Managing a warehouse today is more complex than ever. Between rising customer expectations, the growth of e-commerce, and the need for real-time inventory visibility, businesses are under pressure to streamline warehouse operations and improve efficiency. A modern warehouse management system (WMS) can help companies optimize workflows, reduce errors, and strengthen their supply chain management.
In this guide, we’ll explore five of the best warehouse management software solutions for 2026. You’ll learn what each tool offers, where they excel, and how Sortly provides a unique advantage for small businesses looking for simple yet powerful inventory management software.
What’s the best warehouse management software? 5 tools reviewed
There are many WMS options available, each designed to meet different business needs. Some focus on enterprise-level distribution centers, while others are better suited for small businesses that want to streamline workflows and improve inventory accuracy. Below are five leading solutions for 2026.
Sortly
Sortly is a powerful inventory management software designed for SMBs that need to manage warehouse processes like receiving, picking, put-away, and replenishment. While not a traditional warehouse management system, Sortly is used by hundreds of warehouse businesses to manage the tools, equipment, and supplies that power warehouse operations.
Key features and benefits
- Improve operational efficiency, optimize inventory levels, and minimize carrying costs
- Gain real-time inventory visibility across multiple warehouses and zones
- Use mobile barcode & QR scanning for faster inventory counts, receiving, and picking
- Prevent stockouts and automate re-ordering with low stock alerts, purchase orders, and other smart features
Limitations
- Focused on growing, scaling businesses rather than global supply chain management
- Not built for the needs of enterprise distribution centers
Zoho Inventory
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based inventory system that includes several warehouse management features. It’s a solid option for e-commerce businesses that have a warehouse component. It also integrates with Zoho’s suite of business tools, making it a convenient option for businesses already using Zoho.
Key features and benefits
- Multi-channel e-commerce integration (Amazon, Shopify, eBay)
- Automated order management and order fulfillment
- Batch and serial number inventory tracking
Limitations
- Advanced warehouse management functionality may require integrations
- May be best suited for e-commerce warehouse businesses
Blue Yonder
Blue Yonder is a leader in enterprise-grade warehouse management software.
Key features and benefits
- AI-driven demand forecasting and replenishment
- Advanced automation and robotics for warehouse operations
- Strong global customer base and proven scalability
Limitations
- Higher-tier pricing and implementation costs
- Level of complexity may not be necessary for small and medium-sized businesses
Infor
Infor offers a robust WMS solution tailored for large-scale warehousing.
Key features and benefits
- Cloud-based ERP system integration
- Labor management and 3D visualization modules
- Proven track record in manufacturing and supply chain management
Limitations
- Some users report a steeper learning curve
- Higher total cost of ownership
Softeon Warehouse Management System
Softeon provides flexible software solutions for complex warehouse operations.
Key features and benefits
- Advanced picking, packing, and shipping workflows
- Strong ERP and transportation management integration
- Configurable modules for tailored business needs
Limitations
- Implementation can be time-intensive
- Designed primarily for enterprise-level distribution centers
Essential criteria for evaluating warehouse management software
Selecting the right WMS system requires careful consideration. Each business has unique requirements, but there are common criteria that can help guide the decision. Neglecting these six factors can lead to inefficiencies, inaccurate inventory levels, and higher costs.
1. Easy for your entire team to use
If your warehouse management system isn’t intuitive, adoption suffers. Sortly shines here with its mobile-first design and simple functionality.
2. Includes barcoding
Barcode scanning speeds up inbound receiving, picking, and put-away. Sortly’s built-in barcode and QR code features make this effortless.
3. Integration capabilities
Depending on your industry and business model, integrating your WMS may be essential. Before you make a decision, consider what systems you’ll truly need to connect to your warehouse management system to make operations run smoothly.
4. Scalability and growth potential
As your business grows, your system should be scalable. Think about what you need to stock in your warehouse—from finished products and raw materials to equipment and tools—and whether the system you’re considering can grow with you. Sortly shines here, too; its customizable and intuitive design makes it just as easy to manage a single shelf as it is to manage multiple large warehouses in different locations
5. Security and compliance requirements
Data security is non-negotiable for modern warehouse operations. Protecting sensitive inventory data, employee records, and business assets from unauthorized access is a critical requirement—not just for compliance, but for maintaining customer trust.
Sortly provides role-based access controls so you can specify who’s able to access sensitive information. It is also GDPR and SOC 2 compliant.
6. Total cost of ownership considerations
When evaluating a warehouse solution, the true cost extends far beyond the annual licensing fee. To assess the total cost of ownership, you must account for often-overlooked expenses like implementation time, training time, and ongoing maintenance.
Sortly reduces these hidden costs significantly. Its intuitive design and low learning curve ensure rapid implementation and seamless team adoption.
This easy, comprehensive guide will help you:
Free Ebook: The Complete Guide to Barcoding Your Inventory
Tips for implementing warehouse management software successfully
Even the best WMS solution requires thoughtful implementation. Businesses should plan carefully to ensure smooth adoption and long-term success. These three tips can help:
1. Define goals and success metrics
Identify the problems you want to solve, such as improving inventory accuracy or reducing stockouts, and track progress with clear KPIs. Determine whether you’re hitting these goals, and consider redefining milestones or even testing out new software if goals are missed.
2. Invest in staff training and change management
Even the best WMS solution requires buy-in. Sortly’s intuitive interface reduces training time and allows you to customize user permissions. And keep in mind that the best software works better when warehouses are physically organized first.
3. Handle data migration and system integration carefully
Plan your migration to avoid disruptions. Back up data, test integrations, and roll out in phases when possible. You’ll want to tailor your strategy to the software you select and your business needs.
Make warehouse management easy with Sortly
Warehouse management doesn’t have to be complicated. With Sortly inventory software, businesses of any size can achieve operational efficiency, streamline workflows, and gain real-time inventory visibility without the complexity of enterprise-grade WMS software.
Start your two-week free trial of Sortly today and see how easy warehouse management can be.
