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The lab inventory management software is valued at about USD 2.79 billion in 2025. It is set to rise at roughly 12 percent annually and reach about USD 4.4 billion in 2029. Such continuous growth reveals how laboratories across the world transition from paper to reliable tools that ease measuring, tracking, and reporting for them.

Lab work must follow strict rules. Regulations such as the FDA’s current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) ensure safety, traceability, and quality. Digital inventory tools help labs meet these expectations. They log expiry dates, track usage, and create audit-ready records without manual work.

Think of lab inventory not as paperwork, but as the backbone of your research. When it works well, everything else flows. This guide lists the 9 best lab inventory management tools in 2025. You’ll find their types, standout features, and key considerations for choosing.

It is estimated that once an organization has more than 50 lab staff, the process of managing lab instruments and supplies becomes complicated enough to require inventory management software.

Joe Sheehan

Sales manager at Vertere

Benefits of Implementing Lab Inventory Management Software

Running a lab is complex. You track chemicals, samples, and equipment while making sure nothing slips past compliance checks. Doing all this by hand wastes time and creates risk. That is where lab inventory management software makes a difference. It takes the messy parts of inventory and turns them into a simple, automated process.

Save Time with Automation

Manual tracking slows labs down. Automated systems send alerts on low stock and expired reagents. This reduces manual checks and improves efficiency.

Cut Costs through Smarter Use

Labs often waste money on duplicate orders and expired materials. Inventory software tracks usage trends and sets reorder points. That reduces waste and improves procurement planning.

Ensure Compliance with Audit-Ready Records

Regulations such as FDA cGMP and ISO 9001 demand strong records. Digital systems log every change automatically. This ensures traceability and supports audits without extra effort.

Real-Time Visibility and Collaboration

Teams need to know what samples or kits are in use at any moment. Cloud-based inventory tools provide real-time dashboards. This improves collaboration across sites and departments.

Easy Integration with Lab Systems

Modern inventory platforms link directly with Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs), Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), and procurement tools. That reduces silos and creates a single view of lab activity.

How to Choose the Best Lab Inventory Management Software

Selecting the right lab inventory software depends on your lab’s size and compliance requirements. Use this checklist to narrow options:

Key Criteria

Lab Size and Complexity: Small labs may need simple cloud-based tools; large multi-site labs require scalable platforms.
Compliance and Regulations: Check for support with FDA, ISO, GLP, GMP, or local regulatory standards.
Integration with Existing Tools: ELN, LIMS, procurement, and analytics systems should sync seamlessly.
User Roles and Permissions: Ensure secure access for staff at different levels.
Automation Features: Alerts for low stock, expiry, and reorder points reduce manual effort.
Reporting and Audit Readiness: The System should produce accurate logs for inspections and reviews.
Cost and Pricing Model: Consider subscription tiers, free trials, or open-source options.

Checklist for choosing the best lab inventory management software

Matches your lab’s workflows
Supports your required compliance standards
Integrates with existing lab systems
Provides automation to reduce errors
Generates audit-ready reports
Fits your budget

6 Types of Lab Inventory Solutions

Not all labs need the same system. Some track chemicals, others handle biobank samples, and many want full integration with lab workflows. Here are six common types of lab inventory tools you’ll find in 2025.

1. ELN Integrated Systems

Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs) already store experiments and research notes. Once their inventory-tracking feature is turned on in them, researchers can associate supplies with experiments in a direct manner. It saves time and eliminates errors.

2. LIMS Integrated Solutions

Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) cover workflows, sample handling, and compliance. Adding inventory to LIMS gives labs one central hub. It keeps samples, workflows, and materials linked under strict regulatory frameworks like GLP and GMP.

3. Sample and Biobank Management Tools

Biobanks house high-value samples. Specialized instruments monitor all samples, barcode them, and house them with precise temperature and chain-of-custody controls. This protects integrity and makes it easier to meet compliance in research and clinical laboratories.

4. Chemical Inventory Systems

Chemical and toxic substance work laboratories make use of chemical management instruments in special ways. These help laboratories stay up to date with chemical safety requirements and hold Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

5. AI-Powered and Free Trial Tools

Artificial intelligence now supports smart forecasting. These tools suggest reorder points, predict consumption trends, and reduce waste. Many providers also offer free trials, so labs can test features before committing. (NIH)

6. Open Source Inventory Tools

For smaller labs or academic groups, open-source platforms offer flexible, low-cost options. They may lack premium support, but give labs full control and customization. Communities often build plugins and updates that keep these systems reliable.

Top 9 Lab Inventory Management Softwares in 2025

1. Quartzy

Quartzy is well-known in academic and biotech labs. It is not merely inventory management software. It connects you directly to suppliers, such that you can order from it without switching to multiple softwares. It eliminates emailing purchase requests back and forth and their loss.

Specifics	Details

Features	Centralized inventory tracking with simple search and filters Built-in ordering system with access to 10 million+ products Automatic stock updates linked to purchase requests User roles and permissions for team control Integrates smoothly with lab workflows
Best For	Small labs and academic research teams
Compliance / Standards Notes	Basic compliance support; not FDA or ISO certified
Notable Integrations	Compatible with procurement workflows and common lab tools
Pricing / Tier Note	Free version available Starter plan: $249/month for 5 users; $39/additional user per month Professional Plan: $399/month for 10 users Academic Plan: $49/month for 3 users
Highlights	Combines inventory and supplier ordering in one platform Cuts duplicate orders and reduces manual paperwork Popular among academic labs and research teams

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Case Study: Inventory Management Transformation at Antibody Therapeutics

Antibody Therapeutics, a biotech startup in Waltham, MA, develops antibody therapies for inflammatory diseases. The three-founder team relied on manual purchase orders that caused errors and wasted research time.

To fix these challenges, the lab adopted a digital cloud inventory management to automate supply requests and access vendor support during the pandemic.

Results:

Saved up to 12 staff hours weekly by eliminating manual ordering
Reduced purchase order errors through automated requests
Scaled team size from 3 to 11 people while maintaining efficient supply management
Maintained research continuity during Covid disruptions by securing critical lab supplies

The switch gave the team time savings, error-free ordering, and operational resilience during rapid growth.

2. MaterialsZone

MaterialsZone is a cloud-based platform for managing lab materials and data. It is designed for materials science and chemistry labs. The best part is that this tool is intuitive, and does not need a lot of employee training sessions.

Specifics	Details

Features	Cloud-based platform for managing lab materials and data Tracks chemical structures, properties, and suppliers AI-driven analytics for material performance insights Integrates with ELN and LIMS systems Supports collaboration between research teams and external partners
Best For	Materials science and chemistry labs
Compliance / Standards Notes	Moderate compliance support; ISO standard support
Notable Integrations	ELN and LIMS systems
Pricing / Tier Note	Starter: $159/month Professional: $299/month Enterprise: Custom pricing Academic & Non-Profit: $12.41/month
Highlights	Built for materials science and chemistry-heavy labs Turns raw data into usable insights for faster research Helps labs reduce waste by analyzing usage patterns and predicting needs

3. Labguru

Labguru is more than just an inventory keeper. It combines lab management and supply requisition in one system. It is especially favored in pharmaceutical labs that want compliance sorted.

Specifics	Details

Features	Inventory tracking for samples, reagents, and consumables Integrated electronic lab notebook (ELN) Protocol and experiment management Task assignment and project tracking Compliance support with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and ISO standards
Best For	Biotech, pharmaceutical, and academic research labs
Compliance	FDA 21 CFR Part 11, GLP, ISO-compliant
Notable Integrations	Lab instruments, procurement systems, data analysis tools
Pricing	Custom pricing based on lab size and needs; contact the vendor for a tailored quote
Highlights	Built for life sciences labs with strict compliance needs Reduces errors by combining inventory with experimental workflows Widely used in the biotech and pharma sectors that need both collaboration and regulatory support

4. FreezerPro

FreezerPro is a laboratory-specific, customized software that helps to manage biological samples. It offers researchers a convenient means of accessing sample locations, date of expiration, and the history of usage. The system is widely used in laboratories and scientific centers that demand trackability and accuracy.

Specifics	Details

Features	Sample and freezer inventory tracking Barcode labeling and scanning for quick retrieval Audit trails with full sample history Role-based access for security Alerts for expiration dates and low sample volumes
Best For	Biobanks and clinical labs
Compliance / Standards Notes	FDA and GLP-compliant
Notable Integrations	Barcode systems and lab equipment
Pricing / Tier Note	Custom pricing based on lab size and requirements
Highlights	Reduces sample loss and mislabeling in biobanks Helps meet strict traceability requirements in clinical research Scalable for small labs as well as multi-site research centers

5. Scispot

Scispot is a next-gen, artificial intelligence-powered lab ops system that combines inventory with automation. It is ideal for rapidly growing biotech start-ups and research laboratories that want flexibility without sacrificing compliance. Scispot is all about digitally transforming laboratory procedures and matching them with inventory in real-time.

Specifics	Details

Features	Inventory and sample tracking with AI assistance Workflow automation for routine lab tasks Integrations with ELNs, LIMS, and lab equipment Data visualization and reporting dashboards Secure cloud storage with regulatory compliance support
Best For	Modern wet and dry labs seeking an integrated solution for lab management, data analysis, and compliance
Compliance	Supports compliance with industry standards and regulations, including CFR Part 11
Notable Integrations	Lab instruments and other software platforms for enhanced connectivity and workflow automation
Pricing	Custom pricing based on lab size and requirements
Highlights	Built for startups and scaling biotech companies Uses AI to automate repetitive tasks and improve accuracy Provides real-time visibility into lab operations for better decision-making

6. ChemInventory

ChemInventory was created to manage samples in scientific labs. It provides a searchable, safe database that makes it convenient to manage locations of chemicals, amounts, and safety details. The majority of academic laboratories rely on it to stay compliant with chemical safety specifications and to prevent over-ordering.

Specifics	Details

Features	Cloud-based chemical inventory system Barcode labeling for bottles and containers Searchable safety data sheets (SDS) integration Tracks expiration dates and hazard classifications Multi-user access with role-based permissions
Best For	Chemical research labs
Compliance	OSHA and SDS safety compliance
Notable Integrations	Barcode systems and chemical safety management tools
Pricing	Free 30-day trial; pricing available upon request based on lab size and needs
Highlights	Focused on chemical management and safety compliance Helps reduce duplicate ordering and lowers waste Supports chemical safety audits with digital records

7. LabArchives

LabArchives is most commonly referred to as an electronic lab notebook, but it has robust inventory management capabilities as well. It gives researchers the ability to manage samples, reagents, and protocols all in one digital common space. LabArchives is popular with many universities and research institutes because it accommodates teamwork across large groups without sacrificing compliance.

Specifics	Details

Features	Integrated electronic lab notebook (ELN) with inventory tracking Secure cloud storage with version control Role-based permissions and collaboration tools Integrates with Microsoft Office, GraphPad Prism, and other research tools Compliance support with GLP and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 standards
Best For	Universities, research institutes, and academic teams
Compliance	FDA 21 CFR Part 11, GLP-compliant
Notable Integrations	Microsoft Office, GraphPad Prism, APIs
Pricing	Academic: $99/year per user; Corporate: $199/year per user
Highlights	Popular among academic and research institutions worldwide Strengthens collaboration across distributed lab teams Simplifies record-keeping for compliance and reproducibility

8. QBench

QBench is a highly regarded LIMS platform known for its flexibility and frequent feature updates. Labs across North America consistently rate it as one of the best. With top marks for usability and customization. Reviewers highlight its no-code workflow builder as a game changer.

Specifics	Details

Features	No-code configurable workflows tailored to lab needs Robust API support and instrument integrations Frequent updates often based on user feedback Strong sample and inventory tracking capabilities User-friendly interface designed for fast adoption
Best For	Growing labs needing LIMS and inventory management
Compliance	FDA, ISO, GMP-compliant
Notable Integrations	APIs, ERP systems, and lab instruments
Pricing	Starter: $249/month; Growth: $299/month; Advanced: $425/month; Enterprise: custom pricing
Highlights	Named “Best LIMS in North America in 2024” by G2 Loved by small labs and startups for its ease of use Transparent roadmap that gets better with every release

9. SciNote

SciNote is an electronic lab notebook with integrated inventory management, trusted by thousands of researchers worldwide. It is used by government organizations, universities, and biotech companies that need structured digital recordkeeping. SciNote is open-source at its core but also offers enterprise-grade features for large-scale labs.

Specifics	Details

Features	Electronic lab notebook with built-in inventory module Project, experiment, and task management tools Sample and reagent tracking with barcode support Reporting and audit-ready records for compliance Integration with protocols.io and other lab tools
Best For	Academia, government agencies, and biotech companies
Compliance	FDA and ISO-compliant
Notable Integrations	Protocols.io, APIs
Pricing	Free; enterprise options available for large-scale labs
Highlights	Supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a reliable ELN solution Used globally by academia, government agencies, and biotech firms Combines affordability with enterprise features for scalability

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If a tool can take care of the end-to-end inventory, give notifications about consumables shortage, and prepare orders, the lab manager can then easily manage the consumables, chemicals, devices, jars, vials, and more with a click.

Joseph Laraichi

Director & EU Lead for Life Sciences and Healthcare IoT HCLTech

Comparing the Best Lab Inventory Management Services

Software	Best For	Compliance Support	Integration	Scalability
Quartzy	Small labs and academic teams	Basic (not FDA/ISO certified)	Procurement workflows	Small to mid-size labs
MaterialsZone	Materials science and chemistry	Moderate (ISO support)	ELN + LIMS + analytics	Mid to large labs
Labguru	Pharma and biotech labs	FDA, ISO, GMP-ready	ELN + LIMS + task management	Mid to enterprise
FreezerPro	Biobanks and clinical labs	FDA, GLP compliant	Barcode + audit trails	Small to enterprise
Scispot	Biotech startups	FDA, ISO, GMP-ready	ELN + LIMS + instruments	Startup to scale-up
ChemInventory	Chemical research labs	OSHA, SDS safety compliance	Barcode + safety data sheets	Small to mid-size labs
LabArchives	Universities and research teams	FDA 21 CFR Part 11, GLP	Microsoft, GraphPad, APIs	Academic to enterprise
QBench	Growing labs needing LIMS	FDA, ISO, GMP-ready	APIs + ERP + instruments	Highly scalable
SciNote	Academia, government, biotech	FDA, ISO compliant	Protocols.io + APIs	Academic to enterprise

Should You Outsource Your Inventory Management Services?

Lab inventory management can spiral out of control with larger teams and growing compliance demands. Following samples, chemicals, and equipment across multiple sites often requires more time and knowledge than in-house teams can spare. For that reason, most labs view outsourcing as a possible alternative to integration.

Invensis offers tailored outsourcing services that simplify lab inventory processes while ensuring accuracy and compliance. By working with their team, labs can shift away from repetitive administrative work and focus more on research and innovation.

Key advantages of outsourcing with Invensis

Ensures error-free order management and inventory tracking with accurate reporting
Maintains compliance with regulatory requirements like FDA, ISO, and GMP
Provides real-time visibility into sample usage, stock levels, and procurement data
Reduces waste and costs through smarter, data-driven management
Extends support to related functions such as order management and accounting for better workflow integration

For many labs, outsourcing acts as a safeguard against costly mistakes and operational inefficiencies. It provides confidence that records are accurate, compliance is maintained, and resources are used wisely.

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Case Study: Inventory Management Transformation at Klinikum Frankfurt Höchst

Klinikum Frankfurt Höchst, a leading German medical center serving over 116,000 patients annually and performing 3.6 million tests per year, faced significant challenges in manual inventory management. This led to excessive staff workload and compliance complexities.

To resolve these issues, the lab implemented a cloud-based inventory management software integrated with RFID technology for real-time tracking and automated resupply.

Results:

35% reduction in lab staff time spent on managing inventory and routine tasks
Up to 4 work hours saved weekly by shortening routine resupply ordering from 25 to 5 minutes
Eliminated emergency orders and minimized costs by optimizing stock levels and reducing expiry-driven waste
Enhanced regulatory compliance and audit readiness with automated documentation and full traceability

The automation and visibility not only cut costs but also elevated compliance standards. This positioned the laboratory as a model of operational excellence and reliability in the medical testing industry.

Final Word

Lab inventory management is not just about keeping track of samples or chemicals. It is about compliance and controlling costs. The right software or outsourcing partner helps labs stay compliant and work more efficiently.

When labs use modern tools, they gain better visibility and save time for research. With compliance standards getting stricter every year, adopting reliable inventory outsourcing solutions like Invensis has become essential for long-term growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose between software and outsourcing?

If your lab has the resources to manage inventory internally, dedicated software is a good fit. However, if compliance requirements or operational complexity increase, outsourcing provides greater accuracy, scalability, and expert support.

Do these tools support multi-site labs?

Yes. Many inventory management solutions support multiple lab locations within a single system. This allows global teams to manage inventory consistently, share resources, and maintain standardized workflows.

How long does it take to implement a new system?

Implementation timelines vary. Small labs can often deploy cloud-based tools within a few days, while larger organizations with multiple locations may require several weeks to ensure proper integration, configuration, and training.

How do these tools help with compliance audits?

These solutions generate audit trails, track approvals, and maintain digital logs of all inventory activities. This makes it easier to provide inspectors with accurate, real-time records—eliminating the need to sift through manual paperwork.

Anna Morrison

Anna Morrison is an esteemed authority in Chemical & Manufacturing industry, with extensive expertise cultivated over years in the industry. With a nuanced understanding of the intricacies of chemical manufacturing and related services, Anna adeptly navigates complexities. Her proficiency spans diverse sectors within the field, consistently delivering invaluable insights and efficient solutions to optimize operations and ensure regulatory compliance. As a prominent writer in the Chemical & Manufacturing BPO domain, Anna provides concise, practical advice, empowering businesses to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and navigate regulations seamlessly.