What Is Warehouse Tracking and Inventory Management Software? A Guide to WMS, ERP, Barcodes and Inventory Control

What Is Warehouse Tracking Software?

Warehouse tracking software is software that allows businesses to manage the products in their warehouses, stock movements, shelf locations, goods receipt operations, order preparation processes and shipping operations in a digital environment.

Warehouse tracking software helps businesses monitor where their products are located, in what quantities they are available and which operations they have gone through.

Today, warehouse operations are no longer just about recording goods coming in and going out.

Modern warehouse management systems can support many features such as barcodes, QR codes, RFID, mobile handheld terminals, stock counting, order picking, shipping, returns and ERP integration.

For example, imagine a business with three warehouses in Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir.

A central warehouse tracking software can allow authorised users to view product quantities and movements across the different warehouses.

While a stock tracking programme manages the total quantity of products and their inbound and outbound movements, a more comprehensive WMS (Warehouse Management System) can also manage shelf locations, product picking and in-warehouse operations.

Short answer: Warehouse tracking software is a system that digitalises warehouse operations. Stock tracking software monitors product quantities and movements. A WMS, on the other hand, can manage more detailed warehouse processes, from goods receipt and shelf put-away to order picking and shipping.

1. What Is Stock Tracking Software?

Stock tracking software is software that allows businesses to monitor the quantities of their products and materials, stock inbound and outbound movements, transfers and inventory status.

Core functions

• Creating product records
• Viewing stock quantities
• Stock entry operations
• Stock withdrawal operations
• Transfers between warehouses
• Stock counting
• Minimum stock alerts
• Stock reporting

Example

Imagine that a business has 250 network switches in its warehouse.

When 40 units are shipped to a customer, the stock tracking system records the corresponding movement.

Under the appropriate transaction rules, the remaining available stock quantity is updated.

2. The Difference Between Warehouse Tracking Software and a Stock Tracking Programme

Criterion	Stock Tracking Software	Warehouse Tracking Software
Main purpose	Monitoring product quantities and movements	Managing warehouse operations
Stock inbound and outbound	Core function	Core function
Shelf management	Depends on the product	Common
Order picking	Depends on the product	Common
Goods receipt	Can be supported	Can be managed in detail
Shipping	Basic or via integration	Operational process
Handheld terminal	Can be supported	Widely used
Multi-warehouse	Depends on the product	Common

Key point

There is no firm product boundary between these concepts.

Advanced stock tracking software can also offer warehouse management features.

3. What Is a WMS?

WMS (Warehouse Management System) means a system for managing a warehouse.

A WMS is a software system that supports the planning, execution and monitoring of operations inside a warehouse.

WMS areas of use

Goods receipt.

Shelf put-away.

Location management.

Order picking.

Packing.

Shipping.

Returns.

Stock counting.

Example

Hundreds of orders are being prepared in an e-commerce warehouse.

A WMS can support workflows that determine from which shelves the orders will be picked.

4. The Difference Between a WMS and an ERP

ERP and WMS are complementary systems.

Criterion	ERP	WMS
Main focus	Enterprise resource management	Warehouse operations
Finance	Common	Generally not the main focus
Purchasing	Common	Can be supported through integration
Stock	At enterprise level	At warehouse and location level
Shelf management	Depends on the module	Common
Order picking	Depends on the module	Common
Shipping	Depends on the module	Common

Example

A sales order is created in the ERP.

The order is transferred to the WMS.

The WMS manages the product picking and shipping processes.

The results of the operations are sent back to the ERP.

5. What Is Inventory Management?

Inventory management covers controlling the quantity, movement and status of a business's products, materials and related assets.

Types of inventory

Raw materials.

Semi-finished goods.

Finished goods.

Trade goods.

Spare parts.

Consumables.

Example

A manufacturing business can track its raw materials, the materials used in production and its finished products through an inventory management system.

6. What Is a Stock Card?

A stock card is the record in which a product's core information is held in the system.

Stock card fields

Product code.

Product name.

Barcode.

Category.

Unit.

Brand.

Model.

Serial number.

Lot information.

Example

Product Code: PRD-00125

Product Name: Network Switch

Category: Network Products

Unit: Piece

Barcode: 8690000000000

Key point

Barcodes, serial numbers and lot numbers serve different purposes.

7. What Is a SKU?

A SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) is a code used in stock management to identify a product or a product variant.

Example

Different colour, capacity or package options of the same product can be managed with separate SKUs.

Why is a SKU important?

Product differentiation.

Stock tracking.

Reporting.

Order management.

Key point

A SKU can be defined by the business and is not the same thing as the global barcode standard.

8. What Is a Barcode Stock Tracking System?

A barcode stock tracking system is a combination of software and hardware that enables products to be identified by barcode and stock transactions to be recorded.

Core components

Stock tracking software.

Barcode label.

Barcode reader.

Database.

Mobile or desktop application.

Example

The barcode of a product arriving at the warehouse is scanned.

The system finds the corresponding stock card.

The product quantity and warehouse information are recorded.

A stock entry movement is created.

9. The Difference Between a Barcode and a QR Code

Barcodes and QR codes are different optical encoding methods.

Barcode

Generally uses one-dimensional encoding.

QR code

Has a two-dimensional data encoding structure.

Areas of use

Product identification.

Shelf coding.

Fixed asset tracking.

Serial number.

Service operations.

Key point

The use of barcodes and QR codes should be assessed according to reader compatibility and data requirements.

10. What Is an RFID Warehouse Tracking System?

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a technology that enables tags to be read using radio frequency.

Core components

RFID tag.

RFID reader.

Antenna.

Software.

Areas of use

Warehouse.

Logistics.

Manufacturing.

Fixed assets.

Inventory.

Example

Products with RFID tags can be tracked with suitable readers.

Key point

The performance of RFID systems depends on environmental conditions, the type of tag and the hardware design.

11. Barcode or RFID?

Criterion	Barcode	RFID
Reading method	Optical	Radio frequency
Line of sight	Generally required	Not always required
Tag cost	Generally lower	Depends on the type of tag
Bulk reading	Limited	Possible in suitable systems
Use	Common product tracking	Special inventory and logistics scenarios

Which should be chosen?

Transaction volume, product type, environmental conditions and investment cost should be assessed.

12. What Is a Mobile Handheld Terminal?

A mobile handheld terminal is a portable device used to collect data and carry out transactions in warehouse and field operations.

Features

Barcode reading.

Wireless connectivity.

Touch screen.

Running enterprise applications.

Areas of use

Goods receipt.

Stock counting.

Order picking.

Shipping.

Example

A warehouse worker can create a stock movement by scanning a product's barcode on a handheld terminal.

13. What Is Mobile Warehouse Tracking Software?

Mobile warehouse tracking software enables warehouse operations to be managed through mobile devices.

Functions

Product lookup.

Barcode reading.

Goods receipt.

Transfer.

Counting.

Order picking.

Example

An employee views, in the mobile application, the product to be placed at a shelf location.

They scan the product and shelf barcodes.

The system records the put-away transaction.

14. What Is Multi-Warehouse Management?

Multi-warehouse management is the central tracking of a business's multiple warehouses.

Core features

Warehouse-based stock.

Transfers.

Authorisation.

Reporting.

Location management.

Example

There are 100 units in the Ankara warehouse, 50 in the Istanbul warehouse and 75 in the Izmir warehouse.

A central stock tracking system can show these quantities on a per-warehouse basis.

15. What Is a Transfer Between Warehouses?

A transfer between warehouses is the movement of products from one warehouse to another.

Example process

Transfer request.

Source warehouse approval.

Product withdrawal.

Shipping.

Destination warehouse receipt.

Transfer completion.

Key point

It may be necessary to separately track that products are in transit or at the transfer stage.

16. What Is the Goods Receipt Process?

Goods receipt is the inspection of products arriving at the warehouse and their admission into the system.

Core steps

Order check.

Product check.

Quantity check.

Barcode scanning.

Record creation.

Shelf put-away.

Example

Of the 100 products arriving from the supplier, 98 were received in sound condition.

The system records the quantity actually accepted.

Missing or damaged products can be reported separately.

17. What Is Shelf and Location Management?

Shelf management makes it possible to track the physical locations of products within the warehouse.

Example location

Warehouse A.

Aisle 03.

Shelf 05.

Level 02.

Example code

A-03-05-02

Advantages

Finding products.

Picking.

Counting.

Placement control.

18. What Is Putaway?

Putaway is the process of placing received products into suitable warehouse locations.

Placement criteria

Product size.

Weight.

Shelf capacity.

Product category.

Movement frequency.

Example

Frequently used products can be placed in more easily accessible locations according to operational needs.

19. What Is Picking?

Picking is the collection of products from the warehouse in order to prepare customer orders.

Picking methods

Single-order picking.

Batch picking.

Zone picking.

Wave picking.

Example

A customer ordered three different products.

A WMS can direct the picking of the products from the relevant shelves.

20. What Is Packing?

Packing is the process of checking and packaging the products picked for an order.

Operations

Product verification.

Quantity check.

Packaging.

Labelling.

Shipping preparation.

Example

The products belonging to the order are verified by scanning their barcodes, and the packing operation is completed.

21. What Is Shipment Management?

Shipment management is the tracking of the processes by which products leave the warehouse and are delivered.

Core information

Order.

Customer.

Products.

Quantity.

Shipping date.

Courier.

Tracking number.

Example

An order completed in the WMS can be turned into a shipment through a courier integration.

22. What Is Returns Management?

Returns management enables products that come back from customers to be assessed and the appropriate actions to be taken.

Process

Return request.

Product receipt.

Inspection.

Status determination.

Stock update.

Key point

Not every returned product should be added directly to sellable stock.

23. What Is a Stock Count?

A stock count is the comparison of the quantities recorded in the system with the physical quantities.

Types of count

Full count.

Cycle count.

Zone count.

Example

A product shown as 250 units in the system was found to be 248 units in the physical count.

The difference is investigated, and a correction can be made in line with authorised approval processes.

24. What Is Cycle Counting?

Cycle counting is the partial counting of stock at certain periods or according to certain rules.

Areas of use

High-movement products.

Critical stock.

Specific shelf zones.

Advantage

It can support regular stock verification without completely stopping warehouse operations.

25. What Is a Minimum Stock Level?

The minimum stock level is the lower stock threshold defined for a particular product.

Example

Minimum stock: 20 units.

Current stock: 15 units.

The system can send an alert to purchasing or the relevant team.

Key point

The minimum stock level should be determined according to demand and supply conditions.

26. What Is Safety Stock?

Safety stock is the additional stock quantity held against uncertainties in demand or supply.

Determining factors

Demand variability.

Lead time.

Supply reliability.

Service level target.

Key point

Safety stock should not be set at the same quantity for every product.

27. What Is FIFO?

FIFO (First In, First Out) is a method based on the principle that the first product in is the first product out.

Areas of use

Warehouse operations.

Stock management.

Specific product groups.

Example

It can be planned that products received into the warehouse earlier are shipped first.

28. What Is FEFO?

FEFO (First Expired, First Out) is based on dispatching first the product with the nearest expiry date.

Areas of use

Food.

Pharmaceuticals.

Chemical products.

Example

Products with an earlier expiry date can be given shipping priority.

29. Lot and Serial Number Tracking

Lot and serial number tracking supports product traceability.

Lot number

Identifies a specific production batch.

Serial number

Can identify a specific product individually.

Areas of use

Electronics.

Manufacturing.

Healthcare.

Food.

Example

The serial number of a device tracked under warranty can be linked to stock and service records.

30. What Is Fixed Asset Tracking Software?

Fixed asset tracking software enables a business's equipment and assets to be monitored.

Example assets

Computer.

Monitor.

Server.

Network device.

Office equipment.

Core information

Asset number.

Serial number.

Location.

Custodian assignment.

Status.

Key point

Fixed asset management and commercial stock management may involve different business processes.

31. What Is Stock Reservation?

Stock reservation is the setting aside of a certain quantity of a product for an order or a job.

Example

Current stock: 100 units.

Reserved stock: 30 units.

Available stock: 70 units.

Key point

Reservation rules help prevent stock from being mistakenly allocated to more than one order at the same time.

32. What Is Negative Stock?

Negative stock is the situation in which a product quantity in the system falls below zero.

Possible causes

Missing record.

Incorrect transaction order.

Integration error.

Concurrent transaction problem.

Key point

Negative stock does not always mean that there is physically a negative quantity of products.

In most cases it indicates a record or process inconsistency.

33. Data Consistency in Stock Tracking Software

In stock management, concurrent transactions can affect data integrity.

Example

Two users withdraw stock for the same product at the same time.

The system should apply controls that prevent the total withdrawal from exceeding the available stock.

Technical methods

Database transactions.

Concurrency control.

Transaction ID.

Idempotency.

Audit logs.

34. ERP Integration with Warehouse Tracking Software

ERP integration enables warehouse and enterprise processes to work together.

Integration examples

Purchase order.

Goods receipt.

Sales order.

Stock movement.

Shipping.

Returns.

Example

A purchase order is created in the ERP.

When the products arrive at the warehouse, the WMS carries out the goods receipt.

The accepted quantities can be transferred to the ERP.

35. CRM Integration with Stock Tracking Software

CRM and stock systems can work together in sales processes.

Example

A sales representative creates a quotation in the CRM.

The stock tracking system reports the available quantity of the product.

When the customer approves the quotation, the order and reservation processes can be initiated.

Key point

Creating a quotation should not automatically mean a stock reservation; this behaviour should be determined by business rules.

36. E-Commerce and Marketplace Stock Integration

Stock integration is important for businesses operating across multiple sales channels.

Integration areas

Product.

Price.

Stock.

Order.

Returns.

Courier.

Example

When a product is sold on an e-commerce channel, the central stock system is updated.

The up-to-date stock information can be passed on to the other sales channels.

Points to watch

API limits.

Synchronisation delays.

Risk of double selling.

Error handling.

37. Accounting Integration with Stock Tracking

Accounting integration supports linking stock movements to financial processes.

Example transactions

Purchase invoice.

Sales invoice.

Returns.

Stock valuation.

Key point

Stock valuation and accounting records should be managed within the framework of the relevant legislation and accounting policies.

38. What Is Warehouse Automation?

Warehouse automation is the use of software, hardware and control systems in warehouse processes.

Technology examples

Barcode.

RFID.

Conveyor.

Automated storage systems.

Robotic picking.

Sensors.

Example

Automated storage systems can be integrated with a WMS to support product put-away and picking processes.

39. What Is WMS API Integration?

WMS API integration enables the warehouse management system to share data with other software.

Example API functions

Product lookup.

Stock lookup.

Goods receipt notification.

Order creation.

Shipment status.

Example

An ERP system can send order information to the WMS API.

The WMS can start the order preparation process.

40. Reporting in Warehouse Tracking Software

Warehouse reports enable operational processes to be evaluated.

Report examples

Warehouse-based stock.

Product movements.

Stock count differences.

Shipping performance.

Order preparation time.

Stock turnover rate.

Return rate.

Key point

The reliability of reports depends on accurate and up-to-date data records.

41. What Is a Warehouse KPI?

A KPI is an indicator that enables warehouse performance to be measured.

Example KPIs

Order accuracy rate.

On-time shipping rate.

Stock accuracy rate.

Order picking time.

Return rate.

Example

By regularly measuring the rate of wrong-product shipments, areas for operational improvement can be identified.

42. AI-Assisted Inventory Management

Artificial intelligence methods can be used for analysis and forecasting in stock and warehouse processes.

Areas of use

Demand forecasting.

Stock optimisation.

Anomaly detection.

Order forecasting.

Warehouse layout recommendations.

Example

Historical sales data can be used to try to forecast the future demand for particular products.

Points to watch

Data quality.

Model accuracy.

Seasonality.

Human oversight.

43. Warehouse Tracking Software Security

Warehouse management systems contain data that is important from a commercial and operational standpoint.

Security controls

Authentication.

Role-based authorisation.

Warehouse-based access.

Encrypted communication.

Logging.

Backup.

Security testing.

Example

A warehouse worker should be able to create stock movements only in the warehouse they are authorised for.

44. Authorisation in Stock Tracking Software

Authorisation determines which operations users can perform.

Example roles

Warehouse worker.

Warehouse manager.

Purchasing.

Sales.

Finance.

System administrator.

Example

A warehouse worker can carry out a stock count.

However, manager approval may be required for a stock adjustment.

45. Logging and Audit Trails in Warehouse Systems

Audit logs make it possible to trace stock movements.

Information that can be recorded

Transaction type.

User.

Date and time.

Product.

Warehouse.

Quantity.

Transaction reference.

Example

When a product's stock quantity is changed, the user who carried out the operation can be recorded.

46. Backup in Warehouse Tracking Software

Because warehouse systems support a business's operational processes, backup is important.

Core requirements

Regular backups.

Restore tests.

Data integrity.

Business continuity plan.

Example

Verified backup mechanisms are needed so that the warehouse system can be restored after a database failure.

47. Off-the-Shelf Warehouse Tracking Software or Custom Software?

Criterion	Off-the-Shelf Software	Custom Software
Getting started	Generally quick	Development is required
Customisation	Limited by the product	According to business needs
Integration	Depends on existing APIs	Custom integrations can be developed
Maintenance	May depend on the vendor	Depends on the development and support model
Cost	Licence or subscription	Project and maintenance cost

Key point

When deciding, the total cost of ownership and operational requirements should be assessed together.

48. How Is Custom Warehouse Tracking Software Developed?

Stage 1: Business analysis

Warehouse operations are examined.

Stage 2: Data model

Product, warehouse, location and movement structures are designed.

Stage 3: Workflow design

Goods receipt, transfer, picking and shipping processes are defined.

Stage 4: Technical architecture

The frontend, backend, database and API structure are planned.

Stage 5: Mobile integration

Handheld terminal and barcode reader requirements are assessed.

Stage 6: Development

Software modules are built.

Stage 7: Testing

Functional, integration, performance and security tests are carried out.

Stage 8: Go-live

Data migration and user training are completed.

49. What Determines the Cost of Developing Warehouse Tracking Software?

Cost factors

Number of warehouses.

Number of products.

Number of users.

Shelf and location management.

Barcode or RFID.

Mobile devices.

ERP integration.

E-commerce integration.

Reporting.

Security.

Maintenance.

Example

The development cost of a simple stock tracking programme that handles product inbound and outbound in a single warehouse differs from that of a system that includes multi-warehouse, barcode, RFID, WMS and ERP integration.

50. What Should Be Considered When Choosing Warehouse Tracking Software?

Operational fit

It must meet existing warehouse processes.

Ease of use

It is important that warehouse workers can carry out transactions quickly.

Mobile support

Compatibility with handheld terminals and mobile devices should be assessed.

Integration

Compatibility with ERP, CRM, accounting and e-commerce systems should be examined.

Security

Authorisation and data security should be assessed.

Scalability

Growth in warehouse and transaction volume should be taken into account.

51. Common Mistakes in Warehouse Management Projects

Not analysing warehouse processes

May lead to an incorrect software design.

Not standardising product codes

May create data inconsistency.

Choosing the wrong barcode infrastructure

May lead to operational problems.

Neglecting authorisation

Unauthorised stock transactions may take place.

Planning integrations late

The project timeline may be extended.

Not designing counting processes

Stock accuracy may fall.

Neglecting user training

The rate of erroneous transactions may increase.

52. SECURESYS Warehouse Tracking and Inventory Management Software Solutions

SECURESYS provides software development, integration and security services for businesses' warehouse, stock and inventory processes.

Custom Warehouse Tracking Software

Web-based solutions tailored to businesses' warehouse operations can be developed.

Stock Tracking Programme

Product records, stock inbound and outbound, transfer and counting processes can be digitalised.

WMS Development

Solutions can be built for goods receipt, shelf management, order picking and shipping processes.

Barcode Stock Tracking

Barcode- and QR code-based product tracking systems can be developed.

Mobile Warehouse Software

Applications can be prepared for mobile handheld terminals and tablets.

Multi-Warehouse Management

Central management of different warehouses can be supported.

ERP and CRM Integration

Warehouse and stock systems can be integrated with existing enterprise applications.

E-Commerce Integration

Order, product and stock information can be linked with different sales channels.

API Development

Custom API services can be built for warehouse and stock management systems.

Software Security Testing

The security controls of web, mobile and API components can be assessed.

In the SECURESYS approach, warehouse tracking software is not merely a system in which product quantities are recorded; it is an enterprise software solution that enables operations, from goods receipt to shipping, to be managed in a secure, traceable and sustainable way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is warehouse tracking software?

It is software that enables the management of products, locations, stock movements and operations inside a warehouse.

2. What is a stock tracking programme?

It is a system that enables product quantities and stock movements to be tracked.

3. What is a WMS?

Warehouse Management System, that is, a system for managing a warehouse.

4. What is the difference between a WMS and an ERP?

A WMS focuses on warehouse operations, while an ERP focuses on enterprise resource and process management.

5. What is a barcode stock tracking system?

It is a system in which products and stock movements are recorded using barcodes.

6. What is RFID warehouse tracking?

It is a method that enables products or assets to be tracked with RFID tags and readers.

7. What is mobile warehouse tracking software?

It is software that enables warehouse operations to be managed through mobile devices.

8. What is a handheld terminal?

It is a portable device used to collect data and carry out transactions in warehouse and field operations.

9. What is multi-warehouse management?

It is the central tracking of multiple warehouses.

10. What is a stock counting programme?

It is software that enables physical stock quantities to be compared with system records.

11. What is FIFO?

It is a method based on the principle that the first product in is the first product out.

12. What is FEFO?

It is a method based on dispatching first the product with the nearest expiry date.

13. What is a SKU?

It is a code used in stock management to identify a product or a variant.

14. Can warehouse tracking software be integrated with an ERP?

Yes. It can be connected through a suitable API or other integration methods.

15. Can stock tracking software be integrated with e-commerce?

Yes. Product, stock and order information can be shared between systems.

16. How is warehouse tracking software security ensured?

It is supported by authentication, authorisation, logging, backup and security testing.

17. Should off-the-shelf warehouse software or custom software be preferred?

The decision should be based on business needs, integrations and total cost of ownership.

18. How long does it take to develop warehouse tracking software?

It varies depending on the modules, the number of warehouses, integrations and technical requirements.

19. What does the cost of warehouse tracking software depend on?

It depends on the number of users, the number of warehouses, barcode, RFID, integration, security and maintenance requirements.

20. What should be considered when choosing a company to develop warehouse tracking software?

Experience with warehouse processes, integration, mobile device compatibility, security and maintenance capabilities should be assessed.

Conclusion: What Do Warehouse Tracking and Inventory Management Software Offer Businesses?

Warehouse tracking software helps businesses manage their warehouse operations more systematically.

Stock tracking programmes enable product quantities and movements to be monitored.

WMS systems support goods receipt, shelf management, order picking and shipping processes.

Barcode and RFID technologies can make it easier to identify and track products.

Mobile handheld terminals help warehouse workers carry out transactions on the spot.

ERP and CRM integrations can link sales, purchasing, stock and warehouse processes.

E-commerce integrations support managing stock information across different sales channels.

Authorisation, data integrity, logging and backup controls are important for the reliability of warehouse systems.

The core aim of a successful warehouse tracking software project is not merely to show where products are located; it is to build a sustainable management system that improves stock accuracy, makes operational processes traceable and supports the growth of the business.

Sources and References

GS1 – Barcode and Identification Standards: https://www.gs1.org

GS1 – RFID: https://www.gs1.org/standards/rfid

Oracle Warehouse Management: https://www.oracle.com/scm/logistics/warehouse-management/

SAP Extended Warehouse Management: https://www.sap.com/products/scm/extended-warehouse-management.html

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management: https://www.microsoft.com/dynamics-365/products/supply-chain-management

OWASP: https://owasp.org

NIST Secure Software Development Framework: https://csrc.nist.gov/projects/ssdf