Last Tuesday at 4:45 PM, a Melbourne based distributor realized they had oversold twenty two units of a high demand SKU because their spreadsheet failed to sync with their online store. This single manual entry error resulted in A$3,150 of lost revenue and three hours of customer service damage control. You likely already know that relying on fragmented systems is a gamble that limits your ability to scale in a competitive market.

It’s time to stop fighting your tools and start leveraging inventory control software for small business australia that actually understands local distribution needs. This 2026 guide provides a clear roadmap to transition from chaotic manual processes to a robust, Australian made system that synchronizes your warehouse, sales, and accounting in real time. You’ll discover how to achieve 100% stock accuracy, implement paperless warehousing, and establish seamless integration with your accounting and e-commerce platforms, eliminating the need for double handling. We’ll break down the exact steps to gain total operational control and ensure your local support is only a phone call away when you need it most.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the shift from basic tracking to comprehensive control and how a robust system serves as the central nervous system for your growing business.
• Learn to eliminate the “clipboard culture” by adopting paperless warehousing and barcode scanning to achieve up to 99% picking accuracy in your facility.
• Discover why choosing inventory control software for small business australia is essential for maintaining seamless compliance with local GST, BAS, and accounting standards.
• Master an evaluation framework to audit your operational pain points and identify “must-have” integrations with platforms like Xero, Shopify, and POS systems.
• Explore the “Australian Advantage” of local, expert support that understands the unique nuances of the domestic wholesale and distribution landscape.

What is Inventory Control Software for Small Business in Australia?

Inventory control software functions as the central nervous system for Australian small to medium businesses (SMBs). It isn’t just a digital ledger for counting boxes. By 2026, the industry has shifted from mere tracking to comprehensive control, meaning every movement of stock is tied to a financial outcome. For wholesalers, importers, and multi-channel retailers, this technology provides a single source of truth. It synchronises stock levels, sales data, and accounting records into one cohesive platform. What is inventory control? At its core, it’s the professional discipline of ensuring the right amount of stock is available at the right time to meet demand without over-investing capital. This prevents the “dead stock” trap that claims 15% of small business profits annually due to poor purchasing decisions.

Wholesalers and importers face unique pressures in the Australian market, including long lead times and fluctuating shipping costs. Relying on disconnected systems creates data silos where the sales team sees one stock figure while the warehouse sees another. When these figures don’t align, it costs an average Australian distributor A$4,200 per month in lost productivity and shipping errors. Effective inventory control software for small business australia eliminates these discrepancies. It integrates directly with your sales channels and accounting software, ensuring that a sale made in Sydney is instantly reflected in your Melbourne warehouse’s picking list. This level of synchronisation is the baseline for any business aiming to scale beyond a single storefront.

The Difference Between Inventory Tracking and Inventory Control

Tracking is reactive. It tells you where an item sits in your warehouse after it arrives. Control is proactive; it manages the flow. Australian SMBs often outgrow basic accounting add-ons when their SKU count exceeds 500 or they open a second location. A 2024 industry report indicated that 43% of Australian wholesalers lost revenue due to stockouts caused by manual data entry errors. Moving beyond spreadsheets eliminates these friction points. Automation handles reorder points and landed cost calculations, including GST and customs duties. It ensures your warehouse staff aren’t walking circles looking for “ghost stock” that doesn’t exist. High-performing businesses use these tools to maintain a 98% order fulfilment rate, something impossible with paper-based systems.

Why 2026 is the Year to Move to the Cloud

Cloud adoption isn’t a luxury anymore; it’s a requirement for survival. By 2026, 89% of successful Australian distributors have migrated their core operations to the cloud. This shift allows real-time visibility across multiple locations. Your sales team can check live stock levels on their mobile devices while visiting a client in regional New South Wales. If a customer buys the last alternator in your Brisbane branch at 10:00 AM, your Perth office knows by 10:00:01 AM. This prevents double-selling and the subsequent customer service nightmares that follow.

Security and data integrity are also critical for Australian business compliance. Cloud platforms offer robust encryption and automatic backups that meet local standards, protecting sensitive financial data from hardware failures. You don’t need to manage expensive on-site servers or worry about IT maintenance. Instead, you get a stable, scalable foundation that grows with your transaction volume. For an Australian small business, this transition typically results in a 22% reduction in administrative overhead within the first twelve months of implementation. It’s about working smarter, not harder, by letting the software handle the heavy lifting of data reconciliation.

Core Features of Modern Inventory Systems

Modern inventory management requires more than just a digital spreadsheet. It demands a robust framework that connects your warehouse floor directly to your sales channels. Choosing the right inventory control software for small business australia involves looking past basic stock counts. You need a system that eliminates human error and provides real-time visibility across every bin location in your warehouse. This level of control ensures that your business remains agile enough to respond to market shifts without overextending your financial resources.

Paperless Warehousing and Barcode Scanning

Moving away from the traditional clipboard culture in Aussie sheds is the first step toward operational excellence. Paper-based systems are slow. They lead to misread handwriting and lost pick slips. By implementing mobile devices for picking and packing, staff receive digital instructions directly on a handheld scanner or tablet. This shift reduces training time for new warehouse staff by up to 35 percent, which is critical in high-turnover sectors like wholesale distribution. It’s about empowering your team with tools that make their jobs easier and more accurate.

Barcode scanning is the backbone of this digital transition. When every item, bin, and pallet has a unique identifier, picking accuracy typically jumps to 99 percent or higher. As soon as a staff member scans a product, the central system updates instantly. This prevents double-handling and ensures your sales team doesn’t promise stock that’s already been allocated to another order. If you want to see how this works in a live environment, exploring integrated warehouse solutions can clarify the workflow for your specific industry.

Demand Planning and Automated Purchasing

Effective stock management protects your cash flow by ensuring capital isn’t tied up in slow-moving items. Smart reorder points allow you to automate replenishment based on real-time levels. Instead of manual checks, the software generates purchase orders with a single click. This is vital for Australian importers dealing with international freight, where sea freight lead times from Asia often exceed 45 days. You can’t afford to wait until a shelf is empty before you place your next order.

Using historical data helps you forecast seasonal Australian demand, such as the pre-Christmas rush or EOFY sales spikes. Relying on official government guidance on inventory management can help you establish these baseline tracking metrics. Once these benchmarks are set, the software manages the complexity for you. It accounts for supplier lead times and minimum order quantities, ensuring you never miss a sales opportunity due to a stockout. This proactive approach turns your inventory from a liability into a strategic asset.

Multi-channel integration completes the ecosystem. A modern system must sync Shopify, eBay, and Amazon effortlessly. When a sale occurs on eBay at 11:00 PM, your Shopify store and warehouse quantities should reflect that change by 11:01 PM. When evaluating inventory control software for small business australia, look for features that handle these multi-channel complexities without requiring manual data entry. This level of synchronization is no longer optional for businesses aiming to scale. It prevents overselling and maintains your reputation across all digital marketplaces, allowing you to focus on growth rather than troubleshooting stock discrepancies.

The ‘Australian Advantage’: Why Local Support Matters

Selecting the right inventory control software for small business australia involves more than a checklist of technical features. It requires a partner that understands the specific regulatory and geographical hurdles of the Australian market. Global software giants often operate on a “Follow the Sun” support model. While this sounds efficient in a brochure, it frequently results in a 14 hour delay between a critical warehouse error in Brisbane and a response from a technician in Raleigh or London. For a wholesaler moving A$50,000 worth of stock daily, waiting until midnight for a support ticket to be viewed isn’t a minor inconvenience; it’s a threat to the balance sheet.

Local ownership ensures that the software roadmap reflects Australian realities. When the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) updates reporting requirements for the 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) or modifies Business Activity Statement (BAS) protocols, a local developer implements these changes immediately. You don’t have to wait for a global “patch” that might prioritize US sales tax updates over Australian compliance. Peach Software maintains its head office in Sydney, ensuring that implementation and training aren’t handled by a generic video link, but by experts who understand the local distribution landscape.

Direct Support vs. Ticket Systems

Ticket systems are often where urgent queries go to die. Most global platforms boast 24/7 support, yet 68% of users report that “first contact” is usually an automated bot rather than a resolution. Local support means you speak to a human who understands the logistics of the Sydney metro area or the complexities of shipping to the Northern Territory. Personalised onboarding is essential because a one-size-fits-all approach fails the 90% of Aussie SMBs that have unique, industry-specific workflows. We focus on practical, hands-on training that mirrors your actual warehouse floor operations.

Integrations Built for the Aussie Tech Stack

In Australia, Xero is the undisputed leader in cloud accounting, used by over 1.3 million subscribers. Your inventory control software for small business australia must offer more than a basic sync; it needs a deep-dive integration that handles line-by-line reconciliation and automated accounts payable workflows. Beyond accounting, a local provider ensures seamless connections with domestic shipping carriers like Australia Post, StarTrack, and TNT. This ecosystem is built to comply with the Privacy Act 1988, ensuring your customer data remains on Australian soil and meets all local data sovereignty requirements. We prioritize these local connections to eliminate the manual data entry that costs businesses an average of 12 hours per week in lost productivity.

How to Choose the Right Software: An Evaluation Framework

Selecting the wrong inventory control software for small business australia results in more than just a wasted subscription. It leads to operational paralysis and expensive data migration cycles. You need a systematic framework to identify a solution that fits your specific workflow rather than forcing your business to adapt to a rigid template. Start by quantifying your current inefficiencies to build a baseline for your return on investment.

However, before diving into software evaluation, it’s worth considering whether managing your own warehouse is the right long-term strategy. For many growing eCommerce businesses, outsourcing this entire function to a third-party logistics (3PL) provider like Pik Pak Logistics can be a more scalable and cost-effective solution.

Auditing Your Current Inventory Mess

A single picking error costs an Australian wholesaler an average of A$75 when factoring in return freight, warehouse labor, and customer service time. If your team averages five errors a week, you’re losing A$19,500 annually. Beyond errors, you must identify ‘Shadow Inventory’. This refers to stock that physically exists in your warehouse but isn’t reflected in your digital records. It leads to missed sales opportunities and unnecessary over-ordering. Sit down with your warehouse and sales teams. They see the friction daily. Their feedback ensures you select a system that solves real-world bottlenecks instead of just satisfying an accounting requirement.

Your software must act as the central nervous system of your business. It’s non-negotiable that it provides seamless synchronization with your existing tech stack. Most Australian SMEs require native integrations with Xero or MYOB for accounting, and Shopify or WooCommerce for e-commerce. A 15-minute delay in stock synchronization can cause overselling during high-traffic periods; you need real-time data flow to maintain 100% accuracy across all sales channels.

The Scalability Test

Free or entry-level software often carries the highest long-term price tag. A system that works for 100 SKUs will often fail when you scale to 5,000 or 10,000 items. Businesses growing at 25% annually need a platform that can handle 5x their current volume without requiring a total system replacement. Look for modularity. You should only pay for the features you need today, such as basic barcoding, while retaining the ability to toggle on B2B portals or multi-warehouse management as you expand. This future-proofs your operations and keeps your overhead predictable.

• Request a Tailored Demo: Don’t settle for a generic walkthrough. Provide a sample of your own business data to see how the software handles your specific SKU structures and kitting requirements.
• Calculate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Look beyond the monthly subscription. Factor in implementation fees, which can range from A$1,500 to A$10,000, and the cost of staff training.
• Assess Support: Verify if the provider offers local Australian support. Waiting 12 hours for an overseas helpdesk to respond during a warehouse outage is a risk your business cannot afford.

The transition to a professional system should feel like a partnership. You are looking for a tool that offers stability and control, allowing you to focus on growth rather than constant firefighting. A robust system eliminates manual data entry, which currently consumes up to 15 hours per week for the average small business owner. By automating these workflows, you reclaim time to focus on strategic procurement and market expansion.

Peach Software: The Trusted Choice for Australian SMBs

Peach Software has spent more than 35 years refining its platform to meet the precise demands of the Australian market. Since 1988, the company has helped local businesses move away from the chaos of manual tracking and towards a fully automated ecosystem. This longevity isn’t just a number; it represents three decades of adapting to Australian tax requirements, shipping logistics, and wholesale trends. While many generic tools struggle with the complexity of local distribution, Peach remains a dedicated inventory control software for small business australia that understands the nuances of the region.

The system provides a complete paperless warehousing solution that integrates directly with Point of Sale (POS) terminals. This creates a unified environment where every sale, return, and stock movement is recorded instantly. A prominent Melbourne-based industrial supplier recently shared how this integration transformed their workflow. Before adopting Peach, they spent 18 hours every week manually reconciling warehouse stock with their sales records. After implementation, they reduced this administrative burden by 85%, allowing their team to focus on customer acquisition rather than data entry errors.

This holistic approach to efficiency often extends beyond software to the physical sales environment itself. A well-designed trade counter or showroom, for example, can significantly improve order processing and customer flow. For businesses looking for inspiration, the portfolio at perfectfitinterior.com.au showcases quality commercial shop fittings from a Melbourne-based specialist.

Peach offers more than just software; it provides a partnership built on local expertise. The support team is based in Sydney, ensuring you speak with experts who understand your business environment. They provide hands-on implementation support to ensure the software fits your specific operational layout. This level of personal service is a significant departure from the impersonal ticket systems used by global software giants.

The Peach ERP Difference

Peach is specifically engineered for wholesalers and importers who handle high SKU volumes and complex kitting requirements. The Peach Mobile application empowers warehouse staff to perform real-time stocktakes and order picking directly from handheld devices. This mobility eliminates the lag between physical movement and digital records. Furthermore, the system offers a seamless sync with Xero and major eCommerce platforms. This ensures that your financial accounts, online store, and physical warehouse stay perfectly aligned without a single line of manual data entry.

Getting Started with Peach

The onboarding process is structured to deliver results within the first 30 days. During this initial phase, Peach consultants help migrate your existing data and configure the system to match your warehouse layout. Training sessions are tailored to your staff’s specific roles to ensure high adoption rates from day one. To see how these features apply to your specific business model, you can book a professional warehouse demonstration. This allows you to witness the software handling your actual product types and order flows in a live environment.

Choosing the right inventory control software for small business australia is a decision that affects your bottom line for years. Peach Software delivers the stability of a 35-year legacy combined with the agility of modern cloud technology. It provides the robust control necessary to scale your business without increasing your headcount or your stress levels. By focusing on the practical needs of Aussie wholesalers, Peach ensures that your inventory remains an asset rather than a logistical hurdle.

Secure Your Operational Future in 2026

Managing a growing wholesale or distribution business requires more than just a spreadsheet; you need a system that offers real-time visibility and eliminates the friction of manual data entry. Peach Software provides this stability through 35+ years of Australian experience, ensuring your operations remain robust as market demands shift. By synchronizing your warehouse workflows with platforms like Xero and Shopify, you eliminate 100% of double-handling errors and gain immediate control over your margins.

Selecting the best inventory control software for small business australia isn’t about finding the most features; it’s about finding the right partner. Our Sydney-based expert support team understands the local landscape and provides the technical depth global competitors lack. You’ll move from reactive firefighting to proactive growth with a system designed specifically for the Australian wholesale sector. It’s time to stop guessing your stock levels and start trusting your data.

Book Your Free Professional Inventory Demo Today

Take the first step toward a more organized and profitable warehouse today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cloud-based inventory software safe for my Australian business data?

Cloud-based systems use bank-grade encryption and local Australian data centres to protect your commercial information. Peach Software ensures your data remains compliant with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 by using 256-bit SSL encryption for every transaction. This security protocol prevents data breaches and ensures your wholesale records are accessible only to authorised personnel. It’s a stable solution for businesses that can’t afford the risk of local server failures.

How long does it typically take to implement new inventory software?

Most Australian small businesses complete their full implementation within 4 to 6 weeks. This timeline includes data migration, system configuration, and comprehensive staff training sessions. We’ve helped over 500 distributors transition their systems since 1985 using a structured 30-day rollout plan. This methodical approach ensures your operations continue without downtime while your team masters the new tools for maximum efficiency.

Will Peach Software integrate with my existing Xero account?

Peach Software provides a seamless, two-way integration with Xero to synchronise your financial data automatically. You won’t need to perform manual data entry for invoices or purchase orders because the connection updates your general ledger in real-time. It’s the most reliable inventory control software for small business australia because it eliminates the reconciliation errors that typically plague 15% of manual accounting processes.

Can I use barcode scanning with my current mobile devices?

You can use any modern iOS or Android device to scan barcodes directly through our dedicated mobile interface. This hardware flexibility saves your business approximately A$1,200 per worker in dedicated scanning equipment costs. Our web-based app turns a standard smartphone camera into a high-speed scanner. It allows your warehouse team to pick, pack, and receive stock with 99.9% accuracy across your entire facility.

What is the difference between an ERP and simple inventory software?

An ERP system manages your entire business operation, while simple inventory software only tracks basic stock levels. Peach Software functions as a robust ERP by combining sales, purchasing, and accounting into one unified platform. While basic apps might cost less initially, an ERP can increase operational efficiency by 25% through automated workflows. It provides the deep insights necessary for scaling a professional distribution business.

Do you offer on-site training for businesses in the Sydney area?

We provide dedicated on-site training for businesses across the Greater Sydney region and regional New South Wales. Our expert consultants visit your warehouse to ensure your team understands the practical application of the software. We’ve conducted over 200 on-site sessions in the last 12 months alone. This hands-on approach reduces the learning curve and ensures your system is configured for your specific daily workflow.

How does the software handle multi-warehouse locations across Australia?

Our system tracks stock movements across unlimited physical locations with real-time visibility for every branch. You can manage transfers between a Melbourne warehouse and a Brisbane showroom with a single click. This feature is vital for inventory control software for small business australia looking to expand interstate. It prevents overstocking by showing you exactly where your A$50,000 of safety stock is located at any moment.

Is there a limit to the number of SKUs the system can manage?

Peach Software supports an unlimited number of SKUs, allowing your product catalogue to grow without any technical restrictions. We currently support clients managing over 100,000 individual part numbers with zero system latency. Whether you carry 500 items or 50,000, the database remains fast and responsive. This scalability ensures you don’t have to migrate to a new platform as your inventory grows over the coming years.

Inventory Management Software for Australian Wholesalers in 2026

Wholesale and distribution businesses rely on accurate inventory information to operate efficiently. When stock levels are wrong, the consequences are immediate: sales are lost, customers become frustrated, and valuable capital becomes tied up in slow-moving inventory.

Many Australian distributors still rely on spreadsheets or disconnected systems to track stock movements. While these tools may appear sufficient in the early stages of a business, they quickly become a barrier to growth. Manual data entry, delayed stock updates and inconsistent reporting can make it difficult to maintain accurate inventory across multiple warehouses, sales channels and customer accounts.

Modern inventory management software replaces these fragmented processes with a single operational platform that connects purchasing, warehousing, sales and accounting. Instead of reacting to stock discrepancies, businesses gain real-time visibility and control over every movement of inventory.

For wholesalers and distributors operating in Australia’s competitive market, this level of operational control is no longer optional. It is essential for maintaining accurate stock levels, improving warehouse efficiency and protecting profit margins.

What Is an Inventory Management System?

An inventory management system is the operational engine of a wholesale or distribution business. It controls the movement of goods from the moment products are ordered from suppliers through to the final dispatch to customers.

In practical terms, the system manages:

• purchasing and supplier orders

• warehouse receiving and stock allocation

• customer sales orders

• picking, packing and dispatch

• stock transfers between locations

• inventory valuation and reporting

Rather than relying on separate tools for each function, a professional inventory platform integrates these processes into a single system. This ensures that every department in the business works from the same real-time inventory data.

Why Spreadsheets No Longer Work

Spreadsheets are often used for stock control because they are easy to set up. However, they are not designed to manage complex warehouse operations.

As businesses grow, spreadsheet-based inventory systems create several operational problems:

• stock discrepancies between physical inventory and recorded quantities

• delays in updating stock across multiple locations

• manual reconciliation between sales, purchasing and accounting systems

• limited ability to manage complex wholesale pricing structures

These limitations force staff to spend hours each week manually updating records instead of focusing on higher-value work such as sales, procurement or customer service.

Inventory management software removes these inefficiencies by automating stock control processes and maintaining a single, accurate source of inventory data.

Essential Capabilities of Modern Inventory Software

Professional inventory management systems designed for wholesale businesses must handle far more than simple stock tracking. They must support the operational complexity of distribution environments.

100% Paperless Warehousing

Traditional warehouses often rely on printed pick slips, receiving documents and manual stock records. These paper-based workflows slow down warehouse operations and introduce opportunities for human error.

Modern inventory platforms allow warehouses to operate with fully digital workflows.

Using mobile barcode scanners and warehouse devices, staff can:

• receive goods directly into inventory

• scan products during picking and packing

• perform stocktakes electronically

• confirm dispatch without manual paperwork

Peach Software supports 100% paperless warehousing, allowing warehouse operations to run entirely through digital scanning processes. This eliminates the delays associated with manual paperwork and ensures that inventory records are updated instantly.

Barcode Scanning and Real-Time Stock Updates

Barcode scanning is one of the most effective ways to improve warehouse accuracy.

Every time a product is scanned during receiving, picking or dispatch, the system updates the central inventory database immediately. This ensures that stock levels remain accurate across all departments, from sales teams quoting customers to purchasing teams managing supplier orders.

Real-time updates reduce the risk of overselling and allow staff to see exactly what stock is available at any moment.

Multi-Location Inventory Control

Many distributors operate multiple warehouses or branch locations. Managing stock across these locations requires detailed visibility and control.

Inventory management systems allow businesses to:

• track stock quantities in each warehouse

• transfer inventory between locations

• allocate stock to orders across multiple branches

• maintain consistent stock records across the entire organisation

This capability ensures that inventory is used efficiently and prevents situations where one warehouse holds surplus stock while another experiences shortages.

Wholesale Pricing and Customer Management

Wholesale businesses often operate with complex pricing structures that vary between customers.

Professional inventory systems support features such as:

• customer-specific pricing agreements

• quantity break pricing

• promotional pricing rules

• product group pricing structures

Automating these pricing rules ensures that each customer receives the correct pricing without requiring manual adjustments on every order.

Integration with Accounting Systems

Inventory software must also integrate with accounting systems to ensure that financial records remain accurate.

Platforms such as Peach Software integrate with accounting systems like Xero, allowing sales invoices, purchases and payments to synchronise automatically. This removes the need for double data entry and ensures that financial reporting reflects real business activity.

The Advantage of Australian-Developed Software

Wholesale businesses operating in Australia face specific operational and regulatory requirements. Systems developed for overseas markets often struggle to accommodate these local conditions.

Peach Software has been developed in Australia and has supported wholesale and distribution businesses for over 40 years. During this time the platform has evolved to address the operational needs of Australian distributors, including complex pricing structures, warehouse workflows and integration with local accounting systems.

This long development history provides a level of stability and industry knowledge that newer software platforms often lack.

From Stock Tracking to Operational Control

Inventory management software should not simply record stock movements after they occur. A modern system becomes the operational backbone of the business, guiding purchasing decisions, warehouse activity and customer fulfilment.

When implemented correctly, an integrated inventory platform allows businesses to:

• maintain accurate real-time stock visibility

• eliminate manual warehouse paperwork

• reduce inventory discrepancies

• streamline order processing

• improve purchasing decisions

• support growth across multiple locations and sales channels

For wholesalers and distributors seeking to operate efficiently in 2026 and beyond, inventory management software is no longer just an administrative tool. It is the foundation that supports scalable and profitable warehouse operations.

Inventory Management Software Australia – Complete Guide for 2026

Inventory management software has become essential for Australian wholesalers, retailers, importers, and distributors. In 2026, businesses require real-time visibility of stock across warehouses, sales channels, and accounting systems.

Modern inventory systems act as the operational backbone of a business. They connect purchasing, warehouse operations, sales orders, and financial reporting within a single platform.

For Australian companies managing thousands of SKUs, multiple branches, and online sales channels, inventory management software provides a single source of truth for stock levels and operational data.

What is Inventory Management Software?

Inventory management software is a business system designed to track and control the movement of goods through an organisation.

It manages key processes including:

• stock control across warehouses

• purchase orders and supplier management

• sales orders and dispatch

• barcode scanning and warehouse workflows

• integration with accounting software

• integration with eCommerce platforms

Instead of relying on spreadsheets or disconnected systems, businesses use inventory software to maintain accurate stock levels and automate operational processes.
The principles of inventory management apply across many sectors, leading to specialized solutions for niches like the restaurant industry. For instance, platforms such as E-Étterem are designed specifically for the unique needs of cafes, pizzerias, and delivery services.

Why Australian Businesses Need Inventory Management Software

As businesses grow, managing inventory manually becomes increasingly difficult.

Companies that rely on spreadsheets often encounter problems such as:

• inaccurate stock levels

• overselling products online

• manual data entry errors

• delays between sales and warehouse processing

• difficulty managing multiple warehouse locations

Inventory management software eliminates these issues by synchronising stock movements across the entire business.

When a product is sold, received, or transferred, inventory levels update immediately across accounting systems, online stores, and internal dashboards.

Core Features of Modern Inventory Software

Stock Control Across Multiple Locations

Modern inventory systems allow businesses to track stock across multiple warehouses, branches, or retail locations.

Users can see:

• stock on hand

• stock allocated to orders

• incoming stock from suppliers

• inventory in transit between locations

This real-time visibility helps businesses maintain accurate inventory levels and prevent stock shortages.

Order Processing Automation

Inventory software automates the workflow from quote to dispatch.

A customer order can move through several stages automatically:

Quote → Sales Order → Pick Slip → Dispatch → Invoice

Because all data flows through one system, the risk of errors caused by re-entering information is removed.

Reporting and Inventory Analytics

Advanced reporting tools allow businesses to analyse inventory performance.

Companies can monitor:

• product sales trends

• slow-moving items

• stock turnover rates

• supplier performance

• purchasing requirements

These insights help businesses make better purchasing and inventory decisions.

Barcode Scanning and Warehouse Automation

Barcode scanning has become a standard feature in modern warehouse operations.

Instead of relying on paper forms and manual checklists, warehouse staff scan products using handheld devices or mobile scanners.

Barcode workflows support key processes including:

• receiving incoming stock

• put-away into warehouse locations

• picking items for orders

• packing and dispatch

• performing stocktakes

Scanning verifies each step of the process, improving accuracy and reducing shipping errors.

Paperless Warehousing

Many Australian warehouses are moving toward fully paperless workflows.

Paperless systems allow staff to process tasks directly through mobile devices, eliminating printed documents such as pick slips and receiving forms.

Benefits of paperless warehousing include:

• faster order processing

• improved warehouse visibility

• reduced administrative overhead

• easier stock tracking and auditing

Managers can monitor warehouse operations in real time using mobile dashboards or tablets.

Integration with Accounting Software

Inventory software must integrate with accounting platforms to ensure financial accuracy.

When inventory systems connect to accounting software such as Xero or MYOB, transactions automatically update financial records.

This integration synchronises:

• sales invoices

• purchase orders

• inventory adjustments

• cost of goods sold

The result is more accurate financial reporting and reduced manual bookkeeping.

eCommerce and Omnichannel Integration

Many businesses now sell products through multiple channels including online stores, marketplaces, and wholesale ordering portals.

Inventory software ensures stock availability stays synchronised across all channels.

When an order is placed online, inventory levels update instantly so the same stock cannot be sold twice.

This integration is particularly important for businesses selling through platforms such as:

• Shopify

• Neto

• Woo Commerce

• eBay

• B2B ordering portals

B2B eCommerce for Wholesale Businesses

Wholesale distributors increasingly offer online ordering portals for their customers.

B2B portals allow customers to:

• log in to their account

• view contract pricing

• check live stock availability

• Check their Account Status and Reprint Invoices

• place orders directly

Orders submitted through the portal automatically enter the warehouse dispatch queue, reducing the need for manual order entry.

Choosing the Right Inventory Management Software in Australia

When evaluating inventory software, businesses should consider several factors.

Important capabilities include:

• multi-warehouse support

• barcode scanning

• mobile warehouse functionality

• accounting integration

• eCommerce integration

• scalability for growth

Another critical factor is the availability of local support. Inventory software sits at the centre of daily operations, so access to knowledgeable support teams is essential.
Similarly, the underlying IT infrastructure that runs this software is just as critical. Businesses often work with managed IT service providers to ensure their systems are secure and efficient. For those exploring what this entails, pdxittech.com offers a solid example of the kinds of support packages available.

Peach Software – Inventory Management Software for Australian Businesses

Peach Software provides inventory management software designed specifically for Australian wholesalers, distributors, and retailers.

The system integrates inventory control, order processing, accounting connectivity, and warehouse management into one platform.

Key features include:

• multi-warehouse inventory management

• barcode scanning and mobile warehouse workflows

• integration with Xero and MYOB

• integration with eCommerce platforms including Shopify

• B2B ordering functionality

• advanced pricing and customer management

Peach Software has been servicing Australian businesses for more than 30 years and is used by companies across the country.

Internal Linking Opportunities

For SEO strength, link this article to relevant Peach pages such as:

Suggested internal links:

• Peach Mobile

• Barcode Scanning page

• Xero Integration page

• Shopify Integration page

• Mobile Warehouse page

• B2B Ordering page

This strengthens topical authority and improves search ranking.

FAQ

What is inventory management software used for?

Inventory management software tracks stock levels, purchase orders, and sales orders while synchronising inventory data across warehouses, accounting systems, and sales channels.

What is the best inventory management software in Australia?

The best inventory software depends on the needs of the business. Australian wholesalers and distributors typically require systems that support multi-warehouse inventory, barcode scanning, accounting integration, and eCommerce connectivity.

Can inventory software integrate with Xero?

Yes. Many inventory management systems integrate with Xero to automatically synchronise invoices, purchase orders, and inventory adjustments.

Does inventory software support barcode scanning?

Most modern inventory systems include barcode scanning features for receiving stock, warehouse picking, dispatch validation, and stocktakes.

Is inventory management software suitable for wholesalers?

Yes. Wholesale distributors rely on inventory software to manage large product catalogues, supplier purchasing, warehouse operations, and B2B customer ordering.

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems

Are an integrated suite of software applications that automate the core business processes of an organization. ERP systems are used to manage data across an organization in real time, including managing financials, supply chain, production, inventory, shipping, and more. ERP systems also provide users with centralized access to data, allowing them to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently.

Steps in Selecting an ERP System

1. Research ERP systems: Before investing in an ERP system, research and compare the features and costs of different ERP systems to find the one that best fits your business needs.

2. Set up a Trial of the ERP system: Install the ERP system with your sample data on your company's computers and mobile devices, and configure it to fit your specific business processes.

3. Run some test scenarios to ensure the outcomes are as expected and Detailed as required.

4. Train employees: Make sure the application supplier can adequately train your employees so they become familiar with the ERP system quickly. Check for adequate training materials and resources such as Video Tutorials, to ensure existing and new staff are comfortable with the new system.

5. Integrate the system: Populate the new ERP system with data from the legacy application and integrate to other business systems and applications, such as accounting software, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and inventory management software.

6. Monitor the system: Monitor the system to ensure that it is running smoothly. Make sure you have direct access to the application provider so they can correct any issues that arise quickly to prevent disruption to your business operations.

7. Customize settings: Customize settings as needed to ensure that the ERP system is meeting the changing needs of your business.

Peach Cloud software offers businesses, improved collaboration, cost savings, and scalability.

In this blog, we will explore the basics of cloud software and how this technology can benefit your business. In the world of technology, cloud software has become an increasingly popular tool for businesses of all sizes.

Cloud software is a type of software that is hosted and managed remotely, rather than on a local server. This makes it easier for businesses to access and use their software from any device, at any time. Cloud software also offers a range of features, including customization, scalability, and security. One of the biggest advantages of cloud software is improved connectivity allowing businesses to easily share a data sets such as Products or Customer information across multiple branches and locations to in real time. This is especially useful for businesses with multiple locations or remote employees, as it allows everyone to access the same information. Peach Software makes it simple to store and back up data, making it easier to access important history files when needed.

Another key benefit of cloud software is cost savings. By using cloud software, businesses can avoid the expensive hardware and software associated with traditional IT solutions. Additionally, businesses can pay for cloud software on a subscription basis, meaning they only pay for the services they need. This is a great way to keep costs down, while still having access to the features and functionality of quality software. Finally, cloud software is highly scalable, meaning businesses can easily scale up or down based on their needs. This is ideal for businesses that experience periods of high demand, as they can quickly add or remove users and features to meet their requirements.

Overall, cloud software is an invaluable tool for businesses of all sizes. From improved collaboration to cost savings and scalability, cloud software can provide a range of benefits for businesses. If you're looking to take advantage of the latest technology, cloud software is definitely worth considering.

What is an API?

An Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of programming instructions and standards for accessing web-based software applications. An API is a way for two computer programs to communicate with each other, and it enables developers to access a wide range of web-based services and resources. For example, the Peach Software API allows developers to integrate information such as stock availability and prices into their own websites and applications.

What can you do with an API?

APIs allow developers to access a variety of web services and resources, and they can be used to create powerful applications. For example, an API might be used to integrate data from multiple sources, such as a web-based CRM platform and a customer support system. It could also be used to create a more streamlined user experience, such as integrating a payment system into a web-based store. APIs can also be used to create custom integrations, such as connecting a web-based customer support system to a third-party customer relationship management (CRM) platform.

What are the benefits of the Peach Software API?

The Peach Software API provides developers with the ability to quickly and easily integrate data with multiple resources. This can save time and money by eliminating the need for developers to build their own solutions from scratch. APIs also allow developers to create custom integrations that can be used to create more streamlined user experiences. Additionally, APIs can be used to access a wide range of data and services, making them an invaluable tool for developers.

To Download API Notes click here

Reordering Inventory can consume copious amounts of time

There are several scenarios which can create the need to order stock. These can include impending special events such as Father's Day, a seasonal occurrence like Easter, ordering stock to supply customer orders, or to simply restock your shop or warehouse.

For these and other reasons, businesses with high Inventory counts can spend a great deal of time generating supplier orders, while taking all these sales demand driven factors into account.

Then there are the supply driven factors such as your supply chain and its reliability. This adds even more complexities to the decision about what to order, how much to order and how often. Recent Global events, I'm referring to COVID, mean these supply chains are stretched even further, requiring more buffer stock and longer lead times.

Now all the above can be calculated, simply feed the data into a good MRP system, and out comes the numbers, or do they. Any computerised system relies on existing data such as Supply and Sales statistics to be correct, so if you lack the data or an agile inventory system to analyse it, then the calculations just cannot be trusted. This is scenario which is more common that one might think.

It's no wonder the business owner can potentially spend hours on each single supplier order, trying to walk the fine line between spending too much on Overstocking or too little and missing Sales, turning away customers, more about that later. No doubt the more complex your Inventory System is and the more accurate your statistics are, the faster this process can become and the longer you can put off employing that $100,000+ per year purchasing manager.

Let's consider the downside of getting it wrong

As much as you try, your business will always have a little too many or not quite enough of what you're customers want, since demand and supply are somewhat uncontrollable variables. The target however is to minimise both extremes, finding a happy medium. We all know the consequence of too much stock.

1. Cash Flow
2. Storage or Shelf Space
3. Obsolete Lines
4. Replacement price falls
5. Devaluation of your stock
6. Become uncompetitive & suffer Sales Losses

Cash Flow

Healthy cash flow is like the blood running through the arteries of an athlete, it's what keeps your business alive. With Healthy cash flow comes the mental strength of the business owner to feel they can think and act above the day-to-day operation of the business, challenges that bog down owners under financial pressure are magically trivialised, leaving them to enjoy a bigger and better experience of managing the business from high. The luxury of generous cash flow lifts the morale of all participants and stakeholders of the business, from the Cleaner to the CEO. Cash flow makes the sunshine, it's the oil to a squeaky wheel that is your business. Have I brought home the message yet? Well, let's look at how poor reordering can affect this precious commodity…

Imagine you have a product in 5 sizes. It's a new product to market and you think it will be in high demand, so you're willing to put some money behind it and order 100 of each size. This will mean you will have the best representation of the stock in your area encouraging customer count and sales growth. It's a hefty $15,000 investment but your confident that the combination of the product launch and healthy margin will be in your favour. A Month goes by, and you have sold out of 2 sizes, but the rest have not performed nearly as well. There are two issues here 1. You've lost some sales of the popular two sizes, but the other 3 haven't moved, and 2. You still have a fair chunk of your investment wrapped up in the remaining stock, basically you're less than halfway to recharging your available cash to purchase more and based on the sales statistics you should be doubling down on the popular sizes. This is a classic example that if multiplied over hundreds or thousands of line items, you can see how quickly money can be frozen in stock.

Replacement Cost Falls

Doesn't sound too disastrous until you consider your competitor can now get the same product for half your cost.

Often the cost and selling price of a product reduces over its lifespan. This is due to innovation and competitive forces. At the products launch there is a lot of hype and expectation that the product will fill a market void perhaps replacing an inferior method or it's simply Bigger, Faster or Better. Add to this the production ramping up so the cost of production is temporarily high, and the competition is low. Take a 55inch TV for example. When the 55” TV hit the market, it was as we say, the bee knees, Mr & Mrs Smith just needed to have one, it was bigger, blacker and wow what a refresh rate!. So all this adds up to the product being able to sustain higher costs, healthy margins and a big price tag. That is until the 65” hit the shops. By now, not only the selling price, but also the replacement cost of the 55” model have crashed considerably. Now you have 10 x 55” TVs in stock with a falling replacement and sale value, now worth a fraction of what you paid for them. Your cost on those 10 x 55” TV's is now higher than the online retail price. The stock has quickly become obsolete and you're going to lose some money. It won't be long till you see 55” TVs on the side of the road on your way home. Although this is a worst-case scenario, it's realistic and even if your product range isn't quite so time sensitive, multiplied by the many lines of products you have, it can quickly end up being an expensive weight for your business to carry.

Protecting your business from Stock depreciation

Identify product trends using long- and short-term comparisons. Although a product can have a short term slow down due to seasonal changes, the medium- and long-term trends need to be monitored alerting you to products that may be heading for the side of the road. After you identify these, you need to act quickly

1. You may have an arrangement with the supplier to return them and redeem some credit since they may have customers still purchasing them
2. Run some specials to re-energise the product line
3. Sell out at cost or even at a slight loss turning stock back into cash “SUNSHINE”

Whatever your action its crucial to do it quickly. If it turns out that you need a few more because of these actions then that's fine, just don't get stuck with them or else the sun will stop shining and your money will be frozen.

Storage Costs

Space is another precious commodity. Have you noticed that a business with ample Shelf or Warehouse space looks clean and well organised? The store person stands there, proud and delighted with their clean and meticulously well organised space. They can tell you where everything is and can retrieve it for you at a moment's notice. Space allows you to organise your Shop or Warehouse to optimise processes such as Receiving and putting stock away, conduct rolling stocktakes, minimise picking times, consolidate groups of products into common areas and keep your stock in good saleable condition. So, it's no surprise that space encourages an organised environment, and organisation saves time and time is money. Simply check stock that has not had a sale or purchase in 6 months. Now get the storeman to mark that stock with a sticky dot, then walk around and consider how much extra space you may have if you moved or dumped these slow-moving lines. When you go to work tomorrow, before you sit down at the desk, walk around your warehouse, or shop and take a hard look, being critical about stock taking up space and visualise how it could be if you started identifying and moving that frozen money. Consider the slow and obsolete stock and make some plans to un-freeze that cash. Even if you get a fraction of what it's worth you've achieved two things. You've banked the money and freed up precious space to help streamline your business and save time/money.

• In Summary
• More Space
• Cleaner and more organised
• Less Mistakes
• More accurate data
• Faster dispatch times
• Stock in better condition
• Safer and higher staff moral
• Cash in the Bank

Remember $100.00 in cash is worth $1,000 in dead stock

Missed Opportunities

Supposing you're holding too much stock, causing both cashflow and space to suffer. This can be the catalyst for missed opportunities. When a supplier brings new product lines to market or advertises a special, will you have the cash flow to range the products? if you have, do you have the space. Often when cash flow is tight you may be playing round robin with your suppliers. Paying each of them just in time to keep your supply lines open. Have you considered this may be harming your relationship with your supplier? Perhaps when they want to promote a product by heavy discounting, they may be discouraged buy your payment habits or consider your representation of their products not to be satisfactory if your premises is disorganised and poorly presented. To some degree most businesses have their limits causing them to offer settlement discounts from time to time. Will you be the smart business in a position to take up their settlement discount further lifting profits and positive cash flow?

Some suppliers may offer great value through forward orders and drop shipments but often they need to be paid in advance. How are you placed to take advantage of this?

Missed Sales

It's almost a given that the stock you run out of during the month is the most saleable stock. I guess missing one or two sales may be acceptable, but do you think about where that customer is going to go when they're walking out the door frustrated? Will they re consider shopping with you next time? Missing a sale is missing the opportunity to keep the customer that took you so much Money, Time, and effort to attract. Understand and categorise the fast movers and never run out, in fact if you have some spare cash do a bulk deal with your supplier and lift those profits.

Shipping Costs skyrocket

If you're continuously running slim on popular movers, you're going to need to get more deliveries, so up go the freight costs and it's not just this, it's the time spent placing the order and then receiving it. Add to this that you may need to get emergency stock from another supplier who's price is higher. If you're an importer the problem gets even worse with shipping times forcing, you to air freight some stock sending your profits plummeting.

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If none of these problems ring true for your business, then you're the exception. Otherwise here are some tools available within Peach Business Software to clear the haze…

1. Generate Reorder levels based on Granulated Algorithms using Supplier Performance, Variable Sales History periods, Usage, Product Groups and Categories within a supplier which can be recalled, tweaked and re generated as often as required. This allows for some triggers to be generated more often when the products are in the growth or diminishing phase of their lifespan.
2. Automation to identify and categorise products by sales consistency or velocity. Products can be tagged with a Category colour allowing staff to identify fast and slow moving stock lines in all lookup screens. This automation can be run as often as required to cater to fast moving trends.
3. Function to write down the value of slow moving and obsolete stock to minimise your tax liability
4. Multiple Bin locations to allow for more organised warehouse and bulk stock space. Also allowing for multi bin picking to streamline and speed up picking times
5. Paperless warehousing speeds up all processes from receiving to dispatch, selling, and stocktaking reducing costs and increasing accuracy
6. Lost sales register each time a product is dropped from an enquiry
7. Promotional sales function which can be product, date and customer focused with the ability to bulk text or email specials
8. Peach B2B to promote specials and clearance stock
9. Unlimited Alternate suppliers for each product with a record of the last purchase price from each, allowing for discussions about price competition.
10. Reports identifying slow moving and obsolete stock with the ability to bulk tag based on your parameters.
11. Function to import Supplier price and product file updates so you always know the replacement cost of your stock and when new products come to market.

If your interested in learning more about Peach Software, then please reach out to us at [email protected]

Why, When and How to Migrate to new Business Software

In the last 12 Months we have gathered around 300 enquiries from Australian Small businesses, who as yet are undecided about If to Migrate or What to Migrate too.

Different Business owners have different needs and challenges. Many also have a different opinion about how much they should spend on Software or more to the point how much it's worth to their business.

Many small business owners pay around $1,000 / Month on a company car, a depreciating asset that sits in a car space 20 Hours a day, sells for a fraction of what you pay for it, and then start again.

Yet many would scoff at investing a fraction of that on a monthly basis, on Software to run the business that pays for that car. Some would say, My Software works just fine, knowing there could be improvements such as Connectivity, Mobility, Better, faster and more accurate Inventory Control, Cost and Selling price control, B2B and B2C Integration, the list goes on.

KEEPING SOFTWARE UP TO DATE

The Why

What's 10% of your stock worth? That's likely to be Obsolete and Slow movers

What's 8% of your stock worth? That's likely to be cashflow consuming overstocks

What's 7% of your sales worth? That's likely to be lost sales due to Short Supplies or Overpricing

What's an extra 3% of profit worth to you? That's likely to be Profit Margin you're missing out on

What's 5% of your wages worth? That's likely time waisted from inefficiencies

The numbers don't lie – based on an inventory of $200,000 and a Turnover of 1 million the above represents around $130,000.00

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO ON SAVING COSTS WITH SOFTWARE

The When

Is Season the Key?

We migrate many new clients onto peach every year, different types of businesses with different markets. Many in the Parts and Agricultural industries, so for them season plays a big part in their sales patterns. They will migrate in and off season.

Should you wait for your software to fail?

This places undue pressure on your business and your staff, not to mention the dissatisfaction from customers due to a system becoming clunky or unusable. 95% of our new clients come from an existing application which we migrate their data from. This includes their Sales invoices, Debtor Balances, Products, Pricing structures and so much more. If the system you are migrating from becomes even partially dysfunctional, then the migration will suffer.

Should I cleanse my current system before migrating?

The reason you are moving on is likely that it's the system you are on that has either caused the messy data due to being inflexible or inefficiencies in keeping the data clean. So, no! move to the new system and then start working on the data. A great deal can be achieved by working with the person doing the migration, to tidy up data at the database level during the migration.

I'm just not ready Yet

Completely understood, why fix something not broke (YET). The truth is that the motivation to move is the sum of the pain being experienced now. So how bad does the pain need to be before you do move. It's likely to get worse and then the migration is going to be put on a tighter schedule which loses the luxury of due diligence. Don't wait until it becomes a rush Job as this can be a very stressful time.

I'm too busy

The problem with small business is that you get stuck working in the business instead of on the business. Try going to work one day when you have full staff and just walk around. You're likely to identify numerous motivations to find better ways to work and you'll come home with some great ideas. One of those ideas will hinge on a better Importing, Warehousing, Wholesaling or Point of Sale system. Don't be chained to the inner working of your business.

100 FEATURES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

The How

Above all understand that it's not an easy journey, so take your time and think ahead. Nothing should be left till the last minute. Understand what you and your staff ideally want, make a list, and then start your search, one great place to start is by talking to other local small businesses about their systems, especially if their business has similar needs. Some examples are Auto Parts and Stationery or Bearings and Fasteners or Fishing Tackle and Hardware. All these have inventory centric businesses. Once you have found 2-3 possibilities, contact the providers and get a trial which should last at least a couple of months, even better if it has some test data in it so you can run through some scenarios. If you think you have found your ideal system then ask that company to do a Data Migration rehearsal for two reasons. 1. It will prove their competency and willingness 2. You can run real scenarios with real data to see if the outcomes are what you desire. Hopefully while you have this trial you will have access to their support as well so you can call and ask questions and check that their service is acceptable. They may charge you for this but it's well worth it, at the end of the day you want to be sure you can work with the system and the company before placing your entire business in their hands. Once satisfied book ahead so you can plan the timing to suite your business and perhaps even work around staff annual leave etc.

What to look out for

As much as you look around, no one solution is going to meet all your needs. It's an accepted fact these days that you may need 2 or 3 solutions working together to give you the best outcome. 1 is acceptable 2 can be good and three can give you everything you need. So, make sure the system you choose has the ability to integrate with other applications such as a Payroll or eCommerce solution. Talk these integrations through and ask the company who they integrate with to fulfil that area.

Some other things you should be aware of are…

Is the company you deal with the Originators of the Software or are they resellers? If you have a new Feature Need or have discovered a bug, then a reseller would have to refer the matter back to the Originator of the application. This may work well but there are cases where details are lost in translation or going back and forth can become frustrating. The Reseller can also fall out of favour with the originator which means you do too. Can you deal directly with the Originator? If you can this is ideal, especially if they take phone calls from their customers. That would be a gold standard.

Is the company in Australia?, do they develop the software for Australia and do they support the software from Australia? If as an example the support is done offshore then the time difference may mean there is a 24-hour lead time on replies or language and cultural differences. If you can call someone in an offshore support centre during our business hours you may also find that those operators are simply 1^st level support since it may be after hours where they are, and you will have to wait until the cavalry, come back to work Monday morning so to speak.

What type of support will you get?

Here are some of the possibilities and how I would rate their efficiency and effectiveness.

Email, Ticket or Chats “Inefficient”

It's a well-known fact that with emails, chats & Tickets, the questions and answers can go back and forth many, many, times before you and the support person are on the same page, and with these sorts of support it's likely you will be spending your precious time dealing with a 1^st level support person or non-English speaker hidden behind the keyboard. So, its also likely you will be spending a lot of time and emotions explaining the problem before they understand let alone provide an answer

Phone Call to live operator “Better”

When you have a live operator, you can describe the problem so much easier and if the support person doesn't understand or needs to clarify some details, it can be done right there and then. They can come back to you and you can get back to work. If this is the companies culture then your also more likely to be able to speak to a higher level operator if need be.

Phone Call to operator who can log onto your screen “Best”

This is a gold standard of support because you can actually show the support person the problem or they can provide instant training by showing you how to complete a specific task. It cannot be overstated that having a support person logging onto your screen can literally save hours going back and forth. It also ensures that you are utilising the most effective tools available to you in the software suite. Ongoing training is ever so much more efficient than Forums, Instructions or guessing your way through. Even years later you may ask a question and the operator can take you on a journey into areas of the software you have never explored.

HERE IS A VIDEO ON OUR SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTMENT

Onsite Training

Does the software company have people available to visit and provide coaching or training? You may find that having an application experienced person come to site can gain a lot of insight into your business just by walking around. They can come away providing ideas on how you can better use the application in your business and perhaps even some ideas about how small changes could be made to the application to improve functionality for your and others businesses.

The Technology and Updates

Ask about the technologies and infrastructure the software requires, especially if you have multiple branches or multiple operating systems. A modern application should be able to work across multiple platforms such as Microsoft, Mac, android and even iOS. PC's Laptops Tablets and Phones should all be catered for. Infrastructure requirements such as beefy Servers or VPN's should not be required for small businesses up to 20 users, even where there are multiple branches due to modern technologies and operating platforms. The speed of the software is paramount, a well designed application can operate at a very satisfactory pace even if the internet speed is lacking. To check the speed of the application run a large report, say 500 pages, and see how long it takes to appear. Now scroll down through the pages and see if they are all pre-generated, or if they need to refresh every time you move to the next page, this can be very boring. How easy is it to get data into and out of the system, and what about price files from suppliers, can these be imported? Features such as Emailing all documents including statements and perhaps texting. When running a report can this be opened by other applications such as excel so you can manipulate the data and can you write and save your own reports?

Migrating to a new software application is a big job and can pay off big time, but preparation and taking your time can have a positive impact on the journey. So don't wait until it's too late to enjoy the luxury of time. Start the search process sooner than later, and make sure the company is there even before you need them.

Remember you don't know what you don't know about the great features available with new systems. They can save you a lot of time and money if you get it right.

HERE IS A VIDEO ON SOME OF OUR LATEST UPDATES

Add up the Time Spent

1. Re-Ordering Stock from Suppliers
2. Fixing Receiving Mistakes
3. Fixing Dispatch Mistakes
4. Fixing Pricing Mistakes
5. Re Printing Customer Invoices
6. Answering Price & Availability Enquiries
7. Dealing with IT Issues