What it does
Monitors inventory systems and sends SMS alerts when items fall below critical reorder points so purchasing acts immediately.
Why I recommend it
Email alerts get buried. A text with SKU details ensures someone responds before sales are lost.
Expected benefits
- Reduced stockouts and rush shipping
- Clear accountability for replenishment
- Data for optimising safety stock
- Happier operations and sales teams
How it works
Inventory system (Cin7, DEAR, Shopify) shares stock levels -> automation compares to min thresholds -> Twilio SMS to purchasing lead with SKU, qty, supplier link -> optionally auto-create PO task.
Quick start
Identify top 10 SKUs prone to stockouts and manually monitor them; use findings to set initial thresholds.
Level-up version
Escalate if alert unacknowledged, include demand forecasts, auto-generate PO drafts, and integrate with supplier portals.
Tools you can use
Inventory: Cin7, DEAR, Katana, Shopify
Messaging: Twilio, SMSAPI
Automation: Zapier, Make
PM: Asana for follow-up tasks
Also works with
Maintenance parts, food inventory, event ticket allotments.
Technical implementation solution
- No-code: Shopify low stock trigger -> Zapier -> Twilio SMS + ClickUp task.
- API-based: Warehouse system webhook -> serverless function -> send SMS -> log event in Airtable.
Where it gets tricky
Setting accurate thresholds, preventing alert fatigue, and ensuring contact lists stay current.
