Quick Overview
- 1#1: NetSuite - Cloud ERP platform providing comprehensive inventory tracking, automated purchasing, supplier management, and procurement workflows.
- 2#2: Odoo - Open-source ERP suite with integrated inventory control, purchase order automation, and vendor management for seamless procurement.
- 3#3: Zoho Inventory - Multi-channel inventory management tool with purchase order creation, vendor tracking, and reorder point automation.
- 4#4: Cin7 - Inventory management software for omnichannel retail with automated purchasing, supplier portals, and stock optimization.
- 5#5: DEAR Inventory - Cloud-based inventory system with purchase order management, landed cost tracking, and accounting integrations for procurement.
- 6#6: Fishbowl - Warehouse and inventory management solution featuring purchase orders, receiving, and QuickBooks-integrated procurement.
- 7#7: Katana - MRP software for manufacturing with real-time inventory tracking and purchase order planning based on production needs.
- 8#8: MRPeasy - Cloud MRP system offering inventory forecasting, automated purchase orders, and supplier management for small manufacturers.
- 9#9: Procurify - Purchasing and spend management platform with inventory integration, requisition approvals, and vendor catalogs.
- 10#10: inFlow Inventory - On-premise and cloud inventory tool with purchase order generation, vendor management, and stock level alerts.
We ranked these tools based on their ability to optimize inventory tracking, automate purchasing workflows, enhance supplier management, and deliver user-friendly experiences, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of businesses across industries.
Comparison Table
Inventory purchasing software is vital for optimizing supply chain operations, and selecting the right tool depends on specific business needs. This comparison table examines popular options like NetSuite, Odoo, Zoho Inventory, Cin7, DEAR Inventory, and more, outlining key features and practical use cases. Readers will discover which software best fits their workflow, scalability, and budget requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NetSuite Cloud ERP platform providing comprehensive inventory tracking, automated purchasing, supplier management, and procurement workflows. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 2 | Odoo Open-source ERP suite with integrated inventory control, purchase order automation, and vendor management for seamless procurement. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 3 | Zoho Inventory Multi-channel inventory management tool with purchase order creation, vendor tracking, and reorder point automation. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 4 | Cin7 Inventory management software for omnichannel retail with automated purchasing, supplier portals, and stock optimization. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | DEAR Inventory Cloud-based inventory system with purchase order management, landed cost tracking, and accounting integrations for procurement. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Fishbowl Warehouse and inventory management solution featuring purchase orders, receiving, and QuickBooks-integrated procurement. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Katana MRP software for manufacturing with real-time inventory tracking and purchase order planning based on production needs. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | MRPeasy Cloud MRP system offering inventory forecasting, automated purchase orders, and supplier management for small manufacturers. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Procurify Purchasing and spend management platform with inventory integration, requisition approvals, and vendor catalogs. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | inFlow Inventory On-premise and cloud inventory tool with purchase order generation, vendor management, and stock level alerts. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
Cloud ERP platform providing comprehensive inventory tracking, automated purchasing, supplier management, and procurement workflows.
Open-source ERP suite with integrated inventory control, purchase order automation, and vendor management for seamless procurement.
Multi-channel inventory management tool with purchase order creation, vendor tracking, and reorder point automation.
Inventory management software for omnichannel retail with automated purchasing, supplier portals, and stock optimization.
Cloud-based inventory system with purchase order management, landed cost tracking, and accounting integrations for procurement.
Warehouse and inventory management solution featuring purchase orders, receiving, and QuickBooks-integrated procurement.
MRP software for manufacturing with real-time inventory tracking and purchase order planning based on production needs.
Cloud MRP system offering inventory forecasting, automated purchase orders, and supplier management for small manufacturers.
Purchasing and spend management platform with inventory integration, requisition approvals, and vendor catalogs.
On-premise and cloud inventory tool with purchase order generation, vendor management, and stock level alerts.
NetSuite
enterpriseCloud ERP platform providing comprehensive inventory tracking, automated purchasing, supplier management, and procurement workflows.
Advanced multi-book inventory accounting with automated landed cost allocation across subsidiaries and currencies
NetSuite is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform that excels in inventory management and purchasing, offering real-time visibility into stock levels, automated procurement processes, and demand forecasting. It streamlines purchase order creation, supplier management, vendor performance tracking, and landed cost calculations across multi-location and multi-subsidiary operations. As a top-tier solution, it integrates seamlessly with financials, CRM, and e-commerce for end-to-end supply chain optimization.
Pros
- Robust multi-location inventory tracking with real-time visibility and advanced demand planning
- Automated purchasing workflows, including PO approvals, vendor portals, and three-way matching
- Deep integrations with financials and analytics for precise cost control and forecasting
Cons
- High implementation costs and complexity requiring professional services
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Premium pricing may overwhelm small businesses
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises with complex, global supply chains needing scalable, integrated inventory and purchasing capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $10,000-$20,000 annually for base modules plus $99-$199 per user/month, scaling with add-ons and users.
Odoo
enterpriseOpen-source ERP suite with integrated inventory control, purchase order automation, and vendor management for seamless procurement.
Automated procurement with intelligent reordering rules and multi-vendor RFQ bid analysis
Odoo is a modular open-source ERP platform with robust Inventory and Purchasing apps that streamline stock management, procurement, and supply chain operations. It supports real-time inventory tracking across multiple warehouses, automated reorder points, purchase order creation, and supplier bid comparisons via RFQs. The system integrates seamlessly with sales, accounting, and manufacturing modules for end-to-end visibility and efficiency.
Pros
- Highly customizable modules with advanced inventory tracking (lots, serials, multi-warehouse)
- Automated purchasing workflows including RFQs and reorder rules
- Free Community edition with scalable Enterprise upgrades
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and advanced customization
- Performance can lag at very high volumes without optimization
- Enterprise apps and hosting incur additional costs
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an integrated, scalable ERP for inventory and purchasing with room to grow.
Pricing
Free open-source Community edition; Enterprise starts at $24/user/month (billed annually) with app bundles and hosting options.
Zoho Inventory
enterpriseMulti-channel inventory management tool with purchase order creation, vendor tracking, and reorder point automation.
Intelligent reorder points that automatically generate purchase orders based on sales trends, stock levels, and vendor lead times
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based solution designed for efficient inventory management, with strong capabilities in purchasing through automated purchase orders, vendor management, and reorder alerts. It supports multi-warehouse tracking, serial/batch number management, and seamless integration with e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Shopify, and the Zoho ecosystem including Books and CRM. Businesses can streamline procurement by setting reorder points based on sales velocity and lead times, ensuring optimal stock levels without overstocking.
Pros
- Automated purchase order creation and approval workflows
- Excellent multi-channel integrations for sales and purchasing
- Real-time inventory tracking across multiple warehouses
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and analytics for large-scale operations
- Customization options are somewhat rigid without developer help
- Support response times can vary for free or basic plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an affordable, integrated tool for inventory purchasing and order automation.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 20 online orders/month; paid plans from $29/month (Standard) to $149/month (Ultimate), billed annually.
Cin7
enterpriseInventory management software for omnichannel retail with automated purchasing, supplier portals, and stock optimization.
AI-powered smart reordering that auto-generates POs based on demand forecasting and sales trends
Cin7 is a robust inventory management platform specializing in unified commerce, with strong purchasing capabilities including automated purchase orders, supplier management, and landed cost tracking. It syncs inventory in real-time across multiple sales channels like e-commerce, POS, and marketplaces, while automating replenishment based on sales velocity and stock levels. Designed for scaling businesses, it integrates deeply with accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks to streamline procurement-to-payment workflows.
Pros
- Comprehensive PO automation with approval workflows and supplier portals
- Real-time multi-location inventory syncing tied to purchasing decisions
- Extensive integrations with 700+ platforms for seamless data flow
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Higher pricing may not suit very small businesses
- Customization requires support team assistance
Best For
Mid-sized retailers and e-commerce businesses with multi-channel operations needing advanced inventory purchasing automation.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Core (up to 3 users, 1K orders/mo), scales to $649+ for Pro/Enterprise with more users and volume.
DEAR Inventory
enterpriseCloud-based inventory system with purchase order management, landed cost tracking, and accounting integrations for procurement.
Advanced landed cost allocation that automatically distributes freight, duties, and other fees across inventory for precise product costing.
DEAR Inventory (now part of Cin7 Core) is a robust cloud-based inventory management platform designed to optimize purchasing, stock control, and order fulfillment for businesses. It enables users to generate purchase orders, manage suppliers, track inbound shipments, and allocate landed costs accurately. With deep integrations to e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks, it provides real-time inventory visibility and automation for purchasing workflows.
Pros
- Comprehensive purchasing tools with PO automation, approvals, and multi-currency support
- Seamless integrations with 100+ apps including accounting and e-commerce platforms
- Real-time inventory tracking across multiple locations with strong landed cost management
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and customization options
- Pricing is relatively high for very small businesses or startups
- Reporting and analytics could be more intuitive without add-ons
Best For
Growing small to medium-sized businesses with multi-channel sales and complex supply chains needing integrated purchasing and inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at $349 AUD/month (Growth plan, billed annually) for core features, scaling to $599 AUD/month (Standard) and custom Enterprise pricing.
Fishbowl
enterpriseWarehouse and inventory management solution featuring purchase orders, receiving, and QuickBooks-integrated procurement.
Real-time, bi-directional QuickBooks integration that automatically syncs POs, receipts, and inventory levels
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust warehouse management system focused on inventory control, purchasing, and order fulfillment, with strong capabilities for automating purchase orders, vendor management, and multi-location tracking. It integrates deeply with QuickBooks to sync inventory data, costs, and transactions in real-time, making it ideal for bridging accounting and operations. The software supports advanced features like reorder point automation, landed cost tracking, and barcode-based receiving for efficient procurement workflows.
Pros
- Seamless two-way QuickBooks integration for accurate purchasing and inventory sync
- Advanced PO automation with reorder alerts and vendor catalogs
- Multi-warehouse support and barcode scanning for streamlined receiving
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring training for full utilization
- High upfront licensing costs with ongoing maintenance fees
- Reporting tools are basic without additional modules or customizations
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses using QuickBooks that need advanced inventory purchasing and warehouse management without switching accounting software.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at $4,395 for the first user (additional users $1,299 each), plus ~20% annual maintenance; subscription options via Fishbowl Go! from $599/month.
Katana
specializedMRP software for manufacturing with real-time inventory tracking and purchase order planning based on production needs.
MRP-driven automated purchase order generation that syncs real-time sales data with inventory forecasts for precise procurement.
Katana is a cloud-based MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning) and inventory management software designed primarily for makers and small manufacturers to handle inventory tracking, purchasing, and production planning. It provides real-time visibility into stock levels across multiple locations, automates purchase order creation based on demand forecasts, and integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks. While strong in manufacturing workflows, it supports robust inventory purchasing features like supplier management, PO approvals, and reorder point automation to prevent stockouts and overstocking.
Pros
- Real-time multi-warehouse inventory tracking with lot/serial number support
- Automated MRP engine generates precise purchase orders from sales forecasts
- Excellent integrations with Shopify, QuickBooks, Xero, and other e-commerce/accounting tools
Cons
- More manufacturing-focused, with less emphasis on advanced retail purchasing analytics
- Pricing escalates quickly for higher order volumes or advanced features
- Reporting and customization options can feel limited without enterprise plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers and makers who need integrated inventory purchasing tied to production planning.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Basic, up to 500 orders), $299/month (Pro, unlimited), Enterprise custom; annual billing discounts available.
MRPeasy
specializedCloud MRP system offering inventory forecasting, automated purchase orders, and supplier management for small manufacturers.
MRP functionality that automatically calculates and suggests purchase quantities based on sales orders and production schedules
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP/ERP software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturing businesses, offering comprehensive inventory management and purchasing tools. It provides real-time inventory tracking across multiple warehouses, lot and serial number traceability, and automated reorder suggestions based on production schedules. The purchasing module streamlines supplier management, purchase order generation, and integration with bills of materials (BOMs) for precise material requirements planning. Overall, it excels in linking inventory and procurement directly to manufacturing processes.
Pros
- Powerful MRP engine automates purchasing based on production needs
- Real-time inventory tracking with multi-warehouse support
- Intuitive purchase order creation and supplier management
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-manufacturing users
- Limited advanced reporting in base plans
- Pricing scales quickly with additional users
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers needing integrated inventory purchasing tied to production planning.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (Gold plan, billed annually) up to $79/user/month (Platinum), with custom Enterprise options.
Procurify
specializedPurchasing and spend management platform with inventory integration, requisition approvals, and vendor catalogs.
VirtuosoAI-powered intelligent approvals that learn from user behavior to speed up workflows
Procurify is a cloud-based procurement and spend management platform that streamlines the purchasing process from requisition to payment, with a focus on approval workflows, vendor management, and budget tracking. It helps organizations control inventory-related purchases by automating POs, enforcing spending policies, and providing real-time visibility into expenditures. While not a full inventory management system, it integrates with ERPs like NetSuite and QuickBooks to align purchases with stock needs.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for on-the-go approvals
- Robust workflow automation and real-time budget tracking
- Strong integrations with ERP and accounting systems
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small businesses with minimum commitments
- Limited native inventory tracking; relies on integrations
- Advanced reporting requires customization which adds complexity
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking to optimize procurement and spend control for inventory purchasing without needing full warehouse management.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically starting at $25/user/month with annual contracts and minimums around $500-$1,000/month depending on features.
inFlow Inventory
enterpriseOn-premise and cloud inventory tool with purchase order generation, vendor management, and stock level alerts.
Flexible on-premise or cloud deployment with seamless multi-location inventory syncing
inFlow Inventory is a robust inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, focusing on streamlining purchasing, sales, and stock tracking. It enables users to create and manage purchase orders, track vendors, set reorder points, and handle receiving with barcode scanning support. The platform also offers multi-location inventory visibility, custom reporting, and integrations with e-commerce and accounting tools like QuickBooks.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with strong mobile app for on-the-go purchasing
- Comprehensive purchase order management including approvals and landed costs
- Excellent barcode integration for efficient receiving and inventory updates
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and AI-driven purchasing insights
- Higher pricing tiers needed for multi-user or multi-location setups
- Some integrations require additional setup or fees
Best For
Small to medium retailers and wholesalers seeking user-friendly inventory purchasing without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
SaaS plans start at $89/month (Basic, 1 user) up to $489/month (Ultimate, unlimited users); perpetual on-premise licenses from $999 one-time.
Conclusion
After thorough evaluation, NetSuite rises as the top choice, offering a comprehensive cloud ERP platform that simplifies inventory tracking, automates purchasing, and enhances supplier management. Odoo, a strong open-source contender, excels with integrated workflows for seamless procurement, and Zoho Inventory impresses with multi-channel capabilities and intuitive reorder automation, each serving distinct business needs effectively.
Take the next step in optimizing your inventory operations—dive into NetSuite to experience its robust features and transform how you manage purchasing and supply chains.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
