
Start by evaluating your number of stores, sales channels, SKU complexity, and growth plans. Prioritize solutions with strong integrations, real-time inventory visibility, ease of use, and inventory optimization capabilities rather than basic tracking alone. Look at how the tool handles demand variability and lead time risk, since that is where most service level and working capital outcomes are decided. Time to value matters as well: a solution that delivers measurable KPI improvements on a defined perimeter within weeks usually beats a broader platform with a longer rollout. Finally, check that the pricing model scales with the business rather than penalizing growth in stores or SKUs.