Top 8 Lab Inventory Management Software for 2025

Studies by Merck have revealed that routine inventory upkeep in laboratories can consume up to 25% of a scientist's time. If that wasn't enough to underscore the need for more efficient inventory solutions, regulatory requirements such as FDA, ISO, and GMP standards demand precise, auditable inventory records. Poor inventory management can cause regulatory non-compliance, production delays, and compromised research integrity. 

Fortunately, there's a robust solution: Lab Inventory Management Software. These digital tools streamline inventory tracking, enhance compliance, and reduce costs by automating manual processes. Let's explore 2025's top lab inventory management software to find the best fit for your lab's needs.

What Is Lab Inventory Management Software?

‍Lab inventory management software is a digital solution designed to help laboratories track, manage, and organize materials more efficiently. It replaces manual processes like spreadsheets and paper logs with automated systems that provide real-time inventory visibility. This helps research teams maintain accurate stock levels and reduces the risk of disruptions by ensuring that necessary supplies are always available.

‍These tools automate inventory updates, send low-stock alerts, and maintain a centralized database for all materials, including reagents, chemicals, samples, and lab equipment. They minimize waste, prevent expired stock, and improve traceability and compliance through accurate, auditable records.

Who Is Lab Inventory Management Software For?

Lab inventory management software is essential for R&D laboratories that deal with complex materials, strict regulatory requirements, and high data complexity, which makes accurate inventory tracking and compliance more challenging. 

The software supports lab managers, research teams, and compliance officers in maintaining precise inventory records, minimizing operational delays, and meeting key regulatory requirements, including:

• 21 CFR Part 11 and 21 CFR Part 820 are under FDA regulations for electronic records and quality systems in Pharma & Bio.
• GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) guidelines for Manufacturing and Lab preparations.
• REACH and GHS standards for chemical safety and labeling in chemicals.
• HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) for food safety management and ISO 22000 for food safety systems in Food & Beverage.
• ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 for quality management systems in Advanced Materials.

Additionally, lab inventory management software often integrates with common laboratory solutions to enhance workflow automation and facilitate seamless data sharing across departments. This approach drives more efficient R&D processes and supports better decision-making.

Types of Lab Inventory Management Software

Lab inventory management software comes in different formats to meet the diverse needs of research environments:

General Lab Inventory Management Software

This inventory software offers an all-purpose solution for laboratories that handle multiple material categories. These platforms track orders, maintain supplier information, and automate reordering processes to keep inventory levels accurate and up-to-date.

ELN-Integrated Inventory Management Systems

ELN-integrated solutions combine Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs) with inventory tracking to streamline data entry and enhance workflow efficiency. This approach is ideal for research teams that need to manage both documentation and inventory control within a single platform.

Sample & Biobank Inventory Management Software

Laboratories that handle biological samples benefit from this specialized lab inventory management software. It provides precise tracking with accurate labeling, storage, and retrieval processes to maintain sample integrity and accessibility.

Chemical Inventory Management Software

For managing chemicals safely and efficiently, chemical inventory management software focuses on hazardous material compliance, usage tracking, and maintaining safety documentation to meet regulatory requirements. It helps laboratories handle chemical inventories with complete visibility and regulatory compliance.

LIMS-Integrated Inventory Management Systems

Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) are designed to manage laboratory workflows, data, and samples. Some LIMS platforms also include inventory tracking as part of their broader functionality. These integrated solutions provide comprehensive oversight of materials, experiments, and analytical processes.

6 Benefits of Lab Inventory Management Software

Lab inventory management software offers several key benefits in research environments, including:

1. Operational Efficiency & Time Savings - Automated inventory updates and real-time stock monitoring eliminate the need for manual tracking. This removes administrative tasks and allows research teams to focus more on R&D, which accelerates project timelines.
2. Cost Control & Waste Reduction - Optimizing inventory levels and automating reordering prevents overstocking and expired materials. Labs realize significant cost savings and reduced waste that supports sustainable research practices.
3. Regulatory Compliance & Audit Readiness - Digital audit trails and accurate record-keeping help labs follow standards like 21 CFR Part 11, GMP, and ISO 13485—reducing the risk of compliance issues and making audit preparation more efficient.

4. Real-Time Inventory Visibility - Cloud-based platforms provide instant visibility into inventory levels and usage patterns that help labs make informed decisions and maintain optimal stock levels.
5. Multi-User Collaboration - Role-based access permissions enable teams to collaborate efficiently across departments. It ensures that all team members have access to the information they need while maintaining data security.
6. Supply Chain Resilience & Risk Management - Integrated supplier tracking and automated alerts improve procurement management. Labs can proactively address supply chain disruptions and maintain access to critical materials.

Key Features of Lab Inventory Management Software

When choosing a lab inventory management software for your organization, consider these key features that impact its usability and efficiency:

• Automated Inventory Tracking and Alerts: Real-time updates and alerts for stock levels, expiry, and reordering to prevent shortages and waste.
• Compliance & Audit-Ready Documentation: Maintains accurate, auditable records to meet regulatory requirements and simplify audits.
• Sample & Material Management: Categorizes inventory by use case for efficient tracking of complex materials and biological samples.
• Multi-User Access & Role-Based Permissions: Secure collaboration with role-based access control, ensuring team members see relevant information while maintaining data security.
• Integration with ELNs, LIMS, & ERP Systems: Connects with Electronic Lab Notebooks, Laboratory Information Management Systems, and ERP tools for seamless workflow automation.
• Reporting & Analytics: Provides insights into inventory use and trends to support data-driven decision-making.
• Supplier Management: Streamlines supplier tracking and procurement for consistent access to critical materials.

Top 8 Lab Inventory Management Software for 2025

Advanced Materials Informatics Platform

1. MaterialsZone

Although it is not typical Lab Inventory Management Software, MaterialsZone provides advanced materials informatics that complements traditional inventory tracking. The platform consolidates, structures, and analyzes materials-related data to provide real-time insights into material properties, usage trends, and R&D efficiency. It enables labs to make data-driven decisions, optimize workflows, and improve material selection—all crucial for research and production environments.

Additionally, MaterialsZone enhances collaboration and traceability, allowing teams to centralize materials knowledge across locations. Integrating AI-driven analytics with structured data storage allows the platform to go beyond basic inventory tracking to accelerate discovery and innovation.

Best for: R&D laboratories aiming to enhance materials research through data-driven insights and collaborative tools.

Price: A free demo is provided, with pricing info upon request.

‍Review: “(MaterialsZone) has become our go-to platform for preserving organizational memory and tracking our project's history. The ability to easily organize, access, and analyze past experiments has been invaluable for our ongoing and future research.”

General Lab Inventory Management Software

2. Quartzy

Quartzy is a web-based platform that centralizes supply requests, inventory tracking, and procurement. It offers real-time stock monitoring and integrates seamlessly with existing workflows, enhancing operational efficiency. A unique feature is the included ecommerce platform that allows labs to order from numerous suppliers directly.

Best for: Academic and research institutions seeking an integrated inventory and procurement solution.

Price: 4 tiers with additional costs per user - Starter ($159/mo.), Professional ($299/mo.), Enterprise (custom), Academic & Non-Profit ($12.41/mo.)

Review: “Quartzy has been absolutely instrumental in me being able to do my job.”

ELN-Integrated Inventory Management Systems

3. eLabNext

eLabNext is a comprehensive Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) platform with integrated inventory management. Features include sample tracking, automated stock updates, and compliance support. Its cloud-based system facilitates multi-user collaboration and streamlines lab operations.

Best for: Life sciences and biotech labs requiring combined ELN and inventory management capabilities.

Price: By request

Review: “The capability for inventory management and traceability of samples were key criteria in our selection of eLabNext over other options.”

4. SciNote

Used by FDA, USDA, and European Commission labs, SciNote's ELN integrates inventory management features that enable researchers to manage and track lab items such as reagents, samples, and equipment within a centralized system. Users can customize inventory fields, attach relevant documents, and link items directly to experimental data. This ensures full traceability and aids in regulatory compliance.

Best for: Academic research labs, biotech startups, and life sciences organizations needing an open-source solution.

Price: Custom pricing is available for industry and academia. A free ELN notebook plan is offered specifically for academic institutions.

Review: “Stock management is highly effective and fully customizable.”

5. Labguru

Labguru is a category-straddling solution that provides Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN), Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and inventory management within a single platform. It allows researchers to document experiments, manage samples, and track inventory seamlessly. Features include customizable workflows, automated data capture, and compliance management tools that enhance lab productivity and data integrity. 

Best for: Life sciences, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical labs requiring integrated ELN, LIMS, and inventory management solutions.

Price: By inquiry

Review: “Labguru's core features impress with their solidity, seamlessly handling inventory data and promoting collaboration among our team members.”

Sample & Biobank Inventory Management Software

6. FreezerPro

FreezerPro is a sample inventory management system designed for small labs to large biorepositories. It securely manages frozen samples with customizable "freezer maps" that provide precise sample locations without opening the freezer. The system includes advanced data mining, automatic validity checks, and flexible dashboards. FreezerPro also enhances security with data encryption during transit and at rest.

Best for: Biobanks and research facilities managing frozen samples that require precise tracking, security, and easy accessibility.

Price: $505.49/month

Review: “​​This is the simplest-to-use freezer inventory system I have used, but it still offers more above and beyond what I need.”

Chemical Inventory Management Software

7. ChemInventory

ChemInventory streamlines the tracking and organization of laboratory chemicals. It offers container barcoding, structure searching, and GHS safety information for enhanced safety and compliance. Users can quickly locate chemicals using keyword searches, chemical structures, or barcode scanning. The platform also supports MSDS storage, expiration tracking, and automated stock alerts to minimize waste. 

Best for: Chemical laboratories and research facilities that need efficient tracking of hazardous materials.

Price: Plans for individual labs for free (up to 15 users), $56/year (up to 30 users), and $99/year (up to 50 users). Custom pricing for enterprises and site licensing.

Review: “ChemInventory is easy to use and flexible software that unobtrusively facilitates chemical ordering, storage, and stocktaking.”

LIMS-Integrated Inventory Management Systems

8. LabCollector

Used by labs worldwide, LabCollector's LIMS supports inventory management with advanced storage and biobanking capabilities. It offers customizable storage templates, barcode labeling, and real-time tracking with audit trails. Features include environmental monitoring, compliance tools, and integration with lab instruments. Its modular design allows for add-ons like central store management and data logging.

Best for: Biobanks, clinical labs, and research institutions needing flexible storage management and robust compliance tracking.

Price: 4 flexible plans - Free, Inventory Pack ($500/user/year), LIMS/LIS Pack ($1250/user/year), and ELN Pack ($900/user/year).

Review: “Thanks to this system, my work team has been able to be much more organized and efficient in the management process.”

Integrating Smarter Materials Research with Inventory Management

Lab inventory management software is essential for maintaining accurate stock levels and reducing waste. It streamlines manual processes, ensures compliance with regulatory standards, and supports collaboration across research teams. As labs handle more complex materials and data, the right tools can significantly boost your team's productivity and decision-making.

MaterialsZone enhances traditional lab inventory management software by offering advanced materials informatics and data-driven insights that improve lab operations. By centralizing and analyzing materials data, MaterialsZone helps R&D teams optimize workflows, improve traceability, and make more informed decisions about material usage. It's an invaluable addition to any lab looking to integrate inventory management with smarter materials research.

Request a demo to see how MaterialsZone can enhance your lab's productivity and decision-making.