Cin7 Core Review: Pros, Cons, Pricing

What Is Cin7?

Cin7 is an inventory management software that includes sales, purchasing, and manufacturing. It serves as a light ERP system for small businesses upgrading from manual spreadsheets. It stands out with its integrated POS and omnichannel selling for physical and online retailers. Cin7 supports real-time inventory tracking across multiple locations and basic manufacturing functions like BOMs and assemblies.

Our Ratings

Who Uses Cin7?

We recommend Cin7 for small businesses in the physical and online retail, distribution, and simple manufacturing industries. It’s best for small companies looking to track their inventory in real-time across multiple locations and channels without purchasing a full ERP. Simple manufacturers can streamline their inventory and production processes, allowing for full product visibility. It can also be used regionally and includes multi-currency support.

How to Import an Inventory List on Cin7

Cin7 makes it easy to import your inventory list to the system for a streamlined setup.

1. Go to the products section of the left sidebar and click products.

2. On this page, click the Import dropdown button in the top right and select Inventory List.
3. Download the CSV template and copy and paste your list from your old spreadsheet.
4. Ensure each product has an SKU, name, and costing method.

5. Upload the file with your list into the system.

Businesses may have to manually edit their lists to conform to the Cin7 template.

Note: You can also input products individually by pressing the + button on the product page and manually entering the information. This is useful for adding new products without uploading an entire list.

How to make a Purchase in Cin7

Generating a new purchase order is fairly straightforward in Cin7. We like its simplicity, as the system walks you through the necessary steps and copies the order information to the invoice.

1. Go to Purchase on the left sidebar and click Simple Purchase.
2. Enter your supplier details. By clicking the + next to the Supplier drop-down menu, you can create supplier profiles for automatic fill-in.
3. Go to the Order section underneath the supplier details and enter the product and quantity you want to purchase. The system will auto-fill the price, discount, tax rule, and total.

4. Once finished, click the green Authorize button.
5. Once an invoice is received, enter the number and the date. In the product information section, click Copy to automatically put the information from the order into the invoice and submit.

What Features Are Missing?

• Native Accounting: Cin7 has a financial module in the system, but it is basic and not a true accounting tool. The only accounting integrations are Xero and Quickbooks, which could limit businesses using a different system and don’t want to change.
• Complex Manufacturing: Cin7 does not include tools for process manufacturers, such as formula and recipe management. It also lacks traceability for food and beverage manufacturers.

Cin7 Pricing Plans

Is Cin7 an ERP?

No, Cin7 is not a full ERP, though it has many similar functions. It’s technically an inventory management software that can function as a light ERP for small distributors and manufacturers, with modules like sales, production, and purchases. The main difference is it lacks an accounting module, as users must integrate a third-party system.

How many integrations does Cin7 have?

Cin7 has over 45 integrations, some of which are add-on apps like their B2B portal and POS. For accounting, businesses can integrate with Xero and QuickBooks to sync their financials and inventory data. For eCommerce, Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and WooCommerce are available. Other integration functions include shipping, payment processing, and fulfillment.

Alternatives

←

→

Fishbowl Inventory

Price Range

   $     $     $     $     $   

   $     $     $     $     $   

Starting Price

$4,395 (perpetual license)

Client OS

Windows, macOS

Deployment

Cloud or On-Premises

What We Like

Competitive pricing; does not require a subscription

Integrates with QuickBooks

Can function as a light MRP system

What We Don’t Like

Somewhat steep learning curve

Transactions do not post to QuickBooks in realtime; manual or scheduled sync only

Customizations can lead to difficult support scenarios

Demo Pricing

Zoho Inventory

Price Range

   $     $     $     $     $   

   $     $     $     $     $   

Starting Price

$39/month

Client OS

iOS, Android, Web

Deployment

Cloud Hosted

What We Like

Simple interface

iOS and Android apps

Wide variety of add-ons

What We Don’t Like

Limited to 20 orders/labels per month

Only supports FIFO costing

No Bill of Materials, pick lists, or bin ID support

Demo Pricing

inFlow Inventory

Price Range

   $     $     $     $     $   

   $     $     $     $     $   

Starting Price

$69/month

Client OS

Windows, Web

Deployment

Cloud or On-Premises

What We Like

Audit trails that highlight abnormal behaviors

Base package includes sales and purchasing

Unlimited user accounts to track transaction processing

What We Don’t Like

Difficult for multiple warehouses

Limited integrations

No lot code tracking

Demo Pricing

Summary

We recommend Cin7 if you’re a small retailer, distributor, or manufacturer looking to streamline your inventory management at an affordable price. The system integrates with several different accounting, fulfillment, and shipping apps for full supply chain management. Its POS add-on is also a great option for physical retailers.

However, Cin7 may not be suitable for larger companies, as they may want to invest in a full ERP system. This is due to Cin7’s reliance on integrations to reach its full functionality. Also, process and food manufacturers will need to look for a more industry-specific solution.

Overall, Cin7 is a great inventory management option for those who outgrow manual spreadsheets but are not ready to make the leap to an ERP.