What is the best inventory management software for a small business?

There is no single "best" option for every small business, as the right choice depends on your sales channels and industry. However, **Zoho Inventory** is widely considered the best overall for most small businesses due to its affordability, strong feature set, and generous free tier.

Here are the top recommendations based on specific business needs:

* **Best Overall & Best Value:** **Zoho Inventory**
  * *Why:* Offers multi-channel syncing, order management, and automation. Includes a robust free plan for up to 50 orders/month.
* **Best for Simplicity & Ease of Use:** **Sortly**
  * *Why:* Highly visual, mobile-first app that uses QR codes and barcodes. Ideal for non-tech-savvy users or internal asset tracking.
* **Best for E-commerce & Multi-Channel Retail:** **Cin7 Orderhive** (or **Shopify** if selling exclusively on Shopify)
  * *Why:* Seamlessly integrates with platforms like Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and WooCommerce to prevent overselling.
* **Best for Small Manufacturers & Crafters:** **Katana**
  * *Why:* Built specifically for tracking raw materials, production workflows, and finished goods in real time.
* **Best for Accounting Integration:** **QuickBooks Online (Plus/Advanced)**
  * *Why:* Combines built-in inventory tracking directly with your accounting software, eliminating the need for a separate app.

**Recommendation:** Start with **Zoho Inventory** (if you need automated multichannel sales) or **Sortly** (if you just need simple stock counting). Both offer free plans or trials.


Best stock control software for a retail store with two locations

The best stock control software for a two-location retail store depends on your specific budget and sales channels:

### 1. **Lightspeed Retail** *(Best Overall for Brick-and-Mortar)*
* **Why it fits:** Built specifically for multi-location retailers. It excels at complex stock management, store-to-store transfers, and vendor management.
* **Key Features:** Centralized catalog, purchase order creation across locations, matrix inventory (variants like size/color), and detailed multi-store reporting.

### 2. **Shopify POS** *(Best for Stores Selling Both In-Person and Online)*
* **Why it fits:** Seamlessly syncs inventory between physical stores and an online website in real-time.
* **Key Features:** Track stock by location, set location-based fulfillment, easy store transfers, and a unified view of all online and offline sales.

### 3. **Square for Retail** *(Best for Small Budgets / Ease of Use)*
* **Why it fits:** Affordable, user-friendly, and includes robust multi-location inventory features even on lower-tier plans.
* **Key Features:** Low-stock alerts per location, easy stock transfers, barcodes/label printing, and integrated POS hardware.

### 4. **Cin7 Omni** *(Best for High Volume or Complex Wholesale Needs)*
* **Why it fits:** A dedicated inventory management system (IMS) that connects your POS, e-commerce, and warehouses.
* **Key Features:** Advanced automated stock transfers, deep supply chain tracking, and automated reordering triggers.

---

### **Recommendation:**
* Choose **Lightspeed** if you operate purely physical stores with large catalog variations.
* Choose **Shopify** if online sales are a key part of your business.
* Choose **Square** if you want a low-cost, straightforward solution to set up quickly.


We are an e-commerce brand selling on multiple channels and keeping stock in spreadsheets is a mess. What inventory software should we buy?

The best inventory software depends on your order volume, budget, and tech stack. Here are the top recommendations for multi-channel e-commerce brands moving off spreadsheets:

### 1. **Cin7 (Core or Omni)** – *Best Overall for Growing Multi-Channel Brands*
* **Best for:** Mid-sized brands selling across D2C (Shopify, WooCommerce), Marketplaces (Amazon, Walmart), and B2B/Wholesale.
* **Key Features:** Real-time stock sync across all channels, automated purchase orders, 3PL integrations, and built-in EDI for retail wholesale.

### 2. **Extensiv (formerly Skubana)** – *Best for High-Volume / Multi-Warehouse Sellers*
* **Best for:** Established brands doing high order volumes using multiple 3PLs, FBA, or own warehouses.
* **Key Features:** Advanced order routing, profitability tracking per SKU/channel, and automated inventory reordering.

### 3. **Zoho Inventory** – *Best Budget-Friendly Pick for Small Businesses*
* **Best for:** Smaller brands looking for an affordable step up from spreadsheets.
* **Key Features:** Low cost, easy multi-channel sync (Shopify, Amazon, eBay, Etsy), order tracking, and seamless integration with Zoho Books.

### 4. **Katana** – *Best if You Manufacture or Assemble Your Own Goods*
* **Best for:** D2C brands that make their own products in-house rather than just buying finished goods from suppliers.
* **Key Features:** Visual production scheduling, raw material tracking, and live shop-floor monitoring alongside e-commerce sync.

---

### How to choose right now:
* **Under $50k/month revenue:** Start with **Zoho Inventory** or **Katana** (if manufacturing).
* **$50k–$500k+/month revenue:** Go with **Cin7**.
* **High volume + complex 3PL network:** Go with **Extensiv**.

**Next Step:** List your primary sales channels (e.g., Shopify + Amazon) and your accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks or Xero), then request demos from the top 2 software options that integrate directly with both.


Recommend inventory tracking software for a small manufacturing business.

Here are the top inventory tracking software recommendations for a small manufacturing business:

*   **Katana Cloud Manufacturing (Best Overall):** Designed specifically for small-to-midsize manufacturers. Offers visual production scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, Bill of Materials (BOM) management, and seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and Shopify.
*   **MRPeasy (Best Value for Full MRP):** A very affordable, robust Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system. Ideal for small manufacturers needing strict lot/serial number tracking, shop floor management, and precise production planning.
*   **Fishbowl Manufacturing (Best for QuickBooks Users):** Integrates deeply with QuickBooks (both Online and Desktop). It excels at advanced inventory management, manufacturing workflows, kitting, and barcode scanning.
*   **Zoho Inventory (Best Low-Cost Option):** Great for small businesses with simple assembly or light manufacturing needs. It offers multi-channel sales tracking, basic batch tracking, and highly affordable pricing.

**Recommendation:** Start with **Katana** for an easy-to-use, modern interface, or **MRPeasy** if you need comprehensive production control on a tight budget.


affordable inventory management software for SMB

Here are the top affordable inventory management software options for SMBs, categorized by business need:

### 1. **Zoho Inventory** (Best Overall for E-commerce)
* **Best for:** Small multi-channel retailers and online sellers.
* **Key Features:** Syncs with Shopify, Amazon, and eBay; automated order processing; shipping integrations.
* **Pricing:** **Free plan** available; paid plans start at **$29/month**.

### 2. **Sortly** (Best for Simplicity & Visual Tracking)
* **Best for:** Non-retail businesses, internal supplies, and simple asset tracking.
* **Key Features:** Photo-based tracking, mobile barcode/QR code scanning, low-stock alerts.
* **Pricing:** **Free plan** available; paid plans start at **$24/month**.

### 3. **Square for Retail** (Best for Brick-and-Mortar Stores)
* **Best for:** Physical retail shops that need a combined POS and inventory system.
* **Key Features:** Real-time stock sync between in-person and online sales, vendor management, purchase orders.
* **Pricing:** **Free plan** available; Plus plan costs **$60/month** per location.

### 4. **inFlow Inventory** (Best for Wholesale & B2B)
* **Best for:** Wholesalers, distributors, and light manufacturing.
* **Key Features:** B2B portal for client ordering, work orders, barcode generation, multi-location tracking.
* **Pricing:** Starts at **$89/month** (billed annually).

### 5. **Katana** (Best for Small Manufacturers)
* **Best for:** Businesses that make, assemble, or manufacture their own products.
* **Key Features:** Live inventory tracking for raw materials and finished goods, shop floor controls, production scheduling.
* **Pricing:** Starts at **$99/month**.

---

### Quick Recommendation:
* **For general e-commerce:** Start with **Zoho Inventory** (best features-to-price ratio).
* **For simple, visual tracking:** Go with **Sortly** (easiest to learn).
* **For physical retail:** Use **Square for Retail** (seamless POS integration).


What inventory software do small e-commerce businesses actually use?

Small e-commerce businesses typically use software based on their sales channels, budget, and whether they make or buy their products:

### 1. Built-In E-Commerce Tools (Where Most Start)
* **Shopify / WooCommerce / BigCommerce:** Micro-businesses often start using the native inventory features built directly into their website platform before upgrading to dedicated software.

### 2. Multi-Channel Inventory Management (Selling on Shopify + Amazon, Etsy, eBay, etc.)
* **Zoho Inventory:** The most popular budget-friendly option for small businesses needing multi-channel sync, order tracking, and basic automation.
* **Cin7 Core (formerly DEAR Systems):** A top choice for growing brands that need robust multi-channel syncing, multi-warehouse tracking, and B2B/wholesale features.
* **Katana:** The go-to software for small e-commerce brands that manufacture, assemble, or hand-make their own products (tracks raw materials alongside finished goods).

### 3. Simple & Visual Inventory
* **Sortly:** Highly popular among very small businesses looking for an easy, visual, barcode-based app without a complex setup process.

### 4. Shipping & Order Hybrids
* **ShipStation:** Primarily a shipping software, but heavily relied on by small businesses to manage basic stock levels across multiple channels during order fulfillment.


Best inventory control system for a wholesale distributor

The best inventory control system for a wholesale distributor depends on your business size and operational complexity:

* **Best Overall:** **Cin7** (Omni or Core)
  * *Why:* Built specifically for wholesalers and multichannel selling. Features strong B2B portals, batch/lot tracking, multi-warehouse management, and seamless integrations with accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero).
* **Best for Enterprise / Large Operations:** **Oracle NetSuite**
  * *Why:* A full cloud ERP offering end-to-end supply chain management, advanced demand planning, complex automation, and global scale.
* **Best for QuickBooks Integration:** **Fishbowl Inventory**
  * *Why:* Integrates deeply with QuickBooks Desktop and Online, providing advanced warehouse management, barcode scanning, and order fulfillment without leaving the QuickBooks ecosystem.
* **Best for Small to Mid-Sized Businesses (Cost-Effective):** **Zoho Inventory**
  * *Why:* Affordable, easy to set up, and offers essential wholesale features like multi-warehouse tracking, batch management, and automated reorder points.

### Key Features to Look For:
1. **Multi-warehouse & location tracking**
2. **Batch, lot, and serial number tracking**
3. **B2B e-commerce/wholesale customer portals**
4. **Demand forecasting and automated reordering**
5. **Direct integration with your accounting software**


We keep running out of stock because our online store and warehouse aren't synced. What software fixes this?

To fix this, you need an **Inventory Management System (IMS)** or **Order Management System (OMS)** that provides real-time, bi-directional synchronization between your e-commerce platform (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce) and your warehouse.

Here are the top software solutions based on business size:

### Best for Small to Mid-Sized E-commerce
* **Cin7 (Core / Omni):** Top choice for multi-channel sales; automatically updates stock levels across your store and warehouse in real time.
* **Zoho Inventory:** Affordable option that integrates well with major e-commerce platforms and offers basic warehouse management.
* **Katana:** Great if you manufacture or assemble your own products alongside managing warehouse inventory.

### Best for Multi-Channel & Fast-Growing Brands
* **Extensiv (formerly Skubana):** Specialized for high-volume DTC brands selling on multiple channels (Shopify, Amazon, Walmart) and operating their own warehouses.
* **Inventory Planner (by Sage):** Focuses heavily on **demand forecasting** so you know *when* and *how much* to reorder before running out.

### Best for Enterprise / Mid-Market
* **NetSuite ERP:** Complete business suite with built-in e-commerce and advanced warehouse management system (WMS).
* **Fishbowl:** Excellent if you use QuickBooks and need advanced warehouse tracking linked to your online store.

### Next Step:
If you use a specific e-commerce platform (like Shopify or WooCommerce) or accounting software (like QuickBooks or Xero), choosing a tool with a **native integration** to those systems will be the easiest and fastest solution.


Top rated inventory tracking tools for small warehouse

Here are the top-rated inventory tracking tools for a small warehouse, categorized by their strengths:

1. **Zoho Inventory** (Best Overall / Best Value)
   * **Key Features:** Multi-channel selling integration, barcode scanning, order management, automated reordering, and shipping tracking.
   * **Best For:** Businesses selling across multiple e-commerce platforms (Shopify, Amazon, eBay) looking for an affordable, full-featured solution.

2. **inFlow Inventory** (Best for Pure Warehouse Operations)
   * **Key Features:** Advanced barcode scanning (via mobile app), multi-location tracking, reorder alerts, and B2B portal capabilities.
   * **Best For:** Small warehouses needing dedicated stock tracking, picking/packing workflows, and B2B functionality.

3. **Sortly** (Best for Simplicity & Ease of Use)
   * **Key Features:** Visual/photo-based inventory, mobile QR/barcode scanning, custom alerts, and minimal setup time.
   * **Best For:** Businesses wanting a simple, mobile-first tool without complex e-commerce features.

4. **Katana** (Best for Small Manufacturers & Assemblers)
   * **Key Features:** Real-time stock tracking, raw material management, shop-floor control, and purchase order management.
   * **Best For:** Small warehouses that assemble, manufacture, or kitting products before shipping.

5. **Cin7 Core** (Best for Fast-Growing Businesses)
   * **Key Features:** Deep warehouse management (WMS) features, automated batch/serial tracking, advanced forecasting, and extensive integrations.
   * **Best For:** Scaling small warehouses that need enterprise-level features at a small-business price point.

### Quick Recommendation:
* Choose **Sortly** if you want the easiest setup today.
* Choose **Zoho Inventory** if you sell online across multiple channels.
* Choose **inFlow** if you need strong built-in barcode picking and location tracking.


What software should a growing D2C brand use for order and inventory management?

For a growing D2C brand, the right software depends on your volume, sales channels, and whether you manufacture your own products. Here are the top recommendations categorized by brand needs:

### 1. Best Overall for Multi-Channel Growth: **Cin7**
* **Best for:** Brands selling across Shopify, Amazon, wholesale (B2B), and retail marketplace apps.
* **Why:** Excellent multi-channel sync, automated order routing, automated PO generation, and strong integrations with major D2C tech stacks and 3PLs.

### 2. Best "ERP-Lite" for Fast Scaling: **Fulfil.io**
* **Best for:** High-growth D2C brands ($5M–$50M+ ARR) that have outgrown basic plugins but aren't ready for a heavy enterprise ERP like NetSuite.
* **Why:** Handles complex order management, multi-warehouse inventory, purchasing, and financial accounting in a single modern interface.

### 3. Best for High Order Volumes & Multi-Warehouse: **Extensiv (formerly Skubana)**
* **Best for:** Brands processing thousands of orders per month using multiple 3PLs or fulfillment centers.
* **Why:** Unmatched automation rules for order routing, inventory allocation, and preventing overselling.

### 4. Best if You Manufacture or Assemble In-House: **Katana**
* **Best for:** D2C brands that buy raw materials, assemble products, or create custom bundles.
* **Why:** Live inventory tracking for finished goods and raw materials, shop-floor management, and master production scheduling.

---

### **Quick Recommendation Rule of Thumb:**
* **Under $1M Revenue:** Stick with **Shopify's native tools** paired with **ShipStation** (shipping) and **Inventory Planner** (forecasting).
* **$1M–$10M Revenue:** Go with **Cin7** (or **Katana** if manufacturing).
* **$10M+ Revenue:** Transition to **Fulfil.io** or **Extensiv**.


Best inventory management software with barcode scanning support

Here are the best inventory management software options with barcode scanning support, categorized by business need:

1. **Zoho Inventory** *(Best Overall for Small–Mid Businesses)*
   * **Key Features:** Uses mobile devices or hardware scanners, multi-channel sales tracking, automated order management, generous free plan available.

2. **Sortly** *(Easiest to Use / Best Visual Tracking)*
   * **Key Features:** Turns smartphone cameras into barcode/QR code scanners, simple visual layout, custom barcode generation, minimal setup required.

3. **Fishbowl Inventory** *(Best for QuickBooks Users)*
   * **Key Features:** Deep QuickBooks integration, advanced warehouse management, asset tracking, robust dedicated barcode hardware/mobile app support.

4. **Katana** *(Best for Manufacturing & D2C Brands)*
   * **Key Features:** Mobile barcode scanning for raw materials and finished goods, shop floor control, real-time master production planning.

5. **Cin7** *(Best for Enterprise & High-Volume Multi-Channel)*
   * **Key Features:** Built-in mobile barcode scanning app, extensive POS/eCommerce integrations, automated B2B portal, batch/lot tracking.

**Quick Recommendation:**
* Choose **Sortly** for simple internal asset or stock tracking.
* Choose **Zoho Inventory** for affordable e-commerce multi-channel selling.
* Choose **Fishbowl** if you rely heavily on QuickBooks.


What is the best software for managing stock across multiple warehouses?

The "best" inventory management software depends on your business size, budget, and industry, but the top options for multi-warehouse management include:

### **Top Overall Recommendations**
1. **NetSuite (Oracle)** – *Best for Enterprise & Large Businesses*
   * **Why:** Advanced ERP capabilities, real-time global tracking, automated transfer orders, and complex supply chain workflows.
2. **Cin7 (Core / Omni)** – *Best for Growing E-commerce & Wholesale*
   * **Why:** Excellent multi-channel sales integration, real-time multi-location tracking, automated order routing, and Built-in POS/3PL connectivity.
3. **Zoho Inventory** – *Best for Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs)*
   * **Why:** Affordable, easy to set up, supports multi-warehouse management, barcode scanning, and integrates well with major e-commerce platforms.
4. **Fishbowl Inventory** – *Best for Manufacturing & QuickBooks Users*
   * **Why:** Deep integration with QuickBooks, robust asset tracking across multiple locations, and strong manufacturing capabilities.
5. **Katana** – *Best for D2C Brands & Direct Manufacturers*
   * **Why:** Visual interface for managing raw materials and finished goods across multiple sites in real time.

---

### **Summary Recommendation**
* **Small Business / Startup:** Start with **Zoho Inventory**.
* **E-commerce / Retail (Mid-Market):** Choose **Cin7**.
* **Large / Enterprise Business:** Go with **Oracle NetSuite**.


Simple inventory control software for a 10-person boutique

Here are the three best simple inventory control options for a 10-person boutique, depending on your primary need:

### 1. **Square for Retail** *(Best Overall / All-in-One)*
* **Best for:** An easy-to-use Point of Sale (POS) with built-in inventory tracking.
* **Key Features:** Barcode scanning, size/color variant tracking, auto-reorder alerts, vendor management, and employee permissions.
* **Pricing:** Free plan available; Plus plan is $60/month per location.

### 2. **Shopify POS** *(Best for In-Store + Online Sales)*
* **Best for:** Boutiques selling both in-person and through an e-commerce website.
* **Key Features:** Real-time stock sync between store and website, purchase orders, detailed inventory reporting, and staff account management.
* **Pricing:** Starts at $39/month (Basic plan + POS Lite included).

### 3. **Sortly** *(Best for Standalone Inventory Tracking)*
* **Best for:** Tracking inventory only (if you already have a checkout/payment system you like).
* **Key Features:** Ultra-simple visual layout, mobile app with built-in barcode/QR scanner, stock alerts, and multi-user access.
* **Pricing:** Advanced plan starts at $49/month.

### Recommendation:
* Choose **Square** if you need a simple, physical checkout counter today.
* Choose **Shopify** if online sales are a major focus.
* Choose **Sortly** if you just want to track stock on a smartphone/tablet without changing your checkout process.


We need inventory software that tracks raw materials and finished goods for assembly.

Here are the top inventory software options tailored for tracking raw materials, assembly (Bills of Materials), and finished goods, based on business size and needs:

### **Best Overall for SMB Manufacturers**
*   **Katana Cloud Manufacturing:** Modern, visual, and user-friendly. Automatically allocates raw materials to production orders, tracks multi-level Bills of Materials (BOMs), and syncs with QuickBooks/Xero and e-commerce platforms.

### **Best Value / Budget MRP**
*   **MRPeasy:** A cost-effective MRP system designed for small manufacturers (1–200 employees). Offers robust BOM management, shop floor control, lot/serial tracking, and raw material planning.

### **Best for QuickBooks Integration**
*   **Fishbowl Inventory:** Excellent if you already use QuickBooks Desktop or Online. Handles complex manufacturing, multi-level assemblies, work orders, and barcoding.

### **Best Low-Cost / Simple Assembly**
*   **Zoho Inventory:** Ideal for small businesses needing basic assembly (kitting) functionality. Very affordable and integrates well if you already use the Zoho ecosystem.

### **Best Open-Source / Modular**
*   **Odoo Manufacturing:** A fully customizable, integrated suite. Starts simple with Inventory and Manufacturing apps and scales up to a full ERP as you grow.

---

### **Key Feature Checklist**
When choosing, ensure the tier you select includes:
1.  **Bill of Materials (BOM):** Defines the raw materials needed for each finished product.
2.  **Work Orders / Production Orders:** Deducts raw materials from inventory and adds finished goods upon completion.
3.  **Kitting / Assembly Tracking:** Tracks multi-stage or partial builds.


Best low cost inventory management app for small business

The best low-cost inventory management app depends on your business type. Here are the top options:

1. **Zoho Inventory (Best Overall Value)**
   * **Cost:** **Free** (up to 50 orders/month); paid plans start at **$29/month**.
   * **Best for:** E-commerce and multi-channel sellers (syncs with Shopify, Amazon, eBay, etc.). Includes batch tracking and order management.

2. **Sortly (Best for Simplicity & Visual Tracking)**
   * **Cost:** **Free** (1 user, up to 100 items); paid plans start at **$29/month**.
   * **Best for:** Businesses needing quick, visual stock tracking. Uses photos, custom tags, and smartphone camera barcode scanning.

3. **Square for Retail (Best for Brick-and-Mortar)**
   * **Cost:** **Free** (pay only processing fees); Plus plan is **$60/month per location**.
   * **Best for:** Physical retail stores needing a combined Point of Sale (POS) and inventory system with auto-stock updates.

4. **Stocky (Best for Shopify Users)**
   * **Cost:** **Free** with a Shopify POS Pro subscription.
   * **Best for:** Existing Shopify merchants who need demand forecasting, purchase orders, and stock dumps.

**Quick Recommendation:**
* Choose **Zoho Inventory** if you sell online across multiple platforms.
* Choose **Sortly** if you just need an easy way to organize stock using your phone.
* Choose **Square** if you run a physical shop.


What stock tracking software should a food and beverage distributor buy?

The best stock tracking software for a food and beverage distributor depends on your company's size, but it **must** support FEFO (First Expired, First Out) inventory management, lot/batch tracking for recall readiness, and catch weight management.

Here are the top recommendations by business size:

### 1. Small to Mid-Sized Distributors
*   **Cin7 Core (formerly DEAR Systems):** Excellent, affordable cloud software. Features robust batch/lot tracking, expiration date management, and built-in B2B portal for customer ordering. Integrates easily with QuickBooks and Xero.
*   **Fishbowl Inventory:** Ideal if you rely heavily on **QuickBooks**. Offers advanced warehouse management, barcode scanning, lot tracking, and multi-location tracking.

### 2. Mid-Market & Specialized Food Distributors
*   **Wherefour:** Built specifically for food and beverage. Excellent for lot traceability, compliance, yield tracking, and audit readiness.
*   **ParityFactory:** A dedicated food inventory and WMS (Warehouse Management System) software that integrates with existing accounting tools. Strongest for catch weight, real-time factory floor tracking, and food safety compliance.

### 3. Enterprise / Large-Scale Distributors
*   **Oracle NetSuite (Food & Beverage Edition):** A complete cloud ERP. Highly scalable, covering complex supply chains, demand forecasting, multi-zone temperature tracking, and global compliance.
*   **Infor CloudSuite Food & Beverage:** Industry-specific ERP designed for high-volume distributors needing deep route accounting, catch-weight processing, and enterprise supply chain management.

---

### **Key Features to Ensure You Get:**
*   **FEFO / Expiration Tracking:** Automatically prompts pickers to select the oldest inventory.
*   **End-to-End Lot Traceability:** Enables one-click recall reporting (one step back, one step forward).
*   **Catch Weight Support:** Allows selling products billed by weight (e.g., meat, cheese) rather than strictly by unit.


Recommend a batch and lot tracking inventory software for cosmetics brand.

Here are the top batch and lot-tracking inventory software recommendations tailored for cosmetics brands, categorized by business size and needs:

### 1. Top Overall Choice: **Katana Cloud Manufacturing**
* **Best for:** Small to mid-sized cosmetics brands that formulate and manufacture in-house or use contract manufacturers.
* **Why it’s great for cosmetics:**
  * **End-to-End Traceability:** Tracks raw ingredients and finished goods from purchase order to final sale.
  * **Expirations & FEFO:** Supports First-Expired-First-Out (FEFO) picking to prevent product waste.
  * **Recipe/BOM Management:** Easily handles complex cosmetic formulations, multi-level Bills of Materials (BOMs), and unit conversions.
  * **Integrations:** Connects seamlessly with Shopify, WooCommerce, QuickBooks Online, and Xero.

---

### 2. Best for Multichannel E-Commerce: **Cin7 Core (formerly DEAR Systems)**
* **Best for:** Growing brands selling across multiple channels (e.g., Shopify, Amazon, wholesale, retail).
* **Why it’s great for cosmetics:**
  * Deep batch and lot tracking with automated serial/expiration date assignment.
  * Built-in B2B portal for wholesale buyers.
  * Advanced regulatory compliance reporting and recall management tools.

---

### 3. Best for QuickBooks Users: **SOS Inventory**
* **Best for:** Budget-conscious brands strictly tied to the QuickBooks Online ecosystem.
* **Why it’s great for cosmetics:**
  * Affordably adds full batch, lot, and expiry date tracking directly into QuickBooks.
  * Tracks serial numbers, costs per batch, and multi-location inventory.

---

### 4. Best Enterprise Solution: **NetSuite ERP**
* **Best for:** Large, enterprise-scale cosmetics brands with strict FDA/GMP compliance needs.
* **Why it’s great for cosmetics:**
  * Comprehensive quality control (QC) workflows, audit trails, and mock recall automation.
  * Handles complex international supply chains and multi-warehouse logistics.

---

### Key Features to Ensure You Have Enabled:
* **FEFO Inventory Rotation:** Ensures older batches are shipped first.
* **Mock Recall Capability:** Allows you to isolate a contaminated ingredient or batch in seconds.
* **Certificates of Analysis (CoA) Tracking:** Stores quality compliance documents alongside specific lot numbers.


Best inventory management software for multichannel sellers

The best inventory management software depends on your business size and specific sales channels. Here are the top options categorized by business needs:

*   **Best Overall for Growing Businesses: Cin7**
    *   *Best for:* Mid-sized to large sellers needing deep multi-channel sync.
    *   *Key Features:* Connects marketplaces (Amazon, eBay), e-commerce platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce), physical POS systems, B2B portals, and 3PLs in real time.

*   **Best Budget / Free Option: Veeqo**
    *   *Best for:* Small to mid-sized sellers looking to cut software costs.
    *   *Key Features:* Owned by Amazon, it is completely free to use. It handles real-time inventory sync across Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Shopify, and offers deeply discounted shipping labels.

*   **Best for Small to Mid-Sized Businesses (SMBs): Zoho Inventory**
    *   *Best for:* Businesses looking for affordable, scalable inventory automation.
    *   *Key Features:* Strong multi-channel capabilities, automated order fulfillment, end-to-end tracking, and a generous free tier for low-volume sellers.

*   **Best for High-Volume / Enterprise Sellers: Extensiv (formerly Skubana)**
    *   *Best for:* Complex, multi-warehouse operations with high daily order volumes.
    *   *Key Features:* Advanced predictive analytics, automated cross-channel order routing, and deep integration with 3PL networks.

*   **Best for Beginners & Simplicity: Sellbrite**
    *   *Best for:* Small brands expanding from a single store to multiple marketplaces.
    *   *Key Features:* Simple setup, intuitive interface, and seamless inventory syncing between platforms like Shopify, Etsy, Amazon, and Walmart.

---

### **Quick Recommendation:**
*   **On a budget?** Pick **Veeqo**.
*   **Need B2B, retail POS, and online marketplace integration?** Pick **Cin7**.
*   **High volume with multiple warehouses?** Pick **Extensiv**.


We are losing track of stock in our stockroom. What software should we implement?

To choose the right inventory management software, select the option that best matches your business size and operational complexity:

### **1. Best for Small Businesses & Simplicity**
*   **Sortly:** Extremely user-friendly and visual. Uses smartphones/tablets for barcode/QR code scanning. Best for simple stockrooms with minimal technical setup required.
*   **Zoho Inventory:** Affordable, handles multi-channel sales, and integrates well with standard accounting tools.

### **2. Best for Growing / Mid-Sized Warehouses**
*   **Cin7 (Omni or Core):** Ideal if you sell across multiple channels (retail, wholesale, e-commerce) and need automation for stock levels and purchase orders.
*   **Fishbowl:** Best if you already use QuickBooks and need advanced inventory tracking, pick/pack/ship workflows, and serial number tracking.

### **3. Best for Manufacturing & Assembly**
*   **Katana:** Designed for businesses that convert raw materials into finished goods and need real-time master production scheduling along with inventory tracking.

### **4. Best for Large / Enterprise Businesses**
*   **Oracle NetSuite ERP:** A full enterprise resource planning system with robust Warehouse Management System (WMS) capabilities for complex, high-volume operations.

---

### **Immediate Recommendation:**
If you need a fast, low-cost fix to stop losing track of items today, start a trial with **Sortly**. If you need software that connects directly to your sales channels and accounting, go with **Cin7** or **Zoho Inventory**.


What is the easiest inventory control system for non-technical retail staff?

The easiest inventory control system for non-technical retail staff is **Square for Retail**.

It is widely considered the most user-friendly because:
* **Intuitive Interface:** Works on iPads/tablets with a simple touchscreen visual layout that requires virtually no training.
* **All-in-One POS Integration:** Automatically updates inventory in real time as items are scanned and sold at checkout.
* **Simple Barcode & Labeling:** Staff can quickly scan barcodes using a tablet camera or standard handheld scanner.

**Alternative (for standalone inventory without a POS):**
* **Sortly:** A visual, mobile app-based system that allows staff to track inventory by simply taking photos, scanning QR/barcodes with a smartphone, and updating counts with a tap.


Best stock management software for apparel and clothing brand with matrix variants

Here are the top stock management software options for apparel and clothing brands, categorized by business size and primary needs:

### 1. Best Dedicated Fashion ERP: **ApparelMagic**
* **Best for:** Growing to enterprise-level apparel brands.
* **Why it fits:** Built specifically for the garment industry. It features native matrix grid ordering (Size x Color x Style), B2B wholesale portals, bill of materials (BOM) for production, and direct integrations with Shopify and WooCommerce.

### 2. Best for Multi-Channel E-Commerce: **Cin7 (Omni or Core)**
* **Best for:** Mid-sized brands selling across multiple channels (Shopify, Amazon, Wholesale, POS).
* **Why it fits:** Robust variant matrix capabilities for tracking complex SKUs (Color/Size/Fit). Excellent for automated reordering, multi-warehouse tracking, and deep e-commerce sync.

### 3. Best for Brands That Manufacture In-House: **Katana Cloud Inventory**
* **Best for:** Direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands that manage their own sewing, printing, or assembly.
* **Why it fits:** Supports product variants seamlessly, tracks raw materials (fabric, trims, buttons) against finished goods, and provides real-time shop floor visual management.

### 4. Best Budget / Small Brand Option: **Zoho Inventory**
* **Best for:** Emerging brands or startups on a tight budget.
* **Why it fits:** Extremely affordable with a solid "Item Grouping" feature that handles matrix variants (Size/Color/Material). Integrates well with Shopify, Etsy, and Zoho Books.

---

### **Quick Recommendation:**
* Pick **ApparelMagic** if you want an all-in-one system designed strictly for fashion and wholesale.
* Pick **Cin7** if you focus primarily on multi-channel e-commerce integration.
* Pick **Katana** if you need to track raw materials and manufacturing processes.


Software to manage purchase orders and supplier inventory for small business

Here are the top software options for managing purchase orders and supplier inventory, categorized by business type:

### **1. Dedicated Inventory & Purchase Order Software**
*   **Zoho Inventory** *(Best Overall / Budget-Friendly)*
    *   **Highlights:** Free tier available, automated purchase order creation, low-stock alerts, vendor management, and multi-channel sales integration (Shopify, Amazon, Etsy).
    *   **Ideal for:** Small retail, e-commerce, and general SMBs.
*   **inFlow Inventory** *(Best for B2B & Wholesale)*
    *   **Highlights:** Robust PO tracking, automated vendor reorder points, barcode scanning, stock room management, and custom B2B portals.
    *   **Ideal for:** Wholesalers, distributors, and physical product sellers.
*   **Katana** *(Best for Small Manufacturers & D2C)*
    *   **Highlights:** Real-time inventory tracking for both finished goods and raw materials, automatic purchase order generation based on material needs, and shop floor management.
    *   **Ideal for:** Businesses that assemble or manufacture their own products.
*   **Cin7 Core (formerly DEAR Systems)** *(Best for Scale)*
    *   **Highlights:** Advanced purchase workflows, automated supplier restock rules, multi-warehouse support, and deep integrations with accounting and e-commerce platforms.
    *   **Ideal for:** Fast-growing businesses needing advanced inventory logic.

---

### **2. Accounting Software with Built-in PO & Inventory Features**
If you want to keep inventory and financial reporting in one place without extra software:

*   **QuickBooks Online (Plus or Advanced plans)**
    *   Creates purchase orders, tracks vendor bills, sets stock alerts, and automatically converts POs into bills upon receiving goods.
*   **Xero (Growing plan)**
    *   Simple purchase order management, vendor tracking, and basic inventory management integrated directly with your bookkeeping.

---

### **Key Features to Look For:**
*   **Automated Reorder Points:** Triggers a PO draft automatically when stock falls below a set threshold.
*   **Supplier Catalogs:** Stores vendor pricing, lead times, and SKU numbers for quick PO generation.
*   **Partial Receiving:** Allows tracking when a vendor ships an order in multiple installments.


What inventory management platform is best for multi-channel e-commerce sellers?

**Cin7** (Omni or Core) is widely considered the best overall inventory management platform for multi-channel e-commerce sellers. It offers robust real-time inventory syncing across major marketplaces (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce), along with built-in B2B, EDI, and order management features.

Depending on your specific size and needs, top alternatives include:

* **Best for Small-to-Medium Businesses:** **Sellbrite** (affordable, user-friendly, great for basic multichannel listing and inventory sync).
* **Best for High-Volume/Enterprise:** **Extensiv** (formerly Skubana) (advanced automation, deep analytics, and complex fulfillment handling).
* **Best on a Budget:** **Zoho Inventory** (great free plan and affordable tiers, especially if using other Zoho tools).
* **Best for Sellers Who Manufacture:** **Katana** (tracks raw materials, production, and finished goods alongside multi-channel sales).


Top inventory control platforms for small electronics manufacturer

Here are the top inventory control platforms for a small electronics manufacturer, chosen for their ability to handle multi-level Bills of Materials (BOM), serial/lot tracking, and production workflows:

1. **Katana Cloud Manufacturing**
   * **Best For:** Overall ease of use and modern visual shop floor management.
   * **Key Features:** Real-time inventory and production master planning, multi-level BOMs, end-to-end traceability (serial/lot numbers), and seamless integration with QuickBooks, Xero, and Shopify.

2. **MRPeasy**
   * **Best For:** Technical manufacturing requirements on a small-business budget.
   * **Key Features:** Robust MRP and ERP functionality, precise serial number and batch tracking, component requirement forecasting, contract manufacturing support, and affordable pricing tiers.

3. **Cin7 Core (formerly DEAR Systems)**
   * **Best For:** Multi-channel sales combined with light electronics assembly.
   * **Key Features:** Advanced inventory control, serial number tracking for warranty/returns management, automated purchase orders, and integration with e-commerce and accounting tools.

4. **Fishbowl Manufacturing**
   * **Best For:** Businesses deeply reliant on QuickBooks.
   * **Key Features:** Native, deep integration with QuickBooks Desktop/Online, detailed work orders, component tracking, barcoding, and asset management.

5. **Unleashed Software**
   * **Best For:** Strict component traceability and supplier management.
   * **Key Features:** Granular serial and batch tracking (essential for electronics compliance/recalls), real-time margin tracking, kitting, and multi-warehouse management.

### Key Selection Criteria for Electronics:
For electronics assembly, prioritize **MRPeasy** or **Katana** if you need strong, out-of-the-box serial number tracking (for warranty management) and automated component reordering.


We need automated reorder points and low stock alerts. What software should we get?

The best software depends on your business size and sales channels. Here are the top recommendations based on common use cases:

### 1. Best Overall for Small to Mid-Sized Businesses
* **Zoho Inventory:** Best for budget-conscious SMBs. Offers simple automated reorder points, low-stock email alerts, and multi-channel syncing.
* **Cin7 Core (formerly DEAR):** Best for growing e-commerce and wholesale businesses. Excellent multi-channel integration, automated purchase order generation, and real-time inventory tracking.

### 2. Best for E-Commerce & Advanced Demand Forecasting
* **Inventory Planner (by Shopify):** Plugs into Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce, etc. It automatically calculates dynamic reorder points based on sales velocity, lead times, and seasonality, then creates POs with one click.

### 3. Best for Manufacturers & D2C Brands
* **Katana Cloud Manufacturing:** Automatically tracks raw materials and finished goods, triggers low-stock alerts, and auto-calculates reorder points for both components and end-products.

### 4. Best for Large Enterprises
* **NetSuite ERP:** Full-scale enterprise software with advanced supply chain automation, dynamic safety stock calculations, and automated multi-location purchasing workflows.

---

### How to Choose Quickly:
* **If you just want simple alerts on a budget:** Go with **Zoho Inventory**.
* **If you sell on Shopify/Amazon and need smart forecasting:** Go with **Inventory Planner**.
* **If you make or assemble your own products:** Go with **Katana**.


Best inventory management software for a 50-person company

The "best" inventory management software for a 50-person company depends on your business model (e.g., retail, manufacturing, or wholesale). Here are the top options tailored for mid-sized operations:

1. **Cin7 (Core or Omni)** – *Best Overall for Retail, E-Commerce & Wholesale*
   * **Why:** Excellent multichannel sync (Shopify, Amazon, B2B), automated order management, and strong warehouse integration. Scales exceptionally well for 50+ employees.

2. **Katana** – *Best for Manufacturing & D2C Brands*
   * **Why:** Specifically built for tracking raw materials, batch numbers, master production schedules, and shop floor operations in real time.

3. **Fishbowl Inventory** – *Best for QuickBooks Users*
   * **Why:** Advanced warehouse management software (barcoding, asset tracking, manufacturing) that deeply integrates with QuickBooks Desktop and Online.

4. **Zoho Inventory** – *Best Value / Easy Implementation*
   * **Why:** Cost-effective and user-friendly with strong multi-channel management, shipping integrations, and custom workflows. Part of the broader Zoho ecosystem.

5. **NetSuite** – *Best Enterprise ERP (If Scaling Rapidly)*
   * **Why:** A full Cloud ERP system that combines inventory, financials, CRM, and supply chain. Best if you are outgrowing standalone inventory software and want an all-in-one platform.

---

### **Quick Recommendation:**
* If you **sell online/wholesale**: Go with **Cin7**.
* If you **make/assemble products**: Go with **Katana**.
* If you **already rely heavily on QuickBooks**: Go with **Fishbowl**.


What software do small medical supply distributors use for inventory tracking?

Small medical supply distributors typically use specialized inventory management software or small-to-midsize business (SMB) ERPs that support strict regulatory requirements, such as **lot tracking, expiration date tracking, and FDA/UDI compliance**.

Here are the most common software options used:

### 1. Specialized Medical Distribution ERPs
* **Blue Link ERP:** Specifically designed for pharmaceutical and medical device distributors. Features built-in lot tracking, FDA compliance management, and serial number tracking.
* **Acctivate:** A popular inventory management tool for small-to-midsize distributors. Integrates with QuickBooks and excels at lot/batch tracking, expiration dates, and traceability.

### 2. General SMB Inventory Management Software
* **Fishbowl Inventory:** Widely used by small distributors. Offers lot and serial number tracking, barcode scanning, and deep integration with QuickBooks and Xero.
* **inFlow Inventory:** A user-friendly, cost-effective choice for smaller operations needing basic lot tracking, barcode management, and simple reorder points.
* **OrderTime Inventory:** Ideal for small distributors managing orders and inventory across multiple locations, with strong lot/serial tracking features.

### 3. Scalable SMB ERP Systems
* **SAP Business One:** Used by growing small-to-midsize medical distributors needing advanced inventory controls, regulatory compliance modules, and multi-warehouse management.
* **NetSuite:** Cloud-based ERP suitable for scaling distributors needing real-time inventory visibility, trace-ability, and automated order processing.

**Key Features Distributors Look For:**
* Lot, serial, and batch tracking (for recall management)
* Expiration date tracking and FEFO (First Expired, First Out) picking
* UDI (Unique Device Identification) and FDA compliance support
* Integration with accounting software (like QuickBooks)


Recommend cloud-based inventory control software for light manufacturing.

Here are the top cloud-based inventory control software options tailored for light manufacturing:

1. **Katana Cloud Manufacturing** (Best Overall)
   * **Why it’s great:** Purpose-built for modern light manufacturers. It features visual production scheduling, live inventory tracking, multi-level Bills of Materials (BOMs), and seamless integrations with Shopify, QuickBooks, and Xero.

2. **MRPeasy** (Best for Full MRP Features on a Budget)
   * **Why it’s great:** Highly affordable for small-to-medium businesses. It offers comprehensive material requirements planning (MRP), Work-in-Progress (WIP) tracking, shop-floor reporting, and accurate cost estimation.

3. **Cin7 Core** *(formerly DEAR Systems)* (Best for Multi-Channel Sales)
   * **Why it’s great:** Combines powerful light manufacturing/assembly features with deep retail and wholesale channel management. Great for tracking multi-stage assembly and lot/batch numbers.

4. **Unleashed Software** (Best for Kitting & Assembly)
   * **Why it’s great:** Focuses heavily on precise raw material control, BOM management, and margin tracking. Ideal for businesses doing simple assembly, batch tracking, and multi-warehouse operations.

5. **Fishbowl Online** (Best for QuickBooks Integration)
   * **Why it’s great:** A cloud version of the popular inventory system designed specifically to bridge the gap between complex light manufacturing workflows (work orders, BOMs, yield management) and QuickBooks.

**Recommendation:** If you want modern usability and fast setup, go with **Katana**. If you need deeper MRP planning at a low cost, choose **MRPeasy**.


Best inventory tracking system for small business with multiple web stores

Here are the best inventory tracking systems for a small business running multiple web stores, depending on your primary need:

### 1. **Best Overall: Zoho Inventory**
* **Why it’s best:** Highly affordable, easy to use, and offers seamless, real-time multi-channel synchronization across major platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, eBay, BigCommerce, Etsy).
* **Key Features:** Multi-channel listing, batch/serial tracking, shipping carrier integrations, and a generous free tier for small order volumes.

### 2. **Best for Simple, Real-Time Stock Syncing: Trunk Inventory**
* **Why it’s best:** If you just need your stock levels to automatically update across all your stores instantly when a sale happens, Trunk is the simplest and most reliable tool.
* **Key Features:** Real-time stock syncing across Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, eBay, Squarespace, and Amazon with virtually no setup complexity.

### 3. **Best if You Make/Assemble Products: Katana**
* **Why it’s best:** Designed specifically for small businesses that manufacture, assemble, or kitting products before selling them across multiple stores.
* **Key Features:** Master inventory management, raw material tracking, visual production planning, and direct integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce.

### 4. **Best for Scaling Businesses: Cin7 Core (formerly DEAR)**
* **Why it’s best:** Powerful software if you are scaling quickly and need advanced automation, B2B wholesale ordering alongside your retail web stores, or multi-warehouse tracking.
* **Key Features:** Comprehensive multi-channel inventory, POS integration, advanced reporting, and automation workflows.

---

### **Recommendation Summary:**
* Go with **Trunk** if you just want simple, reliable multi-store stock syncing on a tight budget.
* Go with **Zoho Inventory** if you need a complete inventory system with shipping, invoicing, and multi-channel management.


How should a small business replace spreadsheet inventory tracking?

To replace spreadsheet inventory tracking, a small business should transition to dedicated **Inventory Management Software (IMS)** by following these step-by-step actions:

### 1. Clean Your Existing Data
Before moving away from your spreadsheet, ensure your current data is accurate:
* Perform a physical inventory count.
* Standardize product names, descriptions, and categories.
* Assign unique **SKUs** (Stock Keeping Units) and barcodes to every item.

### 2. Identify Your Specific Needs
Determine the essential features required for your business model:
* **E-commerce/Retail:** Automated syncing across sales channels (e.g., Shopify, Amazon, POS).
* **Manufacturing/BOM:** Tracking raw materials, assemblies, and finished goods.
* **Wholesale/B2B:** Batch tracking, purchase orders, and supplier management.

### 3. Choose the Right Inventory Software
Select software tailored to small businesses that offers room to grow:
* **Best for Simple Tracking:** *Sortly* (easy visual tracking, quick setup).
* **Best for E-Commerce & Multi-Channel:** *Zoho Inventory* or *Katana* (for direct-to-consumer and SMBs).
* **Best for Integrated POS/Sales:** Built-in tools like *Shopify*, *Square*, or *QuickBooks Online* (if you already use them).

### 4. Integrate Hardware (If Applicable)
* Buy inexpensive Bluetooth or USB **barcode scanners**.
* Get a **thermal label printer** (e.g., Dymo or Zebra) to tag incoming stock quickly.

### 5. Import Data and Connect Sales Channels
* Export your cleaned spreadsheet into a **CSV file** and import it into the new software.
* Integrate the software with your existing tools (accounting software, payment processors, e-commerce store).

### 6. Set Up Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) & Train Staff
* Define strict processes for receiving new stock, fulfilling orders, and handling returns.
* Train employees to log every inventory movement immediately using the software (or mobile app) instead of writing it down.
* Schedule regular **cycle counts** (small, frequent physical audits) to maintain accuracy.


Best software for real time stock synchronization across online marketplace channels

The best software depends on your business size and operational complexity:

* **Linnworks** *(Best Overall)* – The industry standard for high-volume sellers. Offers robust, real-time inventory sync and deep automation across major global marketplaces (Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Shopify, etc.).
* **Sellbrite** *(Best for Small-to-Mid Businesses)* – Extremely user-friendly and affordable. Automatically updates stock levels across channels in near-real-time to prevent overselling.
* **Cin7** *(Best for Growing Brands & Wholesale)* – Ideal if you manage both multi-channel e-commerce (D2C) and B2B/wholesale inventory alongside manufacturing or warehousing.
* **ChannelEngine** *(Best for Enterprise/Global Brands)* – Designed for enterprise-level sellers managing hundreds of international marketplaces from a single dashboard.
* **Zoho Inventory** *(Best Budget Option)* – A cost-effective solution for small businesses looking for basic multi-channel stock sync and order tracking.

**Quick Recommendation:** Choose **Sellbrite** for quick setup and ease of use, or **Linnworks** for high-volume sales and complex multi-warehouse setups.


What stock management software is best for high volume e-commerce?

The "best" software depends on your specific infrastructure, but these are the top industry-standard inventory management systems for high-volume e-commerce:

1. **Oracle NetSuite:** Best for enterprise-level operations needing a full ERP that handles massive order volumes, complex supply chains, and global multi-currency sales.
2. **Extensiv (formerly Skubana):** Best for high-volume, multi-channel DTC brands needing advanced automation for order routing, profitability tracking, and demand forecasting.
3. **Linnworks:** Best for high-volume marketplace sellers (Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Shopify) requiring deep multi-channel sync and automated inventory allocation.
4. **Cin7 Omni:** Best for fast-growing brands balancing high-volume D2C e-commerce with B2B/wholesale channels.
5. **Logiwa WMS:** Best for high-volume DTC brands operating their own warehouses that require advanced warehouse management system (WMS) features alongside inventory tracking.

**Quick Recommendation:**
* Choose **Extensiv** or **Linnworks** if you are a pure-play multi-channel e-commerce brand.
* Choose **Oracle NetSuite** if you have outgrown standalone inventory tools and need an enterprise ERP.


Best inventory software with kitting and bundling support

Here are the best inventory management software options with strong kitting and bundling support, categorized by business need:

### 1. Best Overall for E-Commerce & Multichannel: **Cin7 (Omni or Core)**
* **Why it’s great:** Automatically breaks down bundles/kits into individual components for stock tracking across multiple sales channels (Shopify, Amazon, Walmart) in real-time. Supports both static bundles and custom dynamic assembly.
* **Best for:** Growing e-commerce and wholesale businesses selling across multiple platforms.

### 2. Best for Small-to-Mid Businesses & Value: **Zoho Inventory**
* **Why it’s great:** Uses a feature called "Composite Items" to create kits and bundles easily. Automatically updates component inventory levels whenever a bundle is sold or assembled. Highly affordable with a generous free/low-cost tier.
* **Best for:** Small to mid-sized businesses looking for rich functionality on a budget.

### 3. Best for Manufacturing & Custom Assembly: **Katana Cloud Manufacturing**
* **Why it’s great:** Built specifically around Multi-Level Bills of Materials (BOMs). Excellent for complex kitting, light manufacturing, and custom product assembly, with real-time shop floor and stock tracking.
* **Best for:** Businesses that assemble or manufacture their kits in-house before selling.

### 4. Best for QuickBooks Users: **Fishbowl Inventory**
* **Why it’s great:** Offers advanced kitting, work orders, and manufacturing bill-of-materials features while syncing seamlessly with QuickBooks Online and Desktop.
* **Best for:** Established businesses relying heavily on QuickBooks for accounting.

### 5. Best for E-Commerce Shipping & Light Kitting: **Ordoro**
* **Why it’s great:** Combines inventory management with shipping discount tools. Allows you to easily link component SKUs to master bundle SKUs to prevent overselling.
* **Best for:** Direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands that focus heavily on fulfillment and simple bundling.

---

### **Quick Recommendation:**
* Choose **Zoho Inventory** if you want low cost and simplicity.
* Choose **Cin7** if you sell on multiple channels (Shopify, Amazon, B2B) and need automated inventory sync.
* Choose **Katana** if your kitting involves complex assembly or light manufacturing.


What software should an auto parts distributor use to track inventory?

An auto parts distributor should choose software tailored to industry-specific needs, such as managing fitment data (year/make/model), handling cross-referencing, and supporting ACES/PIES standards.

Here are the best options based on business size:

### 1. Dedicated Automotive Distribution Software (Best Overall)
* **Epicor Vision (or Epicor Eagle):** The gold standard for the automotive aftermarket. It includes built-in parts cataloging, fitment mapping, multi-location inventory, and supplier integration.
* **AutoPower:** Specialized for automotive and heavy-duty parts distributors, offering robust warehouse management, core tracking, and purchasing automation.

### 2. Mid-Market Inventory Software (Best for Small to Medium Distributors)
* **Fishbowl Inventory:** Excellent for SMBs needing advanced warehouse management (barcoding, lot tracking, bin locations) that integrates directly with QuickBooks.
* **Cin7:** A strong cloud-based option for multi-channel sales, offering real-time inventory tracking, warehouse management, and automated order fulfillment.

### 3. Enterprise ERP Systems (Best for Large/Scaling Distributors)
* **Oracle NetSuite:** A powerful, cloud-based ERP with strong supply chain tools, advanced inventory tracking, and custom fitment-database integration capabilities.
* **SAP Business One:** Ideal for growing enterprises needing strict inventory controls, demand forecasting, and complex bill-of-materials management.

**Key Feature Checklist:** Ensure whichever software you choose supports **fitment/application data**, **core return management**, and **interchange/cross-referencing**.


Simple stock control tool for small craft brewery inventory

Here are the best simple stock control options for a small craft brewery, depending on your budget and tech preference:

### 1. Dedicated Brewery Software (Best Choice)
*   **Breww:** User-friendly, cloud-based, and scales with your production. Tracks raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), finished goods, keg tracking, and alcohol duty.
*   **Beer30:** Highly visual and modular. Excellent for real-time tracking from grain to glass with minimal data entry effort.
*   **Ekos:** The industry standard for small-to-midsize craft breweries. Manages raw ingredients, packaging inventory, and sales sync (e.g., QuickBooks, Square).

### 2. General Inventory Apps (Simpler & Cheaper)
*   **Sortly:** A visual, mobile-first inventory app. Great for scanning barcodes on bags of malt, hop boxes, and packaging materials using a smartphone.
*   **Stock Controller:** A straightforward mobile/web tool for simple in/out tracking of raw materials and finished cases.

### 3. Free DIY Solution (Google Sheets / Excel)
If you prefer no monthly cost, build a spreadsheet with **4 core tabs**:
1.  **Raw Materials:** Malt (kg), Hops (g), Yeast (batches), Chemicals.
2.  **Packaging:** Cans/Bottles, Labels, Lids/Caps, Boxes, Empty Kegs.
3.  **Work in Progress (WIP):** Tank number, batch ID, volume, estimated completion date.
4.  **Finished Goods:** Cased beer, full kegs (categorized by core vs. seasonal).

### Recommendation:
*   **Zero budget:** Use a **Google Sheets** template.
*   **Low budget & visual:** Use **Sortly**.
*   **Best long-term efficiency:** Start a free trial with **Breww** or **Beer30**.


Best inventory management software for hardware store with 15,000 SKUs

For a hardware store with **15,000 SKUs**, you need software that handles large product catalogs, barcode scanning, purchase orders, vendor integrations (like Ace, True Value, or Do It Best), and fractional measurements.

Here are the top options categorized by your store's setup:

### 1. Best Overall (Industry Standard): **Paladin POS**
* **Why it fits:** Designed specifically for independent hardware stores and lumberyards. Easily handles 15,000+ SKUs without slowing down.
* **Key Features:** Automated ordering, vendor catalog integrations (EDI), special order tracking, flexible pricing matrices, and tool/equipment rental management.

### 2. Best for High-Volume / Multi-Location: **Epicor Eagle**
* **Why it fits:** The enterprise standard for medium-to-large hardware stores. Built to handle massive SKU counts and complex inventory logic.
* **Key Features:** Advanced inventory forecasting, real-time supplier catalog sync, robust loyalty programs, and strong backend accounting.

### 3. Best Hardware-Specific Alternative: **ECi RockSolid MAX**
* **Why it fits:** Tailored specifically for hardware stores and home centers, focusing on fast checkout and tight inventory control.
* **Key Features:** Document management, easy integration with major hardware distributors, and strong margin control tools.

### 4. Best Modern Cloud-Based Option: **Lightspeed Retail**
* **Why it fits:** Best if you want a modern, cloud-based POS with a sleek interface that can also sell online.
* **Key Features:** Easily handles matrix inventory (sizes, materials), built-in vendor catalogs, bulk import/editing for thousands of SKUs, and strong multi-store support.

---

### **Recommendation Summary:**
* Go with **Paladin** or **Epicor Eagle** if you belong to a hardware co-op (Ace, Do It Best, True Value) and need direct vendor catalog/EDI integration.
* Go with **Lightspeed Retail** if you want a modern, cloud-based system with integrated e-commerce capabilities.


Recommend inventory management software with serial number tracking.

Here are the top inventory management software options with robust serial number tracking, categorized by business need:

1. **Zoho Inventory** *(Best for Small to Mid-Sized Businesses & E-commerce)*
   * **Why it fits:** Affordable and easy to use; allows you to track individual serial numbers and batch numbers from purchase to sale across multiple channels.

2. **Katana Cloud Manufacturing** *(Best for Manufacturing & Assembly)*
   * **Why it fits:** Offers end-to-end serial number tracking for both raw materials and finished goods, making it ideal for tracking warranties and components.

3. **Fishbowl Inventory** *(Best for QuickBooks Users)*
   * **Why it fits:** Seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks while adding advanced inventory capabilities, including detailed serial number, barcode, and lot tracking.

4. **Cin7 Core** (formerly DEAR) *(Best for Multi-Channel Retailers)*
   * **Why it fits:** Tracks serial numbers across complex supply chains, multiple warehouses, and various point-of-sale (POS) systems automatically.

5. **Odoo Inventory** *(Best Modular / Open-Source Solution)*
   * **Why it fits:** Highly customizable app-based system with built-in barcode scanning and full serial number lifecycle tracking.

6. **NetSuite ERP** *(Best for Large Enterprises)*
   * **Why it fits:** Enterprise-grade platform offering end-to-end serial number traceability, compliance tracking, and global supply chain visibility.


What inventory software should a subscription box company buy?

The best inventory software for a subscription box company depends on your business stage, but it **must support kitting/assembly** (bundling individual products into a single box) and **integrate with subscription billing tools** (like Recharge, Bold, or Cratejoy).

Here are the top recommendations based on company size:

### 1. Best Overall for Growing Companies: **Cin7 Core** (formerly DEAR)
* **Why it’s great:** Excellent bill-of-materials (BOM) and kitting capabilities. It tracks component stock in real-time as boxes are assembled and integrates smoothly with Shopify, WooCommerce, Recharge, and ShipStation.
* **Best for:** Mid-sized subscription businesses scaling up operations.

### 2. Best for Visual Kitting & Assembly: **Katana**
* **Why it’s great:** Built specifically for assembly and manufacturing. It gives a clear visual view of whether you have enough raw components to fulfill your targeted box count for the month.
* **Best for:** Companies assembling custom or complex monthly boxes in-house.

### 3. Best All-in-One for Beginners/Startups: **Cratejoy**
* **Why it’s great:** An all-in-one platform designed specifically for subscription box businesses. It handles website hosting, subscription billing, and basic inventory/fulfillment in one place.
* **Best for:** New startups wanting a simple, low-tech setup.

### 4. Best for High-Volume / Enterprise: **Logiwa WMS**
* **Why it’s great:** A dedicated Warehouse Management System designed for high-volume DTC and subscription box fulfillment. It optimizes high-volume batch picking, packing, and warehouse staging.
* **Best for:** Large companies shipping tens of thousands of boxes monthly.

---

### Summary Recommendation:
* **Starting out:** Use **Cratejoy** OR **Shopify + Recharge + Inventory Planner**.
* **Scaling (1,000+ boxes/month):** Buy **Cin7 Core** or **Katana**.


Best mobile inventory management app for barcode scanning in a stockroom

The best overall mobile inventory management app for barcode scanning in a stockroom is **Sortly**.

### **Top Pick: Sortly** (iOS & Android)
* **Why it’s the best:** Extremely user-friendly and designed specifically for mobile devices. It uses your smartphone or tablet's camera to scan, generate, and look up barcodes/QR codes instantly without needing external hardware.
* **Key Features:** Visual folder organization, low-stock alerts, offline access, custom fields, and multi-user access with customizable permissions.
* **Best for:** Small to medium-sized stockrooms looking for a fast, intuitive system.

---

### **Best Alternatives for Specific Needs:**

* **Orca Scan (Best for simplicity & spreadsheets):** Fully customizable barcode app that turns scanned data directly into an Excel or Google Sheets file in real-time. Great if you want a flexible, hardware-free setup.
* **Zoho Inventory (Best for e-commerce):** Ideal if your stockroom connects to sales channels like Shopify, Amazon, or eBay. Includes strong batch/serial tracking and a solid mobile scanner.
* **Stock Tracker / Inventory Now (Best budget option for iOS):** Simple, straightforward apps for simple stock-in/stock-out tracking on iPhone/iPad.


We need software to track stock levels, purchase orders, and lead times. Any recommendations?

Here are the top recommendations categorized by business needs:

### **Small to Mid-Sized Businesses & E-commerce**
*   **Zoho Inventory:** Best overall for budget-friendly, simple inventory management. Excellent for tracking stock levels, automated reorder points, vendor lead times, and purchase orders.
*   **Cin7:** Best for multi-channel selling and wholesale. Offers advanced automation for purchase orders, stock forecasting based on vendor lead times, and broad platform integrations.
*   **Fishbowl Inventory:** Best for businesses using QuickBooks. Powerful warehouse management features, PO tracking, and lead-time reporting.

### **Manufacturing & D2C Brands**
*   **Katana Cloud Manufacturing:** Best if you assemble or manufacture products. Tracks raw materials, finished goods, purchase orders, and supplier lead times in real-time.

### **Mid-Market to Enterprise**
*   **NetSuite ERP:** A full enterprise resource planning tool. Best for scaling companies needing complex demand planning, automated PO generation, and advanced vendor lead-time analytics.

**Quick Recommendation:** Start with **Zoho Inventory** for simplicity and low cost, or **Katana** if you handle light manufacturing/assembly.


What is the best inventory management system for B2B wholesalers?

There is no single "best" system for every business, as the right choice depends on your company's size and complexity. However, the top-rated inventory management systems for B2B wholesalers are:

*   **Best Overall for Mid-Market Wholesalers: Cin7 (Core or Omni)**
    *   *Why:* Purpose-built for wholesale and multi-channel sales. Includes built-in B2B e-commerce portals, EDI integration for large retailers, customer-specific pricing tiers, and deep integrations with accounting software (QuickBooks/Xero).
*   **Best Enterprise Solution: Oracle NetSuite ERP**
    *   *Why:* The industry standard for large, complex wholesale enterprises needing full operational management (inventory, supply chain, CRM, and financial reporting) in one system.
*   **Best for Small-to-Midsize Wholesalers: inFlow Inventory**
    *   *Why:* User-friendly, cost-effective, and offers features tailored to wholesale, such as custom B2B showrooms, quote generation, order processing, and built-in barcode scanning.
*   **Best Budget Option: Zoho Inventory**
    *   *Why:* Excellent for smaller wholesalers or startups needing essential inventory tracking, multi-channel syncing, and automated workflows at a low price point.

**Recommendation:** Choose **Cin7** if you are a growing mid-sized business, **inFlow** if you are a small business looking for ease of use, or **NetSuite** if you are a large enterprise requiring an all-in-one ERP.


Best inventory software for small business under $200 a month

Here are the best inventory software options for small businesses under $200/month, categorized by business model:

### 1. Zoho Inventory (Best Overall & E-Commerce)
* **Price:** $29 to $129/month (Free tier available)
* **Best for:** E-commerce businesses selling across multiple channels (Shopify, Amazon, eBay, Etsy).
* **Key Features:** Multi-channel syncing, order management, shipping integrations, barcode scanning, and automation.

### 2. inFlow Inventory (Best for Wholesale & B2B)
* **Price:** Starts at $89/month (Entrepreneur Plan)
* **Best for:** Wholesalers, distributors, and light manufacturing.
* **Key Features:** B2B portal, purchasing, order fulfillment, barcode generation, and strong reporting.

### 3. Katana (Best for Small Manufacturers)
* **Price:** Starts at $99/month (Essential Plan)
* **Best for:** Businesses that craft, assemble, or manufacture products.
* **Key Features:** Visual production planning, raw material tracking, shop floor control, and batch/lot tracking.

### 4. Sortly (Best for Simple & Visual Asset Tracking)
* **Price:** $29 to $89/month
* **Best for:** Non-retail businesses, field services, construction, or simple stock management.
* **Key Features:** Photo-based inventory, mobile app barcode scanning, customizable fields, and low-stock alerts.

### 5. Square for Retail (Best for Brick-and-Mortar Retail)
* **Price:** Free plan available; **Plus plan** is $60/month per location.
* **Best for:** Physical retail stores needing an integrated Point-of-Sale (POS) and inventory system.
* **Key Features:** Cross-location inventory, vendor management, purchase orders, and profit margin reporting.

---

### Quick Recommendation:
* **Multi-channel e-commerce?** Go with **Zoho Inventory**.
* **B2B / Wholesale?** Go with **inFlow**.
* **Make your own products?** Go with **Katana**.
* **Brick-and-mortar store?** Go with **Square for Retail**.


Recommend inventory control tool for a small furniture maker managing wood inventory.

Here are the top inventory control tools for a small furniture maker, categorized by your specific operational needs:

### 1. Best Overall: **Katana Cloud Manufacturing**
* **Why it fits:** Built specifically for small manufacturers and custom makers. It tracks raw materials (hardwood, plywood) and automatically updates stock levels as you build finished furniture pieces using Bills of Materials (BOM).
* **Key Features:** Floor-level task tracking, purchase order management, unit-of-measure conversions, and integration with QuickBooks, Xero, and Shopify.

### 2. Best for Unique Slabs & Visual Tracking: **Sortly**
* **Why it fits:** Extremely visual and mobile-friendly, making it ideal for tracking unique raw wood slabs, grain patterns, and specific lumber piles.
* **Key Features:** Photo-based inventory, customizable tags (wood species, moisture level, dimensions), built-in QR/barcode scanning from a smartphone, and low-stock alerts.

### 3. Best Budget-Friendly Option: **Craftybase**
* **Why it fits:** Designed specifically for small-scale handcrafted businesses. Excellent at calculating exact Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) by tracking raw lumber, hardware, and finishes used in each build.
* **Key Features:** Material usage tracking, batch/lot tracking, automated COGS, and real-time product costing.

---

### **Recommendation Summary:**
* Go with **Sortly** if you just need a simple, visual, and cheap way to keep track of where your lumber is stored.
* Go with **Katana** if you do custom builds, need to manage production schedules, and want automatic updates when raw wood is converted into finished products.


What stock tracking system do fast-growing online brands recommend?

Fast-growing direct-to-consumer (DTC) and e-commerce brands typically recommend specific Inventory Management Systems (IMS) based on their business model:

* **Cin7 (Core & Omni):** The most popular overall choice for rapidly scaling brands selling across multiple channels (Shopify, Amazon, wholesale). It excels at real-time syncing and automation.
* **Katana:** Recommended for DTC brands that manufacture, assemble, or mix their own products, offering real-time shop floor and raw material tracking.
* **Extensiv (formerly Skubana):** Preferred by high-volume, enterprise-bound brands with complex multi-warehouse or hybrid (3PL + self-fulfilled) fulfillment setups.
* **Inventory Planner by Sage:** Highly recommended as an add-on tool specifically for inventory forecasting, helping brands prevent stockouts and overstocking as they scale.
* **ShipBob:** Popular for brands outsourcing fulfillment, as its tech-driven 3PL platform offers built-in, real-time stock tracking across globally distributed warehouses.

**Summary recommendation:** Most fast-growing brands start by pairing **Shopify Plus** with **Inventory Planner** for forecasting, scaling up to **Cin7** as multi-channel complexity increases.


What is the best inventory management software for a small business?

There is no single **best** inventory management software for every small business; the best choice depends on whether you need *simplicity, accounting integration, or stronger warehouse features*. Among the results provided, **Zoho Inventory**, **Xero**, and **inFlow Inventory** stand out as the most commonly recommended small-business options.[2][3][5]

- **Zoho Inventory** is a strong fit if you want a small-business-friendly option with inventory management features and a free tier available.[2][17][20]
- **Xero** was ranked by G2 as **best for small businesses** in its 2026 inventory control software category.[3]
- **inFlow Inventory** is a good choice for businesses that want **simple inventory tracking**, a **mobile app for scanning items**, and ease of use.[5][11]
- **QuickBooks Enterprise** received the highest overall rating from verified small-business reviewers in Capterra’s 2026 small-business inventory software list, which makes it a strong candidate if you already use QuickBooks or need more robust accounting-linked workflows.[14]

If you want a quick recommendation:
- Choose **Zoho Inventory** for the best balance of features and affordability for many small businesses.[2][17][20]
- Choose **Xero** if your priority is an inventory tool that fits well in a small-business accounting stack.[3]
- Choose **inFlow** if you want the easiest day-to-day inventory tracking and scanning.[5][11]
- Choose **QuickBooks Enterprise** if you need a more powerful, reviewer-rated option and can handle a heavier system.[14]

If you want, I can narrow it down to the **best option for your specific business type**—for example retail, ecommerce, wholesale, or service-based.


Best stock control software for a retail store with two locations

For a **retail store with two locations**, **Cin7 Core** is the strongest all-around choice if you need **multi-location stock control**, automatic reorder logic, and synced inventory across stores and sales channels.[2][3] If your priority is a simpler POS-led system with real-time inventory for a small multi-store setup, **Lightspeed Retail** is also a strong option.[4][18]

What makes them fit two-location retail:

- **Cin7 Core** is ranked first in one 2026 retail inventory review because it combines **multi-location inventory control**, omnichannel order syncing, and automated purchasing workflows.[3]
- It is specifically described as built for **multi-location stock control**, connecting receiving, transfers, purchase orders, and sales orders into one workflow.[3]
- **Lightspeed Retail** is described as offering **comprehensive POS and real-time inventory management for multi-location setups**.[4]
- **Zoho Inventory** is highlighted as especially strong for **stock variance reporting** and tracking cycle counts and adjustments across locations.[1]

Best pick by need:

| If you want... | Best fit |
|---|---|
| Strongest multi-location workflow and automation | **Cin7 Core** |
| Easier POS-first retail inventory with multi-store support | **Lightspeed Retail** |
| Better variance tracking and reporting between locations | **Zoho Inventory** |

If you want, I can narrow this down further based on your **budget**, whether you need **POS integration**, and whether you sell **in-store only or also online**.


We are an e-commerce brand selling on multiple channels and keeping stock in spreadsheets is a mess. What inventory software should we buy?

For a multichannel e-commerce brand, the safest short list is **Cin7**, **Zoho Inventory**, and **Ordoro**; if you are larger or more complex, **Brightpearl** or **NetSuite** are better fits.[1][3][7][11]

What to buy depends mainly on your scale:

| Business profile | Best fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Small to mid-size brand | **Zoho Inventory** | Good multichannel support, real-time stock updates, and a simpler entry point.[1][3][13] |
| Growing multichannel brand | **Cin7** | Strong multichannel, multi-location, workflows, and automation.[1][3][10] |
| Ecommerce-first with shipping/operations needs | **Ordoro** | Ranked as a top pick for ecommerce businesses and supports multiple channels plus shipping workflows.[7] |
| High-volume or more enterprise-like operations | **Brightpearl** or **NetSuite** | Better for complex omnichannel retail and broader ERP-style needs.[1][3] |

If you are currently using spreadsheets, you should prioritize software that offers **real-time stock syncing**, **multiple sales channel integrations**, **multi-location inventory**, **purchase order automation**, and **warehouse/fulfillment workflows**.[1][5][6]

My practical recommendation:
- **Choose Zoho Inventory** if you want the easiest, lower-cost move off spreadsheets and your operation is still relatively simple.[3][7][13]
- **Choose Cin7** if you already have meaningful sales volume, sell on several channels, or need stronger workflow automation.[1][10]
- **Choose Ordoro** if shipping operations and multichannel order handling are a major pain point.[7]

If you want, I can also narrow this down to **one best choice** based on your monthly order volume, sales channels, warehouse count, and budget.


Recommend inventory tracking software for a small manufacturing business.

For a **small manufacturing business**, the strongest starting options are **Katana**, **MRPeasy**, **Fishbowl**, and **Zoho Inventory** because they’re built to handle manufacturing-specific needs like **BOMs**, production tracking, purchasing, and inventory visibility.[3][12][19]

A practical short list:

- **Katana** — best for small manufacturers that need a clean production workflow, BOMs, and real-time stock control.[3]
- **MRPeasy** — best if you want a more manufacturing-focused MRP system for planning, production, and inventory in one tool.[12][15]
- **Fishbowl** — best if you need stronger warehouse/inventory control and QuickBooks integration.[3][6]
- **Zoho Inventory** — best if you want a broader small-business inventory tool with manufacturing use cases and lower complexity.[7][19]
- **Craftybase** — best for very small batch or handmade manufacturers that care about ingredient/raw-material costing and batch tracking.[13]

If you want the **best default recommendation**, I’d start with **Katana** for most small manufacturers because it is explicitly positioned for growing manufacturers that need **BOMs, lot tracking, and production-linked inventory**.[3]

If you tell me:
- your industry,
- whether you do make-to-order or make-to-stock,
- and whether you already use QuickBooks/Xero,

I can narrow this to the **top 2 choices** for your situation.


affordable inventory management software for SMB

For an **affordable inventory management software** option for an SMB, the strongest low-cost picks are **Zoho Inventory**, **Square for Retail**, **Sortly**, **Odoo**, and **SalesBinder**. These are repeatedly listed among the lowest-priced or free-start options, with several offering free tiers and entry plans around **$0–$29/month**.[8][15][17]

- **Zoho Inventory**: free plan available; paid plans start at **$29/month billed annually** and scale up by order volume, users, and locations.[15]
- **Square for Retail / Square POS inventory**: free plan available; paid retail plans start around **$29/month** in one source and the inventory feature is listed as free-to-start in another.[1][8]
- **Sortly**: free trial/free tier options; paid plans start at **$49/month** in one comparison, but it is consistently positioned as a low-cost mobile inventory choice.[8][10]
- **Odoo Inventory**: free version available; one source lists pricing from **$7.25/user/month billed annually**, making it one of the cheapest paid options.[1]
- **SalesBinder**: free starting plan with paid tiers beginning at **$9/month**.[8]

If you want the **best value by use case**:
- **E-commerce / multichannel**: **Zoho Inventory**.[1][12][15]
- **Retail with POS**: **Square for Retail**.[1][8]
- **Simple visual/mobile tracking**: **Sortly**.[8][10]
- **Lowest-cost flexible ERP-style setup**: **Odoo**.[1][15]
- **Unlimited-locations style budget option**: **SalesBinder**.[8]

For most SMBs, inventory software commonly falls in the **$30–$150/month** range, with lower-cost starter plans available for businesses that only need basic tracking and reporting.[17][8]

If you want, I can narrow this to the **best affordable option for your business type**: retail, e-commerce, wholesale, manufacturing, or service/asset tracking.


What inventory software do small e-commerce businesses actually use?

Small e-commerce businesses most often use **Zoho Inventory**, **inFlow Inventory**, **Sortly**, **QuickBooks Commerce/QuickBooks-based inventory**, and **Cin7 Core** as the mainstream choices, with **Shopify’s native inventory tools** and **Square for Retail** also common for simpler setups.[1][2][4][7][14]

What’s “actually used” depends on the business model:

- **Zoho Inventory** is the most commonly recommended default for small online sellers because it has a free tier, low starting price, and solid multichannel syncing.[2][4][11][14][17]
- **inFlow Inventory** is popular with small teams that want something simple, barcode-friendly, and quick to learn.[1][7][10][11]
- **Sortly** is used by small businesses that prefer visual, mobile-first inventory tracking with photos and QR labels.[4][6][7][11]
- **Cin7 Core** is favored once a business is growing across multiple channels and needs deeper automation and integrations.[2][4][14][19]
- **QuickBooks Commerce / QuickBooks-centered inventory** is used by sellers that want inventory tied closely to accounting.[2][7][9][20]
- **Square for Retail** is common for small businesses that also sell in person and want POS plus inventory in one system.[4][7][9]

A practical way to think about the market:

| Type of small e-commerce business | Common software choices |
|---|---|
| Budget-conscious online seller | Zoho Inventory, inFlow Inventory |
| Visual/mobile-first operator | Sortly |
| Growing multichannel brand | Cin7 Core, Zoho Inventory |
| Accounting-first business | QuickBooks-based inventory tools |
| Hybrid online + local retail | Square for Retail |

If you want, I can narrow this down to **the best inventory software for Shopify sellers**, **Amazon/eBay sellers**, or **very small businesses under 10 orders/day**.


Best inventory control system for a wholesale distributor

For most **wholesale distributors**, the best inventory control system is usually **Cin7** or **NetSuite**, depending on company size and complexity. Cin7 is often the stronger fit for wholesalers needing an all-in-one platform, while NetSuite is the best choice for larger distributors that need enterprise-grade ERP controls and multi-location inventory management.[11][1]

- **Best overall for larger distributors:** **NetSuite** — ranked “Best Overall” in one distributor-focused comparison for its real-time stock visibility, warehouse and order management, multi-location controls, and ERP-driven workflows.[1]
- **Best all-around for wholesalers:** **Cin7** — identified as a top performer for connecting sales, purchasing, and fulfillment, with wholesale-specific guidance emphasizing integrations, scalability, and B2B features like custom price lists and EDI.[11][9]
- **Best for QuickBooks users:** **Fishbowl** — highlighted as a strong option for real-time tracking and QuickBooks integration.[11]
- **Best for multi-location stock:** **Unleashed** — noted as strong for multi-location management.[11]
- **Best budget-friendly all-rounder:** **Zoho Inventory** — ranked highly in one 2026 distributor software comparison.[7]

If you want a single recommendation without more context, **Cin7** is the safest default for a wholesale distributor because it is repeatedly positioned as a comprehensive wholesale/distribution platform, while **NetSuite** is the better pick if you need full ERP depth and expect significant scale.[11][1][9]

If you want, I can narrow this to the **best system by business size**:
- small wholesaler
- mid-market distributor
- enterprise distributor


We keep running out of stock because our online store and warehouse aren't synced. What software fixes this?

You need **inventory management software** with **real-time multichannel sync**—often called **ecommerce inventory management software** or an **inventory sync tool**. It acts as a **single source of truth** so your online store and warehouse stock levels update automatically and you avoid overselling or stockouts.[2][5][8]

Good-fit options mentioned in the results include **Veeqo**, **Cin7**, **Zoho Inventory**, **QuickSync**, **Linnworks**, **Fishbowl**, and **SkuVault**.[2][10][11][12][17][18] If you want a simpler setup, a dedicated **inventory sync app** can work; if you need broader warehouse, order, purchasing, and fulfillment control, a full **inventory management system** is the better match.[3][5][15]

For your specific problem, look for these features:
- **Real-time stock syncing** across store and warehouse channels.[2][8][13]
- **Multi-location inventory** support.[5][10][18]
- **Order and fulfillment integration** so sales reduce available stock automatically.[2][5][17]
- **Barcode/warehouse accuracy** if your warehouse process needs tighter control.[13][18]

If you want, I can recommend the best option based on your platform, such as **Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, or a custom store**.


Top rated inventory tracking tools for small warehouse

For a **small warehouse**, the best-rated inventory tracking tools in your results are **Sortly**, **inFlow Inventory**, **Zoho Inventory**, **Fishbowl**, and **QuickBooks Enterprise**.[5][8][10] If you want the simplest shortlist: **Sortly** is the strongest pick for easy mobile/barcode tracking, while **inFlow** and **Zoho Inventory** are better if you need more warehouse workflow depth.[5][8][10]

- **Sortly** — highest-rated for inventory tracking in one comparison set; best for SMBs needing robust **mobile inventory management** and **barcode scanning**.[5][10]
- **inFlow Inventory** — listed as best for **inventory tracking** and commonly recommended for small businesses that need straightforward warehouse operations.[8]
- **Zoho Inventory** — rated as a strong **overall** option and suitable for small businesses that may need **multi-warehouse management** later.[8][15]
- **Fishbowl** — appears in top-rated inventory-control lists and is a common choice when warehouse processes need more structure than a basic app.[5][11]
- **QuickBooks Enterprise** — highlighted in inventory-tracking rankings and is a good fit if you want inventory tied closely to accounting.[5][2]

If your warehouse is very small and you want the easiest setup, choose **Sortly**; if you need stronger order and warehouse workflows, choose **inFlow** or **Zoho Inventory**.[5][8][10][15]


What software should a growing D2C brand use for order and inventory management?

A growing D2C brand should usually use **an order management system (OMS) plus an inventory management tool** that supports **multichannel sync, automated fulfillment, and warehouse visibility**. For many growing brands, the strongest practical options are **Unicommerce, EasyEcom, Zoho Inventory, Cin7,** or **Prediko** depending on scale and channel complexity[1][3][5][11][12].

- **Best all-around for growing D2C brands:** **Unicommerce** is repeatedly positioned as a top choice for mid-to-large D2C and omnichannel brands, with strong order and inventory control[3][5].
- **Best budget-friendly starting point:** **Zoho Inventory** is commonly recommended for smaller or growing SMB D2C brands because it is simpler and more affordable[3][5][12].
- **Best for multichannel growth:** **EasyEcom** or **Cin7** are good fits when a brand sells across several channels and needs stronger synchronization and automation[3][6][10][12].
- **Best for Shopify-native planning and forecasting:** **Prediko** is a strong option for Shopify-first D2C brands that need inventory forecasting, restock alerts, and purchase-order planning without enterprise complexity[4][11].
- **Best for enterprise-scale operations:** **Increff WMS + OMS** or **NetSuite** are better when the brand has high volume, multiple warehouses, and more complex operations[3][5][8].

If you want a simple rule:
- **Under 5–50 SKUs and early growth:** Zoho Inventory
- **Growing multichannel D2C brand:** Unicommerce or EasyEcom
- **Shopify-heavy brand focused on forecasting:** Prediko
- **Large, complex, high-volume operation:** Increff or NetSuite[3][4][5][11][12]

If you tell me your **sales channels, SKU count, warehouse count, and platform** (Shopify/Amazon/marketplace/etc.), I can narrow this to the best 2–3 tools for your situation.


Best inventory management software with barcode scanning support

The **best inventory management software with barcode scanning support** appears to be **Cin7 Core** for overall capability, with **Zoho Inventory** and **Fishbowl Inventory** as strong alternatives depending on your business size and workflow.[1][2][7]

- **Cin7 Core** is ranked “best overall” in one 2026 comparison and is described as a fit for retail and warehouse teams that need barcode scanning tied to ERP-style inventory flows.[1]
- **Zoho Inventory** is ranked first in another 2026 roundup and is described as supporting inventory, barcodes, and warehouse workflows with mobile scanning for receiving, picking, and stock adjustments.[2]
- **Fishbowl Inventory** is highlighted as a leading option for barcode scanning inventory software with strong warehouse-management features.[7]
- **Sortly** is a good choice for smaller teams that want simple visual tracking and mobile barcode/asset tracking, with a free plan and paid plans starting at $49/month in one roundup.[5]

If you want a quick pick by use case:

| Best for | Software | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Overall barcode + ERP-style inventory management | **Cin7 Core** | Strong all-around fit for retail and warehouse workflows.[1] |
| Cloud-based inventory with mobile scanning | **Zoho Inventory** | Supports receiving, picking, and stock adjustments with barcode workflows.[2] |
| Warehouse-focused operations | **Fishbowl Inventory** | Emphasized for comprehensive warehouse management features.[7] |
| Small teams / simple visual inventory | **Sortly** | Easier setup and mobile barcode tracking.[5] |

If you want, I can also narrow this down to the **best option for small business, warehouse, retail, or e-commerce**.


What is the best software for managing stock across multiple warehouses?

The **best software** depends on your business size and workflow, but **Cin7 Omni** is the strongest all-around pick for managing stock across multiple warehouses because it is explicitly built for centralized stock visibility, location-aware transfers, and fulfillment workflows across multiple inventory locations.[1]

If you want the shortlist by use case:

- **Cin7 Omni** — best overall for retailers/wholesalers with multiple locations and complex transfer/fulfillment needs.[1]
- **Cin7 Core** — ranked as the overall top pick in one 2026 comparison for features, ease of use, and value.[2]
- **Zoho Inventory** — a solid option for multi-warehouse management, with support for transfers, stock tracking, and streamlined warehouse operations.[7]
- **Finale Inventory** — strong if your priority is visibility across all stock regardless of warehouse location.[5]
- **Priority Software** — a good ERP-based choice if you want real-time tracking, multi-warehouse management, and replenishment in one system.[18]

If you want the simplest recommendation:
- Choose **Cin7 Omni** for the best balance of multi-warehouse control and operational workflows.[1]
- Choose **Zoho Inventory** if you want a more affordable, broadly used warehouse management option.[7]
- Choose **Priority** if you need a more ERP-style platform with deeper process integration.[18]

If you want, I can also narrow this down by **business size**, **budget**, or whether you need **ecommerce, barcode scanning, or ERP integration**.


Simple inventory control software for a 10-person boutique

For a **10-person boutique**, the best fit is usually **Sortly** if you want the **simplest, visual inventory tracking**, or **Square for Retail** if you also need a **POS-linked retail system**.[1][7][9][15]

- **Sortly** is described as “Inventory Simplified” and is repeatedly recommended for very small businesses that want a **simple, visual way to track inventory** without a full POS system.[1][9][14]
- **Zoho Inventory** is a solid choice if you want a **free plan** and need inventory management across **multiple channels and devices**.[5][8]
- **Square for Retail / Square Inventory** is a better fit if your boutique sells in-person and you want **inventory plus point-of-sale** in one system; a free plan is noted in the results, with low-stock alerts and basic reporting mentioned in one source.[4][7][15]

If you want the **lowest-friction option**, I’d shortlist them like this:

| Need | Best pick |
|---|---|
| Easiest setup, visual item tracking | **Sortly** |
| Free inventory management, online/multi-device use | **Zoho Inventory** |
| Retail shop with POS and inventory together | **Square for Retail** |

For a boutique, the key features to check are **real-time stock tracking, low-stock alerts, barcode support, and simple reporting**.[7][11][14][16]

If you want, I can narrow this to the **best free option**, the **best iPad-friendly option**, or the **best option for clothing/SKU variants**.


We need inventory software that tracks raw materials and finished goods for assembly.

For assembly operations, you want **manufacturing inventory software** that tracks **raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods** in one system.[1][3][9] That is the standard feature set described by multiple vendors and software roundups for manufacturers.[2][7][15]

Good options from the results include:

- **Cin7 Core** — tracks raw materials, WIP, and finished goods, with BOM and production management features.[4][9]
- **Kladana Cloud ERP** — manages raw materials, WIP, and finished products in one system and supports stock by type.[3]
- **Fast Inventory Software** — specifically says it keeps raw material, WIP, and finished goods on one stock ledger.[2]
- **WarePulse** — supports separate zones for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.[6]
- **Unleashed** — supports batch/serial traceability for raw materials and finished goods.[14]

If your assembly process uses BOMs, production orders, and component consumption, **Cin7 Core** or **Kladana** look like the strongest matches from these results.[3][4][9] If you want a simpler setup focused mainly on inventory movement across raw material and finished-goods locations, **Fast Inventory** or **WarePulse** may fit better.[2][6]

If you want, I can narrow this to **small business vs. mid-market vs. ERP-level** options.


Best low cost inventory management app for small business

For most **small businesses**, the best low-cost inventory app is **Zoho Inventory** if you want the strongest balance of price, features, and scalability; if you need a **free** option, **Square** is a common choice for small retail setups.[4][11]

A quick comparison of the most affordable options:

| App | Best for | Cost signal from results |
|---|---|---|
| **Zoho Inventory** | Best overall low-cost option for small businesses | Listed as “Best Overall” in a cheap inventory software roundup.[4] |
| **Square** | Small retail / POS-focused businesses | Free version available; paid plan listed at $29/user/month.[11] |
| **Veeqo** | Cheapest/free-start option for some users | Named among the cheapest options with free plans.[1] |
| **Sortly** | Visual inventory tracking | Free limited plan; paid plans start at $49/month.[1][3] |
| **QuickBooks** | Accounting-driven small businesses | Paid inventory-related plan listed at $35/user/month.[11] |

If your priority is **lowest possible cost**, start with **Square** or **Zoho Inventory** because both are repeatedly surfaced in low-cost roundup results, with free or inexpensive entry points.[1][11] If you need **simple inventory tracking with barcode/QR scanning**, **Sortly** is a practical choice, but it is not the cheapest paid option.[1][3]

If you want, I can narrow this down to the **best app for your business type**—for example retail, restaurant, e-commerce, or service-based.