Best restaurant inventory software in the UK in 2025

At Access Hospitality, we specialise in developing best-in-class software solutions to optimise every aspect of a restaurant’s operations, and we know a little something about what you should look for when comparing inventory management solutions for your business.

In this article, we’ll look at the key functions of restaurant inventory software. We’ll examine the different options available, and compare some of the leading brands on the market to help you decide which one is best suited to your needs. We’ll also help you to understand what features you might want to look for, and how they may or may not be useful in your setting.

By the end of this article, you should feel confident about choosing a suitable inventory management software solution that will work for your restaurant.

What is restaurant inventory software?

Inventory management is a core aspect of running a successful restaurant and inventory management software plays an important role in automating and optimising key tasks. It centralises management of your inventory, and allows you to integrate stock management with other aspects of your business, to make the process more accurate and efficient.

Restaurant inventory software is a digital tool that helps restaurants maintain accurate records. This includes stock levels, managing supplier information and simplifying the ordering process. It serves as a central hub for tracking inventory and making sure you have the right ingredients on hand while minimising waste.

Ultimately, inventory management software makes it easier for restaurants to manage stock levels, suppliers and orders. 

Understanding restaurant inventory software

The primary functions of restaurant inventory software include tracking stock levels and managing supplier relationships. Other functions include generating detailed reports on inventory movements. This helps you to stay organised and make the right decision regarding purchasing and stock management.

Typical components of restaurant inventory software include hospitality procurement software, recipe management tools and waste tracking features. These elements work together to create an organised system which makes everything work more smoothly.

Types of restaurant inventory management software

Choosing the best inventory management software depends on several factors. These include the size and needs of your restaurant organisation. Different types of software offer different features, each catering to specific operational needs. So, let’s look at the different types of software available to restaurants looking for a way to manage their inventory.

Basic inventory tracking software

Basic inventory tracking software is a smart choice for smaller establishments that need straightforward stock monitoring. It provides the essential functions to keep track of inventory, without the complexities of advanced systems. This makes it both affordable and easy to use.

Comprehensive inventory management solutions

For larger restaurant businesses, more advanced hospitality stock control and inventory management software might be a better choice. Such solutions offer specialist features which can be beneficial to larger businesses. These include real-time tracking, supplier integration and automated reporting. Features like these can be incredibly helpful for managing more complex operations across multiple locations.

Advantages and disadvantages of each type

Basic inventory systems are generally more affordable and easier to implement. This makes them suitable for smaller venues with simpler needs. However, they may lack the advanced features needed for larger businesses. On the other hand, more advanced systems offer greater control and functionality. But, they come with higher costs and a steeper learning curve.

Key considerations when choosing inventory management software

If you’re researching inventory management software and looking for ways to distinguish between the various solutions on the market, there are a few key factors to think about. Understanding your own needs at the moment, and thinking about how those needs are likely to evolve in the short and medium term will help you to make the right choice.

Real-time inventory tracking

Real-time tracking allows you to make sure your inventory data remains current. It helps to avoid both stockouts and over-ordering. Live tracking lets you respond swiftly to changes in stock levels to make sure you always have the necessary ingredients on hand.

Integration with POS systems

Integration with your existing POS system can significantly enhance operations. By linking your sales and inventory data, you can manage both from a single platform. Doing so reduces the likelihood of errors and can help to optimise your processes.

Recipe and waste management

A good inventory system should include menu management system features which allow you to manage recipes and track waste. This is especially important given that UK restaurants waste around 920,000 tonnes of food annually, according to WRAP. By reducing unnecessary waste, this feature can help you to make  significant cost savings and improve overall productivity.  

Supplier management

Managing supplier relationships is important for maintaining consistent stock levels. Maintaining good supplier relationships through strong communication can help with negotiating terms, getting the best prices, and staying on top of supply chain challenges. Supplier management capabilities also let you manage all your suppliers from one place, and compare prices across the market to make sure you’re getting the best deals.

Reporting and analytics capabilities

Being able to generate detailed reports and access analytics allows you to make informed decisions more quickly. Advanced reporting features in your inventory management software can provide insights into stock levels and sales trends. These help you adjust your strategies and enhance business performance.

How to choose restaurant inventory management software

Choosing the right inventory management software for your restaurant can make a big difference. You’ll want to choose the option that offers the most value to your business, which doesn’t always equal the cheapest option.

Here are some key factors to bear in mind to ensure you make the best choice for your business.

Assessing your budget and needs

It’s important to balance your budget with your specific needs. Smaller restaurant organisations may look for cost-effective solutions while larger operations might want to prioritise features that can scale as the business grows.

Evaluating scalability and user-friendliness

Scalability is key for growing businesses. Make sure the software can expand with your needs. You’ll want it to be easy for your staff to use, too. User-friendly interfaces and straightforward functionalities can be hugely helpful, and good customer support for onboarding and beyond can be really valuable in reducing the learning curve and helping your team adapt quickly.

Integration with existing systems

Check whether the software you’re considering can integrate smoothly with your existing systems; this includes your POS and accounting software. Integration allows you to maintain consistent data flow across your operations to make sure all parts of your business are working together effectively.

Checklist for choosing the right software

Use the following checklist to help guide your decision:

• Does the software offer real-time tracking?

• Is it compatible with your POS?

• Does it fit within your budget?

• Is the system easy to use?

• Does the supplier offer comprehensive customer support?

What is the best inventory management software?

If you’re seeking the best inventory management solution for restaurants, there are several leading options. Which one is right for you will depend on what you need; each option will have its own unique strengths and considerations.

Below, we compare the five top inventory management software solutions on the market:

• Procure Wizard: Widely used across the UK, Procure Wizard excels in simplifying purchase-to-pay processes. This makes it easier to manage suppliers and control food costs. It’s particularly valued for its menu costing features, which help in maintaining financial accuracy and compliance with food safety standards. With a wide range of available integrations, this software can be great for those restaurant brands with multiple existing software solutions who are looking for a more joined-up offering.

• MarketMan: Known for its user-friendly interface and excellent integration with POS systems, MarketMan may be a good choice for restaurant organisations looking to enhance inventory management without complex setup processes. It offers live tracking for those who want to prioritise up-to-date inventory records.

• Fourth: Fourth is a comprehensive solution designed for larger operations. It offers advanced integration with procurement, inventory and workforce management systems. This solution may be best suited to multi-site businesses looking for a centralised system to manage their operations across different locations.

• Saffron: Saffron stands out for its focus on recipe and menu management. This might make it a valuable tool for restaurants where precision in ingredient usage is key. It could be particularly useful for operations most interested in optimising their menu offerings and reducing food waste.

• SAP: SAP is known for its enterprise-level capabilities. It offers extensive functionalities that cover every aspect of inventory management. This includes detailed analytics and supplier integration. More suitable for large-scale operations, it offers a high level of control over various processes.

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Advantages and disadvantages

Understanding the potential pros and cons of each restaurant software option makes it easier to choose which ones to consider for your business.

• Procure Wizard: This platform is praised for its efficient management of supplier relationships and compliance features. Access Hospitality are known for their customer support, and the software is scalable, meaning it can grow with the business. However, smaller restaurants with no aspirations to expand may find that it offers more than they need.

• MarketMan: MarketMan is valued for its live tracking and ease of use. Although the initial setup can be time-consuming for some restaurant businesses. However, once set up, it could offer a straightforward way to manage inventory and suppliers.

• Fourth: Fourth’s strength lies in its ability to integrate various operational aspects. But, its complexity and costs might be prohibitive for smaller restaurant organisations.

• Saffron: Saffron’s menu management tools are highly effective for fine-tuning ingredient usage. On the other hand, it may lack some broader inventory management capabilities found in other platforms.

• SAP: SAP offers scalability and boasts many impressive features, making it worth considering for large restaurant enterprises. However, its high cost and complexity is likely to be a drawback for smaller operations.

Costs and functionalities

• Procure Wizard: Typically operates on a custom pricing model, reflecting its focus on accommodating the needs of businesses of varying sizes and needs. Its focus on supplier management and cost savings could make it a solid investment.

• MarketMan: Starting around £190 per month, MarketMan offers a balance of features and affordability. This might make it a solid choice for restaurant businesses needing inventory management without complex functionality or excessive cost.

• Fourth: Fourth’s pricing is also custom quoted, with costs reflecting its wide range of features. It’s likely more suitable for larger restaurant operations that require extensive integration and centralised management and have the capacity to implement the right staff training.

• Saffron: Saffron offers pricing based on the specific needs of the business. Their focus is on those looking to optimise ingredient management and menu costing.

• SAP: SAP is the most expensive offering on this list. Their pricing is designed for large enterprises needing full-scale inventory and data management solutions.

Each of these software options offer distinct advantages, depending on your needs. By carefully considering the factors above, you can choose the software that will best support your operational goals.

Ready to take control with inventory management software?

In this article, we’ve taken a close look at what inventory management software is, what it can do for restaurant businesses, and the variety of features that different solutions might offer. We’ve examined the key considerations that you might want to think about before starting to make any decisions, and we’ve looked at some of the top software solutions for restaurants looking to optimise their inventory management.

In addition to our comprehensive and user-friendly inventory management software, at Access Hospitality we offer a powerful EPoS solution, and many options for software integrations across your business.

If you’re ready to explore how Procure Wizard could help your business in more detail, take a look at our demo video, or get in touch with our friendly team to talk about what Access Hospitality can do for you.