Clear WMS vs Katana
Katana is a cloud MRP built around production planning and BOMs. Teams look for a Katana alternative when the warehouse floor — barcode scanning, pick/pack/ship, multi-warehouse execution — is the real problem they need to solve.
Where Katana is strong
Katana excels at production planning, BOM management, and omnichannel order sync for product-led brands. It's an MRP first, a WMS second.
Why teams choose Clear WMS instead
Built for warehouse execution, not just production planning
Clear WMS is scan-first on every flow: receive, putaway, pick, pack, ship, count. If your pain is the warehouse floor, not the production schedule, a WMS beats an MRP.
No per-user pricing
Katana charges per user starting at $99/user/month. Clear WMS plans include unlimited users — $159 flat to start.
True multi-warehouse and zone hierarchy
Clear WMS models zones, bins, and LPNs — not just locations. Real operations stop colliding at the 3-warehouse mark.
Side by side
| Feature | Katana | Clear WMS |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | MRP / production planning | WMS / warehouse execution |
| Pricing | From $99/user/month | $159–$999/mo, unlimited users |
| Per-user fees | Yes | No |
| Barcode scanning | Yes, lighter | Scan-first on every flow |
| Zone/bin hierarchy | Location-level | Zone + bin + LPN |
| MES bridge | No | Professional & Enterprise |
| REST API | Yes | Yes, on every plan |
| ERP integration | Via ecommerce/accounting | SAP B1, Dynamics, NetSuite on roadmap |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need both an MRP and a WMS?
Many manufacturers do, especially above 5–10 staff. MRP plans production; WMS executes the warehouse. They're complementary — and the Clear WMS MES bridge is designed to talk to an MRP on the other side.
Can Clear WMS replace Katana entirely?
If your production planning is simple or lives in your ERP, yes. If you rely on Katana's MRP/BOM engine, keep it and use Clear WMS for the warehouse layer.
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