When it comes to inventory management software, not all products are created equal and price doesn’t always indicate which one makes the most sense for your particular business. For instance, choosing the top of the line product won’t necessarily guarantee the software will be a good fit. Likewise, picking the cheapest of the bunch may leave you with greater expenses in the long run. The best way to choose the right inventory management software is to do the following.

Identify Your Business Challenges – Inventory management software isn’t one-size-fits-all. To ensure that you choose the best product for your needs, you must first identify precisely what those needs are. What challenges are you facing? Is it inefficiency? Shrinkage? Inaccuracies? Make a list of what you’d like your software selection to solve so you’ll know what features and functionality you’ll need.

Do Your Research – Picking the right inventory management software takes time, but investing that time is worth it in the long run. Check out each of your options and do your research. Read the online reviews and ask for references. The more work you put in up front, the better the outcome in the end.

Match Features to Needs – Once you’ve narrowed down your options to a few, compare your list of business challenges to the features each product offers. You probably won’t find one software that meets all your needs to the T, but look for one that is most closely aligned with what you’re looking to accomplish.

Consider Scalability – Another important factor to consider when evaluating inventory management software products is the flexibility to scale up (or down) based on your changing business needs. For instance, how will the product handle fluctuations due to things like seasonal or holiday sales as well as sudden, rapid growth (something every business hopes for)? You want a product that will evolve with your business.

Think Outside the Box – Beyond the basics, like product features and price, there are other important things to keep in mind when determining which inventory management software would be the best fit. For example, what kind of support does the vendor offer after the sale? Is training and implementation included?

Take it for a Test Drive – If your finalists offer free trials of their products, which most reputable companies do, take them up on it. Identify a key group of end users who will act as test pilots to try out each software product and then gather their feedback. This can help you make the decision on which one to ultimately choose.

Recognizing the need for inventory management software is only half the battle. Choosing the right product to suit your needs, fit your budget and support your future growth is equally important. These tips should help you make the best decision for your business.

Still need help? We’re inventory experts, and we’d love to assist you. Give us a call today at 1-800-441-7977.