Inconsistent stock records
Manual entries and adjustments make daily reconciliation time-consuming.
Custom software
Custom Inventory & Order Management Software
When stock records and order lists disagree, it becomes difficult to know what is available and what needs processing. Nextchain helps scope an inventory and order system around your workflow, starting with a manageable stage before expanding.
When should you consider a custom system?
For: Businesses that need custom inventory and order workflows.
Unclear order progress
Staff need to distinguish orders awaiting confirmation, picking, delivery or returns.
Missing change history
Identify who adjusted stock and why when investigating a discrepancy.
Scope to explore
These items guide the initial discussion. Deliverables are confirmed in the project specification and proposal.
Products and storage locations
Agree on product codes, units, warehouses and storage locations; add batches or expiry tracking only where needed.
Stock movements and counts
Define receipt, dispatch, approval and adjustment processes with role-based history.
Order lifecycle
Decide when to reserve or deduct stock and how cancellations and returns restore it.
Data integrations
Assess website, marketplace and carrier APIs; agree on the source of truth and handling of sync failures.
Pricing and delivery
Quoted after discovery based on scope. This is a project service, separate from monthly website plans.
- Discuss workflows, data and the problems to solve.
- Agree on specifications, interface, acceptance criteria and delivery milestones.
- Develop in stages and verify agreed business scenarios.
- Hand over the system, train users and provide support under the contract.
The proposal should separate development, hosting, third-party services, migration and maintenance fees. Timing depends on scope, data quality and integrations.
What to prepare for the discussion
- Sample product data and current stock calculations
- Warehouse count, users and expected order volume
- Receipt, dispatch, stocktake and returns processes
- Systems to connect and available API permissions
Use sample data for the initial consultation. Do not send passwords or customers’ personal information.
Frequently asked questions
Is this ready-to-use inventory software?
This is a custom development service. If an existing product meets your process and budget, consider it before building a new system.
Can every marketplace be connected?
Not by default. Each platform has its own API permissions, limits and conditions. Connections and update frequency must be assessed and specified.
Can we import Excel data?
Data import can be scoped after reviewing a sample. Duplicate product codes, units and opening balances need to be resolved first.