Top 12 Free Inventory Management Software

Supriya Bajaj

Senior Writer

Top 12 Free Inventory Management Software

Inventory management is a critical aspect of business operations, regardless of the industry or size of the enterprise. Effectively managing and controlling inventory levels can have a profound impact on a company’s financial health, customer satisfaction, and overall efficiency. In fact, 34% of businesses struggle with unavailable inventory and delayed shipments without an inventory management system.

Looking for Inventory Management Software? Check out SoftwareSuggest’s list of Best Inventory Management Software solutions.

As businesses grow and evolve, so do the challenges associated with inventory control leading many organizations to turn to inventory management software. Let’s dive deeper to understand more about inventory management software in detail.

In this blog, we will dive into some of the best inventory management software that is available as open-source or completely free in the market. But firstly, let’s know precisely what is inventory management software and how it works.

What is Free Inventory Management Software?

Free Inventory Management Software is a computer program designed to help businesses efficiently track and manage their inventory without incurring the cost of purchasing a commercial inventory management system. It’s a valuable tool for organizations of all sizes and industries that deal with physical goods, as it enables them to optimize their inventory control processes, reduce carrying costs, minimize stockouts, and streamline their overall supply chain operations.

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Pro-tip

Ensure that you continuously monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as inventory turnover rates and carrying costs. Be prepared to adjust your strategies as your business grows, customer demands change, and market conditions evolve. This helps you select the best inventory management software for your business.

What Features Does Free Inventory Management Software Offer?

Below are the main features that you need to look into whenever implementing an inventory management system.

Features of Free Inventory Management Software

1. Inventory Tracking

Inventory tracking is the core function of any inventory management software. It allows you to maintain a centralized database of your products, including crucial information like SKU, description, cost, selling price, and the quantity on hand. The real-time tracking feature ensures that you always have an accurate view of your current stock levels, preventing errors and allowing for quick and informed decision-making. Additionally, support for barcode scanning simplifies data entry and stock counts, reducing the risk of manual errors.

2. Supplier Management

Supplier management features help you keep a well-organized database of your suppliers, complete with their contact information and pricing agreements. This functionality also allows you to generate and manage purchase orders, streamlining the procurement process. With supplier performance analysis, you can evaluate the efficiency and reliability of your suppliers based on factors such as delivery times and pricing, which can be crucial for optimizing your supply chain.

3. Sales Order Management

Sales order management is essential for handling customer orders efficiently. This feature enables you to record and manage customer orders, providing valuable insights into order history and order status tracking. It plays a critical role in monitoring order fulfillment, ensuring timely deliveries to customers, and enhancing customer satisfaction.

4. Stock Alerts

Stock alerts are a proactive feature that helps you maintain optimal stock levels. You can set up low-stock alerts to receive notifications when your inventory falls below predefined thresholds, preventing stockouts and potential revenue loss. Additionally, overstock alerts notify you when you have excessive inventory, allowing you to avoid over-purchasing and reducing carrying costs.

5. Reporting and Analytics

Reporting and analytics features offer valuable insights into your inventory and sales data. You can analyze sales trends, identifying which products are performing well and which may need attention. Calculating inventory turnover rates helps you optimize stock levels, reduce holding costs, and make informed restocking decisions. 

Furthermore, cost analysis helps you evaluate the cost of goods sold (COGS) and profit margins, aiding in pricing strategies. Some inventory management software may even provide demand forecasting based on historical data to anticipate future needs accurately.

6. Multi-Location Support

For businesses with multiple warehouses or store locations, multi-location support is crucial. This feature allows you to manage inventory seamlessly across different sites. It includes functionalities like tracking inventory in various locations, transferring stock between locations to balance inventory levels, and ensuring efficient supply chain operations.

7. Integration

Integration capabilities enable your inventory management software to work seamlessly with other essential business systems. Some solutions offer built-in integrations with accounting software, e-commerce platforms, or point-of-sale (POS) systems. Additionally, API access allows for custom integrations, ensuring that your inventory data can be effectively shared and utilized across your entire business ecosystem.

What Are the Limitations of Free Inventory Management Software?

Free Inventory Management Software can be a valuable resource for businesses looking to streamline their inventory processes without the initial financial investment of a paid solution. However, it’s essential to be aware of the limitations that come with free software. Here are some of the common limitations you may encounter:

Limitations of Free Inventory Management Software

1. Limited Features

Free inventory management software often offers a subset of features compared to paid solutions. While they cover essential inventory tasks, they may lack more advanced functionalities like advanced reporting, demand forecasting, or complex integrations.

2. User and Data Restrictions

Free plans typically limit the number of users who can access the software and the amount of data you can store. This can be restricting for growing businesses or those with larger teams.

3. Limited Scalability

As your business grows, you may find that free software cannot accommodate your expanding needs. Scaling up may require switching to a paid plan or migrating to a different system, which can be time-consuming and disruptive.

4. Lack of Customer Support

Free software often doesn’t provide the same level of customer support as paid solutions. You may have to rely on community forums, online documentation, or self-help resources for assistance with issues or questions.

5. Security Concerns

Free software may not offer the same level of security features and updates as paid solutions. This can leave your data more vulnerable to security threats, potentially compromising sensitive inventory information.

12 Best Free Inventory Management Software For Small Businesses

Before you make the decision, you need to compare different options. Below are the 12 best free inventory management software.

Tool NameFeatures
Barcode scanning, Sales order management
Sales and purchase order management, Barcode scanning and printing
Multi-location support, Barcode scanning
Message translation, Screens and report customization
E-commerce and sales channel integrations, Barcode scanning
Demand forecasting, Multi-currency support
Reporting and analytics, Demand forecasting
Editable parameters, Inventory management
Asset assignment , Audit management
Customer database management, Document management
Multi-location support, Barcoding
Warehouse management, Inventory tracking

1. Zoho Inventory

Zoho Inventory logo

Zoho Inventory

4.7 out of 5 stars

80 Reviews

Zoho Inventory is a versatile cloud-based inventory management solution designed primarily for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers a free plan that provides essential inventory management features to streamline your operations. 

With Zoho Inventory, you can efficiently track and manage your stock levels, sales orders, and purchase orders. It also supports multi-channel selling and e-commerce integration, making it easier to sync your inventory across various platforms. Barcode scanning is available for quicker and more accurate data entry.

Features

  • Inventory tracking
  • Demand forecasting
  • Barcode scanning
  • Sales order management
  • Reporting and analytics
Pros
  • Zoho Inventory offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface that allows users of varying technical expertise to quickly adapt to the software.
  • If your business uses other Zoho applications like Zoho CRM or Zoho Books, integration with Zoho Inventory can streamline your workflow.
  • it offers valuable features to optimize inventory levels and reduce carrying costs.
Cons
  • The free plan has restrictions, especially in the number of features it provides for order management.
  • It’s not suitable for large businesses with complex needs.

2. inFlow Inventory

inFlow Inventory logo

inFlow Inventory

4.6 out of 5 stars

5 Reviews

inFlow Inventory is a powerful desktop-based inventory management software designed for small businesses. Its free version offers robust features that can help you efficiently manage your inventory. The software provides tools for inventory tracking and management, sales and purchase order management, barcode scanning and printing, as well as reporting and analytics. 

Additionally, inFlow integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks, making it an attractive choice for businesses already using QuickBooks for accounting.

Features 

  • Inventory tracking and management
  • Sales and purchase order management
  • Barcode scanning and printing
  • Reporting and analytics
  • Integration with QuickBooks
Pros
  • inFlow Inventory stands out for its rich set of features available in the free version, making it suitable for businesses with modest inventory needs.
  • Being a desktop-based application, inFlow allows for offline access, which can be advantageous for businesses in areas with unreliable internet connectivity.
  • Integrating with QuickBooks simplifies financial management and ensures data consistency between inventory and accounting.
Cons
  • While the free version is robust for small businesses, it may lack the scalability and advanced features needed for larger, more complex organizations.
  • The fact that inFlow is a desktop application means it may not be the best fit for businesses that require real-time cloud access to their inventory data.

3. Odoo Inventory

Odoo Inventory logo

Odoo Inventory

Odoo is an open-source ERP platform with a free inventory management module. It caters to businesses of various sizes and industries. Odoo’s inventory module offers features such as inventory tracking and management, sales and purchase order management, multi-location support, barcode scanning, and basic reporting and analytics. What sets Odoo apart is its high degree of customization and scalability, making it adaptable to a wide range of business needs.

Features 

  • Inventory tracking and management
  • Sales and purchase order management
  • Multi-location support
  • Barcode scanning
  • Basic reporting and analytics
Pros
  • One of Odoo’s key strengths is its flexibility. Users can tailor the software to match their unique business processes and requirements, making it suitable for diverse industries.
  • Odoo can scale with your business, allowing you to add more modules and features as needed. This makes it a suitable choice for businesses with ambitions for growth.
  • Odoo has a thriving community of users and developers, ensuring that you can find assistance and resources when needed.
Cons
  • The high level of customization offered by Odoo also means there can be a steep learning curve for users who want to adapt the software to their specific needs.
  • Customizing Odoo or implementing more complex features may require technical expertise or the involvement of developers, which can add to the overall cost.

4. ABC Inventory

ABC Inventory logo

ABC Inventory

ABC Inventory is a free inventory management system designed for small businesses. It provides basic features for inventory tracking and management, sales and purchase order management, and reporting. ABC Inventory is known for its simplicity and straightforwardness, making it an excellent choice for businesses with uncomplicated inventory needs.

Features

  • Multiple workstation configurations
  • Message translation
  • Screens and report customization
  • Barcode scanning
  • Reports and analytics
Pros
  • ABC Inventory is designed to be accessible and easy to use, making it a great fit for businesses looking for a no-frills solution.
  • Unlike some other free solutions that impose limits on the number of items, ABC Inventory lets you manage as many items as needed.
  • The software is completely free, with no hidden costs or subscription fees.
Cons
  • ABC Inventory lacks the advanced features and scalability of some other solutions, which may be a drawback for businesses with complex requirements.
  • As your business grows, ABC Inventory may not offer the scalability and additional functionalities needed for more extensive operations.

5. QuickBooks Commerce 

QuickBooks Commerce is an inventory and order management software that offers a free plan suitable for small businesses. It focuses on inventory tracking, sales and purchase order management, and e-commerce integrations, making it an attractive choice for businesses engaged in online retail.

Features 

  • Inventory tracking and management
  • Sales and purchase order management
  • E-commerce and sales channel integrations
  • Barcode scanning
  • Basic reporting
Pros
  • QuickBooks Commerce simplifies integration with popular e-commerce platforms, making it a valuable choice for businesses in the online retail sector.
  • The mobile app allows users to manage inventory and access critical data while away from the office.
  • QuickBooks Commerce offers paid plans with more advanced features and scalability options for businesses with expanding needs.
Cons
  • While the free version provides essential inventory management capabilities, it may not offer enough features for businesses with complex or high-volume inventory needs.
  • QuickBooks Commerce primarily focuses on e-commerce and online sales channels, so it may not be the best fit for businesses with a wide range of sales channels.

6. TradeGecko

TradeGecko, now integrated with QuickBooks, is a comprehensive inventory management and order fulfillment platform. It provides features for inventory tracking, multi-channel sales, demand forecasting, and more. TradeGecko is suitable for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.

Features

  • Inventory tracking 
  • Demand forecasting 
  • Multi-currency support 
  • Multi-channel sales 
  • Mobile access 
Pros
  • TradeGecko offers an array of advanced features, including multi-currency support, sales analytics, and demand forecasting.
  • The integration ensures seamless synchronization of inventory and financial data.
  • It can accommodate growing businesses with ease.
Cons
  • More advanced functionalities require upgrading to paid plans.
  • Some of its advanced features might be too complex for small businesses with simple inventory management needs.

7. Stockpile

Stockpile logo

Stockpile

4.6 out of 5 stars

5 6 Reviews

Stockpile is a free and easy-to-use online inventory management system, suitable for small businesses, nonprofits, and individuals. It offers features for tracking items, managing stock levels, and generating basic reports.

Features

  • Inventory tracking
  • Reporting and analytics
  • Demand forecasting
  • Item tracking
Pros
  • Stockpile’s intuitive interface is designed for users without extensive technical expertise.
  • It’s entirely free with no subscription fees.
  • Stockpile offers a mobile app for on-the-go inventory management.
Cons
  • Stockpile is a basic inventory management system, lacking advanced capabilities for complex business needs.
  • Not suitable for larger businesses: It may not scale effectively to meet the requirements of larger organizations.

8. PartKeepr 

PartKeepr is an open-source inventory management system designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It specializes in tracking parts and components, making it suitable for manufacturing and assembly operations.

Features

  • Stock tracking 
  • Field search
  • Editable parameters
  • Inventory management
  • Sorting and data filtering
Pros
  • PartKeepr excels in tracking parts and components within an inventory, offering features like part number management and part categories.
  • Being open-source, it allows for extensive customization and adaptation to specific business processes.
  • PartKeepr offers multilingual capabilities for businesses operating in diverse regions.
Cons
  • Implementing PartKeepr may require technical expertise, particularly for businesses seeking customized configurations.
  • While it excels at managing parts, it may not be as well-suited for managing finished products or other types of inventory.

9. Sortly

Sortly logo

Sortly

Sortly is an intuitive and user-friendly inventory management software designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It focuses on visual inventory tracking and asset management. This user-friendly and accurate inventory management tool is one of the most preferred choices of businesses as it takes less set-up time.

Features 

  • Asset tracking 
  • Activity tracking 
  • Asset assignment 
  • Audit management
  • API
  • Activity dashboard
  • Batch printing 
Pros
  • Sortly allows users to create visual representations of their inventory, making it easy to locate items quickly.
  • The mobile app facilitates barcode scanning and on-the-go inventory management.
  • It offers customization options to adapt to unique inventory needs.
Cons
  • The free version has restrictions on the number of items and users, which may not be suitable for growing businesses.
  • Sortly’s reporting capabilities are basic and may not meet the needs of businesses requiring in-depth analytics.

10. ERPNext

ERPNext logo

ERPNext

4.5 out of 5 stars

5 11 Reviews

ERPNext is an open-source ERP platform with inventory management capabilities. It’s suitable for businesses across various industries, offering features for inventory tracking, order management, multi-location support, and more.

Features 

  • Billing and invoicing 
  • Customer database management
  • Document management
  • Inventory management and tracking
Pros
  • ERPNext extends beyond inventory management to cover multiple aspects of business operations, such as accounting, HR, and project management.
  • Users can tailor the software to match specific workflows and industry requirements.
  • It can accommodate growing businesses and offers additional modules for more advanced needs.
Cons
  • Implementing and customizing ERPNext can be complex and may require technical expertise.
  • Running ERPNext may require substantial server resources, which can be costly for smaller businesses or startups.

11. Fishbowl

Fishbowl logo

Fishbowl

Fishbowl is a robust inventory management and manufacturing platform designed for businesses of all sizes. It offers advanced features for tracking inventory, managing orders, and streamlining manufacturing processes.

Features 

  • Order management 
  • Inventory tracking 
  • Multi-location support 
  • Barcoding 
  • Reporting and analytics
Pros
  • Extensive feature set for inventory and manufacturing.
  • Scalable to meet the needs of growing businesses.
  • Integration options for seamless data flow between systems.
Cons
  • Complex setup and implementation, often requiring professional assistance.
  • Costly compared to some other solutions, especially for small businesses.

12. Dear Systems 

DEAR Systems is a free inventory management solution and order fulfillment software designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It provides features for inventory tracking, purchase and sales orders, and integrations with various e-commerce platforms.

Features 

  • Purchase and sales orders 
  • Warehouse management 
  • Inventory tracking 
  • Multi-currency support
  • Integrations
Pros
  • User-friendly and navigable interface for ease of use.
  • Seamless integration options for e-commerce businesses.
  • Scalable as businesses expand and grow.
Cons
  • Limited advanced manufacturing features compared to some other solutions.
  • Costs can increase as additional users or features are added.

Final Thoughts 

In conclusion, selecting the right Inventory Management Software is a crucial decision for businesses of all sizes and industries. The software you choose can significantly impact your inventory management processes, operational efficiency, and overall business performance.

When making a selection, consider factors such as the size of your business, industry-specific requirements, scalability needs, technical expertise, and budget constraints. Evaluating these factors and aligning them with the features and capabilities of the software will help you make an informed decision and optimize your inventory management processes to drive business success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Businesses need inventory management software to efficiently track, manage, and optimize their stock levels. It helps prevent overstocking, understocking, and reduces operational costs, leading to better financial control and improved customer service.

You can typically get free inventory management software by signing up for a free plan offered by inventory software providers. Many providers offer free versions with basic features that can be used without cost.

The ability to manage multiple locations varies depending on the software. Some free inventory management options support multi-location inventory management, but it's essential to check the specific features of the software you choose.

Yes, some free inventory management software options are cloud-based, allowing you to access your inventory data from anywhere with an internet connection. Examples include Zoho Inventory and QuickBooks Commerce.

Many free inventory software solutions offer integrations with other business tools, such as accounting software, e-commerce platforms, and shipping carriers. Integration capabilities can vary, so it's advisable to confirm which integrations are available for the software you select.

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