An eCommerce business should be like a well-oiled machine. There’s an attractive and responsive website, an efficient fulfillment model, and a point-of-sale (POS) system that offers stock visibility.
But then, a shopper spends 30 minutes mulling over a product. And when they finally click the “buy” button, they get an email a day later saying the item is out of stock. This frustration leads to missed sales and even bad reviews.
Many common eCommerce inventory management methods lack the features a growing business needs to satisfy customers and stay competitive. Modern online retailers need modern solutions — a platform that can handle fulfillment, real-time inventory tracking, and centralized order management all in one place.
Let’s explore 12 eCommerce inventory management software solutions that fit the bill.
The benefits of eCommerce inventory management software for businesses
A basic spreadsheet or POS system may have the inventory capabilities to get a business off the ground. But here’s what you can gain from upgrading to a comprehensive inventory management software solution.
Real-time inventory tracking
The best inventory management systems don’t require time-consuming inventory counts or error-prone manual data entry. A good software program offers up-to-the-minute insights into stock levels across all sales channels, preventing overselling and stockouts. You also access the information needed to make strategic choices about reordering and promotions.
Automated replenishment
Having the right products in stock at the right time minimizes the risks of stockouts and lost sales. Smart software can analyze sales trends, set reorder points, and even automate purchase orders with suppliers to keep your warehouse stocked.
Centralized order management
When you use multiple sales channels, order processing and fulfillment have to keep up. Inventory management software centralizes order information, allowing you to track orders, manage shipping, and handle returns all from a single platform — no more disappointed customers.
Improved forecasting and planning
Inventory management platforms offer valuable insights into sales patterns and customer behavior. They generate detailed reports and forecasts that help anticipate demand, plan for seasonal fluctuations, and optimize inventory levels to reduce the carrying costs that come from overstocking.
Enhanced customer satisfaction
When a customer isn’t happy with an order, they’re unlikely to become a repeat buyer — and they might even leave a damaging review. By preventing stockouts, speeding up order fulfillment, and providing accurate product information, inventory management software provides a positive shopping experience that keeps customers coming back for more.
The 12 best inventory management platforms for eCommerce
It’s easy to see why inventory management solutions are game-changers. What’s not so easy is choosing one. Here’s a list of the best platforms to help you decide.
1. Fishbowl
Fishbowl is a comprehensive inventory management solution designed to streamline operations for manufacturing, wholesale, and eCommerce businesses. It offers top-tier features and seamless integration with popular platforms, making it a game-changer for all kinds of businesses.
Key features
- Integrations with QuickBooks, shipping and dropshipping partners, and eCommerce marketplaces, among others
- Robust asset and inventory tracking
- Manufacturing and warehouse management
- Barcode scanning via mobile app
- Cloud-based or on-premises solutions
Pricing
Fishbowl starts at $329/month.
Pros
There are comprehensive features and a user-friendly interface. It’s perfect for manufacturing, wholesale, and eCommerce businesses alike. QuickBooks users find it to be an ideal inventory integration with their accounting platform.
Cons
Fishbowl is a bigger investment than others on this list.
2. Zoho Inventory
Zoho Inventory is a user-friendly, customizable inventory management solution that seamlessly integrates with the Zoho ecosystem, offering multi-channel management and support for product variations.
Key features
- Customization
- Multi-channel inventory management
- Batch tracking and product variants
Pricing
Zoho Inventory starts at $29/month.
Pros
It’s easy to bundle with other Zoho apps.
Cons
Customization capabilities come with a learning curve. Zoho also doesn’t support tracking bin locations or aisles, which means it’s not ideal for larger or more complex businesses.
3. inFlow Inventory
inFlow is an intuitive inventory management solution that simplifies real-time tracking and barcode scanning. It’s a good choice for businesses that value simple implementation and ease of use over advanced features.
Key features
- Real-time inventory tracking
- Intuitive barcode scanning
Pricing
inFlow starts at $89/month.
Pros
It’s easy to learn, and there are no setup fees.
Cons
The fees are expensive, and there aren’t many integrations.
4. Shopify
Shopify is a popular eCommerce platform that offers built-in inventory management tools, multi-channel selling capabilities, and integration with more advanced inventory management platforms like Fishbowl. There’s also an extensive app store for added functionality.
Key features
- Multi-warehouse management
- Serial and batch tracking
- Invoice creation and tracking
Pricing
Shopify starts at $29/month.
Pros
Shopify’s eCommerce tools are easy to use, especially for small businesses already using Shopify’s website-building software.
Cons
Inventory features are limited, and you need additional apps for maximum usability.
5. BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a scalable eCommerce platform with built-in inventory management features and no transaction fees, which can be a big perk for businesses with high sales volumes.
Key features
- Omnichannel inventory syncing
- Simplified stock tracking and changes
- Centralized order processing
Pricing
BigCommerce starts at $29/month.
Pros
BigCommerce is known for its scalability.
Cons
It’s complex to set up.
6. Katana
Katana is a specialized inventory management solution for manufacturing businesses. It offers real-time master planning, shop floor control, and production planning capabilities.
Key features
- Manufacturing inventory and production planning
- Real-time master planning
- Shop floor control
Pricing
Katana starts at $179/month.
Pros
This software is ideal for make-to-order and custom manufacturing businesses.
Cons
Katana may be overkill for businesses without complex manufacturing processes.
7. Cin7
Cin7 is a powerful inventory and order management platform geared toward wholesale and distribution businesses.
Key features
- Order fulfillment
- B2B eCommerce
- Third-party logistics (3PL) integration
Pricing
Cin7 starts at $349/month.
Pros
Its powerful features are suitable for wholesale and distribution businesses.
Cons
Cin7 is a bit technical, and it’s at a higher price point than other options.
8. WooCommerce
WooCommerce is an open-source eCommerce platform that provides flexibility and customization options. While it’s not a standalone inventory management tool, WooCommerce offers multiple extensions for tracking and managing inventory.
Key features
- Free to download and use
- A variety of inventory management extensions to choose from
- Customizability
Pricing
The core plugin is free, and extensions vary in price.
Pros
WooCommerce is highly flexible and a good option for tech-savvy businesses. It’s also the official eCommerce solution for WordPress, which means it’s easy to integrate with existing WordPress sites.
Cons
Managing extensions can be complex, and not everyone has the technical expertise.
9. Sellercloud
Sellercloud is a robust multi-channel inventory and order management platform designed for high-volume sellers, offering features like warehouse management and shipping integration.
Key features
- Predictive purchasing and restocking
- Custom and pre-made reports
- Inventory reserves to prevent overselling
Pricing
Sellercloud starts at $1,199/month.
Pros
Its robust features handle high-volume sales across multiple channels.
Cons
Sellercloud is technologically advanced, and its high price point reflects its complexity.
10. ShipBob
ShipBob is a 3PL provider that offers outsourced fulfillment services, inventory distribution, and a two-day shipping network.
Key features
- Real-time inventory levels
- Reorder points and notifications to prevent stockouts
- Integration with various eCommerce platforms
Pricing
Pricing varies depending on your preferences.
Pros
ShipBob is ideal for businesses that want to outsource fulfillment.
Cons
You have less control over the fulfillment process. Pricing varies depending on usage, so it’s difficult to budget for.
11. Helcim
Although Helcim’s pricing varies based on a business’s volume and the type of transaction, the platform’s affordability stands out. It also combines inventory management with POS and payment processing capabilities, making it a top contender for companies looking for an all-in-one system.
Key features
- Data syncs across all sales channels
- App and card reader work across all devices
- Low stock alerts
Pricing
There’s no monthly fee. Price varies based on usage and volume.
Pros
Helcim is affordable and ideal for businesses that need both inventory management and POS capabilities.
Cons
Features may not be enough for larger or more complex businesses.
12. Veeqo
Veeqo is a user-friendly multi-channel inventory and order management platform designed for businesses selling across various channels. It offers shipping integrations, warehouse management features, and custom reports.
Key features
- Built-in barcode scanning
- Digital picking
- Low stock alerts
Pricing
Veeqo is free, though there’s a $250/month paid option for greater capabilities.
Pros
It’s user-friendly and good for businesses selling across multiple channels.
Cons
The free option is limited, and the paid plan may be expensive for smaller businesses. You also have to ship at least 50% of your orders with one of Veeqo’s partners, which include UPS, Amazon Shipping, and FedEx.
What to look for in an eCommerce inventory management platform
Here are some of the features to prioritize when choosing a software solution for your eCommerce store:
- Forecasting and reporting: Find a platform that offers customizable reports and forecasting tools to help you make informed decisions.
- Real-time inventory tracking: Accurate, up-to-the-minute inventory data is a must for optimizing stock levels and preventing stockouts.
- Multi-channel integration: If you sell on multiple platforms — both Amazon and eBay, for example — make sure the software seamlessly integrates with all of them.
- Automated replenishment: Look for a platform that can analyze sales trends, set reorder points, and generate purchase orders automatically. This saves time and resources.
- Order management and fulfillment: Some platforms, like Fishbowl, do more than just manage inventory. The best solutions can also process orders, generate shipping labels, and easily track shipments in one place.
- Scalability: As your business grows, so will your inventory management needs. Pick a platform that accommodates increasing sales volume and product complexity.
Elevate your eCommerce business with Fishbowl
One of the smartest moves you can make for a growing eCommerce business is investing in the right tools. And few inventory management software solutions can handle the job as easily and thoroughly as Fishbowl.
Fishbowl is the all-in-one inventory management solution designed to help you control stock, manage product listings, and even synchronize online sales with stock levels and accounting records in QuickBooks. For maximum customizability and efficiency, Fishbowl also integrates with many of the software solutions above, including BigCommerce, Shopify, and WooCommerce.
Are you ready to take control of your stock and gain end-to-end visibility over your eCommerce operations? Schedule a demo.
