Sentry WMS vs ShipBob

Sentry WMS is a free, self-hosted warehouse execution system for e-commerce businesses that already use a system of record or ERP. It handles receiving, storage, picking, packing, shipping, and counting, including multiple warehouses. Teams can batch orders for picking with serpentine walk-path optimization. Inventory tools include bin-level cycle counts with variance detection and admin approval, plus adjustments and transfers. Barcode lookup from the mobile app home screen can identify items, bins, purchase orders, or sales orders. An inbound API accepts updates for sales orders, items, customers, vendors, and purchase orders using source-specific YAML mappings and scoped WMS tokens. Its connector framework is intended for ERP and commerce platforms, but operators or developers must build the connectors; first-party ones are planned for v2.0.0. The documented deployment uses Docker Compose, a Flask API, PostgreSQL 16, a React admin panel, and a React Native Expo mobile app. The public project is under Apache-2.0 and documents encrypted connector credentials, a hash-chained audit log, and SSRF protections.

ShipBob provides fulfillment services and software for ecommerce businesses, automating order picking, packing, shipping, tracking, and inventory management. Its warehouse software processes B2C orders according to each fulfillment center’s outbound SLA, which varies by location from noon to 6 p.m. local time. Product photos, digital checks during picking and packing, and merchant packaging preferences support order accuracy. Inventory tools include bundling, merging duplicates, real-time stock levels, distribution data, and reorder notifications. Analytics cover order and inventory visibility, fulfillment performance and SLA data, transit times, and demand forecasting. Native ecommerce integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Squarespace, Amazon, and Walmart. ShipBob says its fulfillment centers operate in the United States, Canada, the EU, the UK, and Australia, with carrier partnerships including UPS, USPS, FedEx, and DHL. Fulfillment quotes are customized, and kitting or other unique requirements may add costs. ShipBob software is free for customers and connects stores to manage inventory, orders, and shipments; fulfillment services have no listed price.