Inventory management is the core of everything we do in business. Tracking and managing stock are important aspects for determining profitability levels and ensuring customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. The best inventory management systems prevent expensive errors like overstocking, understocking, and misplacement.
Over the years, several global factors have made inventory management more complicated. The COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to its knees, highlighting how broken global supply chains are— especially as businesses deal with everything from delays to shortages of essential goods. The pressure for businesses to have efficient inventory management has become more intense as climate change impacts shipping routes and production times, and political unrest and trade wars continue to introduce uncertainties.
This blog will cover the essential features and factors to consider when selecting an inventory management system, and top solution options.
Key Features to Consider in an Inventory Management System
Before going into various solutions — here are some of the key elements that inventory management solutions should give you:
1. Real-Time Inventory Tracking
A practical system provides real-time visibility into inventory levels, ensuring you always know what’s available.
2. Barcode Inventory System
Systems equipped with barcode scanning simplify warehouse operations, reducing manual errors and speeding up processes.
3. Multi-Warehouse Management
If your business operates across multiple locations, a warehouse management system (WMS) ensures inventory is tracked across different sites.
4. Demand Forecasting
Predict future inventory based on historical data, preventing overstock or understock
5. Integration with Other Systems
A user-friendly inventory system should be able to synchronize with other built-in systems, such as ERP ,accounting solutions, or e-commerce platforms.
6. Automation Capabalities
Look for systems that offer automation to manage reordering, stock level updates, and alerts when inventory is low.
Learn More: Discover the three reasons why your company needs a warehouse management system
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Inventory Management System
When selecting the right inventory management system for your business, it’s essential to consider the following factors:
1. Business Size and Complexity
Small businesses with simple inventory needs may require a more basic system, while larger companies with multiple warehouses and complex supply chains will need a solution with more advanced features.
2. Scalability
As your business grows, your inventory management will likely become more complex. It’s important to choose a system that can scale with your company and accommodate additional users, locations, and products.
3. Budget
While investing in a comprehensive inventory management system can deliver significant ROI, staying within your budget is just as important. Many systems offer tiered pricing, allowing you to start with a basic plan and upgrade as your needs evolve.
4. Integration with Existing Systems
Your inventory system should integrate smoothly with your existing technology stack, including your accounting system, ERP, or e-commerce platforms. This ensures that data flows efficiently between different areas of your business.
5. Support and Training
Choose a system that offers robust customer support and training resources. This can be especially important if your business transitions from a manual or outdated system.
Learn More: Find out how automation is the key to improving warehouse efficiency and accuracy
Top Inventory Management Solutions
Solution #1: Netstock
Netstock is a leading inventory management solution designed to help businesses optimize stock levels and ensure they can meet customer demand. One thing that stands out in this solution is its comprehensive demand forecasting tool, which can analyze historical data and trends to forecast required future stocks. With forecasts of overstock and stockout items, Netstock allows businesses to avoid costly errors in their day-to-day operations.
Additionally, Netstock is built to work with a broad range of ERP systems including Sage and is well-suited for businesses looking to automate their inventory processes. Features such as real-time tracking and replenishment automation save time and reduce manual functions. Given its focus on small to medium-sized businesses, it offers a cost-effective and flexible solution that can grow with your company.
Solution #2: Granite WMS
For businesses that operate with high-volume inventory across multiple warehouses, Granite WMS offers an advanced barcode-based warehouse management system for full traceability, making it ideal for businesses that need to streamline their warehousing processes. It focuses on providing complete visibility into inventory locations, stock levels, and movement within the warehouse, which is crucial for businesses facing logistical challenges.
Granite WMS is highly customizable, which means it can adapt to the unique needs of your business, whether you’re dealing with perishable goods or products with a long shelf life. This system is for businesses that need to optimize warehouse space and labour while maintaining high accuracy in inventory counts. With global events causing shipping delays, Granite WMS helps ensure that companies can efficiently track their inventory and avoid disruptions that may arise due to mismanagement.
Solution #3: AutoSimply
AutoSimply is another popular option, particularly for businesses using Sage 300 as their ERP system. This solution offers barcode inventory management capabilities that integrate seamlessly with Sage 300, allowing users to record every inventory movement, from shipments and receipts to returns and transfers, using barcode scanners.
The AutoSimply Barcode Operation module enhances efficiency by eliminating manual data entry, reducing errors, and speeding up transaction recording. Additionally, the system supports multiple warehouse locations and serialized or lot-tracking items, solving complex inventory needs.
With supply chain disruptions and shifting manufacturing trends—such as nearshoring—AutoSimply can help companies gain better control over their inventory and manufacturing processes. It helps manage procurement and sales, offering a balanced approach to handling inventory in an increasingly uncertain environment.
Learn More: How to uncover supply chain vulnerabilities
Conclusion
Selecting the right inventory management system will have a lasting impact on your business’s efficiency and profitability. As global supply chains become more unpredictable, companies must invest in systems that can adapt to these changes.
By selecting a system that fits your business’s unique needs, you can ensure that your inventory is managed efficiently, even in the face of global challenges.
Contact BAASS Business Solutions experts today to learn how we can help you implement the best inventory management system for your needs.