Managing inventory for CPG brands on Shopify can be challenging, especially with issues like stockouts costing $350 billion annually in the US and Canada. To help, here are 5 top Shopify apps that simplify inventory management, tackle demand fluctuations, and improve multi-channel operations:
- PageFly: Syncs inventory across platforms while creating high-converting product pages.
- Synth: Uses AI for real-time stock tracking and demand forecasting.
- ShipStation: Automates order processing and inventory updates for multi-channel sales.
- Settle: Offers AI-driven inventory forecasting to prevent overstocking or shortages.
- Logiwa: A warehouse management system with AI tools for fulfillment efficiency.
Quick Comparison
App | Key Features | Best For | Price (Monthly) |
---|---|---|---|
PageFly | Multi-channel sync, page builder | Small to medium businesses | Free – $99 |
Synth | AI forecasting, workflow automation | Real-time stock management | Custom pricing |
ShipStation | Order automation, shipping tools | High-volume orders | $9 – $159 |
Settle | Advanced forecasting, cash flow tools | Optimizing inventory levels | Custom pricing |
Logiwa | AI fulfillment, warehouse tracking | Enterprise-level operations | Custom pricing |
Each app caters to different business sizes and needs, from startups to large-scale operations. Choose based on your inventory challenges, integration needs, and budget.
Top Inventory Management Apps for Shopify
1. PageFly: Multi-Channel Inventory Control
PageFly simplifies inventory management for CPG brands using Shopify. With its drag-and-drop interface and reusable section builder, merchants can create high-converting product pages quickly. It helps ensure products are displayed consistently while keeping inventory in sync across various sales channels.
PageFly has earned a stellar reputation, boasting a 4.9/5 rating from over 11,000 reviews . Keychorn, a Shopify Plus store, shared their experience:
"As our team continues to progress, our product range is growing and becoming more diverse. Having a robust, user-friendly web editor is crucial. PageFly is our top choice!"
Keychorn’s success story highlights PageFly’s impact – they achieved 400,000 organic visits after leveraging the platform’s tools .
Here’s a quick look at PageFly’s pricing:
Plan Level | Monthly Cost | Features |
---|---|---|
Free | $0 | All features, 1 published page/section |
Basic | $24 | 5 published pages/sections |
Unlimited | $99 (or $82.50/month billed annually) | Unlimited pages/sections |
PageFly integrates seamlessly with Shopify’s ecosystem, syncing inventory data across platforms like Amazon and eBay. It also connects with over 13,000 third-party apps . With performance optimizations for fast-loading product pages, it supports even large catalogs with ease. This makes PageFly a powerful tool for managing inventory and sales across multiple channels. Next, we’ll explore Synth for real-time stock management.
2. Synth: Real-Time Stock Management
Synth provides a smart inventory management system powered by AI, designed to prevent stock shortages and keep supply chains running smoothly. Its real-time tracking makes it especially useful for businesses juggling multiple sales channels at once.
The platform integrates effortlessly with tools like QuickBooks, Amazon, Google Suite, and Microsoft Office. By centralizing inventory data from various sources, Synth ensures stock levels stay consistent across all channels – from direct-to-consumer sales to wholesale operations. These integrations support key features that simplify inventory management:
Feature | What It Does | Why It Matters |
---|---|---|
AI Forecasting | Predicts demand in real time | Reduces the risk of stock shortages |
Automated Planning | Automates production schedules and workflows | Saves time on manual tasks |
Multi-Channel Sync | Updates inventory across all sales platforms | Keeps stock data accurate everywhere |
Portfolio Management | Manages multiple brands in one dashboard | Makes handling complex inventories easier |
Synth also automates important Sales and Operations Planning tasks, such as production scheduling, workflow management, and syncing order data across multiple stores. It even handles product variants and custom inventory rules, ensuring smooth coordination across all channels.
For Shopify users, Synth partners with HulkApps to offer tailored integration services, making setup and support hassle-free. With its focus on automation and AI-driven insights, Synth is a solid choice for CPG brands aiming to grow while keeping their inventory in check.
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3. ShipStation: Order and Inventory Automation
ShipStation simplifies shipping and inventory management for businesses handling high-volume CPG orders on Shopify. By automating key processes, it helps companies scale efficiently while keeping inventory accurate. Here’s a quick look at its standout features:
Feature | Capability | Business Impact |
---|---|---|
Multi-Channel Sync | Combines orders from all sales channels | Manage everything from one dashboard |
Automated Carrier Selection | Picks the best shipping options based on set criteria | Cuts shipping costs |
Custom Automation Rules | Automates repetitive tasks | Boosts operational efficiency |
ShipStation can reduce shipping costs by up to 88% with carriers like USPS, UPS, and DHL Express . Its inventory system automatically updates and syncs stock levels across all sales channels , making it ideal for businesses managing multiple warehouses.
"ShipStation helped us scale. We’re able to ship 15,000 orders a day without blinking an eye." – Greg Park, Founder & CEO at Mighty Club
Real-world examples highlight its effectiveness. Cotopaxi uses ShipStation’s smart order evaluation to find the most cost-effective shipping methods . While platforms like Synth focus on real-time stock tracking, ShipStation excels in automating orders and adjusting inventory across locations to avoid stockouts.
It also offers additional automation tools to enhance control:
- Cubiscan Integration: Automatically calculates package dimensions and weight.
- Product Bundle Management: Tracks bundled items and provides detailed insights.
- Branded Tracking: Customizes confirmation emails and tracking pages.
- Partial Fulfillment: Splits shipments for complex orders.
For businesses managing inventory across multiple locations, ShipStation connects warehouse locations to Shopify Inventory sources. This gives you real-time stock visibility across your entire network .
"ShipStation is very easy to use and set up. We can have all of our marketplace orders flow into one queue to allow us to bulk process and speed up our shipping process." – Shawn Wyatt, System Supervisor, Saddleback Leather Co.
The platform’s impact is clear – it reduces order processing times from 7–10 days to just a few hours, all while maintaining accuracy . This speed is crucial for CPG brands handling large order volumes and complex fulfillment needs.
4. Settle: Advanced Inventory Forecasting
Settle uses AI-driven tools to help businesses maintain the right stock levels while keeping cash flow in check.
Feature | Capability | Impact |
---|---|---|
Demand Forecasting | Predicts sales 6-12 months ahead | Minimizes stockouts and overstocking |
Machine Learning Models | Leverages Prophet, SARIMA, and Autoregressive | Weekly updates ensure precision |
SKU-Level Analysis | Tracks inventory per sales channel | Provides detailed stock management |
Financial Integration | Links inventory to cash flow | Improves working capital planning |
Settle’s forecasting tools rely on one year of historical data, requiring at least 20 weeks with more than one unit sold and recent activity within the past 30 days . The platform automatically selects the most accurate forecasting model by comparing nine months of historical sales data to the last three months .
"The new Settle functionality has, for the first time, created this trusted source spanning all supply chain-related functions. Our time is spent focused on our business and not on piecing together information." – Chris Jacob, CFO of HigherDOSE
Settle’s Automatic 3-Way Match feature uncovered an average of $273,000 in discrepancies over six months . This level of precision ensures financial benefits from accurate forecasting.
Integration Features That Strengthen Forecasting
Settle’s integration tools make its forecasts even more actionable:
- Multi-Channel Sync: Links to platforms like Shopify, Amazon, Walmart, and 39 warehouse management systems .
- Real-Time Updates: Provides immediate insights across sales channels and warehouses.
- Automated Notifications: Sends alerts for low stock levels based on lead times.
- Bill of Materials (BOM) Coordination: Handles complex product relationships seamlessly.
The platform offers tiered subscription plans to suit different needs. The Accelerate plan supports forecasting for up to 25 SKUs, while the Elevate plan accommodates unlimited SKUs .
"Settle is a lifeline for the CPG world because cash is tight." – Sarah Rioux, Co-Founder
For multi-channel CPG brands, Settle’s machine learning models recalibrate quarterly , ensuring forecasts stay accurate over time. This approach helps businesses maintain optimal inventory levels and avoid tying up unnecessary cash.
Settle’s advanced forecasting tools complement earlier automation solutions, providing CPG brands with the resources they need to streamline inventory management.
5. Logiwa: Warehouse Management System
Logiwa’s Warehouse Management System (WMS) simplifies inventory management for high-volume Shopify CPG brands with AI automation and real-time tracking.
Feature | Capability | Business Impact |
---|---|---|
Smart Order Routing | Automatically allocates orders across locations | Achieves a 99% same-day shipping rate |
AI Fulfillment | Optimizes tasks and automates workflows | Cuts picking/packing costs by 58% |
Inventory Rules | FEFO/FIFO management with smart picking algorithms | Minimizes product waste |
Labor Tracking | Monitors activities in real-time and benchmarks performance | Improves operational efficiency |
The Jobs & Waves feature helps prioritize crucial tasks while maintaining accuracy. Plus, the no-code workflow automation allows businesses to tailor operations to their specific needs .
"Logiwa’s AI fulfillment optimization cut our number of hours needed to complete tasks by almost 60%."
– Jannis Dargel, COO of Locad
Advanced Integration Capabilities
Logiwa acts as the central hub for CPG operations by offering:
- Automatic syncing of Shopify product data with existing SKUs
- Real-time shipment tracking updates
- Integration with multiple sales channels using Open Rest API
- Webhooks for instant updates across platforms
The platform’s effectiveness shines during peak seasons. For example, Chris Campo, Director of Operations, shared how Logiwa transformed their Q4 2023 operations:
"Logiwa kept us ahead of the peak season rush, making Black Friday a breeze and saving us a week of dealing with order backlogs."
– Chris Campo, Director of Operations
These integrations, paired with AI-driven tools, help businesses stay efficient and prepared.
AI-Powered Optimization
Logiwa’s AI features enhance warehouse operations through:
- Dynamic Fulfillment: Matches stock availability with consumer demand
- Resource Tracking: Assigns jobs efficiently to maximize workforce productivity
- Automated Allocation: Intelligently routes orders across multiple locations
For CPG brands managing complex inventory, Logiwa keeps operations running smoothly while handling up to 10x more orders . The labor tracking tools provide real-time insights into both physical and digital activities, driving operational improvements .
"Outstanding onboarding with Logiwa! The seamless process and responsive support exceeded our expectations. Highly recommend Logiwa for any organization looking to improve warehouse management!"
– Jonathan Gagné, Warehouse Project Manager, Mantoria
Logiwa’s AI-powered warehouse solution helps CPG brands efficiently scale their Shopify operations while maintaining streamlined inventory management.
Choosing the Right Inventory App
Here’s a guide to help your CPG brand pick the inventory tool that fits your needs.
Small to Medium CPG Businesses
If you’re managing moderate inventory, PageFly and Synth are excellent options:
Feature Need | Best App Choice | Key Capability |
---|---|---|
Multi-channel Sales | PageFly | Syncs inventory in real time across platforms |
Basic Forecasting | Synth | Uses AI for stock predictions |
Startup Friendly | Synth | Flexible pricing that scales with your business |
Enterprise-Level CPG Operations
For larger-scale operations, consider ShipStation, Settle, or Logiwa for more advanced features:
Feature Need | Best App Choice | Key Capability |
---|---|---|
Warehouse Management | Logiwa | AI-powered tools for fulfillment efficiency |
Advanced Forecasting | Settle | Machine learning for demand prediction |
Automation | ShipStation | Handles complex workflows automatically |
Multi-location Management | Logiwa | Synchronizes inventory across warehouses |
Key Factors to Consider
When choosing an app, think beyond just business size. Focus on these critical areas:
- Integration Capabilities: Check if the app connects smoothly with your existing systems.
- Scalability: Make sure the tool can handle your growth.
- Budget: Look at costs for setup, subscriptions, and training.
For industries with specialized needs, such as managing perishables or production, explore apps with tailored features. For example, retail businesses benefit from apps with strong POS integrations, while eCommerce brands need tools with multi-channel automation.
The right app should align with your workflow and help tackle your unique challenges.