Zoho Inventory Review: Managing Inventory for Shopify and BigCommerce Stores

For small to mid-sized e-commerce businesses operating on Shopify or BigCommerce, managing inventory efficiently while keeping costs under control can be a significant challenge. As these businesses grow beyond basic platform tools, they need inventory solutions that offer more functionality without the complexity and expense of enterprise systems.

The Zoho Inventory app is a comprehensive solution for inventory and order management, featuring a user-friendly interface and robust capabilities such as inventory tracking, order fulfillment, multi-channel sales integration, and real-time reporting, making it essential for managing business operations effectively on the go.

Zoho Inventory positions itself as an accessible middle ground—a cloud-based inventory management solution that provides substantial capabilities at an SMB-friendly price point. This review examines how effectively Zoho Inventory serves Shopify and BigCommerce store owners looking to upgrade their inventory management without overcommitting to expensive enterprise solutions.

What is Zoho Inventory?

Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management software designed to help businesses of all sizes manage their inventory operations efficiently. As part of the comprehensive Zoho suite of business applications, it stands out for its user-friendly interface and robust functionality. Zoho Inventory enables businesses to track inventory levels meticulously, manage sales orders seamlessly, and optimize stock levels across multiple warehouses and sales channels. This centralized platform ensures that businesses can maintain accurate inventory records, streamline their order management processes, and enhance overall operational efficiency.

Company Background

Zoho Corporation has established itself as a major player in the business software market, particularly for small to mid-sized businesses. Founded in 1996 and formerly known as AdventNet, Zoho has built a comprehensive ecosystem of business applications spanning CRM, accounting, HR, marketing, and operations.

Zoho Inventory is one component of this larger ecosystem, designed to integrate seamlessly with other Zoho products like Zoho Books (accounting), Zoho CRM, and Zoho Commerce, creating an interconnected business management suite. This integration capability gives Zoho Inventory a distinct advantage for businesses already using other Zoho applications.

The company maintains a reputation for offering feature-rich software at affordable price points, with particular focus on serving the SMB market rather than enterprise customers. This philosophy is evident in Zoho Inventory’s approach, which balances functionality with accessibility for smaller e-commerce operations.

Core Features of Zoho Inventory

Multi-Channel Inventory Synchronization

Zoho Inventory provides centralized stock management across multiple sales channels, ensuring efficient maintenance of stock levels:

• Real-time synchronization with Shopify and BigCommerce stores

• Integration with marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy

• Connection to WooCommerce and other e-commerce platforms

• Unified product catalog management across all channels

• Automatic stock level updates to prevent overselling

This multi-channel capability allows Shopify and BigCommerce merchants to expand to additional platforms without losing inventory control.

Order Management

The order processing functionality streamlines fulfillment operations:

• Centralized view of orders from all connected channels

• Order status tracking throughout the fulfillment process

• Packing slip and shipping label generation

• Partial shipment and backorder handling

• Bulk order processing for efficient operations

These features help e-commerce businesses manage order flow efficiently, particularly as order volume increases beyond what native platform tools can handle.

Warehouse Management

Zoho Inventory offers multi-location inventory tracking:

• Support for multiple warehouses and inventory locations

• Transfer orders to move stock between locations

• Bin location tracking for organized storage

• Batch and serial number tracking for regulated products

• Mobile app with barcode scanning for efficient warehouse operations

These warehouse management features benefit growing Shopify and BigCommerce merchants who have expanded beyond a single storage location.

Purchasing and Supplier Management

The system includes comprehensive purchasing capabilities:

• Supplier database with performance metrics

• Purchase order creation and management

• Receiving and putaway tracking

• Dropshipping workflow support

• Low stock alerts and automatic reorder suggestions

These purchasing features help e-commerce businesses maintain optimal stock levels and manage vendor relationships effectively.

Automation and Workflows

Zoho Inventory includes basic automation capabilities:

• Customizable workflow rules to automate routine tasks

• Automatic reorder point alerts

• Scheduled inventory tasks and updates

• Email notifications for inventory events

• Integration with Zoho’s Deluge scripting for custom automations

While not as advanced as enterprise systems, these automation features offer significant efficiency improvements over manual processes.

Reporting and Analytics

The reporting capabilities provide business insights:

• Inventory valuation and stock level reports

• Sales analysis by product, channel, or time period

• Purchase and supplier performance metrics

• Inventory turnover and movement analysis

• Integration with Zoho Analytics for more advanced reporting

These analytical tools help merchants make data-driven inventory decisions and optimize stock levels across channels.

Mobile Accessibility

Zoho Inventory offers strong mobile functionality:

• Native mobile apps for iOS and Android

• Barcode scanning using smartphone cameras

• Mobile order management and fulfillment

• Inventory counts and adjustments on the go

• Real-time dashboard access from anywhere

This mobile capability is particularly valuable for smaller e-commerce businesses with hands-on owners who need flexibility to manage operations remotely.

Benefits of Using Zoho Inventory for Inventory Management

Using Zoho Inventory for inventory management offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance business operations:

• Improved Inventory Accuracy: Reduce stockouts and overstock situations with precise inventory tracking.

• Enhanced Visibility: Gain real-time insights into inventory levels and sales trends, allowing for better decision-making.

• Streamlined Order Management: Simplify the order fulfillment process, ensuring timely and accurate deliveries.

• Multi-Warehouse Management: Efficiently manage inventory across multiple warehouses and sales channels, optimizing stock distribution.

• Better Supplier Management: Maintain strong vendor relationships with effective procurement processes and performance tracking.

• Real-Time Tracking: Monitor inventory performance and sales trends in real-time, enabling proactive management.

• Barcode Scanning: Utilize barcode scanning capabilities for quick and accurate inventory tracking.

• Seamless Integration: Integrate with other Zoho apps, such as Zoho Books and Zoho CRM, to create a cohesive business process ecosystem.

These benefits collectively contribute to a more efficient and responsive inventory management system, helping businesses stay competitive in the fast-paced e-commerce landscape.

How Zoho Inventory Works

Zoho Inventory operates by providing a centralized platform that streamlines all inventory operations. Businesses can create and manage items, ensuring accurate tracking of inventory levels across multiple warehouses and sales channels. The software facilitates efficient management of sales orders, from creation to fulfillment, and offers robust shipment tracking capabilities. Additionally, Zoho Inventory provides detailed analysis of inventory performance, helping businesses identify trends and make data-driven decisions. The inclusion of barcode scanning capabilities further enhances inventory accuracy and efficiency. Supplier management features allow businesses to maintain optimal stock levels and manage vendor relationships effectively. Integration with other Zoho apps ensures seamless business processes, creating a unified system for managing all aspects of inventory.

Integration Capabilities

Shopify Integration

Zoho Inventory connects to Shopify through a native integration:

• Bi-directional inventory synchronization

• Automated order import from Shopify to Zoho

• Product information management and updates

• Fulfillment status synchronization back to Shopify

• Customer data sharing between platforms

The integration is straightforward to configure and maintain, making it accessible for merchants without technical expertise.

BigCommerce Integration

Similarly, the BigCommerce connection provides:

• Real-time inventory updates across BigCommerce stores

• Centralized order management from BigCommerce channels

• Product catalog synchronization

• Fulfillment tracking and shipping updates

• Customer information synchronization

This integration ensures BigCommerce merchants can leverage Zoho’s inventory capabilities without disrupting their existing storefront operations.

Additional E-commerce Integrations

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

• Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and other marketplaces

• WooCommerce for WordPress stores

• Zoho Commerce for merchants using Zoho’s own e-commerce platform

• Custom stores via API connections

• Point-of-sale systems for physical retail locations

These additional integrations make Zoho valuable for merchants expanding beyond their primary e-commerce platform.

Zoho Ecosystem Integration

A key advantage of Zoho Inventory is its seamless connection to other Zoho applications:

• Zoho Books for accounting and financial management

• Zoho CRM for customer relationship management

• Zoho Analytics for advanced business intelligence

• Zoho Subscriptions for recurring order management

• Zoho SalesIQ for customer engagement

This ecosystem integration creates a cohesive business management suite without the complexity of enterprise ERP systems.

Shipping and Logistics

Zoho Inventory integrates with major shipping providers:

• FedEx, UPS, USPS, and DHL connections

• Shipping rate comparison and label printing

• Tracking information synchronization

• Automated shipping notifications to customers

• International shipping documentation

These shipping integrations streamline the fulfillment process for e-commerce operations of all sizes.

Pricing and Plans

Zoho Inventory offers simple and transparent pricing plans designed to cater to businesses of all sizes. The plans start at $0 per organization per month when billed annually, making it accessible even for small businesses. As businesses grow, they can choose from various plans that offer additional features and capabilities. These plans include essential features such as inventory tracking, order management, and sales channel integration, allowing businesses to select the plan that best fits their specific needs. This tiered pricing model ensures that businesses can scale their inventory management solution as they grow, without incurring unnecessary costs.

User Experience

Interface Design and Usability

Zoho Inventory features a clean, intuitive interface:

• Straightforward navigation organized by business function

• Dashboard with customizable widgets and KPIs

• Logical workflow design following standard business processes

• Consistent design language across the Zoho ecosystem

• Simplified setup wizards for common tasks

The user-friendly design makes Zoho accessible to businesses without dedicated inventory specialists, although some functions require initial learning.

Cloud Architecture

As a cloud-based solution, Zoho Inventory offers:

• Access from any location with internet connectivity

• No on-premise servers or hardware required

• Automatic updates and maintenance

• Secure data storage and backup

• Multi-user access with permission controls

This cloud approach aligns with the expectations of Shopify and BigCommerce merchants accustomed to web-based platforms.

Implementation Process

Zoho Inventory typically offers a straightforward setup:

• Self-service implementation options for smaller businesses

• Guided setup wizards for common configurations

• Templates for product imports and data migration

• Pre-built integration connectors for popular platforms

• Initial configuration assistance from Zoho support

This simplified approach allows merchants to implement the system without extensive technical resources or consultants in many cases.

Support Options and Quality

Zoho provides several support options:

• Knowledge base and video tutorials

• Email and chat support on all paid plans

• Community forums for peer assistance

• Phone support on higher-tier plans

• Training webinars and documentation

Support quality is generally good for the price point, though it lacks the dedicated account management of enterprise systems. The extensive self-help resources compensate somewhat for the standardized support approach.

Security and Compliance

Zoho Inventory prioritizes security and compliance, providing businesses with the confidence to manage their inventory operations securely. The software is built on a secure and scalable infrastructure, ensuring that data is protected and backed up regularly. Zoho Inventory complies with various industry standards and regulations, including GDPR and HIPAA, ensuring that businesses meet their legal obligations. Additionally, the software offers two-factor authentication and role-based access control, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access sensitive inventory data. This robust security framework helps businesses safeguard their inventory information and maintain trust with their customers and partners.

Pros for E-commerce Stores

Accessibility and Affordability – Zoho Inventory’s greatest advantage for Shopify and BigCommerce merchants is its combination of substantial functionality at an SMB-friendly price point. The system offers a smooth transition from basic platform tools without the financial commitment of enterprise solutions, making professional inventory management accessible to growing businesses.

User-Friendly Design – The intuitive interface requires minimal training compared to more complex inventory systems. This accessibility is particularly valuable for small e-commerce teams where staff often handle multiple roles and can’t afford extensive specialization or training time.

Multi-Channel Management – Zoho excels at unifying inventory across multiple sales channels, allowing Shopify and BigCommerce merchants to expand to additional marketplaces or platforms while maintaining centralized inventory control. This capability removes a significant growth barrier for online retailers seeking to diversify their sales channels.

Mobile Functionality – The robust mobile apps with barcode scanning capabilities offer significant operational flexibility. This mobility allows hands-on business owners to manage inventory, process orders, and access reports from anywhere—a feature particularly valuable for smaller operations without dedicated warehouse staff.

Zoho Ecosystem Integration – For businesses using other Zoho products, the seamless integration creates a cohesive business management suite at a fraction of the cost of traditional ERP systems. This ecosystem approach provides end-to-end business management capabilities without the complexity and expense typically associated with such comprehensive systems.

Cons for E-commerce Stores

Limited Scalability for Enterprise Needs – While suitable for small to mid-sized operations, Zoho Inventory lacks some advanced features required by larger enterprises. As businesses grow substantially, they may encounter limitations in automation capabilities, warehouse optimization, and high-volume processing that more expensive systems address.

Workflow Automation Constraints – The automation capabilities, while useful, are more basic compared to enterprise inventory systems. Complex conditional workflows or advanced rule-based processes may require workarounds or additional development using Zoho’s scripting tools.

Limited Manufacturing Support – Zoho Inventory focuses primarily on distribution businesses rather than manufacturing operations. While it handles basic product bundling, it lacks the manufacturing planning, bill of materials management, and production scheduling features needed by businesses with significant manufacturing operations.

Feature Depth vs. Breadth – While Zoho offers a wide range of features, some lack the depth found in specialized systems. Advanced demand forecasting, complex pricing structures, or sophisticated warehouse optimization may require supplementary tools or upgrades to enterprise-level systems for businesses with specialized needs.

Growing Pains During Scaling – Businesses experiencing rapid growth may encounter limitations in transaction volume, integration capabilities, or processing speed. The tiered approach means expanding businesses must monitor their usage carefully and plan for potential upgrades as they approach system limits.

Comparison with Native Tools

Compared to the built-in inventory features in Shopify and BigCommerce, Zoho Inventory offers significant enhancements:

• Native platform tools handle basic product tracking and simple order management

• Zoho adds multi-location inventory, purchase order management, and cross-channel synchronization

• Platform tools typically lack batch/serial tracking available in Zoho

• Native reporting is limited compared to Zoho’s analytics capabilities

• Shopify and BigCommerce offer minimal purchasing and supplier management

Zoho Inventory makes sense for Shopify and BigCommerce merchants who:

• Have outgrown basic platform inventory tools

• Sell across multiple channels beyond their primary platform

• Manage inventory across multiple physical locations

• Need purchasing and supplier management capabilities

• Want more sophisticated reporting without enterprise complexity

Merchants with very simple inventory needs operating on a single channel may find the native platform tools sufficient, while those with highly complex operations might require more advanced systems.

Alternatives Overview

When evaluating Zoho Inventory for Shopify or BigCommerce management, several alternatives merit consideration:

• Cin7 offers more advanced features and automation but at a significantly higher price point and with greater complexity.
• Brightpearl provides a more comprehensive back-office solution with built-in accounting but requires a larger investment and implementation effort.
• Fishbowl offers stronger manufacturing capabilities but lacks the cloud accessibility and modern interface of Zoho Inventory.
• TradeGecko/QuickBooks Commerce provides similar functionality at a comparable price point but with deeper QuickBooks integration rather than Zoho’s ecosystem approach.

Zoho Inventory distinguishes itself through its balance of functionality and affordability, making it particularly well-suited for small to mid-sized e-commerce businesses seeking professional inventory management without enterprise complexity or cost.

Conclusion

Zoho Inventory represents an effective middle-ground solution for Shopify and BigCommerce merchants who have outgrown platform-native inventory tools but aren’t ready for enterprise-level systems. The platform offers a substantial feature set that addresses the core inventory needs of growing e-commerce businesses while maintaining accessibility in both cost and usability.

The system excels at multi-channel inventory synchronization, basic warehouse management, and integration with the broader Zoho ecosystem. Its mobile capabilities and user-friendly interface make it particularly suitable for hands-on business owners and smaller teams without specialized inventory management expertise.

However, rapidly growing businesses or those with complex manufacturing operations should carefully evaluate whether Zoho’s limitations in advanced automation, high-volume processing, or production management might become constraints as they scale. The system’s tiered approach means merchants must balance feature needs against cost as they grow.

For the right users—typically small to mid-sized e-commerce businesses with moderate complexity—Zoho Inventory delivers professional inventory management capabilities at an accessible price point. This value proposition makes it a compelling option for Shopify and BigCommerce merchants seeking to upgrade their inventory operations without overcommitting to expensive enterprise solutions.

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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 Zoho Inventory 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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