10 Best Ecommerce Inventory Management Software Shortlist
If you have an ecommerce store, inventory management is probably one of your biggest headaches. Keeping a regular reordering schedule can feel impossible when trends vacillate and vary throughout the year. In fact, 34% of businesses reported shipping an order late because they accidentally sold something that should have been out of stock (Reliant Funding, 2020)! However, with ecommerce inventory management software, businesses can automate accurate tracking and fulfillment—even syncing across multiple platforms in real time!
In this article, I have curated and researched the best ecommerce inventory management software so that you can easily compare them and pick the one that suits your needs.
What is Ecommerce Inventory Management Software?
Ecommerce inventory management software is a digital tool that helps online businesses keep track of their stock levels. It ensures you know what items you have, where they are, and how much you need. This software helps prevent overselling products you don't have and understocking what's in demand. It's like a smart assistant, constantly updating you so you can make better decisions about ordering, storing, and selling your goods. It's essential for keeping customers happy and your business running smoothly.
Overviews Of The 10 Best Ecommerce Inventory Management Software
Here are my top picks for the best ecommerce inventory management software with overviews, key features, pros/cons, and pricing information. I’ll add additional picks at the bottom of this article so keep reading if you don’t find what you’re looking for here.
Cin7 Core
Best for manufacturers and product sellers
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.
Why I chose Cin7 Core: I chose it because the platform is more than just inventory management. 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 also provides a centralized platform to efficiently manage inventory, reduce stockouts, and improve order fulfillment. However, it unites the shipping and back-end warehouse to streamline orders.
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 ecommerce 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
- Mobile app for flexible inventory management
- Real-time inventory tracking
- Automation for repetitive tasks
Cons
- Limited integrations
- Can take time to learn
Linnworks
Best stock forecasting, plus multi-channel listing tools
Linnworks is an inventory management software for ecommerce brands and online sellers. It can help you plan, forecast, and manage your stock and inventory needs as well as managing orders from multiple sales channels. Automation tools are also available to streamline your processes and reduce human error.
Why I Picked Linnworks: You can track your inventory performance with the software, gaining insights into your best selling items, the success of promotions, and other valuable information. Predictive insights and stock forecasting are available, which can help you plan ahead and manage your supply chain needs.
The software also has order fulfillment automation capabilities so you can make sure orders are accurately picked, packed and shipped. It can help you list your products on multiple platforms, including Amazon, Magento, eBay, and Shopify. You can synchronize your prices and list and update items in bulk to ensure consistency across your sales channels.
Linnworks Standout Features & Integrations
Features include inventory syncing across sales channels, stock forecasting, real-time consumption tracking, multiple warehouse location management, automatic product listing updates, and shipping management.
Integrations include Allegro, Amazon, BigCommerce, Buy on Google, EasyShip, eBay, Etsy, FedEx, Magento, Michaels, QuickBooks, ShipBob, Shopify, Walmart, Wayfair, Wish, and WooCommerce.
Pros
- Multi-channel listing and inventory management in one
- Highly scalable
- Multilingual support
Cons
- No free trial available
- Pricing isn't transparent
SkuVault
Best for inventory management across multiple warehouses
SkuVault is an inventory management software that supports your inventory and stock management across multiple warehouse locations and sales channels. It has order fulfillment and supply chain management tools, and custom cataloging features to create a more dynamic shopping experience for your customers.
Why I Picked SkuVault: You can keep track your inventory levels at several warehouse locations through the software, and accomplish tasks like picking, inventory transfers, and stock reporting. Its automation features help you streamline your processes and speed up order fulfillment. You can also update your stock levels in real-time with the barcode scanning tool.
The software lets you set quantity buffers to avoid over-selling and create a sense of urgency for shoppers. Its customizable cataloging features let you kit, bundle, and list assembled products for better upselling and cross-selling.
SkuVault Standout Features and Integrations
Features include inventory forecasting, barcode scanning, real-time data syncs, inventory picking and quality control, advanced analytics and reporting, and multiple warehouse management.
Integrations include Amazon, BigCommerce, eBay, Etsy, GeekSeller, Magento, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, QuickBooks, Salesforce, RetailPro, Sellbrite, ShipRush, Shopify, Square, WooCommerce, and many more.
Pros
- Onboarding and customer training with all plans
- Friendly user interface
- Customizable cataloging options
Cons
- Lacking in overall customizability
- Fees for additional training
Ecwid by Lightspeed
Best free plan for small businesses with an inventory management add-on
Ecwid provides ecommerce solutions for most types of businesses, including solo operations, small businesses, and medium-sized organizations. Their tiered pricing plans allow businesses to tack on just the tools and features they need without paying for anything they don’t.
Why I Picked Ecwid: First and foremost, Ecwid functions as an ecommerce tool for small businesses and freelancers who need a quick and comprehensive online store with as little setup as possible. This is a web-based software designed to integrate with existing websites and social media channels for sales on any platform.
Users have the option to add on inventory management tools that deliver centralized order management, inventory tracking, and pricing from a single, web-based dashboard. With a mobile app that’s compatible with Android and iOS, users can share products on social media, accept payments, and manage orders from phones and tablets.
Ecwid Standout Features and Integrations
Features include online store, Facebook and Instagram shop, mobile POS, invoicing, inventory tracking, scheduled order pickups, responsive shopping cart, and instant site builder. More features are available at higher price points.
Integrations include FreshBooks, LiveChat, Mailchimp, PayPal, ShippingEasy, Stripe, Square, Wix, WordPress, and Zapier.
Pros
- Free website building
- Very low barrier for entry
- Global ecommerce platform
Cons
- Limited integration options
- Inventory management is a paid add on
Finale Inventory
Best for businesses with high volume for ecommerce or warehouse management
The Finale Inventory management system offers a cloud-based platform that’s designed to be easy to use for the entire team. It supports full visibility of any inventory, including forecasting, reordering, and inbound receipts.
Why I Picked Finale Inventory: Finale Inventory supports high-volume facilities, as well as rapid scaling for any growing ecommerce business. With a centralized inventory and wireless barcode scanning for any number of warehouses, users can improve the speed and accuracy of their inventory levels to take the guesswork out of tracking and reordering.
This ecommerce inventory management software has a variety of tiers to accommodate nearly any business size with five unique plans, as well as a customizable enterprise option. Finale Inventory also offers targeted solutions for a variety of industries, including 3PL, automotive, beauty and health, laboratory supply, CBD, coffee and tea, consumer electronics, and fireworks.
Finale Inventory Standout Features and Integrations
Features include warehouse management, multi warehouse, lot ID tracking, return management, serial number tracking, stock auditing, stock take, and mobile barcode scanner. QR code and UPC label printing are also available.
Integrations include Amazon, Back Market, eBay, Etsy, Faire, NuOrder, Overstock, Rakuten, Sears, and Walmart for marketplace channels. Finale Inventory also offers EDI, shopping cart, POS, channel management, shipping, and accounting integrations.
Pros
- Guided onboarding with customer support
- Approachable, user-friendly system
- Offers manual and automatic import/export
Cons
- Limited accounting integrations
- Syncing can take a bit longer
Odoo
Best for total traceability with a double-entry inventory system
Odoo offers an ecommerce inventory management software that’s designed to seamlessly integrate with a company’s basic warehouse workflow, including incoming shipments, delivery orders, inventory counts, automated packing, scrapping, and transferring.
Why I Picked Odoo: One feature that’s unique to Odoo is their double-entry inventory system, which integrates with a barcode and SKU scanner to ensure better traceability as stock moves. Because the barcode scanner is linked to a customer portal, clients can also keep track of their orders. With recorded history of all warehouse operations, Odoo strives to ensure 360-degree visibility.
Odoo provides support for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as large organizations with tiered pricing and customizable packages. Their app-based service allows business owners to add just what they need for comprehensive business management.
Odoo Standout Features and Integrations
Features include multi-warehouse management with cross-docking and drop-shipping, supply chain traceability, real-time reports, automated warehouse transfers, customizable product routes, and future stock forecasting.
Integrations include Adobe Commerce, Appy Pie, FedEx Ship Manager, Google, Instagram, PayPal, Stripe, Time Doctor, WhatsApp, and Zapier. Odoo also offers its own version of finance, sales, marketing, CRM, and website building apps.
Pros
- Very easy management
- Multi-location functionality
- Can handle complex operations
Cons
- Product variant handling can get tricky
- Requires a little bit of training
SKULabs
Best for packing and shipping with more accuracy
As a multi-channel inventory and order management system, SKULabs offers a variety of tools through their web-based platform, including multi-carrier shipping, order picking, purchasing, barcoding, and receiving. SKULabs also offers native mobile apps for iOS and Android devices that allows for inventory management and order packing on-the-go.
Why I Picked SKULabs: SKULabs supports streamlined inventory management, warehousing, and shipping with omnichannel order syncing and at-a-glance counts for all stock. The warehouse management tool allows users to receive returns and return it to any location through the app and to put the same SKU away in multiple locations.
This inventory and warehouse management system is designed to support small, medium, and large businesses with single warehouses or multiple locations. Their lowest tier plan supports up to 10,000 SKUs and 1,000 order per month.
SKULabs Standout Features and Integrations
Features include order picking tools, shipping tools, order and inventory management tools, catalogue management, warehouse management, purchase order tools, and insight features. Inventory management tools include stock allocation and forecasting, cycle counting, and transfer orders.
Integrations include Adobe Commerce, Authorize.net, BigCommerce, Flxpoint, PayPal, Shippo, Shopify, Stripe, Square, and WooCommerce. You can use the SKULabs API to access their API endpoints.
Pros
- Very intuitive tool
- Helpful chat-based customer support
- Glitch-free integrations
Cons
- No connection with Vend
- Problematic product search
QuickBooks eCommerce
Best for keeping track of inventory and expenses simultaneously
The QuickBooks Commerce inventory management solution provides businesses the ability to manage inventory and order for multichannel purchases, track products for restock, and reorder stock across multiple warehouse locations. This solution is currently accessible by web and is compatible with iOS but not Android devices.
Why I Picked QuickBooks Commerce: QuickBooks Commerce allows companies to automate and integrate with their preferred commerce platform for two-way data syncing and insights on demand. With more visibility of total taxes, sales, and best sellers, users can more accurately forecast stock needs. Customized alerts ensure that even without manual tracking, organizations know what’s happening with their stock.
QuickBooks Commerce offers two tiers for small and medium-sized businesses across a variety of industries, including retail, professional services, construction, food and beverage, and nonprofit. Payroll add-ons are available separately.
QuickBooks Commerce Standout Features and Integrations
Features include income and expense tracking, invoicing and payments, customizable reporting, sales tax tracking, multichannel connections for sales, capture and organize receipts. The advanced plan offers additional features like business analytics, access by role, and data restoration.
Integrations include Amazon, Etsy, Grow, Make, Shippo, Shopify, SquareSpace, Thryv, WooCommerce, and Xero.
Pros
- Offers intelligence features
- Simple and easy to learn
- Free guided onboarding
Cons
- Software can be sluggish
- Clumsy data migration
Square Online
Best free plan for any business with retail-targeted solutions
This web-based software targets online sales and conversions with tools that allow businesses to design and launch an ecommerce website with the Square Online Store. As an ecommerce-oriented solution, they provide basic inventory management tools for free plans and advanced inventory management tools for paid plans.
Square Online strives to simplify and streamline inventory management for businesses through tools like low stock alerts, barcode generation for SKU and GTIN, customized item category creation, and cross-location stock counts. They also have intelligent inventory tools, like smart stock forecasting and automated purchase ordering.
This ecommerce and inventory management software supports solutions for everyone with a variety of tiered plans and custom pricing. They also offer options based on industry with plans by business type and flexible hardware purchasing.
Square Online Standout Features and Integrations
Features include free website building, inventory management with unlimited items, barcode scanning for checkout, automatic inventory sync with free online store, and sales channels through Facebook and Google.
Integrations include SaasAnt Transactions, ChargeZoom, Shippo, Square Messages, and Tookan. Open API and developer tools are available.
Pros
- Easy website-building tools
- Lots of inventory management features for free
- Simple integration with Google Ads
Cons
- Per transaction fees
- Still catching up after merging with Weebly
Acctivate Inventory Management
Best inventory management for integrating with QuickBooks
Acctivate Inventory Management delivers a QuickBooks-focused platform for inventory operations, customer service, and sales order processing for small and medium-sized businesses.
Why I Picked Acctivate Inventory Management: With a powerful suite of tools, including barcoding, serial number traceability, purchasing, and integrations, Acctivate Inventory Management provides users the ability to monitor and track activity in real time for enhanced visibility. Their system also ensures users can utilize multiple units of measure to manage products with different descriptions, user groups, and needs.
Acctivate Inventory Management is designed for small and medium businesses that integrate their operations with QuickBooks. Some of the most common industries supported by this ecommerce management software include food and beverage, auto parts, industrial supplies and equipment, medical and pharmaceuticals, electronics, furniture, and aviation.
Acctivate Inventory Management Standout Features and Integrations
Features include real-time inventory management, multi-channel sales, business insights, filterable reports, customizable dashboard, kitting and assemblies, and ERP alternative.
Integrations include Advanced Technology Advisory Services, Barcode Arena, ChannelAdvisor, DHL, FedEx, KnowledgeSync, Microsoft, ShipStation, QuickBooks, and WooCommerce.
Pros
- QuickBooks-focused platform
- Huge potential for customization
- Many support tools for learning the system
Cons
- Requires some training to manage
- No cloud, web-based only
The Best Ecommerce Inventory Management Software Summary
Tool | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cin7 Core Best for manufacturers and product sellers | 14-day free trial | From $349/month | Website |
2 | Linnworks Best stock forecasting, plus multi-channel listing tools | Free demo | Pricing upon request | Website |
3 | SkuVault Best for inventory management across multiple warehouses | Free demo | From $359/month | Website |
4 | Ecwid by Lightspeed Best free plan for small businesses with an inventory management add-on | Free plan available | From $19/month | Website |
5 | Finale Inventory Best for businesses with high volume for ecommerce or warehouse management | 14-day free trial available | From $75/month | Website |
6 | Odoo Best for total traceability with a double-entry inventory system | 15-day free trial | From $31/user/month | Website |
7 | SKULabs Best for packing and shipping with more accuracy | 30-day free trial available | From $299/month (billed annually) | Website |
8 | QuickBooks eCommerce Best for keeping track of inventory and expenses simultaneously | No free trial or demo | From $85/month | Website |
9 | Square Online Best free plan for any business with retail-targeted solutions | Free plan available + transaction fees | From $35/month and 2.9% + $0.30/transaction | Website |
10 | Acctivate Inventory Management Best inventory management for integrating with QuickBooks | Free demo available | Starter lifetime license starts at $833/month but pricing may vary | Website |
Other Options
Here are a few more worthwhile options that didn’t make the best ecommerce inventory management software list:
- Lightspeed Retail
Best for innovative and constantly evolving tools
- Rocketspark
Best for basic stock and inventory management
- Kentro
Best for optimizing and managing your supply chain
- Brightpearl
Best ecommerce inventory management platform for integration with other third-party software
- BigCommerce
Best all-in-one SaaS platform to grow and establish online businesses
- Adobe Commerce
Best for content staging, product relations, and visual merchandising
- Shift4Shop
Best for secure global sales and all-around management
- Shopify POS
Best point of sales solution for streamlining operations related to inventory tracking
- SellerChamp
Best ecommerce inventory management software for scaling your business
- Sana Commerce
Best ERP-integrated ecommerce platform with inventory tracking tools
How I Selected the Best Ecommerce Inventory Management Software
To build this list of the top software options, I first looked for those software options with positive user ratings. Then, I evaluated their tools and features to ensure they had all the essentials. With a slightly smaller list to work on, I honed it down even further by using the selection criteria below to compare the options to one another.
I also drew on my years of ecommerce experience to pinpoint the features that add a lot of value and find solutions for a variety of business types and sizes. Here are my findings when it comes to how to pick the best ecommerce inventory management software for you:
Key Features
Making a list of the key features you are looking for with ecommerce inventory management software is a great way to narrow down which platform will work best for you. Here are some of the key features you should consider:
- Real-Time Inventory Tracking: The software provides live updates on stock levels, allowing businesses to see what's available, what's running low, or what's out of stock at any given moment.
- Multi-Channel Integration: It integrates with various sales channels like online marketplaces, ecommerce platforms, and brick-and-mortar stores to synchronize inventory across all points of sale.
- Order Management: It processes orders from various channels, updates inventory levels accordingly, and helps with order fulfillment, returns, and exchanges.
- Warehouse Management: The software often includes tools for managing warehouse operations, including stock placement, picking, packing, and shipping.
- Supply Chain Management: It assists in tracking the movement of goods from suppliers to the warehouse and then to the customers, ensuring that the supply chain is efficient and cost-effective.
- Demand Forecasting: Advanced systems use historical data and analytics to predict future product demand, helping businesses to plan their inventory levels and avoid overstocking or stockouts.
- Product Categorization: It allows for the categorization of products by various attributes like type, size, color, and more, making it easier to manage a diverse range of items.
- Barcode Scanning: Integration with barcode scanning for easy stock entry, tracking, and sales processing.
- Reporting and Analytics: The software provides reports and analytics on inventory levels, sales trends, and order statuses to inform business decisions.
- Batch and Expiry Tracking: For businesses that deal with perishable goods or items with expiration dates, the software can track batch numbers and expiry dates.
- Automated Reordering: It can automatically generate purchase orders when inventory falls below a predetermined level to ensure that popular items are always in stock.
- Inventory Alerts: The system can send alerts or notifications when inventory levels fall below a certain threshold or when there is a need for stock replenishment.
- Mobile Accessibility: Many inventory management systems offer mobile apps or mobile-friendly interfaces to manage inventory on the go.
- Customization and Scalability: The ability to customize the software according to the specific needs of a business and scale it as the business grows.
- Security and User Permissions: Features to control access to sensitive data with user permissions and secure login protocols.
- Cloud-Based: Many are cloud-based, providing the advantage of accessing the system from anywhere and ensuring that data is regularly backed up.
Usability
When it comes to learning your new system and putting it to good use, you want a low barrier for entry that all appropriate staff can learn with minimal training. I chose those systems that had an intuitive user interface and learning assistance to streamline any transition and onboarding processes.
Software Integrations
I know that inventory management isn’t the only tool in your arsenal. I selected those inventory management platforms with strong integrations and versatile plugins. I look for integrations with software you probably already use, like ecommerce platforms, payment processing systems, order management & tracking tools, and warehouse management solutions.
Pricing
When shopping around for price, the best software for inventory management will offer scalable pricing to fit business needs. Those options on this list will often have solutions for startups, SMBs, and enterprise-level organizations. You can also find completely free inventory management software, if you need it.
Industry Trends
Deciding on what inventory software to buy is a decision often influenced by current commerce and technology trends. Here are some hot button ecommerce inventory management trends to keep in mind as you pick what software to add to your arsenal:
- In 2023, the largest retailers like Target and Macy's are learning to live on leaner inventories after finding they overstocked in 2022 (Supply Chain Drive)
- Omnichannel inventory control and cloud-based software are two of the hardest hitting software trends for inventory management this year (StartUs Insights, 2023)
- 73%+ of warehouses plan on implementing mobile/smart device technology in their inventory and warehousing management processes (Zebra, 2023)
People Also Ask
Do you need an introduction to inventory management? This FAQ can help with answers to the most common questions.
Does Shopify offer an inventory management system?
How do you manage stock inventory in ecommerce?
What are the benefits of ecommerce inventory management software?
Other Inventory Software Reviews
Still haven't found the best inventory management software for your needs? Here are some other ecommerce inventory solution reviews I've compiled that can guide the next leg of your search:
- Retail Inventory Management Software
- Cloud-Based Inventory Management
- Enterprise Inventory Management Software
- Simple Inventory Management Software
Conclusion
The landscape of ecommerce inventory management is rich with solutions designed to streamline operations, enhance accuracy, and boost efficiency for businesses of all sizes. As the market evolves, it's crucial for ecommerce managers to stay informed about the latest advancements and to choose tools that align with their business objectives and growth strategies. Remember, the key to success lies in selecting a system that is as robust as it is user-friendly, ensuring that your operations run smoothly and your customers remain happy.
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