If you’re running a 3PL warehouse and still trying to make spreadsheets, generic WMS tools, or cobbled-together billing processes work—you’re not alone.
Most warehouse systems weren’t built for the complexity of third-party logistics (3PL) operations. And OpenBoxes, while a great open-source WMS for internal supply chains, simply doesn’t meet the needs of 3PLs out of the box.
That’s why at 2K Software, we built a custom 3PL inventory management system powered by OpenBoxes—but fully tailored for 3PL billing, client portals, faster warehouse operations, and seamless integrations with eCommerce and ERP platforms.
Why OpenBoxes Isn't Enough for a 3PLs Inventory Management System on Its Own
We like OpenBoxes. It’s mature, open-source, and great for managing inbound/outbound workflows, tracking inventory across locations, and running your warehouse with full data transparency.
But here’s the truth:
🚫 OpenBoxes doesn’t support 3PL billing workflows.
There’s no concept of billing by storage space, SKU count, or labor per client. You can’t easily generate invoices based on who owns what.
🚫 The UI is not built for 3PL clients.
Most 3PL customers want a clean, self-serve portal where they can log in occasionally to view their inventory, submit inbound/outbound requests, and track order status. OpenBoxes is overkill—and confusing—for that use case.
🚫 Outbound processes are painful for warehouse staff.
Without native pick scanning, optimized pick paths, or bulk edit tools, your team wastes time navigating through clunky screens just to get daily work done.
🚫 Limited integrations.
You can’t plug in Shopify, Amazon, ShipStation, or your customer’s ERP without writing custom code. This blocks growth for 3PLs working with eCommerce or B2B fulfillment clients.
So We Built a Better 3PL Inventory System Using OpenBoxes as the Engine
Here’s what we’ve built on top of OpenBoxes to make it truly work for 3PL operations:
✅ A Clean, Easy-to-Use Client Portal
Your clients get a lightweight web app they can log into anytime:
View real-time inventory
Manage inbound/outbound orders
Upload documents and notes
Track order status and shipment progress
✅ Operator-Focused Tools
Your warehouse team gets a modern UI that:
Speeds up picking and packing with scan-to-pick
Allows batch edits and bulk actions
Shows clear, color-coded statuses and guidance
Works on tablets or rugged handhelds
✅ Automated Billing Engine
We built a billing layer that runs outside OpenBoxes, but fully connected:
Storage charges by bin, pallet, or cubic feet
Inbound/outbound handling fees
Per-order, per-unit, or hourly labor billing
Fully integrated with QuickBooks Online (QBO)
You can run clean, auditable invoices per client—automatically or with approval steps.
✅ eCommerce and ERP Integrations
Our system connects to anything ShipStation can talk to (Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce), and we’ve built connectors to sync with:
Microsoft Dynamics
Custom ERPs via REST APIs
Built to Scale Without SaaS Limitations
Most 3PL WMS systems charge you:
Per user
Per client
Per warehouse location
For every little add-on
We don’t.
🧾 Our pricing is flat and predictable. Whether you have 2 users or 200, 1 client or 50, our solution grows with your business—without surprise costs.
See It In Action: Our Custom 3PL UI
Here’s a sneak peek at the 3PL WMS system in use:
Login and client dashboard
Outbound order management screen
Pick ticket UI with worker instructions
Billing interface with invoice jobs
Storage tracking per client
Each screen is designed for real-world use in a warehouse—not just for demos.
Who This 3PL Inventory Management System Is For
Our custom 3PL solution is a great fit if you:
Are a 3PL or 4PL warehouse with multiple clients
Need to manage and bill inventory per customer
Want to modernize warehouse ops without massive SaaS costs
Need integration with eCommerce stores and ERPs
Want something better than spreadsheets or outdated systems
We work with:
3PL warehouse operators
Manufacturers with warehousing and client services
IT leaders modernizing legacy WMS tools
Finance teams tired of manual invoicing
Startups and mid-sized 3PLs looking to grow efficiently
2K Software: Your Partner in 3PL Systems That Actually Work
We’re not just developers—we’re warehouse tech consultants who know how to make systems work in real-world operations.
We:
Set up OpenBoxes and our 3PL app
Migrate your existing inventory and clients
Train your staff and clients
Connect all your systems (QBO, Shopify, ERPs)
Support you long-term as you grow
Let’s Modernize Your 3PL Warehouse
Ready to stop duct-taping your warehouse tools together? We’ll help you implement a 3PL inventory management system that tracks everything, bills accurately, connects to anything—and scales affordably.
📅 Book a free discovery call or request a demo of our 3PL WMS solution today.