# Best Retail Inventory Management Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing > Find the best Retail Inventory Management Software for your organization. Compare top Retail Inventory Management Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos. Source: https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/30-retail-inventory-management --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Retail Inventory Management Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best Retail Inventory Management Software of 2026 Updated June 16, 2026 On this page 1. FrontRunners 2. Popular Comparisons 3. Buyers Guide Filter products 341 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 341 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. [Clover](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/clover-profile/) Clover is a POS system designed to help small businesses streamline their operations. The system offers a range of features, inc...[Read more about Clover](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/clover-profile/) **3.8** ([575 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/clover-profile/reviews/)) **96** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Mailchimp Docusign +8 more +7 more +6 more Clover's Best Rated Features 4.83Partial Payments See All Clover's Worst Rated Features 2.39Barcode/Ticket Scanning See All [Stax](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/stax-profile/) Stax is an all-in-one payment technology platform built for businesses that have outgrown flat-rate processors. With subscriptio...[Read more about Stax](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/stax-profile/) **4.1** ([130 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/stax-profile/reviews/)) **80** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Slack Mailchimp +18 more +17 more +16 more Stax's Best Rated Features 4.92Self Service Portal See All Stax's Worst Rated Features 1.0Billing & Invoicing See All [Toast POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/toast-pos-profile/) Toast POS is a comprehensive point-of-sale system designed specifically for the restaurant industry. It is more than just a tool...[Read more about Toast POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/toast-pos-profile/) **4.2** ([552 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/toast-pos-profile/reviews/)) **73** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations OpenTable 7shifts +43 more +42 more +41 more Toast POS's Best Rated Features 4.93Cash Management See All Toast POS's Worst Rated Features 1.71Delivery Management See All [Epos Now](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/epos-now-profile/) Epos Now POS systems are an effective business management, sales, and payment solution for single-site, multi-site, and online b...[Read more about Epos Now](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/epos-now-profile/) **3.8** ([721 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/epos-now-profile/reviews/)) **55** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations PayPal Salesforce Sales Cloud +23 more +22 more +21 more Epos Now's Best Rated Features 4.86Order Processing See All Epos Now's Worst Rated Features 1.63Employee Management See All [Rain POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/rainpos-profile/) Rain is an all-in-one point-of-sale, website, and marketing system for small to midsized retailers. Music, dive, sporting goods...[Read more about Rain POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/rainpos-profile/) **4.1** ([134 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/rainpos-profile/reviews/)) **52** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations ShipStation Avalara +2 more +1 more +0 more Rain POS's Best Rated Features 5.0Product Identification See All Rain POS's Worst Rated Features 3.33Pricing Management See All [Meevo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/meevo-profile/) Meevo is a management tool designed for salons, spas and med spas to streamline operations. It supports scheduling, point-of-sal...[Read more about Meevo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/meevo-profile/) **4.4** ([276 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/meevo-profile/reviews/)) **46** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations QuickBooks Online Advanced Emma by Marigold +3 more +2 more +1 more Meevo's Best Rated Features 5.0Scheduling See All Meevo's Worst Rated Features 3.13Customizable Reports See All [Epicor Propello](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/epicor-retail-cloud-profile/) Epicor retail POS and business management solutions are designed to help independent retailers work smarter, not harder. With mo...[Read more about Epicor Propello](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/epicor-retail-cloud-profile/) **4.0** ([5 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/epicor-retail-cloud-profile/#reviews)) **39** recommendations Free trial Free version [AmberPOS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/pacific-amber-technologies-amberpos-profile/) Pacific Amber’s AmberPOS offers a point of sale software solutions to a variety of retail specialties, ranging from small to mid...[Read more about AmberPOS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/pacific-amber-technologies-amberpos-profile/) **4.1** ([51 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/pacific-amber-technologies-amberpos-profile/reviews/)) **38** recommendations Free trial Free version [Liberty REACT](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/liberty4-consignment-profile/) Liberty React is a cloud-based eCommerce and consignment management solution designed for businesses in the resale industry. The...[Read more about Liberty REACT](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/liberty4-consignment-profile/) **4.6** ([147 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/liberty4-consignment-profile/reviews/)) **24** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations QuickBooks Online Shopify +2 more +1 more +0 more Liberty REACT's Best Rated Features 5.0Customer Database See All Liberty REACT's Worst Rated Features 4.82Sales Reports See All [RockSolid MAX](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/rocksolid-max-profile/) RockSolid MAX is a cutting-edge software platform designed to revolutionize the way hardware store and home center businesses op...[Read more about RockSolid MAX](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/rocksolid-max-profile/) **3.9** ([40 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/rocksolid-max-profile/reviews/)) **23** recommendations Free trial Free version RockSolid MAX's Best Rated Features 4.50Document Storage See All RockSolid MAX's Worst Rated Features 3.83Financial Reporting See All [HungerRush](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/hungerrush360-profile/) HungerRush is a leading provider of integrated restaurant technology solutions, serving restaurants of all sizes and cuisines. T...[Read more about HungerRush](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/hungerrush360-profile/) **4.1** ([76 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/hungerrush360-profile/reviews/)) **21** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations 7shifts Apple Pay +10 more +9 more +8 more HungerRush's Best Rated Features 4.86Order Entry See All HungerRush's Worst Rated Features 3.58Mobile Access See All [KORONA POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/korona-profile/) KORONA POS provides point of sale software, inventory management, and CRM services for all types of retailers, such as convenien...[Read more about KORONA POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/korona-profile/) **4.7** ([80 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/korona-profile/reviews/)) **20** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Microsoft Excel QuickBooks Online Advanced +8 more +7 more +6 more KORONA POS's Best Rated Features 4.90Payment Processing See All KORONA POS's Worst Rated Features 4.25Inventory Control See All [POS Nation for Retail](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/pos-nation-profile/) POS Nation is built to support retailers, including specialty businesses such as convenience stores, liquor, wine and beer store...[Read more about POS Nation for Retail](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/pos-nation-profile/) **4.6** ([133 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/pos-nation-profile/reviews/)) **19** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Shopify WooCommerce +3 more +2 more +1 more POS Nation for Retail's Best Rated Features 4.67Reporting/Analytics See All POS Nation for Retail's Worst Rated Features 3.67Payment Processing See All [NetSuite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) NetSuite is an AI-powered cloud-based business management suite that incorporates ERP, financial management, CRM and eCommerce f...[Read more about NetSuite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) **4.2** ([2045 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/reviews/)) **18** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Salesforce Sales Cloud Docusign +18 more +17 more +16 more NetSuite's Best Rated Features 4.75Check Writing See All NetSuite's Worst Rated Features 2.71Dashboard See All [COMCASH Retail ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/comcash-profile/) COMCASH ERP is a cloud-based retail management solution that caters to multi-channel and multi-location retailers. The poin...[Read more about COMCASH Retail ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/comcash-profile/) **4.4** ([27 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/comcash-profile/reviews/)) **17** recommendations Free trial Free version [Ordorite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/ordorite-profile/) Ordorite offers a fully end-to-end management software solution for furniture, bedding and related retailers. The system can man...[Read more about Ordorite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/ordorite-profile/) **4.0** ([4 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/ordorite-profile/#reviews)) **13** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Shopify Xero +4 more +3 more +2 more [Bravo Store Systems](https://www.softwareadvice.com/pawn-shop/bravo-store-systems-pos-profile/) Bravo Store Systems empowers small businesses innovative point of sale solutions. Bravo is the leading provider of an all in o...[Read more about Bravo Store Systems](https://www.softwareadvice.com/pawn-shop/bravo-store-systems-pos-profile/) **4.6** ([38 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/pawn-shop/bravo-store-systems-pos-profile/reviews/)) **12** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations eyeson +0 more +0 more +0 more [Spruce](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/384566-Spruce/) Spruce software provides advanced point-of-sale and business management solutions for lumberyards, hardware stores, and building...[Read more about Spruce](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/384566-Spruce/) **3.3** ([33 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/384566-Spruce/reviews/)) **11** recommendations Free trial Free version Spruce's Best Rated Features 4.0Billing & Invoicing See All Spruce's Worst Rated Features 2.83Inventory Control See All [ACCEO Retail-1](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/acceo-retail-1-profile/) ACCEO Retail-1 is a complete omnichannel software suite designed and developed for today’s modern retailer. Users can seamlessly...[Read more about ACCEO Retail-1](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/acceo-retail-1-profile/) **4.0** ([3 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/acceo-retail-1-profile/#reviews)) **11** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations PayPal Mailchimp +15 more +14 more +13 more [Infor Point of Sale (POS)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/infor-pos-profile/) Infor® Point of Sale (POS) is designed for full- and quick-service restaurants chains, hotels, and managed food services in high...[Read more about Infor Point of Sale (POS)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/infor-pos-profile/) **3.9** ([22 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/infor-pos-profile/reviews/)) **10** recommendations Free trial Free version [AXIS POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/axis-rms-profile/) AXIS Retail Management System is a cloud-based point of sale and inventory management solution for the shooting sports industry....[Read more about AXIS POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/axis-rms-profile/) **4.0** ([1 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/axis-rms-profile/#reviews)) **9** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations QuickBooks Desktop ActiveCampaign +3 more +2 more +1 more [Boulevard](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/boulevard-profile/) Boulevard provides the only client experience platform purpose-built for appointment-based, self-care businesses. The easy-to-us...[Read more about Boulevard](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/boulevard-profile/) **4.6** ([367 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/boulevard-profile/reviews/)) **7** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Mailchimp Google Calendar +4 more +3 more +2 more Boulevard's Best Rated Features 5.0Access Controls/Permissions See All Boulevard's Worst Rated Features 3.71Barcode/Ticket Scanning See All [Rapid Garden POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/rapid-garden-profile/) Rapid Garden POS is a point of sale (POS) solution designed to assist users with managing their greenhouse, garden centers, nurs...[Read more about Rapid Garden POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/rapid-garden-profile/) **4.5** ([11 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/rapid-garden-profile/reviews/)) **7** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Mailchimp Shopify +14 more +13 more +12 more [Phorest](https://www.softwareadvice.com/salon/phorest-profile/) Phorest is a salon management software solution designed for small and midsize businesses that features appointment bookings, po...[Read more about Phorest](https://www.softwareadvice.com/salon/phorest-profile/) **4.8** ([431 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/salon/phorest-profile/reviews/)) **6** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Instagram +0 more +0 more +0 more Phorest's Best Rated Features 5.0Multi-Location See All Phorest's Worst Rated Features 3.67Online Store See All [ZENOTI](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/zenoti-profile/) ZENOTI is a cloud-based business solution used by spas, salons, med spas, yoga, and fitness studios of all sizes. Business featu...[Read more about ZENOTI](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/zenoti-profile/) **4.4** ([1263 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/zenoti-profile/reviews/)) **6** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Analytics 360 Shopify +7 more +6 more +5 more ZENOTI's Best Rated Features 4.83Online Payments See All ZENOTI's Worst Rated Features 3.39Social Media Integration See All 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/30-retail-inventory-management/?page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/30-retail-inventory-management/?page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/30-retail-inventory-management/?page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/30-retail-inventory-management/?page=5) ... [14](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/30-retail-inventory-management/?page=14) ## Popular Comparisons [ Odoo vs Shopify ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/odoo-profile/vs/shopify/)[ Epos Now vs Square Point of Sale ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/epos-now-profile/vs/square-point-of-sale/)[ Clover vs Mindbody ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/clover-profile/vs/mindbody/)[ Fishbowl vs NetSuite ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/fishbowl-inventory-manufacturing-profile/vs/netsuite-financials-accounting-software/)[ Toast POS vs Restroworks ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/4997-toast-pos/vs/77505-Restroworks/)[ PayPal Point of Sale vs Square for Retail ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/paypal-here-profile/vs/square-for-retail/)[ ZENOTI vs Phorest ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/salon/phorest-profile/vs/zenoti/) ## Your Guide to Top Retail Inventory Management Software, July 2022 Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated Retail Inventory Management products in North America. [Learn how products are chosen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal-page/frontrunners-methodology/) #### Explore FrontRunners - [HelmBot](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/helmbot-profile/) - [HireHop](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/hirehop-profile/) - [Booqable](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/booqable-profile/) - [PHP Point of Sale](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/php-point-of-sale-profile/) - [WooPOS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/woo-pos-profile/) - [RMH Store](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/rmh-store-profile/) - [Twice Commerce](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/rentle-profile/) - [POS Nation for Retail](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/pos-nation-profile/) - [Shopify](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/shopify-profile/) - [Square Point of Sale](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/square-point-of-sale-profile/) - [Square for Retail](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/square-for-retail-profile/) - [RetailEdge](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/retailedge-profile/) - [MyPOS Connect](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/mypos-connect-profile/) - [EZRentOut](https://www.softwareadvice.com/rental/ezrentout-profile/) - [Rain POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/rainpos-profile/) - [Retail Plus Point Of Sale](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/retail-plus-profile/) - [Yo!Kart](https://www.softwareadvice.com/b2b-ecommerce-platform/yo-kart-profile/) - [Brightpearl](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/brightpearl-profile/) - [Acumatica Cloud ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/acumatica-manufacturing-profile/) - [SAP Business One](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/) - [Fishbowl](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/fishbowl-inventory-manufacturing-profile/) - [Lightspeed Retail](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/1932-Lightspeed-Retail/) - [Cin7 Omni](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/cin7-profile/) - [NetSuite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) - [Clover](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/clover-profile/) “Usability” includes user ratings for Functionality and Ease of Use. “Customer Satisfaction” includes user ratings for Customer Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Value for Money. Reviews analysis period: The reviews analysis period spans two years and ends the 15th of the month prior to publication. ## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox ### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you. There are hundreds of inventory management systems available. These programs are designed for all types of businesses: programs for small retailers, programs for big enterprises, programs for specific retail verticals and programs for multi-channel retailers, to name a few. This buyer’s guide is written to help retail store inventory software buyers understand this complex, fragmented market.  Here’s what we’ll cover: [What Is Inventory Management Software?](#WhatIsInventoryManagementSoftware) [Deployment Strategies](#DeploymentStrategies) [What Type of Buyer Are You?](#WhatTypeofBuyerAreYou) [Benefits and Potential Issues](#BenefitsandPotentialIssues) [Market Trends to Understand](#MarketTrendstoUnderstand) [The Vendor Landscape](#TheVendorLandscape) [Pricing and Purchasing Options](#PricingandPurchasingOptions) ## What Is Retail Inventory Management Software? If you have ever been frustrated by a retailer who has every size of an item in stock but yours, you know the importance and value of having rigorous inventory management in place. On the most basic level, stock management software helps users keep accurate count of stock levels. The primary goal for this application is for users to re-order items before they become fully sold out. Having adequate levels of inventory helps users capitalize on sales opportunities. Of course, it is important that retailers don’t order too much of an item and face not being able to sell it all. Robust systems can help users strike that delicate balance of ordering just enough but not too much. Core features include sorting items by department or type, establishing of thresholds for minimum quantities and alerts when stock levels reach those thresholds. More advanced systems might include a matrix for tracking items by size, color and style, open to buy modules or integration with purchasing modules to enable automatic generation of purchase orders. ## Deployment Strategies Best-of-breed programs such as Fishbowl can be implemented as standalone systems to manage only inventory. However, many buyers will choose to implement a program that is part of a suite that may include point of sale (POS), warehouse management (WMS), accounting, ecommerce or customer relationship management (CRM). Which type of system you implement will likely depend on your desire for integration with other modules or potentially the size of your company.  ## What Type of Buyer Are You? You will want to understand what type of buyer you are before evaluating a retail inventory system. We have found that nearly 90 percent of retail buyers fall into one of the following categories: **Small buyers.** Single-store retailers comprise the bulk of this category, but most retailers with fewer than five stores will belong here. These buyers’ needs are typically straightforward and are met by most off-the-shelf POS systems.  **Large, integrated suite buyers.** While their needs are conceptually similar to their smaller counterparts, larger retailers will require more robust, scalable programs that can share data across a wide network of locations. They are also looking for programs that can tie in POS and possibly accounting or warehouse management.  **Large, best-of-breed buyers.** These buyers work for larger retailers that have already made substantial investments in existing POS or accounting systems. They are looking for a [standalone system](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/) that can integrate with existing applications without replacing them. They are often interested in more advanced modules for open to buy and merchandise planning.  **Multi-channel retailers.** These buyers conduct enough “brick and mortar” and online sales to warrant a system that can be managed across multiple channels. These systems will typically need to integrate with POS systems and online shopping carts. Higher volume and multi-location retailers may prefer data to be updated in real time, although they should expect a substantial increase in their investment when evaluating a retail inventory management system. ## Benefits and Potential Issues A strong inventory control system should improve the retail organization from the bottom up. Most retailers should expect the following benefits when implementing and using a system properly. - **Efficiency:** If you have ever counted stock levels at the end of the day, week or month, you know what a labor-intensive task it is. Programs eliminate the hassle of counting and keeping track of stock levels, saving time and allowing employees to focus on other tasks that grow the business.  - **Accuracy:** Diligent tracking of stock levels in a system enables users to know exactly how much of each item is in stock, which can get surprisingly difficult to manage without a formal program. A system will also help retailers plan purchase decisions based on actual historical sales data and improve the performance of their forecasts.  - **Less shrinkage:** By tracking inventory formally and updating the system as items or sold or distributed to other locations, retailers should find that shrinkage naturally diminishes. Systems help users eliminate profit loss and headaches due to employee theft, customer theft, ringing up sales for the wrong item and not recording sales properly.  - **Improved visibility:** Inventory control software enables retailers to view stock levels at other locations and from remote locations, freeing cashiers from time-consuming tasks of calling other locations to ask if they have particular items in stock. It also provides visibility on the executive level to item counts and trends across the enterprise.  As with all purchases, there are potential issues to consider as well. The first risk associated with using these systems is that they won’t be used properly by employees. This puts owners in the frustrating position of having paid for a system without reaping any of its benefits. The most common reason why employees would not use a system is because of its complexity; we have found that adequate training typically solves this issue. The second most common issue we hear about is data simply “not adding up.” This issue is likely due to the system being outdated, used improperly or not integrating properly with other systems that access its data (often accounting or ecommerce systems). Buyers will want to ensure that implementations are smooth and that integrations are maintained.  ## Market Trends to Understand Various software trends are impacting the market. The primary trends include the following: **Automated replenishment.** Advanced inventory control tools such as vendor managed inventory and electronic purchase orders enable retailers to be proactive about keeping items fully stocked. Smaller retailers are learning from larger enterprises and beginning to use these tools that have previously been affordable only to the biggest companies.  **RFID.** Another technology that has traditionally been used only by the biggest companies, RFID is working its way down market and is within reach of many mid-sized retailers. These tools enable managers to update inventory levels much faster and more accurately, improving efficiency in a number of bottlenecks along the supply chain.  **Software as a Service (SaaS).** Just about every application within the retail software industry is impacted by the universal trend towards SaaS. Having a Web-based system enables managers to share data easily across multiple locations, access system remotely, avoid large upfront costs and implement a robust system without complex hardware infrastructure. We expect the presence of SaaS solutions in retail to grow steadily over the next several years.  **Online/offline integration.** Online retail and ecommerce are becoming a vital component of retailers’ business strategies—and in some cases, the most important part. A problem for these retailers is the difficulty in counting and replenishing stock for both physical stores and online. An [RSR Research](http://www.retailsystemsresearch.com/) survey found that retailers should put a large amount of planning into how they count and control inventory, as an alarming 72 percent reported overstocking slow-moving SKUs and 52 percent said they understocked fast-moving items. RSR Research found that today’s successful retailers view stores as distribution centers and online inventory as sufficient for in-store fulfillment. ## The Vendor Landscape The software becomes much less cluttered when buyers approach it with their respective category in mind. **This type of buyer...** **Should evaluate these systems** Small buyers Comcash, Retail Pro, Microsoft RMS Large, integrated suite buyers Retail Anywhere, Celerant, VuePoint OneVue Enterprise suite buyers Epicor, Cybex, and Jesta Vision I.S. Multi-channel buyers Counterpoint, RunIt RealTime, Retail STAR ## Pricing and Purchasing Options Retailers should find that the costs of formal retail inventory programs have never been lower, due primarily to competition among vendors and declining hardware prices. The costs that buyers face will vary widely. Small retailers implementing POS systems will likely find a number of affordable options, while larger retailers looking for more advanced systems will face a larger spend. We speak to many buyers who prefer real-time inventory control across multiple locations. They should note that real-time systems are typically much more expensive than systems that update stock levels once per day, which is sufficient for most small and mid-sized retailers. Most users who implement a system that is adequately sized for their needs should be able to generate a positive return on their investment. The costs of improper inventory control are deceptively high and can be easily avoided with a formal program.