Sentry WMS

Sentry WMS is a free, self-hosted warehouse execution system for e-commerce businesses that already run an ERP or another system of record. It suits teams that want focused warehouse workflows and can handle the technical work of connecting their existing systems. Its strongest case is the combination of batch picking, mobile barcode lookup, and bin-level inventory controls without a license fee.

Overview

Sentry covers warehouse work from receiving and storage through picking, packing, shipping, and counting. Support for multiple warehouses makes it relevant to operations spread across sites, while its intended role as an execution layer keeps it focused on fulfillment rather than replacing the system that owns business records. That focus is useful for teams with an established ERP; businesses looking for a ready-connected, all-in-one operations suite should look elsewhere.

Deployment is self-managed through Docker Compose, with a Flask API, PostgreSQL 16, a React admin panel, and a React Native Expo mobile app. The public Apache-2.0 project includes documentation and a contributing guide. This setup offers a clear route for technically capable teams that want control over deployment, but it also means they take responsibility for operating the system.

Key features

Picking and barcode workflows

Batch picking lets staff handle several orders in a pass, with serpentine walk-path optimization to structure the route. That is a practical fit for warehouses processing multiple orders together, where organized movement through the facility matters. The mobile app can identify items, bins, purchase orders, or sales orders from a barcode lookup on its home screen, making it useful for staff who need to retrieve records while working on the floor.

Inventory control

Cycle counts work at bin level and flag variances, with an administrator approval step for review. Staff can also record inventory adjustments and transfers. Together, these controls give teams a way to investigate discrepancies and govern changes; they are especially relevant where stock is tracked by warehouse bin.

Connecting business systems

The inbound API accepts updates for sales orders, items, customers, vendors, and purchase orders. Source-specific YAML mappings and scoped WMS tokens provide a defined way for external systems to send that data. The connector framework is designed with ERPs such as NetSuite or QuickBooks and commerce platforms such as Shopify or BigCommerce in mind, but it currently expects operators or developers to build connectors against its interface. First-party connectors are planned for v2.0.0, so teams that need turnkey synchronization should not assume it is ready today.

Security measures documented by the project include Fernet-encrypted connector credentials, an append-only hash-chained audit log, and protections against SSRF in outbound connector requests. These are relevant safeguards for deployments handling connector credentials and external requests, though they do not remove the operational work of running a self-hosted service.

Pricing

Free, open-source

The plan costs nothing and includes self-hosted deployment. There is no license charge, which makes Sentry a low-cost option for teams able to supply hosting and technical effort. Its principal trade-off is the absence of first-party ERP or commerce connectors: the operator or development team must build the integrations needed to bring orders and records into the warehouse workflow.

Platforms

Sentry supports Android, API, self-hosted, and web use. The mobile app and barcode scanning support floor workflows, while the API and web admin panel serve integration and administration needs. Multi-warehouse support and cycle counting add practical breadth for warehouse operations.

Who it's for

Sentry is best suited to e-commerce businesses that already use an ERP or other system of record and have the people to manage self-hosted software and connector development. It makes less sense for a small team seeking immediate links to its commerce platform, or for a business that wants a vendor-managed warehouse service rather than software to deploy itself.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free, open-source self-hosting avoids a software license charge.
• Pros: Batch picking with serpentine routing and mobile barcode lookup supports practical warehouse-floor work.
• Pros: Bin-level counts, variance detection, approval, adjustments, and transfers provide several inventory control steps.
• Cons: No first-party ERP or commerce connectors are available yet, so integrations require operator or developer work.
• Cons: Self-hosted deployment requires the business to operate its own installation.

Alternatives

OpenBoxes is another free self-hosted option, with a Community Self-Hosted plan that includes unlimited users and storage on the customer’s server; choose it if those stated terms are the priority. Its Shared OpenBoxes Lift plan is 75.00 US. Sentry WMS is the same product under another listing, so the product choice is unchanged. ShipBob offers software for ShipBob customers to connect ecommerce stores and manage inventory, orders, and shipments; it is the relevant alternative for businesses already using ShipBob. For Anchanto Warehouse Management, Vinculum Vin OMS, Deck Commerce, Extensiv 3PL Warehouse Manager, and Flowspace Order Management, pricing is custom or requires a quote or demo.

Compare more options in Order Fulfillment Software and Warehouse Management Software.

Verdict

Choose Sentry WMS if your e-commerce operation already has a system of record, needs multi-warehouse execution with batch picking and barcode workflows, and can own hosting and integrations. Its free, open-source core is the main draw; the need to build connectors is the main reason to choose a more turnkey system instead.