Key takeaways
- UK SMEs still rely on spreadsheets for inventory, but manual admin is a major growth barrier, with 43% citing it as a top challenge and nearly 40% tracking stock this way.
- Inventory management software significantly improves performance, with accuracy reaching up to 97%.
- SMEs adopting digital tools see 65% fewer stock discrepancies and 30% faster fulfillment on average.
- Digital adoption among UK SMEs is accelerating, with 55% now using at least one form of digital management software to support resilience and growth.
For many small and mid-sized UK businesses, spreadsheets have long been the go-to tool for managing stock. But as orders increase and customer expectations rise, manual systems can hold you back.
According to the Sage SME Productivity Report 2024, 43% of UK SMEs cite manual admin as a top growth barrier, and nearly 4 in 10 still rely on spreadsheets for tracking inventory. That’s a lot of time lost to copy-paste errors, outdated numbers, and guesswork.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and you don’t need an enterprise-sized budget to make a change.
The measurable impact of going digital
A recent UK Government Digital Economy Report (2024) found that SMEs adopting digital inventory management tools saw:
- Up to 97% inventory accuracy (vs. 80–85% for manual systems)
- 65% fewer stock discrepancies
- 30% faster fulfillment times on average
These are not abstract improvements. For growing businesses, better visibility means fewer lost sales, faster restocks, and more reliable cash flow.
Why more SMEs are choosing inFlow
inFlow was designed with small businesses in mind. Its easy to use, affordable, and built to grow with you.
Here’s what makes it a good fit for UK SMEs:
- Smart reports: Export VAT-ready data in one click
- Simple setup and training: No IT team required
- Barcode scanning made easy: Use mobile or handheld devices
- Cloud-based access: Keep your team aligned from warehouse to home office
Digital adoption is accelerating
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) reports that 55% of UK SMEs have now implemented at least one form of digital management software. The shift isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about resilience and long-term growth.
Whether you’re managing one storeroom or multiple sites, systems like inFlow can help your business make smarter, data-driven decisions every day.
FAQs
1. Is inventory software too complex for small businesses?
Not at all. inFlow is built for SMEs; intuitive, flexible, and easy to learn.
2. How fast can I see results?
Most SMEs notice improved accuracy and faster workflows within the first three months.
3. Does inFlow work with barcode scanners?
Yes. It connects seamlessly with mobile and handheld barcode devices.
Join UK SMEs scaling faster with inFlow. Try it free and see the difference for your business.
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