I’m looking for a reliable alternative to Unleashed Software for inventory management. Our team has faced some limitations with the current system, and we need help finding a new solution that better fits our needs. Any recommendations for software tools with similar features?
1. TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce)
- Homepage Link: Intuit QuickBooks Commerce
- Pros:
- Excellent integration with QuickBooks for accounting.
- Intuitive user interface.
- Strong order and inventory tracking across multiple sales channels.
- Cons:
- Limited enterprise-level scalability.
- Expensive for smaller businesses.
- Features:
- Multichannel inventory management.
- Demand forecasting.
- Powerful sales analytics tools.
- Integrations with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon.
- User Reviews:
- Big thumbs up for SMBs who already use QuickBooks.
- Reviewers often laud the streamlined inventory workflow but note that QuickBooks-centric integration limits flexibility for non-QB users.
- Verdict: If you’re already in the QuickBooks ecosystem, this system shines, but it might feel restrictive if you’re not.
2. DEAR Systems
- Homepage Link: DEAR Systems
- Pros:
- Highly detailed reporting capabilities.
- Superb integration with major eCommerce platforms.
- Handles manufacturing with built-in BOM tools.
- Cons:
- Data entry setup can be time-consuming.
- UI feels a bit dated for some users.
- Features:
- Workflow automation for purchasing, sales, and shipping.
- Batch tracking features for food & beverage companies.
- Cloud-based inventory management.
- User Reviews:
- Most users rave about its robust manufacturing management. However, new users report some growing pains during the setup phase.
- Verdict: Ideal for businesses involved in manufacturing or food industries; robust but with a learning curve.
3. Katana MRP
- Homepage Link: Katana MRP
- Pros:
- Tailored specifically for manufacturers.
- Easy-to-use production planning dashboard.
- Real-time inventory updates.
- Cons:
- Limited reporting and analytics functionality.
- Not suitable for businesses outside manufacturing.
- Features:
- Live inventory tracking linked to raw materials and finished goods.
- Visual production flow management.
- Integration with platforms like Xero, Shopify, and QuickBooks.
- User Reviews:
- Users describe it as a game-changer for small-scale manufacturers but recommend more advanced reporting features for larger operations.
- Verdict: A solid, low-cost choice for small manufacturers; weak for non-manufacturing businesses.
4. Cin7
- Homepage Link: Cin7
- Pros:
- Fully automated workflows for inventory and orders.
- Supports B2B & B2C sales simultaneously.
- Supports integrations with over 500 apps.
- Cons:
- Pricing tiers can get expensive quickly.
- The learning curve is steep for non-technical users.
- Features:
- RFID tracking for large-scale inventories.
- Third-party logistics (3PL) integration.
- Centralized multi-channel inventory management.
- User Reviews:
- Widely praised for large-scale inventory operations by businesses with multiple warehouses and sales channels but flagged for complex onboarding.
- Verdict: Best suited for enterprises with complex workflows but overkill for small businesses.
5. Zoho Inventory
- Homepage Link: Zoho Inventory
- Pros:
- Affordable pricing plans.
- Scales with your business effectively.
- Integrates smoothly with Zoho ecosystem tools.
- Cons:
- Limited features on lower-tier packages.
- Weak manufacturing and assembly functionality.
- Features:
- Barcode scanning.
- Email and SMS automation for stock alerts.
- Integrates with Shopify, eBay, Etsy, and Amazon.
- User Reviews:
- SMBs appreciate its clean UI and affordability but say it lacks power for manufacturing-heavy industries.
- Verdict: Perfect for startups and small eCommerce shops with limited inventories.
6. Brightpearl
- Homepage Link: Brightpearl
- Pros:
- Fully automates inventory, orders, and accounting.
- Handles high-volume inventory efficiently.
- Built specifically for multichannel retailers.
- Cons:
- Expensive minimum subscription commitment.
- Customer support can be slow at times.
- Features:
- Real-time auditing for inventory accuracy.
- Demand planning tools.
- Omnichannel inventory synchronization.
- User Reviews:
- Known for helping retailers scale seamlessly, but some note their customer support response times can lag.
- Verdict: An excellent tool for retail companies who operate on a large scale or deal with high transaction volumes.
7. Fishbowl Inventory
- Homepage Link: Fishbowl Inventory
- Pros:
- Robust manufacturing integration.
- Good value at its price point.
- QuickBooks-friendly setup.
- Cons:
- Lacks cloud-native capabilities.
- Outdated user interface.
- Features:
- Track inventory across multiple warehouses.
- Manufacturing orders & work orders.
- EDI integration for large enterprises.
- User Reviews:
- Great overall user experience for small-medium businesses, but criticisms for a lack of continuous updates to the software.
- Verdict: An affordable and reliable option if you don’t require cloud-first infrastructure.
8. Ordoro
- Homepage Link: Ordoro
- Pros:
- Designed with eCommerce logistics in mind.
- Simple, concise dashboard for inventory management.
- Great shipping automation tools built-in.
- Cons:
- Reporting tools are somewhat basic.
- Limited integrations compared to competitors.
- Features:
- Shipping label generation.
- Supplier management for drop shipping.
- Barcode scanning for inventory tracking.
- User Reviews:
- Highly positive among online sellers but often critiqued for its limited analytics depth.
- Verdict: The go-to solution for small eCommerce retailers focused on fulfillment.
9. Odoo Inventory
- Homepage Link: Odoo Inventory
- Pros:
- Fully open-source and customizable.
- No vendor lock-in.
- Excellent add-ons for growing businesses.
- Cons:
- Requires technical know-how for implementation.
- UX is plain compared to competitors.
- Features:
- Automated replenishments and stock transfers.
- Compatibility across 30+ modules such as CRM and accounting.
- Inventory forecasts with AI tools.
- User Reviews:
- Lots of praise for its modular extensibility but significant concerns over needing code-level customization.
- Verdict: Best if you need a highly customizable, open platform and have an in-house tech team.
10. Skubana
- Homepage Link: Skubana
- Pros:
- Superior demand forecasting tools.
- Great for high-volume multichannel sellers.
- Advanced analytics dashboards.
- Cons:
- Better suited for mid-to-large businesses.
- High pricing deters small businesses.
- Features:
- Cost of goods sold (COGS) tracking.
- Automated order routing workflows.
- Global inventory visibility across warehouses.
- User Reviews:
- Hugely popular among midsize eCommerce brands, but complaints about its pricey subscription model are common.
- Verdict: Fantastic for scaling eCommerce brands. Not budget-friendly for mom-and-pop shops.
Final Thoughts: You’ve got loads of options based on what you need—whether it’s affordability (Zoho), manufacturing focus (Katana), or mass eCommerce support (Skubana). Test a few trial versions to see what clicks.