Efficient inventory management is crucial for businesses of all sizes, but investing in expensive software isn’t always feasible, especially for small enterprises or startups. Fortunately, there’s a wealth of free inventory management solutions available that can help streamline your operations without denting your budget. Our team of experts has evaluated these tools based on their features, ease of use, and overall value to ensure you find the perfect fit for your business needs. Let’s explore these cost-effective solutions that can revolutionise your stock control and order fulfilment processes.
Zoho Inventory
Zoho Inventory offers a powerful free plan that caters to small businesses and startups looking to manage their stock effectively. This cloud-based solution provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies inventory tracking, order management, and basic reporting. The free version allows users to handle up to 50 orders per month, which is suitable for businesses in their early stages or those with low sales volumes.
Zoho Inventory integrates seamlessly with other Zoho products, making it an excellent choice for companies already using Zoho’s suite of business tools. The software also offers multi-channel selling capabilities, enabling users to sync inventory across various e-commerce platforms and marketplaces.
Key Features
- Item tracking and management
- Order and shipping management
- Basic reporting and analytics
- Multi-channel inventory sync
- Integration with Zoho CRM and other Zoho apps
- Barcode scanning
- Mobile app for iOS and Android
Zoho Inventory’s free plan is limited to 50 online orders per month, one warehouse, and two users. For businesses requiring more capacity, paid plans start at £39 per month when billed annually, offering increased order limits and additional features.
inFlow Inventory
inFlow Inventory provides a versatile solution for businesses of all sizes, with a free plan that offers essential inventory management features. This software is known for its intuitive interface and ease of use, making it accessible even for those new to inventory management systems. The free version of inFlow allows users to manage up to 100 products and customers, which is suitable for small businesses or those just starting out.
One of the standout aspects of inFlow is its ability to work both online and offline, ensuring that users can access their inventory data even without an internet connection. The software also offers customisable reports, helping businesses gain insights into their stock levels and sales performance.
Key Features
- Product and customer management
- Basic reporting
- Barcode generation and scanning
- Purchase order creation
- Online and offline access
- Mobile app for iOS and Android
- Multi-currency support
The free plan of inFlow Inventory is limited to 100 products and customers, with one user. For expanded capabilities, paid plans begin at £57 per month, offering unlimited products, customers, and additional features such as advanced reporting and multi-location inventory management.
Sortly
Sortly offers a user-friendly inventory management solution with a free plan that’s particularly well-suited for small businesses and individuals. This visually-oriented software allows users to easily categorise and track items using photos, making it ideal for businesses with diverse product lines. The free version of Sortly enables users to manage up to 100 entries, which can be sufficient for small-scale operations or personal use.
One of the key advantages of Sortly is its mobile-first approach, with a powerful app that allows for on-the-go inventory management, including barcode and QR code scanning capabilities. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses that need to track inventory across multiple locations or for field operations.
Key Features
- Visual inventory tracking with photos
- QR code and barcode scanning
- Custom fields for detailed item information
- Basic reporting
- Mobile app for iOS and Android
- Item history tracking
- Export data to CSV
Sortly’s free plan allows for up to 100 entries and one user. For businesses needing more capacity, paid plans start at £39 per month, offering unlimited entries, multiple users, and advanced features like custom branding and API access.
Stockpile
Stockpile offers a straightforward and efficient inventory management solution with a free plan that caters to small businesses and startups. This web-based software focuses on simplicity and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for those new to inventory management systems. The free version of Stockpile allows users to manage an unlimited number of items, which is a significant advantage compared to many other free inventory tools.
It provides basic inventory tracking features, including stock level monitoring, low stock alerts, and simple reporting capabilities. Stockpile’s interface is clean and intuitive, enabling users to quickly add, edit, and track inventory items without a steep learning curve.
Key Features
- Unlimited item management
- Stock level tracking
- Low stock alerts
- Basic reporting
- User permissions management
- CSV import and export
- Multi-location support
Stockpile’s free plan includes unlimited items and users, making it an attractive option for small businesses. The software is entirely free, with no paid tiers or hidden costs, offering all features to all users at no charge.
PartKeepr
PartKeepr is a free, open-source inventory management system that caters to businesses and individuals looking for a customisable solution. This software is particularly popular among electronics enthusiasts and small-scale manufacturers due to its focus on part management. Being open-source, PartKeepr offers unlimited flexibility for users with technical knowledge, allowing them to modify and adapt the software to their specific needs.
The system provides comprehensive features for tracking parts, including detailed specifications, stock levels, and storage locations. While it may require more technical expertise to set up compared to cloud-based solutions, PartKeepr offers powerful capabilities without any cost constraints.
Key Features
- Unlimited part and stock management
- Detailed part information tracking
- Barcode generation and printing
- Project management
- Stock level tracking and alerts
- Customisable fields and categories
- Reporting and statistics
PartKeepr is completely free and open-source, with no paid versions or limitations on usage. Users have full access to all features and can host the software on their own servers, providing complete control over their data and system customisation.
ABC Inventory
ABC Inventory offers a robust free inventory management solution that’s particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses. This Windows-based software provides a comprehensive set of features that cover various aspects of inventory control, from basic stock tracking to more advanced functions like batch tracking and serial number management.
The free version of ABC Inventory allows users to manage an unlimited number of items and transactions, making it a powerful tool for businesses of various sizes. One of the key strengths of ABC Inventory is its flexibility, allowing users to customise fields and reports to match their specific business needs. The software also includes features for purchase order management and basic accounting functions, providing a well-rounded solution for inventory-centric businesses.
Key Features
- Unlimited item and transaction management
- Multi-location inventory tracking
- Batch and serial number tracking
- Purchase order management
- Customisable fields and reports
- Basic accounting functions
- Barcode support
ABC Inventory’s free version includes all core features with no limitations on items or transactions. The software is entirely free for use, with no paid upgrades or hidden costs, making it an excellent option for businesses looking for a cost-effective inventory solution.
Odoo Inventory
Odoo Inventory is part of the larger Odoo suite of business applications, offering a powerful and scalable inventory management solution with a free plan option. This open-source software provides a comprehensive set of features that can handle complex inventory operations, making it suitable for businesses of various sizes.
The free version of Odoo Inventory allows users to manage basic stock operations and includes features like product tracking, inventory valuation, and basic reporting. One of the key advantages of Odoo is its modular approach, allowing businesses to integrate inventory management with other business functions like sales, purchasing, and manufacturing. This integration capability makes Odoo an attractive option for companies looking for a unified business management solution.
Key Features
- Product tracking and management
- Multi-warehouse management
- Inventory valuation
- Barcode scanning
- Basic reporting and analytics
- Integration with other Odoo modules
- Customisable workflows
Odoo’s free plan includes basic inventory management features and is limited to one app. For businesses requiring more functionality or integration with other Odoo apps, paid plans start at approximately £18 per user per month, offering access to additional modules and features.
Loyverse POS
Loyverse POS is a free point-of-sale system that includes robust inventory management features, making it an excellent choice for small retail businesses and restaurants. While primarily designed as a POS solution, its inventory capabilities are substantial enough to meet the needs of many small businesses.
The free version of Loyverse allows users to manage an unlimited number of products and track stock levels across multiple locations. One of the standout features of Loyverse is its user-friendly mobile app, which enables businesses to manage inventory on the go. The system also offers real-time sales and inventory reporting, providing valuable insights into stock movements and sales performance.
Key Features
- Unlimited product management
- Multi-location inventory tracking
- Real-time sales and inventory reporting
- Barcode scanning
- Low stock alerts
- Mobile app for iOS and Android
- Basic customer management
Loyverse’s free plan includes all core POS and inventory management features with no limitations on products or transactions. While the basic plan is free, Loyverse offers paid add-ons for advanced features like employee management and integrations, starting at around £5 per month.
RightControl
RightControl offers a straightforward inventory management solution with a free plan that’s particularly suited for small businesses and startups. This web-based software provides essential inventory tracking features in an easy-to-use interface, making it accessible for users with limited technical expertise.
The free version of RightControl allows users to manage up to 100 products, which can be sufficient for small-scale operations or businesses just starting out. One of the key advantages of RightControl is its focus on simplicity, offering core inventory management functions without overwhelming users with complex features. The system includes basic reporting capabilities, helping businesses gain insights into their stock levels and product performance.
Key Features
- Product management (up to 100 items in free plan)
- Stock level tracking
- Basic reporting
- Purchase order management
- Low stock alerts
- Multi-user access
- CSV import and export
RightControl’s free plan is limited to 100 products and includes basic inventory management features. For businesses needing more capacity, paid plans are available, starting at around £20 per month, offering unlimited products and additional features like advanced reporting and multi-location support.
Delivrd
Delivrd offers a cloud-based inventory management solution with a free plan that caters to small businesses and e-commerce sellers. This software provides a balance of simplicity and functionality, making it suitable for users who need more than basic inventory tracking but don’t require complex enterprise-level features. The free version of Delivrd allows users to manage up to 25 products, which can be adequate for small online stores or businesses with limited product lines.
One of the key strengths of Delivrd is its focus on e-commerce integration, offering connections with popular platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce. This makes it particularly useful for online sellers looking to synchronise their inventory across multiple sales channels.
Key Features
- Product management (up to 25 items in free plan)
- Order tracking and management
- Basic inventory reports
- E-commerce platform integrations
- Barcode generation
- Multi-currency support
- Email notifications for low stock
Delivrd’s free plan is limited to 25 products and includes basic inventory management features. For businesses requiring more capacity or advanced features, paid plans start at approximately £40 per month, offering unlimited products, advanced reporting, and additional integrations.
How to choose the best free inventory management software for you
Assess your business needs
Start by evaluating your specific inventory requirements. Consider factors such as the size of your business, the number of products you manage, and any industry-specific needs. Some free inventory management solutions excel at handling small businesses, while others are better suited for larger operations or particular sectors. Make a list of must-have features and nice-to-have extras to guide your selection process.
Compare features and limitations
Free inventory management software often comes with restrictions on the number of users, products, or transactions. Carefully review these limitations to ensure the software can accommodate your current needs and potential growth. Pay attention to key features like barcode scanning, real-time updates, reporting capabilities, and integration options with other business tools you use. Remember that while the core offering may be free, some advanced features might require a paid upgrade.
Test drive before committing
Many free inventory management solutions offer trial periods or demo versions. Take advantage of these opportunities to test the software in real-world scenarios. Pay attention to the user interface, ease of navigation, and how well it handles your typical inventory tasks. Involve your team in the testing process to gather diverse feedback and ensure the chosen software is a good fit for everyone who will be using it regularly.
Which Free Inventory Management Software Is Best?
Zoho Inventory’s free plan is ideal for small businesses just starting out. While it has some limitations, it offers key features like order management and basic reporting. Its user-friendly design and integration with other Zoho products make it a solid choice for beginners. We recommend Zoho Inventory for startups or small businesses needing a simple inventory management solution.
For growing businesses with more advanced needs, inFlow Inventory is a great choice. Its free plan includes useful features like barcode scanning and multi-location tracking, making it suitable for businesses with physical stores or warehouses. inFlow’s ability to scale with your business makes it a good long-term option. We recommend inFlow Inventory for mid-sized businesses with more complex inventory needs.
Sortly is perfect for individuals or small teams seeking simplicity. Its easy-to-use mobile app supports item tracking and customisable fields, making it versatile for various inventory needs. While lacking some advanced features, it’s a straightforward option for those who want a basic, no-fuss solution. We recommend Sortly for freelancers, artisans, or small teams prioritising mobility and ease of use.
Frequently Asked Questions about Free Inventory Management Software
What is inventory management software?
Inventory management software is a digital tool that helps businesses track, organise, and manage their stock levels, orders, sales, and deliveries. It’s designed to streamline inventory processes, reduce errors, and provide real-time insights into stock availability and movement.
Are free inventory management software options reliable?
Many free inventory management software options are reliable and offer essential features for small businesses or startups. However, they often come with limitations such as restricted user numbers, fewer integrations, or caps on inventory items. It’s important to choose a reputable provider and understand the limitations of the free plan.
What features should I look for in free inventory management software?
Key features to look for include basic stock tracking, low stock alerts, barcode scanning, reporting capabilities, and integration with other business tools. Some free options may also offer multi-location support, basic order management, and simple analytics.
Can free inventory software handle multiple warehouses or locations?
Some free inventory management software options do offer multi-location support, but it’s often limited. For example, Zoho Inventory’s free plan allows management of one warehouse, while others might restrict this feature to paid tiers. Check the specific features of each software to ensure it meets your multi-location needs.
Is open-source inventory management software like PartKeepr a good option?
Open-source options like PartKeepr can be excellent for businesses with technical expertise. They offer full customisation and no recurring costs. However, they typically require more setup and maintenance, and may lack the user-friendly interfaces and support of commercial solutions.
How do free inventory management software options make money?
Free inventory management software often operates on a freemium model. They offer basic features for free to attract users, then charge for advanced features, increased capacity, or additional users. This allows businesses to start with a free plan and upgrade as they grow and require more functionality.
Can I integrate free inventory software with my existing business tools?
Many free inventory management software options offer some level of integration with common business tools, especially e-commerce platforms and accounting software. However, the range of integrations is often more limited compared to paid versions. Check the integration capabilities of each software to ensure compatibility with your essential tools.
Is my data secure with free inventory management software?
Reputable free inventory management software providers typically implement standard security measures to protect user data. However, it’s crucial to review each provider’s security policies and data handling practices. Look for features like data encryption, regular backups, and compliance with data protection regulations.
Can I upgrade to a paid version if I outgrow the free plan?
Most providers offering free inventory management software also have paid tiers with additional features and capacity. Upgrading is usually straightforward and allows you to retain your existing data and settings. This scalability makes free plans an excellent starting point for growing businesses.
How much time does it take to set up and learn to use free inventory software?
The setup time varies depending on the software and your business complexity. Many free options are designed to be user-friendly and can be set up in a few hours to a few days. Most provide tutorials, documentation, or customer support to help you get started. However, more complex systems or those requiring significant data input may take longer to fully implement.
