# Best Inventory Control Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing > Find the best Stock Control Software for your organization. Compare top Inventory Control Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos. Source: https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/stock-control-comparison --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Inventory Control 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 Inventory Control Software of 2026 Updated June 18, 2026 On this page 1. FrontRunners 2. Popular Comparisons 3. Buyers Guide 4. Related Software Filter products 388 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 388 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. [Sortly](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/sortly-pro-profile/) Sortly is an inventory management software designed to help businesses track and organize physical inventory, supplies, material...[Read more about Sortly](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/sortly-pro-profile/) **4.5** ([953 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/sortly-pro-profile/reviews/)) **52** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Slack Microsoft Teams +2 more +1 more +0 more Sortly's Best Rated Features 4.80Label Designer See All Sortly's Worst Rated Features 3.67Alerts/Notifications See All [Cin7 Omni](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/cin7-profile/) Cin7 Omni is a highly configurable inventory management and order management solution with built-in EDI and integrations to all ...[Read more about Cin7 Omni](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/cin7-profile/) **4.3** ([601 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/cin7-profile/reviews/)) **29** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Drive PayPal +60 more +59 more +58 more Cin7 Omni's Best Rated Features 4.83Order Tracking See All Cin7 Omni's Worst Rated Features 2.67Mobile Access See All [CoreIMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/coreims-profile/) The CoreIMS Inventory Management System (CoreIMS™) is a cost-effective inventory management system that provides flexibili...[Read more about CoreIMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/coreims-profile/) **4.4** ([14 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/coreims-profile/#reviews)) **20** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Microsoft Excel QuickBooks Online Advanced +4 more +3 more +2 more [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/)) **19** 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 [Kechie](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/kechie-profile/) Kechie Distribution Management efficiently manages internal and external resources. Suited for growing businesses, the managemen...[Read more about Kechie](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/kechie-profile/) **4.7** ([48 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/kechie-profile/reviews/)) **16** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Salesforce Sales Cloud Shopify +12 more +11 more +10 more Kechie's Best Rated Features 5.0Receiving See All Kechie's Worst Rated Features 4.17Point of Sale (POS) See All [CyberStockroom](https://www.softwareadvice.com/fleet-management/cyberstockroom-profile/) CyberStockroom is a cloud-based inventory management solution targeting small, growing businesses. Key features include applicat...[Read more about CyberStockroom](https://www.softwareadvice.com/fleet-management/cyberstockroom-profile/) **4.4** ([14 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/fleet-management/cyberstockroom-profile/reviews/)) **12** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Lansweeper +0 more +0 more +0 more [ShipStation](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/shipstation-profile/) ShipStation is an AI-powered shipping automation and order management platform that helps ecommerce businesses simplify fulfillm...[Read more about ShipStation](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/shipstation-profile/) **4.6** ([959 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/shipstation-profile/reviews/)) **12** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations PayPal Mailchimp +79 more +78 more +77 more ShipStation's Best Rated Features 4.75Ground Shipping See All ShipStation's Worst Rated Features 3.43Data Import/Export See All [eTurns](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/eturns-profile/) eTurns TrackStock is a modern VMI app distributors can use to replenish their customers' stockroom and truck inventory in an opt...[Read more about eTurns](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/eturns-profile/) **4.5** ([80 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/eturns-profile/reviews/)) **11** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Epicor Eclipse +0 more +0 more +0 more eTurns's Best Rated Features 4.77Order Management See All eTurns's Worst Rated Features 4.0Purchase Order Management See All [Axolt](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/erp-mark-7-profile/) Axolt helps growing businesses manage inventory, manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, finance, procurement, and order operati...[Read more about Axolt](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/erp-mark-7-profile/) **4.8** ([8 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/erp-mark-7-profile/#reviews)) **9** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Salesforce Sales Cloud QuickBooks Online +23 more +22 more +21 more [Linnworks](https://www.softwareadvice.com/ecommerce/linnworks-profile/) Linnworks is an all-in-one eCommerce inventory and order management solution. The platform provides a centralized system to mana...[Read more about Linnworks](https://www.softwareadvice.com/ecommerce/linnworks-profile/) **4.1** ([47 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/ecommerce/linnworks-profile/reviews/)) **6** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations QuickBooks Online Shopify +62 more +61 more +60 more Linnworks's Best Rated Features 4.50Order Fulfillment See All Linnworks's Worst Rated Features 3.63Order Management See All [Tecsys Elite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/eliteseries-profile/) Tecsys’ Elite™ provides a series of cloud-based supply chain management solutions suitable for midsize to large distribution com...[Read more about Tecsys Elite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/eliteseries-profile/) **3.8** ([10 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/eliteseries-profile/reviews/)) **5** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Workday Financial Management Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP +1 more +0 more +0 more [Timly](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/timly-inventar-profile/) Timly is a cloud-based inventory management solution designed for small and large businesses. The tool digitizes inventory proce...[Read more about Timly](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/timly-inventar-profile/) **4.7** ([111 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/timly-inventar-profile/reviews/)) **4** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Dynamics 365 Microsoft Azure +5 more +4 more +3 more Timly's Best Rated Features 4.90Barcode/Ticket Scanning See All Timly's Worst Rated Features 3.71Location Tracking See All [Extensiv Order Management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/skubana-profile/) Extensiv Order Manager powers order fulfillment, inventory operations, and business intelligence for brands and retailers lookin...[Read more about Extensiv Order Management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/skubana-profile/) **4.7** ([114 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/skubana-profile/reviews/)) **4** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Wix Shopify +53 more +52 more +51 more Extensiv Order Management's Best Rated Features 4.50Order Management See All Extensiv Order Management's Worst Rated Features 4.13Inventory Management See All [SAP S/4HANA Cloud](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/) SAP S/4HANA Cloud is a cloud-based and on-premise enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. It is suitable for small, midsize...[Read more about SAP S/4HANA Cloud](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/) **4.3** ([358 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/reviews/)) **2** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations SAP Concur SAP SuccessFactors HCM +15 more +14 more +13 more SAP S/4HANA Cloud's Best Rated Features 4.75Supply Chain Management See All SAP S/4HANA Cloud's Worst Rated Features 4.14Audit Trail See All [Focus X](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/3600-focus/) Focus X is an all-inclusive enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that helps you connect every aspect of your business opera...[Read more about Focus X](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/3600-focus/) **3.8** ([119 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/3600-focus/reviews/)) **2** recommendations Free trial Free version Focus X's Best Rated Features 4.50Approval Process Control See All Focus X's Worst Rated Features 3.17Purchase Order Management See All [AccuShelf](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/accushelf-profile/) The AccuShelf Inventory Management System standardizes workflows, enhances patient safety, saves time, & supports 340B complianc...[Read more about AccuShelf](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/accushelf-profile/) **5.0** ([5 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/accushelf-profile/#reviews)) **1** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations NextGen Office athenaOne +4 more +3 more +2 more [Epicor Prophet 21](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/521541-Epicor-Prophet-21/) Prophet 21 gives distributors real-time inventory insights to always know what's in stock and available to promise customers. Th...[Read more about Epicor Prophet 21](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/521541-Epicor-Prophet-21/) **3.9** ([89 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/521541-Epicor-Prophet-21/reviews/)) **1** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations monday.com Squarespace +12 more +11 more +10 more Epicor Prophet 21's Best Rated Features 4.25Inventory Management See All Epicor Prophet 21's Worst Rated Features 3.67Order Management See All [GoldTech Retail Manager](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/goldtech-retail-manager-profile/) GoldTech Retail Manager is a retail management and point of sale system designed for small and midsize retail businesses. It off...[Read more about GoldTech Retail Manager](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/goldtech-retail-manager-profile/) No reviews yet **1** recommendations Free trial Free version [Limble](https://www.softwareadvice.com/cmms/limblecmms-profile/) Limble is a CMMS platform designed to optimize maintenance operations and improve compliance. Its work order management allows u...[Read more about Limble](https://www.softwareadvice.com/cmms/limblecmms-profile/) **4.8** ([755 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/cmms/limblecmms-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Slack QuickBooks Online +10 more +9 more +8 more Limble's Best Rated Features 5.0Asset Lifecycle Management See All Limble's Worst Rated Features 4.25Document Management See All [Thrive by Shopventory](https://www.softwareadvice.com/label-printing/shopventory-profile/) Thrive Inventory by Shopventory is the optimal inventory management & detailed sales & profitability reporting solution for Clov...[Read more about Thrive by Shopventory](https://www.softwareadvice.com/label-printing/shopventory-profile/) **4.8** ([117 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/label-printing/shopventory-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations PayPal QuickBooks Online +8 more +7 more +6 more Thrive by Shopventory's Best Rated Features 4.83SKU/UPC Codes See All Thrive by Shopventory's Worst Rated Features 4.20Mobile Access See All [Finale Inventory](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/finale-inventory-profile/) Finale Inventory helps to optimize inventory and warehouse workflows for growing sellers. Our software is Intuitive so that anyo...[Read more about Finale Inventory](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/finale-inventory-profile/) **4.7** ([218 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/finale-inventory-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Drive QuickBooks Online +40 more +39 more +38 more Finale Inventory's Best Rated Features 5.0Item Management See All Finale Inventory's Worst Rated Features 4.38Search/Filter See All [Asset Panda](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/asset-panda-profile/) Asset Panda is a cloud-based platform for facility managers that offers a suite of applications including asset tracking and mai...[Read more about Asset Panda](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/asset-panda-profile/) **4.6** ([1364 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/asset-panda-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Slack Mailchimp +19 more +18 more +17 more Asset Panda's Best Rated Features 4.93IT Asset Management See All Asset Panda's Worst Rated Features 3.83Reorder Management See All [Square for Retail](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/square-for-retail-profile/) Square for Retail is a cloud-based point of sale (POS) and retail solution for all retailers. Key features include inventory man...[Read more about Square for Retail](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/square-for-retail-profile/) **4.7** ([493 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/square-for-retail-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations QuickBooks Online Instagram +6 more +5 more +4 more Square for Retail's Best Rated Features 5.0Point of Sale (POS) See All Square for Retail's Worst Rated Features 4.0Inventory Optimization See All [Craftybase](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/craftybase-profile/) Craftybase: Inventory & Manufacturing Software for Makers, Brands, and Small Manufacturers Are you tired of late nights spent u...[Read more about Craftybase](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/craftybase-profile/) **4.6** ([245 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/craftybase-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations PayPal Wix +6 more +5 more +4 more Craftybase's Best Rated Features 5.0Real-Time Data See All Craftybase's Worst Rated Features 3.75Traceability See All [Order Time Inventory](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/numbercruncher-order-time-inventory-profile/) Order Time Inventory is an inventory control and order management solution. It is cloud-based and integrates with QuickBooks Ent...[Read more about Order Time Inventory](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/numbercruncher-order-time-inventory-profile/) **4.8** ([57 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/numbercruncher-order-time-inventory-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations PayPal Wix +14 more +13 more +12 more Order Time Inventory's Best Rated Features 4.95Order Fulfillment See All Order Time Inventory's Worst Rated Features 4.50Item Management See All 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/stock-control-comparison/?page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/stock-control-comparison/?page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/stock-control-comparison/?page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/stock-control-comparison/?page=5) ... [16](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/stock-control-comparison/?page=16) ## Popular Comparisons [ NetSuite vs QuickBooks Enterprise ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/vs/qb-desktop-enterprise/)[ Odoo vs PayPal Point of Sale ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/odoo-profile/vs/paypal-here/)[ Sortly vs EZO ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/cmms/ezofficeinventory-profile/vs/sortly-pro/)[ Fishbowl vs Asset Panda ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/asset-panda-profile/vs/fishbowl-inventory-manufacturing/)[ Limble vs UpKeep ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/cmms/limblecmms-profile/vs/upkeep/)[ Epos Now vs Lightspeed Retail ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/1932-Lightspeed-Retail/vs/21000-epos-now/) ## Your Guide to Top Inventory Control Software, November 2024 Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated Inventory Control products in North America. [Learn how products are chosen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal-page/frontrunners-methodology/) #### Explore FrontRunners - [Limble](https://www.softwareadvice.com/cmms/limblecmms-profile/) - [Restroworks Inventory Management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/restroworks-inventory-management-profile/) - [Order Time Inventory](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/numbercruncher-order-time-inventory-profile/) - [Timly](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/timly-inventar-profile/) - [inFlow Inventory](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/inflow-inventory-profile/) - [Altametrics](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/altametrics-profile/) - [Thrive by Shopventory](https://www.softwareadvice.com/label-printing/shopventory-profile/) - [Finale Inventory](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/finale-inventory-profile/) - [Kechie](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/kechie-profile/) - [InventoryCloud](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/wasp-inventory-profile/) - [Tracmor](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/tracmor-profile/) - [Wherefour](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/wherefour-profile/) - [MIE Trak Pro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/mie-trak-pro-profile/) - [SKU IQ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/sku-iq-profile/) - [Megaventory](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/megaventory-profile/) - [ERPAG](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/erpag-profile/) - [Logiwa](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/la-wms-profile/) - [QuickBooks Enterprise](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/qb-desktop-enterprise-profile/) - [EZO](https://www.softwareadvice.com/cmms/ezofficeinventory-profile/) - [Zoho Inventory](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/zoho-inventory-profile/) - [Square for Retail](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/square-for-retail-profile/) - [Sortly](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/sortly-pro-profile/) - [Sage X3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/) - [Infoplus](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/infoplus-profile/) - [Cin7 Omni](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/cin7-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. Inventory control is a complex process with multiple moving parts, quite literally. Any business that deals in physical products needs to maintain its inventory, whether that means transporting or selling products, or assembling them into a different product. In each case, it's essential to always have the right amount of necessary goods on hand. Selecting the right inventory control software to help you with this process can make your job a lot easier, but choosing that software can be a challenge. The subtle differences between "inventory control" and "[inventory management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/)" can also be confusing. This article will help guide you through this process, so you can choose the inventory control system that best fits your business needs. Here's what we'll cover: [What Is Inventory Control Software?](#WhatIsInventoryControlSoftware) [Inventory Control Software vs. Inventory Management Software](#InventoryControlSoftwarevsInventoryManagementSoftware) [Common Features of Inventory Control Systems](#CommonFeaturesofInventoryControlSystems) [What Type of Buyer Are You?](#WhatTypeofBuyerAreYou) [Benefits and Potential Issues](#BenefitsandPotentialIssues) [Market Trends to Understand](#MarketTrendstoUnderstand) ## What Is Inventory Control Software? Inventory control (sometimes also called "stock control," a term used synonymously) means monitoring a company's inventory of products to ensure that slow-selling or little-used items are not overstocked. This way, the business can save money, time and warehouse space by not acquiring products or materials that are unnecessary. **The ultimate goal of inventory control is to create maximum profit from the least investment in inventory, without negatively impacting customer satisfaction**. Inventory control systems can automate the monitoring and tracking of your products via their inventory codes, eliminating the need for time-consuming pen and paper logs or Excel spreadsheets. The software relies upon tracking items via barcodes (which you can create and customize) as products move in and out of your warehouse. It can provide automated alerts and reports as those items are checked in or out by various parties. ## Inventory Control Software vs. Inventory Management Software Whereas inventory _control_ is the process of ensuring that you have the ideal amount of stock, inventory _management_ is focused on most efficiently organizing and managing stock, so that reorders happen at the exact right moment. According to major inventory control _and_ inventory management vendor Fishbowl Inventory, the difference can be stated as follows: - **Inventory control:** "Focuses on cutting the number of slow-selling products a company purchases. This saves businesses time and money because they don't have to spend lots of man-hours reordering and receiving goods that they don't really need." - **Inventory management:** "Focuses on quickly and efficiently reordering products...Stocking up on products primarily because they can be obtained at a cheaper price will most likely lead to more products spoiling and becoming obsolete, as well as creating an inefficient use of storage space." The two processes clearly complement one another, and thus many vendors will offer both inventory control _and_ inventory management features, either in a shared package or divided up into separate offerings that can be integrated together. This buyer's guide will focus on the features that are specifically a part of inventory control systems, but we recommend you also check out our [inventory management software buyer's guide](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/#buyers-guide). ## Common Features of Inventory Control Systems The most typical inventory control system features are explained in the following table: **Inventory tracking** Enables you to track your entire inventory. This feature allows you to track your products by site, location, serial number, lot, date and/or pallet. **Barcoding** Create an inventory system that fits your needs, with flexibility in creating your own inventory and shipping labels. **Check-in/out** Track items as they move through the warehouse to employees, vendors or customers, preventing them from getting lost along the way. **Automated alerts** Receive automated notifications about low inventory levels, expiring items, overstocked items and reorder points to help you better keep track of inventory levels. **Audits/reports** Run periodic audits of your inventory and generate reports so you can track your stock and recognize problems before they develop. ## What Type of Buyer Are You? When considering inventory control software, you should take the following factors about your organization into account: **Industry.** Your inventory control needs will vary greatly depending upon the type of industry you're buying for. Retailers will have very different needs from manufacturers, who will in turn have very different needs from distributors. Specific inventory control systems address the unique needs of different industries and may even have functionality that is directly suited to specialty niches within larger industries. **Company size.** You should consider whether your company is a small business with one location; a midsize business with multiple locations within a relatively small geographical area or a large, enterprise-level business, with multiple lots located across a wide area. You will need an inventory control system that fits the needs of your particular business segment and the levels of complexity that come with any increases in size. Be wary of overpaying for robust systems that have more capabilities than you need, but also be sure not to underestimate your needs. **Software needs.** Consider carefully whether you are _just_ looking for inventory control, or if you have greater automation, tracking and reporting needs. You may be looking to combine inventory control with [inventory management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/), for example, or you may need an inventory control system that is part of a larger suite that includes other essential features such as [supply chain management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/), [warehouse management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/warehouse-management-system-comparison/) and/or [business intelligence](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/). ## Benefits and Potential Issues of Inventory Control Systems The obvious benefit of inventory control software is that it allows you to automate the process of tracking your company's inventory. It helps you figure out how much of a certain product you need to have in stock, without overages that mean you're stocking extra product with no attendant extra profit. **Automation lets you take control of your inventory in a way that would prove exceedingly complex and complicated using spreadsheets or pen and paper**. Through inventory control, you can keep the right amount of raw materials and finished goods on hand and automatically place reorders at the right moment to maximize profit while minimizing stock overage. However, because inventory control systems rely heavily upon barcode scanning, it does come with certain hardware requirements. Many vendors have mobile apps that can scan barcodes via smartphones or other mobile devices, while others may provide the necessary scanning hardware, potentially at an additional cost. ## Market Trends to Understand Here are some market trends you should consider as you select a product: **Mobile functionality.** Largely provided by apps for phones and tablets, mobile functionality is a significant technological shift across most industries, and inventory control software is no different. In these contexts, apps connected to the inventory database can enable employees to scan barcodes throughout the warehouse without having to refer to a desktop computer. **Cloud-based software.** Cloud-based systems, which are increasingly popular, require less hardware than on-premises software. They also require less IT knowledge (ideal for small businesses without an IT department), have lower upfront costs and are more quickly implemented, making them a good choice for smaller businesses in particular. ### Related Inventory Control Software - [Barcoding Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/barcode-comparison/) - [Dock Scheduling Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/dock-scheduling/) - [Food Traceability Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/distribution/food-traceability-comparison/) - [Inventory Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/) - [Label Printing Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/label-printing/) - [Packaging Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/4780-packaging/) - [Supply Chain Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/) - [Warehouse Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/warehouse-management-system-comparison/) - [Yard Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/fleet-management/yard-management-systems-comparison/)