The verdict in three sentences
Custom multi-warehouse inventory software costs between 25,000 and 75,000 EUR (excl. VAT) in 2026 depending on the number of sites, SKU volume and automation level. The core value is real-time synchronisation of stock, barcode scanning and threshold-based automatic replenishment. Typical result: -30 % stock-outs and a halving of dormant tied-up stock, with ROI in 10 to 16 months.
Features and their costs
The multi-warehouse challenge isn't counting one site's stock but knowing in real time where every SKU sits and automating transfers. Here are the building blocks and their ranges.
| Feature | Detail | 2026 range (EUR excl. VAT) | Indicative time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Item master data | Records, units, locations | 4,000 - 9,000 | 3-4 wks |
| Barcode/QR scanning | Mobile or scanner gun, in/out | 6,000 - 15,000 | 4-6 wks |
| Multi-warehouse | Stock per site, inter-site transfers | 7,000 - 18,000 | 4-7 wks |
| Auto replenishment | Thresholds, forecasts, supplier orders | 6,000 - 16,000 | 4-7 wks |
| Cycle counting | Cyclical counts, discrepancies | 3,000 - 8,000 | 2-4 wks |
| Dashboards | Turnover, valuation, alerts | 4,000 - 10,000 | 3-5 wks |
Profile and budget comparison
Budget depends on the number of warehouses, SKU volume and integrations. Three typical 2026 profiles.
| Profile | Warehouses | SKUs | Features | 2026 budget (EUR excl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-site SME | 2 | < 5,000 | Scan, multi-site, dashboards | 25,000 - 38,000 |
| Growing SME | 3-4 | 5,000 - 20,000 | + auto replenishment, counting | 42,000 - 60,000 |
| Multi-site distributor | 5+ | > 20,000 | + ERP/WMS integration | 62,000 - 75,000+ |
Stock-outs are costly: a wholesale SME loses on average 4 to 8 % of revenue on orders unfulfilled for lack of stock. Software cutting these stock-outs by 30 % often repays itself in under 18 months. Annual maintenance: 15 to 20 % of the project cost.
Mini case study
Karim, supply chain manager of an auto-parts SME in Toulouse, runs 3 warehouses and 12,000 SKUs on a shared spreadsheet. Stock isn't synchronised: a customer is refused a part available in another warehouse, and stock-outs reach 9 % of orders. Custom software at 52,000 EUR (excl. VAT) with barcode scanning, real-time view of the 3 sites and auto replenishment cuts stock-outs to 6 %. On 6M EUR revenue, recovering 3 points of lost sales is about 180,000 EUR/year, plus a 15 % drop in dormant stock. ROI reached in under 8 months.
FAQ
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Aren't a spreadsheet or a standard ERP enough?
A spreadsheet doesn't handle real-time multi-site; a standard ERP does but often costs more and imposes its screens. Custom software fits your transfer flows and specific replenishment rules.
Is special hardware needed?
A simple smartphone app with the camera is enough to scan barcodes. Industrial scanner guns (150 to 400 EUR each) help at high volume.
How long to go live?
Budget 4 to 6 months. A first pilot site with scanning and stock tracking can ship in 8 to 10 weeks.
Is automatic replenishment reliable?
Yes: it uses thresholds, consumption history and supplier lead times. It suggests orders you validate, with an optional fully automatic mode.
Can you connect my invoicing tool or ERP?
Yes, via API or file exchange. Stock movements feed invoicing and accounting with no double entry.
Let's scope your project. Give us your number of warehouses, SKU volume and target integrations; we'll frame a scope with an indicative budget and a pilot site. 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.
