The 16 Best Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses, Ranked & Reviewed for 2025
The Top 10 Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses
Let’s look at the faves first, then move to the details. Here are the best IMS picks for small businesses with their ideal use cases.
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Inventory management software for small businesses helps you automate inventory tracking, streamline order management, and maintain accurate stock levels across all your sales channels.
If you’re tired of wrestling with Excel, dealing with lost inventory items, or scrambling when your POS system throws out another low stock alert, you need a system that does more than just keep up—you need one that helps you get ahead.
With years spent in inventory control, shipping, and warehouse management, I know exactly where most software falls short for small business owners.
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In this guide, I break down the best inventory management solutions, covering advanced features, real-time tracking, pricing, integrations, and what actually works in day-to-day operations.
Whether you run ecommerce, manage a physical storefront, or juggle multiple warehouses, the right inventory management system will help you automate, avoid costly stockouts and overstocking, and finally optimize your inventory workflows for profit.
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Comparing the Best Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses, Side-by-Side
Here’s a side-by-side look at the top inventory management software for small businesses. This table cuts through the noise so you can compare pricing and what each inventory management system does best—without wading through sales pitches.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for multichannel sales | Free plan available | From $29 per organization/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 2 | Best for retail POS integration | Free demo available | From $89/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for small retail businesses | 14-day free trial | From $149/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 4 | Best for asset tracking | 14-day free trial | From $1,500/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 5 | Best for visual inventory management | Free trial available | From $0/month | Website | |
| 6 | Best for multi-location inventory tracking | 30-day free trial | From $64.95/month | Website | |
| 7 | Best for bar inventory management | Free plan available | From $79/location/month | Website | |
| 8 | Best for manufacturing teams | Free demo available | From $179/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for handmade product sellers | 14-day free trial | From $24/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for accounting features | 30-day free trial | From $2/month (for 3 months, then $20/month) | Website |
The 10 Best Inventory Management Software for Small Business, Reviewed
Below, I break down what actually matters for each inventory management software on this list. You’ll see where each option stands out, where it falls short, and what kind of business and workflows it’s built for. No marketing fluff—just practical insights from someone who’s done the job.
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It helps manage orders, track inventory, and fulfill sales across multiple channels.
Why I picked Zoho Inventory: Zoho Inventory excels in multichannel sales management, making it ideal for businesses selling on various platforms. It offers features like order management and real-time inventory tracking to keep your operations smooth. It also supports multiple shipping integrations, enhancing its multichannel capabilities. Additionally, the software's automation features further simplify the sales process for your team.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated workflows that reduce manual tasks, batch and expiry date tracking for better inventory control, and advanced reporting tools to analyze sales data.
Integrations include Shopify, Amazon, eBay, Etsy, WooCommerce, QuickBooks, Xero, Stripe, PayPal, and UPS.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports multiple shipping integrations
- Batch tracking capabilities
- Strong multi-channel sales support
Cons:
- Requires setup for optimal use
- Limited customization options
Lightspeed is a retail-focused inventory management and point-of-sale (POS) system designed for small to medium-sized retail businesses. It helps track inventory, manage sales, and optimize store operations.
Why I picked Lightspeed: Lightspeed is designed for retailers needing integrated POS systems, with real-time inventory tracking and sales management. Its analytics features offer insights into sales trends and inventory turnover, supporting its retail POS focus. Additionally, the software’s customizable reporting helps your team make data-driven decisions, while effective customer data management strengthens its retail-focused approach.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include detailed analytics that help you understand sales performance, customizable sales reports for better insights, and inventory tracking that ensures you never run out of stock.
Integrations include Shopify, QuickBooks, Xero, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Mailchimp, Vend, Sage, SAP, and Magento.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrated POS features
- Customizable sales reports
- Real-time inventory tracking
Cons:
- Requires training for new users
- Initial setup complexity
inFlow Inventory is an inventory management software designed for small retail businesses. It helps you manage stock levels, sales, and purchasing, offering a centralized solution for retail operations.
Why I picked inFlow Inventory: inFlow Inventory is built for small retail businesses that need simple stock management. With barcode scanning and order management, it covers retail-specific needs. You can also track sales and inventory in real time, while the software’s customizable reporting helps you make informed business decisions based on your current financial situation.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a mobile app that lets you manage inventory on the go, customizable dashboards to fit your business needs, and purchase order management to simplify restocking processes.
Integrations include QuickBooks Online, Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce, Xero, Zapier, Square, eBay, BigCommerce, and Salesforce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time sales tracking
- Customizable dashboards
- Mobile app for inventory management
Cons:
- May need additional setup time
- Can be overwhelming initially
Asset Panda is a cloud-based asset management tool for businesses needing detailed asset tracking. It suits organizations managing physical assets across multiple locations efficiently.
Why I picked Asset Panda: Asset Panda helps with asset tracking, making it great for businesses that need precise inventory management. It offers custom reporting and mobile access to help your team manage assets easily. Additionally, the software’s barcode scanning improves the tracking process for accuracy, while the audit trail feature adds transparency and accountability to your asset management.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable fields that let you tailor asset data to your needs, audit trails to maintain asset history, and mobile access that allows you to manage assets on the go.
Integrations include Zapier, Google Workspace, Dropbox, Salesforce, QuickBooks, Zendesk, Box, Freshdesk, Microsoft OneDrive, and ServiceNow.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Barcode scanning integration
- Customizable data fields
- Comprehensive asset tracking capabilities
Cons:
- Requires training for effective use
- Complexity in initial setup
Sortly is visual inventory management system for small to medium-sized businesses. It helps you track and manage inventory with an emphasis on visual simplicity and ease of use.
Why I picked Sortly: Sortly offers a unique approach to inventory management with its emphasis on visual organization. You can create custom tags and labels, which simplifies identifying and categorizing items. The software also includes a QR code scanner, enhancing its visual management capabilities. Along with these features, Sortly provides access to inventory data through a mobile app, making it accessible on the go.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a simple drag-and-drop interface that makes organizing inventory easy, a QR code generator for quick item tracking, and photo-based inventory logging that provides visual references for items.
Integrations include Shopify, QuickBooks, Xero, Dropbox, Google Drive, Slack, Amazon, Etsy, eBay, and Square.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Mobile app for on-the-go access
- QR code scanning capabilities
- Visual organization with photo logging
Cons:
- Not suited for large inventories
- Limited advanced features
SOS Inventory is a cloud-based inventory system that helps small businesses manage their stock, sales, and order processes. It’s designed for users who need detailed inventory tracking across multiple locations, making it a practical solution for businesses looking to expand their operations.
Why I picked SOS Inventory: SOS Inventory supports multi-location tracking, helping your team manage stock efficiently across different sites. It offers order management and barcode scanners to keep your inventory processes accurate. SOS Inventory also integrates with QuickBooks, connecting your accounting and inventory item data, while real-time inventory updates help you make quick, informed decisions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include multi-location inventory management that lets you track stock across various sites, real-time inventory updates to prevent stockouts, and customizable reporting to give you detailed insights. It also supports order tracking and fulfillment, which helps streamline your workflows.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, eBay, Xero, Square, Magento, Stripe, and PayPal.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed and customizable reporting options
- Real-time updates for inventory accuracy
- Supports multi-location stock management
Cons:
- Interface can feel outdated
- Limited offline capabilities
Backbar is an inventory management software tailored for bars and restaurants. It helps manage stock levels, track usage, and optimize ordering processes to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
Why I picked Backbar: Backbar is built for bar inventory management, making it great for tracking liquor and beverage stock efficiently. The software’s key features, like recipe costing and automated ordering, help to set it apart from general inventory tools. With Backbar, your team can monitor usage trends to keep stock levels optimized. It also helps identify cost-saving opportunities by analyzing consumption patterns.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include recipe costing that helps you determine the profitability of your drinks, automated ordering to streamline restocking, and usage tracking to monitor inventory levels in real-time.
Integrations include Toast, Square, Clover, QuickBooks, Xero, Shopify, Lightspeed, Revel Systems, Upserve, and Aloha POS.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Tracks inventory usage in real time
- Automated ordering
- Recipe costing for profitability insights
Cons:
- Basic reporting capabilities
- Limited to bar and restaurant use
Katana is cloud-based inventory management software that provides real-time visibility and control over inventory processes. It’s designed for manufacturing teams to manage production, sales, and inventory efficiently.
Why I picked Katana: Katana is built for manufacturing teams, offering production planning and real-time inventory insights. It connects with platforms like Shopify and QuickBooks, keeping your focus on manufacturing. You can also manage both sales and purchase orders in one place, making it a practical choice for production-focused businesses.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time inventory insights that keep your team updated, production planning to help schedule and prioritize tasks, and end-to-end traceability for better quality control.
Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, QuickBooks, Xero, Zapier, Etsy, BigCommerce, Amazon, and eBay.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Cloud-based flexibility
- Multichannel sales support
- Real-time production schedule
Cons:
- Occasional sync delays
- Limited offline access
Craftybase is an inventory management tool tailored for small businesses, particularly those selling handmade products. It helps manage raw materials, track inventory, and calculate product costs.
Why I picked Craftybase: Craftybase is built for handmade product sellers who need to track materials and finished goods efficiently. It includes cost tracking and batch management, which are important for small-scale producers. Plus, the software’s automatic cost calculations help you price your handmade items accurately, while its ingredient-level tracking is useful for detailed inventory management.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include inventory tracking that provides detailed insights into your stock levels, cost of goods sold calculations that help you price products correctly, and batch tracking to monitor production runs.
Integrations include Etsy, Shopify, Square, WooCommerce, PayPal, eBay, Amazon, BigCommerce, Wix, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Batch tracking capabilities
- Ingredient-level inventory management
- Detailed cost-tracking features
Cons:
- Some features may need extra training
- Limited customization options
Xero is an online accounting software that caters to small businesses needing inventory management capabilities. It combines financial management with inventory tracking to streamline business operations.
Why I picked Xero: Xero integrates accounting and inventory management, which is perfect for businesses looking to manage finances and stock in one place. The software offers features like invoicing and bank reconciliation, which enhance its accounting focus. It also provides real-time financial data, allowing your team to make informed decisions. Additionally, the inventory tracking features within the accounting platform adds efficiency to your operations.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time financial reporting that gives you insights into your business's health, customizable invoicing to fit your brand's style, and expense tracking that simplifies managing business costs.
Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Shopify, HubSpot, Square, Vend, Mailchimp, Gusto, Expensify, and WorkflowMax.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable invoicing options
- Real-time financial data access
- Integrated financial and inventory management
Cons:
- Limited offline functionality
- Learning curve for non-accountants
Other Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses
Here are some additional inventory management software for small businesses options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Fishbowl
For QuickBooks integration
- QuickBooks Online
For small business accounting
- Inventory Planner
For inventory replenishment planning
- WhereFour
For food and beverage tracking
- Cin7
For multichannel stock management
- Netstock
For demand forecasting insights
Our Selection Criteria For Inventory Management Software
Here’s exactly what I look for when I size up inventory management software for small businesses. I’m not interested in fluff features or empty promises—I want to see real inventory control, practical automation, and tools that actually solve your stock headaches.
Core functionality (25% of total score)
This is the backbone of any inventory management system. If a tool can’t deliver here, it’s off my list.
- Track stock levels in real time.
- Handle purchase orders, sales orders, and order fulfillment without extra workarounds.
- Support barcode and QR code scanning.
- Generate reliable inventory and sales reports.
Additional standout features (25% of total score)
Extra functionality that moves the needle for small business owners and operators.
- Demand forecasting and low stock alerts.
- Multichannel and ecommerce integration.
- Support for mobile apps and cloud-based access.
- Automation that streamlines recurring workflows.
Usability (10% of total score)
If your team can’t use it without a call to IT, it’s not making the cut.
- User-friendly, clear interface.
- Easy setup and intuitive navigation.
- Customizable dashboards that show what matters.
Onboarding (10% of total score)
A good system should get you up and running without days of training.
- Solid training resources and onboarding guides.
- In-app help and live support during rollout.
- Responsive onboarding team that actually answers questions.
Customer support (10% of total score)
Inventory fires don’t wait for business hours, so support needs to be on point.
- Multiple support channels (chat, email, phone).
- Quick, knowledgeable responses.
- Comprehensive help docs and troubleshooting guides.
Value for money (10% of total score)
Pricing has to make sense for small businesses—no hidden fees or forced upgrades.
- Transparent pricing for core features.
- Useful functionality even at lower tiers.
- ROI that actually shows up in your bottom line.
Customer reviews (10% of total score)
Real feedback from people running businesses, not just vendor testimonials.
- Consistent satisfaction with inventory tracking and support.
- Positive reviews on usability and integration.
- No major red flags around reliability or billing.
What is Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses?
Inventory management software for small businesses is a digital system that automates tracking, controls stock levels, and manages sales and purchase orders across all your channels.
Business owners, inventory managers, and warehouse teams use these tools to replace manual spreadsheets, avoid stockouts, streamline order fulfillment, and keep real-time tabs on every inventory item.
The best inventory management software supports barcode scanning, low stock alerts, POS and accounting software integrations, and mobile access—helping you optimize inventory control, reduce costs, and free up time to actually grow your business.
How to Choose Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses
Choosing inventory management software shouldn’t take longer than your next inventory count. Here’s a no-nonsense checklist to help you quickly narrow your options, avoid the common traps, and pick a system that actually fits your business.
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Define your must-haves | List your inventory pain points—barcode scanning, low stock alerts, mobile app, etc. |
| Map your integrations | Identify the accounting software, ecommerce platforms, or POS you need to connect. |
| Set a real budget | Nail down what you can actually spend each month—watch for hidden user or integration fees. |
| Test the usability | Always demo the interface yourself. If it feels clunky, your staff will hate it too. |
| Check for automation | Make sure the system can automate purchase orders, low stock notifications, and reporting. |
| Review support & setup | Look for responsive customer support, onboarding help, and a knowledge base that isn’t useless. |
| Read real reviews | Filter for recent feedback from businesses like yours—not just glowing testimonials. |
Trends In Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses
Inventory management isn’t standing still, and neither should your tech stack. Here’s what I’m seeing on the front lines—trends that actually help small businesses run tighter operations and get ahead:
- AI-powered demand forecasting. More platforms are finally delivering real demand forecasting that’s accurate enough to cut overstocking and stockouts—not just guessing based on last month’s sales.
- Automated reorder and supplier workflows. Top systems can trigger purchase orders automatically when inventory hits reorder points, so you’re not stuck babysitting stock levels or scrambling to source inventory.
- Unified dashboard for multichannel sales. Small businesses need visibility across all sales channels—retail, ecommerce, wholesale—in one place. The best inventory management software now pulls everything into a single, real-time dashboard.
- Seamless integrations with cloud-based accounting and POS. The days of exporting spreadsheets for your accountant are over. Look for direct, two-way integrations with QuickBooks, Shopify, and other business-critical tools.
- Mobile-first inventory management. Warehouse managers and staff expect to do inventory counts, receive shipments, and scan barcodes right from a phone or tablet—no more being tied to a back office computer.
- Proactive low stock and exception alerts. The best systems are getting smarter about flagging anomalies—missed shipments, sudden drops in inventory, or potential supply chain disruptions—so you can react before they cost you money.
- Built-in support for compliance and traceability. If you’re in regulated industries or dealing with recalls, advanced tracking and audit trails are now table stakes—not optional extras.
Features of Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses
When you’re evaluating inventory management software, skip the laundry list of generic features. Focus on what’s actually going to move the needle for your business:
- Real-time inventory tracking. See what’s in stock across every location and channel—no more guesswork or outdated numbers.
- Automated purchase orders and reordering. Set smart reorder points so the system creates purchase orders for you and flags low stock before it’s a problem.
- Barcode and QR code scanning. Speed up inventory counts, receiving, and transfers—less manual entry, fewer errors.
- Multichannel and ecommerce integration. Manage inventory seamlessly across your POS, Shopify, Amazon, and more from a single dashboard.
- Customizable reporting and dashboards. Get real answers fast—sales trends, inventory aging, low stock alerts—without running 10 different reports.
- Mobile app and cloud access. Check stock, process sales orders, or update inventory counts from anywhere, right from your phone.
- Batch, lot, and serial number tracking. Track expiration dates, warranty periods, or compliance details with ease—especially critical for food, beverage, or electronics businesses.
- Role-based permissions and audit trails. Lock down who can do what and see every change made, so you’re always in control.
Pick the features that solve your current pain points and leave the rest. The right inventory management system should make life easier, not more complicated.
Benefits of Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses
You’re not investing in inventory management software for the fun of it—you need real results. Here’s what you should expect if you pick the right solution:
- Less time wasted on manual counts and spreadsheets. Automated tracking frees up your team for actual work that grows the business.
- Fewer stockouts and overstock situations. Real-time alerts and smarter forecasting help you keep shelves stocked—without tying up cash in dead inventory.
- Tighter profit margins. Better inventory control means less waste, fewer write-offs, and more cash in the bank.
- Accurate, on-demand data. Make informed decisions on purchasing, promotions, and pricing—no more flying blind.
- Smoother order fulfillment. Orders move faster and with fewer errors, keeping customers and your accountant happy.
- Stronger compliance and traceability. Track every inventory item, batch, or order for audits and recalls without breaking a sweat.
- Easy scaling as your business grows. The right software is flexible, so you’re not rebuilding your inventory system every time you add a new sales channel or location.
Costs and Pricing of Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses
Inventory management software isn’t one-size-fits-all—and pricing goes deeper than the base plan. Below is a streamlined view of common pricing tiers you'll run into. Think of this as your rough map, not gospel—actual costs depend on users, roles, and extras.
| Plan type | Price range | Common features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Fundamental inventory tracking, basic low stock alerts | Sole proprietors or bootstrapped side hustles |
| Starter | $5–$25/user/month | Barcode or QR scanning, order fulfillment, minimal integrations | Small businesses kicking off inventory tracking |
| Business | $30–$100/user/month | Real-time tracking, multi-location, dashboards, forecasting | Growing ecommerce or retail businesses |
| Enterprise | $100+/user/month | Custom integrations, API access, advanced reporting, SLA support | Multi-channel retailers or high-volume ops |
Additional costs to budget for
This is where the "free" or "low-cost" plan gets stuffed with unexpected fees:
- Seat and role licensing: Some platforms charge per user, others charge by user role—admin versus warehouse staff.
- Integration or add-on fees: Need QuickBooks, Shopify, or POS sync? Don’t assume it’s included.
- Barcode scanners and hardware: Budget $200–$500 per warehouse for scanners, printers, tablets.
- Onboarding, data migration, training: Implementation help may cost 10–30% of your annual plan.
- Transaction or order fees: Some charge micro‑fees per order or fulfillment headcount.
- Support level tiers: Want prioritized or 24/7 support? Prepare to pay for premium access.
Even a “cheap” plan can turn expensive fast. Pin down exactly what’s included—and what isn’t—before you commit.
Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about inventory management software for small businesses:
Can I migrate my messy Excel spreadsheets and inventory data into these systems without losing everything?
Most inventory management software offers import tools for Excel or CSV files. You’ll need to clean up column names and match formats first, but you won’t have to re-enter your entire inventory. Some vendors even include assisted onboarding or migration services (usually for a fee).
How does inventory management software handle returns, exchanges, and refunds?
The better systems let you process returns, exchanges, and refunds directly in the platform, adjusting your real-time inventory levels automatically. Make sure your software syncs these changes across all sales channels and integrates with your accounting system so you’re not fixing records by hand.
What if I have both physical stores and online sales channels—will one system handle it all?
Look for software with true multichannel support and integrations for POS, Shopify, Amazon, or whatever sales channels you use. The best inventory systems give you a unified dashboard for inventory, sales, and order fulfillment across every channel—no double entry, no separate logins.
Can I use inventory management software on mobile devices for warehouse or remote teams?
Yes—most top-tier solutions offer mobile apps or browser access. This means your warehouse crew can receive shipments, count stock, and scan barcodes from a phone or tablet, not just the back office desktop. Check that all key features are mobile-friendly, not just desktop-only.
Is inventory management software only worth it if I have a big warehouse or lots of SKUs?
No. Even with a small inventory or single location, automated tracking and real-time alerts beat manual spreadsheets every time. You’ll save time, catch mistakes early, and be ready to scale when business grows. The right software pays for itself long before you’re “big enough.”
What happens if my internet goes down—do I lose access or risk bad data?
Most cloud-based inventory systems need an internet connection for real-time syncing, but some offer limited offline access for basic tasks like counting or sales. Once you’re reconnected, data updates automatically. If you have unreliable internet, double-check the offline features before buying.
Small Wins, Big Inventory Energy
You don’t need a massive warehouse or a full IT department to run inventory like a pro.
The right inventory management software gives small businesses real-time tracking, automation, and the integrations you actually need—so you can stop sweating over spreadsheets and start focusing on growth.
You’ve seen the best options, the real costs, and the features that matter.
Invest in the right system now, and avoid the usual headaches—stockouts, overstocking, and endless manual counts. Let technology handle the chaos, so you can get back to building the business you actually want.
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