20 Best Cloud-Based Inventory Management Software, Reviewed for 2024
The Top 10 Cloud-Based Inventory Management Systems Shortlist
Before we start talking too much, here’s our concise shortlist of the best cloud-based inventory management software, plus their ideal use cases.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Once upon a time, if you wanted to manage your inventory, you had to have a big ol' well-ventilated room with dedicated servers and dedicated IT staff. All your inventory management software was loaded on-site (probably with floppy disks), and your data lived there in that room, too.
Secure—yes. Scalable—eh, not so much.
Then, everything went to the cloud. Imagine cottony fluffballs full of your inventory data, beaming the information right down to you and your eyeballs. Cloud-based inventory management freed up that well-ventilated room for other activities (breakroom perchance?).
Nowadays, the problem is that you have so many options of powerful cloud-based inventory systems that it's hard to know what to pick. Enter this post. You want a scalable, efficient, intuitive, and powerful IMS that doesn't take up space.
Now, we've used our brains primarily for thinking about ecommerce for many years, just to bring you a list of the best cloud-based IMS on the market.
You are welcome.
What is Cloud-Based Inventory Management Software?
Cloud-based inventory management software a tool that keeps track of your stock levels, orders, and sales data in real-time, all stored securely in the cloud.
It's like the cool, tech-savvy cousin of traditional on-premise systems. Instead of being stuck in a backroom server, it lives in the cloud, letting you check and update your inventory from anywhere with an internet connection—whether you’re at the office, sipping coffee at a café, or lounging on a beach (because why not?).
Unlike old-school on-premise systems that require bulky servers, constant IT upkeep, and keep you tethered to your desk, cloud-based solutions are nimble and flexible.
They update automatically, integrate easily with other business tools, and scale effortlessly as your business grows. In short, they make managing your inventory as easy as checking your email.
Why Trust Our Inventory Management Software Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing ecommerce software since 2021. As ecommerce experts ourselves, we know how critical, and how difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.
We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different ecommerce use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews.
Learn how we stay transparent & our software review methodology.
Comparing the Best Cloud-Based Inventory Management Software Solutions
The easiest way to compare things is a handy table. Below you’ll see a pricing comparison for our top cloud-based IMS picks. Click Compare Software to see even more feature comparisons in table form.
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Cin7 Core | From $349/month | Website |
| MRPeasy | From $49/user/month | Website |
| SkuVault | From $359/month | Website |
| Linnworks | From $449/month (volume-based pricing) | Website |
| Fishbowl | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Helcim | From 0.50% + $0.25 per transaction | Website |
| KORONA POS | From $59/month | Website |
| Settle | From $149/month | Website |
| Odoo Inventory | From $24.90/user/month. | Website |
| Zoho Inventory | From $29/user/month | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow to Choose Cloud-Based Inventory Management Software
With so many options out there, choosing the right cloud-based inventory management software can feel like trying to pick the perfect pizza topping—there are just too many choices!
To make sure you get the software that fits your business like a glove (or like pepperoni on a pizza), consider these key factors:
- What problem are you trying to solve? Start by pinpointing the inventory headaches you want to cure. Maybe you’re drowning in manual stock updates or struggling to track inventory across multiple locations. Whatever the case, knowing your pain points will help you zero in on the must-have features your new software should deliver.
- Who will need to use it? Think about who’s going to be using the software daily. Is it just your ecommerce team, or will the whole organization need access? The number of users affects both cost and complexity, so decide if you need something that’s easy for everyone to pick up or more advanced for your power users.
- What other tools does it need to work with? Take a look at your current tech stack. Do you need the new software to play nice with your accounting system, CRM, or HR tools? Identify which tools you’ll be keeping and which you’re looking to replace. Ideally, you want a solution that either integrates seamlessly or, even better, replaces multiple tools with one powerhouse platform.
- What outcomes are important? Focus on what you want the software to help you achieve. Do you need real-time visibility into stock levels, faster order processing, or just fewer inventory mishaps? Knowing what success looks like will help you choose a tool that delivers on those results, without getting distracted by fancy features that don’t actually move the needle for your business.
- How will it fit into your organization? Every business has its own quirks and workflows. Choose a tool that fits with how you already operate, rather than forcing your team to change everything just to accommodate the new software. A popular tool might not always be the best fit for your unique needs.
The 10 Best Cloud-Based Inventory Management Systems, Reviewed
Here are my top 10 picks for the best cloud-based inventory management software with overviews, key features, pros/cons, and pricing information. Find the rest of our recommendations below these top choices.
Cin7 Core is a cloud-based inventory management software designed to help businesses efficiently control and optimize their inventory across multiple sales channels. It offers features for inventory tracking, order management, demand forecasting, and real-time visibility, making it a valuable tool for businesses looking to streamline their supply chain and inventory operations. By focusing on inventory management as its core functionality, Cin7 Core ensures that businesses can effectively track, monitor, and control their inventory levels, leading to improved operational efficiency and cost savings.
Why I chose Cin7 Core: It offers a centralized platform for efficient inventory tracking, order management, and real-time visibility, making it easier for businesses to optimize their supply chains.It provides a centralized platform to efficiently manage inventory, reduce stockouts, and improve order fulfillment.
Cin7Core particularly stood out to me because it provides connected inventory management, automated workflows, and integrations with 3PL and EDI systems.The system also offers additional tools such as point of sale, B2B portals, and robust reporting, providing a complete solution for businesses.
Cin7 Core Standout Features & Integrations
Features include its multi-channel inventory management. It provides centralized control and real-time synchronization of stock levels, ensuring accurate stock availability across all sales channels. You can manage inventory across multiple sales channels, whether it's through e-commerce platforms, brick-and-mortar stores, or marketplaces.
Integrations include accounting software and other platforms, including Shopify, Quickbooks, Amazon, and Xero. Additionally, it has developer APIs you can use to build custom integrations with your current tech stack. Integrations with 3PL and EDI systems are available for when you need to scale.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Support for multiple locations
- Track lot/batch expirations and recalls
- Mobile app for flexible inventory management
Cons:
- Limited integrations
- Steep learning curve
MRPeasy is a cloud-based inventory management software for manufacturers. It facilitates the process of tracking orders, stock levels, purchasing history, and pricing information, and keeps this data centralized.
Why I Picked MRPeasy: MRPeasy offers easy barcode scanning tools for accurate tracking and reporting of stock locations, SKUs, and batches and lots throughout all stages of the warehouse life cycle. You can create purchase orders for multiple vendors simultaneously and track them until they are received and invoiced. The integrated order fulfillment system helps reduce manual processing time by automatically creating picking lists for warehouse workers and generating shipping labels with just a few clicks.
MRPeasy also offers an array of dashboards and reports to give users an overview of inventory performance metrics like reorder points, lead times, and safety stock levels. Businesses can easily customize dashboards to meet their specific needs.
MRPeasy Standout Features & Integrations
Features worth noting include an automated replenishment system, which monitors stock levels in real-time so that companies won't run out of products or end up with excess inventory. Users can see which items are running low or are sold out so they can take immediate action if needed. You can set up automatic notifications when certain stock levels are reached, so they never miss an important inventory update.
Integrations include popular platforms like BigCommerce, Magento, Pipedrive, QuickBooks, ShipStation, Shopify, Ware2Go, WooCommerce, and Xero. Additional integrations can be accessed with a paid Zapier account.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible functionalities to cater to unique business needs
- Affordable option for SMBs
- Automated production planning features
Cons:
- Customer support is not accessible by phone
- The tool is simple, so lacks some more specific features
SkuVault is cloud-based inventory management software that enables companies to efficiently track and manage their inventory. It allows users to easily monitor inventory levels, automate order fulfillment, and streamline supply chain operations.
Why I Picked SkuVault: SkuVault offers additional capabilities, such as barcode scanning and reporting. It integrates with various online sales channels, including Shopify, Amazon, and eBay, allowing merchants to manage their inventory across multiple platforms from a centralized platform. Its real-time inventory management ensures that businesses always have accurate inventory levels, eliminating the risk of selling out-of-stock products. Its intelligent stock allocation ensures that companies always allocate inventory to the appropriate sales channels, reducing the risk of overselling.
SkuVault generates extensive reports and analytics dashboards, providing businesses with valuable insights into their inventory management process. With SkuVault's data-driven insights, users can make informed decisions about inventory management strategies, such as identifying slow-moving items, seasonality trends, and peak selling seasons. Its barcode scanning feature allows sellers to label their inventory items with unique barcodes, making it easier to track and manage their inventory accurately.
SkuVault Standout Features & Integrations
Features worth noting include SkuVault’s order fulfillment tool, which let’s you generate packing lists, scan barcodes, and print shipping labels without leaving the platform. You can also set up customizable rules and criteria for order processing, such as shipping carriers, shipping methods, and delivery time frames. SkuVault also features a stellar inventory replenishment feature that allows sellers to set up automatic reorder triggers based on predetermined thresholds. This feature eliminates the need for manual inventory management or the risk of running low on stock.
Integrations include Amazon, BigCommerce, eBay, Easyship, Etsy, Godatafeed, Magento, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle Netsuite, Salesforce, Newegg, Quickbooks, ShipStation, Shopify, Square, WooCommerce, and other options available in their directory.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Onboarding and customer training with all plans
- Friendly user interface
- Customizable cataloging options
Cons:
- Lacking in overall customizability
- Fees for additional training
Linnworks is a cloud-based inventory management software that's designed for multi-channel selling. The stock forecasting feature uses historical sales data to replenish stock, and forecast for the future.
Why I Picked Linnworks: Linnworks' customizable reporting feature provides a wide range of pre-built reports, but retailers can also create their own custom reports to analyze inventory, sales, and customer data. This tool helps retailers manage inventory by providing real-time stock updates, creating purchase orders, and managing shipping and fulfillment across multiple sales channels.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features worth noting include Linnworks’ automation system, which can save retailers a lot of time by automatically syncing inventory levels, updating order statuses, and generating shipping labels. Additionally, they track and provide real-time consumption data to let you know what tends to be selling on which channel. This is a great feature for sellers who have touch points across multiple channels, like eBay, Amazon, Wayfair, and their own website.
Integrations include Amazon, BigCommerce, Magento, Shopify, Buy on Google, ReplyCo, TikTok, Katana, Payoneer, WooCommerce, and most major shipping carriers, 3PL fulfillment centers, and FBA. They integration with thousands of platforms and services, which you can check out in their integrations hub.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multi-channel support on more than 70 channels
- Highly scalable and flexible
- Multilingual support
Cons:
- No free trial
- No transparent pricing
Fishbowl is a manufacturing and warehouse management system. It lets businesses connect their inventory needs to manufacturing processes so they always produce the right number of products.
Why I Picked Fishbowl: Fishbowl is highly regarded for its capability to enhance workflow and process management. It offers comprehensive tools and features that streamline inventory-related tasks, including order management, manufacturing, purchasing, and warehouse management. By automating and integrating these processes, Fishbowl Inventory enables businesses to achieve greater operational efficiency, minimize errors, and improve productivity.
With Fishbowl, you can create simple orders, as well as those with multi-level instructions. For example, if you sell bikes, you can add steps to ensure each piece of the bike is included and tested for every order. You can also manage inventory flow by seeing real-time data about where each part is in the manufacturing process.
Fishbowl Standout Features & Integrations
Features worth noting include simple shipping integrations with logistics providers like FedEx and UPS. You can see quotes from each provider to pick the cheapest one. Plus, their easy and customizable dashboards contain all the data you need to manage orders. You can see incoming orders, real-time inventory levels, and customers and sales in one place.
Integrations include plenty of popular sales platforms, including Amazon, Shopify, eBay, and Magento. It also connects with CRM and accounting tools so you can build processes across your business.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Real-time inventory visibility
- Remote user access
Cons:
- Needs more customizability
- Steep pricing for smaller businesses
Helcim streamlines payment processing and business operations for small to medium-sized businesses. With a focus on transparency, it offers clear, competitive pricing without locking clients into long-term contracts. Integrating payment solutions with tools for inventory management, Helcim simplifies operations, aiding businesses in managing sales and stock efficiently.
Why I Picked Helcim: Helcim excels in offering a seamless inventory management solution that integrates closely with its payment processing system. It enables real-time inventory updates across all sales channels, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in stock management. With features like automatic data syncing, detailed product categorization, and low-stock alerts, Helcim aids businesses in maintaining optimal inventory levels.
HelcimStandout Features and Integrations
Features include merchant accounts for accepting credit and debit card payments, a mobile app for iOS and Android for on-the-go payment acceptance, virtual terminals for processing transactions over the phone or via other non-direct methods, and payment gateways for integrating payments into business websites with features like hosted payment pages, QR codes, and recurring payment plans.
Integrations include Xero, Quickbooks, WooCommerce, Foxy.io, and Great Exposure.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Support through phone, email, and an online ticket system
- Interchange-plus pricing model is highly transparent
- Extensive range of services beyond inventory management alone
Cons:
- Limited physical presence outside Canada and the US
- Complexity for small merchants
KORONA POS is a versatile, cloud-based point-of-sale system designed to meet the needs of various business sizes and types such as retail, quick service restaurants, and event management.
Why I Picked KORONA POS: The system's automated reordering feature ensures that stock levels are maintained by automatically reordering items based on predefined thresholds. This prevents stockouts and overstock situations, which can significantly impact sales and storage costs. The system also includes real-time stock notifications that alert users to low-stock or slow-selling items, allowing proactive inventory management.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include automated counting, a notifications system, real-time reporting and analytics for sales performance, inventory movement, and customer behavior, and CRM capabilities like customizable loyalty programs and promotions. It also offers support for multiple locations.
Integrations include Bookkeep, Octopus Bridge, Card Market, Bottlecapps, bLoyal, BlockChyp, Sekure, NearSt, Groc, BOLD Integrated Payments, BLUbeem, LineupApp, Microsoft Excel, WooCommerce, QuickBooks Online Advanced, and Adobe Commerce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Scalable for single terminals, multi-location operations, and franchises
- Robust inventory management features
- Cloud-based flexibility
Cons:
- Lacks support for multiple languages and currencies
- Limited offline functionality
Settle is a fintech platform tailored for small businesses, particularly in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector. It facilitates cash flow management and financing through integrated features such as accounts payable automation, working capital solutions, purchase orders, and inventory management.
Why I Picked Settle: The platform caters to growing e-commerce and omnichannel brands, enabling them to manage key financial processes. For example, Settle provides tools to help you manage your inventory purchasing process, allowing you to pay suppliers on time while maintaining a healthy cash flow. It offers flexible financing options, which can be especially helpful when your business needs to secure stock but prefers to delay payments.
You’ll also appreciate its automated payment scheduling feature, which ensures you’re not caught off guard with last-minute due dates. Settle's dashboard also makes it easy to track all your outstanding invoices and purchases in one place.
Settle Standout Features & Integrations
Features worth noting include invoice reconciliation, customizable payment terms, credit line access, multi-currency support, spend management tools, real-time reporting, and vendor management tracking.
Integrations include QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, Shopify, Amazon, Cin7, Google, and Xero.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Inventory forecasting features
- Automated payments
- Strong financing capabilities
Cons:
- Initial setup may take time
- Could offer more advanced reports
Odoo Inventory is a cutting-edge, cloud-based inventory management software solution designed to streamline and optimize every facet of your business's inventory operations.
Why I Picked Odoo Inventory: Odoo Inventory excels as a cloud-based inventory management software by seamlessly integrating critical inventory control functions with broader business operations. Its robust real-time tracking capabilities ensure accurate stock visibility across multiple locations while reducing manual errors through barcode integration and automation of routine tasks. Odoo Inventory empowers businesses with insightful reporting and analytics, enabling data-driven decision-making. Its user-friendly interface, cloud accessibility, and seamless integration with other Odoo apps foster collaboration and efficiency throughout the organization.
Odoo Inventory stands out by offering multi-echelon inventory optimization, a feature not commonly found in most cloud-based inventory management software. This advanced capability allows businesses to optimize inventory levels not just within individual warehouses but also across their entire network of facilities. By considering the interdependencies and transit times between various locations, Odoo Inventory helps organizations reduce excess inventory, decrease transportation costs, and enhance overall supply chain efficiency.
Odoo Inventory Standout Features & Integrations
Features include its ability to calculate dynamic replenishment recommendations based on historical data, seasonality, lead times, and forecasted demand. Unlike many competitors that rely on fixed reorder points or static formulas, Odoo Inventory employs advanced algorithms to adjust reorder levels in real-time, ensuring businesses maintain optimal stock levels while minimizing carrying costs and reducing the risk of stockouts. This dynamic replenishment feature is particularly valuable for businesses dealing with fluctuating demand and complex supply chains, offering a unique and intelligent approach to inventory management.
Integrations include connections with over 150 applications, such as Boss Insights, Desktop.com, Dropbox, Google Analytics, HubSpot CRM, Mailchimp, Pipedrive, Rambox, Salesforce, Shopify, and other software options. Odoo Inventory also provides an API that allows you to create custom integrations with your current systems.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Features reduce human errors
- Manages multiple warehouses
Cons:
- No user-friendly documentation
- Barcode app needs improvement
Zoho Inventory is cloud-based inventory management software with features for tracking sales and managing stock through online and offline platforms. Zoho has a free plan for up to 50 orders per month.
Why I Picked Zoho Inventory: Zoho Inventory stands out for its exceptional ease of use, providing users with a seamless and intuitive experience. Its user-friendly interface simplifies inventory management tasks, allowing users to effortlessly navigate through various features and functionalities. From setting up products and warehouses to tracking stock levels and processing orders, Zoho Inventory streamlines the entire process with its straightforward workflows and clear instructions.
Additionally, its well-organized dashboard and comprehensive reporting capabilities empower users to gain valuable insights and make informed decisions efficiently. With its commitment to user experience, Zoho Inventory offers a highly accessible solution that minimizes learning curves and maximizes productivity.
Zoho Inventory Standout Features & Integrations
Features worth noting include their warehouse integration system, which lets you connect multiple warehouses to manage stock levels. Another standout feature is that the tool integrates with over 25 shipping services, including FedEx, DHL, and Direct Link. Use this to gather quotes and track the shipping status of each sale. There’s also a mobile app to see order updates wherever you are.
Integrations include all other Zoho apps (CRM, Desk, Analytics, Sites, etc.) as well as Salesforce, Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, Constant Contact, GetResponse, Google Tag Manager, Unbounce, GoDaddy, WordPress, Wix, Weebly, Joomla, Drupal, Shopify, BigCommerce, Magento, and other options.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Easily customizable
- Fits many business needs
Cons:
- Tech support needs work
- Some features are slow
Other Cloud Based Inventory Management Software
Here are a few more that didn’t make the top list.
Related Ecommerce Software Reviews
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these related ecommerce tools that we've tested and evaluated.
- Ecommerce Platforms
- Inventory Management Software
- Payment Processing Software
- Shopping Cart Solutions
- Order Management Systems
- Warehouse Management Software
Our Selection Criteria for Cloud-Based Inventory Management Software
Picking the right cloud-based inventory management software is a bit like choosing the perfect running shoes: you need something that fits well, feels comfortable, and can go the distance with you. After putting a bunch of software through its paces, we’ve come up with a weighted scoring system to help you make the best choice for your business.
Here’s the breakdown:
Core functionality (25% of total weighting score) is the essential stuff. It’s like the laces on those running shoes—without it, things just don’t work:
- Real-time inventory tracking. See exactly what’s in stock across all your locations without having to call Janet in the backroom.
- Order management. Keep your order processing as smooth as buttered toast with tools that streamline everything from purchase to delivery.
- Sales tracking. Know what’s selling like hotcakes and what’s not, so you can stop guessing and start strategizing.
- Automated restocking alerts. Never get caught with empty shelves again—get a heads up before you run out.
- Integration capabilities. Plays nicely with your ecommerce platform, accounting software, and whatever else you’re using to keep the wheels turning.
Additional standout features (25% of total weighting score) are the cherries on top. These extras make a good tool great and can give you a serious edge:
- AI-based forecasting. Let the software tell you what you’ll need before you even know it—like a crystal ball, but for inventory.
- Customizable reporting. Build reports that actually make sense for your business, not just a jumble of numbers.
- Advanced integrations. Goes beyond basic connections, syncing up with CRMs, ERPs, and other fancy acronyms you rely on.
- Mobile app availability. Because who has time to be chained to a desk? Manage inventory from wherever you are, even if it’s poolside.
- Innovative tech. Whether it’s AI-driven insights or blockchain security, look for tools that are ahead of the curve and keep you there too.
Usability (10% of total weighting score) is all about how easy it is to use. After all, what good is a Ferrari if you need a degree to start it?
- Intuitive interface. You shouldn’t need a map to find your way around. The best software feels like second nature.
- Logical navigation. Everything should be right where you expect it to be, with no digging through endless menus.
- Efficient workflows. Get stuff done faster with workflows that actually work.
Onboarding (10% of total weighting score) helps you hit the ground running without stumbling through the setup process:
- Training resources. Videos, guides, and cheat sheets so your team isn’t left guessing.
- Interactive product tours. Hands-on demos that let you see the software in action before you commit.
- Supportive setup. Friendly support to help you through those first crucial steps, like having a personal trainer for your software.
Customer support (10% of total weighting score) is your lifeline when things don’t go according to plan:
- Responsive support team. Helpful humans who actually respond when you need them, not just bots.
- Multiple support channels. Email, chat, phone—however you prefer to get help, they’ve got you covered.
- Proactive resources. Detailed FAQs and guides so you can solve most issues on your own.
Value for money (10% of total weighting score) means you’re getting a good deal without sacrificing the features you need:
- Competitive pricing. Good value doesn’t mean cheap; it means you’re getting your money’s worth.
- Transparent costs. No hidden fees lurking in the fine print. You should know exactly what you’re paying for.
- Flexible plans. Scales with your business, whether you’re a startup or a seasoned pro.
Customer reviews (10% of total weighting score) give you the real scoop from people who’ve been there and done that:
- High satisfaction rates. Happy customers mean good software.
- Ease of use. Look for reviews that praise the software’s user-friendliness.
- Praise for customer support. Strong customer support is often the difference between a good experience and a great one.
- Favorable comparisons. Find out how it stacks up against the competition in terms of features, usability, and value.
By weighing these criteria, you can find a cloud-based inventory management software that fits your business perfectly—like those running shoes that make you feel like you can take on the world (or at least the day’s challenges).
Trends in Cloud-Based Inventory Management Software for 2024
When choosing what software and technology to invest in, you will undoubtedly want to take a look around your industry for current trends and future-thinking ideologies.
That's why I wanted to collect a few inventory management insights to help guide your software selection journey.
- Increased 3PL utilization. Rising demand in ecommerce has resulted in an uptick in third-party logistics (3PL) usage, with DHL reporting a whopping 150% increase in its fulfillment division. Cloud-based inventory management software that integrates seamlessly with 3PL providers is becoming essential for businesses looking to scale without the logistical headaches.
- AI-powered demand forecasting. Leveraging machine learning for demand forecasting results in 90% accuracy over 3 months vs 60% accuracy with manual handling over the same period. 56% of respondents to a Bain and Microsoft survey reported their company's intent to invest more in demand forecasting and predictive planning in 2021.
- AI-enabled supply chain management resulted in lowering logistics costs by 15%, plus it improved inventory levels by 35% and service levels by 65%.
- Automation and robotics integration. Automation isn’t just for manufacturing anymore. Automated warehousing solutions, including robots for picking and packing, are becoming more prevalent. Inventory management software that can sync with these automated systems will help businesses improve efficiency and reduce human error.
- Sustainability in supply chains. With growing consumer demand for eco-friendly practices, companies are prioritizing sustainable inventory management. This includes reducing waste, optimizing transportation routes, and using recyclable materials. Look for software that offers features like carbon footprint tracking and waste reduction analytics.
Features of Cloud-Based Inventory Management Software
The exact features your cloud-based inventory management tool offers will depend on the specific platform you choose, but most include the following key capabilities to help you streamline your operations:
- Centralized inventory management. Most tools integrate with your sales channels to create a single, unified inventory database. This ensures that changes made on one platform, like adding new stock or updating product details, are automatically reflected across your entire system, keeping everyone on the same page.
- Stock level notifications. Look for software that alerts you when stock levels are running low. These automated notifications allow you to restock proactively, reducing the risk of stockouts and ensuring you’re always prepared to meet demand.
- Multi-location support. The best tools enable you to manage inventory across multiple locations, including warehouses, retail outlets, and even pop-up stores. This makes it easy to get a holistic view of your inventory no matter where it’s stored, and ensures you can balance stock levels effectively.
- Order tracking. Stay on top of incoming orders with tools that offer detailed tracking. You’ll be able to see the status of each order—from when it’s placed to when it’s shipped—giving you greater visibility into your fulfillment process and helping you address any issues before they become customer complaints.
- Intelligent inventory management. Advanced features like automated order fulfillment from the nearest warehouse or stock transfers between locations help you optimize inventory distribution. These tools ensure that products are always where they need to be, reducing shipping times and costs.
- Logistics integration. Simplify your shipping process with built-in logistics integrations. You can get quotes from multiple shipping providers, print labels, and schedule pickups—all within your inventory management platform. This streamlines the process and helps you get products to customers faster.
- B2B sales features. If you handle wholesale or B2B transactions, look for tools with dedicated features such as the ability to create customized product catalogs, manage quotes, and generate sales orders. This makes it easier to cater to the unique needs of your B2B clients.
- Manufacturing integration. For businesses that manufacture their own products, these integrations provide visibility into the production process. You can track the status of components and finished goods in real-time, ensuring that production schedules align with inventory needs.
Benefits of Cloud-Based Inventory Management Software
Cloud-based inventory management software offers a treasure trove of benefits for businesses looking to level up their operations.
By leveraging the power of the cloud, you can transform your inventory management from a daily headache into a streamlined, efficient process. Here’s how:
- Real-time visibility. Get instant, up-to-the-minute access to your inventory levels from anywhere. Whether you’re in the office, on the warehouse floor, or enjoying a latte at your favorite café, you’ll always know what’s in stock, what’s running low, and what’s flying off the shelves. This transparency helps you make smarter, faster decisions and keeps you from drowning in excess stock or, worse, disappointing customers with out-of-stock items.
- Cost reduction. Say goodbye to the expensive hardware and IT overhead that come with traditional on-premise systems. Cloud-based solutions cut costs by minimizing the need for physical infrastructure and reducing manual tasks. Automate tedious inventory processes, lower your labor costs, and focus on what matters most—growing your business.
- Scalability. Whether your business is booming or facing seasonal slowdowns, cloud-based software can scale with you. Easily add new locations, users, and products without breaking a sweat (or your budget). This flexibility means you’re always ready for whatever comes next, without the hefty investment in new hardware or software.
- Enhanced security. Protect your valuable inventory data with top-tier cloud security. Advanced encryption, automatic backups, and robust access controls ensure that your information is safe from unauthorized access and potential data breaches. In other words, your data is safer in the cloud than in that old server in the back room.
- Integration capabilities. Your inventory management software should play well with others. The best cloud-based tools integrate seamlessly with your other business systems—whether it’s your ecommerce platform, accounting software, or CRM. This creates a connected tech ecosystem that reduces data discrepancies, boosts efficiency, and gives you a holistic view of your business.
Adopting cloud-based inventory management software isn’t just about keeping up with the times; it’s about future-proofing your business.
Cost & Pricing for Cloud-Based Inventory Management Software
Choosing the right cloud-based inventory management software can make a big difference in operational efficiency for businesses of all sizes. The pricing typically varies based on the features, user access, and the scalability of the tool.
Here's a comprehensive breakdown of common plan options to help you find the best fit for your needs:
Plan comparison table for cloud-based inventory management systems
| Plan type | Average price | Common features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $20 - $100/month | Basic inventory tracking, real-time updates, limited user access, basic reporting | Startups, small retailers, single-location businesses |
| Professional | $100 - $500/month | Advanced analytics, multi-location support, integrations with ecommerce and accounting systems | Growing businesses with multi-channel sales and expanding operations |
| Enterprise | $500+/month | Customizable features, dedicated support, unlimited access, API integrations, advanced security | Large enterprises with complex inventory needs and multiple warehouses |
| Free | Free | Basic inventory management, limited transactions, single user and location support | Very small businesses or startups testing new tools with minimal requirements |
Key considerations
- Basic plans are great for small businesses or startups that need core features like real-time tracking and basic reporting without a hefty price tag.
- Professional plans offer more robust features like multi-location support and detailed analytics, which are essential for scaling businesses.
- Enterprise plans are designed for large organizations with complex needs, offering full customization, advanced security, and integration capabilities.
- Free plans are perfect for small businesses looking to dip their toes into inventory management software without committing financially.
Additional costs to consider
- Implementation and integration fees: There may be costs associated with setting up the software and integrating it with existing systems.
- Maintenance and support: Basic support is usually included, but premium support and ongoing maintenance can incur extra fees.
- Customization and training: Tailoring the software to meet specific needs and training staff can also add to the total cost.
By weighing these options against your business needs and budget, you can choose an inventory management solution that not only meets your current requirements but also scales with your growth.
Cloud-Based Inventory Management Software FAQs
Here, we’ll answer the top questions we assumed you might have, if we were to ask you for questions. Let’s see how we did.
Why use cloud-based software?
Cloud-based software gives you the freedom to access your inventory data anytime, anywhere—whether you’re at the office, on the go, or even on vacation. It’s cost-effective, eliminating the need for expensive on-premise hardware and reducing IT maintenance costs.
Plus, it scales with your business, so whether you’re growing rapidly or dealing with seasonal demand, your software can grow with you. It’s the flexible, future-proof solution for businesses aiming to stay ahead.
Is cloud-based inventory management software secure?
Absolutely. Reputable cloud-based inventory management software uses advanced security measures like data encryption, secure access controls, and regular security updates to keep your data safe. Many also comply with international data protection standards, so you can rest easy knowing your inventory information is well-protected against unauthorized access.
What are the main challenges of switching to cloud-based inventory management software?
Switching can be daunting, especially if you’re moving from a manual or on-premise system. Common challenges include data migration, ensuring team adoption, and integrating with existing systems.
However, most providers offer onboarding support and training resources to make the transition as smooth as possible. Planning ahead and involving key stakeholders can also help mitigate these challenges.
Can cloud-based inventory management software integrate with my existing systems?
Yes! Most cloud-based inventory management tools offer seamless integrations with ecommerce platforms, accounting software, and even CRM systems. Whether you’re using Shopify, QuickBooks, or Salesforce, there’s likely an integration available that will help streamline your operations and ensure data consistency across all your business tools.
How do cloud-based solutions help with multi-location inventory management?
Cloud-based inventory software allows you to manage stock levels across multiple locations—whether it’s different warehouses, retail stores, or online channels—all from a single platform. This centralized visibility helps you optimize stock distribution, avoid overstocking or stockouts, and fulfill orders from the nearest location, reducing shipping costs and delivery times.
Additional Inventory Software Reviews
Cloud-based inventory management software is one of many categories of inventory management software. Here are some other software review lists that might interest you if you didn’t find what you needed on this list.
- Inventory Management Software: My overall recommendations for the best-of-the-best in inventory management solutions.
- Enterprise Inventory Management Software: Big companies require more room and more power, so here are some enterprise-grade systems to pick from.
- Free Inventory Management Software: Just starting out? These inventory management platforms are free to use or have an extended free trial.
Get Thyself Into the Cloud
You made it to the conclusion. Great work. You look so much wiser having done so.
At this point, you'll have a clear idea of why you should be using cloud-based inventory systems. But, beyond that, and more importantly, you know which IMS are the best out there.
Now, choose your inventory horse and start riding it off into the proverbial sunset (of great inventory control).
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