The Best Inventory Control Software of 2024

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SafetyCulture

SafetyCulture (iAuditor)
Audit app

Rated 4.6/5 stars on Capterra from 183 ratings

SafetyCulture logo

Why Use SafetyCulture?

SafetyCulture is an inventory control software built for teams of all industries and sizes. This platform facilitates seamless workflows for total inventory control across the board through a robust suite of digital tools. Retailers, manufacturers, distributors, and warehousing companies can scale this tool based on the size and business needs.

Instead of manually listing items on a ledger, simplify your inventory data entry and inspection process through QR or bar codes. Then, monitor the status, condition, and location of goods inside the warehouse using the app’s asset tracking system. The data you collect goes into a centralized inventory database for easily tracking inventory supply levels using your mobile or desktop device.

Features:

  • Barcode and QR code generation and scanning for encoding item details such as expiration dates, product types, serial numbers, and other unique identifiers
  • Simplified asset tracking and geolocation systems to monitor the flow of goods inside the warehouse
  • Automatic alerts and action items for filling in order requests, replacing damaged and outdated items, and replenishing low or out-of-stock items
  • Climate control systems through sensors for maintaining the freshness and quality of time-sensitive inventory products
  • Customizable inventory audit forms to assess if the goods are in good condition
  • Unified dashboard for monitoring inventory performance, growth opportunities, and supply metrics
  • Secure cloud-based inventory database for product traceability and easy access to stock information
  • Integrations with accounting, e-commerce, and Business Intelligence (BI) tools
  • Custom workflows for streamlining order fulfillment, stock audits, and other day-to-day inventory operations
  • Scalable for small and large businesses

Why Use Sortly?

Sortly offers simple yet powerful tools for handling end-to-end inventory control tasks. This simple inventory control software allows you to visualize and keep track of your incoming and outgoing stocks using custom barcodes and QR codes. Meet customer demands for your products with the help of this reliable inventory tool.

Features:

  • Access controls and limited permissions
  • In-app barcode and QR code scanner
  • Custom QR codes and labels
  • Custom notes and tags for organizing stock items
  • Dashboard and activity reports
  • Quantity alerts

Why Use NetSuite?

NetSuite is an inventory control software for streamlining stock-related processes across the supply chain. With a single platform, companies can track their entire inventory lifecycle, anticipate customer demand, and plan the best route for restocking products. NetSuite connects seamlessly with your preferred back-end programs to centralize operational and financial information.

Features:

  • Inventory visibility in real-time
  • Multi-location inventory and order fulfillment
  • Cycle counting capabilities
  • Procure-to-Pay purchasing tools

Why Use inFlow?

inFlow helps manufacturing businesses meet their inventory goals using an all-in-one platform. Track inventory items across multiple locations and fast-track operational processes using the barcode scanning feature. Schedule reorder points, connect with e-commerce platforms, and handle sales orders with ease using this inventory control software.

Features: 

  • Real-time inventory tracking
  • Multi-location monitoring capabilities
  • Barcode label generation
  • Online sales integrations
  • User-friendly and scalable interface

Why Use Cin7?

Cin7 provides inventory solutions for companies dealing with Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Customer (B2C) sales. Monitor your products, orders, sales channels, and reports in one place. This inventory control software can also automate your daily operations and sync your data with accounting, third-party logistics, and marketplace platforms.

Features:

  • Automation bots and workflows
  • Inventory tracking and controls
  • Reports and insights
  • Stock documentation via mobile device
  • Custom inventory fields and adjustments
  • Sales channel integrations

Why Use Fishbowl?

Fishbowl works as a warehouse inventory control software to manage items under production effectively. Oversee each step of the inventory control process and keep an eye on your inventory across multiple warehouses using this manufacturing inventory control software.

Features:

  • Warehouse management
  • Unified tracking labels
  • Automatic reorder points for replenishing stock items
  • Barcode generator and scanner
  • Integrations with Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and e-commerce software programs

Why Use Acctivate?

Acctivate offers digital solutions for small and medium-sized distributors. It speeds up product distribution inventory across multiple channels through intelligent tools such as purchase order automation, serial number traceability, and instant inventory visibility. This inventory control software can help you grow your business by taking care of tedious warehousing tasks.  

Features:

  • Real-time inventory visibility
  • Multi-channel sales and order fulfillment
  • Lot and serial number traceability
  • Order and reorders automation tools
  • Landed cost
  • Warehouse management
  • QuickBooks integration

Why Use Lightspeed?

Lightspeed Retail consists of stock ordering and inventory streamlining tools to optimize daily functions for retailers. By reducing the time it takes to complete tasks, this retail inventory control software empowers you to drive business growth and enhance customer experience.

Features:

  • Inventory levels and Stock Keeping Units (SKUs)
  • Product variants and matrices
  • Unique serial numbers for identifying stocks
  • Built-in purchase order and integrated vendor catalogs
  • Master and special orders
  • Customizable reorder points

Why Use Extensiv Order Manager?

Extensiv Order Manager is a leading inventory control platform for marketplace and e-commerce brands. Handle all sales and warehouse channels in a single platform, automate your order processes, and leverage insights for continual growth with this tool.

Features:

  • Unified database for multi-sales channels and suppliers
  • Real-time inventory updates
  • Order bots for purchase order fulfillment
  • Smart recommendations for inventory restocking
  • Consolidated analytics
  • Integrations with leading e-commerce and 3PL platforms

Why Use Hybrent?

Hybrent offers powerful functionalities for controlling and managing medical supplies in healthcare settings. Use this inventory control software to track medical stocks accurately using serial numbers, perform regular cycle counts, and generate reports to reduce waste and costs.

Features:

  • Accurate inventory counts
  • Barcode scanning for cycle counts
  • Serial number tracking
  • Inventory level settings
  • Business metrics

What is an Inventory Management Software?

An inventory control software is a digital tool for handling, monitoring, and documenting goods from a company’s inventory. It streamlines the flow of products from manufacturing and production to shipping and distribution with the help of various recording, tracking, and forecasting tools. Companies can leverage the insights gathered from this software to identify bottlenecks across their supply chain and improve inefficient business processes.

Benefits

Inventory control involves several processes that can be simplified with the help of a digital platform. Discover the key advantages of having an inventory control software program for your stock management operations.

Inventory Optimization and Control

An inventory control software platform streamlines day-to-day tasks with a variety of process, management, and reporting tools. For one, it allows you to keep track of multiple warehouses and inventories in a single location. Moreover, it aligns your workflows with your business goals, so employees can focus on their tasks without worrying about the small details.

Process Efficiency

Digitizing your processes is an excellent way to optimize your operations. The program does the work for you, so you can accomplish more and save time on manual tasks. For example, barcode and QR code scanners prove to be more efficient for encoding inventory data instead of manually typing in details on a logbook.

Accurate Tracking of Goods

An inventory control software offers a reliable means of monitoring the movement of inventory items from production to shipment. Easily keep an eye on your stocks using the program’s unique product identifiers such as serial numbers, lot numbers, and barcodes.

Searching for specific items also becomes faster with the help of a unified inventory database. Simply insert a product’s identification code in the system and let the program search it for you. With a click, you can find all the relevant details about your searched item.

Quality and Quantity Control

Part of inventory control includes ensuring high-quality inventory at sufficient amounts. A handy software program can aid you in this aspect. Use this tool to keep tabs on your inventory levels and automatically designate reorder points to replenish items with low quantities before you run out of stock.

This software also allows you to set automatic alerts for detecting expiration dates in products. This way, you can provide your customers with the freshest products and reduce waste from spoilage or damage.

Expense Monitoring

Lastly, most inventory control programs include accounting software integrations to streamline financial monitoring processes. Connecting these platforms allows for more accurate expense tracking as purchase orders come in and out. It also collects and consolidates financial data in one place, so you can observe which areas of your inventory tend to overspend or underspend.

Features

An inventory control software often includes a wide range of tools and functionalities to facilitate smoother inventory operations. These functionalities will depend on the size and needs of your business.

Make the most out of your inventory app by knowing the following core features:

  • Purchase order and asset tracking
  • Unique identification and tracking labels (e.g., serial numbers, lot numbers, SKUs)
  • Built-in barcode and QR code scanners
  • Warehouse management functionalities
  • Inventory databases and history records
  • Reporting and analytics capabilities
  • Stock supply and demand forecasting
  • Product kitting and assemblies
  • Integrations with the Internet of Things (IoT) software and other digital platforms (e.g., accounting, marketplace, e-commerce)

Choosing the Right Inventory Control Software

Effective inventory control and management begin with the right platform. These software programs offer various tools to handle stocks for different products effectively and ensure they have adequate supplies at all times. To help you find a suitable tool for your business needs, here’s a quick round-up of our top inventory control software platforms.

  • Best for all sizes and industries: SafetyCulture
  • Best for simple inventory control processes: Sortly
  • Best for small- and medium-sized businesses: NetSuite
  • Best for large-scale inventory operations: inFlow
  • Best for B2B and B2C sales companies: Cin7
  • Best for manufacturing and warehousing companies: Fishbowl
  • Best for small- and medium-sized distributors: Acctivate
  • Best for retail businesses: Lightspeed Retail
  • Best for e-commerce and marketplace businesses: Extensiv Order Manager
  • Best for healthcare and allied businesses: Hybrent

Refer to the table below for an in-depth comparison of the ten best inventory control software.

Inventory Control Software Best For Free Version Lowest Paid Plan Monthly Price Free Trial Web Mobile
SafetyCulture All inventory sizes and industries Yes $24/seat/month* Yes, 30 days Yes Yes
Sortly Simple inventory control processes Yes $29* Yes, 14 days Yes Yes
NetSuite Small- and medium-sized businesses None Not available** None Yes Yes
inFlow Large-scale inventory operations None Not available Yes, 14 days Yes Yes
Cin7 B2B and B2C sales companies None $325 None Yes Yes
Fishbowl Manufacturing and warehousing companies None Custom pricing None Yes Yes
Acctivate Small- and medium-sized distributors None $833*** Yes, 14 days Yes None
Lightspeed Retail Retail businesses None $119* Yes Yes None
Extensiv Order Manager Multi-channel e-commerce and marketplace businesses None Not available None Yes Yes
Hybrent Healthcare and allied businesses None Not available None Yes Yes

* billed annually
** contact sales team for more information
*** custom price quotes available

Leizel Estrellas
Article by

Leizel Estrellas

SafetyCulture Content Specialist
Leizel Estrellas is a content writer and researcher for SafetyCulture. Her academic and professional training as a researcher allows her to write meaningful articles that create a lasting impact. As a content specialist, she strives to promote a culture of safety in the workplace through accessible and reader-friendly content. With her high-quality work, she is keen on helping businesses across industries identify issues and opportunities to improve every day.