What is the average cost of inventory management system?
The cost of a custom inventory management system varies based on complexity, number of locations, integrations, and team size. Off-the-shelf tools typically charge £50–£500 per month but rarely fit complex operations. Keel builds fully custom systems priced based on your specific scope — with the advantage that you own the system outright, avoiding perpetual licensing fees. Contact us to discuss your requirements and get a tailored estimate.
How long does it take to build and deploy a custom inventory management system with Keel?
Most Keel customers are live with a fully custom, production-ready inventory management system within a few weeks. The timeline depends on the complexity of your workflows, number of integrations, and warehouse locations. Keel works alongside your team in real-time to model the system around your actual processes, then hands over full ownership once you go live.
Can the system integrate with my existing e-commerce platforms and 3PLs?
Yes. Keel's inventory management system includes API integrations with leading e-commerce platforms such as Shopify and Amazon, as well as third-party logistics providers. Stock levels, orders, and returns sync seamlessly across all connected channels. If you use a bespoke or less common platform, custom integrations can be built directly into your system.
Does Keel support multi-location inventory management?
Absolutely. Keel is built for multi-location stock control, giving you real-time visibility across every warehouse, storage site, or fulfilment centre — down to individual bins and shelves. Transfers between locations, reservation tracking, and per-location reorder rules are all supported, making it ideal for London businesses operating across multiple sites or fulfilment hubs.
Is the system compliant with UK data protection regulations?
Yes. Keel (Planko Ltd) is registered with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) under registration reference ZB524558. All data is stored on a dedicated, isolated Postgres database with row- and role-based permissions, deny-by-default access control, and a complete audit log — ensuring your inventory data meets UK GDPR and regulatory compliance requirements.
Can Keel handle batch tracking, serial numbers, and expiry dates?
Yes. Full lot and batch tracking, serial number management, and expiry date monitoring are core features of Keel's inventory management system. Quarantine and hold statuses, quality control checkpoints, and complete traceability from receipt to shipment are all built in — making Keel particularly well-suited for regulated industries such as food, pharma, and medical devices.
What happens if my operational processes change after the system is built?
Keel is designed for exactly this. Because the platform is code-first and version-controlled, workflows, permissions, data models, and integrations can be updated and deployed rapidly — without months of development work. You own the system entirely, so your team can iterate on it as your business evolves, or Keel can continue to support further development.
Do you offer support for migrating from our existing inventory or ERP system?
Yes. Keel offers a Managed Migration Service to help you transition from legacy ERPs, spreadsheets, or existing inventory tools to your new custom platform smoothly. The service covers data migration, workflow mapping, and team onboarding, ensuring continuity of operations throughout the transition with minimal disruption to your day-to-day stock management.