Inventory tracking in e-commerce did not start with sophisticated software. Early online stores in the late 1990s often relied on the same methods brick-and-mortar shops had used for decades: paper records, basic accounting software, and a lot of manual counting.
The early 2000s: basic digital records
As platforms like eBay and early Shopify predecessors grew, sellers began using spreadsheets to track stock. Microsoft Excel became the default inventory tool for small sellers, even though it was never designed for that purpose. Errors were frequent, and reconciling stock after a busy weekend was a real headache.
Mid-2000s to 2010: purpose-built software arrives
Dedicated inventory management tools started appearing. DEAR Inventory and similar platforms offered features like purchase order tracking, supplier records, and basic reporting. These tools were expensive and complex, mostly used by larger retailers.
2010 to 2018: integration becomes standard
Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce built inventory tracking directly into their dashboards. Third-party apps expanded those capabilities. A small store could now sync stock across multiple sales channels without manual updates.
2019 onward: forecasting and automation
Tools like Inventory Planner and Skubana introduced demand forecasting based on sales history and seasonality. For beginners, this means the baseline expectation has shifted. Starting with real inventory software from day one is now practical and affordable, even for a store with limited products.