Inventory management is a crucial aspect of running a successful small business. It involves overseeing, controlling, and organizing the stock of goods that a company sells or uses. Inventory management ensures that the correct quantity and quality of items are available at the right time and place, minimizing costs and maximizing customer satisfaction.

However, inventory management is a complex task. It requires careful planning, coordination, and execution of various processes, such as ordering, receiving, storing, tracking, and distributing inventory items. Moreover, inventory management becomes more challenging as the business grows and expands its product range and customer base.

This is especially true in the era of e-commerce, where online shopping has become a dominant force in the retail industry. According to Shopify, the worldwide e-commerce market is projected to reach $6.3 trillion in 2023, constituting a substantial 21.2% share of overall retail sales. Projections indicate that by 2024, online transactions will constitute 21.2% of total retail sales, affirming the escalating significance of e-commerce in the retail landscape.

With such rapid growth and fierce competition, small businesses need to adopt reliable and efficient inventory management solutions that can help them optimize their inventory levels, streamline their supply chain, and enhance their customer service. One of small businesses' most important decisions is choosing the right inventory management software.

Inventory management software is an automated system that helps businesses manage their inventory operations and data. It can perform various functions, such as tracking inventory quantities, locations, and statuses, generating purchase orders and invoices, integrating with other systems and platforms, and providing real-time reports and insights.

However, not all inventory management software is created equal. Different software has different features, capabilities, and pricing models. Therefore, small businesses must consider several factors before selecting the best inventory management software for their specific situation.

The Significance of Optimal Inventory Management Software Selection

Choosing the right inventory management software can significantly impact a small business's performance and profitability. According to a survey by Software Path, only 18% of SMBs use inventory management software, and 43% of small businesses don’t track their inventory or use a manual process. 

Opting for the correct inventory management software can lead to favorable outcomes, including time and money wastage, increased errors and inefficiencies, and the risk of losing customers and market share. Cogsy indicates that the global e-commerce stage sees an impressive $4.2 trillion annual sales. Nevertheless, the stark truth reveals that retailers face a staggering loss of $1.1 trillion each year due to stockouts, an astounding 25% of the entire global revenue. It translates to a quarter of potential earnings dissipating because of subpar inventory management practices.

Therefore, small businesses must carefully evaluate their inventory management needs and goals and compare software options based on various criteria, such as functionality, usability, scalability, compatibility, and affordability. By doing so, they can select the optimal inventory management software that can help them achieve the following benefits:

Inventory management software can help small businesses maintain optimal inventory levels, which means having enough stock to meet customer demand without overstocking or understocking. This can reduce inventory costs, such as storage, handling, and obsolescence, and increase inventory turnover, the sales ratio to average inventory.

Inventory management software can help small businesses streamline their supply chain processes, such as procurement, production, and distribution. It can automate tasks, such as generating purchase orders, tracking shipments, and updating inventory records, and provide real-time visibility into inventory movements and statuses. It can improve efficiency, accuracy, and productivity and reduce lead times, waste, and errors. According to a report by Capgemini, 72% of retailers plan to reinvent their supply chain with real-time visibility enabled by automation, sensors, and analytics.

Inventory management software can help small businesses enhance their customer service and satisfaction. It can enable faster and more accurate order fulfillment, increasing customer retention and loyalty. It can also provide customers with self-service options, such as tracking orders, viewing inventory availability, and requesting returns or exchanges. Moreover, it can help small businesses offer personalized services based on customer preferences and behavior, such as product recommendations, discounts, and rewards.

Factors to Deliberate: Business Size, Industry Specifics, and Uniqueness

While many inventory management software are available in the market, only some are suitable for some small businesses. Each small business has unique characteristics and challenges, such as the size, the type and complexity of the products, the nature and diversity of the customers, and the competitive and regulatory environment. Therefore, small businesses need to consider the following factors when selecting the best inventory management software for their needs:

Business Size

The size of the business affects the volume and variety of inventory items, the number and location of warehouses, the frequency and quantity of orders, and the number and role of users. Small businesses must choose inventory management software to handle their current and projected inventory needs and scale up or down as the company grows or shrinks. They also need to consider the pricing model of the software, such as subscription, license, or usage-based, and the total cost of ownership, which includes installation, maintenance, and support costs.

Industry Specifics

The business industry affects the type and quality of the products, the demand and seasonality patterns, the supply chain and distribution channels, and the industry standards and regulations. Small businesses must choose inventory management software that can cater to their specific industry requirements, such as tracking inventory by batch, serial number, or expiration date, managing inventory across multiple channels and platforms, complying with industry-specific rules and laws, and integrating with industry-specific systems and applications.

Uniqueness

The uniqueness of the business affects the differentiation and innovation of the products, the customization and personalization of the services, the customers' niche and target market, and the vision and mission of the business. Small businesses must choose inventory management software to support their unique value proposition and competitive advantage, such as creating product bundles and kits, offering dynamic pricing and discounts, providing customer feedback and reviews, and generating custom reports and insights.

Key Considerations When Investing in Inventory Management Software

Efficient inventory management is crucial for any business handling physical goods. Utilizing inventory management software becomes imperative as it aids in monitoring and controlling inventory levels, order processing, deliveries, and costs. Additionally, it facilitates the optimization of stock and streamlining supply chain operations. It's worth noting that not all inventory management software is crafted alike. Before investing, it's essential to consider various factors, including:

Critical Features to Prioritize

Depending on your business needs and goals, you may want to look for specific features in your inventory management software, such as:

Barcode Scanning and RFID

These features allow you to quickly and accurately identify, count, and track your inventory items using barcode labels or RFID tags. They can also help you reduce errors, save time, and improve accuracy.

Batch and Serial Number Tracking

These features enable you to track your inventory items based on their batch or serial numbers, which can be helpful for quality control, warranty, and recall purposes. They can also help you comply with industry regulations and standards.

Multi-location and Multi-channel Management

These features allow you to manage your inventory across multiple warehouses, stores, or online platforms. They can also help you synchronize your stock levels, avoid overselling, and fulfill orders from the most convenient location.

Inventory Forecasting and Replenishment

These features help you predict your future inventory demand and supply and automatically reorder products when they reach a certain level. They can also help you avoid stockouts, overstocking, and wastage.

Ensuring Compatibility with Existing Systems

Another vital factor to consider is how well your inventory management software can integrate with your existing systems, such as your accounting, point-of-sale, e-commerce, or CRM software. It can help you streamline workflows, eliminate data entry, and avoid inconsistency. You may look for inventory management software that offers native integrations, APIs, or webhooks to connect with your other systems.

Scalability and Future Growth Potential

Consider how scalable and flexible your inventory management software is and how well it can support your future growth and expansion. Look for inventory management software that can handle large volumes of data, transactions, and users and offer customization options, add-ons, or upgrades to suit your changing needs.

Prioritizing a User-Friendly Interface and Customization

Another factor to consider is how easy and intuitive your inventory management software is to use and customize. Look for inventory management software with a user-friendly interface, straightforward navigation, and helpful tutorials. Look for inventory management software that allows you to customize your dashboard, reports, alerts, and workflows to fit your preferences and requirements.

Seamless Integration with E-commerce Platforms

If you sell your products online, look for inventory management software that seamlessly integrates with your e-commerce platforms, such as Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, or eBay. It can help you sync your inventory levels, orders, and shipments across your online channels and automate your order fulfillment and inventory updates. Look for inventory management software that can handle multiple currencies, taxes, and shipping options.

Reporting and Analytics Capabilities Evaluation

Another factor is how well your inventory management software can provide insightful and actionable reports and analytics. Consider looking for inventory management software to generate various reports, such as inventory valuation, turnover, profitability, aging, and performance. Look for inventory management software to provide real-time data, graphs, charts, and KPIs to help you monitor and optimize your inventory operations.

Mobile Accessibility Emphasis

You may also want to consider how accessible and convenient your inventory management software is on your mobile devices, such as your smartphone or tablet. Look for inventory management software with a mobile or responsive web application that allows you to access and manage your inventory anytime, anywhere. Look for inventory management software with offline capabilities, push notifications, and GPS tracking.

Importance of Customer Support and Training

Another factor to consider is how reliable and helpful your inventory management software provider is in terms of customer support and training. Consider looking for inventory management software that offers various support channels like phone, email, chat, or ticket. You may also look for inventory management software that offers accessible or affordable training, such as webinars, videos, or guides.

Clear Understanding of Cost and Pricing Structure

Finally, consider how much your inventory management software costs and how it fits your budget. Consider looking for inventory management software that offers transparent and reasonable pricing, such as monthly or annual subscriptions, pay-per-use, or one-time fees. Look for inventory management software that offers free trials, demos, or money-back guarantees.

Security Measures and Data Protection

Last, consider how secure and protected your inventory management software is regarding data storage, backup, and encryption. Depending on your preference and needs, You may look for inventory management software that uses cloud-based or on-premise servers. Look for inventory management software that complies with industry standards and regulations, such as GDPR, PCI-DSS, or ISO.

Comprehensive Review of Top Inventory Management Software

Let’s delve into the review of various inventory management software. We have evaluated each software based on its pros and cons, features, specifications, and free trial details. We have also included links to the official websites of each software, where you can learn more and sign up for a free trial.

Cin7 Core

Cin7 Core is a cloud-based inventory management software that integrates with over 700 platforms, including e-commerce, marketplaces, POS, EDI, 3PL, and accounting. It is designed for businesses that manage complex inventory and supply chain processes across multiple channels and locations. Cin7 Core offers real-time inventory visibility, automated order fulfillment, and intelligent demand planning.

Pros:

• Cin7 Core has robust features that handle complex inventory scenarios, such as product variants, bundles, kits, serial numbers, batch tracking, and consignment stock.

• Cin7 Core has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and customize. Users can create dashboards, reports, and workflows according to their preferences and needs.

• Cin7 Core has a dedicated support team that provides 24/7 phone, email, chat, and help center assistance. Users can also access online training, webinars, and documentation.

Cons:

• Cin7 Core can be expensive for small and medium-sized businesses, as it charges per user and integration. The pricing starts from $349 per month for three users and two integrations and goes up to $999 for ten users and six integrations. Additional users and integrations cost extra.

• Cin7 Core can have a steep learning curve for some users, as it has many features and options that may require training and guidance. Some users have reported bugs and glitches in the software, especially after updates.

• Cin7 Core can sometimes be slow and laggy, especially when dealing with large amounts of data or multiple integrations. Some users have experienced downtime and sync issues with the software.

Features Analysis

Cin7 Core has four main modules: inventory, orders, purchasing, and reporting. Here are some of the critical features of each module:

Inventory

Cin7 Core allows users to manage their inventory across multiple channels and locations with real-time visibility and accuracy. Users can track inventory by product, variant, bundle, kit, serial number, batch, location, warehouse, bin, and consignment. Users can also adjust inventory levels, transfer stock, perform stocktakes, and set reorder points.

Orders

Cin7 Core enables users to process orders from various sources, such as e-commerce, marketplaces, POS, EDI, and B2B portals. Users can automate order fulfillment, invoicing, and shipping with integrations with carriers, 3PL, and drop shippers. Users can also manage returns, refunds, exchanges, and backorders.

Purchasing

Cin7 Core helps users optimize their purchasing and replenishment processes with integrations with suppliers and manufacturers. Users can create and send purchase orders, receive goods, update costs, and track payments. Users can also use demand planning and forecasting tools to calculate optimal stock levels and reorder quantities.

Reporting

Cin7 Core provides users with comprehensive and customizable reports and analytics with BI tools and accounting software integrations. Users can monitor and measure their inventory performance, sales trends, profitability, and cash flow. Users can also create dashboards, alerts, and notifications to stay on top of their business.

Specifications Overview and Free Trial Details

Cin7 Core caters to businesses of various sizes and industries, particularly those dealing with intricate inventory and supply chain operations across multiple channels and locations. The platform boasts over 700 integrations, including popular platforms like Shopify, Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Magento, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Xero, QuickBooks, Salesforce, and more.

Explore the capabilities of Cin7 Core with a hassle-free 14-day trial; the best part is no credit card is required during sign-up. Visit the official Cin7 Core website to kickstart your trial period. Additionally, users can opt for a personalized demo and request a quote directly from the website. Experience the efficiency and convenience Cin7 Core brings to your business operations.

Zoho Inventory

Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management solution within the comprehensive Zoho suite. Tailored for small to medium-sized businesses engaged in online selling across various channels like e-commerce platforms, marketplaces, and POS systems, Zoho Inventory simplifies the complex task of handling inventory, orders, shipments, and payments. Enjoy the convenience of streamlining these essential aspects of your business from one centralized platform with Zoho Inventory.

Comprehensive Pros and Cons Assessment

Pros

• Zoho Inventory has comprehensive features covering the entire inventory management cycle, from purchasing and receiving to selling and shipping.

• You can track inventory levels, costs, and movements across multiple warehouses and locations. You can also automate your order fulfillment, invoicing, and shipping processes with integrations with various carriers, payment gateways, and accounting software.

• Zoho Inventory is highly customizable and scalable, allowing you to tailor it to your business needs and preferences. You can create custom fields, forms, templates, workflows, and reports. As your business grows, You can adjust your pricing plans, order limits, and warehouse capacities.

• Zoho Inventory is easy to use and navigate, with a user-friendly interface and a dashboard that provides an overview of your inventory performance and key metrics. You can also access Zoho Inventory from any device and location, as it is cloud-based and mobile-friendly.

• Zoho Inventory offers a 14-day free trial, with no credit card required. You can also use the free edition, which includes 20 online and offline orders per month, 20 shipping labels per month, and three e-commerce integrations. The paid plans start from $29 monthly for up to 10 users, 100 online orders, and two warehouses.

Cons

• Zoho Inventory only supports the FIFO (first-in, first-out) costing method, which may not suit some businesses that use other costing methods, such as LIFO (last-in, first-out) or average cost. You may need to use a separate accounting software to handle your inventory valuation and costing.

• Zoho Inventory does not have advanced features that some businesses may need, such as bill of materials, pick lists, bin ID support, or forecasting. You may need to use additional software or add-ons to supplement these features.

• Zoho Inventory has some limitations and issues with some integrations, primarily with non-US platforms. Some users have reported problems with syncing, updating, and importing data from some e-commerce platforms, marketplaces, and carriers. You should check the compatibility and reliability of the integrations before using them.

Feature Deep Dive: Comprehensive, Customizable, Scalable

Zoho Inventory has four main modules: inventory, orders, purchasing, and reporting. Here are some of the critical features of each module:

Inventory

Zoho Inventory allows you to manage your inventory across multiple channels and locations with real-time visibility and accuracy. You can track your inventory by product, variant, bundle, kit, serial number, batch, location, warehouse, bin, and consignment. You can also adjust your inventory levels, transfer stock, perform stocktakes, and set reorder points.

Orders

Zoho Inventory enables you to process orders from various sources, such as e-commerce platforms, marketplaces, POS systems, EDI, and B2B portals. You can automate your order fulfillment, invoicing, and shipping with integrations with carriers, 3PL, and drop shippers. You can also manage returns, refunds, exchanges, and backorders.

Purchasing

Zoho Inventory helps you optimize your purchasing and replenishment processes with integrations with suppliers and manufacturers. You can create and send purchase orders, receive goods, update costs, and track payments. Use demand planning and forecasting tools to calculate optimal stock levels and reorder quantities.

Reporting

Zoho Inventory provides comprehensive and customizable reports and analytics, integrating BI tools and accounting software. You can monitor and measure your inventory performance, sales trends, profitability, cash flow, etc. You can also create dashboards, alerts, and notifications to stay on top of your business.

Zoho Inventory is a comprehensive, customizable, and scalable inventory management software that can help you streamline your online selling operations and grow your business. You can try it for free for 14 days or sign up for the free edition or the paid plans on Zoho Inventory's official website.

Sortly

Sortly is a cloud-based inventory management software designed to manage inventories of any size visually. It's an ideal solution for small to medium-sized businesses seeking straightforward and affordable software to monitor inventory across multiple locations, categories, and subcategories. Sortly allows users to organize inventory using photos, tags, notes, and custom fields. It also supports barcode and QR label scanning, offers low-stock alerts, and can generate customized reports. Sortly provides a user-friendly and visually intuitive approach to streamline inventory management processes.

Thorough Pros and Cons Analysis

Pros

• Sortly has a simple and user-friendly interface that allows you to easily add, edit, and search your inventory items.

• You can use photos, tags, notes, and custom fields to describe your items and group them into categories and subcategories.

• You can also use folders and subfolders to organize your inventory by location, warehouse, or bin.

• Sortly has a barcode scanner app compatible with any smartphone or tablet. You can use the app to scan barcodes and QR labels to access and update your inventory information quickly.

• You can also print QR labels from the app or the web dashboard and attach them to your items or bins.

• Sortly has a low stock alert feature that notifies you when your inventory levels fall below a certain threshold.

• You can set the alert for each item or category and choose how to receive the notification, such as email, SMS, or push notification. You can also use the alert to create and send purchase orders to your suppliers.

• Sortly has a free plan that allows you to manage up to 100 items and one user. The free plan includes basic features such as photos, tags, notes, custom fields, barcode scanning, and reporting.

• The paid plans start from $29 per month and offer more features such as unlimited items, multiple users, QR labels, low stock alerts, and API access.

Cons

• Sortly has few integrations with other platforms, such as e-commerce, accounting, or POS systems. You can use the API to connect Sortly with other software, which may require technical skills and additional costs. You may also need to use separate software to handle your online sales, invoicing, and shipping processes.

• Sortly does not have some advanced features that some businesses may need, such as batch tracking, serial number tracking, expiration date tracking, or forecasting. You may need to use additional software or add-ons to supplement these features.

• Sortly has some limitations and issues with some of its features, especially with the barcode scanner app. Some users have reported problems with scanning accuracy, compatibility, and speed. You should check the quality and reliability of the app before using it.

Features Explored: Customization, Barcode Support, Low Stock Alerts

Sortly has four main features that distinguish it from other inventory management software: customization, barcode support, low stock alerts, and reporting. Here are some of the details of each feature:

Customization

Sortly allows you to customize your inventory according to your needs and preferences. You can use photos, tags, notes, and custom fields to describe your items and group them into categories and subcategories. You can also use folders and subfolders to organize your inventory by location, warehouse, or bin. You can also create custom reports and dashboards to monitor and measure your inventory performance and key metrics.

Barcode Support

Sortly has a barcode scanner app compatible with any smartphone or tablet. You can use the app to scan barcodes and QR labels to access and update your inventory information quickly. You can also print QR labels from the app or the web dashboard and attach them to your items or bins. The app also supports offline mode, allowing you to scan and update your inventory without an internet connection.

Low Stock Alerts

Sortly has a low stock alert feature that notifies you when your inventory levels fall below a certain threshold. You can set the alert for each item or category and choose how to receive the notification, such as email, SMS, or push notification. You can also use the alert to create and send purchase orders to your suppliers. The alert helps you avoid stockouts and overstocking and optimize your inventory replenishment and purchasing processes.

Reporting

Sortly provides comprehensive and customizable reports and analytics, which you can access from the web dashboard or the app. You can generate reports on various aspects of your inventory, such as stock levels, stock movements, stock value, sales, profits, and more. You can also create dashboards, alerts, and notifications to stay on top of your business.

In-depth Specifications and Free Trial Highlights

Sortly is suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries, especially those that need a simple and affordable solution to track their inventory across multiple locations, categories, and subcategories. Sortly has a web-based dashboard and a mobile app that works on any device and platform. Sortly has three free paid plans: Advanced, Ultra, and Enterprise. Here are some of the specifications and highlights of each plan:

Free

The free plan allows you to manage up to 100 items and one user. The free plan includes basic features such as photos, tags, notes, custom fields, barcode scanning, and reporting. The free plan is an excellent way to test the software and start adding your inventory items.

Advanced

The advanced plan costs $29 monthly and allows you to manage up to 2,000 items and three users. The advanced plan includes QR labels, low-stock alerts, and API access. The advanced plan is ideal for small businesses that need more inventory capacity and features.

Ultra

The ultra plan costs $59 monthly and allows you to manage unlimited items and five users. The ultra plan includes more features like multi-location support, user roles and permissions, and custom branding. The ultra plan is ideal for medium-sized businesses that need more inventory flexibility and customization.

Enterprise

The enterprise plan is a custom plan that allows you to manage unlimited items and ten or more users. The enterprise plan includes more features like dedicated support, custom integrations, and custom development. The enterprise plan is ideal for large businesses that need more inventory scalability and functionality.

Sortly offers a 14-day free trial for the advanced and ultra plans, with no credit card required. You can sign up for the free trial on the official website of Sortly. You can also request a demo and a quote for the enterprise plan from the website.

QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting software designed to streamline financial management for small businesses and freelancers. It's part of the Intuit suite, offering a comprehensive solution that includes QuickBooks Payroll, QuickBooks Self-Employed, QuickBooks Desktop, and more. This platform is a centralized hub for efficiently managing income, expenses, taxes, invoices, and payments and generating insightful reports.

One notable feature that enhances QuickBooks Online's functionality is its seamless integration capabilities with various payment processors like PayPal, Stripe, or Square and popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Amazon, and eBay. This integration is facilitated through tools like PayTraQer, which bridges your accounting system and external platforms.

By leveraging PayTraQer, you can effortlessly sync crucial data such as order details, product information, and transaction fees from your payment processors and e-commerce accounts directly into QuickBooks Online or Xero. This automation streamlines your bookkeeping processes and ensures you can easily track and reconcile transactions across multiple external platforms. PayTraQer catalyzes a seamless and integrated financial management experience within the QuickBooks ecosystem.

Pros and Cons Analysis

Pros

• QuickBooks Online has comprehensive features covering the entire accounting cycle, from recording transactions to generating financial statements. You can track your income and expenses by category, project, customer, or vendor. You can also create and send invoices, estimates, and receipts and accept payments online. You can also manage your taxes, inventory, bills, and bank accounts.

• QuickBooks Online is highly customizable and scalable, allowing you to tailor it to your business needs and preferences. You can create custom fields, forms, templates, workflows, and reports. As your business grows, You can adjust your pricing plans, user roles, and access levels.

• QuickBooks Online is easy to use and navigate, with a user-friendly interface and a dashboard that provides an overview of your business performance and key metrics. You can also access QuickBooks Online from any device and location, as it is cloud-based and mobile-friendly.

• QuickBooks Online offers a 30-day free trial, with no credit card required. You can also use the free edition, which includes basic features such as income and expense tracking, invoicing, and reporting. The paid plans start from $25 per month and offer more features such as bill management, time tracking, inventory tracking, and tax preparation.

Cons

• QuickBooks Online can be expensive for some businesses, especially if they need multiple users or advanced features. The pricing starts from $15 per month for one user and goes up to $100 per month for 25 users. Additional users and features cost extra.

• QuickBooks Online can have a steep learning curve for some users, as it has many features and options that may require training and guidance. Some users have reported bugs and glitches in the software, especially after updates.

• QuickBooks Online can be slow and laggy, especially when dealing with large amounts of data or multiple integrations. Some users have experienced downtime and sync issues with the software.

Feature Exploration: Application Suite for Small Business, Retail Inventory

QuickBooks Online has four main modules: income, expenses, sales, and reports. Here are some of the critical features of each module:

Income

QuickBooks Online allows you to manage your income from various sources, such as sales, services, or donations. You can create and send invoices, estimates, and receipts and accept payments online or offline. You can also track your sales by customer, product, or service and monitor your accounts receivable and cash flow.

Expenses

QuickBooks Online lets you manage your expenses from various sources, such as purchases, bills, or taxes. You can record and categorize your expenses by vendor, project, or category and monitor your accounts payable and spending. You can also track your mileage, receipts, and deductions and prepare your taxes.

Sales

QuickBooks Online helps you optimize your sales and inventory processes with integrations with e-commerce platforms, POS systems, and marketplaces. You can manage your inventory across multiple locations and channels with real-time visibility and accuracy. You can also automate your order fulfillment, shipping, and returns with integrations with carriers, 3PL, and drop shippers.

Reports

QuickBooks Online provides comprehensive and customizable reports and analytics, integrating BI tools and accounting software. You can generate reports on various aspects of your business, such as income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, profit and loss, sales tax, and more. You can also create dashboards, alerts, and notifications to stay on top of your business.

QuickBooks Online is a versatile accounting software that can help you streamline your operations and grow your business. You can try it for free for 30 days or sign up for the free edition or the paid plans on the official website of QuickBooks Online.

Wrap Up

In conclusion, we have discussed the importance of e-commerce inventory management software for small businesses, the features to look for, and the best options available in the market. We have also highlighted some of the latest trends in e-commerce inventory management, such as AI order picking, automated supply chain management, dynamic production planning, streamlining returns, and omnichannel inventory management.

However, choosing the best e-commerce inventory management software for your business is more than just a one-size-fits-all decision. You must consider your needs, budget, goals, and preferences. You also need to compare each software's pros and cons and test them before making a final decision.

That’s why we encourage you to explore the recommended software options mentioned in this article and see how they can help you improve your e-commerce operations. For more insights, you can also check out other user reviews, ratings, and testimonials.

Remember, e-commerce inventory management software is not just software but a strategic investment for your business. It can help you save time, money, and resources while enhancing customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retention. It can also give you a competitive edge in the fast-growing and ever-changing e-commerce industry.

So, don’t wait any longer. Start your free trial or sign up for the best e-commerce inventory management software for your small business today and see the difference it can make for your online store. You won’t regret it.

FAQs

Q1: What is E-commerce Inventory Management Software?

E-commerce inventory management software is a tool that helps online sellers track and manage their products across different sales channels and warehouses. It helps them avoid stockouts, overstocking, misplacement, and inaccurate reporting. E-commerce inventory management software can also help optimize inventory levels, automate order fulfillment, and generate insights for business growth.

Q2: Why Do Small Businesses Need E-commerce Inventory Management Software?

Small online businesses need e-commerce inventory management software to streamline operations and reduce costs. E-commerce inventory management software can help small companies improve customer service, increase sales, and save time and money. By using e-commerce inventory management software, small businesses can avoid losing customers due to out-of-stock items, overspending inventory, wasting time on manual tasks, and making errors in inventory data.

Q3: What Are The Features of E-commerce Inventory Management Software?

E-commerce inventory management software can have various features depending on the vendor and the plan. However, some of the standard features are:

Barcode scanners: To scan and identify products quickly and accurately.

Inventory optimization: To calculate the optimal inventory levels for each product based on demand, lead time, and reorder point.

Stock notifications: To alert the user when a product is running low or high on stock and suggest actions.

Multi-location management: To manage inventory across multiple warehouses and point-of-sale systems.

Material grouping: To categorize products based on attributes such as type, size, color, etc.

Report generation: To create and export reports on inventory performance, sales trends, best-selling products, etc.

Q4: What Are The Best E-commerce Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses?

Cin7 Core

• Cin7 Core is a cloud-based inventory management software designed for businesses with complex inventory needs, offering real-time visibility, automated order fulfillment, and intelligent demand planning.

Pros

• Robust features for managing product variants.

• User-friendly interface.

• 24/7 support.

Cons

• Potentially expensive for smaller businesses.

• Steep learning curve.

• Occasional performance issues.

Zoho Inventory

Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based solution within the Zoho suite, tailored for small to medium-sized businesses to simplify inventory management across various channels, offering customization and scalability.

Pros

• Comprehensive features.

• Customizable and scalable.

• User-friendly interface.

• 14-day free trial.

Cons

• Supports only the FIFO costing method.

• Lacks some advanced features.

• Potential integration issues.

Sortly

Sortly is a visually intuitive cloud-based inventory management software ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, providing simplicity and affordability with features like barcode support and low-stock alerts.

Pros

• User-friendly interface.

• Customization options.

• Barcode support.

• Low stock alerts.

• Free plan available.

Cons

• Limited integrations.

• Lacks some advanced features.

• Potential barcode app issues.

QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting software for small businesses, offering comprehensive features for managing income, expenses, sales, and reports with customization and scalability.

Pros

• Comprehensive accounting features.

• Customizable and scalable.

• User-friendly interface.

• 30-day free trial.

Cons

• Potentially expensive for multiple users.

• Steep learning curve.

• Occasional performance issues.