# InvenTree: Free Open Source Alternative to Fishbowl & Sortly

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBWnP3APgUU
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/qBWnP3APgUU
Generated: 2026-03-13T09:04:06.222+00:00

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## Quick Overview

The video demonstrates how to deploy and configure InvenTree, a free, open-source inventory management system, using the Elestio cloud platform, covering part categorization, supplier setup, stock item creation, and system setting adjustments.

**Key Points:**
- InvenTree was successfully deployed on Elestio using the available demo environment (https://demo.inventree.org).
- The setup process involved creating custom part categories: 'Electronics' (parent) and 'Resistors' (child) under 'Parts', and 'Raw Materials' (parent) with a 'Metals' subcategory.
- A supplier named 'Electrocrop' was added under Purchasing, and a supplier part ('SKU-USBC') was linked to the base part 'USBC Cable'.
- A stock item was created for the 'USBC Cable', allocated to stock location 'Elestio B' with an initial quantity of 10, and marked as a 'Component' part.
- The user accessed System Settings to customize display options, including switching between light and dark color modes.
- The demonstration concludes by showing the different modules (Parts, Stock, Purchasing, Sales, Manufacturing) and referencing the official InvenTree documentation for further configuration.

![Screenshot at 00:07: The initial screen of the InvenTree website is displayed, outlining its features as an open-source inventory management system and showing a preview of its dashboard interface.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/qBWnP3APgUU/00-00-07.jpg)

**Context:** The video serves as a tutorial demonstrating the deployment and initial configuration of InvenTree, an open-source inventory management system, hosted on the Elestio cloud platform. The presenter walks through key setup steps required to begin using the system for managing parts, suppliers, stock, and production, highlighting the structure of inventory management within the application.

## Detailed Analysis

The tutorial begins by showing the InvenTree landing page, emphasizing its function as a free alternative to commercial systems like Fishbowl. The presenter then logs into the Elestio demo instance using the 'allaccess' credentials (00:47) to begin the configuration process. First, they navigate to the Parts module (01:34) to structure inventory by creating part categories: 'Electronics' (03:24) and 'Raw Materials' (04:20), with 'Resistors' as a subcategory of 'Electronics' (03:58). Next, a supplier named 'Electrocrop' is added via the Purchasing module (05:59), and a supplier part ('SKU-USBC') is linked to the base part 'USBC Cable' (06:26). The video then moves to the Stock module (08:09) to add stock items; the USB-C Cable is added with a quantity of 10, located in 'Elestio B' (08:18), and marked as a 'Component' part (08:22). Finally, the presenter navigates to User Settings (02:31) to demonstrate customization options like switching to dark mode (02:37) and then shows the System Settings (02:41) where instance details like company name and server instance name can be modified. The video concludes by pointing out the comprehensive nature of the system across all modules (Parts, Stock, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Sales) and directing viewers to the official documentation (09:32).

### Initial Deployment & Access

- InvenTree deployed via Elestio demo link (https://demo.inventree.org)
- Logged in using 'allaccess'/'nolimits' credentials (00:44-00:48)
- System settings customization demonstrated, including dark mode toggle (02:37).

### Part Categorization

- Created parent category 'Electronics' with icon 'circuit-cell-plus-outline' (03:23-03:44)
- Created child category 'Resistors' under 'Electronics' (03:58)
- Created parent category 'Raw Materials' (04:20).

### Supplier Setup

- Navigated to Purchasing -> Suppliers (05:56)
- Added supplier 'Electrocrop' (06:03)
- Linked supplier part 'SKU-USBC' to base part 'USBC Cable' (06:26).

### Stock Management

- Navigated to Parts -> Stock (08:09)
- Added stock item for 'USBC Cable', assigning it to location 'Elestio B' with quantity 10 (08:13-08:25)
- Part marked as 'Component' during creation (08:22).

### System Review & Conclusion

- Briefly reviewed Sales, Manufacturing, and Purchasing modules (08:50-09:03)
- Demonstrated dashboard widget customization via the menu (09:08)
- Recommended checking official documentation for deeper feature exploration (09:32).

![Screenshot at 00:00: Presenter speaking directly into a condenser microphone in a dimly lit room, introducing the topic of free open-source alternatives.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/qBWnP3APgUU/00-00-00.jpg)
![Screenshot at 00:24: The Elestio service creation interface showing the selection step for InvenTree, which is listed under the 'All' tab.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/qBWnP3APgUU/00-00-24.jpg)
![Screenshot at 01:01: The final step of service creation on Elestio, showing the selection of Level 1 Support and the 'Create Service' button.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/qBWnP3APgUU/00-01-01.jpg)
![Screenshot at 04:17: The InvenTree 'Parts' interface, with the 'Part Categories' view open, showing the newly created 'Electronics' category.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/qBWnP3APgUU/00-04-17.jpg)