Acctivate
by Acctivate (CAI Software) · Wholesale Distribution
QuickBooks-native inventory, order and warehouse management for growing distributors.
Updated August 2026 · By the ERP Research Editorial Team · Independent and vendor-neutral.
- Works with
- QuickBooks
- Company size
- SMB, Mid-market
- Pricing
- Quote-based
- Founded
- 2003
- Headquarters
- Arlington, Texas, United States
Overview
Acctivate is inventory, order and warehouse management software built specifically to extend QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online for small and mid-sized distributors, manufacturers and online retailers that have outgrown QuickBooks' native inventory capabilities. Rather than replacing QuickBooks as the accounting system of record, Acctivate syncs bi-directionally with it and adds the operational depth -- multi-location inventory, lot/serial traceability, warehouse management and purchasing -- that QuickBooks alone doesn't provide.
The platform covers multi-warehouse inventory control with bin-location tracking, mobile barcode scanning for receiving, picking and transfers, multiple costing methods (average, standard, FIFO, LIFO, actual), and landed-cost analysis for imported goods. Order management spans multi-channel sales (eCommerce, EDI, phone, in-store), drop-shipping and special orders, with integrations to web storefronts (Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce), EDI providers (SPS Commerce, TrueCommerce) and shipping carriers (FedEx, UPS, USPS, DHL).
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Arlington, Texas, Acctivate was acquired by CAI Software in August 2023 and now operates as part of CAI's portfolio of distribution and inventory management brands.
Screenshots & demo
Demo video from the vendor's YouTube channel.
Features & capabilities
Inventory Management
Multi-location, multi-channel inventory tracking.
- Unlimited product tracking across locations and sales channels
- Lot and serial number traceability for recalls and quality control
- Multiple costing methods: Average, Standard, LIFO, FIFO, Actual
- Multiple units of measure
- Overstock and demand analysis
Warehouse Operations
Bin-level control with mobile scanning.
- Multi-warehouse support with bin-location control
- Mobile barcode scanning for receiving, picking and transfers
- Automated inventory counting and transfer processes
Order & Sales Management
Multi-channel order processing and fulfilment.
- Multi-channel order processing (eCommerce, EDI, in-store, phone)
- Web store integrations: Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce
- Drop shipping and special order handling
- Shipping carrier integrations: FedEx, UPS, USPS, DHL
Purchasing
Reorder automation and true landed cost visibility.
- Purchase order generation from reorder points
- Reorder Function, Special Order Wizard and Drop Ship Wizard
- Centralized supplier database
- Landed cost analysis (shipping, taxes, duties, overhead)
Business Analytics
Built-in reporting on top of live inventory data.
- 100+ pre-built, filterable reports
- Customizable dashboards with configurable widgets
- Real-time data visibility across operations
QuickBooks Integration
Keeps QuickBooks as the accounting system of record.
- Bi-directional sync with QuickBooks Desktop
- Bi-directional sync with QuickBooks Online
Common use cases
- Moving off QuickBooks' native inventory once a distributor outgrows it, without leaving QuickBooks
- Controlling inventory across multiple warehouses and bin locations
- Tracing lot or serial numbers for recalls and quality control
- Managing multi-channel orders across eCommerce, EDI, phone and in-store sales
- Calculating true landed cost on imported goods
- Running mobile barcode scanning for warehouse receiving, picking and transfers
Strengths & considerations
Strengths
- Purpose-built bi-directional integration that keeps QuickBooks as the system of record while adding inventory/warehouse/order depth
- 40+ partner integrations spanning EDI, eCommerce and shipping
- Backed by CAI Software's distribution and inventory software portfolio since its August 2023 acquisition
ERP integrations
Supports both QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online.
Pricing
Most ERP add-on vendors quote based on company size, modules and integration scope. Get an independent shortlist with pricing guidance below.
Technical & security
- Mobile app
- Yes
About the vendor
- Founded
- 2003
- Headquarters
- Arlington, Texas, United States
- Ownership
- Private (part of CAI Software's portfolio since August 2023)
Alternatives to Acctivate in Wholesale Distribution
Acctivate — frequently asked questions
Does Acctivate replace QuickBooks?
No. Acctivate syncs bi-directionally with QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online, keeping QuickBooks as the accounting system of record while adding inventory, warehouse and order management depth.
Who owns Acctivate?
Acctivate was acquired by CAI Software in August 2023 and now operates as part of CAI's distribution and inventory management software portfolio.
What size businesses use Acctivate?
Acctivate targets small to mid-sized distributors, manufacturers and online retailers that have outgrown QuickBooks' native inventory capabilities.
Does Acctivate integrate with eCommerce platforms?
Yes. Acctivate integrates with web storefronts including Shopify, WooCommerce and BigCommerce, plus EDI providers such as SPS Commerce and TrueCommerce.
When was Acctivate founded?
Acctivate was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Arlington, Texas.
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