Running a Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) business is a juggling act. Between sourcing raw materials, managing production, and keeping products flowing to Shopify, Amazon, or your local retailer, inventory can make or break your day—or your margins. Picking the right inventory management software isn’t just about slapping a Band-Aid on chaos; it’s about finding a tool that fits your operations like a glove. But with so many options out there, how do you choose? Here’s a no-nonsense guide to evaluating what software will actually work for your CPG brand.

1. Start with Your Pain Points

Before you even glance at a demo, get clear on what’s driving you nuts. Are stock-outs killing your sales during peak seasons? Is overstocking tying up cash in boxes of unsold goods? Maybe you’re spending hours manually syncing inventory across multiple channels. Write down your top three headaches—those are your non-negotiables. The right software should tackle those first, not just dazzle you with bells and whistles you’ll never use.

For example: if you’re a brand that ships skincare products nationwide, you might need real-time updates to avoid overselling. If you’re scaling into retail, visibility into raw materials might top your list. Pinpoint your chaos, and you’ve got your starting line.

2. Check for Multi-Channel Muscle

CPG founders don’t live in a single-lane world. You’re likely selling on Shopify, Etsy, Amazon, or pitching to brick-and-mortar stores—or all of the above. Your inventory software needs to keep up. Look for a tool that integrates seamlessly with your sales platforms and updates stock levels instantly. The last thing you want is to sell out on Amazon while Shopify thinks you’re still stocked, leaving customers fuming.

Ask: Does it sync with the channels I use now and the ones I might add later? A platform that can’t grow with you is a dead end.

3. Demand Forecasting

Nice-to-Have or Must-Have? If your CPG brand deals with seasonal spikes (think holiday candles) or trendy SKUs (hello, viral energy drinks), forecasting isn’t just a buzzword—it’s survival. Some software uses AI to crunch sales data and predict what you’ll need, saving you from guesswork or costly overproduction. But if your products are steady year-round, you might not need that firepower yet.

Evaluate: Do I need predictive insights, or am I okay with basic tracking for now? Be honest—overbuying features you won’t use is as bad as underbuying.

4. Ease of Use vs. Learning Curve

You shouldn’t have to be an IT wizard. The best inventory tool is one you can actually figure out without a PhD—or a week of onboarding calls. Look for a clean interface that consolidates your operations—raw materials, production, finished goods—without burying you in menus. But don’t confuse “simple” with “simplistic.” It should still handle your complexity, just without the migraines.

Test it: Can you log in and find your stock levels in under a minute? If not, keep shopping.

5. Cost

What’s the Real Price Tag? Budget matters, especially when you’re a small business watching every penny. Some tools lure you in with low monthly fees, then nickel-and-dime you for integrations, extra users, or premium features. Others might seem pricey upfront but save you thousands by preventing stock-outs or overstocking. Look at the total cost—subscription plus hidden extras—and weigh it against the headaches it’ll solve.

Pro tip: Calculate your current losses from inventory mishaps. If a $500/month tool saves you $5,000 in wasted time and stock, it’s a no-brainer.

6. Scalability: Will It Grow With You?

Today, you’re shipping from your garage. Tomorrow, you’re in Whole Foods. Your software should handle that leap without breaking a sweat. Check if it supports multiple warehouses, bigger SKU counts, or supplier tracking as you expand. A tool that’s perfect for a solo operation might choke when you add a team or double your product line.

Ask: Can it scale without forcing me to migrate to something new in a year?

7. Support: Who’s Got Your Back? The most important aspect!

When your inventory system crashes on Black Friday, you don’t want to be stuck in chatbot purgatory. Look at the support options—live chat, email, phone—and dig into reviews to see how responsive they really are. For CPG founders, where timing is everything, quick help can be the difference between a sale and a lost customer.

Ask: What kind of support do you offer and what are your response times?

8. Bonus Points: Does It Play Nice With Your Ecosystem?

Your operations aren’t an island. Maybe you use QuickBooks for accounting or a specific supplier portal. The right software should plug into your existing tools, not force you to overhaul everything. Check the integration list—Shopify, Xero, whatever you rely on—and confirm it’s there or will be added with a deadline.

Putting It to the Test

Once you’ve narrowed your options, don’t just trust the sales page. Take it for a spin—most platforms offer free trials. Upload a few SKUs, sync a sales channel, and see how it feels. Does it save you time? Does it give you clarity? If it doesn’t click after a week, it’s not the one.

At Kaizntree, we’ve seen firsthand how the right inventory tool can turn chaos into control for CPG brands. Whether you’re a one-person show or a growing brand, the key is finding software that fits your operations—not the other way around. So take your time, test your options, and pick the one that lets you focus on what you do best: building a brand that customers love.