The 22 Best Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses, Ranked & Reviewed for 2025
The Top 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.
Inventory management software should do more than just replace your Excel sheet. It should give you control, speed, and the kind of accuracy that keeps your margins healthy.
If you’re tired of low stock surprises or chasing down missing inventory, you’re not alone. I’ve spent over a decade in logistics—warehouse manager, international shipping manager, inventory controller—for wholesale and retail brands.
I know which features matter when you’re under pressure, and which ones just look good in a demo.
This guide is straight to the point. I’ll walk you through the inventory systems that actually work: real-time tracking, clean integrations, honest pricing, and tools that don’t fall apart when things get busy.
Need expert help selecting the right tool?
Whether you run a storefront, an online shop, or both, you’ll find what you need to keep your inventory in check and your business moving forward.
Why Trust Our Software Reviews
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 stock visibility | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 2 | Best for multichannel sales | Free plan available | From $29 per organization/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 3 | Best for inventory planning | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 4 | Centralizes orders and inventory across channels | Free plan available | From $0/mo | Website | |
| 5 | Best for retail POS integration | Free demo available | From $89/month | Website | |
| 6 | Best for small retail businesses | 14-day free trial | From $149/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 7 | Best for detailed inventory reporting | 15-day free trial | From $135/month | Website | |
| 8 | Best for asset tracking | 14-day free trial | From $1,500/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for accurate demand forecasting | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 10 | Best for precise demand planning | 14-day free trial | From $376/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 11 | Best for visual inventory management | Free trial available | From $0/month | Website | |
| 12 | Best for real-time inventory tracking | 14-day free trial + free demo available | From $349/month | Website | |
| 13 | Best for multi-location inventory tracking | 30-day free trial | From $64.95/month | Website | |
| 14 | Best for bar inventory management | Free plan available | From $79/location/month | Website | |
| 15 | Best for manufacturing teams | Free demo available | From $0/month | Website | |
| 16 | Best for handmade product sellers | 14-day free trial | From $24/month | Website | |
| 17 | Best for accounting features | 30-day free trial | From $2.50/user/month (billed monthly) | Website | |
| 18 | Best for QuickBooks integration | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 19 | Best for small business accounting | 30-day free trial | From $19/user/month | Website | |
| 20 | Best for cycle counting efficiency | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
The 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.
Fulfil is an AI-driven ERP platform for small ecommerce and wholesale businesses. It centralizes your inventory, orders, and finances across all channels, giving you real-time stock visibility and control.
Why I picked Fulfil: I picked Fulfil because it gives small businesses enterprise-level inventory visibility without the complexity. You can see what’s in stock across warehouses, retail locations, and online stores, which helps you avoid overselling and costly mistakes. I also like its automation for order processing and shipping—it saves time and cuts down on manual errors. The built-in analytics add even more value by helping you make faster, data-informed decisions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time inventory tracking across multiple channels, automated order and shipping workflows to reduce manual errors, and AI-powered analytics for forecasting and reporting. Fulfil is also SOC 1 and SOC 2 compliant for secure data handling.
Integrations include Amazon, Etsy, Shopify, TikTok Shop, eBay, Wayfair, FedEx, DHL, UPS, United States Postal Service, PayPal, and Stripe.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong data security compliance
- Robust automation features
- Real-time multichannel tracking
Cons:
- Pricing available on request
- Learning curve for setup
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
Brightpearl is a retail operating system that automates order fulfillment and inventory management for multichannel ecommerce and retail teams.
It covers purchase orders, warehouse management, accounting, and analytics, helping teams prevent stockouts, speed up reconciliation, and maintain clean books.
Why I picked Brightpearl:
I chose Brightpearl because it slashes manual work by automating operations across all your sales channels. It’s ideal for growing retailers running multiple stores who need real‑time visibility into stock and orders.
The platform’s forecasting and analytics tools let you predict demand and make smarter purchasing decisions. Brightpearl also provides robust audit trails and customizable workflows so you can scale confidently.
If you depend heavily on niche marketplace integrations or sophisticated VAT calculations, you might consider alternatives with those capabilities.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include advanced sales forecasting, automated order routing and fulfillment, audit trails with deep transaction logs, and customizable workflows that adapt to your processes.
Integrations include Shopify, Magento, BigCommerce, Amazon, eBay, Stripe, Square, Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, Royal Mail, USPS, DPD, and FedEx.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Improves inventory accuracy and stock visibility with advanced management and audit trails.
- Integrates seamlessly with Shopify Plus and other platforms to support multi-store operations.
- Automates order processing and fulfillment across channels, reducing manual work.
Cons:
- Limited marketplace integrations and VAT features restrict functionality for some retailers.
- Product upload and category mapping process is cumbersome, slowing onboarding.
Veeqo is an all‑in‑one inventory and shipping management platform that centralizes and automates order fulfillment for multichannel ecommerce businesses.
It handles inventory updates, shipping label printing, returns management, demand forecasting, and profit analysis, helping teams reduce overselling, speed up fulfillment, and maintain accurate stock levels.
Why I picked Veeqo:
Veeqo shines for small retailers that need to keep orders and stock organized across multiple marketplaces. Its real‑time inventory syncing and demand forecasting help you avoid stockouts and overstocks, while the intuitive scanning and mobile app streamline warehouse picking and packing.
I appreciate how the system consolidates orders from Amazon, Shopify, eBay, and other channels into a single dashboard so you don’t have to switch between platforms. Some users have reported slow support responses and occasional sync hiccups, so I’d recommend testing the workflows thoroughly if you depend on precise stock accuracy.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include real‑time order and inventory management, barcode scanning for efficient warehouse operations, built‑in shipping label printing with discounted carrier rates and Veeqo Credits, and demand forecasting with profit analytics.
Integrations include Amazon, Shopify, eBay, Walmart, Etsy, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Magento, and shipping carriers like USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL Express, and other major couriers.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Earns up to 5% back on shipping through Veeqo Credits.
- Provides real-time inventory updates to prevent overselling.
- Integrates multiple sales channels for unified order and inventory management.
Cons:
- Inventory sync issues can cause overselling and stock inaccuracies.
- Customer support responsiveness is often cited as slow or unhelpful.
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
Megaventory is an inventory and order management tool that centralizes stock, purchasing, sales, and basic manufacturing for growing retail and DTC teams.
It covers multi-location inventory, order fulfillment, reporting, and production tracking—helping teams reduce stockouts, tighten purchasing, and keep books cleaner with consistent item costs.
Why I picked Megaventory:
It hits the small-to-midsize retail sweet spot—strong multi-location control, detailed inventory and order visibility, and practical reporting that clarifies on-hand, availability, and gross profit.
Stock alerts and serial/batch tracking reduce misses in replenishment and returns workflows. There’s a learning curve and setup takes intention, but once configured the workflows are predictable, cloud-accessible, and easier to standardize across locations.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include multi-location inventory with transfers, low-stock alerts, purchase and sales order workflows, serial and batch numbers, landed cost calculations, manufacturing tracking, permissions and audit trails, barcode scanning, returns, and shareable reporting.
Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, Amazon Business, QuickBooks, ShipStation, Zapier, Viasocket, Crossfire, SPS Commerce, AfterSalesPro, and Lokad.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Stock alerts help avoid both stockouts and overstock.
- Supports multi-location inventory with centralized control.
- Responsive customer service that helps small teams get unstuck quickly.
Cons:
- The user interface can feel less intuitive for new users.
- Initial setup can be complex and time-consuming.
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
Inventory Planner is an inventory forecasting and planning platform that optimizes stock levels and purchasing decisions for multichannel ecommerce retailers.
It covers demand forecasting, automated replenishment, robust reporting, and multi location inventory management, helping teams reduce stockouts, avoid overstock, and improve cash flow.
Why I picked Inventory Planner:
If you’re managing thousands of SKUs across several channels, Inventory Planner gives you the clairvoyance to know what will sell and when.
Its demand forecasting uses historical sales and seasonal trends to help you order just enough inventory, saving you from dead stock and lost sales. It also automates purchase recommendations so you don’t waste hours crunching spreadsheets or chasing suppliers.
On the downside—because nothing’s perfect—the interface can feel complex and the contracts can be rigid, so if you need a simpler or more flexible solution, you might look at alternatives like Zoho Inventory or Sortly. Overall, Inventory Planner is ideal for growing ecommerce brands that want deeper insight into their inventory without losing their sanity.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include demand forecasting based on sales history and seasonality, automated purchase order recommendations, detailed reporting and analytics with custom metrics, and centralized multi location inventory management.
Integrations include Amazon, eBay, Shopify and Shopify Plus, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, QuickBooks, Netsuite, and other major ecommerce and accounting platforms.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Simplifies inventory workflows through automated tracking and adjustments.
- Improves inventory planning with accurate forecasting and purchase recommendations.
- Responsive support team provides quick, professional assistance.
Cons:
- Rigid contracts make cancellation difficult for some users.
- Interface can be confusing to navigate effectively.
Unleashed is an inventory management platform that improves stock control and order accuracy for product businesses—retail, wholesale, and light manufacturing.
It spans purchasing, production, inventory, and sales, helping teams cut stockouts and overstock, accelerate fulfillment, and keep financials clean for reconciliation.
Why I picked Unleashed:
This is a pragmatic fit for growing operators that need demand planning, batch/serial tracking, and real-time visibility without adopting a full ERP. The order and purchase workflows are straightforward, onboarding and training are solid, and reporting gives leaders a usable view of turns and value on hand.
Trade-off: larger enterprises may want deeper analytics and broader native modules, but for SMBs scaling into multi-channel, Unleashed hits the operational sweet spot.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include real-time inventory tracking, robust order and purchase management, demand planning and forecasting, supplier management, barcode scanning with serial and batch tracking, production/BOM support, replenishment automation, and configurable reporting.
Integrations include Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce, Xero, QuickBooks, Salesforce, Lightspeed, SPS Commerce, Shiptheory, Website World, Mintsoft, and Prospect.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Positive experiences with software functionality and ease of use.
- Smooth onboarding process with thorough training.
- Exceptional customer support with knowledgeable staff.
Cons:
- Pricing concerns for smaller businesses.
- Initial complexity may be challenging for some users.
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
Cin7 is an inventory management and operations platform that centralizes stock, orders, purchasing, and financial workflows for omnichannel SMBs.
It spans real-time inventory, purchasing and warehouse control, forecasting, B2B portals, and finance, helping teams cut stockouts, speed fulfillment, and keep books cleaner.
Why I picked Cin7:
It’s a fit for growing retailers and wholesalers that need one system to coordinate inventory, orders, and cash flow while selling across marketplaces, ecommerce, and B2B. Real-time stock visibility plus forecasting and purchasing tools reduce manual reconciliation and emergency reorders.
The built-in B2B portal streamlines wholesale catalogs and pricing without bolting on another app. If you want lightweight inventory only, this will feel like more system—its breadth pays off when you have multiple channels, SKUs, or light manufacturing.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include real-time inventory tracking, purchasing and warehouse management, planning and forecasting, a customizable B2B portal with pricing catalogs, finance and reporting, and advanced manufacturing with bills of materials.
Integrations include Amazon, Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Walmart, eBay, QuickBooks, Xero, ShipStation, Fulfillment by Amazon, Avalara, SPS Commerce, Pipe17, Shiptheory, and EasyPost.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- The B2B portal supports branded catalogs and diverse pricing to streamline wholesale ordering.
- Planning and forecasting based on historical data improves inventory purchase planning.
- Real-time inventory tracking helps prevent both stockouts and overstocking.
Cons:
- The system can be challenging to learn and navigate.
- Some users report occasional system instability.
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
Fishbowl is an inventory management solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It's particularly useful for those needing tight integration with QuickBooks for accounting purposes.
Why I picked Fishbowl: Fishbowl offers a direct integration with QuickBooks, making it ideal for businesses already using this accounting software. It provides features like automatic reordering and inventory tracking to enhance business operations. Users can also benefit from its manufacturing and warehouse management capabilities. Additionally, the software's capacity to handle complex inventory needs makes it a strong competitor in the market.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include inventory tracking that keeps your stock levels updated, automated reorder points to ensure you never run out of stock, and manufacturing support for better production planning.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Salesforce, Xero, Avalara, UPS, FedEx, Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and WooCommerce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automatic reorder points
- Manufacturing support included
- Strong QuickBooks integration
Cons:
- Can be resource-intensive
- Limited mobile access
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting software that caters to small businesses' financial and inventory management needs. It assists in tracking expenses, managing sales channels, and automating bookkeeping tasks.
Why I picked QuickBooks Online: QuickBooks Online combines accounting and inventory management, making it ideal for small businesses needing both in one place. It includes invoice management and expense tracking to support your accounting needs. Additionally, your team gets real-time financial insights to help with decision-making, while the inventory tracking feature helps you keep optimal stock levels easily.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated bookkeeping to save your team time, detailed financial reporting for better business insights, and expense tracking to help manage business finances accurately.
Integrations include PayPal, Shopify, Square, Stripe, Amazon, eBay, Salesforce, Mailchimp, HubSpot, and TSheets.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated bookkeeping functions
- Real-time financial insights
- Integrated accounting and inventory features
Cons:
- Requires internet for full functionality
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
SkuVault is a cloud‑based inventory and warehouse management platform that centralizes and syncs stock levels for ecommerce teams.
It syncs orders, purchase orders, and warehouse operations, helping teams avoid stockouts, speed up picking, and maintain clean inventory records.
Why I picked SkuVault:
When you’re managing sales across Amazon, your Shopify store, and maybe a few marketplace side hustles, SkuVault’s real‑time tracking and cycle counting keep things sane. It’s built for merchants who need one source of truth for inventory and want to slash mis‑picks and oversells.
I love the barcode scanning for reducing human error and the multi‑channel integration that pulls your orders and fulfillment into one view. Tradeoffs? Customer support isn’t legendary and some folks grumble about surprise fees, so you’ll want to scrutinize your contract. If you need deep customization or white‑glove service, you might look elsewhere.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include real‑time inventory tracking, multi‑channel order syncing, barcode scanning, advanced reporting and analytics, product kitting and bundling, quality control checks, and cycle counting tools.
Integrations include Amazon, eBay, Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Walmart, Etsy, QuickBooks, and major shipping carriers.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Barcode scanning reduces human error and accelerates picking, packing, and shipping
- Multi-channel management centralizes sales across platforms, reducing manual updates
- Real-time inventory tracking prevents stockouts and mis-ships for peace of mind
Cons:
- Some users report hidden fees or unexpected charges in billing practices
- Customer service can be slow to respond, delaying issue resolution when problems arise
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. Many of the top open source options offer these essential features while giving you complete control over customization and data.
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 inventory 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 ecommerce 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 integrate inventory management software with my accounting or POS systems?
Yes, most inventory management software plays well with others—or it should. Look for tools that offer plug-and-play integrations or, at the very least, connect through APIs or third-party apps like Zapier.
That way, your sales and finances talk to your inventory in real-time. Less time spent clicking between ten tabs, more time growing the business.
How secure is my inventory data in these systems?
If security isn’t top priority, it ought to be. Any reputable inventory platform encrypts your data in transit and at rest. Expect two-factor authentication, regular backups, and, if you’re cautious, look for compliance with standards like SOC 2 or ISO.
Just remember: no system’s bulletproof, so good passwords and staff training matter too.
How fast can I get up and running with inventory management software?
If you’ve got five uninterrupted hours—lucky you—it’s usually possible to move in over a weekend. Realistically, expect a few days to import your spreadsheets, connect your tools, and clean up any “wait, what SKU is this?” moments.
Many vendors provide onboarding help. The more prepared you are (organized data, clear processes), the faster you’ll go live.
Can I migrate my messy Excel spreadsheets and inventory data into these systems without losing everything?
Yes, you’re not the first person whose Excel spreadsheet could give a data scientist a nosebleed. Most inventory software lets you import CSVs, map columns, and do some sanity-checking before you commit. Back up everything first—just in case you find a typo that turns “T-shirts” into “tsunamis.”
Can I use inventory management software on mobile devices for warehouse or remote teams?
Yes, and it’s not a gimmick. Leading tools have solid mobile apps so your team can scan barcodes, check on-hand levels, or handle receiving—all from a phone or tablet. Useful when your “warehouse” is also the stockroom, the break room, and, occasionally, your trunk.
How does inventory management software handle returns, exchanges, and refunds?
Most systems worth your time track returns, flag items for restocking, and sync status across channels. That means fewer inventory “black holes” and less arguing between sales and operations over what’s actually available.
If your return process is creative—or just complicated—double-check the workflows before you commit.
What kinds of reporting and analytics should I expect from inventory management tools?
Look for low-friction dashboards: stock movement, top sellers, aging inventory, demand forecasting. The best tools give you reports you’ll actually read, not just pretty graphs.
Pro tip: If you can’t find the answer to “what do I actually need to reorder this week?”, keep shopping.
What support options are typically available if I run into problems?
You’ll find everything from live chat and email to old-fashioned phone support. Some vendors offer 24/7 support; others, just business hours. Got a tricky issue at 6 PM on a Saturday? Check if your provider’s there. Bonus points for a searchable knowledge base—sometimes you just want to fix it yourself.
What's Next?
If you're in the process of researching small business inventory management software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.