Running a sales business is complex right from the start. You need real-time insight into your stock, logistics and financial situation. You have to set up shop, be it online or in a traditional brick-and-mortar location. And fulfilling orders requires finding the right shipping carrier. As your business grows, orders, inventory, and sales get even more demanding to juggle. But if you find the right inventory management solution for your business, everything will become much easier to set up. You'll understand supply and demand better, automate repetitive tasks, manage each employee better and hopefully see your profits soar. Let's have a look at nine of the best providers on the market.
Catering to businesses of all types and sizes, NetSuite is much more than a cloud-based inventory software solution provider. All of the company's business management features come as part of its ERP solution, which means that you won't need to look any further if you also happen to need an accounting software solution or CRM, order management, reporting, HR analytics and performance management, or eCommerce functionalities. With so many in-house and third-party integrations, it's safe to say that NetSuite's automated and scalable inventory program is one of the most versatile options on our list. Read Review
- ⦿Supports B2B and B2C models
- ⦿Automatic replenishment features
- ⦿Multi-location tracking
Cin7 inventory management is unmatched on the market. This out-of-the-box solution caters to the needs of manufacturers, wholesalers, and omnichannel retailers. Cin7 makes up for any functions it lacks with third-party integrations. Since the software is so complex, it takes a while to get the hang of using it. But that's no reason to worry, as you'll have personalized expert support on your journey. Read Review
- ⦿Retail POS
- ⦿B2B eCommerce platform
- ⦿Dedicated account manager
Zoho Inventory is best suited to the needs of online retailers since it integrates seamlessly with a large number of eCommerce websites, as well as with popular marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. Both you and your shoppers will always have accurate information about your stock levels thanks to the real-time sync feature. And with two dozen shipping carrier integrations, you'll be able to deliver products quickly and track their progress easily. Read Review
- ⦿Retail POS
- ⦿B2B eCommerce platform
- ⦿Dedicated account manager
Lightspeed is the ideal retailer inventory tracking system for those who own a physical store. It offers all the functionalities you need to run a successful brick-and-mortar operation, like instant kitting and the ability to quickly and easily add products to the system. You'll also be able to predict how much stock you need for the upcoming period thanks to Lightspeed's smart reporting. The system encourages you to reward customer loyalty by collecting data on shoppers' purchasing habits. Read Review
- ⦿POS system
- ⦿Mobile app
- ⦿Customer behavior reports
TradeGecko is a well-rounded platform that provides users with an automated inventory system, CRM, and a deluge of features that facilitate and track sales. TradeGecko is the most versatile solution on our list, catering to the needs of manufacturers, wholesalers, omnichannel retailers, and traveling salespeople. Working with TradeGecko gives you a zoomed-in view of your operations and all the tools for growth. Read Review
- ⦿B2B selling platform
- ⦿Mobile sales app
- ⦿RFID item tracking
Veeqo is the best inventory tracking software for fast-growing retail brands. It monitors stock level, expedites picking and packing, offers discounted shipping rates with prominent shipping companies, and generates detailed reports. The system integrates with virtually every eCommerce website and online marketplace, enabling you to reach online shoppers in a variety of markets. Merchants with a B2B model will also find plenty of features for staying on top of purchase orders, inventory, and sales. Read Review
- ⦿RFID tracking
- ⦿Return management feature
- ⦿Custom invoices
inFlow Inventory provides top-quality inventory software for small businesses and large enterprises. This scalable solution will not only help your company grow; it will also be there for you when you've made it. One of the best things about inFlow is that it allows you to choose who stores your customers' data. You can opt for the downloadable software and be responsible for storing your information in-house. In this case, you'll have access to the data only from your company PC. Alternatively, you can select the cloud-hosted version, which stores the information on inFlow's servers and gives you access from any number of devices. Read Review
- ⦿On-premise software
- ⦿Mobile app
- ⦿Asset tracking
SkuNexus is a great solution for eCommerce retailers who ship their products globally. This highly customizable open-source system can be adapted to match the needs of your business perfectly. SkuNexus gives you real time inventory control in multiple warehouses and more fulfillment options than any other company on our list. Any feature that's missing can be added by your IT team. Read Review
- ⦿Open-source code
- ⦿Unlimited number of users
- ⦿Many fulfillment options
SalesBinder is the best option for small business wholesalers on a tight budget. It comes with an in-built CRM and a quoting and invoicing feature that will help you manage client relationships and close deals quickly. Though it's not as robust as other systems on our list, it is the most affordable option. Read Review
- ⦿Built-in CRM
- ⦿Multiple warehouses
- ⦿API integration
Related Products & Services
Why You Need a Product Tracking System
Because everything would be harder without it. How would you know how many products you have in stock without such a system? How would you know which items are where?How would you know which items are where? How would you locate products in storage for quick shipping?
It's not just about product tracking, either; the software options on our list also help with orders and sales. Well-balanced inventory systems help you decide when you should make your next order. They give you valuable backend insight into which products sell best and which are taking up space in your warehouse without you and your accountant having to manage spreadsheet after spreadsheet, helping you project profits much more accurately. They connect with your accounting department and leading shipping carriers, giving you an all-in-one portal for managing your retail business.
Every serious competitor uses one of these systems. They are crucial tools in warehouse management, back-end administration and provide a much needed suite of applications required for a stable retail business. Depending on your budget, you can go for free inventory software with limited functionalities or you could opt for professional services that are engineered to provide a cohesive upgrade to the way you do business.
Our Criteria for Evaluating Software for Inventory
There are a number of things you should consider when choosing the best solution for your business. To help you make an informed choice, we present you with the evaluation criteria we use when evaluating these business solutions.
Ease of Use
Anybody who has experience running a busy warehouse or production floor knows that time is of the essence. If you want to fulfill all your orders and keep your supply chain running, you can't set aside days or weeks for the installation and learning of a new software. That's why inventory management tools need to be simple to implement and easy to use. An overly complex configuration that halts your production or sales processes is bad for business and can be avoided with the right inventory management system, especially if you're running a Direct-to-consumer operation. The software should also run smoothly and not leave you puzzled with an abundance of poorly designed features.
Scalability
Even though we focus on software for small business and not enterprise solutions in our reviews, every entrepreneur's goal is to expand their business. As your company grows, you'll need an inventory program that can grow with you and make your job easier. In the future you might require advanced methods of managing inventory such as FIFO and LIFO and the last thing you want to do when your orders peak is to have to switch to a replacement program that can cope with your increased complexity.
Product Categorization
This feature is extremely important for apparel retailers, as they need to be able to track stock levels according to product attributes such as size, color, and lot/serial number. Even if you don't have many stock variants at the moment, you might in the near future. That's why you should pay attention to product categorization features when choosing the best inventory management software for your business.
Inventory Control Features
We look at how well all of the systems on our list track stock. Do they successfully use notifications when you're running low on materials and products? Do they display real-time data? Does the system support bar-coding and scanning with a barcode reader? Can the software be programmed to automatically create purchase orders when the stock hits a certain level and updated when required? And do they support location tracking inside your warehouse? The more data about your products you can monitor with the inventory tracking system, the better.
Sales Order Fulfillment
We evaluate software solutions based on how well they track each product sale from the moment you receive an order until your customer receives it. Do they inform you and your clients of the sales order status? Do they convert a sales order into an invoice? Do they have an integration with shipping companies like DHL and UPS? Can you input a sales order manually?
Third-Party Integrations
In order to deliver true value, business inventory software needs to be compatible with other programs and add-ons you rely on for the optimization of your operations. First and foremost, accounting integration is a must. The other apps your inventory software should integrate with include CRMs, payment processing websites, online selling platforms like Amazon, eBay, and point-of-sale (POS) software. Furthermore, mobile integration with Android and IOS is also very useful.
Industry compatibility
Not all inventory systems are created equal. Some cater to the retail industry by offering online selling functionalities and multiple variants for each product. Other systems are designed to be manufacturing inventory software, which lets you create a bill of materials (BOM) and kitting packages. Depending on your specific business needs, you'll choose the program that caters best to the industry you're set to conquer. We've emphasized versatile, multi-industry options in our selection of the best programs for managing inventory.
Reporting Features
In this day and age, data is power. The best inventory software applications gather massive amounts of data about your business and present it to you in the form of easy-to-read reports. When evaluating these products, we always check what kind of reporting features they have. Inventory, sales, customer, and activity reports are all important. Again, the more advanced these functionalities are, the better the insight they give you about your business.
Price
We compare the pricing plans and functionalities offered by dozens of companies to present you with those that deliver the most value for money. Business owners who are just starting out will find a couple of free inventory management programs with basic features on our list. However, most inventory management solutions on our list come with a price tag of up to $1,500 a month.
Customer Support
Inventory software plays a crucial role in your business. As such, it's vital to have good support. If a system error occurs, you want to address it as soon as possible and get on with your business. We check each provider's customer support offer to make sure agents are responsive and helpful. We also read hundreds of user reviews written by product users to see how effective these companies are in resolving any potential issues.
The Best Inventory Management Software in 2022
- NetSuite
- Cin7
- Zoho Inventory
- Lightspeed
- TradeGecko
- Veeqo
- inFlow Inventory
- SkuNexus
- SalesBinder

Web-Based Inventory Management Systems Reviews
NetSuite Review
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
- ⦿ Automatic replenishment features
- ⦿ Multi-location tracking
- ⦿ Omnichannel workflows
Cin7 Review
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
- ⦿ Third-party logistics
- ⦿ B2B eCommerce platform
- ⦿ Dedicated account manager
Zoho Inventory Review
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
GOOD
- ⦿ 30 shipping integrations
- ⦿ Automatic re-ordering
- ⦿ Exhaustive product variation options
Lightspeed Retail Review
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
- ⦿ Employee hours tracking
- ⦿ Remote reporting
- ⦿ Gift and loyalty cards
TradeGecko Review
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
- ⦿ Mobile sales app
- ⦿ TradeGecko Payments platform
- ⦿ Manufacturing features
Veeqo Review
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
- ⦿ Branded invoices
- ⦿ Inventory forecast
- ⦿ Multi-warehouse routing
inFlow Inventory Review
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
GOOD
- ⦿ Custom B2B showrooms
- ⦿ Batch payments
- ⦿ Assembly cost tracking
SkuNexus Review
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
FAIR
EXCELLENT
- ⦿ Omnichannel workflows
- ⦿ Unlimited locators per warehouse
- ⦿ Shipping price comparison across carriers
SalesBinder Review
GOOD
GOOD
GOOD
GOOD
- ⦿ Built-in CRM
- ⦿ Multiple warehouses
- ⦿ API integration
Inventory management is a part of the supply management process that entails the supervision of uncapitalized assets (inventory) and stock items. This complex process tracks goods from the moment they are delivered to the warehouse until they are sold and shipped out. Depending on each company's business model, goods are either raw materials and components that are assembled into products by the manufacturer or finished products sold by a wholesale distributor. As goods move through the production/wholesale process, inventory management systems keep track of lot numbers, serial numbers, SKUs, the cost of goods, the number of goods, and the dates when they advance through the sales process. Finding the right one for your company will increase your productivity and profit margin noticeably.
The answer to that question depends on several factors. A solution that fits the needs of a production company perfectly will be overly complex and too pricey for a retailer in the drop-shipping niche. It's not only the difference between business models (wholesale, retail, manufacturing) that counts. The size of the company also plays a role, as does the budget. There are also some free programs like Zoho Inventory and SalesBinder, although these won't be comprehensive enough for large companies. They'll need inventory accounting software like TradeGecko or Cin7 inventory.
Apart from the software, a barcode reader is an important tool for keeping your warehouse organized and your pick and pack procedure quick. Since inventory and accounting are intricately connected, you'll want to look for an accounting integration, too.
When it comes to free solutions, Zoho Inventory is the best option for retailers, while SalesBinder is the best choice for wholesalers.