In 2024, there will be approximately 1.45 billion vehicles on the road.
Those cars will have natural wear and tear over time, which means that billions of drivers will need to buy new vehicle parts. This creates massive demand in the auto parts industry.
Within the automotive industry, auto parts eCommerce stores fill the gap for drivers who need to source specific car parts.
But running an auto parts eCommerce store isn’t easy, as you have a lot on your plate having to make sure you sell and stock the right parts and managing customer orders.
Fortunately, automation software can do much of the heavy lifting for you.
It’s time to level up your auto parts inventory game by adding an auto parts inventory solution to your eCommerce toolkit.
Let’s dig into why you need software to manage your auto parts inventory and the eight best tools for the job.
In this guide, you’ll learn the following:
🔸What is auto parts inventory software?
🔸The top 8 auto parts inventory software solutions of 2024
🔸The benefits of auto parts inventory software
What Is Auto Parts Inventory Software?
Auto parts inventory software is a digital application that makes managing your inventory at scale easier. While every tool is different, auto parts inventory software helps you do three things: track, control, and automate your inventory.
Tracking
Are you having difficulty keeping track of your business's inventory?
Auto parts software allows you to say goodbye to Excel sheets and missing data.
Automotive parts inventory management software empowers businesses to track parts as they move through your ecosystem in real-time.
The tracking feature lets you see auto parts coming in and out of storage facilities and the number of remaining components. You can also catalog parts and search for them based on parameters like manufacturer, model, or material.
Top-of-the-range automotive parts inventory management software also comes with analytics to identify areas of potential improvement for your auto parts store.
Remote management
You’ll want to manage your business while on the go, and the right auto parts inventory software will allow you to do just that. A cloud-based auto parts inventory software—like SkuVault—is what experts recommend.
Because everything is in the cloud, you don’t need to download software to your device. You simply create an account online, and you get access to your inventory data on any of your devices.
As long as you have an internet connection and a smartphone, you can maintain total control over your inventory, no matter where you are.
Automation
You need to scale your auto parts store to rake in more sales, but you need the right inventory management software to scale without you having to work around the clock.
Fortunately, most auto parts inventory management solutions offer automation out of the box, which saves you time and hassle.
Auto part inventory software can integrate and automatically share data with other applications.
For example, when a customer buys a part, your auto part inventory software can automatically update your accounting data in real-time. This eliminates the need to manually update your accounting software, which saves time and improves accuracy.
The Top 8 Auto Parts Inventory Management System (IMS) Solutions of 2024
While it isn’t easy to switch your inventory processes, the right software will help you do more and earn more. Your team will be able to scale quickly and serve more customers—all without increasing your labor costs.
But, with hundreds of inventory solutions on the market, knowing which tool is right for your business can be challenging.
Check out these eight auto part inventory software solutions to scale your business in 2023.
SkuVault
SkuVault is an inventory and warehouse management system that supports unlimited SKUs, (A SKU, or Stock Keeping Unit, is a unique code that's used to identify a specific product or item for inventory purposes), orders, and warehouses, which makes it a scalable solution for auto parts businesses of various sizes.
Here are the key features of SkuVault:
➡️Cloud-based: Being cloud-based, SkuVault allows for remote access and real-time tracking of inventory across multiple locations.
➡️Unlimited SKUs, orders, and warehouses: Supports an extensive range of SKUs, orders, and warehouse management options, which makes it an ideal auto parts store software
➡️Barcode and quality control: These features are designed to minimize picking and shipping errors, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.
➡️Real-time quantity sync: Helps prevent stockouts by ensuring real-time synchronization of inventory counts.
➡️eCommerce integrations: SKU Vault offers powerful integrations with eCommerce platforms and provides a seamless connection between inventory management and online retail operations.
➡️Smart re-order reports: These reports assist in making well-informed purchasing decisions based on data.
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Pros ✅SKU Vault has a user-friendly interface that makes learning how to use it easy. ✅Users appreciate the software's ability to manage inventory quickly and effectively. ✅It allows for the management of multiple warehouses from a centralized platform, which is beneficial for businesses with several storage locations. ✅Sku Vault can integrate with other systems, which makes processes like inventory updates 100% automatable. |
Cons ❌Limited customization for specific user requirements. ❌Price increases significantly with more users, which could impact some businesses. ❌Some users faced disruptions due to server downtime. |
Inventory Planner
Inventory Planner is a software solution designed to help businesses manage and plan their inventory to avoid overstocking or running out of stock. It is particularly useful for businesses with large inventories across multiple locations.
Overview
➡️Forecasting: Inventory Planner provides forecasting features to predict customer demand, which is updated constantly by factoring in seasonality, marketing, abnormal sales spikes, and customer demand shifts.
➡️Purchasing: It aids in purchasing decisions by giving automated buying recommendations customized for each SKU, location, supplier, bundle, assembly, or custom category.
➡️Reporting: Offers over 200 meaningful metrics through its reporting functionality, which helps businesses stay ahead in inventory management.
➡️Integration: Easy integration with various platforms such as Shopify, Amazon, BigCommerce, Magento, Walmart, QuickBooks, Xero, and more, which allows seamless syncing of almost any data from any source.
➡️Automation: The software automates inventory management and planning on a centralized platform.
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Pros ✅Easy to use. ✅Variety of forecasting options. ✅Detailed reporting. ✅Integration with QuickBooks Commerce. |
Cons ❌Some users mentioned that inventory check-in data from the past may become inaccurate over time. ❌Initially, the interface may seem daunting due to the vast amount of data displayed. |
Fishbowl
Fishbowl is a simplified material requirements planning (MRP) system that offers various inventory management features for different industries.
It's ideal for growing businesses as it aids in parts tracking and purchase order management. When linked with QuickBooks, it handles all inventory control tasks.
Key features include managing and tracking orders, generating manufacturing orders from bills of materials, and real-time inventory tracking of thousands of parts across multiple warehouses—these features make it ideal for an auto parts business!
This inventory management system also supports managing raw materials, assembly parts, and finished products, with automatic alerts for new order additions. The software offers comprehensive accounting, orders, and labels reporting, which saves time and money.
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Pros ✅Integrates well with QuickBooks, Shopify, Amazon, eBay, and various shipping systems. ✅This inventory system offers a one-time purchase option, which eliminates the need for a subscription. ✅Fishbowl has strong virtual support through training documents and videos. |
Cons ❌Customization is limited, which can potentially cause support challenges. ❌Slightly dated interface could affect navigation ease. ❌Lacks robust shipping features. |
SAP Business One
If you’re new to selling auto parts and want to scale up, SAP Business One is an automotive parts inventory management solution made specifically for small businesses.
SAP Business One is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. This means you can use SAP Business One to manage multiple areas of your business.
Naturally, it also includes an inventory tracking system. You can gain insight into your business’s order-to-pay cycles, from parts procurement to invoicing.
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💡Pro-feature: SAP Business One features sophisticated AI for smarter automation that provides excellent business insights and centralized solutions for the entire business. |
Other noteworthy features include accounting, resource management, analytics, and industry-specific features that enable your auto parts eCommerce store to flourish.
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Pros ✅It is a highly streamlined system that provides common tools for day-to-day business functions. ✅Auto shop owners can work with data in real-time to make informed decisions. ✅It's easy to locate customer information, which facilitates better customer relationship management. |
Cons ❌It lacks pricing transparency, which could be a hurdle for budget-conscious businesses. ❌Some customers have complained about slow and dated features, which could affect efficiency. ❌There are some complaints regarding unreliable customer support. |
Cin7
Cin7 is a comprehensive inventory management system tailored for various business sizes across different industries that offers a blend of point-of-sale, B2B eCommerce, and light manufacturing features.
Cin7 has a lot to offer an auto parts dealer. Below is a summary of its key features:
➡️Integrated point-of-sale (POS) system: Cin7 includes a POS system that integrates seamlessly with the inventory management functions.
➡️B2B eCommerce functionality: Enables B2B transactions online, which enhances the wholesale aspect of businesses.
➡️Over 450 integrations: Cin7 boasts many integrations, which aid in connecting various aspects of business operations.
➡️Warehouse management: Contains features that allow efficient management of warehouse operations. Whether you have an auto parts retail store, an online store, or both, Cin7 synchronizes your stock across all channels.
➡️Advanced reporting and forecasting: Offers robust reporting and forecasting tools for better decision-making and planning.
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💡Pro-feature: Cin7 boasts various customization features, such as custom statuses, which allow users to keep track of stock beyond just the numbers. You can tag auto parts as faulty, reserved, or in transit. |
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Pros ✅Cin7 has an extensive range of features that cater to various business needs. ✅The numerous integrations enhance its functionality and ease of use. ✅Its comprehensive nature allows it to replace several other systems, thereby centralizing business operations. |
Cons ❌Users find that getting acquainted with the system initially can be challenging ❌The implementation phase can be overwhelming, especially without adequate support. ❌Lack of transparent pricing could be a hurdle for budget-conscious businesses. |
NetSuite
NetSuite, developed by Oracle, is a cloud-based software that encompasses a wide range of business management functionalities, including inventory, order, revenue, and financial management.
It also provides reliable billing, CRM, and eCommerce solutions, which make it a comprehensive tool for scaling and streamlining business operations. Below are the details:
➡️Cloud-based ERP: NetSuite is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform with applications in payroll, HR, CRM, and eCommerce.
➡️Inventory management: Provides robust inventory management functionality as part of the platform.
➡️Customization: Known for its SuiteCloud customization features that allow tailored user interfaces, document sharing, and integration with third-party applications.
➡️Reporting: Comes with built-in robust reporting tools for better business analysis and decision-making.
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Pros ✅Adapts to various business needs due to its wide range of features. ✅Being a web-based ERP software system, it is scalable to accommodate business growth. ✅Hundreds of third-party add-ons are available for enhanced functionality. ✅Allows customization to meet specific business requirements. |
Cons ❌Lack of pricing transparency; one must schedule a consult for pricing details. ❌Has a big learning curve due to its broad range of complex features. ❌Customer support is not always helpful, especially post-onboarding. ❌High price point, with additional costs for premium customer support and training. |
Epicor Eagle
Epicor Eagle is a flexible management tool for small and large retailers. Especially popular among auto parts sellers, it merges point-of-sale, inventory, and other essential business processes into one system.
Comparable to NetSuite, it offers a full suite of business tools. With its modular design, retailers can easily expand features as they grow, which ensures that they only pay for what they need. Whether you're in-store or online, Epicor simplifies tasks and optimizes operations.
Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
➡️Inventory management: The Eagle solution focuses on streamlining inventory management by automatically tracking and maintaining optimum inventory levels. This helps eliminate excessive stock levels and costly stockouts, and ensures that profitable products are readily available for customers.
➡️Comprehensive retail solutions: Offers a wide range of retail solutions, including POS, inventory management, analytics and reporting, and eCommerce functionalities.
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Pros ✅Suitable for single-store operations and expansive multistore solutions. ✅Provides a wide range of functionalities that covers many aspects of retail operations. ✅Fully functional app available for phone and tablet. ✅Easy-to-use interface. |
Cons ❌Lack of pricing transparency; one must schedule a consult for pricing details. ❌Has a big learning curve due to its broad functionality. ❌Customer support is not always prompt. |
Ordoro
Ordoro is a user-centric inventory management system designed primarily for eCommerce operations. It provides a suite of tools that facilitates post-order processes such as shipping, inventory management, and dropshipping.
Features:
➡️Shipping: Ordoro significantly emphasizes shipping logistics, which makes it a suitable choice for eCommerce sites that require efficient supply chain management. Ordoro also offers reduced shipping rates.
➡️Dropshipping: It aids businesses that forward customer orders to product owners with a range of dropshipping features.
➡️All-in-one solution: Other notable features include search functionality, kitting, bill of materials, supplier management, pick and pack lists, analytics, and reports.
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Pros ✅Known for providing excellent customer service, which is crucial for addressing issues and ensuring smooth operation. ✅It has an easy-to-use dashboard, which makes it user-friendly and simplifies the learning curve for new users. ✅Offers discounted shipping rates that can help businesses save on shipping costs. ✅Open API for third-party integrations. ✅15-day free trial. |
Cons ❌The subscription plans are on the expensive side, which might not make them suitable for budget-conscious businesses. ❌ The introductory plan lacks inventory management features and requires an upgrade to access these functionalities ❌Slow syncing that could cause delays in updating sales and shipping data. ❌Lacks forecasting features, which could be a downside for businesses looking to plan ahead. |
The 7 Benefits of Auto Parts Inventory Software for Your Auto Parts Store
Now that we've explored the top 8 products that auto parts stores can use to streamline their inventory management, let's delve into the benefits. Having a better handle on your inventory can create a positive domino effect in your eCommerce business.
For those still on the fence about making the switch, consider this: auto parts retailers that utilize inventory management software reap these seven distinct advantages.
1. Higher productivity
When you stop managing your business in spreadsheets, you can do more in less time. Since auto parts inventory management software enables your team to process, audit, and track your inventory all on one platform, you can spend less time on inventory management and focus on growing your business instead.
2. Better profitability
Auto parts inventory management software generates reports that offer valuable insight for auto parts stores. Once you’ve identified what’s selling well, you can invest more into that product. Alternatively, you can look at what’s selling poorly and change your marketing strategy or stop selling that product altogether.
3. Accurate expense tracking
Inventory tracking software can create financial reports automatically. These reports calculate total sales, taxes, and real-time inventory value. Plus, software-generated expense reports significantly reduce the chances of human error, so you can trust that they’re accurate.
4. Accurate stock counts
As an eCommerce provider, your inventory levels change around the clock. Fortunately, inventory management software tells you how much stock you need to buy, and when. This information helps you avoid understocking or overstocking, which can help you make the most of your budget.
5. Reduced stock-outs
COVID-19 showed us just how fragile the supply chain is. While you can’t anticipate every vulnerability in the supply chain, auto parts inventory management software can help you increase the resilience of your supply chain. Features like low stock alerts, inventory valuations, and automatic re-stocking help you avoid those dreaded “out of stock” notifications in your auto parts store.
6. Better customer service
Customers will come back if you have accurate, in-stock inventory. Inventory management software frees up the time you spend manually entering inventory information, which gives you more time to focus on what matters: your shoppers. This means you not only retain your regular customers but find new customers, too.
7. Easier product bundling
Bundled products increase average order values and help you sell more products. But it can take a lot of work to track bundled inventory. Look for auto part inventory software with a “kitting” feature that makes it easy to combine disparate parts into sellable bundles.
How Do I Manage Products in My IMS that are Directly Sold by Wholesale Dropshipping Suppliers?
As an auto parts eCommerce retailer, you might have parts in your inventory that are also directly shipped by your wholesale dropshipping suppliers or a specific brand.
This creates a great opportunity for you, as there are a lot of advantages to being able to sell from your inventory and dropship the products directly from the distributor or brand.
You can offer better prices whilst never being out of stock, which ensures that you keep your customers happy.
But how do you keep track of products supplied by more than one distributor, including your own inventory?
This is where Spark Shipping comes in!
By using our unique one-to-many product mapping, you can connect any product in your eCommerce store to multiple vendors, including your own inventory.
Then, by using our automated order fulfillment, you can, for example, automatically route orders to the lowest-cost in-stock supplier.
If your IMS is out of stock, orders will automatically be routed to the next lowest-cost wholesale auto parts distributor, which means that you will always be in stock as long as you or ANY of your vendors are in stock.
And you don’t have to worry about losing profits either, as our automated pricing functionality will automatically update your prices, keeping your margins constant.