7 of The Best CRM Software with Inventory Management in 2024

1. ServiceTitan

ServiceTitan is a comprehensive CRM platform that also functions as an inventory management tool. It centralizes customer data and makes it easier to maintain accurate service histories without consulting multiple tools or manually copying data from one platform to another.

ServiceTitan offers many CRM features, including inventory management. To simplify this, here are six key categories with the most customer-specific touchpoints:

• Inventory Management: Helps users streamline the inventory process from start to finish.

• Call Booking and Customer Pages: Centralizes data and helps employees interact better with customers.

• Follow-Ups: Helps home service businesses spot and follow up on sales opportunities.

• Customer Experience: Empowers employees to exceed customer expectations.

• Customer Portal: Enhances transparency by letting customers access their full details.

• Marketing Pro: An add-on Pro feature that helps businesses promote their services to customers through email, text messaging, direct mail, and reputation oversight.

Inventory Management

Our software helps trade companies track their inventory, replenishments, and purchase orders in one place. The application also allows for requisitions, adjustments, and vendor payments.

As captured in the image below, users can use the Item Overview interface to view item quantities, names, descriptions, average costs, total values, and availability at a glance. This is better than going from truck to truck or sifting through multiple clipboards to confirm item availability.

The Item Overview interface also has hyperlinks that lead to more detailed and valuable insights. For example, you can see how frequently an item was used by clicking on it in the overview report. 

This CRM’s inventory feature automatically adjusts replenishment schedules whenever items are added to customer invoices. This prevents stockouts and inventory availability forecasting errors by ensuring the used item is captured in the purchased list.

ServiceTitan’s Inventory feature automatically notifies users to start creating purchase orders whenever they select vendors (rather than warehouses) as their replenishment source. The feature also allows users to pay for orders, email purchase orders, track returned items, and handle adjustments.

This CRM feature streamlines the inventory management process and prevents common errors caused by manual processes.

Learn how electrical, plumbing, and painting contractors use this tool for inventory management.

Call Booking and Customer Pages

When customers call, they expect their issues to be resolved as quickly as possible and for field techs to arrive with all the information required to resolve the problem. 

They also expect CSRs to book their jobs quickly rather than spending time flipping through calendars to find open slots or placing the call on hold to confirm details from field techs.

When these expectations are unmet, customers get angry and disappointed, or worse, they leave never to return. Remember: One customer who leaves due to poor service delivery can discourage others from booking your services.

With the Call Booking and Customer Pages features, you can ensure customers and prospects get the best experience when interacting with your company.

Whenever an existing customer calls, the software automatically locates their name, complete service history, membership status, and any outstanding invoices. This allows CSRs to offer personalized service by greeting callers by name and suggesting upsells relevant to them.

Conversely, CSRs can use prompts and dropdown menus provided in the call booking software whenever first-time prospects call, to capture the correct data. This data is saved to a cloud-based repository accessible to every employee, and the call recording is also uploaded to the same repository.

Such a centralized data repository ensures everyone accesses the same information to provide the right solutions to customer issues. It also lets techs confirm if customers have any special requests.

Follow-Ups

Some customers will never sign an estimate or proposal without follow-ups. They may have forgotten about the estimate, abandoned it somewhere, or need an extra push to stop doubting and make a decision.

However, losing track of follow-ups is very easy without a streamlined system.

Fortunately, ServiceTitan shows all outstanding sales opportunities and lets users schedule follow-up calls, appointments, and text messages ahead of time.

The platform’s follow-up tab shows all unsold estimates across three key categories:

• Open: The customer hasn’t signed the estimate or said they’re uninterested. Open estimates can be set at Not Attempted (no one has followed up yet), Unreachable (there wasn’t a response the last time an employee contacted the customer), or Contacted (a follow-up was made, but the customer didn’t sign).

• Won: The estimate was sold at an amount that exceeds the threshold set for the specific project type.

• Dismissed: the customer didn’t sign and doesn’t plan to do so later. Essentially, the sales opportunity is closed.

Other sales opportunities on the follow-up interface include surveys, recurring service events, expiring memberships, and outdated credit cards. Users can also set up follow-ups in advance after a customer has been contacted and still needs time to make a decision.

With a streamlined follow-up tracking system like ServiceTitan’s CRM, service companies identify sales opportunities before they go cold and try to convert them into customers.

Customer Experience

Home service companies know all too well the importance of trust in customer acquisition and retention since people will only let businesses they trust into their homes. Plus, customers can only pay if they trust the company has the expertise to diagnose and resolve their problems without worsening the situation.

Companies in the trades gain trust and build long-lasting relationships by delivering a positive customer experience. One way they do that is by remaining in contact with customers throughout a project. 

To help with this, ServiceTitan lets home service companies interact with customers by providing an integrated SMS feature for two-way communication. Customers use the feature to ask questions, while employees send appointment reminders a day or an hour before the service call and pre-job messages describing the assigned technician.

The pre-job message also contains a GPS-tracking link showing the tech’s exact location and estimated arrival time (ETA).

This reduces job cancellations and online outbursts from disappointed customers. It also helps customers know who is coming to their house so they feel comfortable enough to let them in.

Transparent communication channels are just one part of delivering a positive customer experience. You must also provide a job booking process that meets customer expectations and minimizes confusion, which is where ServiceTitan’s Online Booking widget comes in handy.

We partnered with Schedule Engine to create the widget, which lets customers book appointments at all hours of the day and automatically reflects in users’ dashboards. The widget also provides a live chat feature for customers to ask questions, and a standby support team is always available to guide them through the job-booking process.

Michelle Micheletti, marketing director of Apex Midwest, an HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services group in Missouri that’s been using Schedule Engine + ServiceTitan for about three years, says the tool is revolutionary.

“It’s like signing up for a class or booking your personal training session online,” Micheletti says. “It doesn't take away from [...] when the technician gets there and has that one-on-one experience, but it gives customers options, making it easy to use our services.”

All of Apex Midwest’s subsidiaries have experienced an increase in job booking rates since using the tool.

• Whipple Service Champions generated over 2,200 bookings via the widget in five months, with an average of 750 recorded monthly.

• J&A Service Experts used the widget to increase bookings, with 71 percent of all bookings recorded in one month using the widget outside work hours.

• Academy Air used Live Voice to handle 5,475 calls and book 1,090 appointments in its first two months using the feature.

Learn more about the online job booking widget created in partnership with Schedule Engine.

Customer Portal

Transparency—that’s one sure way to gain customer loyalty, as every customer would love access to a detailed breakdown of costs associated with the services they’re getting. 

ServiceTitan offers just that with the Customer Portal, a personalized web interface where customers can view unpaid invoices and job history, book appointments, and make payments. Customers can also see the status of their service contract—which could be canceled, expired, or suspended—and view upcoming scheduled appointments.

Such a high level of transparency reduces the back-and-forths that sometimes happen when it's time to settle invoices, strengthening customer relationships.

Marketing Pro

Though significant, creating the best offers and value propositions is not enough to bring in leads. People must know you exist and have heard about your services, so they’ll call whenever their sprinkler is broken or the basement is flooded.

Effective marketing promotes your services to potential customers across the platforms they interact with—what’s known as omnichannel marketing. This is especially easy with a tool that streamlines the process and produces valuable performance insights.

ServiceTitan’s Marketing Pro lets companies create and manage campaigns on numerous channels, including email marketing, direct mail, and paid advertising.

For example, the email marketing tool has multiple pre-designed templates that our email copywriting experts have designed to create attractive emails. The tool also has an audience builder that business owners and marketing experts can use to create mailing lists comprising only customers that fit specific criteria.

This way, email subscribers receive messages tailored to their needs and designed to move them down the conversion funnel.

The platform also produces performance reports showing the revenue generated by each of your marketing campaigns, and the channels and geographical locations responsible for the most booked jobs.

2. Zoho Inventory

Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based tool that automates inventory management, reducing item shortages and minimizing project delays. Business and stock managers use it to adjust inventory, move items between locations, record payments, and access or create inventory reports from anywhere with internet access.

It integrates with external tools and Zoho’s tool suite, including a CRM, invoicing solution, billing tool, and accounting software. This enables the software to handle critical operational tasks.

Key features:

• Automates item returns and transfers and documents them via detailed reports.

• Compatible with mobile and tablet devices.

• A free basic version caters to small business owners.

• Intuitive dashboard with a retractable menu bar linking to tabs that provide details about customers, purchase orders, vendor payments, and outstanding bills.

• A module that allows users to email purchase orders directly to vendors—saved listings or new ones—without leaving the platform.

However, when compared to Zoho Inventory, ServiceTitan offers:

• Automated pre-arrival and post-job messages to maintain communication with customers. 

• Integration with pricebook management, customer experience, call booking, service scheduling, and marketing platforms.

• A module for tracking follow-ups.

• More detailed inventory reports.

• Control over recurring service runs and membership programs.

Zoho Inventory costs between $29 and $249 per month.

3. Cin7

Cin7 is a connected inventory platform that provides a real-time overview of all items available, their locations, quantities, and dollar values. The tool has various features that automate inventory management and several integrations that expand its capabilities.

The tool includes a feature that triggers replenishments and helps users create purchase orders based on existing stock levels and upcoming projects requiring specific items. This prevents stockouts, so technicians always have the tools and materials needed to fulfill job orders. 

The software handles inventory from end to end, including purchase orders, returns, and transfers between locations. Users can see the cost of goods sold and access over 100 pivot table reports displaying inventory data.

The software has multiple monthly tiers priced between $349 and $999.

Key features:

• Intuitive overview dashboard reveals the health of your business across selected KPIs and performance metrics.

• Integrates with over 700 other tools.

• Inbuilt bar-code scanning feature helps users track real-time location of each item.

• Pivot-table reports reveal the amount of available inventory.

• Automation feature lets you create invoice-validation workflows to ensure the right stakeholders approve invoices before they’re paid.

However, when compared to Cin7, ServiceTitan offers:

• A centralized customer data management platform that all employees can access.

• Integration with other applications needed to run a home service business efficiently.

• Fully developed communication features. 

• Streamlined booking systems.

• Robust pricebook management system that integrates with catalogs of top suppliers and manufacturers.

• Directory of sales opportunities, facilitating follow-ups and upsells.

4. Brightpearl

Brightpearl is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software tool used to manage key home services business processes such as inventory management, accounting, and project management. 

It gives a consolidated view of stock levels, showing the items available and those that are due to be replenished. This minimizes the risk of stockouts and overstocking, ensuring item quantities stay at healthy levels.

Key features:

• Inventory planning feature automatically recommends creation of new purchase orders whenever stock levels go below a threshold.

• Accurately forecasts inventory levels across locations, suggesting products that need to be transferred.

• Predicts impact of inventory levels on cash flow (e.g., forecasts how much you could lose when certain items aren’t replenished on time).

• Saves customer details, including history of previous interactions with the business.

• Responsive customer service desk.

However, when compared to Brightpearl, ServiceTitan offers:

• A more developed CRM.

• Integration with applications for other business processes such as scheduling, invoicing, and job management.

• Advanced communication features allow companies to keep customers updated throughout the job cycle and notify them of technicians assigned to their projects.

• System to identify and follow up on sales opportunities.

• 24/7 online booking system.

• Fully customizable forms and estimate builders that even techs can use to close sales in the field.

• Replenishment schedule that automatically updates to accommodate items techs add to customer invoices.

5. Katana

Katana is a cloud-based inventory management platform offering useful insights for accurate stock-level decisions. It tracks inventory, displays sales order statuses, and integrates with accounting tools that can be used to create bills within the platform.

Katana also provides replenishment recommendations, including predicting stockout dates, when to reorder, and the quantity to purchase.

Key features:

• Displays all available stock items in real time on the stock screen. Toggle between locations to see their respective stock levels.

• Facilitates stock adjustments, transfers, and stock takes (counting the quantity of each item in the inventory to confirm if the amount recorded tallies with the actual quantity).

• Displays purchase orders and their statuses (billing status also shown when there’s an accounting integration).

• Users can record receipts for partial fulfillment of items ordered.

• Automates purchase order management based on preset re-order thresholds and safety stock levels.

• Integrates with accounting platforms such as Xero and QuickBooks, which supply financial data.

However, when compared to Katana, ServiceTitan offers:

• Seamless integration with applications to streamline other business processes.

• Advanced features like integrated SMS, quick access to customer details, and real-time technician GPS tracking, help employees deliver a positive customer experience.

• Built-in marketing and job management features.

• Customers can view their service history, outstanding payments, and service contract status via personalized web interfaces.

• Consolidated list of sales opportunities to enhance follow-ups.

• Field sales tools include invoicing templates, drag-and-drop estimate creation modules, and financing options from top lending institutions.

• Mobile app can be used in remote areas lacking internet connectivity.

6. Jobber

Jobber is a home service company software solution with inbuilt inventory and customer data management features. It’s an all-in-one platform for field service management, with features built for all business facets.

Business owners can use the mobile application to manage operational tasks, such as scheduling, invoicing, and project management.

Key features:

• Intuitive user interface with short learning curve.

• Delivers over 20 business performance reports.

• Lets customers sign proposals, view upcoming visits, make payments, and access receipts.

• Automated communication workflows deliver reminders and follow-ups.

• Mobile app compatible with Android and iOS devices.

However when compared to Jobber, ServiceTitan offers:

• An advanced marketing platform dedicated to multiple channels.

• Greater control over service contract creation and management.

• A hub featuring key sales opportunities to follow up on.

• Automated inventory workflows that are triggered whenever employees take specific actions on the platform.

• Well-designed email templates.

• Robust performance tracking reports.

7. Vtiger

Vtiger is a CRM with a purpose-built inventory add-on extension downloadable from the tool’s store. It supports CSRs by enabling them to communicate with customers via various channels and view all their transactions with the company.

CSRs can also access customer details such as phone numbers, account history, and previous interactions with the company. Using preloaded email templates, CSRs can use these details to build relationships with customers and follow up on unsold estimates.

Key features:

• CRM centralizes customer details.

• Special pages CSRs can use to schedule follow-up meetings to close sales.

• Inbox centralizes all communication customers have had with the company, and is accessible to all employees.

• Chatbots can answer customer questions.

• Calculus AI system predicts the best action a sales rep should take after analyzing conversation details.

However, when compared to Vtiger, ServiceTitan offers:

• Advanced marketing features for creating, tracking, and managing campaigns on various channels.

• Field techs can use tools such as estimate builders, integrated financing options, and invoice templates to close sales.

• Advanced inventory management features.

• Integrated SMS text feature that helps customers contact businesses.

• Centralized customer data platforms that employees can easily access.

• Integration with digital platforms for other business processes.

What Features Should I Look for in a CRM with Inventory Management?

When picking a home services CRM, some features are more important than others. They include the following:

• Inventory tracking and alerts: The software should be able to track the location of items in real time and issue alerts whenever stock quantities are low.

• Order management: The software must be able to manage orders from start to finish. This includes creating purchase orders, tracking their progress, acknowledging receipt of items, and making vendor payments.

• Multi-channel integration: The ideal tool should have integrations for complementary platforms, such as invoicing and accounting software.

• Automation: To save time, ensure the tool automates key inventory processes. For example, ServiceTitan automatically adjusts replenishment schedules to account for items added to customer invoices.

• Reporting and analytics: See what reports the tool can provide, as you’ll need them to maintain optimal stock levels.

• Mobile access: The ideal CRM should have an application that gives field techs on-the-go access to customer data. Warehouse managers should also be able to use the application to confirm item availability, update inventory records, and monitor inventory levels remotely.

• Customizable dashboards and workflows: It’s advisable to look for a tool that supports the creation of dashboards and automated workflows for repetitive tasks.

How Do I Choose the Right CRM for My Business?

Use these factors to pick the best CRM fit for your business:

• Your business needs: Prioritize tools with features for solving your company's specific challenges.

• Scalability: Any tool you pick should adapt to your business as it grows, particularly when it comes to controlling data access, adding more employees, etc.

• Ease of use: The time it takes to learn the platform should be short. Employees must get up to speed with the tool as soon as possible instead of taking days to know where buttons are located.

• Budget considerations: Create a budget for buying software based on the monthly revenue generated. Follow it strictly to maintain a stable cash flow and save funds to invest in other aspects of the business.

• Industry-specific features: Use the features we listed in the previous section as a guide.

• Customer support and training: Read reviews to confirm if the tool has responsive customer support. It should also have help guides and walkthrough videos you can use to train employees.

Over to you

CRMs with built-in inventory management are the best option for home services companies. Using a unified platform reduces costs and eliminates the need to manually copy data from one tool to another, boosting efficiency and minimizing billing errors.

Take your time reviewing each platform's features. Also, read reviews to learn about people’s experiences with the tool. If possible, seek advice from fellow business owners and mentors before you purchase a tool.

You can invest in ServiceTitan to manage customer data and inventory in one place. Unlike most CRMs, the software integrates with various tools used by home services companies.

ServiceTitan is a software solution that home services providers use to run their business more efficiently by automating essential processes like invoicing and customer management. Join over 100,000 contractors nationwide who use the platform to boost revenue.