InvenTree — Open Source Inventory Management System

Introduction

InvenTree is a Django-based inventory management platform designed for tracking parts, stock locations, supplier information, and manufacturing builds. It serves makers, small manufacturers, and engineering teams who need a structured way to manage physical components without paying for enterprise ERP software. The system provides both a responsive web interface and a comprehensive REST API.

What InvenTree Does

• Tracks parts with hierarchical categories, parameters, attachments, and revision history
• Manages stock levels across multiple locations with full transaction logging
• Records supplier and manufacturer data with pricing, lead times, and part cross-references
• Supports build orders that consume stock according to a bill of materials (BOM)
• Provides barcode scanning via the companion mobile app for warehouse operations

Architecture Overview

InvenTree is a Python application built on Django and Django REST Framework. The frontend uses a combination of server-rendered templates and JavaScript for interactive features. Data is stored in PostgreSQL (recommended) or MySQL. Background tasks such as report generation and email notifications run through a Django-Q task queue backed by Redis. File uploads (attachments, labels, reports) are stored on the local filesystem or S3-compatible storage.

Self-Hosting & Configuration

• Deploy using Docker Compose with the official images that include the web server, worker, and database
• Configure database, secret key, and storage settings via environment variables or a config YAML file
• Enable plugins for additional functionality like barcode backends, label printers, and external integrations
• Set up the companion Android/iOS app for barcode scanning by connecting it to the server's API endpoint
• Use the built-in backup command to export the database and media files for disaster recovery

Key Features

• Hierarchical part categorization with custom parameters and template-based inheritance
• Full bill of materials (BOM) management with multi-level sub-assemblies
• Purchase order and sales order tracking integrated with supplier data
• Label and report generation using HTML templates rendered to PDF
• RESTful API covering every feature for automation and third-party integrations

Comparison with Similar Tools

• GLPI — IT asset management focused on help desk and ITIL; InvenTree targets physical parts and manufacturing
• Snipe-IT — IT asset tracking for laptops and equipment; less suited for component-level inventory
• Part-DB — Electronic parts database; narrower scope than InvenTree's full inventory and BOM system
• ERPNext — Full ERP suite with inventory; much heavier and complex for teams that only need inventory

FAQ

Q: Does InvenTree support barcode scanning? A: Yes. The companion mobile app supports camera-based barcode scanning, and the plugin system allows integration with USB and Bluetooth barcode scanners.

Q: Can I track serialized items? A: Yes. Stock items can be individually serialized with unique identifiers and tracked through their full lifecycle.

Q: What reporting options are available? A: InvenTree generates PDF reports and labels from customizable HTML/CSS templates using the WeasyPrint rendering engine.

Q: Is there an API for automation? A: Yes. The REST API covers all functionality including parts, stock, orders, and builds. API tokens provide authentication for scripts and integrations.

Sources

• https://github.com/inventree/InvenTree
• https://docs.inventree.org