Reorder settings: 9 fields for retail inventory

Set low stock alerts and reorder points

Nine reorder settings span Square, Sortly, Lightspeed, and Zoho, including the alert amount, reorder point, desired level, and check frequency.

Key takeaways for how to set low stock alerts and reorder points in inventory apps

• Square: Enter an alert amount in the Low stock alert location column. Items with stock alerts enabled and have low stock will have a yellow circle in the Stock column according to Square.
• Sortly: Tap the three dots to the right of the item, then select Set Alert to configure individual thresholds according to Sortly.
• Lightspeed: Add your reorder point in the Point column, and the desired inventory level in the Level column according to Lightspeed.
• Zoho: The item’s stock level will be checked based on the frequency you set, such as every 1 day or 3 weeks according to Zoho.

Replenishment in Zoho Inventory helps businesses maintain optimal stock levels by identifying items that need restocking based on predefined strategies, according to Zoho. Configuring these settings requires understanding how each platform defines the trigger for a restocking event. The goal is to establish clear parameters that alert you when inventory drops below a critical point.

You will configure nine specific settings across the four major inventory apps discussed in this guide. These settings include the alert amount, visual indicators, bulk edit toggles, single item setups, bulk alert fields, notification targets, reorder points, desired levels, and check frequencies. Each platform approaches these configurations differently, requiring specific actions within its interface. For instance, some apps use visual cues to flag low stock, while others rely on numerical thresholds and automated checks. Understanding the distinct role of each setting helps you prevent stockouts effectively. See Count shop stock: 4 apps compared for small retailers, Low-stock warnings compared across 4 retail apps, and Retail barcode labels: 4 app print limits.

Under the Overview tab, click + Create Replenishments near Replenishments, according to Zoho.

A filled reference table of alert settings by publisher

The table below lists the specific configuration actions for the four inventory platforms. Each row details the exact setting type and the location or action required to configure it, based on the publisher's documentation.

Configuring Square low stock alerts and visual indicators

To configure low stock alerts in Square, you first need to enable the alert feature for your items. According to Square, you can do this by clicking Attributes and ticking Low stock alert from the “Bulk edit items” window. Once the alert is enabled for an item, you must specify the threshold that triggers the warning. The documentation states to enter an alert amount in the Low stock alert location column according to Square. This setting defines the specific stock level at which the system will flag the item as low.

Visual feedback is provided directly within the inventory interface to help you identify items that require attention. According to Square, items with stock alerts enabled and have low stock will have a yellow circle in the Stock column. This indicator allows you to quickly scan your inventory list and spot items that have fallen below their defined threshold without opening each item’s individual details.

If you need to adjust the alert threshold after it has been set, Square provides a direct path to update the value. According to Square, you can click Edit items > Update low stock alert to modify the existing configuration.

Regarding how and when these alerts reach you, the system relies on your existing business configuration. According to Square, no settings changes are required — alerts are delivered automatically based on your existing business hours configuration. This means the timing of the notifications aligns with your standard operating schedule without needing additional setup steps.

Recommendation: Review your current business hours in Square to ensure they accurately reflect when you want to receive these low stock notifications.

Action Step: Open your inventory list, select the items you want to monitor, and enter your specific alert amounts in the Low stock alert location column.

Setting individual and bulk alerts in Sortly

Sortly’s Quantity Alerts feature supports both single-item configuration and bulk actions for multiple items. To set an alert for a specific item, tap the three dots to the right of the item, then select Set Alert, according to Sortly. This single item setup allows you to define thresholds for individual products without affecting others.

For bulk alerts, first check the box at the top left of each item you want to include, according to Sortly. Once your selection is complete, click the three dots at the top right of the Bulk Actions bar and select Set Alert, according to Sortly.

After initiating the bulk action, choose the field to set the bulk alert for, then click Next, according to Sortly. This step ensures you are applying the alert to the correct inventory metric for your selected items. Finally, review the alert type and number of items it applies to, select who should be notified, then click Confirm, according to Sortly. This notification target selection lets you specify which team members receive the alerts for the bulk group.

Open your Sortly dashboard and select a group of items to test the bulk alert workflow.

Defining Lightspeed reorder points and desired levels

Lightspeed Retail (R-Series) allows you to configure item reorder settings from the item's Details page or its Reorder points page, which provides more information about the reorder settings for the item at different locations according to Lightspeed. An item’s Reorder point and Desired inventory level can be set from its Details page according to Lightspeed.

To enter these values, add your reorder point in the Point column, and the desired inventory level in the Level column according to Lightspeed. Once these thresholds are defined, the system calculates the required order quantity based on current stock conditions. With single items, the Need quantity is calculated from the Reorder point, Desired inventory level, the current in-stock quantity, and any incoming stock according to Lightspeed.

The result of this calculation is visible directly in the interface. The amount that must be ordered to meet your desired inventory level is displayed in the Need column according to Lightspeed.

For multi-location stores, the Reorder points page offers a broader view than the single Details page. Item reorder settings can be configured from the item's Details, or its Reorder points page, which provides more information about the reorder settings for the item at different locations according to Lightspeed. You can use this page to ensure that each location has the correct Point and Level values tailored to its specific sales velocity.

When setting these values, consider the lead time for your suppliers. If your supplier takes two weeks to deliver, your Reorder point should account for the stock you will sell during that period. The Desired inventory level represents the total stock you want to have on hand after the order arrives. By adjusting these two columns, you control the trigger for the Need quantity calculation.

Configuring Zoho Inventory replenishment check frequencies

The core setting here is the check frequency. You choose how often the system evaluates the item’s stock level. For example, you can set the frequency to every 1 day or every 3 weeks Zoho. The item’s stock level is checked based strictly on the frequency you set Zoho. Selecting a shorter interval, such as daily checks, means the system reviews the stock count more frequently. Selecting a longer interval, such as three weeks, reduces the number of checks per month.

There is no fixed frequency; the user determines the interval. The documentation explicitly states the check happens based on the frequency you set Zoho. This allows you to align the checking schedule with your supplier lead times or sales velocity. If you sell high-volume items, a daily check may be appropriate. For slower-moving stock, a weekly or monthly check may suffice.

When configuring this, consider the balance between responsiveness and system load. The Zoho Inventory guide notes that the stock level check is tied directly to this user-defined frequency Zoho. You control the timing.

Illustrative example: four round inputs

Picture one item with a reorder point of 4 and a desired inventory level of 10. Current in-stock quantity is 2 and incoming stock is 0. The need quantity is calculated from the reorder point, the desired inventory level, the current in-stock quantity, and any incoming stock. The amount to order to meet the desired inventory level is the figure shown for that need. These figures are illustrative.

Next step: Today, pick one item and enter an alert amount or a reorder point, then confirm who should be notified if the app asks.

FAQ: How to set low stock alerts and reorder points in inventory apps

What visual indicator shows an item has low stock in Square?

Items with stock alerts enabled and have low stock will have a yellow circle in the Stock column, according to Square. This visual cue appears specifically for items where the alert feature is active and the current stock level is low.

How do you set a bulk alert for multiple items in Sortly?

After checking the boxes for the relevant items, select Set Alert from the Bulk Actions bar. Then choose the field to set the bulk alert for, then click Next, according to Sortly. This process allows you to apply alerts to multiple items in a single action sequence.

Where do you enter the reorder point and desired inventory level in Lightspeed?

You add your reorder point in the Point column, and the desired inventory level in the Level column, according to Lightspeed. These entries are made on the item's Details page or Reorder points page to define your restocking thresholds.

How often does Zoho inventory check stock levels for alerts?

You determine the specific interval for these checks when configuring the replenishment settings for an item.

Can you choose who receives notifications for a bulk alert in Sortly?

Yes, you select who should be notified during the review step before confirming the alert. Review the alert type and number of items it applies to, select who should be notified, then click Confirm, according to Sortly. This step ensures the correct recipients are informed when the alert triggers.