Cin7 Inventory Review: Managing Inventory for Shopify and BigCommerce Stores

As e-commerce businesses grow across multiple sales channels, inventory management becomes increasingly complex. Shopify and BigCommerce merchants often reach a point where platform-native inventory tools no longer meet their needs for multi-channel synchronization, advanced warehouse management, and scalable order processing. Using cloud-based software for managing various aspects of business operations offers advantages such as quick setup, data security without backup concerns, and constant updates that eliminate costs associated with traditional software upgrades.

Cin7 positions itself as a comprehensive solution for these growing pains, offering cloud-based inventory management designed specifically for omnichannel retail operations. This review examines Cin7’s capabilities, strengths, and limitations for Shopify and BigCommerce store owners seeking to upgrade their inventory management systems.

Company Background

Cin7 has established itself as a leading cloud-based inventory and order management platform in the e-commerce space. The company focuses exclusively on omnichannel retail operations, with particular emphasis on businesses that sell across multiple online and offline channels.

Cin7 offers two primary product lines: Cin7 Core for smaller operations and Cin7 Omni for larger businesses with more complex requirements. Both products share the same cloud-based foundation but differ in feature depth and scalability options. This review encompasses both offerings as they apply to Shopify and BigCommerce integration.

Core Features of Cin7 Inventory

Multi-Channel Synchronization

Cin7 excels at centralizing inventory across multiple sales channels, making it ideal for businesses that require multi-channel distribution:

• Real-time two-way synchronization with Shopify and BigCommerce stores

• Native integrations with Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Etsy, and other marketplaces

• POS integration for businesses with physical retail locations

• Centralized product information management across all channels

This unified approach prevents overselling and ensures consistent inventory data regardless of where orders originate.

Warehouse Management

Cin7 offers robust warehouse management capabilities, particularly in higher-tier plans, integrating various aspects of the supply chain:

• Multi-location inventory tracking with transfer management

• Barcode scanning for improved accuracy and efficiency

• Bin location tracking for optimized picking routes

• 3PL (third-party logistics) integration for distributed fulfillment

• Batch and serial number tracking for regulated products or quality control

These features help Shopify and BigCommerce merchants manage growing physical inventory operations with greater precision than platform-native tools allow.

Order Fulfillment

The order management functionality streamlines the fulfillment process:

• Automated order routing based on inventory location or other rules

• Order splitting for multi-warehouse fulfillment

• Integration with major shipping carriers

• Batch processing of orders for efficiency

• Drop-shipping support with supplier management

For high-volume Shopify and BigCommerce stores, these automation features can significantly reduce manual processing time and improve delivery performance.

Manufacturing and Kitting

Cin7 supports light manufacturing operations:

• Bill of materials (BOM) creation and management

• Assembly and disassembly tracking

• Component-level inventory management

• Production cost tracking

• Work order management

These capabilities benefit e-commerce merchants who offer customized products, bundles, or assembled items without requiring a separate manufacturing system.

Automation and Workflows

Cin7 offers sophisticated automation:

• Rule-based workflows for order processing

• Automated replenishment based on sales velocity

• Smart reordering to maintain optimal stock levels

• Scheduled inventory tasks and updates

• Conditional automation based on inventory metrics

These features help growing e-commerce operations scale without proportionally increasing staff, a critical advantage for expanding online businesses.

Forecasting and Planning

Cin7 includes inventory planning tools:

• Demand forecasting based on historical sales data

• Seasonal trend analysis

• Lead time and safety stock calculations

• “What-if” scenario planning

• Automated purchase order generation based on forecasts

These forecasting capabilities help Shopify and BigCommerce merchants make data-driven inventory decisions rather than relying on intuition.

Reporting and Analytics

Cin7 provides comprehensive visibility into inventory operations:

• 100+ built-in reports covering inventory, sales, and purchasing

• Customizable dashboards for at-a-glance metrics

• Profitability analysis by product, channel, or location

• Inventory velocity and turnover metrics

• Stock performance analytics to identify top and underperforming items

These analytics tools offer deeper insights than native e-commerce platform reporting, supporting better business decision-making.

Integration Capabilities

Shopify Integration

Cin7’s Shopify integration offers:

• Bi-directional inventory synchronization across multiple Shopify stores

• Automated order import and status updates

• Product information synchronization including variants

• Pricing updates and special offer management

• Fulfillment status updates with tracking information

The integration is native and robust, requiring minimal manual intervention after setup.

BigCommerce Integration

Similarly, the BigCommerce integration provides:

• Real-time inventory updates across multiple BigCommerce stores

• Centralized order management from all BigCommerce channels

• Product catalog synchronization

• Price and promotion management

• Fulfillment and shipment tracking updates

Like the Shopify integration, the BigCommerce connection maintains reliable synchronization with minimal maintenance.

Additional E-commerce Integrations

Beyond Shopify and BigCommerce, Cin7 connects to numerous other sales channels:

• Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and other marketplaces

• WooCommerce and other e-commerce platforms

• Custom B2B portals and wholesale channels

• POS systems for brick-and-mortar operations

• Social commerce platforms

This broad connectivity makes Cin7 particularly valuable for merchants selling across many different channels.

EDI and Enterprise Integrations

Uniquely among inventory systems at this level, Cin7 offers built-in EDI capability:

• Direct electronic data interchange with major retailers

• Automated trading partner compliance

• Purchase order and invoice automation

• Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN) handling

• Custom EDI mapping for specific trading partners

This EDI functionality is especially valuable for Shopify and BigCommerce merchants expanding into wholesale or large retail partnerships.

Financial Integrations

Cin7 connects to major accounting platforms:

• QuickBooks Online and Desktop

• Xero

• MYOB

• NetSuite

• Various other regional accounting systems

These integrations ensure financial data remains synchronized with inventory transactions.

User Experience

Interface Design and Usability

Cin7’s cloud-based interface is modern and comprehensive, though the abundance of features creates some complexity:

• Clean, web-based dashboard with customizable views

• Logical organization of functions into modules

• Mobile-responsive design for on-the-go management

• Consistent navigation throughout the system

While more intuitive than many legacy systems, the interface still presents a learning curve due to the breadth of functionality.

Cloud Accessibility

As a true cloud-based solution, Cin7 offers accessibility advantages:

• No on-premise servers or installation required

• Access from any device with an internet connection

• Automatic updates and maintenance

• Built-in data backups and security

• Multi-user access with permission controls

This cloud architecture aligns well with the expectations of Shopify and BigCommerce merchants accustomed to web-based administration.

Learning Curve and Complexity

Cin7’s comprehensive feature set comes with implementation challenges:

• Significant initial setup time to configure the system properly

• Training requirements for staff to use the system effectively

• Numerous configuration options requiring careful consideration

• Complexity increases with business size and channel count

Most users report needing substantial onboarding time to fully leverage Cin7’s capabilities.

Support Options and Quality

Cin7’s support structure varies by plan level, with the support team playing a crucial role in addressing customer issues and providing assistance:

• Documentation and knowledge base access for all users

• Email and chat support on basic plans

• Phone support and account management on higher tiers

• Implementation assistance packages (additional cost)

• Training resources and webinars

Recent user feedback suggests support quality has been inconsistent, with some users reporting diminished service levels for smaller clients. Additionally, there have been frustrations over delayed responses to support tickets, contributing to negative perceptions of the company’s customer service capabilities.

Pros for E-commerce Stores

Comprehensive Omnichannel Capabilities – Cin7’s primary strength is its ability to unify inventory across numerous sales channels. For Shopify and BigCommerce merchants expanding beyond a single storefront, this centralization eliminates data silos and prevents the inventory inconsistencies that lead to overselling or missed opportunities.

Extensive Integration Ecosystem – With over 700 pre-built integrations, Cin7 connects seamlessly with most e-commerce tools and platforms. This extensive connectivity reduces the need for custom development and allows merchants to create a cohesive operational tech stack without sacrificing functionality.

Scalability for Growth – Cin7’s tiered approach accommodates businesses at various growth stages. Shopify and BigCommerce merchants can start with core functionality and activate additional features as their operations expand, making it a solution that grows with the business rather than requiring future migrations.

Advanced Automation Capabilities – The workflow automation features significantly reduce manual processes. This automation becomes increasingly valuable as order volume grows, allowing e-commerce operations to scale efficiently without proportional increases in staff.

Built-in EDI Functionality – For Shopify and BigCommerce merchants expanding into enterprise retail channels, Cin7’s EDI capabilities remove a significant barrier to entry. This built-in functionality eliminates the need for separate EDI solutions, streamlining compliance with large trading partner requirements.

Cons for E-commerce Stores

High Cost Structure – Cin7’s pricing starts at a higher entry point than many alternatives. This cost structure may be prohibitive for smaller merchants, particularly when factoring in implementation and training expenses. The return on investment is clearer for established businesses with higher volume.

Implementation Complexity – Fully leveraging Cin7 requires significant setup and configuration. The system’s flexibility comes with complexity that can overwhelm businesses without dedicated inventory management expertise or implementation support. This complexity extends the time to value for new users.

Inconsistent Support Experience – User feedback suggests support quality varies considerably, with some users reporting a horrible experience due to diminished service levels in recent years. Smaller merchants on lower-tier plans may find themselves with limited access to technical assistance when issues arise.

Feature Overwhelm for Simple Operations – For Shopify and BigCommerce stores with straightforward inventory needs, Cin7 may provide more functionality than necessary. The system’s comprehensive approach can feel cumbersome for businesses that don’t need multi-location management, light manufacturing, or advanced forecasting.

Comparison with Native Tools

Compared to the built-in inventory features in Shopify and BigCommerce, Cin7 offers substantially more advanced capabilities in sale and supply chain management:

• Native platforms handle basic stock levels and simple order management

• Cin7 adds multi-location management, advanced automation, and cross-channel synchronization

• Platform tools lack manufacturing/kitting capabilities present in Cin7

• Native reporting is limited compared to Cin7’s extensive analytics

• Forecasting and planning tools are minimal or absent in native platforms

Cin7 makes sense for Shopify and BigCommerce merchants who:

• Sell across multiple channels beyond their primary platform

• Manage inventory across multiple physical locations

• Require light manufacturing or kitting capabilities

• Need sophisticated order routing and fulfillment workflows

• Are expanding into wholesale or enterprise retail channels requiring EDI

Smaller merchants with single-location inventory and straightforward fulfillment may find the native platform tools or simpler third-party apps more appropriate and cost-effective.

Alternatives Overview

When evaluating Cin7 for Shopify or BigCommerce inventory management, several alternatives merit consideration:

• Fishbowl offers strong QuickBooks integration and manufacturing capabilities but lacks the cloud accessibility and modern interface of Cin7.

• Dear Systems provides similar cloud-based functionality at a comparable price point but with less extensive integration options and without built-in EDI.

• TradeGecko/QuickBooks Commerce offers a user-friendly interface and good e-commerce integration but with less depth in warehouse management and manufacturing.

However, some users have described Cin7 as the worst investment due to frustrations with customer support, technical issues, and the overall effectiveness of the platform.

Cin7 distinguishes itself through its combination of cloud accessibility, extensive integration options, and built-in EDI capabilities, making it particularly well-suited for growing omnichannel retailers with diverse sales channels.

Conclusion

Cin7 Inventory represents a robust solution for Shopify and BigCommerce merchants who have outgrown platform-native inventory tools and require advanced omnichannel capabilities. The system excels at unifying inventory across multiple sales channels, providing sophisticated automation, and supporting growth into new retail channels.

The comprehensive feature set comes with corresponding complexity and cost, making Cin7 best suited for established e-commerce operations with substantial order volume and multiple sales channels. The return on investment becomes increasingly clear as businesses grow and leverage the system’s advanced automation and forecasting capabilities.

User reviews on platforms like G2, Trustpilot, and the Shopify App Store highlight both positive and negative feedback, offering insights into user experiences and satisfaction levels. For the right users—typically mid-sized to large e-commerce businesses with multi-channel operations—Cin7 delivers significant operational efficiencies and scalability. Smaller merchants should carefully weigh the system’s powerful capabilities against its cost and complexity, considering whether simpler alternatives might better serve their immediate needs.

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Need Help Choosing the Right Inventory System?

Selecting and implementing the right inventory management solution for your Shopify or BigCommerce store is a crucial decision that impacts your entire business operation. The best system depends on your specific business needs, growth plans, and existing technology stack.

We specialize in e-commerce platform consulting, including inventory system selection and integration with Shopify and BigCommerce. Our services include:

• Platform assessment to determine which inventory solution best fits your business model

• Data migration from your current system to your new inventory management solution

• Integration configuration between your store and inventory systems

• Staff training on new inventory processes and software

• Ongoing support to ensure your systems continue working seamlessly together

Whether you’re considering Cin7 or exploring other options, our team can help you make the right choice and implement it effectively. We’ve helped numerous businesses streamline their inventory management while migrating between platforms like Magento, WooCommerce, Shopify, and BigCommerce.

Let’s Chat About Your Inventory Management Needs!

Contact us today for a consultation on how to optimize your e-commerce operations with the right inventory system for your specific requirements.

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