Multi-client inventory segmentation
Every item is owned by a specific client account. Staff see everything; client portals are strictly scoped — no way for one client to see another's stock.
Warehouse management
Warehouse Management Software for Boutique 3PLs
A lightweight 3PL WMS built for operators with 3 to 50 client accounts — multi-client inventory, per-client billing, and a branded portal. Without the SAP price tag or a nine-month implementation.
What is a 3PL warehouse management system?
A 3PL warehouse management system (3PL WMS) is the software a third-party logistics provider uses to run a shared warehouse on behalf of multiple client accounts. It tracks every SKU, segregates inventory by client, runs receiving and pick/pack workflows, and bills each client independently for storage and handling.
The enterprise end of the market — SAP EWM, Manhattan Active, Blue Yonder — is built for operations with tens of thousands of SKUs, dedicated IT teams, and six-figure implementation budgets. It works, but it's overkill (and unaffordable) for the thousands of boutique 3PLs running 3 to 50 client accounts out of one or two warehouses.
Stowley is 3PL warehouse management software built for that operator. Multi-client inventory and per-client billing are the defaults, not enterprise add-ons. QR labels print on standard stock and scan from any phone. Every client gets a branded self-serve portal. You onboard a new client in an afternoon — not in a six-month rollout.
Key capabilities
Per-client billing & rate cards
Each client gets its own recurring billing schedule, storage rate, and handling rate. Auto-pay via Stripe, per-client aging, no spreadsheets.
Receiving, putaway & pick/pack
Run inbound receiving, putaway to a warehouse → zone → aisle → bin location, pick lists, pack confirmation, and shipping — all from one workspace.
QR labels, no scanner hardware
Print QR labels on standard label stock and scan them through any phone camera. No barcode guns, no scanner app, no IT project.
Branded multi-tenant client portal
Each client logs in to a white-labeled portal scoped to their items. They browse stock, submit pull and inbound requests, and pay invoices directly.
Real-time stock & low-stock alerts
Per-SKU stock levels update in real time. Configurable low-stock thresholds trigger alerts to your team and the client before a stockout.
Enterprise WMS vs. Stowley
| Capability | Enterprise WMS | Stowley |
|---|---|---|
| Time to first client live | 6–18 months of implementation | An afternoon |
| Starting cost | Six figures + annual license + consultants | Monthly subscription, no implementation invoice |
| Multi-client billing | Bolt-on module or external accounting export | Built in — per-client schedules, rates, and auto-pay |
| Client portal | Custom-built or third-party add-on | Branded portal per client, included |
| Hardware | Barcode scanners + scanner middleware | Print QR labels, scan from any phone |
| Contract | Multi-year, annual minimums | Month-to-month, cancel anytime |
Frequently Asked
- What is 3PL warehouse management software?
- 3PL warehouse management software (3PL WMS) is the operations platform a third-party logistics provider uses to receive, store, pick, pack, and ship inventory on behalf of multiple client accounts. Unlike a single-tenant WMS built for a brand's own warehouse, a 3PL WMS segregates inventory by client, supports per-client billing rates, and gives every client visibility into their own stock.
- How is this different from SAP, Manhattan, or Blue Yonder?
- Enterprise WMS platforms (SAP EWM, Manhattan Active, Blue Yonder) are built for tens of thousands of SKUs, custom EDI integrations, and an in-house IT team. Implementation runs 6–18 months and starts in the six figures. Stowley is built for boutique 3PLs — typically 3 to 50 client accounts — who want to onboard a new client in a day, run per-client billing automatically, and skip the consulting engagement entirely.
- Do I need barcode scanners or special hardware?
- No. Stowley prints QR labels on standard label stock and scans through any phone camera. Receiving, putaway, picking, and shipping all run from the mobile app — no scanner gun, no scanner app, no IT rollout.
- Can it handle per-client billing with different rate cards?
- Yes. Each client has its own recurring billing schedule, rate card, and payment method on file. Storage fees, handling fees, and per-pull charges generate automatically and auto-charge via Stripe. Aging buckets and past-due tracking happen per client.
- Can I migrate from spreadsheets, Extensiv, or another 3PL system?
- Yes. Stowley supports bulk import for clients, items, locations, and rate cards. Most boutique 3PLs migrating from spreadsheets or legacy 3PL WMS systems are fully cut over within a week or two — the team can help with a migration plan.
- What's the minimum operation size that makes sense for Stowley?
- Stowley fits operations from a single shared warehouse with 3 clients up through multi-warehouse operations with 50+ client accounts. Below that, a spreadsheet still works. Above that, you're typically looking at enterprise WMS territory.
Related reading
Boutique 3PL software
Multi-client inventory, per-client portals, and white-label branding for boutique 3PLs.
Read3PL industry overview
How Stowley fits the day-to-day of a boutique third-party logistics operation.
ReadStorage software
Item-level inventory and recurring billing for storage and logistics operators.
ReadSee a 3PL WMS that fits a boutique operation
Spin up a sandbox with multiple sample clients, separate portals, and per-client billing already configured. Walk through receiving, picking, and invoicing — and see how Stowley fits without a six-month rollout.
No credit card required for sandbox. Cancel trial anytime.