If you're a business owner, inventory management is one of the essential aspects of your operations. It's critical to keep track of your products and stocks to ensure timely deliveries to your customers. With the advancement of technology, there are various inventory management software available in the market. DEAR Inventory and Unleashed are two of the popular software solutions that you can opt for. In this article, we will compare both the software to assist you in making the right decision for your business.
Introduction to DEAR Inventory and Unleashed
Both DEAR Inventory and Unleashed are cloud-based inventory management software that can help you manage your business's inventory. DEAR Inventory came to the market in 2012 and has since then gained popularity with its extensive feature set. On the other hand, Unleashed, founded in 2009, is known for its intuitive user interface and customizable workflows.
While both DEAR Inventory and Unleashed offer similar functionalities, there are some key differences between the two. DEAR Inventory offers more advanced features such as batch and expiry tracking, multi-warehouse management, and production management. Unleashed, on the other hand, focuses on providing a user-friendly experience with customizable dashboards and reports. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the specific needs and preferences of your business.
Features of DEAR Inventory
DEAR Inventory is a robust software that comes packed with numerous features. It provides functionality for purchase management, inventory control, sales management, accounting integration, and reporting. Some of the essential features of DEAR Inventory are:
- Inventory management - DEAR Inventory allows you to manage your stock in real-time. It offers features like batch tracking, serial number tracking, and product expiry management.
- Sales management - DEAR Inventory enables you to process sales orders quickly and efficiently. It also provides features like order tracking, shipment tracking, and invoicing.
- Purchase management - DEAR Inventory allows you to track your purchases and manage your suppliers. It has features like purchase order creation, supplier management, and purchase receipts.
- Accounting integration - DEAR Inventory integrates seamlessly with various accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, and MYOB.
- Reporting - DEAR Inventory provides you with detailed reports on inventory levels, sales, purchases, and profitability.
DEAR Inventory also offers advanced features that can help streamline your business operations. One such feature is the ability to create and manage bills of materials (BOMs). This feature allows you to track the components and raw materials that go into your finished products, giving you greater control over your manufacturing process.
Another useful feature of DEAR Inventory is its integration with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento. This integration allows you to manage your online sales and inventory from a single platform, making it easier to keep track of your stock levels and fulfill orders.
Features of Unleashed
Unleashed is a software solution that provides you with complete control over your inventory. It offers features for sales management, purchase management, inventory control, and reporting. Some of the essential features of Unleashed are:
- Inventory control - Unleashed provides you with complete control over your inventory. It includes features like batch and serial number tracking, product expiry management, and stock level forecasting.
- Purchase management - With Unleashed, you can manage your purchases efficiently. It has features like purchase order creation, supplier management, and purchase receipts.
- Sales management - Unleashed enables you to create sales orders and invoices quickly and efficiently. It also provides you with features like order tracking and shipment tracking.
- Reporting - Unleashed offers you detailed reports on inventory levels, sales, purchases, and profitability.
- Customizable workflows - Unleashed allows you to customize your workflows to match your business requirements.
In addition to the above features, Unleashed also offers integration with various e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento. This integration allows you to manage your online sales and inventory from a single platform, making it easier to keep track of your stock levels and sales across multiple channels. Unleashed also provides real-time updates, ensuring that your inventory levels are always up-to-date, and you never oversell a product. With Unleashed, you can streamline your e-commerce operations and focus on growing your business.
Price comparison of DEAR Inventory and Unleashed
One of the essential aspects to consider when selecting software is the cost. In terms of pricing, DEAR Inventory and Unleashed offer different pricing plans depending on your business requirements.
DEAR Inventory offers four pricing plans - Lite, Pro, Business, and Enterprise. The Lite plan starts at $49 per month, and the Enterprise plan costs $599 per month. On the other hand, Unleashed provides three pricing plans - Small, Medium, and Large. The Small plan starts at $299 per month, and the Large plan costs $749 per month.
You can also opt for a free trial for both the software before deciding which suits your business needs the best.
Aside from pricing, another factor to consider when choosing between DEAR Inventory and Unleashed is the features they offer. DEAR Inventory provides a wide range of features, including inventory management, order management, purchasing, and manufacturing. It also integrates with various e-commerce platforms, such as Shopify and WooCommerce. On the other hand, Unleashed focuses more on inventory management and provides features such as stock control, order management, and reporting.
Another consideration is the level of customer support provided by both software. DEAR Inventory offers 24/7 customer support through phone, email, and live chat. They also have a knowledge base and video tutorials available on their website. Unleashed, on the other hand, provides customer support during business hours and has a knowledge base and community forum available on their website.
Pros and cons of using DEAR Inventory
The benefits of using DEAR Inventory are its comprehensive feature set, its flexibility, and its ease of use. However, it may not be the most affordable solution for small businesses, and some users report difficulty in customizing workflows.
Another advantage of DEAR Inventory is its ability to integrate with other software systems, such as accounting and e-commerce platforms. This can streamline business operations and improve efficiency. Additionally, DEAR Inventory offers robust reporting and analytics capabilities, allowing businesses to gain insights into their inventory management and make data-driven decisions.
On the other hand, some users have reported issues with customer support and slow response times. Additionally, while DEAR Inventory offers a wide range of features, some businesses may find that they do not need all of them, making it a less cost-effective solution. It is important for businesses to carefully evaluate their inventory management needs and compare pricing and features before deciding if DEAR Inventory is the right solution for them.
Pros and cons of using Unleashed
The benefits of using Unleashed are its customizable workflows, its intuitive user interface, and its detailed reports. However, some users report difficulty in forecasting and predicting stock levels, which can lead to stockouts. Additionally, Unleashed may not have as many features as DEAR Inventory.
Another advantage of using Unleashed is its ability to integrate with other software systems, such as accounting and e-commerce platforms. This can streamline business processes and improve overall efficiency. Additionally, Unleashed offers excellent customer support, with a dedicated team available to assist with any issues or questions.
On the other hand, some users have reported that Unleashed can be slow to load and navigate, particularly when dealing with large amounts of data. Additionally, the pricing structure of Unleashed may not be suitable for small businesses or those with limited budgets, as it can be quite expensive compared to other inventory management software options.
Ease of use: DEAR Inventory vs Unleashed
Both DEAR Inventory and Unleashed provide intuitive user interfaces and are easy to use. However, DEAR Inventory may have a steeper learning curve due to its extensive feature set.
DEAR Inventory offers a wide range of customization options, which can be overwhelming for new users. However, once you become familiar with the software, you can easily tailor it to your specific business needs. On the other hand, Unleashed has a simpler interface, making it easier for beginners to navigate.
Another factor to consider is the level of support provided by each software. DEAR Inventory offers extensive documentation, video tutorials, and a dedicated support team to help users with any issues they may encounter. Unleashed also provides support, but it may not be as comprehensive as DEAR Inventory's.
Customer support: DEAR Inventory vs Unleashed
DEAR Inventory offers 24/7 customer support via email and live chat. On the other hand, Unleashed offers email and phone support during business hours.
It is important to note that both DEAR Inventory and Unleashed have extensive knowledge bases and online resources available to their customers. These resources include user guides, video tutorials, and community forums where users can ask questions and share tips with each other. Additionally, both companies offer training and implementation services to help customers get started with their software and ensure they are using it to its full potential.
Integrations: DEAR Inventory vs Unleashed
Both DEAR Inventory and Unleashed offer integrations with various accounting and e-commerce platforms, including Shopify, WooCommerce, and Xero.
Mobile app: DEAR Inventory vs Unleashed
DEAR Inventory offers a mobile app for iOS and Android devices. The app allows you to perform basic inventory management tasks, including stock adjustments and purchase orders. Unleashed, on the other hand, does not have a mobile app.
Reporting and analytics: DEAR Inventory vs Unleashed
Both DEAR Inventory and Unleashed offer robust reporting and analytics capabilities. However, DEAR Inventory provides you with more detailed reports and better customization options.
Security and data privacy: DEAR Inventory vs Unleashed
Both DEAR Inventory and Unleashed take data security and privacy seriously. They both use SSL encryption to ensure secure data transfer, and they have strict access controls.
Which is better for small businesses - DEAR Inventory or Unleashed?
For small businesses, the Lite plan of DEAR Inventory may be an expensive option. Unleashed may be a better fit, as it provides affordable pricing plans and customizable workflows. Additionally, Unleashed has an intuitive user interface, making it easy for businesses with limited knowledge of inventory management software.
Which is better for large businesses - DEAR Inventory or Unleashed?
For large businesses, DEAR Inventory may be a better option as it offers more extensive features and better customizability. Additionally, DEAR Inventory's Enterprise plan can handle businesses with large inventories and multiple locations.
Conclusion - Which inventory management software should you choose?
Choosing between DEAR Inventory and Unleashed depends on your business requirements. Both the software options offer extensive features and robust reporting and analytics capabilities. If you're a small business, Unleashed may be a better fit due to its affordability and customizable workflows. On the other hand, if you're a large business, DEAR Inventory may offer better customizability and scalability.
