--- layout: default_v3 language: default permalink: i18n_link: 5200 updated: 2023-04-07 #--- article key-values ---# collection: default_articles category: inventory-management tags: inventory management, inventory, management software, altametrics type: article page_id: 5200 hreflang_id: 5200 date_published: 2022-03-25 date_modified: 2023-04-07 #--- javascript schema ---# javascript_schema: - script: jquery_3_2_0_min - script: bootstrap_min - script: article_infinite_scroll - script: article_mix_infinitescroll - script: article_mix - script: article_mix_faq - script: article_mix_toc #--- section schema ---# section_schema: - section: nav-main_menu - section: nav_submenu_iconview_v2 - section: article_body_v2 - section: footer - section: footer-sticky_cta_bar - section: schedule_demo_cta #--- page key-values ---# meta_tags: t_meta_title: Top Free Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses t_meta_description: It is important to have an inventory management software that is available, easy to use, and most importantly free. Here is a list of some best free inventory management software for small businesses t_meta_abstract: It is important to have an inventory management software that is available, easy to use, and most importantly free. Here is a list of some best free inventory management software for small businesses i_meta_image: article_body: json-ld_article: v_date_published: 2022-03-25 v_date_modified: 2023-04-07 author: p_author_id: 188 t_author: Khushboo Batta p_author_url: khushboo-batta.html i_author: 188.png t_author_description: I have worked as a journalist for over five years. My last term was with Times Of India where I covered beats including politics, business and civic. Working in a newsroom has honed my research and analysis skills. So I am extra cautious about the kind and source of information I use in my articles. Hope you enjoy the read! Hope you enjoy the read! p_author_facebook: www.altametrics.com p_author_twitter: https://twitter.com/www.altametrics.com p_author_linkedin: p_author_instagram: podcast_section: v_links: podcast_links: - t_title: Iheart Radio v_url: i_icon: iheart_radio_icon.png - t_title: Amazon Music v_url: i_icon: amazon_music_icon.png - t_title: Youtube Music v_url: i_icon: youtube_music_icon.png - t_title: Spotify v_url: i_icon: spotify_icon.png feature_snippet: p_type: text t_title: What is free inventory management software ? t_description: Inventory management is an important part of running a business. It can be time-consuming, it requires significant investment, and many businesses don't have the resources to hire a full-time inventory manager. Free inventory management software allows small businesses to manage their inventory more efficiently and effortlessly. Here are some of the benefits that free inventory management software can offer. content: heading: t_title: Top Free Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses t_description: It is important to have an inventory management software that is available, easy to use, and most importantly free. Here is a list of some best free inventory management software for small businesses image: i_image: top-free-inventory-management-software-for-small-businesses-1646916383-5321.png t_image_description: Pick an inventory system that facilitates warehouse management v_image_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/high-level-rack-warehouse-range-408222/ v_image_license: Creative Commons Zero v_video: paragraphs: - t_headline: What is Inventory Management Software? t_text: We might see the word management multiple times while turning the pages of a business magazine . However, the ground reality is different. People often underrate management' as it is not tangible. But did you know, apart from cost saving and right pricing, it is effective management that can dictate business profit!

Yes, whether is it is your finance, your workforce or even your inventory, a good management can do wonders! It can streamline the activities of a team and different departments to success of your business.
Similarly, efficient inventory management can help you strengthen your revenue and profits, restricting unnecessary costs and wastage.

Small businesses are now switching to inventory management systems . Inventory management software automates the entire stock processincluding inventory tracking , order management and warehouse management .

Inventory management system starts its job right from the time an order arrives in the warehouse . It updates the stock level after every purchase and sale and managers can place the purchase orders accordingly. An inventory management system also helps stock managers in inventory tracking across multiple locations .

There are quite some free inventory software out in the market. Go explore! p_headline_type: h3 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: callout_text: - t_title: Small businesses switching to inventory software t_text: Inventory tracking | order management | warehouse management - t_headline: Why a small business needs inventory management software t_text: 1. Inventory Tracking
For a human, to keep track of inventory after receiving the purchase order and update the stock levels post every transaction can be an arduous task . There is higher chance of errors as it includes a lot of numbers and vendors.

Let's do it tech way! Just link it with other key systems like point of sale . When the sold item undergoes barcode scanning at the counter, it will reduce the stock level from the inventory in real time to show the updated stock. In case you have more than one stores, the inventory management software can keep track of your stock across multiple locations . The business owners can now trace the variance per month, if any.

2. Correct reordering-
Now, we know the inventory software updates the stock levels after every purchase and sale in real time. It gives managers information on the most and least selling items , the quantity left in the warehouse . This data helps managers to place the right purchase order at the right time.

Also, know when the manager knows the products that are in demand, they can purchase them in large amount so that they are able to do order fulfillment even during peak seasons .

The inventory app allows you to set your low stock limit. Once the stock levels fall below your prescribed level, it will notify the business owners, so to avoid out of stock' situation.

3. Cost Saving-
Apart from its own cost, inventory carries a lot of other charges too, like transportation cost, insurance fee , warehousing cost and more. The inventory management software gives managers an idea of how much stock of a product is left in hand and how much more is needed. This enables managers to order the items as per the requirement, minimizing chances of overstocking. Consequently, restricting insurance, transportation and warehouse management costs. p_headline_type: h3 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: callout_text: - t_title: Place accurate purchase orders t_text: Real time tracking | inventory tracking | updates stock levels call_to_action: p_type: onboarding t_title: Managing inventory can be a pain. t_text: You need to find the perfect inventory management software for your business, but it seems like you are always running into the same problem. t_button_text: Altametrics Back Office p_button_url: https://altametrics.com/schedule-demo.html p_button_color: 4dc755 v_form_id: v_product: altametrics background: type: image i_image: https://wp.altametrics.com/assets/images/cta/64-Screenshot_from_2022-02-10_23-33-31.png p_video: p_color: - t_headline: What kind of inventory management software is available? t_text: 1. Barcode Scanning Inventory Management System -
Medium or small businesses assign unique codes to number to the products they sell . These unique codes are called barcodes. These barcodes store information like serial number, weight, dimension and supplier of the item. The barcode scanners are linked with point of sale system, which in integrated with inventory system. When these product undergo barcode scanning, they would read the product information and update stock levels .

2. RFID Inventory Management System-
Here, instead of barcodes, RFID (Radio frequency identification) tags are assigned to the products. These RFID tags consist of a microchip that stores product details. It requires a scanner that can interact with radio waves to read the product information. Mostly passive RFIDs are used for tracking inventory. While active RFID tagsthat consists batteries, are used to track big machineries like cars and trucks.
Unlike barcodes which uses line of sight' scan, RFID tags can be used from distance, resulting in expedited inventory processing. p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: callout_text: - t_title: RFID tags can be scanned from distance t_text: Management tools | barcode scanning - t_headline: Helpful Criteria When Choosing an Inventory Management Software t_text: While picking the inventory management software best for your business, do not forget to check if it has these features-

1. Integration-
This is an indispensable feature. Integrations multiply the power and efficiency of any software. When you integrate your inventory management software with point of sale system, it keeps track of items sold during the day. And revises the stock levels after every transaction, resulting in smooth inventory tracking .
Similarly, when you integrate your inventory management system with accounting software , it auto-updates your inventory or stock in hand account, ensuring a hassle-free tax season.

2. Automated reordering-
All you need to do is set minimum level or quantities of your top selling items, and sit back. When your stock reaches the minimum level, your inventory management system will automatically generate the purchase order , which you can send it to your supplier.
This helps to ensure order fulfillment on time , and avoid stock-outs! p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: callout_text: - t_headline: Things to Look for in an Inventory Management Software t_text: 1. Real-time inventory tracking
2. Set low stock alerts
3. Unlimited SKUs
4. Barcode scanning
5. User-friendly interface
6. Mobile app on iOS and Android for easy access p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: callout_text: - t_title: Make sure the inventory system has a mobile app t_text: User friendly | management tools | stock alerts | credit card call_to_action: p_type: leadcapture t_title: Inventory management can be a headache. t_text: Keeping track of the inventory for your business is difficult and time-consuming. t_button_text: Download now! p_button_url: https://altametrics.com/schedule-demo.html p_button_color: ff7a59 v_form_id: 105 v_product: altametrics background: type: image i_image: https://wp.altametrics.com/assets/images/cta/5-3.png p_video: p_color: - t_headline: The 4 Best Free Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses t_text: 1. Square- Cloud-based solution that provides free inventory management. It charges an up-gradation cost of $60 per user per month.

2. Rentle- It takes care of Inventory Management order management and provides real-time tracking all for free! Only charges $477per month per store for upgradation.

3. Upkeep- It allows Inventory Management, improving Supply Chain efficiency, The Upkeep mobile app is available on iOS and Android, helps in cost control and updating stock levels. Charges only $45 per month per user as up-gradation cost.

4. Zoho inventory- It is a cloud-based Inventory Management solution. Key features of Zoho inventory include order management and warehouse management as well. Zoho inventory mobile app is available to iOS and Android. Charges $59 per month per organization for upgrading. p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: callout_text: - t_title: Explore some free inventory management systems t_text: Paid plans | Zoho inventory | cloud based | free version | free plan
- t_headline: Conclusion To Free Inventory Management t_text: Not all businesses are same and neither are their challenges. Identify the needs of your business. Look for the Inventory Management system that is in line with your business needs , nature and scale . Go for the
Inventory Management solution that provides a comprehensive solution to your inventory problems. p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: callout_text: call_to_action: p_type: signup t_title: Managing inventory can be a challenge. t_text: Inventory management software is not an easy thing to find. t_button_text: Get Started Free p_button_url: https://altametrics.com/schedule-demo.html p_button_color: ff7a59 v_form_id: 136 v_product: altametrics background: type: color i_image: p_video: p_color: 000080 event_body: json-ld_event: t_name: Employee Scheduling for Restaurant Managers t_description: Attendees will learn how create excellent schedules. The class teaches managers how to estimate the number of employees they need to staff their locations; how to accurately forecast their customer demand; how to quickly and accuaratly write and communicate schedules to employees; and how to evaluate the accuracy and optimization of their schedules to make adjustments. v_start_date: 2022-08-08 i_image: p_location_name: Altametrics Online Webinar Course p_address: webinar.altametrics.com?site=altametrics v_price: 10.00 t_offer_description: Priority Registration v_registration_url: webinar.altametrics.com?site=altametrics faq: t_faq_title: Frequently Asked Questions faq_ask: - t_question: What is the best stock control software? t_answer: One of the most common problems for small businesses is not being able to keep up with the amount of work that they need to do. This means that people are always on the go and there is always something to be done. However, this never-ending workload can be overwhelming. One way to solve this problem is with a stock control software. Stocks control software makes it easier for you to monitor your inventory and manage your orders. You can also use stock control software in conjunction with inventory management software or CRM programs that will allow you to track customer information and performance. Here, are some top rated stock control software options that can help simplify your work life. - t_question: How can I keep track of my inventory for free? t_answer: Do you have a product that you want to sell online? If so, it is important for you to keep track of the inventory that you have in stock. A good way to do this is by using an inventory management software. Inventory management software can help you get your products off the shelves by providing real-time updates on how many units are available and in which locations they are located. Click here to find out more about inventory management software and how it can help your business! - t_question: How can I keep track of my inventory online? t_answer: Managing inventory can be a tricky task, let alone if you are selling online. There are many different ways to keep track of your inventory online, such as using Excel spreadsheets or using inventory management software. It's never been easier than it is now to keep track of how many items you have left in stock and what the total costs are. Some of the best inventory management software includes Quickbooks and Salesforce. Inventory management software is one of the key tools for any ecommerce business owner looking to grow their business further. With reliable tools like these, keeping track of your inventory is less challenging than ever before. - t_question: How do you create a simple inventory management system? t_answer: Inventory management systems are central to every business. Without one, your products may go out of stock and you might lose money even though you thought your business was making profits. But how do you create a simple inventory management system? This guide will teach you all the basic steps in designing an effective inventory management system that will help track sales, manage expenses, and more. ---