For small businesses, inventory management is typically focused on maintaining accurate inventory levels and ensuring timely restocking. Overstocking can increase storage costs and tied-up capital, while understocking risks lost sales. That’s where inventory management software can help.
Inventory management solutions monitor inventory levels in real time to facilitate optimal production or restocking. By automating and standardizing inventory processes for small businesses, they address the core issues of visibility, accuracy, and efficiency.
This article highlights, in alphabetical order, five top-rated inventory management software for small businesses based on user reviews. For each product, we include overall user ratings along with the highest-rated attribute, product benefits, review excerpts from industry professionals, and pricing details.
We selected products for this article based on their average ratings between January 2022 and January 2024, which may differ from their current overall average ratings.
1. Booqable
Booqable is rental software with inventory management and order monitoring capabilities. It offers an integrated system for managing rental inventory, bookings, and reservations. Its dashboard summarizes rental bookings, allowing you to filter them by date, upcoming orders, or canceled orders. You can request and accept payments directly from the Booqable dashboard and record them for reporting purposes. You can also use a built-in barcode scanner to scan products, add them to orders, and mark them as picked up or returned.
Commonly discussed topics by Booqable reviewers
Our analysis of Booqable reviews on Capterra reveals the most commonly discussed topics:
Excellent customer service: 93.8% of users highlight Booqable's customer service as a key strength, appreciating the support team's quick and accurate responses.
Efficient rental inventory management: 85.7% of users say the software helps streamline bookings, reservations, and rental inventory management. They also acknowledge its real-time inventory tracking capabilities and the ability to control inventory listings and anticipate future demand.
Convenient payment management: 60% of users appreciate the integrated system that covers quotes, reservations, payments, and inventory management. They also value the payment request option and the ability for customers to book and pay for rentals.
Review excerpts from small-business users who have used Booqable for inventory management
"The software covers everything from start to finish, quotes, reservations, payments, and inventory management to name just a few of the key features." (Michael Dye, president, 2023)
"Booqable gives both me and my customers value in time savings and assurance that a rental request can be fulfilled." (Wes Heiser, president, 2023)
"Booqable allows any rental business to expand its customer service levels through efficient inventory management and to enhance operational performance with an easy-to-use order monitoring system." (Nikoletta Ioannou, sales manager, 2022)
"Booqable and its ability to allow our customers to select quantities, check availability themselves has given us more time to focus on other areas of the business." (Chloe Hilton, creative director, 2022)
"The online reservation features are incredible for my business because it has decreased my time and expenses to accept customer bookings, but it allows my customers to book any time of day without the back and forth." (Kenny Young, owner, 2022)
Read all Booqable reviews here.
2. ERPAG
ERPAG is enterprise resource planning (ERP) software that manages inventory, manufacturing, and purchase tracking. Its centralized inventory system lets you sync and update inventory data across eCommerce platforms directly from the dashboard. You can also monitor stock levels, oversee production, and manage orders via the dashboard. Barcode scanning, label printing, reporting, and order fulfillment are a few other key inventory management features.
Commonly discussed topics by ERPAG reviewers
Our analysis of ERPAG reviews on Capterra reveals the most commonly discussed topics:
Effective manufacturing and inventory control: 100% of users appreciate ERPAG’s ease of use, value for money, and effective inventory management, purchase management, and production planning capabilities. Reviewers highlight its user-friendly UI, with many using it daily for inventory and B2B sales.
Great customer service: 87.5% of users appreciate the support team's patience, personalized attention, and willingness to go the extra mile in answering queries.
Enhanced productivity and collaboration: 75% of users report that ERPAG boosts manufacturing productivity by visualizing job stages and tasks, allowing staff to work without constant supervision. They also mention that the software helps foster interdepartmental communication and collaboration.
Review excerpts from small-business users who have used ERPAG for inventory management
"Free trial and the way the software helps me seamlessly connect through other departments." (Srivishnu P T, doctor, 2024)
"Very user friendly, we use it everyday for our inventory and b2b sales." (Josephine Castaneda, operations manager, 2022)
"Experience has been very good - easy to use, great value for money, and does what I need it to do - manage inventory, purchasing and production planning." (Duane Stubbington, director, 2022)
"Manufacturing tracking and productivity, freeing up managers by putting job stages and tasks on a screen for manufacturing staff so they can keep working without seeking constant guidance from a supervisor." (Damien Bell, director, 2022)
"I'm impressed by Erpag's suite of features for manufacturing and inventory control." (Tyler McCarthy, quality lead, 2022)
Trial/Free Version
- Free Trial
- Free Version
Highest-rated attribute
Customer support - 4.84
Commonly used by*
Professionals in electrical/electronic manufacturing, consumer goods, and food production, according to Capterra user reviews
Starting price
$49 per month (billed monthly)
Device Compatibilty
3. Sortly
Sortly is an inventory management solution that lets you upload high-resolution images of inventory items for visual identification and condition tracking. You can tag products with unique QR codes and scan them while checking items in or out. You can also set inventory limits and expiration dates and add additional details or tags for tracking. The software offers a built-in barcode scanner that lets you scan item barcodes to access existing information within the system, add or update product quantities, and identify product locations.
Commonly discussed topics by Sortly reviewers
Our analysis of Sortly reviews on Capterra reveals the most commonly discussed topics:
User-friendly interface and mobile accessibility: 96% of users acknowledge that the software simplifies tracking various items, helps maintain inventory history, and provides real-time updates, all within an interface accessible on mobile devices. They say Sortly's user-friendly design makes inventory management more convenient.
Simplified inventory management: 89.3% of users like the ease of data import, folder setup, and inventory movement. Visual aids, such as photos and tags, enhance inventory organization. Users also appreciate real-time notifications for low stock and the ability to share inventory reports in PDF format.
Efficient barcode scanning capabilities: 65.6% of users say the software simplifies loading, scanning, and updating inventory. They appreciate the option to link existing barcodes or generate new ones and the convenience of QR code scanning. They also value the capacity to print labels within the software.
Review excerpts from small-business users who have used Sortly for inventory management
"Sortly allowed us to set inventory limits for notifications as well as item expiration dates which is very helpful for our clinic." (Angela Glover, clinic manager, 2023)
"Sortly has many features that simplify the management of inventory, one of the best features in the barcode scanner." (Taylor Woodley, marketing and communications assistant, 2023)
"Helps me keep track of my inventory, the location of it and gives me alerts whenever an item is about to expire, this helps us to be compliant with OSHA and ahead of our game, preventing injuries and/or sanctions." (Angel Montoya, health and safety PPE specialist, 2023)
"It makes tracking inventory so much easier, there are picture options too so when new staff come in it's easier to get them trained up to know what things look like and where they need to be etc." (Stephanie Beatty, office administrator, 2023)
"I can load all of the items I want to manage in a convenient location. When more of the products arrive, I scan the barcode and update inventory easily." (Jordan Sadler, owner, 2023)
Trial/Free Version
- Free Trial
- Free Version
Highest-rated attribute
Ease of use - 4.48
Commonly used by*
Professionals in construction, nonprofit organization management, and education management, according to Capterra user reviews
Starting price
$29 per month (billed annually)
Device Compatibilty
4. SKU IQ
SKU IQ is retail and inventory management software that syncs inventory data between point-of-sale (POS) and eCommerce platforms. It identifies and links matching products between the POS system and eCommerce platform to synchronize inventory levels and details. This minimizes the risk of errors such as duplicate entries, incorrect stock levels, and mismatched product information. Additionally, its unified dashboard lets you view real-time inventory, recent orders, and customer details.
Commonly discussed topics by SKU IQ reviewers
Our analysis of SKU IQ reviews on Capterra reveals the most commonly discussed topics:
Excellent customer service: 100% of users appreciate the quick and professional responses to their issues or questions. The speed at which issues are resolved is highlighted as a significant positive.
Efficient integration with third-party payment systems: 100% of users commend the software's seamless integration with payment systems such as Square POS and WIX eCommerce, which enhances the overall user experience.
Effective inventory sync and product updates: 77.4% of users appreciate the platform’s ability to sync inventory across multiple channels, helping prevent overselling and ensuring accurate product availability. They also value the automatic software updates, which save significant time.
Review excerpts from small-business users who have used SKU IQ for inventory management
"It also tracks my inventory to let me know if I need to get more inventory or if I’m low on inventory. I just love the features it has to allow me to run my business, smoothly, efficiently and professionally.” (La Cole Abraham Soto, owner, 2023)
"SKU IQ makes it easy for me to ensure that my in-store inventory is properly reflected on my website, ensuring that my customers can purchase items that are in stock." (Brandt DeLorenzo, owner, 2022)
"Any issues are resolved faster than any other system's customer service for systems we use to manage our inventory now or before." (Mark Wilder, sales consultant, 2022)
"It makes inventory management easier. When we sell an item online, it removes it from our inventory, and when we sell a product in store and removes it from the website." (Phil Mayhew, marketing director/co-owner, 2022)
"SkuIQ is a great middleware solution for keeping in-store and online inventories synced up but still allow both automated and manual control of what products do sync, what information syncs, etc." (Giancarlo Fiorarancio, owner, 2022)
Trial/Free Version
- Free Trial
- Free Version
Highest-rated attribute
Customer support - 4.92
Commonly used by*
Professionals in retail, apparel and fashion, and food and beverages, according to Capterra user reviews
Starting price
$35 per month (billed annually)
Device Compatibilty
5. WooCommerce
WooCommerce is an open-source eCommerce platform that helps create online stores for selling products. You can add, edit, and categorize your inventory with various product attributes, such as size, color, and price. You can assign each product a unique stock-keeping unit (SKU) number to track inventory. You can also manage stock individually for products with multiple variations, such as colors or sizes. Each variation can have its own SKU, price, and stock level. The tool automatically tracks inventory as sales are made, adjusting stock levels in real time to prevent overselling. It also lets you generate detailed reports with insights into stock levels, product performance, and sales trends.
Commonly discussed topics by WooCommerce reviewers
Our analysis of WooCommerce reviews on Capterra reveals the most commonly discussed topics:
Flexible online store integration: 93.6% of users appreciate the tool’s ability to set up and manage online stores without coding and its variety of customization plugins. They also like that it supports a multitude of extensions and themes, allowing for the creation of diverse eCommerce stores.
Effective customizations: 89.4% of users say the platform easily adapts to fit their unique business requirements. This flexibility allows online store owners to create tailored shopping experiences that align perfectly with their brand and operational needs.
Efficient payment management: 75% of users highlight the flexibility and efficiency in managing payments. The tool integrates with various payment gateways, including PayPal and Stripe, enabling easy and secure transactions. Users also appreciate the ability to customize payment modes, currencies, and shipping addresses.
Review excerpts from small-business users who have used WooCommerce for inventory management
"It helps you setup a fully featured online shop/market by providing you access to thousands of third-party integrations for smooth management." (Chhagan Lal Bothra, founder, 2023)
"Woocommerce is highly flexible and customizable, with a wide range of plugins and themes available to add additional features and functionality, And the best thing is it supports multiple payment gateways." (Priyanka Singh, director of marketing operations, 2023)
"What strikes me the most about WooCommerce is that in the generate sense it allows us to set up an e-commerce store without writing any code and guides us step by step. When we activate this plugin and configure it well, we don't need anything else to get our store up and running." (Ederson Viloria, CEO, 2022)
"I am able to sell more product more easily by just uploading products into WooCommerce, stock management is a good feature for understanding the inventory of the products and good is, it comes with easy integrations, have integrated it with PayPal to collect payment online and accept card." (Phionah Kyeru, assitant account, 2022)
"I love how it was build that even small business also can use, it work well with inventory and purchasing, love how fast we can find if it have any error." (Sorkunthika Man, finance manager, 2022)
Read all WooCommerce reviews here.
Trial/Free Version
- Free Trial
- Free Version
Highest-rated attribute
Value for money - 4.66
Commonly used by*
Professionals in marketing and advertising, IT and services, and computer software, according to Capterra user reviews
Starting price
Available upon request from the vendor
Device Compatibilty
What features does inventory management software offer?
Inventory management software tools include the following core features:
Inventory optimization: Maintain an ideal stock quantity to meet customer demand without overstocking or understocking. This inventory management feature uses advanced algorithms and data analytics to predict demand trends, considering seasonal variations, historical sales data, and market trends. By optimizing inventory levels, your business can reduce holding costs, minimize stockouts, and enhance cash flow.
Inventory tracking: Monitor the status and location of inventory in real time. This feature uses barcodes, radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, and internet of things (IoT) sensors to provide accurate and up-to-date information on stock levels across locations, including warehouses, retail stores, and distribution centers.
Product identification: Ensure each inventory item is uniquely identifiable and retrievable. This feature assigns unique product identifiers, such as barcodes, QR codes, or RFID tags, that can be scanned and tracked throughout the supply chain. Product identification simplifies inventory management by enabling quick and accurate identification, categorization, and retrieval of items.
All products listed in this report include the features mentioned above. Besides these core features, inventory management tools commonly tend to offer:
Alerts/notifications
Barcode/ticket scanning
Cataloging/categorization
Forecasting
Inventory control
Multichannel management
Order management
Order fulfillment
Purchase order management
Reorder management
Reporting/analytics
Shipping management
Asset tracking
Warehouse management
Supplier management
How to choose the right inventory management software for small businesses
Here are a few factors to consider while evaluating inventory management software options for your small business:
Determine the must-have features. Identify software features relevant to your business type. For example, if you’re a retail store, you’ll need barcode scanning or kitting capabilities, but if you’re a manufacturer, you might require features for managing raw materials and production processes. Make a list of such must-have or nonnegotiable features. Order management, barcode scanning, multi-location support, eCommerce integration, and custom alerts for low stock levels are a few features to consider.
Evaluate workflow automation capabilities. Your shortlisted inventory management system should standardize operations by automating repetitive tasks and workflows. Capabilities such as automatic reordering when inventory levels reach a predefined threshold, automated batch and expiry tracking, and automated inventory data syncing across sales channels help reduce manual errors, save time, and improve efficiency.
Assess reporting and analytics functionality. Look for software that lets you create customizable reports on key metrics such as best-selling items, stock turnover rates, inventory carrying costs, and sales performance. Advanced analytics, such as predictive analytics or demand forecasting, helps optimize inventory levels by anticipating future demand more accurately.
Common questions to ask vendors when purchasing inventory management software for small businesses
Ask software providers the following questions to find the best inventory management software for your small business:
Every small business has distinct processes, workflows, and inventory challenges, which means a one-size-fits-all solution may not effectively address all your needs. Customization ensures the software can integrate with your existing systems, support the specific inventory control methods you use, and scale as your business grows. Ask this question to determine if the inventory software is flexible enough to accommodate your current operations as well as future growth.
Inventory data is critical to your business's smooth operation, and any data loss can lead to significant disruptions, financial losses, or operational inefficiencies. By understanding how often data is backed up in an inventory management system, you can gauge the level of protection against data loss. Additionally, knowing the data recovery procedures in place will help you prepare for potential breaches, system failures, or other unforeseen events that could compromise data integrity.
Audit trails allow you to monitor all activity within the inventory software, including who made an inventory adjustment or who processed an order along with the time stamp. This feature helps identify and resolve discrepancies, detect unauthorized access or modifications, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. With detailed audit trails, you can easily trace any errors or issues back to their source, enhancing your inventory data's accuracy and reliability.
