Building an inventory management app is worth investing in nowadays. In this fast consumer-driven world, we are consuming things. At this time, adopting new inventory management helps us monitor all of the stock, eliminates waste, and only focuses on mandatory things to grow the business. Inventory management systems manage the balance between the inventory investment and the customer services. The inventory can eliminate overhead expenses and any of the streamlining of the modular chain. The all-in-one inventory store is integrated with the POS system. Are you looking to build an inventory management system? then keep exploring this blog. This blog will discuss Step by step-by-step guide to the inventory management software development process.

For any barefoot, let’s start with the market stat and continue with the benefits, workflow, cost, and features to develop the platform. 

What is Inventory Management Software?

Inventory Management Software helps in tracking the goods moving in and out of the company’s location(s). It practically covers everything, right from production, warehousing, shipping, and retail. It allows us to track every movement of the stock.

how to build inventory management software

 This is a fundamental outline of inventory management software. When you decide to develop inventory management software for your organization, you are making your operations transparent, automated, and time-saving.

Sounds like a profitable deal!

Let’s have a look at the features and functionalities of your business software, but before that here’s how to make inventory management system software.

How to make inventory management software? A well-designed and functional inventory management software offers you up-to-date information on what is in stock, where it is located, how much of it can be sold, and when will the stocks last. This information helps in ruling out the risk of overstocking and stock-outs which can greatly hamper a company’s profitability and sales cycle.

Recommended Read: MVP App Development Company

Market Stats for Inventory Management System

Market Stats for Inventory Management System
  • As per the stats, the market of the inventory management system is projected to reach $2998.55M by the year 2028, with an annual growth rate of 11.9%.
  • Global market leaders play a vital role in the market serving autonomous warehouse dealing options. They are – FreshByte Software, Gallery, LogixPath, LLC, and Tree Tracker.
  • Cloud services have greatly seen growth in the last few years. China, the leading inventory management provider, successfully has been growing by 10% from $40M to $140M in the period 2019-2026.
  • AI helps e-commerce businesses make quick decisions, delivering highly personalized experiences to shoppers. More than 15% of the deliverable market is affected by the AI.
  • In 2018, Oracle launched a new inventory store for performing operations. Cloud services are the most ideal platforms they have used for procuring maximum data within safe data servers.
  • Coming into this proceeding IBM Watson Commerce Insights is the leading integrated solution for storing digital information over the servers to fetch real-time analytics of inventory operations.
  • Countries that overruled the market of warehouse management are China, followed by the USA, India, Singapore, and other Asia-Pacific regions.

These stats are a clear reflection of how technology has influenced this simple supply chain management.

What Makes the Inventory Management System So Complex?

Inventory Management software Development

There are crucial markers that come in the middle of inventory planning, these are uncontrollable factors that could lead the business in the wrong direction.

These factors are :

  • Sudden fluctuate market.
  • Unpredictable behavior of consumers for buying.
  • Optimize the inventory house
  • Manage the order and returns of the inventory improperly.
  • Weather causes disruptive behavior in the middle of delivery.
  • Consumer purchasing setbacks and many more.

Likewise, many kinds of complexities would occur while dismantling the working setback of this business. It’s up to you how you would manage the functioning of the warehouse more accurately.

Read Also: How Much Does It Cost to Create a Library Management System?

Let’s now understand the workflow structure of the inventory management system.

Workflow of Inventory Management Software

Before developing the application, it is advisable to understand the workflow in detail. This is crucial for the vendor, retailers, business, and stakeholders.

inventory management system development

 Steps to focus on before making an inventory management software:

  • There must be an entrance point where all of the inventory products are allocated.
  • For the storage spaces, there are dropshipping, docking, and other options, which can quickly sort all of the data of the warehouse.
  • Inventory cycle counts for measuring all of the essentials of inventory.
  • Digital storefront for tracking the customer’s orders placed.
  • Orders are approved at the dropshipping and passed the order to the supplier.
  • From the stock, the SKU number is generated to package, supply, and delivery to the customer.
  • The autonomous system helps to record the sale and any changes and maintain the stock levels.
  • Final reordering of the stocks update.

The proper advisable stock management store helps for the quick reallocation of resources, eliminating waste and any new flaws. Determining everything at the early stage could limit any of the misfalls in the middle or end.

Why We Need Inventory Management System Software?

Let’s explore some benefits of inventory management software development that will engage you to build an inventory management system. Before you hire an inventory management software development company to get a solution for your organization have a quick look at the benefits that you may enjoy. These steps will explain to you why it is important to build an inventory management app.

Centralized Storage

If you have your goods stored at different locations, it gets difficult to manage orders and send the right products to the right customers. Having a well-designed warehouse tool can help you track the availability of different products and keep the customers informed about the status of their shipments.

Well-organized Stock Operations

An inventory management software helps you to keep complete track of all products in stock. This saves time and effort as you do not need to rush to the warehouse to check the availability of any product if its demand arises.

Improves Sales Productivity

By keeping complete track of all stocks, you can prevent losing your customers and reduce the risk of making common human reporting mistakes such as inaccurate counting of products. Additionally, with an inventory management system, you can easily meet the delivery timelines. The customers do not have to wait for ages for their shipment to arrive. They can easily track their goods and know the accurate day of the product’s arrival.

Adjusted Order Frequency

If the shortage of stock is bad for your business, overstocking is worse. With a good inventory management system, you can track your actual stock supplies and re-order whenever necessary. This will eliminate the wastage of products which in turn leads to huge sums of money losses.

Satisfied Customers

With accurate responses, timely delivery, and tailored services, your customers are surely going to be happier. They will be able to track the status of their shipment and will not face the risk of a late notice of product unavailability.

Accurate Planning and Forecasting

A good inventory management system allows you to plan for the future. You can keep a close check on the stock of all products and manage and re-order them accordingly. Also, most systems come with analytical tools that help in gauging trends, and opportunities, and enable you to measure your sales and productivity.

Sounds like an interesting tool to manage your business well. Shake off the stress of maintaining the inventories manually and focus on your core business growth.

Software Development Process for Inventory Management System

How to develop Inventory Management System with Common Features

When it comes to integrating any software system with your business the choice becomes quite difficult. The right inventory management system would be ladened with interesting features, but are just good features enough? Your software solution should be in line with your business needs and offer you an experience that justifies the cost of investment. You may need to trim all the fat and customize your software inventory system to make sure you get exactly what you want. how to build an inventory management system? apply these steps further.

Here are a few things that you may need to consider when you are going to develop inventory management software:

  • If you are a manufacturer then your inventory needs to record the status of raw materials and prepared products.
  • Good software would align with the existing Excel sheet that you are working with and import the details easily.
  • Incorporate an order management system with your inventory management software with the least human intervention.
  • Offer alternatives to integrate with your online business.
  • Must be easily navigable and easy to understand.

The difference between conventional and advanced inventory management is the level of human intervention. With automated instructions, it becomes easier for the sales team to record the goods and update the stocks.

Also, Read: Role of Inventory Management Software in the Warehouse

Feature to be Include Inventory Management Software Development

In this section, we will discuss some salient features that we should include in our inventory management software development process. Here are some common features that we will discuss below when developing an inventory management system. When you reach the inventory management system development team, the first thing they would ask you is the features that you want to include in your Custom iOS App Development. There could be many things that you wish you could integrate with your system, some of the common features are listed here. Let’s explore the complete process of how to make inventory management software.

Some General Features to be Include in Inventory Management Software Development

Reorder Point

Inventory management software offers you a list of products along with their quantities that are required for stock. These points can be programmed into the software that alerts the manager about reordering the product. This prevents the shortage of stocks as well as the issue of overstocking.

Asset Tracking

This feature allows you to track the products present in the warehouse or store via their barcode, radio frequency identification, lot tracking number, or serial number.

Product Listing (imp feature of inventory management software development)

This feature allows you to streamline and organize your inventory with the help of significant details such as cost, availability, SKUs, etc. It allows you to create alternatives for every item based on their elementary attributes and keep them in a systematized way.

Barcode Scanning

This allows you to track the products via their barcodes. This simple exchange of electronic data can also be done through smartphones, eliminating the need to buy expensive scanning hardware.

Reporting Tools

There is a myriad of reporting tools that develop inventory management systems’ total reports, order history, and transaction reports. These tools allow you to develop a seamless workflow by learning about your products in stock, what all needs to be re-ordered, which products are profitable, and much more.

Inventory Forecasting

This feature allows you to decide the right amount of stock in your company so that you are not overstocked or holding too little stock. Both situations can be detrimental to your business and hurt your sales and productivity.

Inventory Alerts

Inventory alerts can be created and sent to you via emails or SMS when the inventory levels fall below the thresholds set by you. This helps in acquiring an advance notice about goods restocking.

Accounting Tools

Accounting tools such as cost layering, overhead allocation, measurements, disclosures, etc. help in deriving a precise stock valuation. One need not spend hours struggling with the registers and pen. Just enter the details and you are done.

Raw Material Tracking

This feature helps you in discerning if there is enough raw material for launching new jobs in the production process. This would help you control labor costs as well as direct your workforce to more productive and reliable alternatives.

Inventory Levels for Parts and Finished Products

This helps in keeping track of finished goods available in the warehouse or store that can be instantly shipped to the customers. Also, it tracks the availability of parts, in case a customer orders a customized product.

how to make an inventory management software

Some Advanced Features to be Include in Inventory Management Software Development

Automatic Re-ordering

This feature allows you to automatically re-order the supplies based on your reorder points. When the stock reaches its minimum level, automatic purchase orders are generated so that you remain on top of your inventory at all times.

Integrations with ERP or Maintenance Software

You can integrate your inventory management software with ERP or any other maintenance software to help you save time by eradicating the need for re-entering data in separate programs.

Multiple Location Support

Multiple warehouses and stores can be managed and tracked to keep a check on the total stock quantity available with a business.

Shelf and Bin Tracking

This feature helps the inventory managers know the exact location of a particular product present in the warehouse without any delay. The inventory management system design would be according to your organization’s needs and help you streamline your work easily.

Order picking support

This feature enables collecting all articles in a stated quantity before shipment to satisfy the customer’s order.

Real-time Inventory Tracking

This feature enables you to perform real-time inventory tracking even between multiple warehouses and stores.

Serial Number Tracking

The serial number tracking feature allows you to manage hundreds of thousands of serial numbers, which are permanently recorded in the system, from the time they are received till the time they are issued. This information especially helps in verifying a returned article from your computer.

Expiration Date Tracking

Once the items enter your warehouse, you can assign expiry dates so that you can know the shelf life of these items.

Item Images

This feature allows you to assign as many images to an item as you wish. Also, you can set one default image that will appear in the item manager tool for quick reference.

Price/ Cost List

This feature enables you to set various price levels for the items, and later you can quote any level to the customers.

Logistics

Third-party logistics features such as transport analytics and trackers bring an augmented level of transparency to the movement of goods and materials. The users, as well as the warehouse managers, can easily track the location and know the time of arrival.

You can also create inventory management software to help your managers and employees access the software while on the go. These apps offer ample flexibility and greatly augment business productivity as the managers can easily keep track of the inventories from any place.

Types of Inventory Management Apps

how to create an inventory management system

Well, there are several ways of classifying different inventory management software. But most commonly, this software is classified based on its use and intended purpose, along with the basic features included in it. Just know a brief of all of these before you reach your inventory software development team so that you can specify what you need. Before building an inventory management app we should know the types of an inventory management app below.

1. Manually-managed Systems –

As the name suggests, these are systems that are manually managed where even the most complicated calculations are performed by the formulas entered by the users. This type of software is good for startups and even small-scale business enterprises that primarily deal with paper-based stock management. It allows tracking and ordering a restricted number of goods. Some of the versions come with a separate sales management module as well. However, since the calculations are all performed manually, there are always chances of error and inaccuracies in management.

2. Barcode Scanning Systems –

This software is more robust and efficient as it allows business enterprises to track and manage hundreds of items and extract data directly from the Point of Sale systems. Once the inventory reaches the warehouse, it is automatically updated, thus, the inventory managers have access to up-to-date data about the stocks. Barcode technology simplifies the movement of inventory from one warehouse to another, from the supplier to the warehouse, and from the warehouse to the customer.

3. Advanced Radio Frequency Systems –

While barcode scanning technology has greatly increased the accuracy and efficacy of managing inventory, advanced radio frequency identification (RFID) has stepped up the game to an altogether new level. This system is especially meant for businesses where thousands of items move in and out every day. The technology behind RFID can be categorized into two types- active and passive technology.

Active technology makes use of fixed tag readers that help in tracking the movement of an item throughout the warehouse. Every time an item passes a tag reader installed in the warehouse, its movement is recorded. This system is used for real-time tracking of the inventory. Passive technology, on the other hand, makes use of handheld tag readers to track the movement of the items. The range of active RFID technology is 300 feet and passive RFID technology is 40 feet, which makes moving the inventory across warehouses hassle-free.

Over the years inventory management has become a field that is more automated than any other when it comes to business operations. A lot of organizations are looking for various alternatives to manage their inventory automatically to maintain efficiency and effectiveness.

One technology that is helping give things a better picture is Artificial Intelligence.

Read Also: Supply Chain Management Software Development Cost & Features

Role of Artificial Intelligence in Inventory Management Software

With the advent of AI technology, retailers have seen a huge gain in sales of 6-10% by personalized strategies. HelpShift is the most recent company that helps retailers using AI. It uses an AI-based chatbot for quick communication between retailers companies and consumers.

Over the years, artificial intelligence has been making things easier for the people around. Be it with bio-metric attendance or with automated systems, in inventory management, technology has a major role to play:

1. Demand Prediction

With demand prediction, it becomes easier for organizations to be prepared for the demands coming up in the next few days. With some data analysis, the organizations can be prepared for the future and thus see their business flourishing.

2. Reduce Waste

AI can calculate and order a better amount of raw material required than humans. Humans may make some calculation errors or the estimations may go wrong but when it comes to the machine things can never fail.

3. Automated Logistics

build an inventory management system

 

With AI in its functioning, it becomes easier for the staff to manage inventory. The CSV can record the vehicles in the premises and leaving the premises, GPS can guide the shortest path and things become easier when there aren’t a lot of things that need to be focused on.

4. Inventory Updates

With automated updates, it becomes easier for organizations to deliver solutions that deliver the best results. Once the billing is done the system itself updates the inventory thus there is no need for manual updates.

5. Drones Take Charge

The tech giants like Amazon, use robots to help manage the handling of products. This makes it easier for the staff to focus on other important things while packaging and transportation are looked after by the technology.

Artificial Intelligence in inventory management is not just making the process accurate, but it is also helping people manage their work schedules and patterns. Over the years the need for a technology-based solution has increased and they look forward to helping industries in unique ways.

How to Develop Inventory Management Software?

Let’s explore the software development process for inventory management systems. Well-designed inventory management software is an indispensable part of all manufacturing as well as retail business operations. Therefore, it is imperative to develop reliable and sturdy software that efficiently controls and manages the inventory, ensuring no goods are lost due to theft or spoilage. Consequently, it is important to make sure that all the following development aspects are well taken care of-

Conceptualization:

This is the essential process before the development of the software. The developer figures out the exact requirements of the vendors.

Requirement Gathering & Analysis:

While a quick synopsis of the data collection is done, the next step is to prepare the list of detailed requirements needed to test the market risk or any prospects.

Wireframing & Designing:

Multiple prototypes are prepared before the final confirmation of the product.

Development & Implementation:

Here the actual production and development of the product starts. The concerned iOS app developers and designers practice the coding and designing part of the product.

Rigorous Testing:

After the development of the product, now is the time for the testing of the product at the crucial and detailed level. The QA performs manual testing from each end of the product. And return their feedback to the developers to ensure quality development.

Deployment:

The product prepared is now deployed to the servers for the quick checking of the environment. For regular updates, maintenance and support are being performed.

Maintenance:

Trust is something that should be held with customers after the product is delivered. You must ensure them with your post-delivery support.

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Workflow of Inventory Management System

Before developing the application, it is advisable to understand the workflow in detail. This is crucial for the vendor, retailers, business, and stakeholders.

Steps to create the inventory management system:

  • There must be an entrant point where all of the inventory products are allocated.
  • For the storage spaces, there are dropshipping, docking, and other options, which can quickly sort all of the data of the warehouse.
  • Inventory cycle counts for measuring all of the essentials of inventory.
  • Digital storefront for tracking the customer’s orders placed.
  • Orders are approved at the dropshipping and passed order to the supplier.
  • From the stock, the SKU number is generated to package, supply, and delivery to the customer.
  • The autonomous system helps to record the sale and any changes and maintain the stock levels.
  • Final reordering of the stocks update.

The proper advisable stock management store helps for the quick reallocation of resources, eliminating waste and any new flaws. Determining everything at the early stage could limit any of the misfalls in the middle or end.

Required Tech Stack for Design The Inventory Management App

Technology-integrated services are fruitful for life longevity. To implement the product, it must be technology-aligned and well-infused. Developers with different specialists in the environments are important.

  • Languages used: C#, C++, Python, JavaScript, Typescript, etc.
  • PHP, Flutter, Xamarin, Bootstrap, etc.
  • The database used: MySQL, MongoDB, Microsoft SQL, and PostgreSQL.
  • Amazon AWS, Firebase, TensorFlow Lite, and other AI methods.
  • Integration of third-party APIs Google Firebase API

How Much Does IT Cost to Develop Inventory Management Software

The cost to Build an Inventory Management App usually depends upon the number and type of features and functionalities integrated into it. Therefore, you need to have a lucid understanding of your business requirements. You have to decide whether your business will benefit from an introductory-based system or require a fully functional inventory and accounting ERP software. Apprehending your needs will help you in setting up a realistic budget. One important thing to note is that the cost of developing inventory management systems in India is comparatively cheaper compared to other countries.

Custom software development in India is a great option as business enterprises can get their desired software functionalities at cost-effective prices. Based on thorough comparative research, here are some of the most popular areas along with their development costs per hour.

  • U.S.-based developers:  $50 to $250 per hour 
  • Eastern Europe-based developers:  $30 to $150 per hour
  • India-based developers:  $10 to $80 per hour 

How to Choose the Best Management Software Development Company

Once you have the list of your desired features well in place, you need to get in touch with a suitable software development company to build an inventory management app that boasts substantial industry experience. Without the right partner, it becomes exceedingly difficult to get your hands on a robust, scalable, and efficient inventory control system. Additionally, with a less-reputed agency, you face the risk of data breaches that will expose your confidential business and consumer information. It is imperative to maintain complete data integrity so that there are no ruptures in the operational system. To eliminate the problem, you can opt for feature-based security that allows the administrator to create group privileges and assign the correct individuals to every group in a way that every user will only have access to the information he/she needs.

Conclusion

Inventory management software helps companies track, organize, and efficiently manage their goods and raw materials which are used to deliver products to customers successfully. Either as a specific part of Enterprise Resource Management software or as a standalone module, this software has become especially popular among companies for managing their warehousing needs. Therefore, if you still haven’t integrated this into your business operations now is the time. If you are also looking to build an inventory management app then contact us today. We are the best inventory management software development company that offers rich development solutions.

FAQs

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THE AUTHOR
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Dinesh Shilak is a tech enthusiast and a dedicated writer who brings a fresh perspective to the world of technology through his engaging blog posts. With a keen interest in the latest technological advancements, Dinesh's passion for the field shines through in his writing.

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