Stitch Labs (Now Part of Square) vs. Cin7: Comprehensive Inventory Management Comparison
Effective inventory management is essential for the smooth operation and growth of any business. Selecting the right inventory management software can significantly impact your efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and scalability. This article provides an in-depth comparison between Stitch Labs (now part of Square) and Cin7, examining their features, pricing, ease of use, customer support, integration capabilities, reporting and analytics, mobile app availability, and suitability for different business needs.
Overview of Stitch Labs and Cin7
Stitch Labs was a cloud-based inventory management system designed to help small and medium-sized businesses manage their inventory, orders, and sales channels from a centralized platform. In 2019, Stitch Labs was acquired by Square, integrating into Square’s suite of business management tools.
Cin7 is an all-in-one inventory management software that assists businesses in optimizing their inventory, sales, and supply chain operations. It offers features such as automated stock replenishment, multi-channel sales support, and comprehensive order management, aiming to provide scalable solutions for businesses of varying sizes.
Key Features of Stitch Labs and Cin7
- Multi-channel sales support
- Inventory tracking and management
- Order management and fulfillment
- Robust reporting and analytics
- Integration with various tools and platforms
Stitch Labs excels in automated order routing, which streamlines the process by directing orders to the appropriate location based on inventory levels and other criteria. Cin7 offers more advanced features, including automated stock replenishment and supply chain management, catering to businesses with complex inventory needs.
Pricing Comparison
Pricing structures vary significantly between Stitch Labs and Cin7:
- Stitch Labs: Offered tiered pricing plans—Essentials ($799/year), Business ($2,400/year), and Pro ($4,800/year). However, since its acquisition by Square, Stitch Labs has been phased out, and existing customers have been transitioned to Square’s inventory solutions.
- Cin7: Utilizes a scalable pricing model starting at $299/month for up to 100 orders and scaling up to $1,099/month for up to 2,000 orders. Custom pricing is available for higher volumes, providing flexibility for growing businesses.
Ease of Use
Both platforms offer intuitive interfaces, but their user experiences differ:
- Stitch Labs: Featured a clean and straightforward interface, making it easy for users to navigate and utilize key functions. Comprehensive documentation and customer support facilitated a smooth onboarding process.
- Cin7: While offering a more complex interface due to its extensive features, Cin7 provides extensive customization options. This complexity may require a steeper learning curve but allows for tailored solutions to specific business needs.
Customer Support
Customer support quality is crucial when selecting inventory management software:
- Stitch Labs: Provided support via phone and email during business hours, along with a comprehensive help center featuring articles, videos, and tutorials.
- Cin7: Offers 24/7 customer support through email and chat, with phone support available during business hours, ensuring assistance is available when needed.
Integration Capabilities
Seamless integration with other tools and platforms enhances the functionality of inventory management systems:
- Stitch Labs: Integrated with major eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon, as well as accounting tools such as QuickBooks and Xero.
- Cin7: Supports a broader range of integrations, including marketplaces like eBay and Etsy, and accounting software like MYOB and Sage, providing more flexibility for diverse business operations.
Reporting and Analytics
Data-driven insights are vital for optimizing inventory and sales strategies:
- Stitch Labs: Offered customizable reports and dashboards to monitor sales, inventory levels, and order fulfillment. Advanced reporting was available in the Pro tier.
- Cin7: Provides advanced reporting and analytics, enabling businesses to track inventory by location, analyze sales trends by product or category, and evaluate supply chain performance comprehensively.
Mobile App Availability
Mobile accessibility allows businesses to manage inventory on the go:
- Stitch Labs: Offered mobile apps for both iOS and Android, featuring inventory management, order tracking, and barcode scanning capabilities.
- Cin7: Provides a mobile app for iOS devices, allowing users to manage inventory levels and orders remotely, although some advanced features are limited compared to the desktop version.
Pros and Cons
Stitch Labs Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Automated order routing
- Custom reporting in higher-tier plans
Stitch Labs Cons:
- Discontinued service post-acquisition by Square
- Higher pricing compared to some competitors
Cin7 Pros:
- Scalable pricing model suitable for growing businesses
- Advanced inventory and supply chain management features
- Extensive integration options
Cin7 Cons:
- Steeper learning curve due to complex interface
- Customer support primarily during business hours
Use Cases: Industry and Business Size Considerations
The choice between Cin7 and the now-discontinued Stitch Labs (transitioned to Square) depends on specific business needs:
- Small to Medium-Sized Businesses: Cin7 offers scalable solutions with comprehensive features that can adapt as the business grows, making it suitable for businesses anticipating expansion.
- Retail and E-commerce: With robust multi-channel support and extensive integrations, Cin7 is ideal for retailers managing sales across various platforms.
- Supply Chain-Intensive Industries: Cin7’s advanced supply chain management features cater to businesses requiring detailed inventory and order handling.
Conclusion: Choosing Between Stitch Labs (Square) and Cin7
While Stitch Labs provided valuable inventory management features, its acquisition by Square has led to a shift towards Square’s integrated solutions. Businesses looking for advanced, scalable inventory management should consider Cin7 for its comprehensive feature set and flexible pricing. Cin7’s ability to integrate with a wide range of platforms and its robust analytics capabilities make it a strong choice for businesses seeking to optimize their inventory and sales operations.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Stitch Labs received positive feedback for its user-friendly interface and effective order management features. However, its discontinuation has prompted users to transition to alternatives like Square’s inventory solutions or other providers.
Cin7 is highly regarded for its extensive feature set and scalability, with users appreciating its integration capabilities and comprehensive reporting tools. Some users note that the learning curve and interface complexity can be challenging initially.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can Cin7 integrate with my existing eCommerce platforms?
A: Yes, Cin7 offers integrations with a wide range of eCommerce platforms, including Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. - Q: Does Cin7 provide 24/7 customer support?
A: Cin7 offers 24/7 customer support via email and chat, with phone support available during business hours. - Q: Is Cin7 suitable for businesses with high order volumes?
A: Absolutely. Cin7’s scalable pricing and advanced inventory features make it ideal for businesses handling large order volumes. - Q: What reporting features does Cin7 offer?
A: Cin7 provides advanced reporting and analytics, including sales trend analysis, inventory tracking by location, and supply chain performance metrics. - Q: Are there mobile apps available for Cin7?
A: Yes, Cin7 offers a mobile app for iOS devices that allows users to manage inventory and orders on the go.
Additional Resources
For more information on inventory management systems, visit the following reputable sources:
