Starting a business is a difficult task. When they are not properly monitored, keeping inventories and managing stocks may be more difficult. Whether a company is in manufacturing, distribution, retail, or personal enterprise, inventory management is an essential component. You can use inventory management to get up-to-date information on your stock, revenue, sales, storage, and orders. However, some programmes assist you in effectively tracking your business processes because manual management has a significant risk of inaccuracy.
Inventory management software screens the ordering process, which also lessens the workload that comes with having many warehouses.
What is business inventory software?
Business inventory software is a specialized tool designed to assist organizations in efficiently managing and controlling their inventory. It provides businesses with a digital platform to track, organize, and optimize the flow of goods or products throughout the supply chain. Key features typically include real-time tracking of stock levels, order management, and reporting capabilities.
These software solutions are designed to cater to various industries and business sizes, offering functionalities like barcode scanning, automated reorder triggers, and integration with other business systems such as point-of-sale (POS) or accounting software. The goal is to streamline inventory processes, minimize errors, prevent stockouts, and ultimately enhance overall operational efficiency.
Business inventory software plays a crucial role in helping companies make informed decisions, reduce carrying costs, improve order fulfilment, and maintain an accurate and up-to-date record of their stock. Whether for manufacturing, retail, or any other sector with inventory needs, utilizing specialized software can contribute significantly to a smoother and more profitable business operation.
Choosing a Business Inventory Software
Effective business inventory software should streamline tracking across the supply chain, offer performance insights, and boast industry-specific features. Whether integrated into point-of-sale (POS) systems or seamlessly connected with your preferred software, we meticulously evaluated numerous inventory control systems for factors such as price, features, and quality. Our selection process, considered a specific business, needs to present a curated list of top-tier business inventory software solutions. Regardless of your industry, leveraging inventory management software is key to automating processes, enhancing operational efficiency, and ultimately boosting profits. Explore Mifibiz‘s research-backed rankings, highlighting the best inventory management software based on criteria such as price and features, to elevate your business to new heights.
Here are 5 things you should look out for in inventory software:
- The entire business inventory must be tracked.
- Barcode scanning is a requirement to avoid data mistakes.
- This needs to include automation.
- It must have forecasting capabilities to enhance stock visibility and client services.
- In cases of low stock and overstock, it must send out alerts and updates.
Read:Â 12 Ways To Measure Small Business Success
Here are 15 top-notch business inventory software programs you can employ for your company to simplify things for you.
Top 15 Business Inventory Software
- CIN7
Cin7 impressively integrates a variety of tools, including business inventory software features like stock tracking, automated purchasing, and warehouse management, all within budget-friendly plans suitable for businesses of various sizes. With compatibility across online stores and marketplaces, along with flexible shipping software options, Cin7 ensures seamless end-to-end management of orders, inventory, and shipping, highlighted by top-notch business inventory software capabilities.
The software facilitates synchronised stock level updates across multiple warehouses, enables tracking of components for bundled and assembled products, and automates purchase orders based on sales velocity, showcasing the power of business inventory software. Additionally, it streamlines order forwarding to warehouses and dropship suppliers for efficient fulfillment. Cin7 goes further by allowing tracking of in-store sales alongside online transactions through its built-in point-of-sale (POS) feature, available across all Cin7 plans.
For support, Cin7 offers 24/7 assistance on all plans, complemented by comprehensive online tutorials and knowledge base resources focused on business inventory software solutions.
Ideal for rapidly expanding online retailers seeking automation in fulfilment and purchasing, versatile multichannel sales options, and a POS solution for in-store transactions, Cin7 stands out as a robust business inventory software solution.
- ORDORO
Ordoro serves as a comprehensive business inventory software solution, streamlining all facets of multichannel sales, from supply chain management and parts-based inventory tracking to shipping. Notably, Ordoro ensures real-time synchronisation of inventory levels and shipping status across various e-commerce platforms and online marketplaces. Furthermore, it seamlessly integrates with retail inventory management systems through POS connections with Square, Shopify, and others via an open API.
Setting itself apart through purchasing automation, Ordoro automates order forwarding to multiple warehouses and dropship vendors for efficient fulfillment. It simplifies the procurement process by generating one-click purchase orders based on sales forecasting or reorder quantities. Ordoro excels in managing manufactured goods and order bundling, offering kitting features to track raw goods and parts, making it an ideal tool for custom items, made-to-order goods, and subscription boxes.
On top of support tickets and a sizable online knowledge base, Ordoro offers live phone support from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Tailored for multichannel e-commerce businesses, Ordoro is the ideal choice for those aiming to synchronize inventory across all sales channels, track raw goods and parts for kitted items, and effortlessly manage dropship and supplier purchase orders using robust business inventory software features.
- InFlow
InFlow stands out as a robust business inventory software solution, encompassing stock tracking, purchasing, and fulfilment features expected for advanced inventory management. Tailored for both retailers and manufacturers, InFlow’s stock management system supports parts, assemblies, and finished unit tracking, whether using barcodes or not. It excels in multi-warehouse management, dropshipping, and purchasing automation, seamlessly integrating with top e-commerce platforms, marketplaces, shipping apps, and third-party logistics (3PL) providers.
Where InFlow truly shines is in its B2B and wholesale features. The software allows the creation of virtual showrooms with selected inventory items, enabling customisation of data visible to different clients, such as pricing, minimum quantities, and shipping times. Additional B2B-centric capabilities include support for quotes and invoicing, sales rep order routing, production workflows for manufacturing, kitting for made-to-order goods, and location mapping for efficient pick-and-pack processes.
InFlow provides comprehensive support through live phone assistance during select hours on business days, along with live chat, email support, and a rich online resource centre featuring video tutorials.
Ideal for startups and growing businesses focusing on B2B and wholesale markets, inFlow caters to the needs of both B2B and B2C e-commerce sellers, making it a top choice in the realm of business inventory software.
- MarketMan
The inventory and vendor management system Marketman was created specifically for restaurants. MarketMan is designed specifically for restaurants to help them manage their accounting process, better understand their inventory, and save time and money. You may quickly view your inventory dashboard on the MarketMan dashboard and keep track of your supplies depending on expiration dates. Due to its superior billing and scanning capabilities, it is also a crucial tool for eateries.
MarketMan is unsuitable for other sorts of retailers and producers, even if it has sufficient features for restaurant inventory management systems. Although it has flexible payment options, unlike Zoho and Agiliron, it does not provide a free trial period or monthly subscriptions that are less than $100. It receives a rating of 3.8 out of 5.
- Orderhive
Across sales channels, warehouses, and distribution centers, Orderhive is a cloud-based inventory platform that handles tasks including sales, inventory, cost reduction, and product tracking. Product management, catalogue management, inventory visibility, purchase history, stock form, order fulfilment, and inventory reporting are all functions it carries out.
Both drop-shipping businesses and e-commerce sites should use Orderhive. Its robust inventory and multi-warehouse capabilities aid in the improvement of company decisions. The program for inventory management that combines the most third-party services, including Amazon, along with a return management tool is Orderhive, which takes the top spot on the list.
On a scale of 1 to 5, Orderhive received a 4.2. Orderhive doesn’t provide a free plan, but it does offer a 15-day trial period so consumers may learn about its features, its significance, and how it helps their business expand.
- EZRentout
Equipment rental software, or EZRentout, is an inventory management programme providing tools for the expansion of small businesses and rental firms. The flow of goods, sales, invoices, purchases, imports and exports, and warehousing are all handled by this program. Additionally, it may schedule orders in advance, reserve rental equipment, and manage orders. Additionally, EZRentout has capabilities that allow you to keep tabs on a product’s location, movement, and maintenance condition.
The UI of EZRentout is simple to use and intuitive. It streamlines all potential operational hazards. Report analysis aids in productivity improvement. Additionally, it features a GPS tracking capability, so you can see where your merchandise is right now.
Although the EZRentout pricing structure is not as flexible as Zoho’s or Orderhive’s, the service is still worth the cost. It received a rating of 4.3 out of 5.
- Sellbrite
One of the best inventory management programmes is Sellbrite, which assists selling businesses in overcoming the issue of overselling and overstocking. A selling company with optimal inventory is Sellbrite. A centralized management system allows you to have complete control over your company’s inventory and eliminates the possibility of overselling goods. It aids in achieving the balance between stock, sales, and purchase orders thanks to its management features.
Users of Sellbrite may easily access stock and product levels because of its user-friendly UI. It gives users access to automation technologies that make listing, selling, and fulfilment simple. Cloud-based Sellbrite includes a channel management tool. This makes it possible for it to be integrated with other e-commerce platforms and marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, and Ebay.
Additionally, Sellbrite is very adaptable; it provides a 14-day trial period so users may learn about its features and value to their selling business.
- Katana
Katana‘s end-to-end business inventory software adeptly addresses the order management, inventory tracking, and shipping requirements of various businesses, including e-commerce, multichannel, and B2B operations. While it excels at catering to a broad spectrum of businesses, Katana particularly shines in the manufacturing sector. The software encompasses every inventory management feature crucial for manufacturers, offering barcode-enabled parts tracking, production planning, assembly tracking, storage and shop floor management, supplier logistics, and more.
Katana provides robust inventory and workflow management capabilities at an attractive price point. The Essential plan, priced at just $99 per month when paid annually, includes essential tools for parts, project, and finished unit inventory management. Scaling up to the Advanced plan at $299 per month, paid annually, adds features like multi-warehouse and supply chain tools, barcode support, the shop floor management app, and more. Considering its feature-rich offerings, Katana’s inventory management software presents excellent value, particularly for manufacturers and other shipping-based businesses.
For support, Katana ensures accessibility with 24/7 phone support via chat and email, boasting a one- to two-hour average response time. Additionally, users can tap into a comprehensive online knowledge base.
Katana’s inventory management system is well-suited for small to large-scale B2B and B2C manufacturers, presenting a compelling value proposition for e-commerce and multichannel resellers seeking efficient business inventory software solutions.
- Zoho InventoryÂ
Zoho delivers comprehensive business inventory software with a feature-packed offering, making it particularly attractive for startups and growing businesses with competitive pricing. The end-to-end order management, inventory tracking, and shipping tools cater to a variety of shipping-based businesses. Notably, Zoho’s free version includes product bundling and kitting functions, referred to as “composite items,” a crucial feature for businesses dealing with custom, made-to-order, or subscription box items.
While Zoho excels in many aspects, its limited e-commerce integrations are a consideration. It currently integrates with Shopify and Zoho Commerce e-commerce platforms, along with Amazon, Etsy, and eBay marketplaces. For businesses utilizing these sales channels, Zoho becomes a compelling choice. The software offers time-saving features like autofill purchase orders, one-click dropship management, and multi warehouse management. Furthermore, Zoho’s top-tier plans support large-scale sellers, allowing businesses to start small and scale with Zoho as they grow.
Zoho provides accessible support with 24/7 phone support via chat and email, boasting one- to two-hour average response times. Additionally, users can tap into an extensive online knowledge base.
Ideal for e-commerce startups and small businesses using Shopify, Zoho Commerce, and supported marketplaces, Zoho stands out for its advanced inventory, supplier, and order management features within the realm of business inventory software.
- Shipbob Merchant Plus
ShipBob‘s Merchant Plus, a stand-alone version of its robust inventory management software, establishes itself as a leader in third-party fulfilment and logistics (3PL) services. Released in 2022, Merchant Plus empowers shippers to utilise ShipBob’s cutting-edge supply chain, inventory, and shipping tools for managing and shipping inventory from their own facilities. Leveraging ShipBob’s nationwide carrier network, fulfilment expertise, and personalised support enhances the overall logistics experience.
Merchant Plus encompasses every feature crucial for the success of e-commerce, B2B, and multichannel sellers. From automated purchase orders to multi-warehouse inventory tracking and shipping, the software supports kitted orders, parts assemblies, granular pick-and-pack processes, and EDI connections to vendors, dropshippers, and retail clients. Seamless integrations with virtually all e-commerce and online marketplaces for orders and returns further solidify its comprehensive capabilities. Notably, for those looking to expand warehousing and fulfilment beyond their facilities, ShipBob’s full-service 3PL option is easily accessible.
ShipBob ensures support availability with phone support from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, and chat support from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT, seven days per week.
Tailored for larger omnichannel, wholesale, and B2B businesses seeking end-to-end supply chain, order, and inventory management software for hybrid in-house and outsourced order fulfilment, ShipBob’s Merchant Plus stands out as a versatile and comprehensive business inventory software solution.
- Fishbowl InventoryÂ
Fishbowl Inventory stands out as feature-packed business inventory software tailored for larger manufacturers, e-commerce enterprises, and multichannel sellers. While its comprehensive manufacturing and warehousing logistics tools benefit businesses of any size, Fishbowl excels at seamlessly integrating with QuickBooks and Xero accounting software environments. This integration centralizes inventory parts and finished goods tracking, supplier purchasing, and warehousing data, making it accessible to users across one or multiple locations.
With pricing at $4,395 per user and annual support renewals around $1,395 per user, Fishbowl Inventory may be on the higher end for small businesses with multiple users. Nevertheless, manufacturers can optimise production by tracking parts through assembly phases, storage, and fulfillment.Large-scale shippers, especially those involved in bundling products or subscription box services, can capitalise on Fishbowl’s granular multichannel sales and multi-warehouse fulfilment features.
Fishbowl Inventory provides phone support from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, MT, and offers limited paid after-hours support. Users can also access valuable information through Fishbowl’s online training videos and resource center.
Designed for manufacturers and large-scale shipping businesses utilizing QuickBooks or Xero accounting systems, Fishbowl Inventory emerges as an ideal advanced business inventory software option, ensuring the efficient management of inventory processes from manufacturing to fulfilment.
- Skubana By ExtensivÂ
Extensiv, formerly known as Skubana, stands out as a specialised business inventory software designed to cater to high-volume sellers on major online marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and virtually every imaginable e-commerce platform. It offers a comprehensive suite of features covering multichannel order management, inventory tracking, warehousing, reporting, and supplier management. Extensiv ensures real-time stock synchronisation across all sales platforms and facilitates order routing to unlimited warehouses and fulfilment centres globally, including Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) and Walmart Fulfilment Services (WFS).
While catering to global marketplace power-sellers, Extensiv goes beyond that by providing cutting-edge order routing automations tailored for high-volume dropshippers. Its automated workflows, featuring FTP and API connections to supplier data, customized dropship purchase order rules, custom templates, and auto-send purchase orders, set it apart in the realm of business inventory software. While not an entry-level system, Extensiv proves to be a serious contender for businesses where drop shipping plays a significant role and automation is a key objective.
Extensiv provides ticket-based customer support along with an extensive online knowledge base, ensuring assistance is readily available.
Ideal for multichannel online sellers aiming to automate dropshipping tasks and efficiently track stock across multiple warehouses, outsourced fulfilment centers, FBA, and WFS worldwide, Extensiv emerges as a fitting choice within the spectrum of advanced business inventory software.
- Sortly
Sortly emerges as an economical and user-friendly business inventory software, well-suited for specific needs such as inventory and asset tracking. While it may not provide end-to-end orders, inventory, and shipping management like some other solutions, its affordability sets it apart from pricier competitors. Sortly excels at effortlessly tracking quantities and locations of diverse items, spanning goods for sale, office supplies, project materials, and business equipment assets. While lacking a purchase order function, Sortly compensates by enabling users to set reorder levels and receive low-stock notifications.
The software simplifies tracking through barcode generation for quick scanning and counting. Additionally, it supports QR codes, displaying item details and other relevant data when scanned—a valuable feature for assigning equipment or supplies to projects or marking parts for assembled goods. Sortly allows users to group items based on storage location, display area, projects, clients, or teams, facilitating tasks such as refilling retail shelves, tracking team-assigned equipment, and bundling parts for projects.
Sortly provides support through email and an online help centre, with scheduled phone support available on the top-tier plan.
Ideal for individuals, small retailers, service providers, project-based businesses, offices, and nonprofits seeking an economical and straightforward inventory and asset tracking solution, Sortly proves to be a fitting choice within the realm of business inventory software.
- Agiliron
Inventory management software called Agrilliron performs e-commerce, retail, wholesale, and social commerce tasks. Both B2B and B2C firms can benefit from its unique characteristics. Custom orders, assembly, kitting features, and product substitutes can be created with the aid of an Agriliron system. It has numerous B2B and B2C e-commerce applications.
Despite Agiliron’s versatility, it is more expensive and does not have a free plan. 4.3 out of 5 stars are awarded based on the inventory management criteria.
- Monday.com
Monday.com stands out as a highly customizable cloud-based management system, offering versatile inventory management capabilities through hundreds of functional templates. With a ready-to-go inventory template available even in the free plan, Monday.com facilitates the tracking of stock levels, vendors, and warehouse locations for inventory items. Users can connect this data to other Monday.com sheets or templates, automating functions such as order-based stock updates, reorder notifications, and resupply or dropship purchase orders. The platform also supports the import of orders from e-commerce and marketplace platforms directly or via Zapier connections.
While Monday.com can meet the inventory needs of small businesses, it doesn’t provide turnkey advanced inventory management like some other solutions. Advanced features such as item barcodes, automated purchase orders, sales-based forecasting, and multi-warehouse automations may require customisation or widget add-ons, incurring additional costs. It’s worth noting that there is a learning curve to Monday.com, but it proves effective for startups and small businesses willing to invest time in understanding its functionalities.
Monday.com offers 24/7 online ticket support and boasts a robust resource center with hundreds of free templates and customization guides.
Ideal for small businesses seeking free or low-cost inventory management software, Monday.com, with its inventory template and customization features, proves to be a practical and adaptable solution within the realm of business inventory software.
Conclusion
Choosing the right business inventory software is paramount for optimizing your supply chain, enhancing operational efficiency, and ultimately boosting profits. The featured solutions cater to diverse business needs, from manufacturing to e-commerce.
Each software offers unique strengths, whether in multichannel order management, manufacturing support, 3PL services, or user-friendly asset tracking. Assessing your specific requirements and considering factors like pricing, features, and support can guide you in selecting the ideal business inventory software to elevate your business to new heights.
