Forecast Pro vs Inventory Planner
Forecast Pro
forecastpro.com
Inventory Planner
inventory-planner.comSide by side
| Figure | Forecast Pro | Inventory Planner |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $199/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 3 |
| Spec score · Demand Planning Software | 9.0 (#1) | 8.3 (#5) |
| Spec score · Forecasting Software | 9.0 (#1) | 8.4 (#3) |
| Documentation | The online reference contains tutorials for setup, data, collaboration, accuracy tracking, FVA, exceptions, Pareto analysis and command-line operation. | The Help Center has sections for setup, basics, forecasting and replenishment, reporting, integrations, video guides, best practices and FAQs. |
| Forecasting | Its automatic best-pick algorithm accounts for seasonal patterns, trends, business cycles, promotional activity, and other factors. | Forecasts can account for historical sales, trends, seasonality, stockouts, lead times and supply patterns, with configurable methods. |
| Founded | 1986 | 2012 |
| Integrations | Data can be exchanged through Excel, CSV or text files and direct ODBC database connections, with outputs commonly sent to ERP or MRP systems. | Native integrations include Shopify, BigCommerce, Amazon, eBay, Walmart, WooCommerce, Magento, Brightpearl, Cin7, Linnworks, Unleashed, QuickBooks, Xero, ShipBob, ShipHero, ShipStation, Snowflake and Google Analytics. |
| Purpose | Forecast Pro creates statistically based business forecasts that can be integrated into broader planning systems. | Inventory Planner helps retailers, ecommerce brands, wholesalers, and discrete manufacturers forecast demand and make inventory purchasing decisions. |
| Rating on G2 | 4.1 out of 5 from 23 reviews | 4.5 out of 5 from 42 reviews |
| Rating on GetApp | 5.0 out of 5 from 2 reviews | 4.6 out of 5 from 80 reviews |
| What it does | Forecast Pro is an off-the-shelf package for creating statistically based business and demand forecasts that can connect to broader planning systems. | Inventory Planner provides demand forecasting, purchasing recommendations, replenishment planning and inventory analytics for retailers, ecommerce brands, wholesalers and manufacturers. |
Plans
Forecast Pro
- Forecast Pro Professional$199 a month
- Forecast Pro TRACPriced on request
Inventory Planner
- Shopify listingFree
- Custom pricingPriced on request
- Inventory Planner by SagePriced on request
In their own words
Forecast Pro
Forecast Pro creates statistically based business forecasts for use in broader planning systems. Its automatic best-pick algorithm considers seasonal patterns, trends, business cycles, promotional activity, and other factors. Users can forecast at multiple hierarchy levels while working with units, dollars, and other measures at once. Adjustments can be made at any level, with comments and override reports documenting and reconciling changes. The software archives prior forecasts so users can compare them with actual results and review forecast value added across process steps. Data can move through Excel, CSV, text files, or ODBC, and the maker says the product integrates with ERP, MRP, and BI systems. Forecast Pro runs on Windows and can be installed on a client machine or server, including Citrix or Windows Server. The SDK is also available as a Linux shared library, with.NET and Java interfaces. Professional starts at $199 a month, billed annually, with a 12-month minimum. A free trial provides all features for 21 days and ends automatically.
Inventory Planner
Inventory Planner helps retailers, ecommerce brands, wholesalers, and discrete manufacturers forecast demand and decide what inventory to purchase. Its configurable models cover seasonal, non-seasonal, retail, and wholesale products, with automatic adjustments to sales patterns. For new products, forecasts can use sales data from similar items. Purchasing features include supplier management, minimum order quantities, and open-to-buy budgeting. The service recommends purchases and warehouse transfers across multiple locations, with a customizable forecast horizon and no stated SKU limit. Native integrations include Shopify, BigCommerce, Amazon, eBay, Brightpearl, Cin7, QuickBooks, and other sales, management, fulfillment, and accounting systems. Beta Stock Orders and Reports APIs provide real-time account data, but cannot accept product or variant data. It runs on the web and through an API. Pricing is on request; guided implementation and training are required.