Top 10 Inventory Management Systems for Ecommerce (Shopify & BigCommerce)
For e-commerce businesses operating on platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce, effective inventory management is not just a back-office function—it’s a critical driver of customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and ultimately, profitability. As online stores grow beyond a handful of products or expand to multiple sales channels, the native inventory tools provided by these platforms often fall short of addressing increasingly complex needs. Implementing an efficient inventory management system can optimize stock levels, prevent costly overstocking or stockouts, and streamline processes like order fulfillment, thereby enhancing overall business profitability.
Common inventory challenges faced by growing e-commerce businesses include:
Overselling: Selling products that are no longer in stock due to delays in inventory updates
Stock discrepancies: Differences between recorded inventory and actual available stock
Manual process inefficiencies: Time wasted on spreadsheets and manual updates
Multi-channel complexity: Difficulty maintaining consistent inventory across various sales platforms
Forecasting limitations: Inability to predict stock needs based on historical data
Warehouse management: Challenges tracking inventory across multiple physical locations
Third-party inventory management systems offer solutions to these challenges, providing more sophisticated tools for tracking, managing, and optimizing inventory across channels. However, with dozens of options available, selecting the right system for your Shopify or BigCommerce store can be overwhelming.
This guide compares the top 10 inventory management systems specifically for Shopify and BigCommerce merchants, examining their features, strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases to help you make an informed decision for your business.
Key Features to Look for in an Inventory Management System
Before diving into specific solutions, it’s important to understand the essential features that make an inventory management system valuable for e-commerce businesses:
Real-Time Inventory Tracking – The ability to track inventory and maintain accurate stock levels across all channels, updated instantaneously as sales occur or stock is received.
Multi-Channel Syncing – Seamless integration with various sales channels including Shopify, BigCommerce, Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and physical retail locations.
Warehouse & Fulfillment Management – Tools for managing inventory across multiple locations, including barcode scanning, bin location tracking, and pick/pack/ship workflows.
Order & Supplier Management – Features for creating purchase orders, managing suppliers, and receiving automated alerts when stock needs replenishing.
Automation & Forecasting – Capabilities to automate routine tasks and predict future inventory needs based on historical sales data and trends.
Reporting & Analytics – Comprehensive reporting tools that provide insights into inventory performance, turnover rates, and profitability by product.
Integration Capabilities – Ability to connect with other business systems including accounting software, ERP systems, shipping carriers, and CRM platforms.
Cin7 (Best for multi-channel automation & large retailers)
Shopify & BigCommerce Integration: ✅ Yes (native)
Compatibility:Cin7 is a cloud-based inventory and order management platform built for omnichannel retail. It offers native integrations with Shopify and BigCommerce, syncing products, stock, and orders in real time. Cin7 also covers Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Etsy, and more, making it a solid hub for multi-channel eCommerce. Additionally, Cin7 helps manage inventory for online sales across multiple platforms, ensuring accuracy in stock levels and facilitating growth through improved sales forecasting and operational efficiency.
Key Features:
Multi-Channel & POS: Supports multi-location inventory management and two-way integrations with marketplaces, online stores, and POS systems to centralize inventory.
Automation & Workflow: Higher-tier plans include advanced workflow automation (e.g., automated order routing/splitting, replenishment, rule-based updates).
Forecasting & Planning: Offers forecasting tools for demand planning, allowing automated generation of purchase orders to avoid stockouts.
Warehouse & Fulfillment: Features a built-in warehouse management system (WMS) including barcode scanning and 3PL integrations, plus support for light manufacturing (assemblies/BOM).
Reporting & Analytics: Offers over 100 built-in reports and customizable dashboards for inventory, sales, and purchasing analytics.
Integrations & EDI: Integrates with 700+ apps (accounting, CRM, shipping), and includes built-in EDI for large retail partners.
Pricing:Cin7 is sold in tiered subscription plans (quote-based). Pricing generally starts around $299/month for the Starter plan, with higher tiers (Momentum and Advanced) adding more features like forecasting, multi-user support, and custom EDI integrations. All plans are cloud-based with available demos; however, there is no free plan.
Pros:
Rich Feature Suite – Covers inventory, warehousing, manufacturing, POS, and B2B all in one system.
Extensive Integrations – Large library of integrations that natively connect to Shopify, BigCommerce, Amazon, eBay, etc.
Scalable for Growth – Designed for significant volumes and multi-channel complexity.
Automation & Efficiency – Advanced automations and built-in EDI streamline processes for enterprise operations.
Cons:
High Cost – Plans start around $299/month and can rise significantly for advanced tiers, which may be overkill for very small businesses.
Learning Curve – The extensive feature set and configuration options can be overwhelming for new users.
Varying Support Quality – Some users report inconsistent support, especially on lower tiers.
Complex Setup – Fully leveraging features like EDI and advanced workflows often requires significant setup and technical assistance.
Ideal for: Mid-sized to large retailers with multi-channel operations, businesses processing hundreds of orders daily, companies expanding to enterprise retail channels requiring EDI, and organizations looking to consolidate multiple systems into a single platform.
Fishbowl (Best for QuickBooks users & manufacturing businesses)
Shopify & BigCommerce Integration: ✅ Yes (via Fishbowl Commerce plugin)
Compatibility:Fishbowl is a popular inventory management system, known for its seamless QuickBooks integration and on-premise deployment. It connects to Shopify and BigCommerce via the Fishbowl Commerce plugin, enabling multi-channel order import and stock syncing. This makes Fishbowl viable for online retailers using those platforms, especially if they also use QuickBooks for accounting.
Key Features:
Multi-Channel Sync: Imports orders from Shopify, BigCommerce, Amazon, eBay, and more via plugins, keeping stock levels updated in Fishbowl.
Warehouse Management: Supports multiple warehouses, asset tracking, and part tracking with barcode scanning to improve accuracy.
Order Fulfillment: Manages the pick/pack/ship process, with modules for shipping integration and even a basic point-of-sale (POS) system for in-store sales.
Manufacturing & Kitting: Offers a separate Fishbowl Manufacturing product for work orders and assembly, while Fishbowl Warehouse handles light manufacturing/kitting within the inventory system.
Automation & Reordering: Supports setting reorder points and generating purchase orders to suppliers when stock is low (with QuickBooks integration helping push financial data).
Reporting: Includes standard inventory and sales reports, though reporting is somewhat limited compared to competitors. Fishbowl can also track sales directly and provide insights into inventory management, including forecasting future stock needs based on sales data.
Pricing:Fishbowl uses a license-based pricing model. There is no public price list; you must contact sales for a quote. Fishbowl is one of the few offering a lifetime license (one-time purchase) option, plus annual fees for support/updates. A free trial is available in some regions.
Pros:
Deep QuickBooks Integration – Ideal for QuickBooks Desktop/Online users with smooth data sync.
Comprehensive Feature Set – Covers inventory, warehousing, manufacturing, plus extras like time tracking and labor cost tracking.
One-Time License Option – Can lower long-term costs for businesses willing to self-host.
Good Support – Offers implementation packages and training, primarily focused in North America.
Cons:
Not Truly Cloud-Based – Requires self-hosting and maintenance.
Dated User Interface – The Windows-style UI can feel clunky compared to modern web apps.
Opaque Pricing – No public pricing, which can lead to unexpected costs.
Niche Focus – Best for QuickBooks users; those not using QuickBooks might miss out on some advantages.
Ideal for: Manufacturing businesses needing strong production capabilities, QuickBooks users seeking seamless accounting integration, companies with IT resources preferring on-premise solutions, businesses with complex assembly or production requirements, and organizations valuing long-term cost control over monthly subscriptions.
Brightpearl (Best for mid-to-enterprise retailers with financial tracking needs)
Shopify & BigCommerce Integration: ✅ Yes (native)
Compatibility:
Brightpearl is a “Retail Operating System” designed for retail and wholesale. It natively integrates with Shopify, Shopify Plus, BigCommerce, and online marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, and Walmart, allowing centralized inventory and order management across channels.
Key Features:
Order & Inventory Management: Provides real-time omnichannel inventory tracking with order orchestration, handling multi-warehouse inventory, bundles/kitting, and backorder management.
Automation: Excels at workflow automation for order fulfillment and inventory tasks (e.g., auto-allocating orders, triggering drop-ship POs, sending shipping updates).
Fulfillment & Shipping: Includes built-in fulfillment workflows that support multiple warehouses, automated order splitting, drop-shipping, and shipping label printing.
Accounting & Financials: Features an integrated accounting module that automatically rolls sales and inventory transactions into financials.
Reporting & Analytics: Offers robust analytics, including dashboard KPIs, inventory turnover, and channel profitability reports.
CRM & POS: Provides basic CRM capabilities and a POS interface for in-store sales, integrating in-store and online inventory.
Pricing:
Brightpearl uses a custom quote subscription model. It generally targets merchants with revenues over $1M. Pricing depends on order volume, user count, and additional modules. Contracts are typically annual, and there is no free trial (demo by request).
Pros:
Designed for Multichannel Retail – Integrates with many sales channels for true omnichannel management.
Advanced Automation – Reduces manual efforts with automated workflows across order fulfillment and inventory management.
All-in-One ERP – Combines inventory, order management, warehouse management, and accounting in one platform.
Scalable & High Performance – Ideal for fast-growing and larger merchants managing millions of orders annually.
Quality Support – Enterprise customers receive dedicated support.
Cons:
High Cost & Opaque Pricing – Requires a sales call for quotes and may be too expensive for small sellers.
Complex Setup – Implementation can be challenging and may require external consultancy.
Interface & Analytics – Some users find parts of the UI and analytics interface convoluted.
No Manufacturing Features – Focuses on retail/wholesale; lacks modules for production management.
Ideal for: Established multi-channel retailers seeking unified operations, businesses that need integrated accounting and inventory without separate systems, medium to large e-commerce operations with complex order workflows, companies seeking complete financial visibility across channels, and retailers planning significant growth with scalable systems.
Linnworks (Best for multi-channel retailers scaling across marketplaces)
Shopify & BigCommerce Integration: ✅ Yes (native)
Compatibility:
Linnworks offers direct integrations with Shopify and BigCommerce, along with support for multiple marketplaces. It provides centralized control of inventory across channels, streamlining multi-channel selling.
Key Features:
Inventory Management: Consolidates orders and inventory from multiple channels, providing real-time stock updates.
Order Management: Automates order processing from various sales channels.
Shipping Management: Integrates with shipping carriers to facilitate label printing and order tracking.
Multi-Channel Listing: Manages product listings across numerous platforms from one central system.
Reporting & Analytics: Offers detailed reporting to monitor inventory performance and sales trends.
Pricing:
Linnworks uses custom pricing based on order volume and features. You need to contact sales for a quote.
Pros:
Centralized Multichannel Platform – Simplifies operations across numerous online marketplaces.
Automated Workflows – Helps reduce manual data entry and errors in order processing.
Scalable – Capable of supporting growing businesses with increasing order volumes.
Cons:
Learning Curve – Some features may require a bit of training to master.
Custom Pricing – Can be unclear without direct consultation, making budgeting challenging.
Ideal for: Multi-channel sellers expanding across various marketplaces, businesses with significant Amazon/eBay/Walmart presence, retailers managing thousands of SKUs across different platforms, companies seeking to centralize operations from numerous sales channels, and e-commerce businesses prioritizing marketplace expansion in their growth strategy.
SkuVault (Best for warehouse-heavy businesses needing barcode scanning)
Shopify & BigCommerce Integration: ✅ Yes (native)
Compatibility:
SkuVault integrates with Shopify and BigCommerce, providing seamless real-time inventory updates and order management across multiple channels.
Key Features:
Inventory Management: Offers real-time tracking and management of inventory across warehouses.
Warehouse Management: Incorporates barcode scanning to reduce mis-shipments and stockouts.
Order Management: Streamlines order processing from various eCommerce channels.
Reporting & Analytics: Provides detailed insights into stock levels, order performance, and warehouse efficiency.
Pricing:
SkuVault starts at around $449 per month.
Pros:
Accurate Real-Time Tracking – Reduces errors and ensures reliable inventory data.
Effective for Warehouse-Heavy Operations – Especially useful for businesses with multiple warehouses and high order volumes.
User-Friendly Interface – Designed to be intuitive, minimizing training requirements.
Cons:
Higher Price Point – The starting price may be steep for smaller operations.
Additional Training – Advanced features may require extra training for optimal use.
Ideal for: Businesses with significant warehouse operations spanning multiple locations, companies struggling with picking accuracy or inventory discrepancies, operations requiring sophisticated location tracking within warehouses, e-commerce businesses managing thousands of SKUs in physical inventory, and organizations prioritizing fulfillment accuracy and efficiency.
NetSuite ERP (Best for large enterprises needing full ERP capabilities)
Shopify & BigCommerce Integration: ✅ Yes (via connectors and middleware)
Compatibility:
NetSuite ERP integrates with Shopify and BigCommerce via third-party connectors, offering a robust enterprise-level solution that covers more than just inventory management.
Key Features:
Comprehensive ERP: Combines inventory management with financials, CRM, and other business processes.
Inventory & Order Management: Provides real-time inventory tracking, order processing, and supply chain management.
Customization & Scalability: Highly customizable to suit specific business needs, suitable for large enterprises.
Automation: Features automated workflows that integrate across business functions.
Pricing:
NetSuite uses custom pricing based on modules and user count. It is positioned at the enterprise level with higher costs.
Pros:
All-in-One Business Solution – Integrates inventory with financials, CRM, and more, reducing the need for multiple systems.
Highly Customizable – Can be tailored to meet complex enterprise requirements.
Scalable – Designed to support large organizations and high transaction volumes.
Cons:
High Cost – Often too expensive for small to mid-sized businesses.
Complex Implementation – Requires professional services and significant setup time.
Dependency on Third-Party Connectors – Integrations with Shopify and BigCommerce are not native.
Ideal for: Large enterprises with complex operations, multi-national companies requiring global inventory visibility, businesses planning significant long-term growth on a unified platform, operations requiring sophisticated financial controls integrated with inventory, and organizations seeking to consolidate multiple business systems into a single solution.
FlxPoint (Best for dropshippers and hybrid fulfillment models)
Shopify & BigCommerce Integration: ✅ Yes (native)
Compatibility:
FlxPoint integrates with Shopify and BigCommerce, focusing on streamlining dropshipping and hybrid fulfillment models.
Key Features:
Dropshipping Automation: Automates order routing to suppliers for dropshipped products.
Multi-Supplier Management: Handles orders coming from multiple suppliers or fulfillment centers.
Order Routing: Automatically routes orders based on criteria such as location, supplier availability, or shipping cost.
Pricing:
Pricing is available on request (custom pricing).
Pros:
Ideal for Dropshippers – Especially useful if you use a combination of in-house inventory and dropshipping.
Strong Automation – Reduces manual intervention in order routing and supplier communication.
Flexible Fulfillment – Supports hybrid models mixing owned inventory with dropshipping.
Cons:
Complex Setup – May require technical assistance to configure optimally.
Premium Pricing – Custom pricing could be high for smaller businesses.
Limited Features Outside Dropshipping – Might not offer as broad a feature set for traditional inventory management.
Ideal for: Dropshipping businesses, hybrid fulfillment models, and companies with multiple suppliers
Zoho Inventory (Best for small-to-medium businesses on a budget)
Shopify & BigCommerce Integration: ✅ Yes (native)
Compatibility:
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based tool ideal for small to mid-sized businesses. It integrates out-of-the-box with Shopify and BigCommerce, as well as Amazon, eBay, Etsy, WooCommerce, and more for centralized stock control.
Key Features:
Multi-Channel Selling: Syncs inventory and orders across multiple online stores and marketplaces, updating stock levels in real time.
Order & Warehouse Management: Supports sales orders, packing slips, shipping integrations, and tracking for multiple warehouses.
Automation: Provides basic workflow automation (e.g., email alerts, reorder point triggers) with additional automated workflows available on higher tiers.
Purchasing & Supplier Management: Enables creation of purchase orders and handles drop-shipping orders.
Reporting & Analytics: Offers standard reports and integrates with Zoho Analytics for advanced reporting.
Mobile App & Barcode: Features a mobile app with barcode scanning and the ability to generate barcodes for faster warehouse operations.
Pros:
Affordable – Free tier and low-cost plans make it a budget-friendly option.
Easy to Use – User-friendly interface and seamless integration with other Zoho products.
Broad Channel Support – Supports multiple eCommerce platforms and marketplaces.
Basic Automation & Barcode Features – Provides useful tools without expensive add-ons.
Cons:
Limited Advanced Features – Lacks complex forecasting, sophisticated warehouse optimization, and deep customization options.
Order Volume Limits – Each pricing tier caps monthly orders, which may require upgrading as you grow.
No Built-in Manufacturing – Limited to simple bundle management without full manufacturing or kitting support.
Scaling Up Might Require Zoho One – Businesses with complex needs may outgrow the standalone solution.
Ideal for: Small businesses seeking value, companies new to inventory management, and organizations already using other Zoho products
Unleashed (Best for businesses needing real-time stock control & manufacturing support)
Shopify & BigCommerce Integration: ✅ Yes (native)
Compatibility:
Unleashed is a cloud-based inventory management solution popular with wholesalers, manufacturers, and eCommerce retailers. It integrates with Shopify and BigCommerce (via native apps) and connects with additional platforms such as WooCommerce, Amazon, and eBay, along with accounting systems like Xero and QuickBooks.
Key Features:
Real-Time Stock Visibility: Provides a live view of inventory across multiple warehouses with real-time updates as sales, purchases, and production occur.
Purchasing & Supplier Management: Streamlines procurement with supplier records, purchase orders, and landed cost tracking for accurate margin calculations.
Sales & Order Management: Consolidates orders from various channels (online, offline, B2B) into one system, with support for backordering and partial fulfillment.
Assemblies / Light Manufacturing: Supports Bills of Materials (BOMs) and assemblies for companies that bundle products or perform light manufacturing.
Reporting & Business Intelligence: Offers a range of reports and business intelligence tools to monitor KPIs like stock turnover and gross profit by product.
Extensibility: Provides over 30 integrations/add-ons, connecting to CRM systems, POS software, and analytics tools.
Pros:
Robust Inventory Control – Handles complex product scenarios (BOMs, multiple warehouses, batch tracking) effectively.
Multi-Channel Ready – Consolidates orders from Shopify, BigCommerce, Amazon, and B2B channels into one view.
Good for Cost Tracking – Tracks landed costs to provide accurate product cost insights.
Scalability – Tiered plans allow growth without switching systems.
Integration Ecosystem – Integrates with popular accounting and CRM systems to reduce duplicate entries.
Cons:
Higher Entry Cost – The starting price may be too high for very small businesses.
Ecommerce Order Surcharges – Additional fees may apply if order limits are exceeded.
No Integrated Shipping Module – Requires separate shipping software or 3PL integration.
Steeper Learning Curve – The comprehensive feature set can require significant training.
Limited Direct Channel Integrations – May rely on third-party connectors for some platforms.
Ideal for: Mid-sized manufacturers, businesses tracking true product costs, and companies with both B2B and B2C sales
Ordoro (Best for small businesses needing inventory + shipping in one tool)
Shopify & BigCommerce Integration: ✅ Yes (native)
Compatibility:
Ordoro is an inventory management and shipping platform targeted at small and mid-sized eCommerce merchants. It natively integrates with Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Squarespace, Magento, Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and more, covering both webstores and marketplaces in one interface.
Key Features:
Centralized Inventory Sync: Keeps stock levels in sync across all connected channels, ensuring real-time updates when orders are placed.
Shipping & Label Printing: Offers built-in shipping management with discounted rates, label printing for multiple carriers, batch printing, and automated tracking updates.
Dropshipping Automation: Automates dropshipping workflows by routing orders to designated suppliers automatically.
Multi-Warehouse & Kitting: Allows tracking inventory across multiple warehouses or fulfillment centers and supports creating kits/bundles (with automatic component adjustments).
Purchase Orders & Supplier Management: Includes purchase order management to replenish stock and update inventory upon receiving.
Analytics: Provides reporting on inventory levels, sales by channel, fulfillment metrics, and shipping costs.
Pricing:
Ordoro’s pricing is modular with tiered plans:
Express: ~$59/month (starter plan focusing on shipping features only)
Pro: ~$499/month (includes full inventory management features such as multi-warehouse support and purchase orders)
Enterprise: Custom pricing for high-volume clients
Ordoro also offers a 15-day free trial and, in some cases, a free tier for shipping-only functionality.
Pros:
Combined Inventory + Shipping – Bridges inventory management with shipping operations, reducing the need for separate tools.
SMB-Friendly Pricing Options – Allows small sellers to start with a low-cost (or free) plan and upgrade as needed.
Great for Dropshipping – Automates dropship workflows effectively.
Ease of Use – Intuitive interface with a relatively shallow learning curve.
Solid Support – Known for responsive phone and email support.
Cons:
Inventory Features Only in High-Tier – Robust inventory management features require the Pro plan at $499/month.
Less Suitable for Large/Complex Operations – May lack advanced capabilities needed by large enterprises.
Limited Forecasting/Analytics – Offers basic reporting without deep business intelligence.
Limited Customization – Custom workflows and niche integrations might require additional development.
Channel Limitations on Lower Plans – The Express plan may limit multi-channel management until upgrading.
Ideal for: Small e-commerce businesses focused on shipping efficiency, dropshippers, and companies seeking an easy-to-implement solution
How to Choose the Best Inventory Management System for Your Business
Selecting the right inventory system requires careful consideration of your specific business needs. Here’s a framework to guide your decision:
1. Assess Your Business Size and Complexity
Small businesses (under $1M in annual revenue):
Consider affordable options like Zoho Inventory or Ordoro’s entry-level plans
Focus on ease of use and quick implementation
Look for systems that can grow with your business
Medium businesses ($1M-$10M in annual revenue):
Systems like Cin7, Unleashed, or SkuVault often provide the right balance
Need more advanced features but may not require enterprise complexity
Should prioritize scalability and automation capabilities
Large businesses (over $10M in annual revenue):
May require enterprise solutions like NetSuite or Brightpearl
Need systems that can handle complex operations and high transaction volumes
Should focus on advanced reporting and integration capabilities
2. Evaluate Your Sales Channel Strategy
Single channel (Shopify or BigCommerce only):
Simpler systems may be sufficient if you only sell through one platform
Native platform tools might meet your needs with minimal supplementation
Multi-channel e-commerce:
Prioritize systems with strong channel integration (Cin7, Linnworks)
Look for automated inventory syncing to prevent overselling
Omnichannel (online + physical retail):
Need systems that integrate with POS (Cin7, Brightpearl)
Require multi-location inventory tracking
3. Consider Your Fulfillment Model
Self-fulfillment from own warehouse:
Focus on warehouse management features (SkuVault, Unleashed)
Barcode scanning capabilities become important
Dropshipping:
Specialized solutions like FlxPoint or Ordoro excel here
Need supplier management and automated order routing
Hybrid models:
Require flexible systems that can handle multiple fulfillment methods
Look for rule-based order routing capabilities
4. Factor in Your Budget and ROI Timeline
Consider both upfront costs and ongoing subscription fees
Factor in implementation costs, training, and potential consultancy fees
Calculate potential ROI from improved efficiency and reduced errors
Balance immediate needs with long-term growth plans
5. Evaluate Implementation Requirements
Assess the time and resources needed for implementation
Consider your team’s technical capabilities and availability
Factor in data migration from existing systems
Look at training requirements for staff adoption
Comparison Chart
| System | Best For | Shopify/BigCommerce | Multi-Channel | Manufacturing | Dropshipping |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cin7 | Multi-channel automation | Native | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Fishbowl | QuickBooks & manufacturing | Plugin | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Brightpearl | Retail with financial tracking | Native | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Linnworks | Marketplace sellers | Native | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| SkuVault | Warehouse operations | Native | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| NetSuite | Enterprise operations | Connector | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| FlxPoint | Dropshipping & hybrid models | Native | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Zoho Inventory | SMBs on a budget | Native | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Unleashed | Stock control & manufacturing | Native | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Ordoro | Inventory + shipping | Native | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Conclusion & Final Recommendations
Choosing the right inventory management system is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your e-commerce business’s efficiency, accuracy, and growth potential. Based on our comprehensive review, here are our final recommendations:
For small businesses just starting out: Zoho Inventory offers the most accessible entry point with its free tier and user-friendly interface, making it ideal for businesses taking their first steps beyond spreadsheets.
For growing multi-channel sellers: Cin7 provides the most comprehensive solution for businesses selling across multiple platforms, with robust automation capabilities that scale with your business.
For manufacturing and assembly operations: Fishbowl and Unleashed both offer strong manufacturing support, with Fishbowl being the better choice for QuickBooks users and Unleashed excelling in cloud accessibility.
For businesses prioritizing cost efficiency: Ordoro’s shipping-focused plan provides excellent value for businesses primarily concerned with streamlining fulfillment, while Zoho Inventory offers the best overall value across features.
For enterprise-level operations: NetSuite and Brightpearl are the most robust solutions for large businesses requiring comprehensive business management beyond just inventory control.
As e-commerce continues to evolve, inventory management systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with artificial intelligence and predictive analytics playing larger roles in forecasting and automation. The most successful e-commerce businesses will leverage these technologies to gain competitive advantages through more efficient operations and better customer experiences.
We recommend taking advantage of free trials and demos offered by these platforms to assess their fit with your specific business needs and workflows. The right system should not only address your current challenges but provide a foundation for your future growth.
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 one of these top systems 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it typically take to implement an inventory management system?
Implementation timelines vary widely based on the system complexity and your business requirements. Simple systems like Zoho Inventory or Ordoro can be implemented in 1-2 weeks, while enterprise solutions like NetSuite may take 3-6 months for full implementation.
Can I use these inventory systems if I sell on platforms beyond Shopify and BigCommerce?
Yes, all the systems reviewed support multiple sales channels beyond Shopify and BigCommerce. Linnworks and Cin7 are particularly strong for multi-channel operations including Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and other marketplaces.
Will these systems integrate with my accounting software?
Most systems offer integration with popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero. Fishbowl has the strongest QuickBooks integration, while Brightpearl includes built-in accounting functionality. Always verify specific integration capabilities for your accounting system before making a decision.
Do I need technical expertise to implement these inventory systems?
The level of technical expertise required varies by system. Cloud-based solutions like Zoho Inventory and Ordoro are designed for relatively straightforward self-implementation, while enterprise systems like NetSuite typically require professional implementation services and technical expertise.
Can these systems help with inventory forecasting?
Yes, most systems offer some level of forecasting capability. Cin7, NetSuite, and Brightpearl provide the most sophisticated forecasting tools, using historical data and algorithms to predict future inventory needs. Simpler systems may offer basic reorder point suggestions but lack advanced predictive capabilities.
What is Inventory Management?
Definition of Inventory Management
Inventory management is the process of tracking and managing the flow of goods, products, and materials from manufacturers to warehouses and eventually to customers. It involves monitoring inventory levels, tracking orders, and optimizing stock levels to meet customer demand while minimizing costs. Effective inventory management ensures that businesses have the right amount of stock at the right time, reducing the risk of stockouts and overstocking.
Importance of Inventory Management for Ecommerce
Effective inventory management is crucial for e-commerce businesses to ensure timely and efficient order fulfillment, reduce stockouts and overstocking, and improve customer satisfaction. A well-managed inventory system helps e-commerce businesses to:
Reduce Inventory Costs and Minimize Waste: By maintaining optimal inventory levels, businesses can avoid the costs associated with excess stock and minimize waste.
Improve Order Fulfillment Rates and Reduce Shipping Times: Efficient inventory management ensures that products are available when customers place orders, leading to faster shipping and higher fulfillment rates.
Enhance Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty: Consistently meeting customer expectations for product availability and delivery times can improve customer satisfaction and foster loyalty.
Make Informed Decisions About Product Offerings and Pricing: Accurate inventory data allows businesses to analyze sales trends and make strategic decisions about product offerings and pricing.
Optimize Supply Chain Operations and Improve Relationships with Suppliers: Effective inventory management streamlines supply chain operations, making it easier to manage supplier relationships and negotiate better terms.
Types of Inventory Management Systems
Basic Stock Management System
A basic stock management system is a simple inventory management software that allows businesses to track and manage their stock levels. It typically includes features such as:
Inventory Tracking: Monitoring the quantity of each item in stock to ensure accurate inventory levels.
Low Stock Alerts: Alerting the business when stock levels fall below a certain threshold, helping to prevent stockouts.
Inventory Reports: Generating reports on inventory levels, sales, and stock movements to provide insights into inventory performance.
Basic Inventory Management Features: Allowing businesses to add, edit, and delete inventory items as needed.
However, basic stock management systems may not be suitable for businesses with complex inventory management needs, such as those with multiple locations, high-volume sales, or specialized inventory requirements. In such cases, more advanced inventory management software may be necessary to ensure efficient and effective inventory management. Advanced systems offer features like multi-location tracking, integration with accounting software, and the ability to automate purchase orders, providing a more comprehensive solution for managing inventory across various channels and locations.
