ServiceM8 runs jobs brilliantly, but it leaves inventory to your accounting software. It has no stock locations, no van stock and, by its own help centre's account, no built-in purchase orders. So most growing trade businesses end up adding something.
There's no single "best" add-on. The right choice depends on which gap hurts most. This guide compares the four main options, including when you don't need an add-on at all.
Disclosure: we make StockUnify, one of the options below. We've tried to be fair about where other approaches fit better.
The four options at a glance
| Option | Fixes | Doesn't fix | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. ServiceM8 + accounting stock levels | Basic stock visibility | Lag until invoicing; vans; POs | Few stocked items, one storeroom |
| 2. Purchase order add-on | Ordering from suppliers | Stock by location; van stock | Businesses that buy per job and hold little stock |
| 3. Stock-only add-on | Some stock tracking inside ServiceM8 | Depends on the add-on: check POs, Xero sync and locations | Simple stock needs |
| 4. Full inventory system | Locations, vans, POs, receiving, Xero sync | Another system to set up | Warehouse + vans, regular supplier orders |
Option 1: ServiceM8 and your accounting software
ServiceM8 can show stock levels for tracked items, imported from Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks Online. Stock changes when invoices are processed in accounting.
Good fit if: you stock a small range of items in one place, and jobs are invoiced the same day.
Watch out for: stock lagging behind reality, no per-van numbers and no purchase orders. See does ServiceM8 track inventory?
Option 2: A purchase order add-on
If your main problem is ordering, a dedicated purchase order add-on can fill that gap. The ServiceM8 add-on directory lists options such as MyPO.
Good fit if: you buy materials per job and keep little stock on hand.
Watch out for: purchase orders alone don't tell you what's in stock, or where. You may still need stock tracking later.
Option 3: A stock add-on built for ServiceM8
Some add-ons focus on stock tracking inside ServiceM8, for example ServiceGuru Stock Management.
Good fit if: your needs are simple and you want everything to feel like part of ServiceM8.
Questions to ask before choosing:
- Does it track stock by location, including each van?
- Does it support purchase orders and partial receiving?
- How does it sync with Xero, and does it create supplier bills?
- What happens to stock when a job is completed?
- Can it handle batch or serial numbers, if you need them?
Option 4: A full inventory system connected to ServiceM8
A full inventory system becomes the source of truth for stock, with ServiceM8 for jobs and Xero for accounting.
When comparing inventory systems, check that ServiceM8 is a genuine integration, not just a Xero connection. Many inventory tools connect to Xero, but far fewer connect directly to ServiceM8 jobs.
StockUnify
StockUnify is an inventory system for trade and field service businesses, available in the ServiceM8 add-on store.
- ServiceM8 jobs sync as sales orders, under the technician's mapped location.
- Vans and warehouses are separate stock locations.
- Stock is deducted when the job is completed in ServiceM8.
- Purchase orders are linked to the job number, with branded PDFs and partial receiving.
- Received purchase orders create bills in Xero.
- Products and stock levels sync to ServiceM8 in real time.
- Stocktakes per location, batch and serial tracking, bin locations and kits.
Good fit if: you hold stock in a warehouse and vans, order from suppliers regularly and use Xero.
Less suited if: you're mainly a manufacturer or a multi-channel ecommerce retailer. Larger systems built for those businesses may suit you better.
How to choose
- Write down your top three stock problems. Late stock levels, unknown van stock and ordering are the usual ones.
- Match them to the table above. Pick the simplest option that fixes all three.
- Trial with real jobs. Run a week of real ServiceM8 jobs through it before committing.
- Check the Xero side. Make sure bills and stock adjustments land in Xero the way your bookkeeper expects.
FAQ
Does ServiceM8 have an inventory add-on?
ServiceM8 doesn't include its own inventory module. Third-party add-ons in the ServiceM8 add-on store cover purchase orders, stock tracking and full inventory management.
Do I need an inventory add-on if I use Xero?
Not always. Xero's tracked inventory may be enough for a small range in one location. Once you hold stock in vans or order regularly, most trades need more.
Can I use a purchase order add-on and a stock add-on together?
You can, but you'll be paying for, and connecting, more tools. A full inventory system usually covers both.
Read the full ServiceM8 inventory guide, or see how StockUnify works with ServiceM8.
See if StockUnify fits your business. Start a 14-day free trial. No credit card required.
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