Quick Overview
- 1#1: ApparelMagic - All-in-one ERP platform tailored for apparel businesses to manage inventory, production orders, purchasing, and CRM with style-color-size matrix support.
- 2#2: PolyPM - Production and inventory management software designed for sewn goods manufacturers handling bills of materials, style matrices, and multi-location tracking.
- 3#3: Fishbowl Inventory - Advanced inventory control system with variant tracking for sizes and colors, QuickBooks integration, and manufacturing features ideal for apparel distributors.
- 4#4: NuOrder - Wholesale order and inventory management platform for fashion brands enabling real-time stock visibility, replenishment, and multi-channel selling.
- 5#5: Cin7 - Omnichannel inventory management software that syncs stock across eCommerce, POS, and marketplaces with support for apparel variants and B2B ordering.
- 6#6: DEAR Inventory - Cloud-based inventory and order management system with BOM support, landed cost tracking, and POS integration suited for apparel manufacturing and retail.
- 7#7: Katana MRP - Real-time manufacturing resource planning tool for apparel makers to track live inventory, production planning, and multi-location stock with variant support.
- 8#8: Lightspeed Retail - POS and inventory management solution for fashion retailers offering matrix inventory for sizes/colors, multi-store support, and eCommerce integration.
- 9#9: Odoo Inventory - Open-source modular ERP with customizable inventory app for apparel tracking variants, serial numbers, warehouse management, and manufacturing workflows.
- 10#10: Zoho Inventory - Affordable cloud inventory software handling apparel SKUs with multi-channel sales sync, bundle kits, and vendor management for small retailers.
Tools were selected based on robust feature sets, user-centric design, proven market performance, and value, ensuring they cater to diverse needs across the apparel industry.
Comparison Table
Effective inventory management is vital for apparel businesses, as it directly impacts stock accuracy and order fulfillment efficiency. This comparison table evaluates top tools like ApparelMagic, PolyPM, Fishbowl Inventory, NuOrder, Cin7, and more, outlining key features to help readers understand which software aligns with their operational needs. By analyzing functionality, integration capabilities, and usability, readers can make informed choices to optimize their inventory processes.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ApparelMagic All-in-one ERP platform tailored for apparel businesses to manage inventory, production orders, purchasing, and CRM with style-color-size matrix support. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | PolyPM Production and inventory management software designed for sewn goods manufacturers handling bills of materials, style matrices, and multi-location tracking. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Fishbowl Inventory Advanced inventory control system with variant tracking for sizes and colors, QuickBooks integration, and manufacturing features ideal for apparel distributors. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | NuOrder Wholesale order and inventory management platform for fashion brands enabling real-time stock visibility, replenishment, and multi-channel selling. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Cin7 Omnichannel inventory management software that syncs stock across eCommerce, POS, and marketplaces with support for apparel variants and B2B ordering. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | DEAR Inventory Cloud-based inventory and order management system with BOM support, landed cost tracking, and POS integration suited for apparel manufacturing and retail. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Katana MRP Real-time manufacturing resource planning tool for apparel makers to track live inventory, production planning, and multi-location stock with variant support. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | Lightspeed Retail POS and inventory management solution for fashion retailers offering matrix inventory for sizes/colors, multi-store support, and eCommerce integration. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Odoo Inventory Open-source modular ERP with customizable inventory app for apparel tracking variants, serial numbers, warehouse management, and manufacturing workflows. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.1/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | Zoho Inventory Affordable cloud inventory software handling apparel SKUs with multi-channel sales sync, bundle kits, and vendor management for small retailers. | other | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
All-in-one ERP platform tailored for apparel businesses to manage inventory, production orders, purchasing, and CRM with style-color-size matrix support.
Production and inventory management software designed for sewn goods manufacturers handling bills of materials, style matrices, and multi-location tracking.
Advanced inventory control system with variant tracking for sizes and colors, QuickBooks integration, and manufacturing features ideal for apparel distributors.
Wholesale order and inventory management platform for fashion brands enabling real-time stock visibility, replenishment, and multi-channel selling.
Omnichannel inventory management software that syncs stock across eCommerce, POS, and marketplaces with support for apparel variants and B2B ordering.
Cloud-based inventory and order management system with BOM support, landed cost tracking, and POS integration suited for apparel manufacturing and retail.
Real-time manufacturing resource planning tool for apparel makers to track live inventory, production planning, and multi-location stock with variant support.
POS and inventory management solution for fashion retailers offering matrix inventory for sizes/colors, multi-store support, and eCommerce integration.
Open-source modular ERP with customizable inventory app for apparel tracking variants, serial numbers, warehouse management, and manufacturing workflows.
Affordable cloud inventory software handling apparel SKUs with multi-channel sales sync, bundle kits, and vendor management for small retailers.
ApparelMagic
specializedAll-in-one ERP platform tailored for apparel businesses to manage inventory, production orders, purchasing, and CRM with style-color-size matrix support.
Advanced style master database with unlimited size/color/style variations, automated costing, and production planning tailored for apparel
ApparelMagic is a comprehensive ERP software designed specifically for apparel, sewn goods, and fashion manufacturers, offering end-to-end management of inventory, production, purchasing, sales, and accounting. It excels in handling complex SKUs with size, color, and style matrices, lot tracking, and multi-warehouse support. The platform integrates with PLM systems, EDI, e-commerce, and QuickBooks for seamless operations tailored to the apparel industry.
Pros
- Highly specialized inventory management for apparel with size/color matrices and cut ticket generation
- Full ERP integration covering production planning, costing, and supply chain
- Scalable for SMBs to enterprises with strong EDI and e-commerce integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features requiring training
- Custom pricing can be expensive for very small businesses
- User interface appears somewhat dated compared to modern SaaS tools
Best For
Mid-sized apparel manufacturers and distributors needing a robust, industry-specific ERP for complex inventory and production workflows.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; cloud subscriptions typically start at $250-$400 per user/month depending on modules, with on-premise options available.
PolyPM
specializedProduction and inventory management software designed for sewn goods manufacturers handling bills of materials, style matrices, and multi-location tracking.
Intelligent style matrix engine that auto-generates and tracks SKUs across unlimited size, color, and fabric combinations
PolyPM is a robust Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and inventory software tailored for the apparel and footwear industry, handling everything from design and tech packs to sourcing, production, and real-time inventory tracking. It excels in managing complex SKUs with automated size, color, and style matrices, while integrating purchasing, quality control, and warehouse operations. This end-to-end platform helps brands streamline operations and reduce errors in fast-paced fashion environments.
Pros
- Apparel-specific tools like automated SKU generation for sizes/colors/styles
- Comprehensive PLM-to-inventory workflow reducing silos
- Customizable dashboards and strong reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Custom pricing can be high for small businesses
- Implementation may require consulting support
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise apparel brands and manufacturers needing integrated PLM and inventory management for complex product lines.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing upon request; typically starts at $5,000/month for mid-tier plans based on users and modules.
Fishbowl Inventory
enterpriseAdvanced inventory control system with variant tracking for sizes and colors, QuickBooks integration, and manufacturing features ideal for apparel distributors.
Item Matrix for granular tracking of apparel SKUs by size, color, and style variations
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust warehouse management and inventory control software designed for small to mid-sized businesses, with strong QuickBooks integration for seamless accounting synchronization. It excels in real-time inventory tracking, purchase and sales order management, barcode scanning, and manufacturing/assembly processes. For apparel inventory, it offers item matrix functionality to handle variations by size, color, and style, along with lot and serial number tracking ideal for seasonal collections and quality control.
Pros
- Deep QuickBooks integration for effortless accounting
- Item matrix for efficient tracking of apparel variations like size/color
- Multi-location inventory and robust reporting capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Upfront licensing cost can be high for startups
- Limited built-in e-commerce integrations without add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized apparel retailers or wholesalers using QuickBooks who need advanced multi-location inventory and variation tracking.
Pricing
One-time license starts at $4,395 for standard edition (plus ~$1,200 annual maintenance); higher tiers for advanced features.
NuOrder
specializedWholesale order and inventory management platform for fashion brands enabling real-time stock visibility, replenishment, and multi-channel selling.
Shoppable digital linesheets and lookbooks that allow retailers to browse, select, and reorder inventory directly in real-time.
NuOrder is a B2B wholesale platform tailored for the fashion and apparel industry, enabling brands to manage inventory, process orders, and collaborate with retailers seamlessly. It provides real-time inventory tracking with support for size, color, and style variants, automated reordering, and visual merchandising tools like shoppable lookbooks. The software streamlines the entire wholesale lifecycle from discovery to fulfillment, reducing manual errors and improving sales efficiency.
Pros
- Advanced inventory management optimized for apparel SKUs with multi-dimensional tracking
- Seamless integrations with ERP, POS, and e-commerce systems
- Mobile-first design with real-time notifications and reorder capabilities
Cons
- Pricing can be prohibitive for small brands or startups
- Initial setup and customization require significant time and support
- Reporting dashboards lack depth for advanced analytics needs
Best For
Mid-sized apparel brands and fashion wholesalers seeking to scale B2B sales and inventory operations efficiently.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on users, SKUs, and features; typically starts at $5,000+/year with tiered plans—contact sales for quotes.
Cin7
enterpriseOmnichannel inventory management software that syncs stock across eCommerce, POS, and marketplaces with support for apparel variants and B2B ordering.
Dynamic product matrix supporting unlimited apparel variants with per-variant images, pricing, and barcode generation
Cin7 is a powerful inventory management platform tailored for multi-channel retailers, providing real-time stock tracking across warehouses, stores, and online channels. It excels in handling apparel-specific needs like matrix inventory for sizes, colors, and styles, with support for bundles, kits, and seasonal forecasting. The software integrates with over 700 apps, including e-commerce platforms like Shopify and POS systems, enabling seamless order fulfillment and sales synchronization.
Pros
- Robust matrix inventory management for apparel variants (sizes, colors, SKUs with images)
- 700+ integrations with e-commerce, POS, and accounting tools for multi-channel operations
- Advanced features like backorder management, procurement, and multi-location stock visibility
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options
- Higher pricing that may not suit small apparel businesses
- Occasional reports of slow performance during peak loads
Best For
Mid-sized apparel brands and wholesalers with complex multi-channel sales needing advanced variant tracking and integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Core plan (billed annually); Omni and enterprise plans are custom-priced based on order volume and users.
DEAR Inventory
enterpriseCloud-based inventory and order management system with BOM support, landed cost tracking, and POS integration suited for apparel manufacturing and retail.
Matrix inventory system for effortless handling of apparel variants like sizes, colors, and seasonal styles in a single SKU structure
DEAR Inventory (now Cin7 Core) is a robust cloud-based inventory management platform designed for retail and wholesale businesses, including apparel, offering real-time tracking across multiple locations and sales channels. It supports complex product variants such as sizes, colors, and styles through matrix inventory, alongside order management, purchasing, and light manufacturing features. The software integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks, enabling efficient fulfillment for apparel brands with diverse SKUs.
Pros
- Excellent variant management for apparel SKUs (sizes, colors, styles)
- Deep integrations with e-commerce, POS, and accounting systems
- Real-time multi-location inventory and automated reordering
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and advanced features
- Higher pricing may not suit very small apparel businesses
- Limited native reporting customization without add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized apparel retailers and wholesalers managing complex inventories across online, wholesale, and physical channels.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month (Essentials, up to 150 orders/mo), up to $999+/month (Enterprise) billed annually; scales with order volume and users.
Katana MRP
specializedReal-time manufacturing resource planning tool for apparel makers to track live inventory, production planning, and multi-location stock with variant support.
Visual Planning Board for drag-and-drop production scheduling and real-time shop floor execution
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning (MRP) software designed for real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order fulfillment, making it suitable for apparel manufacturers managing complex bills of materials (BOMs) with variants like sizes and colors. It provides multi-location inventory visibility, shop floor control, and seamless integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks. Apparel businesses can use it to monitor raw materials such as fabrics, monitor production runs, and ensure accurate stock levels to prevent stockouts or overproduction.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory tracking with color-coded stock levels
- Visual drag-and-drop production planning board for efficient scheduling
- Strong integrations with Shopify, QuickBooks, and Xero for apparel e-commerce workflows
Cons
- Lacks apparel-specific features like advanced size/color matrices or PLM integration found in specialized tools
- Pricing scales quickly with order volume, less ideal for very small operations
- Custom reporting and analytics require workarounds or higher tiers
Best For
Small to mid-sized apparel manufacturers focused on production planning and inventory management with e-commerce sales.
Pricing
Starts at $179/month (Maker, up to 100 orders/mo), $379/month (Pro, 500 orders/mo), custom Enterprise plans.
Lightspeed Retail
enterprisePOS and inventory management solution for fashion retailers offering matrix inventory for sizes/colors, multi-store support, and eCommerce integration.
Matrix SKU builder for effortless management of apparel variants like sizes and colors
Lightspeed Retail is a comprehensive cloud-based POS and inventory management platform tailored for brick-and-mortar and online retailers, with strong capabilities for apparel businesses. It excels in tracking inventory across multiple locations, managing product variants like sizes and colors via matrix SKUs, and automating purchase orders and stock replenishment. The software integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms and provides detailed sales reporting to optimize apparel stock levels and reduce overstock.
Pros
- Robust matrix inventory for sizes, colors, and styles ideal for apparel
- Real-time multi-location stock tracking and automated reorder points
- Seamless omnichannel integration with e-commerce and accounting tools
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for advanced inventory features
- Steeper learning curve for complex variant setups and reporting
- Occasional performance lags during peak sales periods
Best For
Multi-location apparel retailers needing integrated POS, inventory, and e-commerce management.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month (Basic), $99/month (Retail), $149/month (Advanced); per-location pricing and add-ons extra.
Odoo Inventory
enterpriseOpen-source modular ERP with customizable inventory app for apparel tracking variants, serial numbers, warehouse management, and manufacturing workflows.
Unlimited product variants and dynamic attributes for precise apparel SKU tracking and automated replenishment.
Odoo Inventory is a robust module within the open-source Odoo ERP suite, specializing in warehouse management, stock tracking, and order fulfillment. For apparel businesses, it supports complex product variants like sizes, colors, and styles through customizable attributes, enabling accurate SKU management and real-time inventory visibility. It integrates seamlessly with sales, e-commerce, and manufacturing apps to optimize the apparel supply chain from procurement to delivery.
Pros
- Advanced product variant management for apparel attributes like size, color, and material
- Multi-warehouse support with real-time tracking, forecasting, and barcode integration
- Free community edition with scalable enterprise options and deep ERP integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring technical configuration
- Performance can lag with very large inventories without proper hosting
- Advanced apparel-specific customizations often need paid apps or development
Best For
Small to mid-sized apparel brands and retailers needing an integrated ERP for inventory alongside sales and manufacturing.
Pricing
Free open-source Community edition; Enterprise starts at $24.90/user/month (billed annually) with additional hosting and implementation costs.
Zoho Inventory
otherAffordable cloud inventory software handling apparel SKUs with multi-channel sales sync, bundle kits, and vendor management for small retailers.
Advanced item variant and bundle management tailored for complex apparel inventories
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management software that helps businesses track stock levels, manage orders, and handle fulfillment across multiple sales channels. For apparel businesses, it excels in managing item variants like sizes and colors, supporting barcode scanning, bundles, and multi-warehouse operations. It integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Amazon, and Etsy, as well as Zoho's own suite of tools for accounting and CRM.
Pros
- Robust variant management for apparel SKUs (sizes, colors, styles)
- Strong integrations with e-commerce and shipping carriers
- Affordable pricing with a free plan for small operations
Cons
- Lacks apparel-specific tools like seasonal trend forecasting or advanced sizing matrices
- Learning curve for advanced features and custom workflows
- Reporting capabilities are functional but not deeply analytical for inventory trends
Best For
Small to medium apparel retailers needing cost-effective, multi-channel inventory tracking with e-commerce integrations.
Pricing
Free plan for basic use; paid plans start at $29/month (Standard), $79/month (Professional), and $199/month (Elite), billed annually.
Conclusion
Evaluating 10 top tools reveals ApparelMagic as the leading choice, with its all-in-one ERP design and tailored support for apparel businesses, including style-color-size matrices. PolyPM and Fishbowl Inventory, ranking second and third, offer strong alternatives—PolyPM excels in production and multi-location tracking for sewn goods, while Fishbowl provides advanced variant management and integration with QuickBooks for distributors.
Begin with ApparelMagic to simplify inventory, production, and CRM processes, or explore PolyPM or Fishbowl based on your specific operational needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
