10 Best Inventory Management Software
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
With so many different inventory management software solutions available, figuring out which is right for you is tough. You know you want to automate key processes like ordering, storing, and using inventory, reducing manual errors and saving time, but need to figure out which tool is best. I've got you! In this post, I'll help make your choice easy, sharing my personal experiences using dozens of different inventory management tools with stores of all sizes, with my picks of the best inventory management software overall.
What Is Inventory Management Software?
Inventory management software is a digital tool designed to monitor and manage stock levels, orders, sales, and deliveries. It automates and streamlines inventory-related tasks, providing real-time data on inventory status. This software helps in avoiding overstocking or stock shortages, facilitates efficient order fulfillment, and supports accurate demand forecasting.
Overviews Of The 10 Best Inventory Management Software for Ecommerce
Here are my top 10 picks for the best inventory management software. I’ll outline key features, integrations, and pricing information, where available. Keep reading for additional tools at the bottom of this article.
Linnworks
Best for multichannel management automation
Linnworks is an inventory management software with order automation tools and multichannel listing capabilities.
Why I picked Linnworks: Ecommerce businesses can use this software to manage their orders and inventory across multiple selling platforms, icluding Amazon, Ebay, Magento, and Shopify. The platform enables bulk listing and bulk updates as well as price synchronization across channels. Users can also manage their inventory, track inventory performance, and leverage the software's stock forecasting feature to keep up with demand.
The software's automation capabilities include order workflows, purchase orders, and warehouse operations. By automating tasks, businesses can reduce errors and improve their order processing times. Predictive insights and performance tracking are also available in the platform.
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
- Great customer service
- Can handle multi-channel systems
- Create rules for dispatch & integrated invoices
Cons
- UI could be more user friendly
- No SAP integration
Cin7 Core
Best for manufacturers and product sellers
Cin7 Core is an inventory management software that helps you have an automated, efficient and traceable inventory lifecycle. 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. The B2B portals will free your team from manual order entry and error resolution
Cin7 Core Standout Features & Integrations
Features include robust reporting and analytics features, enabling you to generate custom reports, track KPIs, and gain insights to make data-driven decisions. Overall, I like that you can handle purchase orders, storage, production, multi-channel sales, and fulfillment and returns from one place.
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
- Automation for repetitive tasks
- Real-time inventory tracking
Cons
- Can take time to learn
- Limited integrations
SkuVault
Best for its detailed restocking recommendations
SkuVault is an advanced, cloud-based inventory management software that comprehensively mitigates common warehouse efficiency challenges.
Why I Picked SkuVault: Companies can easily manage their inventory and stay on top of their supply-chain management needs while maximizing productivity. SkuVault's reporting features provide detailed insights into inventory performance, highlighting key metrics that can help users refine their inventory management strategies. Sellers can track the movement of items, inventory counts, and low-stock alerts, among other configurable alerts. This information can be accessed directly from the dashboard, with the ability to customize the reports to meet their requirements.
SkuVault provides the ability to analyze sales patterns and forecast inventory needs using built-in tools. Detailed business insights enable users to make data-driven decisions that can help boost sales, improve supplier relations, and increase profits. Merchants can easily manage product lists, offering features such as SKU duplication and bundling support. It can also manage product attributes, such as color, size, and weight, enabling users to assign unique details to each product variant. The software’s product management features support the creation of variable listings on popular marketplaces like Amazon.
SkuVault Standout Features & Integrations
Features include inventory tracking, order fulfillment, multi-channel selling, real-time inventory tracking, data analytics, cycle counts, automated reordering, barcode scanning, 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
- Wealth of training materials + supportive staff
- Supports secondary/alternate SKU
- Handles kitting and light manufacturing ops
Cons
- Mobile app could be better
- Hard to find stale inventory age
ShipBob
Best end-to-end inventory & fulfillment
ShipBob is an inventory management software for ecommerce businesses. It provides real-time visibility into inventory levels and shipping status across multiple warehouses. Online retailers can efficiently manage and optimize their supply chain by syncing orders, inventory, and shipments across sales channels.
Why I Picked ShipBob: ShipBob’s advanced analytics provide insights into inventory health, customer orders, and other sales data. Users can filter and sort by product categories, locations, and other attributes to gain actionable insights into their inventory. ShipBob's inventory forecasting feature helps users accurately predict demand and make informed decisions on ordering stock. This feature takes into account historical sales data, current stock levels, and sales projections.
ShipBob's automated order management system lets sellers efficiently manage orders in real time, including processing, tracking, and shipment. With automated fulfillment, ShipBob immediately processes orders once customers place them. The software alerts the warehouse to pick, pack, and ship the order to the customer. Businesses can customize their shipping solution by adding additional features specific to their requirements. For instance, users can add features like kitting, bundling, and personalized unboxing experiences.
ShipBob Standout Features & Integrations
Features include dashboards, data export/data import, data visualization, external integrations, inventory tracking, multi-user, notifications, product catalog, shipping management, API access, and order management
Integrations include Shopify, Amazon, BigCommerce, Magento, Squarespace, Square, Walmart, Wix, and WooCommerce.
Pros
- Small business friendly
- Scalable solution (can do inventory only, or full 3PL)
- Order tracking built in
Cons
- Doesn't always update in real time
- More native integrations welcomed
ShipStation
Best for streamlining ecommerce shipping
ShipStation is an ecommerce shipping solution that helps businesses manage and ship their orders efficiently. With ShipStation, users can automate actions, generate discounted shipping labels, and create batch orders, saving time and streamlining their shipping workflow.
Why I picked ShipStation: The platform provides branding services, inventory management tools, and integrations with various marketplaces and shopping carts. You can set inventory alerts that will flag when levels are past certain thresholds, allocate and deallocate stock and view live inventory counts through an integration with your inventory management system or using the tool's inventory management features.
ShipStation Standout Features & Integrations
Features include its pick and pack faster, which lets you drastically accelerate your picking and packing activities by including the inventory location in packing slips. I also found the out-of-stock shipments useful when you want to see line item details of the shipments created by out of stock items.
Integrations include over 300 options, including Squarespace, Ebay, Walmart, Shopify, Etsy, Wix, Klaviyo, Square, bigcartel, Quickbooks, and Morecommerce.
Pros
- Discounted postage rates from top carriers
- Integrations with 20+ inventory management platforms
- Mobile inventory counts
Cons
- Mobile app is a little limited
- Update delays can cause interruptions with some integrations
Zoho Inventory
Best for small businesses
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management system that sits within the Zoho business software suite. It's an excellent choice for small businesses with tight budgets since they offer a free plan for up to 50 orders per month, with other affordable plans available for businesses with higher sales volumes.
Why I picked Zoho Inventory: With Zoho Inventory, you get the assurance of working with a quality software company that's well-known for good customer service, plus the option to trial the software with a free account and scale up to add more features as needed.
Zoho Inventory stands out as a great inventory management solution due to its user-friendly interface, robust feature set, and seamless integration with other Zoho applications and third-party software. It offers businesses of all sizes efficient tools for tracking stock levels, automating order management, and generating insightful reports to optimize their supply chain operations. With features like multi-channel selling, barcode scanning, and real-time inventory updates, Zoho Inventory empowers businesses to streamline their inventory management processes, reduce manual errors, and ultimately improve their overall efficiency.
Zoho Inventory Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include vendor-managed inventory, reporting, analysis, and lot traceability. Users can create purchase orders, backorders, and drop shipments, as well as track every inventory item by serial number. Other benefits include features such as shipment estimating, tracking, bill of materials, and delivery confirmation. Mobile apps are available for both Android and iOS devices.
Zoho Inventory integrates natively with various ecommerce platforms and PoS systems, including Amazon, Etsy, eBay, Shopify, Magento, Bigcommerce, WooCommerce, and TradeGecko, and with numerous shipping and payment service systems. Additional custom integrations are also available by connecting a paid Zapier account too.
Pros
- Fits many business needs
- Easily customizable
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Some features are slow
- Tech support needs work
Sage X3
Best enterprise resource tracking (ERP) package
Sage X3 is a powerful ERP and inventory management system that helps companies respond to change, reduce excess inventory, and cut costs. The software can be deployed in the cloud, on-premises, or using a hybrid of both. It is designed to be a multi-company, multi-country, and multi-site solution.
Why I picked Sage X3: Their inventory management system uses real-time supply-chain data to help organizations make decisions about stock volume and whether to restock or discontinue items. Their software also helps to automate purchasing while controlling inventory costs.
Sage X3 is a robust solution for inventory management due to its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface. It offers real-time visibility into inventory levels, enabling businesses to optimize stock levels and minimize carrying costs. With its ability to automate tasks like order processing, replenishment, and demand forecasting, Sage X3 streamlines operations and reduces the risk of overstocking or stockouts. It's scalability and customizable reporting tools empower organizations to adapt to changing inventory needs and make data-driven decisions, ultimately improving efficiency, accuracy, and profitability in their inventory management processes.
Sage X3 Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include financial management, supply chain management, manufacturing management, business intelligence, multi-company and multi-site capabilities, compliance and regulatory support, mobile access, workflow automation, and integration capabilities.
Sage X3 integrates natively with other Sage applications and industry-leading software, including Boomi, Certify, erpCommerce, Planful, Lynq, Prophix, Skynamo, SPS Commerce, YayPay, and others.
Pros
- Can handle multiple companies' stock
- Quality control processes work well
- Robust set of features
Cons
- No document management in standard version
- Financial reporting could be stronger
Fishbowl
Best for warehouse management
Fishbowl is a hybrid warehouse and manufacturing inventory management software solution that's designed for organizations who use QuickBooks. Their software is used by several notably large organizations, including General Electric, Mercedes-Benz, NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Army.
Why I picked Fishbowl: Their software suite not only integrates with QuickBooks — a very popular accounting program with high user adoption — it also adds many inventory features that QuickBooks omits, like barcode scanning and part tracking.
Fishbowl is a powerful inventory management software known for its effectiveness in helping businesses efficiently manage their inventory. It excels by providing a wide range of features such as real-time tracking of stock levels, automated order processing, and advanced reporting capabilities, all of which enable businesses to optimize their inventory operations. Fishbowl is particularly suitable for small and mid-sized companies due to its ease of use and seamless integration with popular accounting and ecommerce platforms, making it an accessible and comprehensive solution for streamlining inventory management processes, reducing costly errors, and enhancing overall supply chain efficiency.
Fishbowl Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include inventory tracking, multi-location management, part tracking, auto purchasing, vendor management, pick and pack, kitting, order fulfillment, payment processing, and order management. Fishbowl also provides training and support.
Fishbowl integrates natively with 50+ popular software applications and ecommerce platforms, including Amazon, Clover Connect, eBay, HubSpot, Magento, NetStock, Salesforce, Shopify, QuickBooks Desktop, QuickBooks Online, Xero, Zencart, and others.
Pros
- Remote user access
- Easy to use
- Real-time inventory visibility
Cons
- Steep pricing for smaller businesses
- Needs more customizability
Cin7 Omni
Best for advanced multichannel order management
Cin7 is a cloud-based inventory and order management software solution built for ecommerce businesses managing multiple sales channels. Their software allows online retailers to manage online, B2B, retail, and wholesale channels.
Why I picked Cin7: Their all-in-one platform functions as an enterprise resource planning (ERP) alternative, and includes integrated modules for ecommerce, retail, B2B sales, manufacturing, marketplaces, logistics, and electronic data interchange (EDI) management. They offer a lot of value for businesses who may benefit from ERP software, but don't already have one in place.
Cin7 Omni stands out as an excellent choice for inventory management due to its holistic approach to handling inventory across multiple sales channels and distribution networks. It excels in providing a centralized platform that integrates with various ecommerce platforms, marketplaces, and third-party logistics providers, allowing businesses to efficiently manage their stock across a complex omni-channel environment. With features like real-time tracking, demand forecasting, and automated order processing, Cin7 Omni not only optimizes inventory levels but also enhances visibility and control, reducing the risk of stockouts and overstocking while ensuring accurate, timely fulfillment of orders, making it a valuable asset for businesses looking to streamline their inventory management and meet the demands of today's omnichannel retail landscape.
Cin7 Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include inventory management, built-in EDI and point of sale, inventory control, order management, order automations, built-in 3PL, Amazon FBA and seller, inventory reporting, B2B ecommerce, and reporting.
Cin 7 integrates with 700+ popular accounting, ecommerce, warehouse and shipping platforms through a combination of native integrations and third party connectors. Popular platform integrations include Etsy, EVO Payments, GoSweetSpot, Magento, Mailchimp, PayPal, Salesforce, ShipStation, Shopify, Walmart, Wayfair, WooCommerce, and others.
Pros
- Handles multiple sales channels and distribution networks
- Vast number of integrations
- User-friendly
Cons
- Long loading times
- Delays in customer support
MRPeasy
Best for manufacturers
MRPeasy is an inventory management software that helps manufacturers optimize their order, supply, and production processes.
Why I picked MRPeasy: Users can manage and track stock levels and locations, order lifecycles, and inventory performance metrics in the platform. The software helps users optimize their manufacturing processes with production planning features like automated reordering and an integrated order fulfillment system. To manage stock levels, users can place purchase orders from multiple vendors at once. Picking lists for warehouse workers and shipping labels are generated automatically through the system.
Users can quickly generate reports on any aspect of their inventory management process, such as total revenue, cost per item, and the average time from order to delivery date. The software can also produce reports on things like order histories, shipment statuses, and on-hand stock levels. This helps businesses identify areas where they can improve their process efficiency or reduce costs associated with managing inventory.
MRPeasy standout features & integrations
Features include automated reordering, stock level notifications, barcode scanning, auto-generated picking lists, warehouse lifecycle tracking for batches and lots, and reporting.
Integrations include BigCommerce, Magento, Pipedrive, QuickBooks, ShipStation, Shopify, Ware2Go, WooCommerce, and Xero. Additional integrations can be accessed with a paid Zapier account.
Pros
- Automated production planning features
- Affordable option for SMBs
- Flexible functionalities to cater to unique business needs
Cons
- The tool is simple, so lacks some more specific features
- Customer support is not accessible by phone
Best Inventory Management Software Comparison Chart
This comparison chart summarizes basic details about each of my top inventory management software selections. You can view pricing details and the availability of free trials or demos side-by-side to help you find the best software for your budget.
Tool | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Linnworks Best for multichannel management automation | Free demo | Pricing upon request | Website |
2 | Cin7 Core Best for manufacturers and product sellers | 14-day free trial | From $349/month | Website |
3 | SkuVault Best for its detailed restocking recommendations | Free demo | From $359/month | Website |
4 | ShipBob Best end-to-end inventory & fulfillment | Free demo | Pricing upon request | Website |
5 | ShipStation Best for streamlining ecommerce shipping | 30-day free trial | From $9.99/month | Website |
6 | Zoho Inventory Best for small businesses | 14-day free trial + free plan available | From $79/month. | Website |
7 | Sage X3 Best enterprise resource tracking (ERP) package | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
8 | Fishbowl Best for warehouse management | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
9 | Cin7 Omni Best for advanced multichannel order management | Free demo | From $399/month | Website |
10 | MRPeasy Best for manufacturers | 30-day free trial | From $49/user/month | Website |
Other Inventory Management Solutions
Here are a few more worthwhile options that didn’t make the best inventory management software list:
- Sortly
Best for ease of use
- NetSuite Commerce
Best for specialized inventory management
- Netstock
Best for demand forecasting
- InFlow
Best for creating customizable B2B sales portals
- Acumatica
Best for modern UI
- Extensiv Order Manager
Best for a modular solution
- UpKeep
Delivers powerful insights to control costs better and ensure you have sufficient supply in stock.
- Finale Inventory
Cloud inventory software for applications involving high volume, multi-channel ecommerce and warehouse management.
- Infoplus
Cloud-based warehouse management software designed to power high-volume growth.
- MarginPoint Mobile Inventory
Offers real-time visibility and control of inventory regardless of supplier or where the stock is stored.
- SKULabs
All-in-one ecommerce solution for managing multi-channel orders and controlling inventory.
- 3PL Warehouse Manager
Cloud-based warehouse management platform that automates time-consuming tasks and delivers high levels of visibility.
- SwiftCount
Range of software tools for optimizing inventory-based businesses.
- Acctivate
Protects inventory investment and amplifies supply chain visibility.
- Square for Retail
Point-of-Sale system designed for running retail businesses of every size and type.
- ParagonSMB
Helps small businesses manage inventory, fulfillment, and shipping.
- Salesforce Commerce Cloud
Agile ecommerce cloud platform that's a good fit for Salesforce users.
- ECOUNT
Low-cost, web-based Enterprise Resource Planning and inventory management system.
- TrueCommerce
Integrates everything from inventory management and fulfillment to digital storefronts and marketplaces.
- ECI ScanIT
Inventory management system that offers greater control and reduced costs through mobile scanning.
Selection Criteria for the Best Inventory Management Software
To choose the best inventory management tools for this list, I looked at both overall user reviews as well as in-depth inventory management software market share data. According the the data, the market for this software category was valued at USD 1.53 billion in 2021 — and is expected to reach the value of USD 2.56 billion by 2029! So if you’ve had a hard time finding the best-in-class software solutions in a sea of providers, you’re not alone.
This sparked my drive to really pinpoint the best inventory management software solutions out there, because I know how tiring it can be to research so many option. I started by examining each platform to ensure it covered all the basic functionality needed to manage your inventory processes from end-to-end. I then used the selection criteria below to evaluate how each inventory management system stacked up against the rest of the tools on the list.
Core Functionality
Each inventory system is unique, but as a baseline, here’s what I expected to see in each of them:
- Inventory tracking: You should be able to manage and monitor your product stock levels, supporting your inventory planning and helping you know when to reorder items.
- Order fulfillment: The software can usually help you streamline your order processing workflows and connect to your sales channels for easier fulfillment.
- Reporting and analytics: Real-time inventory reports, forecasting, and tracking metrics like performance, sales trends, stock turnover, and more should be included.
Key Features
Beyond the basic functionalities listed above, here are some additional key inventory management features I kept my eye out for:
- Barcode scanning: Some systems come with barcode scanners, making it easy to update inventory levels, track items, and manage stock movements.
- SKU and serial number tracking: This allows you to trace the specific batches or serial numbers of products, helping you keep track of older and newer stock.
- Supply chain management: Many platforms can keep track of supplier details, lead times, and performance for better vendor and purchase order management.
- Multichannel management: You can often connect your point of sale (POS) system, sales channels, dropshipping systems, and marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon, eBay, and more. Or, you can connect your multichannel management software.
- Automation: Many tools have automatic stock replenishing options, or customizable workflows to streamline your order fulfillment, inventory control, and warehousing processes.
Usability
Managing your inventory data shouldn’t be a headache. Whether you’re a small business or a major retailer, having a platform that’s intuitive and accessible is essential. I looked for platforms that are easy to learn with clear modules. I also looked for usability features like templates, low stock notifications, and mobile apps for Android and iOS so you can manage your inventory even if you don’t have a dedicated office space.
Integrations
I picked inventory management software that integrates with popular ecommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce. I also looked for integrations with ERP solutions like NetSuite, ecommerce accounting software like QuickBooks, ecommerce CRM software, order management software, and POS systems. Many platforms also have an API you can use to build custom integrations.
Legal & Compliance
Here's a simple guide for legal and compliance considerations when choosing inventory management software:
- Data Protection: Ensure the software complies with GDPR, CCPA, or other regional data protection regulations. No one likes a data leak!
- Audit Trails: Can it track user actions? This helps in keeping everyone accountable.
- Country-Specific Compliance: Different countries, different rules. Make sure the software is fit for where you operate.
- Financial Reporting: It should align with accounting standards like GAAP or IFRS. Clear books, clear mind!
- Security Standards: Check if it meets ISO 27001 or other security benchmarks. Safety first!
- Integration Concerns: Ensure integrations don't compromise your data or legal obligations.
- Service Agreements: Read the terms! Especially on data ownership, dispute resolution, and termination clauses.
- Scalability & Compliance: As you grow, compliance needs may change. Pick software that can adapt.
Pricing
The cost of this software varies, but generally starts around $50 per user per month and can go up to and above $400 per user per month. Many providers also have custom pricing to suit the specific needs of your business. I’ve included pricing and free trial information with each platform’s overview.
People Also Ask: Questions About Ecommerce Inventory Management
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions you may have about inventory management for ecommerce and the tools that support it:
What is inventory management?
What are some inventory management tactics?
What are the main benefits of using inventory management software?
Are there any free inventory management tools?
Other Inventory and Warehousing Software Reviews
Looking for a more specific type of inventory management software, or maybe something to better manage your warehouse? Check out these other software reviews:
- Retail Inventory Management Software
- Cloud-Based Inventory Management
- Enterprise Inventory Management Software
- Warehouse Management Software
- Cloud-Based Warehouse Management Systems
Finding an Inventory Management Software for You
A well-oiled inventory management process is the key to success for any ecommerce business. And a trusted software can send smart stock alerts to your mobile device, ensure your inventory data stays secure and up-to-date, and more. Hopefully you found a suitable solution on my list — or at least the information you need to find a software that suits your business needs!
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