Types of Inventory Control Software
Off the Shelf. These packages are usually easy to use barcode-based tracking solutions. They maintain a perpetual inventory so that when items are received inventory levels go up and when items are issued inventory levels decrease. Reorder points, expiration dates, lots code, usage by person or department are all tracked and written to history. Vendor's information is usually included in these packages. Uses for Off the shelf inventory control software could be: supply rooms (pens, paper, toner, etc.); medical supplies (cart restocking); spare parts and maintenance parts; laboratory supplies and chemicals; expiration dates, lot codes, reorder points; and anything that can be barcoded.

Off the shelf, out of the box, software may also be able to include the company's logo on printed reports for a professional look as well as export information into other applications such as Excel, Word, etc. Stand-Alone software or base modules are available for many tasks. Warehouse management software may provide a complete warehousing system that includes: picking, packing, put away, shipping, receiving, inspection, inventory analysis, inventory moves and adjustments, warehouse transfers, inventory counting, warehouse and location maintenance, and serial and lot tracking. Stand alone modules are able to manage inventory in multiple locations, manage consignment inventory along with company owned inventory, track and maintain history of serial numbers, lots and batches of items and all inventory movement.

Most stand-alone software delivers RF Barcode scanning and barcode label printing capability to improve inventory control and order fulfillment accuracy. The system will maintain and manage vendor and customer contact information in the single stand-alone system, including multiple ship-to addresses. Reports that can be customized deliver useful information in a timely manner to corporate management.

Starting with a stand-alone module allows for integration with other software, thus further extending the capabilities of the inventory ontrol software. Stand alones should be easy to install, easy to use and inexpensive to operate. It should easily perform inventory counts and adjust quantities, track costs and review costing journals.

As a stand-alone module, sales order processing software, allows companies to manage quotations, sales orders, returns and shipments using non-inventory items. Features also include price list maintenance, bill-to and ship-to customer maintenance, account reps, and sales territories. Sales order processing is often combined with the warehouse management module for complete inventory item tracking.

Another stand-alone module is purchase order processing. This software allows for managing requisitions, purchase orders receipts and vendor returns for cost items. Other features include pricing and vendor information. Purchase order software is typically combined with warehouse management software for complete inventory item tracking. Projects software provides a centralized location for grouping related documents, such as quotations, sales orders, purchase orders, and work orders, as well as allow multiple users to contribute to a common job. Software for projects is available in a stand-alone and can be integrated with other programs.

Integrated software combines inventory management as part of its other basic business functions. When purchases are added, the program will automatically increase inventory counts. When sales are entered, it automatically reduces inventory. It is also easy to adjust inventory, manufacture items from components, or consume inventory items in projects. Cost estimating, accounting (accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, check writing, job costs, payroll) project management (contract writing, material takeoffs, schedules); business management (appointments, lead tracking, sales, etc.); engineering; shop floor; repair maintenance and operations are common modules found in an integrated software package.

Custom Designed software carries great potential for success. Leaders of the business should first define the problems they want to solve by making a wish list of things to be included in the custom designed software. Adding a complete Inventory control system will probably require extensive equipment, time to enter or transfer data, training and perhaps additional staff to maintain the system.