Finale Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management solution designed for small to mid-sized businesses. It offers features like barcode scanning, multi-warehouse tracking, reorder points, lot and serial number tracking, and integrations with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, eBay, and ShipStation.
It is often used by warehouse-heavy businesses and fulfillment teams looking for accurate stock control, especially those handling large order volumes or requiring advanced barcode workflows.
Where Finale Inventory Falls Short
- Outdated and unintuitive user interface with a steep learning curve
- No built-in demand forecasting or automated replenishment tools
- Lacks native support for manufacturing (no BOM or production planning)
- Limited bundle and kit logic; may require manual workarounds
- Time-consuming setup and configuration process
- Doesn’t support margin-aware or profit-based planning
- Not optimized for DTC brands or fast-paced eCommerce workflows
1. Sumtracker
Sumtracker is a powerful, cloud-based inventory management platform designed specifically for multichannel eCommerce and DTC brands. It’s a Shopify-recommended solution that helps merchants maintain accurate stock levels across all channels, manage bundles and kits, and handle essential inventory operations with ease.
With a clean, modern UI and automation-friendly workflows, Sumtracker is ideal for brands looking for a lightweight yet scalable alternative to Finale.

Key Features
- Real-time sync across Shopify, Amazon, Etsy, Walmart
- Bundle, kit, and component tracking
- Purchase orders, stock adjustments, transfers
- Multi-location support
- Public API + automation tools
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Shopify-recommended inventory app
- Excellent for bundles and fast-moving SKUs
Cons
- Not built for barcode-based warehouse ops
- Limited B2B feature set
Pricing: Starts at $49/month, based on monthly order volume
Why It’s a Better Finale Alternative:
With real-time multichannel syncing, intuitive bundle management, and seamless integrations with key marketplaces, Sumtracker is a more agile and user-friendly choice for brands focused on growth and operational efficiency.
2. Katana Cloud Inventory
Katana is a modern inventory and manufacturing platform designed for brands that produce their own goods. It combines inventory tracking, raw material management, and shop floor control, making it perfect for small manufacturers and DTC brands with in-house production.

Key Features:
- Bill of materials (BOM) and manufacturing workflows
- Raw material and finished goods inventory tracking
- Shop floor app for production task management
- Sales channel integrations (Shopify, WooCommerce)
- Native accounting integrations (Xero, QuickBooks)
Pros:
- Excellent for in-house production
- Visual and easy-to-navigate interface
- Real-time stock and work order updates
Cons:
- Expensive for smaller teams
- Not ideal for pure resellers or dropshippers
Pricing: Starts at $349/month
Why it’s better than Finale:
Unlike Finale, Katana excels at handling manufacturing operations, offering native tools for BOMs, routing, and shop floor management.
3. Cin7 Core (formerly DEAR Systems)
Cin7 Core offers an all-in-one inventory, accounting, and operations suite for fast-growing businesses. It supports complex workflows, manufacturing, and B2B portals—making it ideal for brands that have outgrown basic inventory tools.

Key Features:
- Advanced inventory, BOM, and production control
- Purchase, sales, and fulfillment workflows
- Native accounting and CRM integrations
- Barcode scanning and warehouse operations
- B2B eCommerce portal
Pros:
- Enterprise-grade control
- Handles both retail and wholesale workflows
- Modular system with deep customizations
Cons:
- High learning curve
- Requires setup and onboarding support
Pricing: Starts at $349/month
Why it’s better than Finale:
Cin7 Core provides deeper manufacturing, B2B, and accounting functionality for mid-market businesses that need more than just inventory management.
4. Zoho Inventory
Zoho Inventory is a lightweight yet capable tool for small businesses, especially those already using Zoho CRM, Books, or other apps. It handles multichannel sales, order management, and shipping logistics, all within the broader Zoho ecosystem.

Key Features:
- Order and shipping management
- Multi-channel selling (Shopify, Amazon, eBay, Etsy)
- Barcode scanning and warehouse tracking
- Integration with Zoho Books and Zoho CRM
- Basic demand forecasting
Pros:
- Affordable with a free tier
- Works well within the Zoho ecosystem
- Good for small teams
Cons:
- Limited warehouse and automation features
- Not ideal for high SKU volume
Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $24/month
Why it’s better than Finale:
Zoho Inventory is easier to set up and more budget-friendly for SMBs, while also offering better integrations with sales and CRM systems.
5. Unleashed Software
Unleashed is built for product-based businesses that need detailed inventory costing, batch tracking, and manufacturing controls. It’s a solid fit for wholesalers, distributors, and manufacturers looking for deeper inventory visibility and analytics.

Key Features:
- BOM and product costing
- Batch, lot, and serial tracking
- Sales and purchase order management
- B2B customer portal
- Integration with Xero, QuickBooks, Shopify
Pros:
- Strong manufacturing and batch tracking
- Great for wholesale and B2B
- Advanced reporting tools
Cons:
- Not eCommerce-first
- Steeper learning curve for smaller teams
Pricing: Starts at $410/month
Why it’s better than Finale:
Unleashed offers better cost tracking, batch management, and manufacturing features—making it more powerful for producers and wholesalers.
6. Inventory Planner by Sage
Inventory Planner focuses exclusively on inventory forecasting and purchasing recommendations. It's ideal for merchants who want to optimize cash flow, avoid stockouts, and make smarter restocking decisions without managing inventory execution.

Key Features:
- Forecasting by product, location, and seasonality
- Automatic replenishment suggestions
- Integration with Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce, etc.
- Overstock and understock alerts
- Open-to-buy planning
Pros:
- Industry-leading forecasting accuracy
- Helps reduce dead stock and stockouts
- Plug-and-play integrations
Cons:
- Doesn’t manage inventory execution (POs, transfers, etc.)
- Separate tool needed for warehousing or fulfillment
Pricing: Custom quote available
Why it’s better than Finale:
Inventory Planner offers forecasting depth that Finale lacks, making it the go-to tool for brands serious about proactive inventory planning.
7. Craftybase
Craftybase is tailor-made for handmade sellers and small-batch manufacturers. It offers features like raw material tracking, recipe costing, and real-time COGS calculations perfect for Etsy and Shopify sellers making products in-house.

Key Features:
- Raw material and batch tracking
- Recipe-based production logs
- Real-time COGS and pricing reports
- Integrates with Etsy, Shopify, WooCommerce
Pros:
- Ideal for small-batch producers and artisans
- Great for recipe and material management
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not scalable for large businesses
- Limited automation or warehouse control
Pricing: Starts at $24/month
Why it’s better than Finale:
Craftybase is tailored to the needs of makers and crafters, with recipe-level costing Finale doesn’t offer.
8. Cogsy
Cogsy is an operations planning platform built for modern DTC brands. It connects with your eCommerce store to provide margin-aware forecasting and automate vendor ordering, helping you maintain optimal inventory levels and profitability.

Key Features:
- Margin-aware forecasting
- Automated vendor ordering
- Sell-through and cash flow–based planning
- Connects with Shopify and IMS tools
Pros:
- Focuses on profit-first inventory decisions
- Strong analytics and PO automation
- Easy to understand dashboards
Cons:
- Doesn’t manage inventory or fulfillment
- Requires external tools for execution
Pricing: Custom
Why it’s better than Finale:
Cogsy brings forecasting and margin-based planning to the forefront—offering smarter inventory decisions that Finale doesn’t support.
9. NetSuite ERP
NetSuite is a comprehensive cloud ERP solution built for enterprises managing complex inventory, finance, CRM, and logistics. It’s ideal for high-volume brands that need centralized control across departments and geographies.

Key Features:
- Centralized inventory and warehouse management
- Financials, CRM, and supply chain integration
- Multi-entity, multi-location support
- Advanced automation and reporting
Pros:
- All-in-one ERP for enterprise operations
- Highly customizable
- Scalable for global businesses
Cons:
- High cost and long implementation time
- Complex and resource-heavy
Pricing: Typically starts at $999/month, custom quote required
Why it’s better than Finale:
For enterprises, NetSuite delivers far more than Finale covering every business process across departments and countries.
10. SKULabs
SKULabs combines barcode-based warehouse management with powerful multi-channel order fulfillment. It’s ideal for fast-growing eCommerce brands that need precise picking, packing, and inventory sync across platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay.

Key Features:
- Barcode scanning for picking, packing, and shipping
- Real-time inventory sync across channels
- Order routing and shipping rules
- Return and label management
Pros:
- Excellent for fulfillment accuracy
- Supports high-SKU catalogs
- Integrates with Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and more
Cons:
- No forecasting or manufacturing tools
- Can be complex for smaller teams
Pricing: Custom
Why it’s better than Finale:
SKULabs provides warehouse and barcode features Finale lacks, making it the superior choice for shipping-heavy eCommerce operations.
Conclusion
Finale Inventory is a solid choice for warehouse-centric businesses, but it falls short for modern eCommerce brands that need intuitive interfaces, advanced forecasting, manufacturing support, or multichannel syncing.
Fortunately, there are plenty of powerful alternatives tailored to specific needs.
The right choice depends on your business model, but with the options above, it’s easy to find a platform that outperforms Finale and scales with your growth.
Conclusion
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