# 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 July 9, 2026 On this page 1. FrontRunners 2. Popular Comparisons 3. Buyers Guide 4. Related Software Filter products 391 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 391 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/)) **44** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Slack Microsoft Teams +2 more +1 more +0 more Sortly's Best Rated Features 5.0Alerts/Escalation See All Sortly's Worst Rated Features Customizable Branding 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/)) **30** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Shopify Stripe +60 more +59 more +58 more Cin7 Omni's Best Rated Features 5.0Alerts/Notifications See All Cin7 Omni's Worst Rated Features Multiple Format Support 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)) **25** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Microsoft Excel QuickBooks Online Advanced +4 more +3 more +2 more CoreIMS's Best Rated Features 5.0Purchasing & Receiving See All CoreIMS's Worst Rated Features Order Management 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** ([2052 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/reviews/)) **24** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations BambooHR Microsoft Outlook +18 more +17 more +16 more NetSuite's Best Rated Features 5.0"What If" Scenarios See All NetSuite's Worst Rated Features CPA Firms 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** ([50 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/kechie-profile/reviews/)) **21** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Salesforce Sales Cloud Shopify +12 more +11 more +10 more Kechie's Best Rated Features 5.0Inventory Auditing See All Kechie's Worst Rated Features 3.0Barcode Recognition 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/)) **11** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Lansweeper +0 more +0 more +0 more CyberStockroom's Best Rated Features 5.0Multi-Currency See All CyberStockroom's Worst Rated Features 3.67Search/Filter See All [Odoo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/odoo-profile/) Odoo is a comprehensive, open-source suite of business applications designed to cater to the diverse needs of companies of all s...[Read more about Odoo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/odoo-profile/) **4.2** ([1314 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/odoo-profile/reviews/)) **11** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Instagram Stripe +13 more +12 more +11 more Odoo 's Best Rated Features 5.0Retail POS See All Odoo 's Worst Rated Features Production Scheduling See All [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/)) **10** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations QuickBooks Online Xero +79 more +78 more +77 more ShipStation's Best Rated Features 5.0Reorder Management See All ShipStation's Worst Rated Features EDI 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/)) **10** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Epicor Eclipse +0 more +0 more +0 more eTurns's Best Rated Features 5.0Forecasting See All eTurns's Worst Rated Features Activity Dashboard 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/)) **8** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Weebly WooCommerce +53 more +52 more +51 more Extensiv Order Management's Best Rated Features 5.0Multi-Channel Marketing See All Extensiv Order Management's Worst Rated Features 4.0Inventory Control See All [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/)) **8** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Meta for Business ShipStation +62 more +61 more +60 more Linnworks's Best Rated Features 5.0Shipping Management See All Linnworks's Worst Rated Features Warehouse 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/)) **7** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Workday Financial Management Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP +1 more +0 more +0 more Tecsys Elite's Best Rated Features 5.0Mobile Access See All Tecsys Elite's Worst Rated Features Purchase Order Management See All [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** ([114 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/timly-inventar-profile/reviews/)) **6** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Microsoft Azure SAP Business One +5 more +4 more +3 more Timly's Best Rated Features 5.0Compliance Tracking See All Timly's Worst Rated Features IoT Integration 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)) **6** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Shopify Stripe +23 more +22 more +21 more Axolt's Best Rated Features 5.0Traceability See All Axolt's Worst Rated Features 4.0Customizable Reports 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/)) **4** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations SAP Marketing Cloud Windchill +15 more +14 more +13 more SAP S/4HANA Cloud's Best Rated Features 5.0Dashboard See All SAP S/4HANA Cloud's Worst Rated Features 2.33BOM Creation See All [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** ([90 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/521541-Epicor-Prophet-21/reviews/)) **4** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations monday.com AI Work Platform Squarespace +12 more +11 more +10 more Epicor Prophet 21's Best Rated Features 5.0Real-Time Data See All Epicor Prophet 21's Worst Rated Features Currency Management See All [Leafio Inventory Management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/leafio-automatic-replenishment-profile/) For more than 15 years, we've followed our passion for Bring Innovations Closer to Retailers. We help to earn more, make fewer m...[Read more about Leafio Inventory Management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/leafio-automatic-replenishment-profile/) **5.0** ([2 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/leafio-automatic-replenishment-profile/#reviews)) **4** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations SAP Business One +0 more +0 more +0 more Leafio Inventory Management's Best Rated Features 5.0Purchase Order Management See All Leafio Inventory Management's Worst Rated Features 5.0Data Import/Export See All [PrintStream Fulfillment](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/eps-printstream-fulfillment-profile/) ePS PrintStream Fulfillment is a warehouse and inventory management solution that helps fulfilment centers, commercial printers,...[Read more about PrintStream Fulfillment](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/eps-printstream-fulfillment-profile/) **3.6** ([12 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/eps-printstream-fulfillment-profile/reviews/)) **3** recommendations Free trial Free version [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/)) **3** recommendations Free trial Free version Focus X's Best Rated Features 5.0Online Payments See All Focus X's Worst Rated Features ACH Payment Processing See All [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/)) **2** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations ArcGIS SAP HANA Cloud +10 more +9 more +8 more Limble's Best Rated Features 5.0Inventory Replenishment See All Limble's Worst Rated Features Audit Trail See All [Sage Fixed Assets](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sage-fixed-assets-profile/) Manage your fixed assets from acquisition to disposal with our best-in-class, comprehensive solution, Sage Fixed Assets. Capture...[Read more about Sage Fixed Assets](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sage-fixed-assets-profile/) **4.3** ([159 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sage-fixed-assets-profile/reviews/)) **2** recommendations Free trial Free version Sage Fixed Assets's Best Rated Features 5.0Reporting/Analytics See All Sage Fixed Assets's Worst Rated Features Customizable Forms See All [Infios Warehouse Management Systems](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/528467-Infios-Warehouse-Management-Systems/) Infios Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a mobile-enabled solution designed to help businesses manage processes, inventories,...[Read more about Infios Warehouse Management Systems](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/528467-Infios-Warehouse-Management-Systems/) **4.5** ([6 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/528467-Infios-Warehouse-Management-Systems/#reviews)) **1** recommendations Free trial Free version Infios Warehouse Management Systems's Best Rated Features 5.0Inventory Tracking See All Infios Warehouse Management Systems's Worst Rated Features 1.0Alerts/Notifications 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 [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 QuickBooks Online Shopify +8 more +7 more +6 more Thrive by Shopventory's Best Rated Features 5.0Label Templates See All Thrive by Shopventory's Worst Rated Features 3.0Inventory Labels 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 Adobe Commerce BigCommerce +40 more +39 more +38 more Finale Inventory's Best Rated Features 5.0Receiving See All Finale Inventory's Worst Rated Features 3PL 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/)