Tracking Inventory

Stock Management in Zen Cart

Many options exist for stock management and inventory tracking. See Admin > Configuration > Stock for details.

Common configurations are:

1. Don’t track stock

Check stock level = false 
Subtract stock = false 
Allow Checkout  = true

This configuration is well suited for stores that sell virtual products, which can’t be depleted.

2. Track stock, but permit backorders

Check stock level = true 
Subtract stock = true 
Allow Checkout  = true

This configuration is ideal for stores that sell products where manufacturers can fill re-orders easily and out-of-stock or discontinuation situations are unlikely.

3. Track stock, do not permit backorders

Check stock level = true 
Subtract stock = true 
Allow Checkout  = false

This configuration would be a good match for stores that sell unique or limited quantity products, such as artisan produced goods.

Status handling for Subtract stock = true

Stores that track stock (i.e. have Subtract stock = true) also need to decide on whether changes are required to the status of a product when the quantity in stock goes to zero.

The configuration setting Products status in Catalog when out of stock should be set to controls this. When set to 0, a product will change status to Disabled when the last one is sold. When set to 1, no status change will occur.

What about Variant Stock?

Please see Variant Stock.

Note: Enabling POSM forces Subtract stock = true.

What LIFO stock tracking or ERP?

Zen Cart does not provide ERP functionality that some larger businesses may require. Please see ERP for ideas.