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Fashion inventory management for apparel brands: AIMS360 apparel ERP software optimizes style, color, and size management, real-time stock allocation, multi-channel fulfillment, and supply chain optimization for DTC, wholesale, and retail channels.

Fashion Inventory Software for Style, Color & Size Management: How AIMS360 Empowers Modern Apparel Brands

by
Shahrooz Kohan

Fashion Inventory Software for Style, Color & Size Management: How AIMS360 Empowers Modern Apparel Brands

Fashion inventory software is essential for today’s apparel brands seeking precise control of inventory at every style, color, and size. With AIMS360 fashion inventory software—also recognized as leading apparel inventory software, apparel management software, and fashion ERP—you get a true style, color, size matrix, making it possible to instantly view, analyze, and manage inventory at any level: style, style + color, or style + color + size. AIMS360 powers apparel ERP, wholesale inventory software, retail inventory software, and DTC inventory operations, helping you prevent overselling, avoid stockouts, and optimize your apparel supply chain for all your stock management and inventory automation needs.

Why Style, Color & Size Inventory Management—and Matrix Visibility—Matters

Modern brands operate across retail, wholesale, and e-commerce. To keep pace, apparel inventory software and multi-channel inventory management software must provide real-time, granular control by style, color, and size.
AIMS360’s unique style, color, size matrix empowers users to view and drill into inventory at every level: view total on-hand for a style (across all colors and sizes), analyze by style + color (to see how “Blue Denim Jacket” is performing overall), or break down to the most granular—style + color + size—to optimize replenishment and order fulfillment. This flexibility is essential for accurate inventory tracking, smarter planning, and perfect order execution across all channels.

Without these features, even the best brands risk missed sales, excess stock, or unhappy customers.
AIMS360 apparel ERP software and fashion software solve this—giving you actionable inventory tracking, seamless inventory automation, and unmatched visibility into your apparel supply chain, DTC inventory, and wholesale operations.

Every Inventory Column Explained: What Each Field Means (with Apparel Use Cases)

AIMS360 is more than just stock management software—it’s a command center for inventory management by style, color, and size, across your entire business. Here’s what each inventory field means for apparel, retail, wholesale, and e-commerce operations:

Min Stock

Definition: Minimum inventory level to maintain for each size of a style & color; triggers reorder or actions at the size/color level.

Use Case:
A streetwear brand uses AIMS360 apparel management software to set Min Stock of 10 for “Black Hoodie, Size Medium.” When inventory hits that level, the system flags it for replenishment—ensuring best-sellers are never out of stock and eliminating lost sales for all sales channels.

Stock

Definition: Total physical inventory on hand.

Use Case:
A multi-channel retailer leverages AIMS360 retail inventory software to see how many “White T-Shirt, Size Large” units are available in every warehouse and location. This real-time inventory tracking supports accurate financials, promotions, and stock management.

Stock Avail (Available Stock)

Definition: Available for new orders (Stock - Stock Alloc - In Pick - In Transfer).

Retail E-commerce (Shopify) Use Case:
A growing DTC brand manages all online sales through Shopify. The Stock Avail field in AIMS360 fashion e-commerce inventory software syncs only the truly available inventory to Shopify, ensuring customers always see up-to-date stock for “Striped Tee, Size M, Red.” No overselling, no disappointments, and a seamless shopping experience.

Stock-Pick

Definition: Inventory picked and waiting to be shipped.

Use Case:
A wholesale team pulls 300 “Denim Shorts, Size 28, Indigo” for a retailer order. Using AIMS360 wholesale inventory software, the Stock-Pick field tracks inventory set aside but not yet shipped, supporting streamlined stock management and fulfillment accuracy.

Stock Alloc

Definition: Inventory allocated to open orders, not yet picked or shipped. “Allocated” means this inventory is set aside and unavailable for new sales.

Use Case:
A boutique places a pre-book for a holiday capsule. AIMS360 apparel ERP software marks these units as allocated, removing them from available stock so those who ordered first get their product—even during high demand, preventing overselling across retail and wholesale channels.

Pick

Definition: Quantity on active pick tickets (open pick slips).

Use Case:
During fulfillment, warehouse teams rely on Pick tickets generated by AIMS360 inventory management software. The Pick column tracks how many units are currently being picked, improving warehouse operations for both retail and wholesale inventory software users.

Xfer

Definition: Inventory in transfer to other warehouses, not available until received.

Use Case:
A brand moves 250 “Windbreakers, Size L, Navy” from NY to LA. While in transit, these units are tracked as Xfer in AIMS360 fashion ERP, excluded from available inventory, ensuring accurate stock management and preventing double-counting.

OTSi (Open To Sell Immediate)

Definition: Available for immediate sale and fulfillment.

Wholesale Use Case:
A major department store places a last-minute order for “Classic Oxford Shirts, Size L, White.” The sales rep uses OTSi in AIMS360 wholesale inventory software to see what’s available for same-day shipment—guaranteeing accurate, real-time inventory data for top retail partners.

OTS (Open To Sell)

Definition: All inventory that can be promised for sale now and in the future, including on-hand, confirmed inbound, WIP, and inbound transfers (unallocated and not picked).

Use Case:
A B2B rep at a trade show uses OTS in AIMS360 apparel ERP software to pre-sell an upcoming collection. They can confidently promise units still in production or inbound, maximizing inventory automation and wholesale opportunities.

WIP Alloc (Work In Process Allocated)

Definition: WIP inventory that has been allocated to specific sales orders.

Use Case:
A yoga studio orders a private-label legging run. AIMS360 inventory management software flags those units as WIP Alloc, so no other retailer can claim them—even while in production, improving apparel supply chain control.

WIP (Work In Process)

Definition: Inventory currently in production (unfinished goods).

Use Case:
A brand tracks a 1,000-unit run of “Bomber Jackets, Size XL, Green” as WIP in AIMS360 apparel ERP software—giving production, sales, and planning teams a clear view of where items are within the apparel supply chain. This enables faster decision-making, greater transparency, and better communication from the factory floor to finished goods.

Orders

Definition: Total quantity on open customer orders.

Use Case:
A children’s apparel brand reviews the Orders column in AIMS360 inventory management software to forecast future demand and manage production planning for “Pink Dress, Size 6”—integrating DTC inventory, retail inventory software, and wholesale inventory software workflows.

Shipped

Definition: All time total quantity shipped to customers.

Use Case:
A denim label tracks Shipped in AIMS360 apparel ERP to identify best sellers by style, size, and color—supporting trend analysis, stock management, and inventory optimization.

Returned

Definition: All time total quantity returned by customers.

Use Case:
An athleisure brand uses AIMS360 fashion inventory software to track all-time returns by style, color, and size—powering better inventory tracking, SKU performance, and apparel management software analytics.

Inventory Templates (OTS Templates): Multi-Channel Control & Automation

Managing inventory distribution across all sales channels—retail, wholesale, DTC inventory, and fashion e-commerce inventory—is seamless with AIMS360 inventory templates (OTS templates). These fully customizable rulesets let you:

  • Allocate Different Quantities to Each Channel:
    Assign exact units by style, color, and size for every sales channel, dropship partner, or wholesale account.
  • Designate Warehouses & Bins:
    Choose the fulfillment source—from warehouse to individual bin—for each allocation.
  • Split by Unit or Percentage:
    Distribute inventory based on fixed units or percentage (e.g., 40% to Shopify, 30% to dropship, 30% to wholesale).
  • Update Instantly:
    Change your allocations any time—perfect for launches, restocks, and omnichannel promotions.

Real-Time Inventory Sync: Shopify, EDI Dropship Retailers, & Wholesale Channels

AIMS360 apparel ERP software enables real-time, automated inventory automation and stock management for every sales platform:

Realtime Inventory for Shopify

Allocations in an inventory template are synced instantly to your Shopify store—so customers always see up-to-date, available stock and overselling is eliminated. This is a must-have for fashion e-commerce inventory.

Realtime Inventory for EDI Dropship Retailers

AIMS360 fashion inventory software generates and transmits live EDI 846 inventory feeds to all major dropship retail partners, including Macy’s, Nordstrom, Walmart, Target, and Zappos—delivering real-time inventory tracking, inventory management, and error-free order fulfillment.

Different Units for Each Dropship Partner

Send unique inventory allocations to each dropship partner—such as 75 units to Macy’s, 100 to Nordstrom, and 60 to Walmart—with total control for your DTC inventory, wholesale inventory software, and apparel supply chain strategy.

Different Units for Wholesale Channels

Seamlessly send custom allocations to wholesale platforms like JOOR, NuORDER, and Brandboom, ensuring fashion inventory software users always meet buyer and market demand.

Practical Example:
A brand launches a capsule collection. With AIMS360 inventory templates, they allocate:

All channels receive real-time inventory updates, keeping inventory tracking, stock management, and order fulfillment perfectly in sync.

Viewing Inventory at Every Matrix Level with AIMS360 Fashion Inventory Software

Matrix Level Description Apparel Use Case
Style Level Total inventory for a style, regardless of color or size. A merchandiser checks total “Cargo Pants” units in stock to make quick buying or production decisions across all variants.
Style + Color Level Inventory for a specific style and color, summed across all sizes. A planner analyzes “Hooded Sweatshirt, Red” to spot trending colors, plan promotions, or manage stock by color seasonality.
Style + Color + Size Level Inventory for each unique style, color, and size (SKU). A fulfillment manager verifies “Denim Jacket, Blue, Size L” stock to ensure perfect order fulfillment and avoid size-level stockouts.

Why Brands Choose AIMS360 Fashion Inventory Software

  • Eliminate Overselling: Only promise inventory you truly have with inventory automation.
  • Optimize Multi-Channel Fulfillment: Push updates live to Shopify, EDI, wholesale, and all platforms.
  • Granular Visibility: Track every unit, by style, color, size, warehouse, and channel—ideal for fashion e-commerce inventory and apparel supply chain optimization.
  • Automate Complex Launches: Use OTS templates for every campaign or channel strategy.
  • Build Stronger Partner Relationships: Meet every channel’s requirements for EDI inventory, DTC inventory, and more.
  • Trusted Apparel Management Software: Used by top brands for retail inventory software, wholesale inventory software, and comprehensive stock management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is inventory management by style, color, and size?
A: Inventory management by style, color, and size means tracking and controlling your stock at the most granular level—so you always know how many units you have of each unique style, color, and size. This approach helps apparel brands avoid overselling, reduce stockouts, and plan more effective replenishments with AIMS360 fashion inventory software and apparel management software.

Q2: How does AIMS360 apparel ERP software prevent overselling for apparel brands?
A: AIMS360 apparel ERP software, as both wholesale inventory software and retail inventory software, automatically allocates inventory to open orders at the style, color, and size level. This ensures you only sell what you can actually deliver, keeping your promises to customers and preventing costly fulfillment errors.

Q3: Can I set minimum stock levels for each size and color with AIMS360 fashion software?
A: Yes. With AIMS360 fashion software and inventory management software, you can set minimum inventory thresholds for every size and color of each style. The system monitors these levels, so you’ll always know which SKUs need to be reordered, reducing the risk of out-of-stock situations.

Q4: What does “Open To Sell” (OTS) mean in AIMS360 apparel inventory software?
A: “Open To Sell” (OTS) in AIMS360 apparel inventory software refers to the total inventory that can be promised for sale, including current on-hand stock, confirmed inbound goods, and work-in-process inventory that isn’t already allocated or picked. OTS gives your sales team confidence to accept new orders, knowing the promised inventory is truly available for DTC inventory, wholesale inventory software, and more.

Q5: How does AIMS360 fashion ERP software handle inventory transfers between warehouses?
A: AIMS360 fashion ERP software and stock management tools track inventory in transfer to other warehouses and exclude it from available stock until it’s received. This prevents double-counting and ensures you always know exactly what’s available to sell at each location.

Q6: Why is granular inventory tracking important for fashion brands?
A: Apparel brands typically offer multiple variants for each style. Granular tracking at the style, color, and size level with AIMS360 apparel management software, fashion inventory software, and stock management tools lets you optimize inventory, reduce carrying costs, and meet customer demand without overstocking or missing sales.

Q7: How does AIMS360 fashion ERP software help track WIP (Work In Process) across the supply chain?
A: AIMS360 fashion ERP software provides real-time visibility into Work In Process (WIP) inventory at every stage of your apparel supply chain. By tracking unfinished goods as they move through production, assembly, and warehousing, AIMS360 allows brands to monitor supply chain status, anticipate delays, and make faster, more informed decisions. This supply chain transparency ensures you know exactly where your products are—reducing risk, improving planning, and supporting on-time deliveries to both wholesale and retail customers.

Q8: How does AIMS360 apparel ERP software help prevent stockouts?
A: AIMS360 apparel ERP software enables proactive inventory management by tracking minimum stock levels for every style, color, and size. With automated alerts and real-time visibility, you can reorder before critical items run out, reducing stockouts and lost sales across all your channels.

Q9: Can AIMS360 fashion inventory software automate inventory updates to my sales channels?
A: Yes! AIMS360 fashion inventory software automatically syncs real-time inventory data with major sales channels—including Shopify, EDI dropship retailers, and wholesale platforms. This automation ensures that every partner and customer always sees accurate, up-to-date stock, reducing errors and overselling.

Q10: Does AIMS360 apparel ERP software support inventory management across multiple warehouses?
A: Absolutely. AIMS360 apparel ERP software and inventory management software give you centralized visibility and control over inventory in every warehouse and location. You can transfer, allocate, and track stock by warehouse and even down to bin level, ensuring optimal fulfillment and inventory accuracy across your network.

Q11: How can I use inventory templates (OTS templates) in AIMS360 to manage product launches?
A: Inventory templates (OTS templates) in AIMS360 let you pre-define how much inventory goes to each sales channel, partner, or store—down to style, color, and size. When launching a new collection or running a promotion, simply apply a template for instant, precise inventory distribution, and real-time updates to every platform, including wholesale inventory software, retail inventory software, and DTC inventory channels.

Q12: How does AIMS360 apparel ERP software support wholesale order management?
A: AIMS360 apparel ERP software integrates with leading wholesale platforms like JOOR, NuORDER, and Brandboom, allowing you to manage, allocate, and track inventory specifically for wholesale accounts. The system helps ensure that wholesale orders are fulfilled with the correct quantities, sizes, and delivery dates, streamlining operations and improving partner satisfaction.

Q13: How does AIMS360 fashion inventory software help analyze product returns?
A: AIMS360 fashion inventory software tracks all-time returns by style, color, and size. This data allows you to spot patterns, identify problem SKUs, and make informed decisions to improve product fit, quality, or descriptions—ultimately reducing returns and boosting customer satisfaction.

Q14: Can AIMS360 apparel ERP software link WIP inventory to actual demand and orders?
A: Yes! With AIMS360 apparel ERP software, you can allocate Work In Process (WIP) inventory directly to open sales orders, ensuring that what’s being produced matches real customer demand. This keeps your supply chain lean and responsive, minimizing excess production and fulfillment delays.

Conclusion: Ready for Real-Time, Multi-Channel Inventory & Supply Chain Control?

AIMS360 fashion inventory software empowers your brand to manage inventory at every level—style, color, size, and across your entire supply chain. With real-time automation, granular templates, and live channel updates, you can finally eliminate guesswork, maximize sales, and deliver an unbeatable experience to both wholesale and retail customers.

Ready to see it for yourself? Request a personalized demo today and experience how AIMS360 apparel ERP software, apparel management software, and inventory management software can transform your inventory and supply chain management for fashion and apparel brands.