If you want the best no-code database for inventory + project tracking with relational records and team permissions, my short answer is:

Best overall: Airtable

It’s usually the strongest choice for:

• Relational data: linked records between tables
• Inventory tracking: SKUs, stock levels, locations, vendors, orders
• Project trackers: tasks, milestones, assignees, dependencies
• Team permissions: workspace/base/table sharing, role-based access
• No-code usability: easy for non-technical teams
• Automation: rules, notifications, integrations

Why Airtable is often the best fit

• Feels like a spreadsheet, but supports database-style relationships
• Great for building custom workflows
• Strong ecosystem: forms, views, automations, interfaces, API
• Good balance of power + usability

Main downside

• Can get expensive as your team grows
• Permissions are decent, but not as granular as traditional enterprise databases
• Not ideal if you need very high-volume transactional inventory operations

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Best if you want stronger database structure: Notion is not ideal

Notion is great for docs and light tracking, but for inventory/project systems with real relationships and permissions, it’s usually weaker than Airtable.

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Best if you need more app-like workflows: Smartsheet

Choose Smartsheet if your team prefers:

• Spreadsheet-like interface
• Enterprise project management
• More formal workflows and approvals

But it’s less flexible than Airtable for relational database design.

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Best if you want a true no-code operational database/app builder: Stacker or Glide on top of Airtable/Sheets

If you want:

• Better user portals
• More controlled permissions
• A cleaner app experience for staff or clients

Then use:

• Airtable + Stacker
• Airtable + Glide

This is often better for inventory and internal team tools than Airtable alone.

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Best enterprise option: Zoho Creator

Pick this if you need:

• More complex business logic
• Custom forms/apps
• Stronger role-based permissions
• Lower cost than some competitors

It’s more “app builder” than “spreadsheet database,” but very capable.

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My recommendation by scenario

If you’re a small/medium team and want the easiest best option:

Airtable

If you need a polished internal app with permissions:

Airtable + Stacker

If you need a more robust business app platform:

Zoho Creator

If you want traditional project management more than database flexibility:

Smartsheet

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Bottom line

For inventory + project trackers + relational records + team permissions, Airtable is the best starting point for most no-code teams.

If you want, I can also give you:

1. a feature-by-feature comparison table, or
2. the best choice for your exact team size and budget.