3 Must-Have Tools for Smarter Inventory Planning & Demand Forecasting

Hey there,   

Inventory planning isn’t just about keeping stock on hand—it’s about having the right stock at the right time. Get it wrong, and you’re either dealing with stockouts (lost sales) or overstock (dead cash). To avoid both, you need the right tools. Here are three essential inventory planning and demand forecasting tools that can help you scale efficiently.

1. Inventory Management Software (IMS) – Real-Time Stock Visibility

If you’re still tracking inventory on spreadsheets, you’re setting yourself up for problems. A good Inventory Management System (IMS) gives you real-time stock visibility, automated reordering, and integration with your sales channels.

📌 Top Picks:

• SkuVault – Great for warehouse management and order accuracy.

• TradeGecko (now QuickBooks Commerce) – Ideal for multi-channel inventory tracking.

• Cin7 – Best for automating purchase orders and stock transfers.

💡 Why It Matters: Knowing exactly what’s in stock (and where) helps you prevent overselling, stockouts, and costly storage fees.

2. Demand Forecasting Software – Predict Sales with Data

No more guessing how much inventory you need! Demand forecasting tools analyze historical sales, trends, and seasonality to predict future demand, so you can plan inventory with confidence.

📌 Top Picks:

• Inventory Planner – Great for e-commerce businesses looking to optimize stock levels.

• Netstock – Best for reducing excess inventory while preventing stockouts.

• Lokad – Powerful AI-driven forecasting for complex supply chains.

💡 Why It Matters: Forecasting tools help you avoid tying up cash in slow-moving inventory while ensuring you don’t run out of high-demand items.

3. Replenishment & eD – Automate Reordering

Manually tracking reorder points? That’s a disaster waiting to happen. Replenishment tools calculate the ideal reorder point, safety stock, and lead times to ensure smooth inventory flow.

📌 Top Picks:

• EazyStock – Great for automating purchase orders and restocking decisions.

• Relex Solutions – Ideal for large retailers needing real-time replenishment automation.

• Zebra Prescriptive Analytics – Uses predictive analytics to minimize stock imbalances.

💡 Why It Matters: Automating replenishment prevents last-minute panic ordering, keeping your supply chain running efficiently without excess inventory.

Which Tool Should You Start With?

If you’re struggling with stock accuracy, start with an IMS. If you constantly over- or under-order, get a demand forecasting tool. And if you’re tired of scrambling to reorder, invest in a replenishment system.

Which inventory tool has made the biggest impact on your business? Hit reply—I’d love to hear what’s working for you!

Cheers,
Lara