The Top 10 Open Source Inventory Management Software You Should Consider
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 18 tools reviewed.
If you want inventory management software you can actually control—and customize for your business without paying through the nose—open source inventory management systems are your answer.
I’ve managed warehouses, run inventory for a major retailer, and handled international shipping for over a decade. I know exactly how much time you can waste wrestling with spreadsheets and error-prone stock counts.
This guide cuts through marketing nonsense and focuses on what really matters: automation, functionality, real-time inventory, and pricing that won’t surprise you later. Every tool on this list is vetted for actual use cases, from small businesses to full-blown warehouse management.
You’ll get the pros, cons, and key features—so you can find the inventory management tool that fits your workflows, scales with you, and doesn’t lock you into anyone else’s roadmap.
Table of Contents
- Best Software Shortlist
- Why Trust Us
- Compare Specs
- The Best Open Source Inventory Management Software, Reviewed
- Other Open Source Inventory Management Software
- Related Reviews
- Selection Criteria
- What Is Open Source Inventory Management Software?
- How to Choose
- Features
- Benefits
- Costs and Pricing
- FAQs
Why Trust Our Software Reviews
Comparing the Best Open Source Inventory Management Software, Side-by-Side
Below you’ll find a side-by-side comparison of the top open source inventory management systems. Quickly scan pricing and use cases to find the best fit for your team’s needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for hybrid technology | Free plan available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 2 | Best for small to medium businesses | Free trial available | From $5/month onwards | Website | |
| 3 | Best for customizable solutions | Free demo available | Free to Use | Website | |
| 4 | Best for all-in-one solutions | Free demo available | From $19/user/month | Website | |
| 5 | Best for accounting focus | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for modular architecture | Free demo available | Free to use | Website | |
| 7 | Best for electronics inventory | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 8 | Best for complex enterprise needs | Free demo available | Free to use | Website | |
| 9 | Best for healthcare logistics | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 10 | Best for web-based simplicity | Unlimited free trial | Free to use | Website |
The 10 Best Open Source Inventory Management Software, Reviewed
Dive into my detailed reviews of each open source inventory management tool on the shortlist. I break down core features, pros and cons, integrations, and real-world use cases—so you can pick the right inventory management solution without any guesswork.
Axelor is an open-source ERP platform designed for businesses seeking a hybrid of web and mobile solutions. It serves a wide range of industries, offering key business functions like CRM, inventory management, and production planning.
Why I picked Axelor: It combines web and mobile technologies, providing flexibility in how you access and manage your business operations. You can leverage its modular framework to tailor the platform to your needs, whether you're focusing on sales, HR, or inventory. The software's adaptability supports both online and offline operations, ensuring continuity. In my experience, this hybrid approach is perfect for businesses needing versatile access options.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include an intuitive CRM module that helps you manage customer relationships effectively. The platform also offers a project management tool to keep your team organized and on track. Additionally, Axelor provides advanced analytics to help you make informed business decisions.
Integrations include Google Maps, Apache Camel, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, OpenStreetMap, LDAP, JasperReports, and ElasticSearch.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong focus on CRM
- Supports online and offline operations
- Hybrid web and mobile access
Cons:
- Limited community support
- Can be overwhelming for new users
ERPNext is an open-source ERP software designed for small to medium businesses. It handles key business functions like accounting, inventory management, and project management, serving industries such as retail, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Why I picked ERPNext: It offers a cost-effective solution for small to medium businesses with its wide array of features. You can manage multi-subsidiary and multi-currency operations, making it ideal for growing companies. ERPNext is customizable through a low-code, no-code builder, allowing you to tailor it to your specific needs. Its comprehensive suite includes modules for accounting, procurement, sales, and CRM.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include multi-currency accounting, project management, and inventory tracking. You can also take advantage of its CRM capabilities, which include lead and opportunity management. The software supports quality assurance processes, ensuring your operations meet standards.
Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, PayPal, Stripe, Slack, Google Calendar, QuickBooks, Microsoft Outlook, and Dropbox.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong community support
- Supports multi-currency operations
- Customizable with low-code tools
Cons:
- Requires technical knowledge
- Complex implementation process
Apache OFBiz is an open-source enterprise resource planning (ERP) suite designed for businesses seeking customizable solutions. It supports a range of business functions including inventory management, ecommerce, and customer relationship management (CRM).
Why I picked Apache OFBiz: Its highly customizable nature allows you to tailor the system to fit your specific business needs. You can modify and extend features to support unique workflows, making it a versatile option. The platform's modular architecture enables you to implement only the components you require. This flexibility is ideal for businesses looking for a tailored ERP solution without unnecessary features.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a comprehensive ecommerce module that allows you to manage online sales effectively. The system supports a robust accounting module to handle your financial needs. Additionally, it offers a manufacturing management module, which helps streamline production processes.
Integrations include Apache Tomcat, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle Database, MongoDB, Apache Solr, Apache Kafka, Apache ActiveMQ, Apache Camel, and Apache Hadoop.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Active developer community
- Strong support for ecommerce
- Highly customizable architecture
Cons:
- Limited out-of-the-box features
- Requires technical expertise
Flectra is an integrated open-source ERP and CRM platform designed for businesses looking for a comprehensive solution. It caters to various industries, providing key functions like sales management, inventory control, and customer relationship management.
Why I picked Flectra: It combines multiple business functions into a single platform, simplifying your operations. You can manage everything from sales to inventory without switching systems. The software's modular design allows you to customize features according to your business needs. In my experience, its all-in-one approach helps streamline processes and improve efficiency.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a user-friendly dashboard that provides an overview of your business operations. The system offers advanced reporting tools to help you analyze performance and make informed decisions. Additionally, Flectra supports multi-currency transactions, which is beneficial for businesses with international dealings.
Integrations include WooCommerce, Magento, PayPal, Stripe, Authorize.Net, QuickBooks, Xero, Mailchimp, Slack, and Google Calendar.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly dashboard
- Advanced reporting tools
- Supports multi-currency transactions
Cons:
- Few industry-specific features
- Requires technical setup
FrontAccounting is an open-source accounting software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. It handles core business functions such as financial management, accounting, and basic inventory control.
Why I picked FrontAccounting: It offers a dedicated focus on accounting, making it ideal for businesses that need reliable financial management. You can easily manage general ledger, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. The software provides financial reporting tools that help you keep track of your business's financial health. In my experience, its straightforward approach to accounting makes it a valuable tool for businesses with limited accounting resources.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a multi-currency capability, which is beneficial for businesses dealing with international transactions. The software also offers a budgeting module to help you plan and control finances effectively. Additionally, it includes a purchase order management system, which assists in maintaining control over procurement processes.
Integrations include PayPal, WooCommerce, and Shopify.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Purchase order management
- Offers budgeting tools
- Supports multi-currency transactions
Cons:
- Few customization options
- Limited inventory features
Tryton is an open-source business software that serves enterprises looking for a modular, flexible ERP solution. It caters to a wide range of industries, providing essential business functions like inventory management, accounting, and sales.
Why I picked Tryton: Its modular architecture allows you to choose only the components you need, making it highly adaptable. You can easily expand functionality by adding modules for accounting, sales, or inventory. This flexibility is ideal for businesses seeking tailored solutions without unnecessary features. The platform's design supports scalability, accommodating your growth needs.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a user-friendly interface that simplifies navigation and use. The software supports multi-company management, making it suitable for complex organizational structures. Additionally, it offers comprehensive reporting features to help you keep track of critical metrics.
Integrations include PostgreSQL, LDAP, and WebDAV.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong community support
- Extensive customization options
- Supports multi-company management
Cons:
- Few out-of-the-box features
- Complex for small businesses
InvenTree is an open-source inventory management tool designed for managing electronics components and parts. It caters to manufacturers, hobbyists, and engineers who need precise control over their electronic inventory.
Why I picked InvenTree: Its focus on electronics inventory makes it ideal for those dealing with complex parts and components. You can track stock levels, manage suppliers, and organize parts efficiently. The software provides detailed part tracking, ensuring you always know what components are available. In my experience, its specialized features for electronics help streamline inventory management for tech-focused projects.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a user-friendly interface that simplifies inventory tracking. The system supports barcode scanning to improve accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, InvenTree offers customizable part parameters, allowing you to tailor the system to your specific needs.
Integrations include OctoPrint, KiCad, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed part tracking
- Supports barcode scanning
- Specialized for electronics inventory
Cons:
- May not scale for large enterprises
- Limited to electronics focus
ERP5 is an open-source ERP software solution designed for complex enterprise environments. It caters to industries requiring comprehensive business process management, including manufacturing, logistics, and finance.
Why I picked ERP5: It offers a unique approach to managing complex enterprise needs with its unified business model. You can handle everything from accounting and CRM to manufacturing within a single platform. ERP5's flexibility allows you to adapt processes as your business evolves. Its rigorous design supports large-scale operations, making it suitable for enterprises with multifaceted requirements.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include an integrated accounting module that supports financial management efficiently. The software provides a comprehensive CRM system to track customer interactions. Additionally, it supports advanced manufacturing management, helping you streamline production workflows.
Integrations include PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, Zope, Nginx, Apache, SlapOS, WebDAV, CalDAV, and LDAP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive CRM system
- Adaptable to changing needs
- Supports large-scale operations
Cons:
- Few out-of-the-box features
- Requires significant technical expertise
OpenBoxes is an open-source inventory management tool tailored for healthcare supply chains. It provides real-time visibility into inventory, ensuring efficient management of stock levels and minimizing expiry losses.
Why I picked OpenBoxes: It's specifically designed for healthcare logistics, offering features that cater to this sector's unique needs. You can track inventory across multiple facilities, ensuring accurate stock history and minimizing stockouts. The platform allows for high customization, fitting seamlessly into various workflows. Its open-source nature makes it accessible, particularly for organizations in developing regions.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include efficient workflows to minimize stockouts and losses, comprehensive stock history tracking, and support for multiple facilities. You can customize the platform to fit specific needs, enhancing its adaptability. The system also offers robust support options, including data migration and training.
Integrations include HelpScout, which enhances self-service support and knowledge base access.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports multiple facilities
- Designed for healthcare logistics
- Strong community support
Cons:
- Requires technical setup
- Limited to healthcare focus
webERP is an open-source ERP system developed for small to medium-sized businesses seeking a simple, web-based solution. It handles essential business functions like accounting, inventory management, and order processing.
Why I picked webERP: It provides a straightforward, web-based interface that makes it easy for your team to access data from anywhere. You can manage various business functions without the need for complex installations. The system's simplicity ensures that you can focus on your core business activities without getting bogged down in tech details. In my experience, webERP's ease of use is a significant advantage for companies without extensive IT resources.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include multi-language support, which can be beneficial if your team operates in different regions. The system also offers multi-currency handling, making it suitable for international transactions. Additionally, webERP provides comprehensive reporting capabilities, allowing you to track and analyze business performance effectively.
Integrations include PayPal, Authorize.Net, Google Charts, and TCPDF.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Handles multiple currencies
- Multi-language support
- Simple web-based access
Cons:
- Basic user interface
- Limited advanced features
Other Open Source Inventory Management Software
Here are some additional open source inventory management software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Dolibarr
For easy integration
- Open Source Point of Sale (OSPOS)
For retail environments
- Odoo
For modular business apps
- iDempiere
For community-driven development
- ADempiere
For flexible customization
- BlueSeer
For manufacturing SMEs
- LedgerSMB
For accounting transparency
- opentaps
For integrated ERP and CRM
Our Selection Criteria For Open Source Inventory Management Software
Choosing inventory management software shouldn’t feel like a shot in the dark. I use a straightforward, operator-approved framework to keep things honest and help you cut through sales fluff. Here’s exactly how I score and compare every open source inventory management system that makes this list.
Core functionality (25% of total score)
The basics have to work—no exceptions. Here’s what’s essential for any inventory management system:
- Tracks inventory levels accurately, so you aren’t guessing what’s on the shelf.
- Handles stock movements and adjustments with clear audit trails.
- Generates reports you’d actually use—stock history, current inventory, low stock alerts.
- Manages multiple warehouses or storage locations without making things complicated.
- Supports barcode scanning or QR code entry to cut manual mistakes.
Additional standout features (25% of total score)
Some tools go further than others. I reward inventory management software that includes:
- Customizable dashboards and modules, so you see what matters most.
- Advanced analytics, demand forecasting, or plug-ins to extend functionality.
- Integrations with accounting, ecommerce, and ERP systems—no more patching together spreadsheets.
- Multi-currency support for international operations.
- IoT device connections, automation, or API integrations for teams that want more control.
Usability (10% of total score)
If the user experience stinks, it won’t matter how many features you get. Here’s what I want to see:
- Clean, intuitive interface that doesn’t bury features.
- Straightforward navigation across inventory, orders, and reports.
- Mobile access for work away from the desk.
- Customizable user settings for different roles or workflows.
- Fast, reliable performance for everyday tasks.
Onboarding (10% of total score)
Getting started shouldn’t eat up your week. I look for:
- Setup wizards, templates, or interactive product tours.
- Quality training materials—videos, documentation, webinars.
- Onboard chatbots or in-app help.
- Community resources that don’t leave you stranded.
Customer support (10% of total score)
Support can make or break your rollout. Here’s what I value:
- Multiple real support channels—chat, email, forums.
- Transparent, reasonable response times.
- Comprehensive documentation and a searchable knowledge base.
- An active user community that’s actually helpful.
Value for money (10% of total score)
No one likes hidden fees. I score value based on:
- Clear, competitive pricing compared to other inventory management solutions.
- No bait-and-switch—core features aren’t locked behind premium tiers.
- Flexible plans and real free trials so you can test before committing.
- Strong features even at entry-level pricing.
Customer reviews (10% of total score)
I always check what real users say. My review scan focuses on:
- High satisfaction ratings on trusted review sites.
- Consistent reliability and real-world performance.
- Honest feedback on features, pain points, and support.
- Proof that the tool actually fixes inventory headaches for businesses like yours.
What Is Open Source Inventory Management Software?
If you’re new to the category, here’s what you need to know—no marketing doublespeak, just facts.
Open source inventory management software is inventory control software that gives you full access to the underlying code—so you can customize, self-host, and avoid recurring license fees.
Small businesses, retailers, warehouse operators, and manufacturers use these systems to automate stock tracking, streamline order management, and keep inventory levels accurate across multiple locations.
Unlike closed, proprietary systems, open source inventory management tools let you tweak functionality, connect to APIs, and build out workflows for your real-world needs—without waiting for a vendor’s next update.
With options for barcode scanning, real-time inventory updates, integrations with ecommerce and ERP systems, and detailed reporting, you get both control and transparency.
The result? Fewer stockouts, faster replenishment, and a system you can actually trust.
How to Choose Open Source Inventory Management Software
There’s no shortage of inventory management systems out there, but picking the right one is about real-world fit—not just feature lists.
Use this table to take practical action, avoid buyer’s remorse, and set your business up for success.
| Step | What to do | Pro tip or consideration |
|---|---|---|
| List your must-haves | Identify required features—barcode, multi-warehouse, API, integrations, etc. | Don’t forget compliance, mobile access, or specific reporting needs. |
| Set a realistic budget | Include costs for hosting, support, development, and future upgrades. | Open source means no license fees, but you’ll still invest time and talent. |
| Check integration options | Confirm compatibility with your accounting, ERP, or ecommerce platforms. | Avoid tools that require custom connectors for basic workflows. |
| Test real-world usability | Run a live demo or sandbox with your team on actual workflows. | The best UI is the one your people can use with minimal training. |
| Evaluate community and support | Research the user community, available documentation, and support channels. | Strong community and up-to-date docs are insurance against downtime. |
| Review customization needs | Assess how much you’ll need to tweak or extend for your business. | If you need deep changes, pick a tool with good module/plugin support. |
| Plan for scale and change | Think ahead to new locations, users, or product lines. | Don’t settle for a system that’ll choke as you grow. |
| Decide on deployment | Choose between on-premise, cloud, or Docker hosting based on your IT reality. | Cloud is easier for most, but self-hosted gives you ultimate control. |
Features of Open Source Inventory Management Software
Every open source inventory management system isn’t created equal. Here’s what you should look for if you actually want to streamline operations, connect your tools, and maintain accuracy at scale.
- Real-time inventory tracking, so you always know your exact stock levels across all locations.
- Barcode and QR code scanning, which reduces manual entry errors and speeds up receiving and picking.
- Multi-warehouse and location support, making it easy to transfer stock, track movement, and run distributed operations.
- Order and purchase management, letting you create and monitor sales and purchase orders with automated notifications.
- Customizable workflows and modules, so you can adapt the system to match your business—not force your business to fit the system.
- Robust integrations and API access, allowing seamless connections to accounting, ecommerce, ERP, CRM, and other essential software.
- Role-based access and security controls, ensuring the right people can make changes and your data stays protected.
- Advanced reporting and analytics, giving you actionable insights with inventory valuation, usage trends, and customizable dashboards.
- Support for multiple units, currencies, and languages, which is a must if you operate in different markets or regions.
- Flexible deployment options, so you can self-host, run in Docker, or use the cloud based on your security and IT needs.
Benefits of Open Source Inventory Management Software
Here’s what open source brings to the table—beyond just saving on license fees.
- Full control over your stack, so you’re never at the mercy of a vendor’s roadmap or support desk.
- No license fees or per-user costs, keeping your budget focused on growth, not endless software bills.
- Customization without limits, since you can tweak features, add modules, and build what you need when you need it.
- Active user and developer communities, giving you support, quick fixes, and real-world advice—plus optional paid support if you want backup.
- Easy integrations with your systems, letting you automate processes across ecommerce, accounting, ERP, and supply chain tools.
- Open code and transparent security, so vulnerabilities are spotted and fixed fast, and you can audit the system yourself.
- Grows as you do, allowing you to start simple and expand to advanced inventory, asset management, or forecasting as needed.
- Built for your business, matching your workflows, industry requirements, and real operational needs instead of forcing a square peg into a round hole.
Costs and Pricing of Open Source Inventory Management Software
Pricing for open source inventory management software isn’t always as simple as “free or not.” While you avoid license fees, real costs can come from setup, hosting, support, and extra features.
Here’s a breakdown of the common plan types and what you actually get with each.
| Plan type | Average price | Common features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free plan | $0 | Basic inventory tracking, limited reporting, community support. | Startups, side projects, early testing. |
| Personal plan | $5–$25/user/month | Inventory tracking, order management, basic reporting, email support. | Small businesses and teams needing more than basics. |
| Business plan | $25–$50/user/month | Advanced reporting, multi-warehouse, integrations, priority support. | Growing companies and multi-location operators. |
| Enterprise plan | $50–$100/user/month | Custom dashboards, analytics, multi-currency, dedicated account management. | Larger organizations or those with complex needs. |
Other cost considerations
You’ll want to factor in more than the sticker price. Here’s what to watch for:
- Implementation and onboarding costs. Complex setups or data migrations might require paid expertise or extra time from your team.
- Support fees. Free support is often community-driven, but paid support or custom SLAs will bump up your spend.
- Customization and add-ons. Advanced modules, third-party plugins, or custom API work may come with additional costs, even for open source.
- Hosting and infrastructure. Cloud hosting, on-premise servers, or managed Docker deployments can vary in price, so weigh ongoing costs against your IT resources.
- Ongoing maintenance and updates. Self-hosting means your team will handle patches, backups, and security—plan for the hours or contract it out.
Open Source Inventory Management Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about open source inventory management software:
How hard is it to migrate from spreadsheets to open source inventory management software?
If you’ve been living in spreadsheet hell, the right open source inventory management system will make migration pretty painless.
Most tools support CSV imports for bulk data. The real work is cleaning your old data—do it once, and you’ll finally get accurate, real-time inventory tracking with none of the version confusion or accidental deletions.
Can open source inventory management software work with barcode or QR code scanners I already own?
Absolutely. Most leading open source inventory management solutions support standard barcode and QR code scanning hardware out of the box.
Plug in your USB or Bluetooth scanner, map fields, and you’re up and running—no need to buy proprietary gadgets or pay extra licensing.
How do open source inventory management systems handle multiple users and permissions?
You get full control over who can access, edit, or delete data. Role-based access is standard in the best open source inventory management tools, so you can set up permissions by team, warehouse, or even job function. No more “everyone’s an admin” chaos.
What happens if a feature I need doesn’t exist yet?
That’s the beauty of open source: you can build it, hire a developer, or ask the community. Many open source inventory management systems have plugin frameworks or active GitHub repositories, so adding a new workflow or module is just a pull request away.
No waiting for a vendor’s roadmap or paying for custom development unless you want to.
Is open source inventory management software reliable enough for mission-critical operations?
If you pick a mature, well-supported platform (like ERPNext, Dolibarr, or InvenTree), you’re getting software that powers everything from medical supply chains to multi-location retail.
Frequent updates, transparent bug tracking, and real-world users keep reliability high—just make sure you’re running current versions and proper backups.
Can I connect open source inventory management software to my ecommerce platform or ERP system?
Yes, and it’s one of the biggest reasons people switch. Top open source inventory management systems include prebuilt integrations and open APIs for platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and Odoo.
Skip the middleware and plug your tools right into your supply chain and order management workflows.
Get Your Stock Together
Open source inventory management software lets you take control, cut costs, and finally get ahead of your stock problems. Pick the right tool, streamline your workflows, and watch the chaos fade.
If you're in the process of researching open source 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.
Retail never stands still—and neither should you. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest insights, strategies, and career resources from top retail leaders shaping the industry.
