Best Purchase Order Software for Ecommerce Businesses

Running a successful ecommerce business means juggling a lot of moving parts, and managing your inventory effectively is right at the top of that list. While sales are exciting, inefficient purchasing can quickly erode your profits, lead to stockouts, or tie up valuable capital in excess inventory. This is where robust purchase order (PO) software comes into play.

For online stores, a streamlined purchasing process isn’t just a nicety—it’s a necessity. You need to accurately predict demand, place orders with suppliers, track those orders, and ensure stock arrives when and where you need it. Manual processes with spreadsheets quickly become overwhelming as your business grows.

Specialized ecommerce purchase order software automates these critical functions. It helps you maintain optimal stock levels, negotiate better terms with suppliers, and gain clear visibility into your inventory pipeline from order placement to goods received. This translates to happier customers, better cash flow, and a more resilient supply chain.

Investing in the right PO software can transform your operations, moving you from reactive ordering to a proactive, data-driven approach. It allows you to focus on growth while the system handles the complexities of procurement. Let’s explore the top tools that can make a real difference for your online business.

Here are the main benefits of using dedicated purchase order software for your ecommerce business:

• Automates the creation and management of purchase orders
• Improves inventory forecasting and demand planning
• Strengthens supplier relationships through clear communication and tracking
• Reduces stockouts and overstocking, optimizing working capital
• Provides real-time visibility into your inventory pipeline
• Streamlines receiving and reconciliation processes

Quick Comparison Table

Tool	Best For	Key Strength	Ecommerce Fit
Cin7 Core (formerly DEAR Systems)	Growing DTC brands needing robust ERP	Comprehensive inventory and manufacturing features	Excellent
Brightpearl by Sage	High-growth omnichannel retailers	Retail-specific automation and ERP features	Excellent
QuickBooks Commerce	Small to medium businesses using QuickBooks	Seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting	Good
Fishbowl Inventory	Businesses with manufacturing or complex warehousing	Strong manufacturing and asset tracking	Very Good
Zoho Inventory	SMBs seeking affordable, integrated solution	Part of a wider Zoho business suite	Good
Veeqo	Ecommerce sellers with multi-channel needs	Free for Amazon sellers, strong multi-channel features	Excellent
Ordoro	Ecommerce businesses focused on shipping efficiency	Robust shipping features combined with inventory	Good
NetSuite	Large enterprises and rapidly scaling brands	Market-leading cloud ERP for complex operations	Excellent

1. Cin7 Core (formerly DEAR Systems) — Best For Growing DTC brands needing robust ERP

Official Website:

https://www.cin7.com/core/

Cin7 Core, formerly known as DEAR Systems, is a powerful cloud-based inventory management and ERP system designed to handle the complexities of growing ecommerce businesses. It offers robust purchase order management features that integrate seamlessly with its broader inventory, manufacturing, and accounting modules, giving you a complete view of your supply chain.

For ecommerce, Cin7 Core excels at multi-channel inventory control, allowing you to manage stock across various sales platforms while accurately forecasting demand and generating purchase orders to replenish efficiently. Its advanced reporting and costing methods make it a favorite for DTC brands needing precision in their financial and operational data.

What We Like

• Automated reorder points and purchase order generation based on sales data
• Multi-currency support for international suppliers
• Supplier management with comprehensive contact and pricing history
• Landed cost calculations for accurate product profitability
• Integrates with major ecommerce platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento) and accounting software

Downsides

• Can be complex for very small businesses with basic needs
• Setup and customization might require technical assistance

Best For

Mid-sized to large ecommerce businesses, particularly DTC brands, wholesalers, and manufacturers looking for a comprehensive ERP system to manage complex inventory, procurement, and production processes.

2. Brightpearl by Sage — Best For High-growth omnichannel retailers

Official Website:

Home Page

Brightpearl is a retail-specific operating system (ROS) that provides ERP capabilities tailored for high-growth omnichannel brands. Its purchase order management module is designed to give retailers tight control over their supply chain, from automated reordering to vendor management and inbound stock tracking. It’s built to handle the unique demands of multi-channel sales and complex logistics.

With Brightpearl, ecommerce businesses can manage their entire purchasing workflow, including creating, sending, and tracking POs, managing supplier accounts, and integrating with warehousing and fulfillment systems. This comprehensive approach helps prevent stockouts, optimize inventory levels, and ultimately improve customer satisfaction.

What We Like

• Advanced demand forecasting to optimize purchase quantities
• Automated purchase order creation based on sales velocity and lead times
• Supplier relationship management, including contact details and performance tracking
• Comprehensive inbound stock management and goods received processing
• Native integrations with leading ecommerce platforms and shipping carriers

Downsides

• Pricing can be a significant investment for smaller businesses
• Learning curve due to its extensive feature set

Best For

Fast-growing and established omnichannel retailers, wholesalers, and DTC brands that require a robust, integrated system to manage inventory, orders, purchasing, and financials across multiple sales channels.

3. QuickBooks Commerce (formerly TradeGecko) — Best For Small to medium businesses using QuickBooks

Official Website:

https://quickbooks.intuit.com/commerce/

QuickBooks Commerce, formerly TradeGecko, is an inventory and order management platform built by Intuit, offering deep integration with QuickBooks accounting software. It provides a solid foundation for managing purchase orders, inventory, and sales across multiple channels, making it a natural fit for ecommerce businesses already using the QuickBooks ecosystem.

The purchase order functionality in QuickBooks Commerce allows users to create and manage POs, track stock levels, and automate reorders. Its seamless connection with QuickBooks helps ensure that your inventory and purchasing data flow directly into your financial records, simplifying reconciliation and providing accurate cost of goods sold (COGS) reporting.

What We Like

• Native, deep integration with QuickBooks Online and Desktop
• Centralized inventory management across multiple warehouses and channels
• Automated reorder points and PO generation based on historical sales
• Supplier management with pricing and contact details
• Easy-to-use interface for managing the entire purchasing workflow

Downsides

• May lack some advanced ERP features found in higher-end systems
• Best suited for businesses already committed to the QuickBooks ecosystem

Best For

Small to medium-sized ecommerce businesses, wholesalers, and distributors who are existing QuickBooks users and need an integrated solution for inventory, order, and purchase order management.

4. Fishbowl Inventory — Best For Businesses with manufacturing or complex warehousing

Official Website:

https://www.fishbowlinventory.com/

Fishbowl Inventory is a comprehensive inventory management software that integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks, offering advanced features particularly beneficial for businesses involved in manufacturing, warehousing, or asset tracking. Its purchase order module is robust, designed to handle complex procurement needs, including multi-stage purchasing and vendor management.

For ecommerce, Fishbowl provides the tools to manage raw materials, work orders, and finished goods, making it ideal for DTC brands that manufacture their own products or handle complex assembly. Its ability to track inventory across multiple locations and integrate with shipping solutions ensures efficient order fulfillment and accurate stock levels.

What We Like

• Strong manufacturing features, including bill of materials and work orders
• Advanced multi-location inventory tracking and transfers
• Detailed vendor management and purchasing history
• Integrates tightly with QuickBooks for financial reconciliation
• Supports various costing methods for accurate inventory valuation

Downsides

• Primarily a desktop application, though cloud hosting options exist
• Can be more complex to set up and manage compared to simpler cloud solutions

Best For

Ecommerce businesses that engage in manufacturing, assembly, or have complex warehousing operations and need advanced inventory control tightly integrated with their QuickBooks accounting.

5. Zoho Inventory — Best For SMBs seeking affordable, integrated solution

Official Website:

https://www.zoho.com/inventory/

Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management solution that is part of the larger Zoho ecosystem of business tools. It offers solid purchase order functionalities along with sales order management, warehousing, and basic CRM features, making it a cost-effective choice for small and medium-sized ecommerce businesses looking for an integrated suite.

With Zoho Inventory, online stores can easily create and manage purchase orders, track incoming shipments, and automate inventory updates. Its integration with popular ecommerce platforms like Shopify and Amazon, as well as other Zoho applications, provides a streamlined workflow for managing stock from procurement to fulfillment.

What We Like

• User-friendly interface and affordable pricing plans
• Automated purchase order generation based on stock levels
• Multi-warehouse support for inventory management
• Integrates with major ecommerce platforms and shipping carriers
• Part of the extensive Zoho suite, allowing for broader business integration

Downsides

• May lack the deep customization or advanced ERP features of higher-end tools
• Support can sometimes be slower due to the large user base

Best For

Small to medium-sized ecommerce businesses and startups looking for an affordable, cloud-based inventory and purchase order management system that integrates well with other business applications, especially within the Zoho ecosystem.

6. Veeqo — Best For Ecommerce sellers with multi-channel needs

Official Website:

https://www.veeqo.com/

Veeqo, now an Amazon company, offers a powerful inventory and shipping management platform that is particularly attractive because it’s free for all Amazon sellers. Beyond the cost, it provides robust purchase order features designed to help ecommerce businesses manage their stock across multiple sales channels, ensuring efficient replenishment and preventing stockouts.

Veeqo’s PO functionality includes automated reorder points, supplier management, and the ability to track incoming stock. Its strong multi-channel capabilities mean that inventory levels are synchronized in real-time across platforms like Shopify, eBay, and Amazon, making it easier to make informed purchasing decisions and maintain accurate stock.

What We Like

• Free for Amazon sellers, making it highly accessible
• Real-time inventory sync across multiple sales channels
• Automated purchase order creation based on sales and reorder levels
• Integrated shipping and warehouse management features
• Comprehensive reporting on inventory and sales performance

Downsides

• Some advanced features might require a paid plan for non-Amazon sellers
• Interface can feel cluttered for new users

Best For

Ecommerce businesses selling on Amazon, as well as multi-channel online retailers looking for an affordable yet powerful solution for inventory, purchase order, and shipping management.

7. Ordoro — Best For Ecommerce businesses focused on shipping efficiency

Official Website:

https://www.ordoro.com/

Ordoro is an all-in-one ecommerce management solution that combines inventory management, dropshipping, and powerful shipping features. While often highlighted for its shipping capabilities, Ordoro also includes effective purchase order management tools that help ecommerce businesses keep their inventory in check and ensure a smooth supply chain.

Its PO system allows users to create and send purchase orders to suppliers, track incoming inventory, and manage vendor details. For businesses that rely heavily on efficient fulfillment, Ordoro provides the essential link between sales, inventory levels, and the necessary replenishment orders to keep products flowing.

What We Like

• Integrated dropshipping functionality alongside traditional inventory
• Streamlined purchase order creation and tracking
• Robust shipping management with discounted rates
• Multi-channel inventory sync across various sales platforms
• User-friendly interface for managing orders and stock

Downsides

• Less focused on deep ERP functions compared to some competitors
• Pricing can add up for businesses with high order volumes or many integrations

Best For

Ecommerce businesses that need a strong combination of inventory management, purchase order capabilities, and advanced shipping features, especially those utilizing dropshipping or fulfilling high volumes of orders.

8. NetSuite — Best For Large enterprises and rapidly scaling brands

Official Website:

https://www.netsuite.com/

Oracle NetSuite is a comprehensive cloud-based business management suite that offers enterprise-level ERP capabilities, including extensive purchase order management, inventory control, financial management, and CRM. It’s designed for large organizations and rapidly scaling ecommerce businesses that require a highly customizable and integrated solution to manage their entire operations.

NetSuite’s procurement module automates and streamlines the entire purchasing process, from requisition to payment. For ecommerce, this means advanced demand planning, multi-warehouse support, automated PO generation based on complex rules, and detailed supplier management, all integrated with accounting and sales data for maximum efficiency and visibility.

What We Like

• Extremely powerful and customizable ERP system
• Advanced demand planning and forecasting for precise purchasing
• Automated requisition, approval workflows, and PO generation
• Robust multi-location inventory management and warehouse operations
• Comprehensive financial and reporting tools integrated with procurement

Downsides

• Significant investment in terms of cost and implementation time
• Can be overly complex for small to medium-sized businesses

Best For

Large ecommerce enterprises, global DTC brands, and rapidly scaling businesses with complex operational needs that require a full-fledged ERP system to manage procurement, inventory, financials, and more.

How to Choose the Right Tool

Selecting the best purchase order software for your ecommerce business depends heavily on your specific needs, size, and growth trajectory. Here’s what to consider:

• Current Size and Scale: Are you a small startup or a large enterprise? Tools like Zoho Inventory or QuickBooks Commerce might be sufficient for smaller operations, while Brightpearl or NetSuite are better for high-volume or complex businesses.
• Budget: PO software ranges from free options (like Veeqo for Amazon sellers) to significant enterprise investments. Determine what you can realistically afford while ensuring you get the necessary features.
• Integration Needs: Which other systems do you use? Your accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero), ecommerce platforms (Shopify, Magento), and shipping carriers all need to integrate seamlessly with your chosen PO solution.
• Inventory Complexity: Do you have multiple warehouses? Do you manufacture products or handle dropshipping? Tools like Cin7 Core or Fishbowl excel at complex inventory scenarios.
• Forecasting and Automation: How sophisticated do you need your demand forecasting and automated reordering to be? Advanced tools offer more robust predictive capabilities.
• Supplier Management: Do you need detailed supplier portals, multi-currency support, or specific vendor performance tracking?
• Ease of Use vs. Features: Balance a user-friendly interface with the depth of features you require. A steeper learning curve might be acceptable for a more powerful tool if it meets all your long-term needs.

FAQ

What is purchase order software for ecommerce?

Purchase order (PO) software for ecommerce is a specialized tool designed to help online businesses manage the entire procurement process. This includes creating, sending, and tracking purchase orders to suppliers, managing vendor relationships, automating inventory replenishment based on demand, and integrating with other business systems like inventory management and accounting platforms.

Can purchase order software help prevent stockouts?

Absolutely. One of the primary benefits of PO software is its ability to help prevent stockouts. By automating inventory tracking, setting reorder points, and often integrating with sales data to forecast demand, these tools can automatically generate purchase orders when stock levels hit a predefined minimum, ensuring you order new inventory before you run out.

How does PO software integrate with my ecommerce platform?

Most modern purchase order software integrates directly with popular ecommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and Amazon. These integrations typically allow for real-time synchronization of sales data to inform purchasing decisions, automatic updating of inventory levels when new stock is received, and often direct communication with your fulfillment and shipping partners.

Final Verdict

Choosing the right purchase order software is a strategic decision that can significantly impact your ecommerce business’s profitability and operational efficiency. The best tool will streamline your procurement, optimize inventory, and strengthen supplier relationships, allowing you to focus on growth.

Best overall: For growing DTC brands and medium-sized ecommerce businesses seeking a robust, all-in-one inventory and ERP solution with excellent PO capabilities, Cin7 Core (formerly DEAR Systems) stands out. Its comprehensive features and strong integrations make it highly scalable.

Best budget option: If you’re an Amazon seller or a multi-channel retailer looking for a powerful solution that won’t break the bank, Veeqo offers incredible value, especially with its free tier for Amazon sellers. For SMBs looking for an affordable, integrated suite, Zoho Inventory is a strong contender.

Best for scaling brands: For high-growth omnichannel retailers and larger enterprises with complex requirements, Brightpearl by Sage and NetSuite provide market-leading ERP systems designed to handle extensive operations and offer deep customization for long-term scalability.