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Manufacturing Inventory Management Software

Updated March 13, 2025 at 6:25 AM

Best Manufacturing Inventory Management Software of 2025

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Written by Olivia Montgomery, PMP

Associate Principal Analyst

image of Mehar Luthra

Edited by Mehar Luthra

Team Lead, Content

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Reviewed by Adrian Cantu

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On this page
  • Overview
  • Top Software
  • Popular Comparisons
  • All Software Options
  • Buyers Guide
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Manufacturing inventory management software helps control inventory, maintain accurate stock levels, and improve production efficiency through automated processes and real-time tracking. To identify products rated highest for usability, value, functionality, and customer support, we analyzed data from 161 software buyers who spoke with our advisors in the last year and more than 1,900 recent, verified user reviews. 

The majority of recent buyers are small businesses with 100 or fewer employees (83%) and have 10 or fewer people using the system (86%), making our analysis more relevant for small business owners looking for appropriate inventory management software. In addition, our advisors can help match your needs with the right product, drawing from 200 different manufacturing inventory management software vendors available on our site.

How We Selected This Software List
1,996verified reviews
55+Software Advisors on staff
161conversations with active software buyers
Our independent and objective research is based on market demand signals along with analysis of our proprietary data, including product information, verified user reviews, and advisor conversations with buyers. We did not consider client status when selecting products in this list.
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Best Manufacturing Inventory Management Software for 2025

NetSuite

: Highest Rated

Fishbowl

: Best for Small Businesses

Odoo

: Best Free

inFlow Inventory

: Most Affordable

Netstock

: Best Value for Money

QuickBooks Enterprise

: Best Ease of Use

MRPeasy

: Best Customer Service

InventoryCloud

: Best Functionality

Highest Rated

NetSuite
Product screenshot
Pros:
Centralized business management
Customization options
Cons:
Cost
Implementation issues
Pricing:
Pricing available upon request
Why we chose this:

Based on our analysis of the most popular manufacturing inventory software, NetSuite is the highest rated on Software Advice.

Who should use this:

NetSuite is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) product that aids rapidly growing small and midsize businesses (SMBs). However, organizations of all sizes can benefit from NetSuite, including those in manufacturing. The software helps manufacturers control, coordinate, and manage critical operations all in one centralized place. Whether it is the software’s order management, supply chain, or planning and scheduling capabilities, NetSuite allows manufacturers to ensure they have the right inventory when needed.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “Entire ERP system of Netsuite is very powerful specially Advanced Inventory, reporting and CRM modules.”

    Ammara Niazi

    Administrator

    Used for 2+ years

    We analyzed 1,657 verified user reviews for NetSuite to find out what actual users really think.

    Customization
    Users value NetSuite's extensive customization options, which enable them to adapt the system to their unique business processes. They also appreciate the flexibility to modify workflows to meet specific requirements. Additionally, users find the ability to customize various aspects of the software, from forms to reports, highly beneficial.

    Inventory management
    Users find NetSuite's inventory management features highly effective, providing real-time visibility and control over inventory levels. They appreciate the automation of inventory processes, which streamlines operations and improves accuracy. Additionally, users highlight the comprehensive order management capabilities that enhance overall efficiency.

    Business size adaptability
    Users commend NetSuite for its scalability, which supports business growth from small startups to large enterprises. They find the platform suitable for various business sizes, offering the flexibility to adapt as their company expands. Additionally, users appreciate the system's ability to handle increased complexity and volume as their business grows.

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Best for Small Businesses

Fishbowl
Product screenshot
Pros:
Inventory management
Implementation process
Cons:
Feature limitations
Integrations issues
Pricing:
Pricing available upon request
Why we chose this:

In our analysis of manufacturing inventory products with the highest market demand, Fishbowl was the most requested product by small businesses with sales of up to $50 million.

Who should use this:

Fishbowl is a manufacturing and warehouse inventory management software designed specifically for SMBs. It has applications for businesses operating in industries such as aerospace and defence, chemical manufacturing, construction and trade, food and beverage, and healthcare and pharmaceuticals. This product integrates with other software products many SMBs use, including Quickbooks and Xero.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “Fishbowl has been outstanding for our business special with to manage stock and inventory it helps us to have a better management better stock control, we are happy with our experience with Fishbowl.”

    Cristian Fernandes

    Logistics Administrator

    Used for 1-2 years

    We analyzed 975 verified user reviews for Fishbowl to find out what actual users really think.

    Tracking
    Users are impressed with Fishbowl's tracking capabilities, particularly for order, lot, and inventory tracking, which they consider highly valuable. They also find it easy to track parts and systems throughout their development processes, which enhances operational efficiency.

    Learning curve
    Users find Fishbowl relatively easy to learn, with many appreciating its user-friendly interface and supportive resources for learning. They note that the software continuously improves, offering new features that enhance business processes. Additionally, users value the ongoing support for learning, which helps them better utilize Fishbowl's extensive capabilities over time.

    Inventory management
    Users find Fishbowl highly effective for inventory management, praising its ability to track inventory levels, orders, and sales seamlessly. They appreciate the software's integration with QuickBooks, which simplifies accounting processes and enhances overall efficiency. In addition, users highlight the comprehensive features that support inventory accuracy and streamline business operations, making it a valuable tool for small to medium-sized manufacturers and distributors.

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Best Free

Odoo
Product screenshot
Pros:
Cost-effectiveness
Wide range of modules
Cons:
Integration issues
Confusing support tickets
Pricing:
Starting at $38.90 per month
Why we chose this:

Based on our analysis of manufacturing inventory products with the most market demand, Odoo is the most popular product with a free plan.

Who should use this:

Odoo is a comprehensive suite of business applications for companies of all sizes. However, Odoo targets SMBs, so having a free option is beneficial—especially for those in the early phases of their manufacturing business. One of the primary business functions offered is inventory management, helping manufacturing companies track inventory, including raw materials, mixed products, and finished products. The One App Free plan is free forever, allowing companies to choose only to receive inventory support. Free trials are also available to test all apps, from marketing and sales to website and CRM capabilities.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “Active community provides access to a wealth of resources, support forums, and collaboration opportunities.”

    Su Latt Phyu

    Project Manager

    Used for 2+ years

    We analyzed 1,183 verified user reviews for Odoo to find out what actual users really think.

    Customization
    Reviewers value the high degree of customization that Odoo provides, allowing them to tailor functionalities to their specific business needs. They find the customizable modules and applications beneficial for creating a personalized work environment. Users also highlight the flexibility of the platform, which supports extensive customization through coding and technical skills.

    Modularity
    Users appreciate the wide range of modules available in Odoo, which cater to various business needs. They find the modular architecture convenient, allowing them to select and configure the necessary applications. This flexibility enables users to adapt the software to their specific requirements, enhancing overall business operations.

    ERP solutions
    Reviewers find Odoo's comprehensive ERP features beneficial for organizing and managing business processes. They appreciate the cost-effectiveness of the software, which offers essential ERP functions at a lower price compared to other systems. Users also praise the user-friendly interface, which simplifies the setup and use of the ERP system.

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Most Affordable

inFlow Inventory
Product screenshot
Pros:
Inventory management
Ease of use
Cons:
Invoice formatting issues
Complicated setup
Pricing:
Starting at $186.00 per month
Why we chose this:

Among manufacturing inventory products with the most market demand, inFlow Inventory is the most popular product offering the lowest-priced paid plan.

Who should use this:

inFlow Inventory is useful for SMBs seeking an affordable inventory and order management solution. Although it targets several industries, including wholesale and distribution, it’s popular among manufacturing businesses striving to control inventory and costs. The platform ensures that inventory is automatically updated, allowing manufacturing SMBs to more easily track the cost of goods sold with every order.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “A highly functional platform that assists us in tracking both incoming and outgoing stock.”

    Kayla du Toit

    Office Administrator

    Used for 1-2 years

    We analyzed 505 verified user reviews for inFlow Inventory to find out what actual users really think.

    Inventory management
    Users find inFlow Inventory highly effective for tracking products and managing inventory. They appreciate its ability to streamline inventory processes, making it easier to monitor stock levels and track movement history. Additionally, users highlight the software's overall flexibility and ease of use, which helps them maintain accurate inventory control and organization.

    Customer service
    Reviewers consistently praise inFlow Inventory's customer service for being responsive and helpful. They appreciate the prompt responses and the support team's willingness to listen to feedback and make improvements. Users also value the friendly and efficient assistance provided, which enhances their experience with the software.

    Invoicing
    Users appreciate inFlow Inventory's integrated invoicing and inventory management features. They find the ability to generate and email invoices directly from the software convenient and time-saving. Additionally, users like the customizable invoice templates and comprehensive invoicing system, which simplifies their billing processes.

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Best Value for Money

Netstock
Product screenshot
Pros:
Customer support
Dashboard functionality
Cons:
Excess stock levels
Limited customizability
Pricing:
Pricing available upon request
Why we chose this:

Based on our analysis of manufacturing inventory products with the most market demand, Netstock is the highest-rated for value for money.

Who should use this:

A supply and demand planning software, Netstock helps businesses in the manufacturing, wholesale and distribution, retail, automotive, food and beverage, and even medical equipment and supplies, among others. It aims to empower SMBs, focusing on robust supply and demand tools, which help manufacturing businesses reduce excess inventory while minimizing stock-outs. Users on our site consistently rate this software highly for being value for money, especially since inventory features are offered in addition to reporting and integration capabilities.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “What began as a quest to improve inventory management quickly becomes a catalyst for operational excellence, cost savings, and enhanced customer satisfaction.”

    Ajeshni Shirley

    Retail Systems Manager

    Used for 2+ years

    We analyzed 62 verified user reviews for Netstock to find out what actual users really think.

    Support team
    Reviewers consistently praise Netstock's support team for their excellent onboarding process and ongoing support. They find the customer service team helpful and quick to respond, making the implementation and use of the software seamless.

    Inventory management
    Users find Netstock highly beneficial for inventory management, noting significant improvements in operational efficiency and cost savings. They appreciate the software's ability to accurately manage inventory levels, reducing overstock and mitigating stockouts. Additionally, the customizable policy overrides and ease of use for configuration settings are valuable features that help users achieve their inventory management goals.

    Forecast adjustments
    Reviewers praise Netstock for its effective forecasting functionality, which is critical for their business success. They find the forecasting algorithms accurate, especially in handling seasonality, and appreciate the ease of amending forecasts to suit their needs. Users also value the expertise of the Netstock team in supply chain demand planning and forecasting, which enhances their overall experience.

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Best Ease of Use

Product screenshot
Pros:
Financial management tools
Scalability
Cons:
Cost
Steep learning curve
Pricing:
Starting at $2210.00 per year
Why we chose this:

In our analysis of the most popular manufacturing inventory software options, QuickBooks Enterprise is the highest-rated for ease of use.

Who should use this:

Quickbooks Enterprise is an accounting software for businesses across several industries, including manufacturing. It’s a ubiquitous accounting tool that helps expand business operations, offering tools for advanced inventory management. Users find the software easy to use and efficient, allowing companies to make faster, more informed decisions.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “Overall, QuickBooks Enterprise is a solid choice for mid-sized to large organizations that require robust accounting functionality and the flexibility to grow.”

    Aaron Hall

    Sales and Inventory Analyst

    Used for 1-2 years

    We analyzed 20,638 verified user reviews for QuickBooks Enterprise to find out what actual users really think.

    Accounting software
    Users find QuickBooks Enterprise to be a comprehensive accounting solution that meets the needs of medium to large businesses. They appreciate its robust financial management features, scalability, and ease of use, which streamline complex accounting tasks. Additionally, reviewers highlight the software's ability to centralize financial operations, making it a valuable tool for growing businesses.

    Invoicing
    Reviewers find QuickBooks Enterprise effective for managing accounts receivable and invoicing, praising its professional templates and user-friendly design. They appreciate the ability to create, adjust, and send invoices easily, as well as track payments and manage billing efficiently. Users also highlight the software's capability to handle various invoicing tasks, making it a valuable tool for businesses.

    Reporting
    Users value the customizable reporting features of QuickBooks Enterprise, which allow them to generate detailed and tailored reports. They find the software's advanced reporting capabilities helpful in making informed business decisions and analyzing data effectively. Additionally, reviewers appreciate the ease of modifying reports to meet specific needs.

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Best Customer Service

MRPeasy
Product screenshot
Pros:
User satisfaction
Training resources
Cons:
Limited customization
Cost
Pricing:
Starting at $49.00 per month
Why we chose this:

Our analysis of manufacturing inventory products with the highest market demand shows that MRPeasy is the highest-rated for customer service.

Who should use this:

MRPeasy is a versatile product that is best for small and scaling companies—especially those with up to 200 employees. This product’s advanced inventory management functionalities are paired with production planning, which make MRPeasy excellent for growing manufacturers across various industries. Users appreciate the high level of customer support, reporting an excellent in-system ticketing solution. The support system is also linked to each user’s account, ensuring a personalized experience.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “MRPeasy is easy to setup and use, clean uncluttered interface with all the essential functions necessary to manage manufacturing and inventory.”

    Martin Gorlero

    Director

    Used for 2+ years

    We analyzed 119 verified user reviews for MRPeasy to find out what actual users really think.

    Inventory management
    Users appreciate MRPeasy for its efficient inventory management, which provides excellent visibility and control over critical items. They find the system easy to use for managing purchase orders, sales orders, and inventory levels. Additionally, the software helps users keep track of raw and finished inventory, contributing to optimal inventory management.

    Support team
    Users commend MRPeasy for its responsive and effective customer support, which resolves issues promptly. They find the initial training and setup support very helpful, ensuring a smooth onboarding process. Furthermore, users appreciate the support team's readiness to assist with needs, enhancing their overall experience with the software.

    Production planning
    Users value MRPeasy for its detailed production planning capabilities, which help avoid production stoppages. They benefit from the system's ability to handle multiple processes and stages, ensuring efficient management from procurement to distribution. Additionally, MRPeasy's inventory management features contribute to effective production planning and waste reduction.

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Best Functionality

InventoryCloud
Product screenshot
Pros:
Inventory control
Cloud-based access
Cons:
Incomplete features
Slow performance
Pricing:
Starting at $1295.00 per year
Why we chose this:

Based on our analysis of the most popular manufacturing inventory management systems, InventoryCloud is highest-rated for functionality.

Who should use this:

Inventory Cloud can be used by companies of all sizes across various industries, offering high functionality for manufacturing businesses. It focuses on managing inventory levels efficiently, particularly among companies with multiple locations, high product volumes, or complex supply chains. Features include centralized data storage, software integrations, reporting and analytics, mobile apps, automation capabilities, and more, all of which contribute to this product’s high functionality rating.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “With Inventorycloud you can manage any kind of inventory smoothly.”

    Pratik Tarmale

    Warehouse Executive

    Used for 2+ years

    We analyzed 339 verified user reviews for InventoryCloud to find out what actual users really think.

    Inventory tracking
    Users find InventoryCloud effective for tracking material usage, assets, and inventory changes, helping them maintain accurate records. They appreciate the software's ability to organize information and provide various options for tracking different items. Reviewers highlight the ease of tracking orders and assets, making inventory management more efficient and reliable.

    Learning curve
    Users with proficient computer skills find InventoryCloud user-friendly and easy to learn, appreciating the straightforward interface. They mention that after an initial learning curve, the software becomes easier to use and integrate into their daily operations. Reviewers also note that the software supports skill development with consistent use.

    Warehouse management
    Users praise InventoryCloud for its effectiveness in warehouse management, helping them organize and streamline operations such as inbound and outbound deliveries and storage. They find the software user-friendly and beneficial for improving warehouse efficiency and organization. Reviewers also mention that the tool is suitable for various warehouse needs, making it a valuable asset for their operations.

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Methodology

The research for the best manufacturing inventory management software list was conducted in October 2024. We evaluated data (user reviews and demand signals) from the past 24 months as of the research date. Read the complete methodology.


More Manufacturing Inventory Management Software Options

NetSuite
NetSuite

NetSuite is a cloud-based business management suite that incorporates ERP, financial management, CRM, and eCommerce functionalities into a unified platform, helping organizations automate core processes and gain real-time visibility into operational and fi...Read more about NetSuite

126

recommendations

Fishbowl
Fishbowl

Fishbowl’s powerful inventory management software is designed to help businesses streamline their operations, improve accuracy, and scale efficiently. It is widely known for its seamless integration with QuickBooks and Xero, making it an ideal solution for...Read more about Fishbowl

82

recommendations

JobBOSS²
JobBOSS²

JobBOSS² is a cloud-based job shop solution for manufacturers and machine shops, designed to streamline operations and boost profitability. Its key feature are job costing, time and material tracking, job profitability visibility and more, enabling accurat...Read more about JobBOSS²

54

recommendations

Deskera MRP
Deskera MRP

Deskera enables fast growing businesses to operate more efficiently by providing them with an integrated platform that connects manufacturing, accounting, erp, inventory and warehouse management, order fulfillment, procurement, sales and marketing, and hum...Read more about Deskera MRP

3.7

(3 reviews)

40

recommendations

Global Shop Solutions
Global Shop Solutions

Global Shop Solutions provides a comprehensive suite of enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools and solutions designed to help manufacturers simplify their operations and improve efficiency. Available in the cloud or on premise, their customers benefit f...Read more about Global Shop Solutions

29

recommendations

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Buyer's Guide

This detailed guide will help you find and buy the right manufacturing inventory management software for you and your business.

Last Updated on February 18, 2025

Here's what we'll cover:

What you need to know about manufacturing inventory management software

What is manufacturing inventory management software?

Is inventory management software what I need?

How to choose the right manufacturing inventory management software

Market trends to understand

What you need to know about manufacturing inventory management software

Manufacturing inventory management software is similar to inventory management software, but with a focus on manufacturers. They are designed to manage and optimize inventory levels, support kitting processes, and provide barcode/ticket scanning and product identification. It helps manufacturing businesses ensure accurate inventory control, maintain accurate stock levels, and improve production efficiency through real-time tracking and automated processes. 

While standard inventory management software focuses on tracking stock levels for retail and saleable consumables, manufacturing inventory software often includes additional features for niche products and non-consumables, or internal inventory such as office supplies (but not fixed asset management, such as buildings). 

Although seemingly niche, the market is substantial. We have 200 different manufacturing inventory management vendors on our site, and we’ve published 1,983 reviews for 57 products in the past year alone. The majority of user reviews (59%) come from small business manufacturers with 50 or fewer employees, and 26% have 51 - 200 employees. Construction is the largest industry represented. [1]

First-time buyers should start their evaluation process by considering their budget, the number of users, specific use cases, and required integrations. Our seasoned manufacturing software advisors—Adrian Cantu and Saul Sanchez—share their insights into the selection process and say it's essential to consult with multiple stakeholders to compile a list of critical questions that will help you assess systems based on your unique needs, such as:

  • Does this system track your specific type of inventory items? 

  • Do you need the system to track your raw materials through the manufacturing process or only handle stock counts of finished goods? (This helps you identify if an MRP (materials requirement planning) system is needed instead.)

  • How does the tool handle kitting, including the creation, tracking, and management of kits, and can it automate the process to ensure accurate inventory levels and cost tracking?

  • Does this system integrate with the other systems you already use?

Most manufacturing inventory management products on the market are priced on a “per-month” basis, and their entry level pricing plans average around $260 per month. Premium and advanced system subscriptions can cost north of $2,000 per month. [2]

With numerous vendors available, selecting the right manufacturing inventory software can be a complex and overwhelming task. In this guide we’ll walk you through the essential components of manufacturing inventory software, provide step-by-step instructions on choosing the best solution for your business, and discuss current trends in the market.

If you would prefer to speak with one of our experienced manufacturing inventory management software advisors like Cantu and Sanchez, schedule a call or start a chat with us.

What is manufacturing inventory management software?

Inventory management software helps optimize supply levels so manufacturers always have what they need as orders are placed, without tying up capital in excess parts or ingredients. The systems allow manufacturers to instantly determine on-hand inventory balances, which is useful for financial planning. In addition to tracking raw materials and stocked items, the system also records work-in-progress (WIP) items, finished products and more.

Most inventory systems will track purchased material and stocked items by lot number and/or serial number. Inventory management solutions use these numbers to track and locate in-stock items and produce picking information for item retrieval. Many systems have barcode, or radio frequency identification (RFID), functionality to scan items that are received, picked or transferred. Inventory management systems can also track purchase orders and other value information that is helpful for accounting.

Is inventory management software what I need?

Before deciding on which system best fits your needs, it’s important to determine what type of software you need. If you’re tracking products from manufacturing through to the finished product, you may need to consider an MRP (materials requirement planning) system over inventory management software. On the other hand, if you're needing to manage stock counts of finished goods or repetitive manufacturing operations, a standalone inventory system might be a better fit.

Here are descriptions  of related software types so you can be sure that manufacturing inventory management software is what you need.

3D computer-aided design (CAD) software: If you’re designing your own products, a CAD tool enables the creation of precise 3D models of products and components, facilitating detailed design and engineering processes. It helps manufacturers improve product quality, reduce design errors, and accelerate time-to-market by allowing for virtual simulations and modifications before physical prototyping.

Manufacturing execution software (MES): Monitors, controls, and optimizes manufacturing operations on the shop floor in real-time. It helps businesses improve production efficiency, ensure product quality, and enhance decision-making by providing comprehensive data on production processes, resource usage, and performance metrics.

Material requirements planning (MRP) software: A robust system designed to manage and streamline manufacturing processes by planning production schedules, inventory levels, and procurement activities. It helps businesses ensure timely availability of materials, optimize inventory costs, and improve production efficiency through accurate demand forecasting and resource allocation.

Warehouse management system (WMS): These systems are inventory control systems specifically designed for warehouse inventory that also offer software automation for crucial warehouse processes. Automating processes such as warehouse pick, pack, and shipping is vastly more efficient than manual methods.

How to choose the right manufacturing inventory management software

Step 1: Determine the type of buyer you are

Understanding your buyer profile allows you to streamline the evaluation process, focus on relevant features, and make more informed decisions, ultimately leading to a more successful software implementation. According to our software advisor experts, manufacturing inventory management software buyers will typically fall into one of these three categories:

  • Full-suite buyers. These buyers appreciate the integration that a solution from a single provider offers. Having a single system control all manufacturing functions improves information sharing between applications. For instance, a full-suite system can manage inventory picking, product assembly, and invoicing from a single source.

  • Multi-location manufacturers. Operating multiple facilities adds a layer of complexity to the software requirements. These buyers need to track inventory for multiple facilities and balance levels across a geographic region. For manufacturers with international operations, the system should include multi-currency and multi-language support.

  • Small manufacturers. These buyers have straightforward requirements and need a system to improve data entry and inventory tracking. Small manufacturers are typically transferring over from pen and paper to a more automated system and only need basic inventory control functions such as order processing and lot/serial tracking.

Step 2: Understand the benefits and potential issues

In order to remain competitive in today’s global economy, manufacturers need to reduce excess inventory and have the capability to manage stock levels with an automated system. Here are a few of the benefits and potential issues that accompany a manufacturing inventory management system.

  • Time savings. An inventory system will reduce the amount of time spent processing and recording. It also enables manufacturers to immediately find the location of an in-stock item and check availability in real time.

  • Improved inventory accuracy. Fewer manual entry mistakes, such as logging the same inventory item twice, are made using an electronic system. Getting a better grip on inventory management will also help reduce potentially costly manual recording errors.

  • Implementation difficulties. Implementing a comprehensive inventory management solution can be expensive and time consuming. Furthermore, manufacturers have to start from a clean physical inventory so the system can work off a well-organized inventory from the beginning. This can be very labor intensive.

If you need guidance, you can chat online now with one of our advisors or schedule a phone call. You can get tailored recommendations about software that best fits your unique manufacturing inventory management needs.

Market trends to understand

Time and again different inventory management concepts, such as lean manufacturing, Kanban, six sigma methodology, and 3D printing, arise to make the manufacturing process more efficient. Inventory management is moving away from the manual process, which is onerous and prone to errors. Instead, it is moving toward digital technology, which constitutes web services, mobile, and internet of things (IoT). Therefore, manufacturers are looking for digital solutions that can help them manage their inventory efficiently.

Manufacturing inventory software is a niche market that is still evolving as its adoption in manufacturing organizations is increasing. Before buying a manufacturing inventory solution, decision makers should consider the following industry trends when they are evaluating a solution:

Smart inventory tracking. One-dimensional barcoding has gained a foothold in industrial and inventory tagging. Advanced systems use RFID, which enables remote monitoring to track the inventory status and product availability. Manufacturers can track products throughout the supply chain in real-time to help reduce instances of theft and spillage. In addition, real-time inventory report generation helps manufacturing and supply chain professionals to monitor business performance and take corrective actions.

Adoption of web-based platforms. There has been a gradual shift in manufacturer’s preferences from on-premise to cloud-based solutions. One of the reasons for this shift is that software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions require very little upfront investment. In addition, the digital infrastructure helps companies save maintenance.

Enhanced business intelligence. Manufacturers are increasingly looking to track and analyze their inventory levels to understand lead time, analyze the variability in product demand and avoid inventory stock outs. Advanced manufacturing inventory solutions provide real-time business intelligence and analytics features to improve planning and strategic decision-making capabilities by providing timely updates.

Access from mobile applications. Inventory professionals have moved from working at a fixed, single location to mobile workstations. These mobile workstations are typically connected through wireless networks and operate in remote locations. To facilitate business operations from these mobile workstations, manufacturing inventory software vendors offer mobile applications that can be accessed 24/7 from any mobile device. Moreover, these mobile applications share notifications whenever an order is received, confirmed, packed, shipped and delivered to the user.

Internet of things (IoT). With this technology, internet-connected sensors communicate without any human intervention. Though it is still in its nascent stage, this technology is expected to grow exponentially and disrupt supply chain and manufacturing operations. Small businesses should keep a watch on this initiative and prepare themselves for IoT in the future.


Our contributors

Author

Olivia Montgomery is an associate principal analyst at Software Advice, covering program and project management with a focus on the strategic alignment of IT and operations to optimize digital transformation. Drawing from her experience as a former IT PMO leader and her background in humanities studies, Olivia delivers data-driven insights that empower business leaders to drive business growth through projects.

Olivia’s research and analysis is informed by nearly 200,000 authentic user reviews on Software Advice and over 10,000 interactions between Software Advice software advisors and project management software buyers. Olivia also regularly analyzes market sentiment by conducting surveys of project managers and PMO leaders so she can provide the most up-to-date and helpful information to small and midsize businesses purchasing software or services.

Her expertise is featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, CIO Dive, and TechRepublic, as well as in podcasts, such as The Digital Project Manager. Recently, she presented her research on emotional intelligence (EQ) and decision-making at PMI's Global Summit conference, shedding light on the crucial role of EQ in driving project success. When she's not analyzing tech trends, you can find Olivia horseback riding or re-watching Jurassic Park.

Editor

Mehar Luthra is a team lead at Software Advice and specializes in editing reports that cover the latest trends affecting small businesses. With nearly a decade of experience, she has edited a multitude of research articles, top-rated software reports, and thought leadership articles for diverse markets such as Brazil, Japan, Canada, France, Australia, and India. She finds it particularly rewarding to produce content that provides small-business owners with practical tips and helpful advice on topics such as the digitalisation of small businesses, eCommerce trends, and HR developments.

Armed with a double bachelor’s in law (LL.B.) and business economics from Delhi University, she won a full scholarship to study for a master’s in creative writing at the National University of Ireland, Galway. In addition, she has written blog articles spanning a variety of topics such as fiction and non-fiction books, mental health and anxiety, the latest restaurants, and more. Her articles have been featured in Ireland’s national magazine The Village, among other publications. A die-hard journaling fan, she enjoys watching psychological thrillers, reading fiction books, and drinking iced coffee (even in the winter).

Advisors

Adrian Cantu is a software advisor. He joined Software Advice in 2022, and is based in Austin, TX.

Adrian works directly with small business leaders to connect them with best fit software providers. He assesses the technology needs of small businesses seeking manufacturing, distribution, fleet management, and professional services software. He has a background in sales and has worked in the service industry. 

Adrian’s favorite part of being a software advisor is when the buyer sees the value in the service provided and expresses how appreciative they are. 

Saul Sanchez is a senior advisor. He joined Software Advice in 2019, and is based in Austin, TX. 

Saul works directly with small business leaders to connect them with best fit software providers. He assesses the technology needs of small businesses seeking a wide variety of software, including business intelligence, inventory management, manufacturing, and supply chain tools. Through one-to-one conversations, Saul provides a shortlist of potential matches. 

His favorite part of being a software advisor is experiencing a buyer’s relief when they discover how much time and energy he’s saved them by helping narrow down the list of many possible options on the market.


Sources

  1. Software Advice software pricing data: Only products with publicly available pricing information and qualified software products within the category, as of November 29, 2023, are included in the pricing analysis. Read the complete methodology.

  2. Software Advice reviews data: Software Advice reviews are collected from verified users for individual software products. For this report, we analyzed reviews from November 29, 2023 to November 29, 2024.

Manufacturing Inventory Management FAQs

  • Which software is recommended for doing inventory?

    Based on user reviews, NetSuite is highly recommended for inventory management. It offers comprehensive features for tracking, managing, and analyzing inventory, making it suitable for businesses of various sizes and industries. Its strong data management and invoicing features set it apart as a top choice for efficient inventory control according to over 400 user reviews from the past year.

  • What is ERP inventory management software?

    Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software integrates operations such as planning to inventory to supply chain management, helping businesses track inventory and production schedules to optimize resources and improve efficiency. A business might use an ERP instead of an inventory management tool to integrate inventory with other functions like finance, sales, and production, supporting more streamlined operations and better cross-departmental visibility.

  • How do you manage manufacturing inventory?

    Manufacturing inventory is managed by tracking raw materials, works-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods. This can be automated and streamlined by using a manufacturing inventory management system. Key aspects of manufacturing inventory management are setting reorder levels/thresholds, using just-in-time (JIT), and demand forecasting. Manufacturing inventory management software also provides businesses with real-time data and accurate reporting.

  • What are the 4 types of inventory management systems?

    The four types of inventory management systems are ERP (enterprise resource planning), MRP (material requirements planning), inventory management, and order management software. ERP systems integrate inventory with other business functions such as accounting and sales. MRP systems focus on managing materials and production schedules. Inventory management software tracks stock levels and movement while order management tools manage order processing and fulfillment.

  • Will ERP software help for tracking the inventory?

    Yes, enterprise resource planning (ERP) software can help businesses track inventory. NetSuite is the highest rated ERP software based on verified user reviews on our site. An ERP system helps businesses optimize stock levels, prevent shortages or overstocks, and improve order fulfillment. With features such as forecasting and purchase order management, an ERP provides deeper insights, informing decisions and driving greater efficiency across your supply chain.

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