Inventory management is the backbone of any successful business, ensuring smooth operations and satisfied customers. For businesses in the UK, this task comes with unique challenges managing multi-channel sales and keeping up with customer expectations in a fast-paced market. The right inventory management software can bridge the gap, transforming complex processes into efficient workflows.
In this blog, we’ll take you through the top inventory management solutions tailored for UK businesses. Whether you’re a small business owner or a large enterprise, these tools offer everything from real-time tracking to compliance-ready features. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to look for and which software fits your needs.
Software | Starting Price | Trial Period | Free version |
---|---|---|---|
Refrens | £17/month | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Zoho Inventory | £25/month | ✔️ | ❌ |
Odoro | $349/month | ✔️ | ❌ |
Cin7 | $349/month | ✔️ | ❌ |
Monday.com | $9/month | ❌ | ✔️ |
Sortly | $24/month | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Oracle Netsuite | Custom | ❌ | ❌ |
Inventory Planner | Custom | – | – |
Linnworks | Custom | ❌ | ❌ |
Katana | Custom | ✔️ | ❌ |
Key Features for Inventory Management Software for UK-Based Businesses
- Multi-Channel Integration: Seamless connectivity with e-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify, Amazon, eBay) to centralize inventory across sales channels.
- Real-Time Inventory Tracking: Monitor stock levels in real-time to avoid overselling or stockouts and ensure smooth operations.
- Multi-Warehouse Management: Manage inventory across multiple locations with centralized control for better organization and efficiency.
- Forecasting and Demand Planning: Leverage historical data to predict inventory needs, optimize stock levels, and prepare for seasonal demand.
- Barcode and QR Code Scanning: Simplify inventory updates and tracking with barcode and QR code scanning from mobile devices.
- Reporting and Analytics: Generate detailed insights on stock performance, turnover, and trends to make data-driven decisions.
- Integration with Accounting Tools: Sync with UK accounting software for streamlined financial management.
- Custom Alerts: Receive notifications for low stock, reorder points, and expiry dates to prevent disruptions.
- Secure Access Controls: Define roles and permissions for team members to ensure data security and efficient collaboration.
- Mobile-Friendly Features: Manage inventory on the go with apps designed for convenience and flexibility.
1. Refrens
Trusted by over 150,000 businesses across 170+ countries, Refrens is a comprehensive business management solution designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses in the UK. Specializing in inventory management, Refrens simplifies invoicing, automates stock updates, and streamlines expense tracking—all in one intuitive platform.
With features like secure cloud storage, role-based access controls, and regular updates, Refrens empowers businesses to efficiently manage their inventory while staying organized and boosting growth. Tailored for businesses of all sizes, it’s the ultimate solution for inventory invoicing and overall business efficiency.
Key Features:
- Effortless Stock Management: Easily add items individually or in bulk with Refrens. Keep inventory accurate with automatic stock updates for invoices, expenses, and orders.
- Real-Time Inventory Updates: Ensure your inventory is always accurate with automatic updates triggered by invoices, expenses, or purchase orders. No manual adjustments are needed.
- Comprehensive Warehouse Management: Monitor and manage stock across multiple warehouses. Automatically update inventory levels for invoices or purchase documents and track stock by location.
- Batch-Wise Inventory Tracking: Streamline inventory organization by managing stock in batches. Track batch details to ensure accurate movement and records during transactions.
- Serial Number Tracking: Assign and monitor unique serial numbers for items to maintain detailed records across sales, purchases, and stock transfers.
- Barcode-Enabled Operations: Speed up inventory processes with barcode scanning. Simplify product identification and optimize operations for better accuracy.
- Efficient Order Management: Track sales and purchase orders seamlessly. Manage deliveries, create delivery challans, and improve customer satisfaction through streamlined fulfillment.
- Detailed Reports for Profitability & Valuation: Analyze top-performing products with profitability reports. Access real-time inventory valuation data to make informed business decisions.
- Proactive Low Stock Alerts: Receive automatic notifications for low stock levels. Avoid stockouts and ensure timely replenishment with smart alerts.
- Customizable Sales and Purchase Orders: Create professional sales orders, purchase orders, and invoices using customizable templates for fonts, colors, and headers.
- Centralized Client & Vendor Management: Organize all client and vendor information in one place. Access detailed payment and transaction reports to simplify operations.
- Integrated Bookkeeping & Accounting: Automate journal entries, ledgers, and vouchers effortlessly. Generate essential reports like balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and payment summaries.
- Expense Tracking Made Simple: Log and categorize all business expenses in one platform. Monitor spending and maintain control over cash flow effortlessly.
- Multi-User Access with Role-Based Permissions: Manage your team effectively by assigning custom roles and permissions. Protect sensitive data while enabling seamless collaboration.
Additional Features:
Refrens brings together inventory, accounting, expense tracking, and sales CRM into one powerful platform. With features like 1-click sharing via WhatsApp and emails, smart suggestions, audit trails, and cloud-based access, Refrens simplifies operations while offering top-notch customer support.
Pricing:
- Basic Plan: Free
- Boutique Plan: £211/year
- Multi-Store Plan: £352/year
- Enterprise Plan: £422/year
User Reviews:
2. Ordoro
Ordoro is a powerful solution designed to simplify inventory management for e-commerce and small businesses. It seamlessly integrates with sales platforms, automates inventory updates, and ensures real-time synchronization. The software helps businesses stay organized with features like stock alerts, bundling tools, and multi-warehouse oversight. With Ordoro, managing inventory becomes intuitive, efficient, and scalable for businesses of all sizes.
Key Features:
- Real-Time Inventory Synchronization: Keeps stock levels updated across all connected sales platforms, preventing overstock or underselling issues.
- Automatic Low-Stock Notifications: Alerts you when inventory falls below set limits, ensuring proactive replenishment and uninterrupted operations.
- Product Bundling and Kitting: Easily create bundles and kits while tracking individual items, simplifying sales and fulfillment processes.
- Purchase Order Creation: Generate purchase orders directly from the platform and reconcile them with the received inventory for accuracy.
- Multi-Warehouse Oversight: Manage inventory across multiple storage locations with ease, including transfers and centralized stock tracking.
- Workflow Automation: Save time by automating stock allocation, tagging, and routing processes to streamline inventory management.
- Barcode Scanning Capability: Enhance efficiency and reduce errors with barcode scanning for inventory updates and order fulfillment.
Additional Features:
Ordoro extends its capabilities with advanced tools like third-party logistics (3PL) integration, an open API for custom solutions, and robust dropshipping management. It also provides detailed analytics to monitor business performance and supports businesses with dedicated onboarding and real-time assistance.
Pricing:
- Essential Plan: $349/month
- Advanced Plan: $499/month
User Reviews:
3. Monday.com
monday.com offers an adaptable platform for businesses to manage inventory alongside other operational needs. With its dynamic inventory template, it supports real-time tracking, workflow automation, and integrations with popular tools. Teams can efficiently oversee stock levels, assign responsibilities, and gain insights through intuitive dashboards. Built for collaboration, monday.com helps businesses streamline inventory processes while staying organized and productive.
Key Features:
- Tailored Inventory Templates: Start with pre-built inventory templates and customize them to fit your unique business requirements.
- Live Stock Updates and Alerts: Ensure accurate inventory records with instant updates and notifications to prevent overstocking or shortages.
- Automated Workflow Processes: Automate routine tasks like reordering inventory or notifying stakeholders of low stock levels, saving valuable time.
- Interactive Dashboard Views: Use visual tools such as Gantt charts and calendars to monitor stock trends and gain actionable insights.
- Mobile-Friendly Access: Keep track of inventory on the go with a mobile app designed for real-time updates and collaboration.
- Team Collaboration Features: Assign tasks, track progress, and enhance communication for better accountability and efficiency across teams.
- Seamless Integration Options: Connect with third-party apps like QuickBooks and Shopify to unify inventory tracking and other business workflows.
Additional Features:
monday.com goes beyond inventory tracking with tools for advanced reporting, built-in formulas, and real-time activity logs. Its user-friendly interface, robust automation capabilities, and 24/7 customer support make it ideal for businesses seeking a reliable and efficient solution.
Pricing:
- Free Plan: $0/month
- Basic Plan: $9/user/month
- Standard Plan: $12/user/month
- Pro Plan: $19/user/month
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing
User Reviews:
4. Zoho Inventory
Zoho Inventory is an all-in-one platform that simplifies stock management for businesses of all sizes. It offers real-time inventory monitoring across various sales channels, helping maintain optimal stock levels. The intuitive interface enables easy management of orders, shipments, and deliveries. Seamless integration with leading e-commerce platforms enhances efficiency, while advanced analytics empower smarter decision-making.
Key Features:
- Multi-Channel Stock Synchronization: Keep your inventory updated in real-time across all connected sales platforms, preventing overstocking or stockouts.
- End-to-End Order Handling: Streamline the creation, tracking, and fulfillment of purchase and sales orders for timely and accurate processing.
- Centralized Warehouse Oversight: Manage inventory across multiple warehouses, enabling smooth stock transfers and precise location tracking.
- Barcode Functionality: Use barcode generation and scanning to speed up fulfillment and minimize errors in stock management.
- Smart Reordering System: Automate stock replenishment by setting reorder points to generate purchase orders when inventory runs low.
- Integrated Shipping Tools: Simplify logistics with real-time shipping rates and partnerships with major carriers, ensuring efficient delivery.
- Detailed Analytics and Reporting: Access comprehensive insights into inventory, sales, and purchase trends to make informed business decisions.
Additional Features:
Zoho Inventory includes batch and expiry date tracking features, ideal for managing time-sensitive products. It integrates seamlessly with accounting software for accurate financial records and allows bundling of items with its composite item tools.
Pricing:
- Free Plan: £0/month
- Standard Plan: £25/month
- Professional Plan: £65/month
- Premium Plan: £105/month
- Enterprise Plan: £199/month
User Reviews:
5. Oracle NetSuite
Oracle NetSuite is a robust inventory management platform that simplifies tracking, optimizing, and managing inventory across multiple locations. It provides real-time visibility into stock levels, automates inventory processes, and reduces carrying costs. With intelligent fulfillment and demand-based planning, NetSuite ensures efficient operations, better stock control, and improved profitability.
Key Features:
- Real-Time Inventory Tracking: Access live updates on inventory levels across all locations, ensuring accurate stock data and operational efficiency.
- Multi-Location Management: Streamline inventory transfers and fulfillment between locations while minimizing shipping costs and stockouts.
- Automated Cycle Counting: Conduct periodic inventory checks without disruptions, ensuring consistent accuracy in stock data.
- Demand-Based Replenishment: Plan inventory replenishments using historical data, forecasts, and seasonal trends to maintain optimal stock levels.
- Complete Traceability: Track inventory movements from suppliers to customers, ensuring accountability and simplifying audits.
- Smart Fulfillment: Optimize stock allocation for orders, reducing handling costs and improving delivery times.
- Enhanced Item Visibility: Identify slow-moving or surplus stock to make informed decisions and improve inventory efficiency.
Additional Features:
NetSuite also includes powerful reporting tools, customizable dashboards, and seamless ERP integration. It supports barcode scanning, vendor-managed inventory, and advanced analytics for better inventory insights. The system is scalable and adaptable, catering to businesses of all sizes with ease.
Pricing:
Contact Oracle NetSuite for a custom quote tailored to your business needs.
User Reviews:
6. Inventory Planner
Inventory Planner by Sage streamlines forecasting, ordering, and reporting, making inventory management effortless. With predictive analytics and smart purchasing suggestions, it prevents stockouts and surplus while improving cash flow. Seamlessly integrating with e-commerce and ERP systems, it’s scalable for businesses of all sizes. Stay ahead of demand with real-time data insights and have better control over your inventory processes.
Key Features:
- Advanced Forecasting: Leverage historical sales trends and seasonal patterns to accurately predict inventory needs and optimize stock levels.
- Smart Purchasing Advice: Get automated purchase suggestions to reduce surplus inventory and ensure you’re always stocked with what you need.
- Strategic Open-to-Buy Tools: Align inventory investments with revenue goals and market demand through detailed open-to-buy planning tools.
- Detailed Variant Analytics: Evaluate product variations, such as sizes or colors, to make data-driven decisions and improve stock allocation.
- Comprehensive Reporting: Access a robust suite of metrics to monitor sales performance, margins, and inventory turnover with ease.
- Streamlined Purchase Orders: Automate order generation to save time and reduce errors, ensuring inventory is replenished efficiently.
- Omnichannel Syncing: Integrate seamlessly with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and Magento to maintain real-time inventory visibility across all channels.
Additional Features:
Inventory Planner also delivers actionable insights through retail-focused analytics, designed to enhance decision-making across operations. Its customer support team, comprised of industry professionals, ensures a smooth onboarding process and ongoing assistance. The software adapts to growing business needs with its scalable ERP and IMS integrations.
Pricing:
Tailored pricing to fit unique business needs.
User Reviews:
7. Linnworks
Linnworks is an advanced inventory management solution designed to simplify and centralize stock operations. It seamlessly connects your inventory with multiple sales channels, ensuring real-time accuracy and preventing overselling or stockouts. The platform automates tedious processes, giving businesses more time to focus on growth. With robust tools for integration and warehouse management, Linnworks is a reliable choice for businesses of all scales.
Key Features:
- Unified Inventory Hub: Keep all inventory data in one place for easy access and streamlined management.
- Live Stock Synchronization: Automatically update inventory levels across sales platforms to avoid discrepancies.
- Order Fulfillment and Shipping: Enhance order accuracy and optimize shipping workflows for faster delivery times.
- Warehouse Tools: Digitize warehouse operations with tools for bin setup, replenishment, and smart picking lists.
- Predictive Stock Planning: Use historical data and trends to forecast inventory needs and maintain optimal stock levels.
- Multichannel Product Listings: Manage, edit, and sync product listings across various e-commerce platforms with ease.
- Insightful Reporting: Access detailed reports on inventory, sales trends, and operational performance to guide decision-making.
Additional Features:
Linnworks also provides API integration for advanced customization, purchase order management, and flexible routing rules. Its fast onboarding process and 100+ e-commerce integrations ensure businesses can quickly implement and scale their operations effectively.
Pricing:
- Costs vary based on order volume.
- Optional add-ons include tools for product listing, forecasting, and warehouse management.
User Reviews:
8. Cin7
Cin7 is a powerful cloud-based inventory management software that simplifies complex operations for businesses in the UK. Designed to connect your entire inventory process, Cin7 offers real-time tracking and automation to keep your stock levels accurate across all channels. With seamless integrations for e-commerce, accounting, and POS systems, it streamlines everything from order management to reporting.
Key Features:
- Real-Time Stock Visibility: Get instant updates on your inventory across multiple locations and channels, ensuring precise stock control.
- Centralized Order Management: Handle purchases, sales, returns, and fulfillment seamlessly from one unified platform.
- Optimized Warehouse Operations: Automate picking, packing, and transfers with barcode scanning, improving accuracy and saving time.
- E-Commerce Integration: Connect with platforms like Amazon and Shopify to synchronize inventory and manage orders effortlessly.
- Reordering Alerts: Receive automatic notifications for stock replenishment to avoid overselling or running out of inventory.
- Custom SKU Management: Create and track SKUs based on your specific requirements, such as variations in size, color, or type.
- Detailed Reporting and Insights: Access comprehensive reports on stock levels, sales performance, and costs to make informed business decisions.
Additional Features:
Cin7 offers advanced capabilities like batch tracking for expiring products, multi-location management, and integration with cost accounting systems. It’s built to adapt to your growing needs, with flexible add-ons for enhanced functionality like advanced manufacturing and B2B portals.
Pricing:
- Standard Plan: $349/month for core inventory and order management tools.
- Pro Plan: $599/month, including POS, e-commerce, and warehouse features.
- Advanced Plan: $999/month, designed for automation and high-order volume.
- Omni Plan: Custom pricing for enterprise needs like EDI/3PL and tailored solutions.
User Reviews:
9. Katana
Katana Cloud Inventory is a dynamic, cloud-based platform tailored for growing businesses to manage inventory with ease. It offers real-time stock level updates, so you’re always informed about what’s available and what needs replenishment. Whether it’s raw materials or finished goods, Katana ensures seamless inventory tracking across multiple locations. With powerful integrations for e-commerce platforms and accounting software, it consolidates your inventory and sales data in one centralized hub.
Key Features:
- Live Inventory Tracking: Monitor stock levels in real-time to avoid shortages or overstocking, keeping operations smooth.
- Complete Traceability: Track every product’s journey from raw material to final sale, ensuring transparency and control.
- Multi-Location Control: Manage inventory across multiple warehouses and storefronts from a single platform.
- Smart Purchase Orders: Automate purchase tracking and set reorder points to streamline procurement and avoid delays.
- Multi-Channel Integration: Sync inventory data with platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce for seamless sales management.
- Safety Stock Alerts: Set and monitor minimum stock levels to ensure uninterrupted order fulfillment.
- Planning and Forecasting: Use data insights to predict inventory needs, optimize production, and make smarter business decisions.
Additional Features:
Katana also integrates with tools like QuickBooks and Xero for streamlined accounting. Its open API offers customization options, while built-in reporting gives you a clear view of revenue, costs, and operations. Designed for easy onboarding, Katana ensures you’re up and running quickly without hassle.
Pricing:
- Essential Plan: Custom pricing – includes basic inventory and order management tools.
User Reviews:
10. Sortly
Sortly is a user-friendly, cloud-based inventory management tool tailored to meet the needs of businesses in the UK. It simplifies inventory tracking with customizable features, barcode and QR code scanning, and real-time updates. The platform supports team collaboration with multi-user access and role-based permissions. With automated alerts and offline functionality. Ideal for managing supplies, tools, and assets, Sortly is designed to streamline your inventory operations.
Key Features:
- Customizable Inventory System: Organize your inventory with personalized fields, folders, and tags to match your specific needs.
- Barcode and QR Code Support: Easily add, track, and manage items using your smartphone for barcode and QR code scanning.
- Smart Stock Alerts: Stay ahead with instant notifications when stock levels drop below your preset thresholds.
- Offline Access: Manage and update inventory even when you’re offline, ensuring uninterrupted workflows.
- Detailed Reporting Tools: Generate reports on stock levels, movement, and user activity to make data-driven decisions.
- Team-Friendly Management: Invite team members with flexible roles and permissions for seamless collaboration.
- Purchase Order Creation: Quickly generate and export purchase orders with all relevant item details included.
Additional Features:
Sortly also integrates with popular platforms like QuickBooks and Slack, making it easier to sync financial and operational data. The software provides email notifications for reordering and customizable API access for tailored solutions, helping businesses maintain efficient inventory systems.
Pricing:
- Free Plan: Manage up to 100 entries with basic features.
- Advanced Plan: $24/month
- Ultra Plan: $74/month
- Premium Plan: $149/month
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for larger teams and advanced integrations.
User Reviews:
Factors to Consider When Choosing Inventory Management Software for Your Business in the UK
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the software complies with UK-specific regulations such as VAT and Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements. Compliance with data protection laws like GDPR is also essential.
- Market and Industry Trends: Look for software tailored to your industry. For instance, retail businesses may prioritize multi-channel integrations, while manufacturing firms might need tools for raw material tracking and production management.
- Integration Capabilities: Choose software that integrates seamlessly with other tools you use, such as accounting systems, e-commerce platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce), and payment gateways.
- Supplier and Vendor Ecosystem: Evaluate whether the software supports efficient supplier management, purchase orders, and communication to handle a diverse vendor base..
- Customer Expectations: In a competitive UK market, customer satisfaction is key. Software with real-time tracking, faster order fulfillment, and accurate stock updates ensures you meet customer demands effectively.
- Economic and Market Conditions: Consider how the software helps you adapt to economic fluctuations, such as supply chain disruptions or changes in demand, by offering forecasting and inventory planning tools.
- Localization Features: UK-specific features, such as pricing in GBP, local tax configurations, and compliance with UK logistics systems, should be prioritized for smooth operations.
- Cloud and Mobile Accessibility: With remote work trends, cloud-based software with mobile compatibility ensures you can manage inventory anytime, anywhere.
Conclusion
Effective inventory management isn’t just about tracking stock—it’s about building a system that supports your growth, ensures compliance, and keeps customers coming back. The software solutions highlighted in this blog are more than tools—they’re partners in optimizing your operations and driving your business forward.
Take the time to assess your needs, compare features, and explore the options that best align with your goals. With the right inventory management software, your business won’t just keep up—it will thrive in the dynamic UK market. The future of efficient, scalable inventory management starts here.