasks with ease. A standout feature is its robust 3D modeling and simulation, which lets users visualize their designs and catch potential issues before hitting the shop floor. Compared to competitors like Mastercam and Fusion 360, GibbsCAM shines in its intuitive workflow and specialized tools for specific manufacturing needs, such as multi-task machining. However, some users find its pricing structure less flexible than subscription-based models offered by competitors. GibbsCAM seems tailor-made for small to medium-sized machine shops that value ease of use and specialized functionality over a vast feature set. Its focus on delivering a streamlined experience for common manufacturing tasks makes it a powerful tool in the hands of experienced machinists and beginners alike.

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Is Fishbowl Manufacturing the "reel deal" for managing your manufacturing processes? Recent user reviews suggest that while Fishbowl Manufacturing offers a robust suite of features, it might not be the perfect fit for everyone. Users praise its comprehensive functionality, encompassing everything from inventory control and material requirements planning (MRP) to work order management and barcoding. The ability to predict inventory requirements based on sales trends is a major plus, helping businesses optimize stock levels and avoid costly shortages or overstocking. Integration with popular platforms like QuickBooks, Amazon, and Shopify streamlines operations and enhances efficiency. However, some users find the software's interface less intuitive than desired, requiring a significant learning curve. Others point to occasional glitches and the need for more responsive customer support. While Fishbowl Manufacturing aims to simplify manufacturing processes, its complexity might overwhelm smaller businesses or those new to manufacturing software. Ultimately, Fishbowl Manufacturing seems best suited for established, mid-sized manufacturing businesses with the technical expertise to navigate its intricacies and maximize its potential. Smaller businesses or those seeking a more user-friendly option might find better alternatives in the market.

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