Inventory management systems offer numerous advantages for companies in dealing with managing, tracking stocks, and updating inventory data in real-time.
The advancement of modern inventory management software not only reduces labor costs but also increases productivity and accuracy.
However, for many small companies, an inclusive inventory management software might be too pricey, thus, looking for a free inventory management system sounds like a better option.
4 types of inventory management system
To build and manage inventory management more effectively, businesses should pay attention to its four main categories:
- Just-in-time management (JIT) - follows lean approach
- Materials requirement planning (MRP) - specializes in demand-driven planning
- Economic order quantity (EOQ) - focuses on cost-based approach
- Days sales of inventory (DSI) - involves performance metric
Best Free Inventory Management Software Comparison
So, how to take care of your inventory with cost-effectiveness, even free? Here are the best free inventory management systems available for small businesses in 2024
|
Free Inventory Management System |
Free Plan |
Integrations |
Overall Rating |
|
AppAlloy |
- Basic functions - Max. 3 users |
✅ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Odoo Inventory |
- Unlimited users - Odoo Online |
✅ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Square |
- Website themes - POS |
✅ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Zoho Inventory |
- Limited users - Basic features |
✅ |
⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Stockpile |
|
✅ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Sortly |
- Max. 100 items - Max. 1 user |
✅ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Skyware Inventory |
- Ad-supported - Max. 1 user |
✅ |
⭐⭐⭐ |
AppAlloy
Do you know that you can create a simple and functional inventory management system on your mobile for free within 30 seconds? There is nothing to it, really with AppAlloy. You will be surprised how smart it is in helping you set up a stock control system based on your needs and style.
AppAlloy Key Features
✔️ Online payments
✔️ Customizations
✔️ Pre-built layouts
✔️ Collaboration Workspace
✔️ Data synchronization, organization, and visualization
AppAlloy Pros and Cons
|
👍 Pros |
👎 Cons |
|
|
Oddo Inventory
Comes to Oddo Inventory, you can access many business applications in a single platform due to its enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. As an open-source inventory control software, it fosters constant innovations and adaptability, leading better-optimized routes and warehouse management.
Oddo Inventory Key Features
✔️Automate vendor reminders
✔️ Real-time storage capacity and categorization
✔️ Wave/Cluster/Batch picking
✔️ Multiple Inventory valuations: LIFO, FIFO
✔️ Control incoming and outgoing deliveries
Oddo Inventory Pros and Cons
|
👍 Pros |
👎 Cons |
|
|
Another free inventory control software that is recommended for small businesses is Square, which specializes in POS systems. This software allows users to harness the stocks from everywhere at any time through an open-source dashboard. Dealing with payments domestically and internationally is easy, quick, and more secure than ever with Square contactless payments.
Square Key Features
✔️ EFTPOS Payments
✔️ End-of-day reconciliation
✔️ Everyday stock alerts
✔️ Stock forecasting
✔️ Vendor management
Square Pros and Cons
|
👍 Pros |
👎 Cons |
|
|
Zoho Inventory
A count on a list of the best free inventory management systems is Zoho Inventory. It is not a new brand, being in the market for more than 15 years, it really understands what a small business really needs. With Zoho's free complete inventory system, users can ensure their stocks, purchases, deliveries, and more are quickly updated and handled from a single system.
Zoho Inventory Key Features
✔️ Customized invoice templates
✔️ Order management system from 30 different shipping services
✔️ Online payments
✔️ Simple CRS system
✔️ Inventory and sales tracking
Zoho Inventory Pros and Cons
|
👍 Pros |
👎 Cons |
|
|
Stockpile by Canvus
You can manage your company effortlessly with the Stockpile free inventory management system for small businesses. You don’t have to pay any buck to use Stockpile forever with unlimited features and support. You get everything you need to set up efficient warehouse control, minimize costs, and reduce the chances of a mistake.
Stockpile by Canvus Key Features:
✔️ Update and edit inventory
✔️ Record sales and damaged goods
✔️ Get an insight of inventory turnover
✔️ Customization
✔️ User management
Stockpile by Canvus Pros and Cons
|
👍 Pros |
👎 Cons |
|
|
Sortly
Sortly is an excellent on-the-go software that users can organize and automate all inventory-related tasks quickly and easily. This app tries to simplify all processes with higher accuracy. If your business has started and wants to save budget on stock management, Sortly mobile app is one of the best options with good free features.
Sortly Key Features
✔️ Inventory imports
✔️ Check inventory history and reports
✔️ Collaborate with Clients
✔️ Asset tracking
✔️ Customizable QR codes and Barcoding
Sortly Pros and Cons
|
👍 Pros |
👎 Cons |
|
|
Skyware Inventory
Skyware Inventory is also one of the best free software for inventory management in recent years for single-user use. It offers an effective inventory-tracking solution for small businesses. You can easily catalog items, track costs, audit activities, or harness various locations, truly stress-free from traditional spreadsheets.
Skyware Inventory Key Features
✔️ AVEARGE, LIFO, or FIFO system
✔️ POS integrations
✔️ Automate manual tasks
✔️ Workflow integration
✔️ Multi-user capabilities
Skyware Inventory Pros and Cons
|
👍 Pros |
👎 Cons |
|
|
What are the 4 types of inventory management system?
To build and manage inventory management more effectively, businesses should pay attention to its four main categories:
- Just-in-time management (JIT) - follows lean approach
- Materials requirement planning (MRP) - specializes in demand-driven planning
- Economic order quantity (EOQ) - focuses on cost-based approach
- Days sales of inventory (DSI) - involves performance metric
FAQs
- Is there a free version of Zoho inventory?
- Yes, Zoho inventory offers a free demo version that lasts for 14 days, thus, users have to upgrade their plan to continually use the system.
- Is Microsoft Office an inventory management tool?
- Unfortunately, MS Offices doesn’t offer specific inventory management tools. However, you can use spreadsheet management from Excel to create basic stock tracking and auditing.