The verdict in three sentences
A custom inventory management web app for a wholesaler costs between CAD 50,000 and 105,000 in 2026, depending on the number of warehouses and the sophistication of reordering. Budget 14 to 20 weeks of development and about CAD 700/month in maintenance. The main gain isn't the software but the money asleep on the shelves: less tied-up overstock and fewer stockouts that drive customers away, two areas custom attacks where a standard ERP module stays blind.
What the budget covers
A Toronto wholesaler runs several warehouses, thousands of SKUs and reorders often decided by gut feel. The app turns that into numeric rules. Here is the 2026 cost structure.
| Item | Scope | Range CAD |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery and UX | Warehouse, buyer, owner journeys | 5,500 - 11,000 |
| Multi-warehouse | Locations, transfers, counts | 11,000 - 22,000 |
| Alerts and reordering | Thresholds, forecasts, purchase proposals | 9,500 - 21,000 |
| Barcode scanning | Mobile app, in/out, control | 8,000 - 18,000 |
| ERP connector | Item, order, accounting sync | 8,000 - 19,000 |
| Reporting and steering | Turnover, stock value, stockouts | 5,500 - 14,000 |
| UAT, rollout, training | Testing, go-live, onboarding | 4,000 - 11,000 |
A workable core (multi-warehouse + alerts + scanning) fits in CAD 55,000-72,000. The upper band funds a bidirectional ERP connector and history-based reorder forecasts.
The real cost: overstock and stockouts
An inventory module inside the ERP is fine for counting, not for optimizing. Here is what changes on a wholesaler carrying CAD 2.8M average stock.
| Metric | Standard ERP module | Custom app |
|---|---|---|
| Tied-up overstock | 18% of stock | 11% of stock |
| Stockout rate on key SKUs | 6% | 2% |
| Annual inventory discrepancy | 4% | < 1% |
| Receiving entry time | 9 min | 3 min |
| Reorder decision lag | 3 days | real time |
| Value of dead stock | CAD 504,000 | CAD 308,000 |
Cutting overstock from 18% to 11% on CAD 2.8M of stock frees CAD 196,000 in cash, and dividing key-SKU stockouts by three protects revenue and the customer relationship.
Mini case study
David runs a building-materials wholesaler in Toronto: 3 warehouses, CAD 2.8M average stock, reorders decided on a spreadsheet. He invests CAD 68,000 in a custom app plus CAD 700/month maintenance. Over the year: overstock cut from 18% to 11% (CAD 196,000 cash freed), key-SKU stockouts divided by three, and inventory discrepancy brought under 1%. The project pays for itself in cash within the first year.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
FAQ
Does the app connect to our existing ERP?
Yes, a bidirectional connector syncs items, orders and entries. Budget CAD 8,000-19,000 depending on the ERP and the richness of the flows.
Does barcode scanning need special hardware?
No, the mobile app runs on a standard Android smartphone using the camera, or on a dedicated scanner if you already have one.
Can we manage several warehouses with separate stock?
Yes, multi-warehouse is native: each site has its own stock, locations and transfers, with a consolidated view.
How long to a first version?
A multi-warehouse plus scanning core usually ships in 10-12 weeks, with forecast-based reordering and the ERP connector following on a 14-20 week total.
How are reorder proposals calculated?
They combine thresholds, supplier lead times and consumption history, with rules adjustable by product family.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your number of warehouses, SKU volume and current ERP, and we'll price a core in the CAD 50,000-105,000 range. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
