To track inventory for free, use tools like Google Sheets or Airtable to create a simple system. List item names, quantities, and relevant details (e.g., location, reorder levels). Use formulas to calculate stock changes or set up conditional formatting to highlight low inventory.
For automation, combine spreadsheets with barcode scanning apps like Barcode to Sheet, which syncs data directly to your spreadsheet. Free inventory management tools like Odoo or inFlow offer more advanced features for small businesses.
Regularly update your inventory records and back up your data to ensure accuracy and availability. As your needs grow, consider transitioning to paid software for scalability.