Best Tools for Tracking Industrial Supplies Inventory

Tracking industrial supplies inventory can sometimes feel like a never-ending battle. You’re juggling large orders, constant restocking, and sometimes a backlog of equipment, tools, and materials that need to be in the right place at the right time. Whether you manage a manufacturing plant, warehouse, or any other industrial setting, finding the right tools for tracking supplies can help you avoid costly mistakes and streamline the process.

So, what’s the secret to keeping everything in check without constantly losing track of where things are? The answer is simple: the right tools. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective tools that can make inventory management easier and even save you money in the long run.

Barcode Scanners and RFID Technology: The Old-School Tools with a Modern Twist

Sure, the concept of scanning barcodes has been around for years, but don’t be fooled by their simplicity—these tools can help revolutionize your inventory management process. Barcodes and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags allow you to track industrial supplies with incredible ease and accuracy.

How does it work? Every item gets a unique barcode or RFID tag attached to it. These can be scanned as items come in or leave the warehouse, giving you real-time updates on what’s in stock and what needs replenishing. The beauty of RFID over traditional barcodes is that it doesn’t require direct line-of-sight scanning. You can scan multiple items at once without having to scan each individually.

A manufacturing company I worked with made the switch from manual inventory tracking to a barcode-based system, and it completely transformed their operations. They were able to save time on inventory counts, reduce human errors, and had a clear view of their stock levels. The investment in a barcode scanner paid for itself within a few months, thanks to the time savings and fewer mistakes when it came to reordering supplies.

Best Tools:

• Zebra Technologies: Known for both barcode scanners and RFID readers, they offer robust options for industries of all sizes.
• Honeywell Scanners: If you're looking for a solution that works in tough environments, Honeywell's industrial-grade scanners might be your best bet.

Inventory Management Software: Not Just for the Office Desk

Let’s be honest: no one wants to spend hours logging every single item in a spreadsheet. Manual inventory tracking is time-consuming, and human error is always a concern. That’s where inventory management software comes in.

Modern inventory management software integrates with barcode scanning systems, RFID tags, and other tracking tools to give you a real-time, cloud-based view of what’s on hand. You can track everything from raw materials to tools and consumables, making it easier to identify what you need to order. The beauty of these tools is that they automate a lot of the manual labor involved in inventory tracking.

An industrial distributor I know used a basic spreadsheet for tracking parts and tools. The problem? Things were always getting misplaced, orders weren’t getting filled on time, and there were endless rounds of phone calls and emails to check stock. Switching to a dedicated software solution helped streamline operations and provided automated alerts when stocks were running low. They were able to quickly see what was available, what was on backorder, and what needed to be reordered, leading to fewer stockouts and less wasted time.

Best Tools:

• TradeGecko: This cloud-based inventory system is easy to use and integrates with various e-commerce and accounting systems.
• NetSuite: This tool offers more complex functionalities that cater to large-scale industries and integrates inventory management with other parts of the business, such as financials and procurement.
• Fishbowl: Great for small and medium-sized businesses, it offers easy-to-use inventory management alongside manufacturing and order management features.

Cloud-Based Inventory Tracking

Gone are the days of paper trails and binders full of records. Cloud-based systems have become the go-to for industries that need to track inventory remotely or across multiple locations. These systems allow you to access your inventory data from anywhere with an internet connection, meaning warehouse managers can monitor supplies while they’re on the go, without needing to be physically present.

Imagine this: you’ve got multiple warehouses or distribution centers scattered around the country. With cloud-based inventory tools, each location updates in real time, and you can instantly see if a particular supply is running low at one site while another has a surplus. This level of coordination isn’t possible with spreadsheets or manual methods.

A logistics company I worked with found that cloud-based inventory management was a game changer. With teams working in different locations, the ability to access real-time data from any device meant that they could quickly adjust supply orders, avoid overstocking, and ensure that all warehouses had what they needed without extra hassle.

Best Tools:

• Zoho Inventory: Cloud-based and known for its user-friendly interface, it helps businesses track and manage inventory across multiple locations.
• Cin7: This cloud solution integrates inventory management with sales, warehouses, and accounting, making it an excellent all-in-one option.
• SkuVault: Ideal for warehouses and e-commerce, SkuVault offers advanced cloud-based inventory management with barcode scanning, cycle counting, and integration with major platforms.

Mobile Apps for Inventory Management: Track on the Move

In an era where everything is mobile, there’s no reason why your inventory tracking can’t be too. Mobile apps designed for inventory management allow your team to track supplies, update stock levels, and perform audits all from their smartphones or tablets. These tools are a great option for industries where employees are often on the floor or on the move, not stuck at a desk.

One company I worked with, a large-scale construction supplier, was constantly dealing with workers who didn’t have time to sit down at a computer to update stock. By adopting a mobile app, workers could scan items and update inventory levels in real time, even while on-site. This saved time, reduced errors, and allowed managers to oversee inventory without needing to be in the warehouse.

The key here is that the app should allow for seamless integration with your other systems, especially if you're using barcodes, RFID, or cloud-based software. The right mobile app can make inventory management not just easier but faster.

Best Tools:

• Sortly: A visually-driven inventory management app with easy-to-use features for tracking items with barcode scanning and photo documentation.
• Stockpile: A free inventory management app designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It’s simple and accessible via web and mobile.
• QuickBooks Commerce: This app integrates with QuickBooks accounting software, making it ideal for businesses that need both financial and inventory tracking in one place.

Automated Reordering Systems: Never Run Out of Stock Again

One of the most painful scenarios for any warehouse or manufacturing facility is running out of a critical item mid-project. Not only does it cause delays, but it can also impact your relationship with customers. Automated reordering systems help prevent this by setting up triggers to reorder supplies once they fall below a certain threshold.

With automated reordering, you don’t have to rely on manual checks to see if stocks are low or deal with emergency orders. Instead, the system will monitor stock levels and automatically place an order with your supplier when you reach a pre-set reorder point. For companies that deal with high volumes of inventory, this can save hours of manual labor and avoid costly mistakes.

A food processing plant I worked with installed automated reordering on all their raw ingredients. They no longer had to deal with sudden shortages, and their suppliers could predict needs more accurately. The best part? They were able to take advantage of bulk purchasing and discounts by avoiding rush orders.

Best Tools:

• Reorder Point by Zoho Inventory: This automated reordering system is easy to set up and integrates with your inventory tracking software, making sure supplies don’t run low.
• QuickBooks Commerce Reorder Automation: An excellent tool for businesses already using QuickBooks, it can automate reorder processes based on preset inventory levels.
• Brightpearl: Known for its smart inventory automation tools, Brightpearl can automate both reordering and demand forecasting, making it a great choice for businesses with fluctuating supply needs.

The Future of Tracking Industrial Supplies

As industrial operations continue to grow and evolve, the tools for tracking inventory are becoming more intelligent. From advanced RFID systems to predictive analytics in inventory management software, the industry is moving toward smarter, more efficient solutions.

The tools listed above represent just a few options for tracking industrial supplies. However, the key takeaway is this: no matter what tool or combination of tools you choose, the right inventory management system can save you time, reduce errors, and ultimately lead to better decision-making. With the right investment in technology, you’ll be able to ensure that your supplies are always where you need them—whether it's on the shop floor, in the warehouse, or on the road.