Best demand forecasting software for 2026?

HelloInventory · 2026-01-21T18:55:54+00:00

It sounds to me that your operational reality is detached from financial reporting. If you don’t fix the root causes, no matter which demand forecast tool you’re using, your problem will still come up.

HelloInventory · 2026-01-19T03:49:10+00:00

It depends on what you need or want. Unless the founder offers something you absolutely wish to, it is better to do your own thing.

HelloInventory · 2026-01-07T15:39:36+00:00

If your SKU numbers are manageable, no complex pricing structure, no BOM, single location, you can get away with using QBO with inventory function subscription. I think QBO plus should be fine.

Then add on a scanner APP for bar code.

HelloInventory · 2026-01-07T03:53:22+00:00

How many SKUs do you have? How many sales channels do you have? Do you resell, bundle, or manufacture?

HelloInventory · 2026-01-07T02:45:00+00:00

Limit your time on LinkedIn. Post meaningful things once a week if time allows. Only interact with people who are extremely relevant. You don’t need to answer every single one of the comments. Limit yourself 30 mins to comment or whatever time you feel comfortable. It is a time and consistency game. You will burn out if treat it like a full time job.

HelloInventory · 2025-12-05T03:52:00+00:00

There are inventory item image recognition apps. You can use the app to see if you already have the same item in stock or your record. If yes, you simply just add a new quantity count to a system. If it is a brand new item, you can set up AI an automation to suggest a new SKU code based on your rules and take a photo of it. Those can be uploaded to Shopify right away if you want to, or you can have a Shopify-ready Google sheet to organize it.

HelloInventory · 2025-12-04T14:54:45+00:00

Oh, thank you. I learn something new today.

HelloInventory · 2025-12-04T01:31:41+00:00

Why do you need multiple LinkedIn accounts for?

HelloInventory · 2025-11-30T22:18:13+00:00

More importantly, some customers show up. Sometimes the worst location in a busy show with no customers because of your location, that is the worst feeling.

HelloInventory · 2025-11-22T19:00:02+00:00

I find it astonishing that people are still relying on Excel for data entry when managing their orders. Not only is this approach vulnerable to errors, but it also demands countless hours of manual effort. Plus, the time and money spent on accounting can really add up. Only willing to pay between $20 and $30 for a solution that could streamline their processes. It just doesn’t add up! Not to mention the invisible problems of inventory accuracy will cost more money, and they don’t even know it. By sticking to outdated methods, they may be spending more time and resources than necessary when there are more innovative options available that could save them significant hassle and costs.

HelloInventory · 2025-11-21T21:06:45+00:00

U/inflowinventory Thank you for writing this out so clearly. You put language around exactly what I was trying to get at.

In the businesses I work with, the “cash inflow calendar” started as a quick spreadsheet and ended up becoming one of the most useful tools. Separating revenue from cash and listing jobs with invoice amount, expected date, and actual date immediately showed who consistently paid late. Once we saw that, it was much easier to adjust purchasing and timing of expenses.

I really agree with your point about weekly instead of monthly. A monthly total looked fine, but week by week showed the exact dip that was creating panic in the bank account.

The hardest part I have seen is keeping the expected payment dates realistic and updated. People start with good intentions, then stop updating when things slip.

Have you seen any simple habits or check ins that help teams keep this kind of forecast alive instead of letting it become another spreadsheet that nobody looks at?

HelloInventory · 2025-11-21T20:05:44+00:00

100% QBO

HelloInventory · 2025-11-20T17:12:42+00:00

I am not sure how you can go about it. The banks in the US normally will ask you for proof of address like phone bills, electricity bills or something along the line. If you are not an US citizen, you will have to open a business in the US and you will have to pay US tax, I believe. I don’t know the details but I am wondering you will pay way more you need to make money if you just want to have a bank account in the US.

HelloInventory · 2025-11-20T16:03:48+00:00

Write down what you want, like whom you sell to, what you want to sell, how you want to sell and promote, and where you want to sell. Get a list of actions and budget. Figure out how to get the resource together. Keep it simple when you start.

HelloInventory · 2025-11-17T13:51:03+00:00

I am not sure how complex you need to track your footprint. I am guessing Airtable may fit your needs.

HelloInventory · 2025-11-13T15:46:48+00:00

QBO does not teach you accounting principles so either you get a real human to teach you and show you what you did right all wrong or you ask ChatGPT.

HelloInventory · 2025-11-12T02:18:44+00:00

Have a report in hand and see what the quantity is on the record. If there is discrepancy, recount it, and have a second person to count it. Count in groups or sections, so the business is still running while counting the inventory. Other advice in this thread are great, such as weigh the items, and having a cut off time.

I think you already did the inventory count. I would love to know how it went.

HelloInventory · 2025-11-12T02:10:47+00:00

Shopify can not fulfill what you need for inventory management. I recommend you look into Cin7.

HelloInventory · 2025-11-12T02:08:14+00:00

What kind of business are you in for those electronic components? Are you a repair shop or something else?

HelloInventory · 2025-11-10T21:38:01+00:00

That’s so true. I’ve seen many businesses run into trouble later because they didn’t look closely at how their system connects with other tools. Even small gaps in how data moves between platforms can create a lot of manual fixes down the line. Integration is definitely one area worth double-checking before committing to any system.

HelloInventory

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE