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In 2010, jeggings took over the fashion world. Brands like Levi’s, American Eagle, and H&M rushed to stock them as demand exploded. Stores that caught on early made huge profits.
By 2013, the trend died almost overnight. Fashion shifted to relaxed fits, leaving retailers with excess stock they couldn’t sell. Many had to slash prices or write off inventory entirely.
Trends change fast, but poor inventory and supply chain management make it worse.
Without demand forecasting and real-time inventory tracking, brands risk overordering and losing money.
This article will guide you in selecting the right apparel supply chain management software and reviews eight top options to avoid such costly mistakes.
Top Apparel Supply Chain Management Software At a Glance
Key Features to Look for in Apparel Supply Chain Management Software
Just like shopping without a list leads to chaos, choosing an apparel supply chain management software without a checklist can be costly. Below are the key features you must look for.
1. Real-time inventory tracking
Your apparel supply chain management software should give you a real-time view of your inventory. As soon as there’s a change in your stock levels, you should be able to see it instantly and start planning accordingly.
With up-to-the-minute data, you can react immediately, whether it’s adjusting orders of a specific color, transferring stock, or anticipating shortages before they become a problem.
You’ll know it’s truly real-time if you can check stock levels at any moment and see accurate, updated numbers across all locations and channels.
2. Demand forecasting and planning
Picture this: you’re selling a Harry Potter hoodie, and suddenly orders start pouring in because of an upcoming themed event. You didn’t see it coming, and now you’re out of stock. A week later, when the stock finally arrives, the hype has died down, and you’re stuck with excess inventory.
This is exactly why demand forecasting and planning are essential. A good app doesn’t just track sales; it predicts what will sell next by analyzing past trends, seasonal patterns, and real-time data.
But forecasting isn’t enough, it should also help you plan. The right software turns predictions into action, suggesting production and inventory needs so you’re never overstocked, never out of stock, and always ready.
3. Supplier management and collaboration
You need a product as soon as possible, but your supplier takes too long to deliver. Or worse, they send the wrong quantity, and now your inventory is a mess. Without smooth communication, even the best forecasting won’t save you.
That’s why supplier management and collaboration is also important. A good apparel supply chain software should let you communicate with suppliers directly from your inventory dashboard so that you can track lead times, share POs accordingly, monitor their statuses, and resolve any issues. You shouldn’t have to dig through emails or chase updates.
The better your communication with suppliers, the fewer delays, mistakes, and last-minute surprises you’ll face.
Learn all about building a resilient supply chain in this detailed article.
4. Integration capabilities with existing systems
You’re using Shopify for sales, an accounting tool for finances, and another system for shipping. If your supply chain software doesn’t integrate with them, you’ll waste hours manually updating data across tools, leading to errors and inventory mismatches.
A good apparel supply chain management software should sync directly with your existing tools, pulling in sales data, updating stock levels, and keeping everything connected in real-time.
This ensures that whenever an order is placed or shipped, inventory, warehouse, financial, and other relevant records get updated automatically.
Look for a software that offers ready-to-use integrations or an open API, so you can build your workflows without complicated setup or constant manual work. The fewer gaps between systems, the smoother your operations will run.
5. Automated purchase order management
Reordering stock manually is nothing less than a headache. You have to track inventory levels, check supplier lead times, and make sure you’re not over-ordering or under-ordering.
One mistake, and you either run out of a bestseller or tie up cash in excess stock.
Your software should automate restocking and generation of POs as soon as a product hits a predefined threshold. It must track supplier details, expected delivery dates, and order history, so you always know what’s on the way.
6. Multi-warehouse and fulfillment management
If you store inventory in multiple warehouses or use third-party fulfillment centers, keeping track of stock across locations can get messy. Without a centralized system, you risk shipping delays, stockouts, or sending products from the wrong location, increasing costs.
A multi-warehouse management feature gives you a clear view of inventory across all locations, helping you decide where to fulfill orders based on stock levels and shipping times.
It should also allow automated inventory transfers between warehouses when one location is running low. This keeps fulfillment efficient and prevents unnecessary delays.
Best Apparel Supply Chain Management Software
Now that you know the features to look for in an apparel supply chain management software, it’s time to choose. We’ve curated a list of the best eight tools available in the market.
1. Prediko
Prediko is an AI-powered inventory management and planning software ideal for Shopify apparel brands.
It helps businesses forecast demand, balance stock levels, and automate end-to-end supply chain processes which is especially useful in apparel, where product variants (sizes, colors, styles) and short product life cycles can complicate supply chain processes.
Its user-friendly interface and flexibility make it accessible for growing brands while robust enough for SKU-heavy operations like apparel.
Key features
- AI Demand Planning: Prediko’s AI, trained on data from over 25 million SKUs across 15+ industries, forecasts demand for the next 12 months based on your sales target, providing predictions at the SKU, product, and category levels.
- Automated Purchase Order Management: Generates purchase order recommendations based on inventory levels, supplier lead times, and sales forecasts, ensuring timely restocking.
- Multi-Channel Inventory Sync: Connects inventory across Shopify, marketplaces, and retail locations, keeping stock levels updated in real time.
- Replenishment Alerts: Sends automatic low-stock alerts with recommended reorder quantities and timing, helping maintain the right stock levels.
- Production Planning: Predicts raw material requirements based on the finished goods demand forecast, ensuring well-planned manufacturing.
- Analytics & Reports: Provides detailed insights into stock performance, sales trends, POs late or due, percentage of plan achieved, and more.
Pricing
Prediko’s pricing starts at just $119 per month.
2. GoFrugal
GoFrugal is a supply chain and inventory management tool that works for small to mid-sized apparel retailers and wholesalers. It's useful for brands looking for a system that connects inventory from both online and offline stores.
Key features
- Tracks inventory in real-time with barcode and RFID support
- Automates purchase orders based on stock levels
- Syncs inventory across multiple stores and warehouses
- Integrates with e-commerce platforms, POS systems, and marketplaces
- Reporting for analyzing sales trends and inventory movement
Pricing
Contact their team for pricing
3. Odoo
Odoo is an open-source ERP system that offers a range of apps, including inventory, manufacturing, and purchase.
It’s highly customizable, making it suitable for apparel brands that need flexibility in their supply chain processes. Businesses can choose only the features they need, making it a scalable option.
Key features
- Real-time inventory tracking across warehouses
- Automated demand forecasting and replenishment
- Customizable workflows for procurement and sales
- Multi-channel order management including e-commerce and retail
- Open-source flexibility for business-specific integrations
Pricing
Odoo’s pricing starts at $31.10
4. Logility
Logility is a supply chain planning tool used by apparel brands that require demand forecasting and supplier coordination. It focuses on using AI to predict demand, manage inventory levels, and improve procurement efficiency.
Key features
- AI-powered demand forecasting and scenario planning
- Allows designers, suppliers, and retailers to collaborate
- Set up tolerances and minimum order quantities
- Demand sensing techniques for new production
- Omnichannel order management
Pricing
Contact their team for pricing
5. Oracle SCM Cloud
Oracle SCM Cloud is a supply chain management system suitable for large apparel brands and enterprises. It uses AI and machine learning to improve and automate various aspects of your supply chain, from planning to execution.
Key features
- AI-powered demand forecasting
- Automated order processing
- Blockchain-based supply chain tracking
- Ability to collaborate and communicate with suppliers
- Omnichannel order management
Pricing
Contact their team for pricing
6. Kinaxis
Kinaxis is a supply chain planning platform that helps apparel brands respond quickly to demand fluctuations and supply chain disruptions. It provides predictive analytics and automation to improve decision-making.
Key features
- Continuously updates supply plans with real-time data
- AI-powered demand forecasting
- Scenario planning & risk assessment to mitigate disruptions
- Centralized view of inventory, suppliers, and logistics.
- Enables collaboration with suppliers
Pricing
Contact their team for pricing
7. Logiwa
Logiwa is a warehouse and fulfillment management system that works well for apparel brands handling multi-channel distribution. It helps businesses manage high SKU counts, seasonal demand shifts, and returns while ensuring fast and accurate order fulfillment.
Key features
- Automated order routing and fulfillment
- Supports barcode and RFID scanning
- Insights into warehouse performance and operations
- Dynamic wave picking and batch processing
- Multi-warehouse management
Pricing
Contact their team for pricing
8. FreightPOP
FreightPOP is a logistics and shipping management tool that helps apparel brands compare carrier rates, automate shipments, and track deliveries. It is useful for businesses managing high shipping volumes or working with multiple carriers.
Key features
- Rate comparisons across multiple shipping carriers
- Automated shipping label generation and tracking
- Integrates with inventory, ERP, and e-commerce platforms
- Audits freight costs and identifies cost-saving opportunities
- Supports parcel, LTL, FTL, and international shipping
Pricing
Contact their team for pricing
How to Pick the Right Apparel Supply Chain Management Software
With eight options on the table, making a choice can be tough. Here are a few factors to narrow down the list.
1. Assessing your business needs and challenges
Before you start looking at different software options, take a step back and evaluate what your business actually needs. Not every apparel brand has the same challenges—what works for a large retailer might be overkill for a small Shopify store.
Start by asking yourself:
- Where are the bottlenecks? Are you struggling with inventory mismatches, late customer deliveries, long lead times, or stockouts?
- How complex is your supply chain? Do you manage multiple warehouses, work with different suppliers, or sell on multiple platforms?
- What tools are you already using? Your new software should integrate seamlessly with your existing tech stack to avoid redundant manual work.
Understanding your specific challenges will help you filter out solutions that don’t fit and focus on the ones that will actually solve your problems. The right software is not the one with the most features—it’s the one with the features that matter to your business.
2. Evaluating scalability and flexibility
Your business today isn’t the same as it will be in a year. Maybe you’re adding new product lines, expanding to multiple warehouses, or selling on new platforms. The software you choose should be able to grow with you, not hold you back.
Ask yourself
- Can it handle more products, more orders, and more suppliers as you scale? A system that works fine now might struggle when your sales double.
- Does it adapt to different business models? Whether you add pre-orders, dropshipping, or wholesale, your software should support these changes without requiring a complete overhaul.
- How customizable is it? Every business operates differently—look for a software that lets you tweak workflows, reports, and integrations to fit your specific needs.
A rigid system will slow you down as your business evolves. Prioritize software that’s scalable and flexible, so you’re not stuck switching systems every time you make a major move.
Looking to refresh your store? Check out these top 10 Shopify themes for clothing stores.
3. Considering user-friendliness and support
Let’s say you buy the most popular, most expensive, or the most fancy-looking software out there. The minute you start training your team on how to use it, it's one hell of a task.
If the team is spending hours trying to figure out basic functions or constantly fixing errors, it’s only adding to their workload, not reducing it.
Look for a software with
- An intuitive interface: You and your team should be able to navigate it without needing weeks of training.
- Reliable customer support: Issues will come up. Make sure there’s a responsive support team available through chat, email, or phone.
- Comprehensive onboarding and resources: Good software should offer tutorials, guides, and an easy setup process.
Before committing, check Shopify App Store reviews to see what other users say about ease of use and support. Also, take advantage of free trials or demos as this is the best way to see if the software fits your workflow before making a decision. If it feels clunky or confusing during the trial, it’s not going to get any easier later.
4. Prioritize transparency in pricing
Hidden fees can quickly turn an affordable apparel supply chain management software into a costly one. Some software charges extra for more users, higher order volumes, or advanced features you assumed were included.
Before committing, check:
- Is the pricing based on the number of orders, SKUs, or users?
- Are essential features like forecasting and automation included, or do they cost extra?
- Are there long-term contracts, or do they offer monthly subscriptions that can be scaled up/down as needed?
Go for a solution with clear, predictable pricing so you’re not surprised by unexpected costs.
5. Make sure it fits your business model
Not all supply chain management software is built the same. Some are designed for large enterprises with complex logistics, while others cater to small to mid-sized e-commerce businesses. Choosing the wrong one can mean paying for features you don’t need or missing essential ones.
Ask yourself
- Does it support your sales channels? If you’re selling on Shopify, marketplaces, or wholesale, the software should handle all of them seamlessly.
- Can it manage your fulfillment process? Whether you use in-house fulfillment, third-party logistics (3PLs), or dropshipping, the software should align with your operations.
- Does it work for your product type? Apparel businesses have unique challenges like size variations and seasonality, so make sure the software is built to handle them.
A software designed for your business model will be far more effective than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Best Practices for Implementing Apparel Supply Chain Management Software
Let us now go over some best practices for smoother implementation.
1. Get your data in order before implementation
Before switching to a new supply chain management system, clean up and organize your data to prevent errors and delays. If your inventory records are inaccurate or your supplier details are outdated, even the best software won’t work effectively.
Start by
- Standardizing SKUs: Ensure product codes are consistent across all platforms
- Updating stock levels: Double-check inventory counts to avoid discrepancies
- Cleaning supplier information: Remove old contacts, update lead times, and verify active partnerships
- Organizing order history: Ensure past sales and purchase records are accurately tracked for better demand forecasting
Good software won’t fix bad data. The more organized your records are before implementation, the smoother the transition will be.
2. Start with a trial or pilot run
Jumping into a new system without testing it first can lead to disruptions and costly mistakes. Instead of fully switching over immediately, run a trial or pilot test with a small portion of your inventory, a single warehouse, or a limited set of suppliers.
This allows you to
- Identify any integration issues with your existing tools
- Test how well the software handles real-time inventory updates and order management
- Train a small team first, so they can help onboard others when you fully implement the system
Use this trial period to fine-tune workflows and catch any problems before scaling up. A phased approach ensures a smoother transition without disrupting daily operations.
3. Train your team properly
Throwing new software at your team without proper training is a recipe for frustration. If they don’t know how to use it, mistakes will pile up, operations will slow down, and you’ll probably hear a lot of complaints. The goal isn’t just to introduce a new apparel suplly chain management software, it’s to make sure everyone actually feels comfortable using it.
Here’s how to make training smooth and effective:
- Make it role-specific: Your warehouse team doesn’t need to learn supplier management, and your finance team doesn’t need to mess with inventory tracking. Teach people what’s relevant to their job, so they’re not overwhelmed with unnecessary features
- Use different training methods: Not everyone learns the same way. Mix hands-on practice with video tutorials and step-by-step guides. Most software providers have onboarding resources, use them.
- Have a go-to expert on your team: Pick one or two team members to become the software pros. They can help answer quick questions, troubleshoot small issues, and make adoption easier for everyone else.
A little effort upfront saves you a ton of headaches later. When your team knows what they’re doing, the software actually works the way it’s supposed to, and that’s when you’ll see the real benefits.
4. Set up automation for key processes
Repetitive tasks slow you down and eat up valuable time. Automation takes those off your plate, making your supply chain more productive without extra effort.
Instead of constantly checking stock levels and placing orders manually, automation ensures that when inventory runs low, a purchase order is created automatically or with a click. The less time you spend on manual tasks, the more you can focus on actually running and growing your business.
Dive deeper and get a complete breakdown of purchase order management for clothing stores in this guide.
Manage your Supply Chain End-to-End with Prediko
In the apparel industry, supply chain disruptions can make or break your business. Stock out of a bestseller? You lose sales. Order too much? Your cash is stuck in unsold inventory. The old way of managing stock with spreadsheets and gut instinct just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Prediko makes apparel supply chain management easier and smarter, giving you access to automated purchase orders, real-time inventory tracking, and AI-powered demand forecasting. Use the app free of cost for 14 days and experience the difference Prediko can make in your supply chain.
