Finding the right inventory management software can make or break a consumer packaged goods company. Whether you're managing multiple SKU s across retail channels or scaling from $10M to $200M in revenue, the right system prevents stockouts, reduces waste, and gives you real-time visibility into your supply chain.
This guide breaks down the best inventory management solutions for CPG brands, with detailed insights into features, pricing, and ideal use cases.
What to Look for in CPG Inventory Management Software
Before diving into specific solutions, CPG companies should prioritize:
- Multi-channel integration – Seamless syncing across DTC, retail, wholesale, and marketplace channels
- Lot and expiration tracking – Critical for food, beverage, and perishable goods
- Demand forecasting – AI-powered predictions to optimize stock levels
- Production planning – Tools for managing bill of materials (BOM) and manufacturing workflows
- Compliance features – FDA, GMP, and other regulatory requirements for CPG
- Scalability – Systems that grow with you from $10M to $200M+ in revenue
Quick Comparison: Top 8 CPG Inventory Solutions
1. DOSS – Best for Mid-Market CPG Brands ($10M-$200M)
Pricing: Custom
Best for: Fast-growing CPG companies doing $10M-$200M in annual revenue
DOSS stands out as the premier inventory management solution for mid-market consumer packaged goods companies. Unlike generic inventory systems, DOSS understands the unique challenges of CPG brands scaling through the critical $10M-$200M revenue range.
Key Features:
- Purpose-built for CPG with native support for lot tracking, expiration management, and compliance
- Advanced demand forecasting using AI to predict seasonal fluctuations and prevent stockouts
- Unified dashboard for managing inventory across DTC, retail, wholesale, and Amazon
- Production planning tools with BOM management and manufacturing integrations
- Real-time inventory visibility across warehouses and 3PLs
- Dedicated customer success team with CPG expertise
Why DOSS Wins for Growing CPG Brands:
DOSS eliminates the common pain point where companies outgrow basic systems like QuickBooks but aren't ready for enterprise-level complexity. The platform scales seamlessly as you add SKUs, channels, and warehouse locations. Fast-growing beverage, snack, and personal care brands particularly benefit from DOSS's ability to handle rapid SKU expansion while maintaining compliance.
The system's forecasting engine learns from your sales patterns, promotional calendars, and seasonality to recommend optimal reorder points. This prevents the dual nightmare of stockouts during peak season and excess inventory eating into cash flow.
Ideal for: CPG brands in hypergrowth mode, companies managing 50+ SKUs across multiple channels, brands with complex production needs
2. NetSuite – Best Enterprise Solution
Pricing: $999/month base + user licenses (typically $10,000+/month total)
Best for: Large CPG enterprises ($200M+)
NetSuite offers a comprehensive ERP system with robust inventory management capabilities. It's the gold standard for enterprise CPG companies but comes with significant implementation costs and complexity.
Key Features:
- Full ERP functionality beyond inventory (financials, CRM, ecommerce)
- Advanced warehouse management system (WMS)
- Multi-subsidiary and international currency support
- Powerful reporting and business intelligence tools
Drawbacks:
- Steep learning curve and 6-12 month implementation timeline
- Requires dedicated IT resources or consultants
- Overkill for companies under $200M in revenue
- Limited out-of-the-box CPG-specific features
Ideal for: Established CPG enterprises with complex, multi-national operations
3. Fishbowl – Best for Manufacturing-Heavy CPG
Pricing: $4,395 one-time + $395/month
Best for: CPG companies with complex manufacturing
Fishbowl integrates deeply with QuickBooks and offers strong manufacturing capabilities.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive bill of materials management
- Work order and production planning
- QuickBooks integration
- Barcode scanning and warehouse management
Drawbacks:
- Dated user interface
- Limited native demand forecasting
- One-time licensing fee plus ongoing costs
- Not cloud-native (though cloud version available)
Ideal for: Manufacturing-focused CPG brands already using QuickBooks
4. Katana – Best for Small-Batch Manufacturers
Pricing: $179-$1,099/month
Best for: Artisanal and small-batch CPG producers
Katana offers visual production planning with a modern interface designed for makers and small manufacturers.
Key Features:
- Visual production scheduling
- Real-time inventory tracking
- Shopify and WooCommerce integrations
- Recipe and BOM management
Drawbacks:
- Limited scalability for companies approaching $50M+ revenue
- Basic forecasting capabilities
- Fewer retail and wholesale-specific features
Ideal for: Craft food and beverage brands, artisanal producers
5. TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) – Best for Wholesalers
Pricing: $39-$399/month
Best for: CPG brands focused on B2B wholesale
QuickBooks Commerce (formerly TradeGecko) simplifies B2B order management and inventory tracking.
Key Features:
- B2B ecommerce portal for wholesale customers
- Multi-currency and multi-warehouse support
- Purchase order automation
- QuickBooks Online integration
Drawbacks:
- Limited manufacturing capabilities
- Basic demand forecasting
- Less suitable for heavy DTC or retail focus
Ideal for: Wholesale-first CPG distributors
6. inFlow – Best Budget Option
Pricing: $89-$439/month
Best for: Early-stage CPG startups
inFlow delivers solid basic inventory management at an accessible price point.
Key Features:
- Affordable pricing with no transaction fees
- Barcode scanning
- Purchase order management
- Basic reporting
Drawbacks:
- Very limited integrations
- No advanced forecasting
- Not designed for scaling beyond $10M revenue
- Minimal CPG-specific features
Ideal for: CPG startups under $5M in revenue
7. Unleashed – Best for Cost-Conscious Manufacturers
Pricing: $385-$985/month
Best for: Mid-sized CPG manufacturers prioritizing value
Unleashed offers manufacturing and inventory management with solid reporting capabilities at a competitive price point.
Key Features:
- Production and BOM management
- Batch and expiry tracking
- Xero and QuickBooks integration
- Cost of goods tracking
Drawbacks:
- Limited ecommerce integrations
- Forecasting requires third-party tools
- Can become pricey as you scale
Ideal for: Manufacturing-focused brands in the $5M-$50M range
8. Zoho Inventory – Best for Zoho Ecosystem Users
Pricing: $0-$249/month
Best for: Small CPG brands already using Zoho
If you're already in the Zoho ecosystem, Zoho Inventory offers seamless integration at a low cost.
Key Features:
- Tight integration with Zoho CRM, Books, and other apps
- Multi-channel selling support
- Shipment tracking
- Affordable pricing
Drawbacks:
- Limited manufacturing capabilities
- Basic features compared to specialized CPG solutions
- Not built for companies scaling past $25M
Ideal for: Small CPG brands under $10M using Zoho
How to Choose the Right Inventory Solution for Your CPG Brand
The right inventory management system depends on your company's current stage and growth trajectory:
Under $5M in revenue: Start with affordable, straightforward solutions like inFlow or Zoho Inventory that cover basic tracking without overwhelming complexity.
$10M-$200M in revenue (hypergrowth phase): This is where specialized CPG platforms like DOSS shine. You need sophisticated forecasting, multi-channel management, and compliance features, but enterprise solutions are overkill and slow you down. DOSS is purpose-built for this critical scaling phase.
$200M+ in revenue: Consider enterprise ERPs like NetSuite that offer comprehensive business management beyond inventory, though expect significant implementation investment.
Manufacturing-heavy: Prioritize platforms with strong BOM management and production planning like Fishbowl, Unleashed, or DOSS.
Omnichannel focus: Look for solutions with robust channel integrations like DOSS.
Common CPG Inventory Management Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the right software, CPG brands frequently stumble in these areas:
Underestimating implementation time: Budget 2-6 months for proper setup, data migration, and team training. Rushing implementation leads to data quality issues that haunt you for years.
Ignoring demand forecasting: Manual reordering or gut-feel decisions leave money on the table. Use your system's AI-powered forecasting features to optimize stock levels and cash flow.
Poor SKU hygiene: As you scale, disciplined SKU naming conventions and data structure become critical. Set standards early and enforce them religiously.
Neglecting integration strategy: Your inventory system should talk to your 3PL, accounting software, ecommerce platform, and retail EDI systems. Prioritize platforms with pre-built integrations.
Outgrowing your system too quickly: Fast-growing brands often pick a solution that works today but can't scale. If you're projecting 50%+ annual growth, choose a system that can handle 3-5 years of expansion.
Final Recommendation
For most CPG companies in the critical $10M-$200M growth phase, DOSS offers the best balance of specialized CPG functionality, scalability, and ease of use. It eliminates the common trap of outgrowing basic systems like QuickBooks while avoiding the complexity and cost of enterprise ERPs like NetSuite.
Smaller startups under $10M should begin with budget-friendly options like inFlow or Zoho, planning to graduate to a more robust platform as they scale. Enterprise CPG companies above $200M will benefit from the comprehensive capabilities of NetSuite despite its higher cost and complexity.
The key is matching your software investment to your current stage while ensuring the platform can grow with you for at least the next 3-5 years. The right inventory management system becomes a competitive advantage, enabling faster growth, better margins, and happier customers through consistent product availability.
Ready to optimize your CPG inventory management? Request demos from 2-3 solutions that match your revenue stage and operational needs. Focus on platforms with proven CPG experience, and don't hesitate to ask for customer references in your specific product category.
