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Introduction: The State of Inventory in 2025

Inventory management in 2025 is more complex—and more critical—than ever. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are under pressure to adapt to shifting supply chains, rising customer expectations, and the accelerating pace of digital commerce.

What used to be a back-office function is now central to profitability and growth. The days of relying on spreadsheets or siloed systems are over. Instead, businesses need platforms that offer:

• Real-time visibility across sales channels and warehouses
• Smart automation to prevent overstocking or shortages
• Easy integrations with ecommerce, accounting, and fulfillment systems
• Scalable features that grow with the business

In this blog, we’ll examine the key inventory software trends shaping 2025 and compare five major platforms—GOIS, Zoho Inventory, Sortly, Fishbowl, and Cin7—to see how they align with what SMBs need today.

The Growing Challenges SMBs Face

Before we get into solutions, let’s define the real problems that are driving change in inventory software adoption.

1. Unpredictable Supply Chains

Ongoing global disruptions have made inventory planning more difficult. Delays, shortages, and price fluctuations can wreak havoc on SMB operations. Businesses need real-time visibility, forecasting, and responsive tools to manage uncertainty.

2. Fragmented Sales Channels

Many SMBs now sell through multiple platforms: physical stores, Shopify, Amazon, Etsy, and more. Managing inventory across these channels is a major challenge if data isn’t centralized and updated in real time.

3. Manual Processes Are Breaking

Outdated tools like spreadsheets or basic point solutions create inefficiencies. These systems lack automation, are prone to human error, and don’t scale. A 2023 Software Advice survey revealed that 67% of SMBs experienced avoidable inventory errors due to manual tracking methods.

4. Lack of System Integration

Disconnected systems force staff to perform repetitive data entry and reconciliation between platforms. That means slower order processing, errors in fulfillment, and poor visibility into actual stock levels.

2025 Trends Reshaping Inventory Software

To meet these challenges, today’s inventory software must go far beyond basic stock tracking. Here are the five key trends SMBs should expect from a future-ready solution.

1. AI-Driven Forecasting and Automation

Inventory systems are now expected to offer intelligent features such as demand forecasting, automated reorder points, and anomaly detection. These tools reduce the need for manual oversight and help optimize inventory carrying costs.

2. Cloud-Native Architecture

Modern inventory platforms must be built for the cloud—not retrofitted. Cloud-native systems offer real-time syncing, mobile access, faster updates, and lower IT maintenance costs.

3. Mobile-First Experience

With teams working in warehouses, retail stores, or the field, mobile apps need to be more than dashboards. Features like barcode scanning, item transfers, and cycle counting should be available on the go.

4. Seamless Integration with Core Systems

SMBs require tight integration with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, QuickBooks, and Xero. The goal is one synchronized system that reduces double entry and improves operational efficiency.

5. Scalable Without Complexity

A good inventory system should serve small businesses well today and still meet their needs as they grow—without requiring enterprise-level overhead, IT support, or excessive configuration.

Comparison: How the Top Inventory Platforms Stack Up

Let’s compare GOIS with four other popular inventory solutions—Zoho Inventory, Sortly, Fishbowl, and Cin7—against these five trends.

Feature/Trend	GOIS	Zoho Inventory	Sortly	Fishbowl	Cin7
AI Forecasting & Smart Reordering	Predictive restock alerts, automation	Manual reorder setup	Basic low-stock alerts	Forecasting available, requires setup	Advanced automation, steeper learning
Cloud-Native & Mobile	Fully cloud with robust mobile app	Cloud-based with solid app	Mobile-first, easy to use	Desktop software with mobile limitations	Strong cloud platform with steep learning
Usability for SMBs	Intuitive, built for small teams	Good features, steeper learning curve	Very simple, limited functionality	Complex ERP-style setup	Feature-rich, but can be overwhelming
Ecommerce/Accounting Integrations	Shopify, Amazon, QuickBooks, Xero	Broad integration support	Lacks native ecommerce integrations	Good QuickBooks integration	Excellent omnichannel integrations
Multi-Location, Multi-Channel Sync	Real-time updates across all sites	Sync delays occasionally reported	Not ideal for multi-location setups	Good functionality, heavier setup	Excellent multi-location, higher cost

Platform Summaries and Use Cases

GOIS: Smart, Scalable, and Purpose-Built for SMBs

GOIS delivers advanced features like predictive alerts, real-time syncing, and ecommerce integrations without overcomplicating the experience. Its mobile-first interface and scalable design make it ideal for businesses that are growing or managing multiple sales channels.

Best for: SMBs in retail, wholesale, field service, or manufacturing looking for a future-proof solution without enterprise bloat.

Zoho Inventory: Feature-Rich but Ecosystem-Dependent

Zoho Inventory offers robust functionality, particularly when used as part of the broader Zoho suite. However, it can be less intuitive and harder to adopt for teams not already in the Zoho ecosystem.

Best for: Businesses already using Zoho CRM, Books, or other tools and looking for tight internal integration.

Sortly: Clean and Simple, But Limited

Sortly’s appeal lies in its clean design and mobile-friendly setup. It’s easy to get started and navigate, but it lacks depth when it comes to integrations, forecasting, and multi-channel support.

Best for: Asset tracking, field teams, or light inventory users with minimal complexity.

Fishbowl: Depth at the Cost of Simplicity

Fishbowl has strong features for manufacturing and inventory-heavy operations, but it’s primarily a desktop solution and requires more training to operate effectively.

Best for: Established businesses with in-house IT support or manufacturing workflows.

Cin7: Powerful but Demands More

Cin7 delivers enterprise-grade inventory tools and omnichannel management, but it comes with a higher price and complexity that can overwhelm small teams.

Best for: Mid-sized retailers or wholesalers that need extensive functionality and have the resources to implement it.

Why GOIS Stands Out in 2025

GOIS is purpose-built for the evolving needs of SMBs. It combines advanced functionality with ease of use, giving businesses the ability to scale without a costly or complex implementation.

Key differentiators include:

• Real-time inventory visibility across warehouses, channels, and devices
• Predictive alerts that reduce stockouts and overordering
• Seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce, and more
• A modern mobile interface that supports barcoding, transfers, and on-the-fly updates
• Flexible pricing tiers with no unnecessary add-ons or locked features

Businesses that have outgrown spreadsheets or are frustrated with fragmented workflows often find GOIS to be the most balanced and forward-compatible solution.

Real-World Feedback

“We moved from Sortly to GOIS after opening a second store. We needed multi-location visibility and better Shopify integration. GOIS checked all the boxes without forcing us into a complex enterprise system.”
— Retail Operations Manager, Independent Apparel Brand

“Fishbowl was powerful, but it was more than we needed. GOIS gave us mobile tools and QuickBooks integration with far less training and setup time.”
— Warehouse Lead, Wholesale Distributor

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ‘AI-powered’ inventory mean for SMBs?
AI features help you automate reordering, predict demand spikes, and avoid excess stock. GOIS uses intelligent alerts and restock thresholds to simplify planning.

How secure is cloud-based inventory software?
Modern platforms use encrypted cloud environments with strict user permissions and regular backups. GOIS, like others on this list, is built with security and reliability in mind.

Is GOIS a good fit for ecommerce sellers?
Yes. GOIS integrates natively with platforms like Shopify and Amazon, helping businesses maintain accurate inventory across all sales channels.

Can I track inventory from my phone?
Yes. GOIS, Sortly, and Cin7 offer mobile apps with features like barcode scanning, item transfers, and real-time adjustments. GOIS is especially mobile-forward.

How hard is it to switch from my current system?
GOIS offers guided migration, import templates, and personalized onboarding support to help SMBs transition smoothly from spreadsheets or older software.

Final Thoughts: What SMBs Need in 2025

In today’s fast-paced business environment, inventory software is more than just a digital warehouse—it’s a strategic asset. The right platform can drive efficiency, reduce costs, and unlock new growth.

While each platform reviewed here has its place, GOIS stands out for its focus on SMB usability, real-time visibility, mobile capabilities, and integration depth.

For small and mid-sized businesses looking to future-proof their operations without investing in complex ERP systems, GOIS delivers where it counts—today and into 2025.