Best Software for Inventory Management in Regulated Manufacturing

Many manufacturers operate in a world marked by complex inventory requirements, shifting supply chains and tight production schedules. Unlike retail or distribution businesses, manufacturers must manage raw materials, work-in-process inventory and finished goods while supporting production planning and compliance obligations.

Warehouse and inventory management rank as top operational priorities for about 85 percent of manufacturing companies, with nearly half of those leaders prioritizing automation to improve performance.

Here we talk about the inventory management challenges manufacturers face in 2026, what capabilities modern inventory software must deliver to address them, and how integrated ERP platforms like QT9 ERP support regulated manufacturers’ inventory needs more effectively than standalone tools.

Contents

Manufacturing inventory challenges in 2026

What modern inventory management software must deliver

How QT9 ERP supports manufacturing inventory needs

What manufacturers should consider when evaluating inventory software

Final thoughts

Manufacturing inventory challenges in 2026

Manufacturing inventory management isn’t just about tracking stock quantities. It encompasses planning, controlling, forecasting and compliance, as well as ensuring that materials are available to meet production schedules without tying up excessive capital. Some of the most common challenges manufacturers are facing:

Balancing stock levels

Manufacturers must walk a fine line:

• Too much inventory increases storage costs and ties upworking capital.

• Too little stock can disrupt production schedules and delaycustomer orders.

Forecasting demand accurately is difficult, especially involatile markets or when supply chains experience disruptions.

Fragmented data and manual processes

Many manufacturers still rely on manual tracking, spreadsheets or disconnected systems. According to industry analysis, a significant portion of companies continue to depend on manual or semi-manual methods for inventory management, increasing the potential for errors and reducing visibility

Lack of real-time visibility

Lack of real-time visibility into inventory across all locations and production stages leaves many companies at a disadvantage for making informed decisions. This limited visibility can slow responses to shortages, time-sensitive orders or unexpected demand changes.

Regulatory and traceability requirements

Manufacturers in regulated sectors, such as aerospace, medical devices and pharmaceuticals, must track material lots and serial numbers to comply with ISO, FDA and other standards. Compliance failures can result in costly audits or recalls.

What modern inventory management software must deliver

To address these challenges, manufacturers need integrated software solutions that go beyond simple stock logs. They need a system that unites all inventory and operations processes in one platform. At a high level, modern manufacturing inventory management software should provide:

1. Accurate, real-time tracking

Today’s inventory management software must record inventory movements in real time, across all warehouses and production locations. This includes receiving, transfers, usage and shipping. Cloud-based software that delivers real-time information reduces uncertainty and improves responsiveness.

2. Automation and integration

Automated processes reduce manual work and errors. Ideally, inventory software should integrate with purchasing, production planning (MRP), quality management and financial systems to ensure data flows freely across functions without duplication or lag. Integrated inventory and purchasing systems also automate reordering based on demand and stock thresholds.

3. Traceability and compliance support

For regulated manufacturing, tracking lot numbers, serial numbers and material genealogy is essential for both compliance and quality management. Inventory control software should capture this information throughout the supply chain and production lifecycle.

4. Support for complex workflows

Manufacturing inventory is more than finished goods. It includes raw materials, work-in-process and Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) supplies. Modern solutions must handle these distinct inventory types, support demand forecasting and work with production schedules.

5. Reporting and analytics

Inventory health, turnover rates, stock aging and forecast accuracy are all vital performance indicators. Systems should provide dashboards that provide at-a-glance status and analytics that enable teams to make data-driven decisions.

How QT9 ERP supports manufacturing inventory needs

QT9 ERP is a comprehensive, cloud-based enterprise resource planning solution that includes a robust Inventory Control module designed with manufacturing and inventory complexity in mind. Unlike standalone inventory tools, QT9 ERP integrates inventory with purchasing, production planning, quality and compliance workflows, offering full traceability.

Real-time inventory visibility across sites

QT9 ERP captures inventory changes as they happen, whether materials are received, transferred, consumed in production or shipped. This real-time visibility across multiple locations supports better planning and reduces the risk of stockouts and excess stock.

Integration with purchasing and production

Inventory doesn’t exist in isolation. QT9 ERP links inventory levels to purchase orders and production planning (MRP). When inventory falls below established thresholds or production demands change, the system can automatically suggest or trigger purchasing actions and adjust production plans accordingly.

End-to-end traceability

Manufacturers subject to regulatory requirements benefit from lot and serial tracking throughout the inventory lifecycle. Traceability supports audit readiness and simplifies quality investigations and potential recalls.

Reduced manual work and fewer errors

By automating routine tasks and eliminating the need for spreadsheets or disconnected systems, QT9 ERP reduces the administrative burden on staff, minimizes errors and frees teams to focus on more strategic activities.

Centralized data and real-time insights

With inventory, quality management, purchasing and production data all in one system, manufacturers get a unified view of operations that supports more accurate forecasting, better decision-making and deeper insight into operational performance.

What manufacturers should consider when evaluating inventory software

Choosing inventory software is a decision that affects production continuity, working capital and compliance. A system that looks capable on paper may still fall short if it cannot support manufacturing workflows or scale with operational complexity. In addition to specific features, to evaluate inventory software effectively, manufacturers should also consider:

• Operational alignment: Does the software handle multiple inventory types? Can it manage raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods within the same system?

• Level of integration: Does inventory data flow seamlessly into purchasing, production and quality systems, or is it siloed?

• Real-time and remote access: Can teams access up-to-date inventory information across all locations and production stages?

• Ease of use and adoption: Is the system intuitive for users? Does it reduce reliance on manual processes?

• Scalability: Can the system handle growth, including more products, additional sites and increased transaction volumes?

Final thoughts

Effective inventory management in manufacturing requires more than spreadsheets or basic stock tracking. It demands software that provides real-time visibility, integrates smoothly with core operational functions, supports traceability and compliance, and delivers insights that help manufacturers manage working capital, reduce waste and keep production on schedule.

Solutions, like QT9 ERP with a dedicated Inventory Control, align to these requirements by combining inventory management with purchasing, production planning and quality processes in one platform. This integrated approach helps manufacturers address complex inventory challenges with greater accuracy, responsiveness and operational awareness.