What is free inventory management software ?
A free inventory management software is a tool that enables the automation of inventory management free of cost. Inventory management software helps businesses to track current stock levels and keep a score of retail items and assets while identifying the products that need restocking. Often, the software can be integrated with point of sale (POS) and other systems. Though free inventory management software often has limited features or place a cap on the number of items that can be used, they are still useful for small businesses.
10 Best Free Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses
What are free inventory management software?
For businesses that run on tight budgets, inventory management can seem expensive. But there are several inventory management systems you can get free. Some of these include Zoho Inventory, Square for Retail, Stockpile, Delivrd, Boxstorm, among others. We have narrowed down the most useful platforms at the end of this article and offer you an overview of each one, so you can choose an inventory management software that is right for your business.
How can an inventory management tool help you?
An inventory management software that is a good fit for your business can play a crucial role in improving your bottom line. By enabling you and your team to track inventory in real-time and forecast demand, inventory management software helps address product and production shortages while considerably reducing the chances of procuring surplus stock or raw materials. This further improves cash flow. A tool like this allows users to analyze their inventory on any device, from anywhere, and optimize warehouse organization across multiple locations. They offer quick and hassle-free barcode scanning while eliminating the need to carry out the procedures manually leads to saved time and resources.
You need to keep track of your inventory, but you don’t have the time to spend on it
Through Zip Inventory you can get to know about free inventory management software tools will help you manage your inventory
The importance of inventory management and the benefits involved
There are several benefits to adopting inventory management software. Some of the most important are-
Accuracy- With inventory management software, you will always know what's in stock and what isn't, thereby offering you precise asset tracking. The software provides you with data on a real-time basis, so you only order the items you need to meet customer demand. Such precise data also puts you in a position to make the best business decisions.
Cost-efficiency- Poor inventory management can lead businesses to incur losses that may have been avoidable. Automating the process helps businesses save money in the long run.
Productivity- With inventory management automation, your team will no longer have to manage stocks manually. This reduces the possibility of human error while saving your business time and resources.
Accounting Integration- Most inventory management systems can be integrated with accounting software and sometimes may even come with in-built accounting capabilities. This eliminates the possibility of double-entry or human error.
Improved customer support- Efficient inventory management doesn't only lead to improved relationships with suppliers but also better customer service. With inventory management software, you will always know the products that are low stock and never run out of your best-selling items, leading to happier customers.
How to choose the right inventory software for your small business?
It is important that you consider the industry your business is a part of and its particular needs when choosing inventory software. Some inventory software might be designed especially for the manufacturing industry and may not include features required by businesses in the retail space. Understanding the features that are best suited for your business is key to choosing the right software. However, the following features should work for various industries and help you get started.
Point of Sale (POS) Integration- POS integration will ensure that you have access to real-time product sales. When a barcode is scanned or added to a cart online, the integrated POS system automatically updates the inventory management software. This is yet another way for you to remain in control of your inventory and make sure that you have the stock you need to satisfy your customers.
Reporting Features- Data collected by inventory management software can provide insight into your sales history which products sell best or what products didn't sell as well as you thought they would. Key learnings such as these can help you make better decisions.
Automated reordering- Some Inventory Management software allow you to set reorder points. All you have to do is set the minimum quantities for each item, and as soon as the inventory comes down to that number, the system will generate a purchase order (PO) requesting your vendor to replenish your stock. It is especially useful to do this for top-selling products. Some inventory management software also automatically optimizes reordering points and quantities depending upon data about your sales history, so you always remain well-stocked.
E-commerce Integrations- While this may seem relevant for retailers alone, many manufacturers now sell directly to consumers. Inventory software with e-commerce integration, thus, is important for many industries as it can streamline sales or grow to include additional sales channels in the future.
10 Best free inventory management software for your business of 2022
There are several free inventory management software, with a host of inventory management tools, which can help you keep track inventory while availing of the aforementioned benefits of this solution. We have zeroed in on a few of the top inventory management software so you can pick the one best suited for your business.
Managing inventory can be difficult, especially when you have multiple locations
Zip Inventory’s guide of 10 best free inventory management software for small businesses will help you manage your inventory
1. Zoho Inventory
Zoho Inventoryis a cloud-based inventory management software that includes kitting capabilities and alerts that notify you when your stock drops below its minimum level. Zoho also offers shipping management tools that allow you to manage and schedule shipments, produce shipping labels easily, and print packing slips. The software also includes integrations for e-commerce platforms.
2. Square for Retail
Square for Retail is a standard, cloud-based POS system for retailers with features like inventory management, customer management, reporting, and employee management, among others. It is both android and iOS compatible. The software enables users to track inventory across multiple warehouses and raise purchase orders to vendors by notifying them when stock levels are low. Products can easily be searched by keyword or through barcode scanning. Square for Retail is a good option if you run a small to medium-sized business.
3. Stockpile by Canvus
Stockpile is a Canvus application that allows users to record sales, track inventory across locations, and eases reporting for small businesses.
4. Sortly Inventory
Sortly stands out to its users for its intuitive interface that allows them to manage their inventory on any device and from anywhere. Sortly boasts of an impressive clientele and is trusted by small and big businesses. Its key features include a simple visual system, QR and barcode scanners, customizable product categories, stock alerts, custom reports, and its ability to retrieve lost data within 90 days of being deleted.
5. Stock Control
Stock control, an inventory management app that works on iOS, is free only for up to 15 items, and paid tiers allow additional products to be added. Its free version supports a barcode scanner, item kitting, and customizable fields while ensuring quick and real-time stock tracking.
6. Delivrd
Delivrd is a could-based inventory solution designed to manage inventory and monitor management order fulfillment for various businesses in online retail. It helps users in several ways from sourcing raw material, managing inventory to packing as well as the shipment of the products. It can even be used in myriad ways like an Inventory Management software, as a replacement for Excel, for B2C sales, as well as end-to-end order fulfillment.
7. Boxstorm
The cloud-based app can be accessed from any device and is the first inventory solution that integrates with Quickbooks Online. Its features include changing inventory counts, monitoring modifications in audit trails, and integrating with QuickBooks Online to automatically update accounting records. It also offers sales orders and purchase orders tools to help you manage your inventory.
8. Cashier Live
Cashier Live is a POS tool that enables users to track inventory, view sales data and reports, and accept payments. The software can be used online or via an iPhone and iPad app and has a 24-hour support team that can be contacted for queries.
9. Goods Order Inventory
Goods Order Inventory is an effective cloud-based, multi-location inventory management software that caters to both B2B & e-commerce industries. Its main features include inventory control, POS integration, barcode scanning, profit and loss statement, order fulfillment, among others. It is compatible with both iOS android and supports all platforms.
10. SOS Inventory
SOS Inventory is a leading order management and manufacturing app which helps small to medium-sized companies manage operations efficiently. The app was built specifically for Quickbooks Online and adds a host of capabilities to the latter. Several businesses can use the application, including manufacturers, food processors, beer distributors, retailers, among others.
You need a tool that will help you manage your inventory and keep track of sales
Zip Inventory’s step by step guide on free inventory management software will help you keep track of your sales
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