Effective MRO inventory management software helps teams keep track of the maintenance, repair, and operations supplies that keep their business running. These items include spare parts, consumables, tools, and repair materials that support equipment uptime and routine maintenance.
Because MRO items are often low-cost, purchased as needed, or stored across multiple locations, they’re easy to overlook. But the truth is, they couldn’t be more important. After all, when a technician reaches for a part that isn’t there, downtime increases and maintenance work stalls. Fortunately, a simple, reliable inventory and asset tracking system gives teams real-time visibility into what they have, what they need, and when to reorder.
Here’s a little bit about five popular MRO inventory management software solutions, plus best practices for choosing a solution and implementing a truly useful MRO inventory management strategy.
The 5 best MRO inventory management software solutions
These five tools help teams track maintenance supplies, repair parts, and operating materials across locations. Each overview includes strengths and limitations, which should be considered alongside MRO inventory needs.
Sortly
Overview
Sortly is an easy inventory tracking solution that lets you organize and track your MRO supplies, consumables, tools, and assets from any device. Designed for speed and clarity, Sortly replaces clunky spreadsheets with a visual dashboard that gives your team real-time visibility into your inventory, no matter where it’s located.
Because Sortly is a mobile-first solution, it’s particularly popular with field technicians and operations staff who need to update records on the go. The interface is so intuitive that your team can start tracking MRO and any other type of inventory immediately—without hours of specialized training. With Sortly, you’ll always know what you have in stock, where it’s located, and who was the last person to use it.
Selected features
- Mobile barcoding: Check assets in and out and update quantities instantly using the camera on any smartphone or tablet.
- Visual inventory tracking: Upload multiple photos for every item to confirm condition and help your team quickly identify the right item.
- Automated alerts: Set custom notifications for low stock levels to prevent stockouts, or use date-based alerts to stay on top of warranty expirations and preventive maintenance.
- Customized tracking: Tailor your inventory system with custom fields for things like part numbers, vendor info, technical specifications, or any other detail that matters to your business.
- Multi-location folders: Organize your inventory by site, department, or storage area to mirror your physical setup.
Limitations
- Not a full CMMS: While excellent for tracking MRO maintenance dates and asset history, it doesn’t include complex work order dispatching found in dedicated CMMS platforms.
Asset Panda
Overview
Asset Panda is an asset management system that also supports MRO tracking. It’s built for organizations that want customizable workflows and detailed asset histories.
Selected features
- Customizable fields and workflows
- Asset lifecycle management
- Mobile app with barcode scanning
- Audit and compliance tools
Limitations
- Setup and customization can take time
- Interface may feel complex for teams focused on simple MRO inventory management
EZOfficeInventory
Overview
EZOfficeInventory focuses on asset tracking and equipment management with features that support maintenance teams and MRO workflows.
Selected features
- Maintenance scheduling and asset maintenance tracking
- Work order management
- Barcode and QR code scanning
- Vendor and procurement tracking
Limitations
- More CMMS-oriented than inventory-oriented
- Can be more than teams need if they only want MRO visibility
Fishbowl Inventory
Overview
Fishbowl is a manufacturing and warehouse inventory system with strong parts and materials tracking. It’s best for teams that need MRO tracking alongside production inventory.
Selected features
- Parts and materials management
- Integrations with QuickBooks and Xero
- Work order and manufacturing support
- Multi-location inventory tracking
Limitations
- Steeper learning curve
- Desktop-first interface may not suit field technicians
UpKeep
Overview
UpKeep is a CMMS platform with strong maintenance scheduling and work order management. It includes MRO inventory tracking as part of its maintenance ecosystem.
Selected features
- Work order creation and assignment
- Preventive maintenance scheduling
- Parts and inventory tracking
- Mobile app for technicians
Limitations
- Inventory features are secondary to CMMS functionality
- May be more expensive than standalone MRO inventory tools
What are the top features to look for in MRO inventory management software?
The best MRO inventory tools support real-world maintenance work and help teams avoid stockouts, reduce emergency orders, and keep parts available when needed. Here are the features to prioritize, should you determine your inventory system needs an overhaul:
Low stock alerts that tell you when to reorder
Automatic alerts help teams reorder before materials or supplies run out. This reduces downtime and supports more predictable maintenance.
Mobile access with barcode and QR code scanning
Technicians should be able to update inventory from wherever they are. Mobile barcode and QR code scanning improves accuracy and streamlines workflows. It also enables perpetual, automatic inventory tracking, which leads to better record keeping and, consequently, improved inventory control.
A solution that fits into how you handle maintenance and purchasing
Your software should support your existing processes. Look for customizable fields so you can track custom details, as well as the ability to track vendors, part numbers, and procurement details in your solution.
MRO usage reports
Teams need quick visibility into what’s being used, how often, and where. Comprehensive reporting ensures you can measure MRO usage and levels over time and enable you to identify trends and make purchasing decisions.
A system that’s easy for field technicians and office staff
If a tool requires too much training, there’s a legitimate risk it won’t be used properly in the long term. Sortly’s visual, folder-based setup makes it easy for anyone to find items, update counts, and keep MRO supplies organized.
This easy, comprehensive guide will help you:
Free Ebook: The Complete Guide to Barcoding Your Inventory
How to set up MRO inventory management software
A smooth rollout starts with a simple, phased approach. Here’s a five-step process that’s a good fit for most businesses:
- Start with your highest-use MRO items. Focus on the parts and consumables that cause delays when they run out.
- Bulk upload your existing inventory list, if possible. Sortly allows CSV uploads so teams can get started quickly.
- Add photos and organize by location or category. Visual folders help technicians recognize the right parts instantly.
- Enable barcode scanning and alerts. This supports real-time accuracy and reduces maintenance costs tied to missing parts.
- Expand gradually. Once the core MRO items are organized, add tools, consumables, and other physical assets.
Keep in mind that Sortly’s mobile-first design makes it easy for teams of all skill levels to adopt the system without slowing down maintenance work.
Make MRO operations run smoothly with the right inventory software
The right MRO inventory management software helps teams move from reactive fixes to more predictable maintenance. With better visibility into parts and supplies, teams reduce delays, avoid emergency orders, and keep equipment running on schedule.
If you’re ready to simplify MRO inventory tracking, Sortly can help you organize everything from spare parts to consumables in one easy-to-use system. Start your free, two-week trial today.