Inventory management in 2025 is more critical than ever. With e-commerce growing rapidly, supply chains facing global disruptions, and businesses of all sizes competing for efficiency, the ability to track, monitor, and optimize inventory can make or break profitability. Poor inventory management leads to overstocking, stockouts, cash flow issues, and dissatisfied customers.
To address these challenges, businesses are increasingly relying on digital inventory management software. Two solutions that stand out for small and mid-sized businesses are Sortly and InflowInventory. Sortly is a user-friendly inventory tracking platform known for its simplicity, mobile app, and visual cataloging features. InflowInventory, on the other hand, is more advanced, offering robust tools for order management, reporting, and integrations.
This complete guide will explore how to manage inventory with Sortly and InflowInventory. We’ll review their features, pricing, pros and cons, best use cases, and how they fit into broader business operations. We will also highlight 2025 updates, AI-driven trends in inventory management, and provide real-world case studies. Additionally, for SEO value, we’ll compare HubSpot vs Salesforce CRM in 2025, since many businesses pair CRMs with inventory solutions.
By the end, you’ll know which tool best suits your needs and how to build a scalable inventory management system that keeps your business competitive.
Why Inventory Management Matters in 2025
The role of digital transformation in inventory tracking
Businesses are shifting from spreadsheets and manual processes to cloud-based platforms that offer real-time visibility. Cloud-based inventory management ensures accurate reporting, faster decision-making, and remote accessibility.
Challenges faced without proper systems
- Overstocking that ties up cash flow
- Stockouts that lead to lost revenue and poor customer satisfaction
- Inaccurate demand forecasting
- Inefficient order management
- Limited scalability as businesses grow
Benefits of using inventory management software
- Centralized tracking across warehouses and locations
- Automation of routine tasks like reorder alerts
- Improved accuracy with barcode scanning or QR codes
- Integration with accounting, e-commerce, and CRM platforms
- AI-driven insights for smarter purchasing decisions
What is Sortly?
Overview of Sortly
Sortly is a cloud-based inventory management tool designed to be simple, visual, and mobile-friendly. It is especially popular among small businesses, startups, and organizations with limited IT support.
Key features of Sortly
- Visual inventory catalog with photos
- Barcode and QR code scanning via mobile app
- Custom fields for flexible tracking
- Multi-user access with permissions
- Stock alerts and low-inventory notifications
- Mobile accessibility for on-the-go management
Best use cases for Sortly
- Small retail shops tracking product stock
- Creative agencies managing equipment and supplies
- Event companies monitoring rental inventory
- Startups needing low-cost, easy-to-implement solutions
What is InflowInventory?
Overview of InflowInventory
InflowInventory is a more advanced inventory management system designed for businesses that require order management, reporting, and integrations with other tools. It is available as a desktop and cloud-based solution.
Key features of InflowInventory
- Purchase order and sales order management
- Multi-location inventory tracking
- Advanced reporting and analytics
- Barcode generation and scanning
- Integrations with QuickBooks, Shopify, and WooCommerce
- Customizable access for team members
Best use cases for InflowInventory
- E-commerce businesses syncing sales with stock
- Manufacturing companies managing raw materials and finished goods
- Wholesale distributors with multi-location operations
- Businesses needing detailed financial and sales reports
Sortly vs InflowInventory: Feature Comparison
| Feature | Sortly 2025 | InflowInventory 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Very beginner-friendly | Requires setup but more advanced |
| Mobile App | Strong with barcode/QR scanning | Available but less visual |
| Order Management | Basic tracking | Full purchase and sales order tools |
| Reporting | Simple analytics | Advanced, customizable reports |
| Integrations | Limited (CSV exports, basic apps) | QuickBooks, Shopify, WooCommerce |
| Best Fit | Startups, small retail, simple needs | SMBs, wholesalers, e-commerce |
Pricing of Sortly and InflowInventory in 2025
Sortly Pricing
- Free plan with basic features
- Advanced plans starting around $39/month
- Enterprise plan with custom pricing for larger teams
InflowInventory Pricing
- Cloud-based plans starting around $89/month
- Advanced tiers for multi-user and multi-location setups
- Desktop version available for one-time purchase licenses
Value for money
Sortly is best for businesses seeking affordability and simplicity. InflowInventory justifies its higher pricing with robust reporting, integrations, and order management.
Pros and Cons of Sortly and InflowInventory
Pros of Sortly
- Easy to set up and use without training
- Mobile-first with barcode scanning
- Affordable pricing for small businesses
- Visual catalog system is unique and intuitive
Cons of Sortly
- Limited integrations
- Reporting is basic compared to competitors
- Less suitable for growing e-commerce companies
Pros of InflowInventory
- Advanced reporting and analytics
- Strong order management system
- Integrates with e-commerce and accounting platforms
- Scales with growing businesses
Cons of InflowInventory
- Higher cost compared to Sortly
- Steeper learning curve
- Mobile app less intuitive than Sortly’s
AI-Powered Inventory Management Trends in 2025
Predictive analytics for demand forecasting
AI helps businesses anticipate demand spikes or seasonal changes, reducing the risk of stockouts or overstocking.
Automated reordering
Systems like InflowInventory can automatically create purchase orders when stock reaches predefined thresholds.
Integration with AI CRMs
Businesses are increasingly syncing inventory management with CRMs like HubSpot or Salesforce, ensuring sales and inventory data align seamlessly.
Computer vision and IoT in inventory tracking
Smart sensors and cameras are being deployed in warehouses to automatically update inventory counts in real time.
Case Studies: Businesses Using Sortly and InflowInventory
Small retail store with Sortly
A boutique clothing shop used Sortly to track stock levels, reducing stockouts by 25% while maintaining a clean visual catalog.
E-commerce store with InflowInventory
An online electronics retailer integrated InflowInventory with Shopify and QuickBooks, streamlining sales, inventory, and accounting workflows.
Creative agency with Sortly
A video production company used Sortly to track expensive equipment rentals, reducing losses by 30%.
Manufacturing business with InflowInventory
A mid-sized manufacturer used InflowInventory to manage raw materials and finished goods, improving order accuracy and forecasting.
HubSpot vs Salesforce CRM Comparison 2025
Although not directly inventory software, many businesses use CRMs alongside inventory systems. HubSpot and Salesforce are the two most popular CRMs, and knowing how they compare in 2025 helps businesses decide which integrates better with inventory systems.
Features and Usability
HubSpot: intuitive, inbound marketing focused.
Salesforce: highly customizable, enterprise-grade.
Pricing and Flexibility
HubSpot: Free CRM with affordable tiers for SMBs.
Salesforce: Premium pricing for enterprises.
Integrations and Ecosystem
HubSpot: 1,000+ integrations.
Salesforce: 3,000+ integrations with AppExchange.
Scalability and Suitability
HubSpot: Best for SMBs, agencies, startups.
Salesforce: Best for global enterprises.
Customer Support and Community
HubSpot: HubSpot Academy and active online community.
Salesforce: Enterprise support and Trailblazer community.
Comparison Table: HubSpot vs Salesforce CRM in 2025
| Aspect | HubSpot CRM 2025 | Salesforce CRM 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Beginner-friendly | Complex, enterprise |
| AI Features | Predictive scoring, chatbots | Einstein AI, forecasting |
| Pricing Flexibility | Free + SMB tiers | Enterprise-focused |
| Best Fit | SMBs, agencies | Large corporations |
Alternatives to Sortly and InflowInventory
- Zoho Inventory: Affordable and integrates with Zoho ecosystem
- NetSuite ERP: Advanced enterprise solution
- TradeGecko (QuickBooks Commerce): Great for wholesalers and distributors
- Fishbowl: Strong integration with QuickBooks
How to Choose Between Sortly and InflowInventory
- Choose Sortly if you want simplicity, mobile-first features, and affordability.
- Choose InflowInventory if you need order management, integrations, and advanced reporting.
- Consider scalability: Sortly works best for startups, while InflowInventory suits growing SMBs.
How to Get Started
With Sortly
- Sign up for the free or advanced plan
- Import inventory manually or via CSV
- Use mobile app for barcode scanning and visual catalog
With InflowInventory
- Choose desktop or cloud version
- Set up multi-user permissions and warehouse locations
- Integrate with e-commerce and accounting software
Conclusion
In 2025, inventory management is a vital part of running a successful business. Sortly and InflowInventory are two strong options that cater to different needs. Sortly is best for small businesses that value simplicity, affordability, and mobile-friendly inventory tracking. InflowInventory is more robust, offering advanced reporting, integrations, and order management for e-commerce, wholesale, and manufacturing companies.
When combined with CRMs like HubSpot or Salesforce, businesses can unify sales, customer, and inventory data for complete visibility. With AI-driven features shaping the future of inventory management, adopting tools like Sortly and InflowInventory positions businesses to remain competitive, efficient, and profitable.
The final takeaway: if you’re a startup or small retailer, Sortly is likely the best fit. If you’re scaling an e-commerce or manufacturing operation, InflowInventory will provide the depth and integrations you need. Whichever you choose, embracing modern inventory software is one of the smartest business decisions you can make in 2025.
