Blog/Development

Supply Chain Management Software- The Basics

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Linkedin
Copy link
Copy Link

author

Toluwani Folayan

June 16, 2023

Supply Chain Management Software- The Basics

Supply Chain Management Software is a central system that helps businesses monitor all information and processes related to product development.

For instance, imagine you want to develop a tablet device. You will need several components, such as the screen, battery, processor, speaker, microphone, charge connector, memory card connector, etc.

These components are often manufactured by different companies all over the world. So how would you go about "keeping tabs" on all of these components? It is through the supply chain management software. 

The Supply Chain Management Software will help you to oversee and plan all the processes involved in acquiring these parts and materials from suppliers, putting them together to create the finished product, and shipping it to customers.   

If you want to know the ten best Supply Chain Management Software in 2023 and how to use it to manage your operations, this article is for you!

Ensure you keep reading this article to the end because we promise to provide exclusive strategies to simplify your business's chain management operations. 

Also, we will not just stop at recommending the top 10 Supply Chain Management Software; we will also give you reasons why we selected it as a part of our list. 

Let's get started!


What you will learn:

  • What is a Supply Chain Management Software?
  • 10 Best Supply Chain Management Software You Must Know in 2023
  • How to Use Supply Chain Management Software to Manage Your Operations


What is a Supply Chain Management Software?

Supply chain management (SCM) software is a computer-based program or system created to help firms manage and optimise their supply chain activities. It offers a collection of integrated tools and functions that aid in streamlining and coordinating the processes involved in the flow of commodities, information, and money across the supply chain network.

Supply chain management software'ssoftware's primary goal is to assist organisations in efficiently planning, executing, monitoring, and controlling the many phases and elements of the supply chain. It encompasses a variety of functions, such as:


  • Planning
  • Inventory management
  • Sourcing
  • Procurement
  • Production coordination
  • Logistics and transportation
  • Warehouse management
  • Order management
  • Data analytics and reporting


10 Best Supply Chain Management Software You Must Know in 2023

Here are the top 10 Supply Management Software you need to know in 2023. This list is compiled based on features, pricing, support, and most usage by customers. 

1. Oracle SCM Cloud

2. SAP Supply Chain Management

3. Blue Yonder Supply Planning

4. Microsoft Dynamics 365 SCM

5. Shippabo

6. SCM Software by Intelex

7. ProcureWare

8. Geneva Warehouse Management System

9. E2open Supply Chain Management 

10. Logitility


1. Oracle SCM Cloud

Oracle SCM Cloud is a comprehensive supply chain management software solution offered by Oracle, a global technology company. It was developed to aid companies in improving client satisfaction, efficiency, and supply chain operations.

Why we chose Oracle SCM Cloud


  •  Comprehensive functionality
  • Global support community and network
  • Regular updates and innovation
  • Advanced analytics and reporting features
  • Strong integration capabilities
  • Scalability and flexibility
  • Cloud-based accessibility
  • Industry-leading expertise

Cons of Oracle SCM Cloud


  • Expensive for small and medium-sized companies
  • Integration complexities
  • Time-consuming implementation time


2. SAP Supply Chain Management

SAP Supply Chain Management is a stellar software solution designed to help businesses improve their supply chain operations, boost efficiency, and improve overall collaboration across the supply chain network to improve customer satisfaction.

Why we chose SAP Supply Chain Management


  • Industry expertise and extensive experience in supply chain management
  • Scalability and flexibility
  • Integration capabilities
  • Comprehensive functionality
  • Advanced analytics and reporting capabilities
  • Global support and community
  • Continuous Innovation

Cons of SAP Supply Chain Management


  • Complexity and implementation time
  • Customisation limitations for unique workflows
  • Upgrade challenges
  • It requires continuous maintenance and support


3. Blue Yonder Supply Planning

Blue Yonder Supply Planning, formerly known as JDA Supply Chain Planning, is a leading supply chain planning software solution. It helps businesses optimise their supply chain operations by effectively managing inventory levels, improving demand forecasting accuracy, and optimising production and procurement plans.

Why we chose Blue Yonder Supply Planning


  • Industry expertise
  • Comprehensive features
  • Scalability and Flexibility
  • Proven track record
  • Excellent customer service
  • Advanced analytics and optimisation

Cons of Blue Yonder Supply Planning 


  •  Complexity
  • Cost Considerations for Small to Medium-sized Companies
  • Requires adequate and dedicated resources
  • Dependency on data quality


4. Microsoft Dynamics 365 SCM

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management (Dynamics 365 SCM) is an end-to-end supply chain management software solution provided by Microsoft. It enables businesses to streamline and optimise their supply chain processes, enhance visibility, and drive operational efficiency.

Why we chose Microsoft Dynamics 365 SCM


  • End-to-end solution
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) features
  • Real-time data sharing and collaboration
  • Advanced analytics and reporting capabilities
  • Scalability and flexibility
  • Cloud-based accessibility

Cons of Microsoft Dynamics 365 SCM


  • It could be complex for people who lack technical expertise
  • It may be costly for small to medium-sized businesses
  • Dependency on Internet connectivity


5. Shippabo

Shippabo is an excellent supply chain management system ideal for businesses of all sizes. It includes many functions, such as cost control, visibility down to the stock-keeping unit (SKU) level, trade services, loose container load, and ocean freight services.

It is also simple to track and manage your supply chain operations with this program because of its user-friendly interface.

Why we chose Shippabo

We selected Shippabo because of the following criteria or benefits the software offers to users


  • End-to-end visibility
  • Cost optimisation
  • Easy to create shipments
  • Simplified freight management
  • Streamlined collaboration
  • Scalability and flexibility
  • Integration features
  • Excellent customer support

However, some of the cons of the software include:


  • The pricing structure may not be suitable for all businesses
  • Limited customisation for businesses with unique requirements
  • Complexity for beginners


6. SCM Software by Intelex

Intelex SCM Software is a supply chain management solution provided by Intelex Technologies. It is designed to help organisations streamline their supply chain processes, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with regulations and standards.

Why we chose SCM Software by Intelex


  • Real-time visibility and analytics
  • User-friendly interface
  • Configurability and scalability
  • Comprehensive solution
  • Compliance and risk management
  • Supplier collaboration and real-time tracking
  • Customer support and community

Cons of SCM Software by Intelex


  • Time-consuming
  • Customisable limitations
  • Dependency on Internet connectivity


7. ProcureWare

ProcureWare is a procurement software platform that helps organisations streamline and automate their procurement processes. It provides a centralised system for managing supplier information, sourcing events, contracts, and purchase orders, among other procurement activities.

Why we chose ProcureWare


  • Supplier Management and Transparency
  • Scalability and flexibility
  • Data-driven Insights
  • Improved collaboration and communication
  • Efficient contract management
  • Improved sourcing and bidding
  • Streamlined procurement processes

Cons of ProcureWare


  • Customisation limitations
  • Limited offline access


8. Geneva Warehouse Management System

The Geneva Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a software solution to streamline and improve warehouse operations. It offers features for managing inventories, completing orders, and automating warehouse operations.

Why we chose Geneva Warehouse Management System


  • Real-time inventory visibility
  • Excellent customer support
  • Improved reporting and analytics
  • Scalability and flexibility
  • Improved warehouse productivity
  • Enhanced order accuracy and fulfilment
  • Streamlined warehouse operations

Cons of Geneva Warehouse Management System


  • It may be complex for new users
  • Dependence on Internet connectivity
  • Cost Considerations for Small to medium-sized Companies


9. E2open Supply Chain Management 

E2open Supply Chain Management is a comprehensive software platform that helps businesses manage and optimise their supply chain operations. It provides end-to-end visibility, collaboration, and automation capabilities to enhance supply chain efficiency and responsiveness.

Why we chose E2open Supply Chain Management


  • End-to-end visibility
  • Continuous innovation
  • Scalability and flexibility
  • Advanced analytics and insights
  • Comprehensive functionality
  • Collaboration and integration
  • Globally recognised

Cons of E2open Supply Chain Management


  • Customisation limitations
  • Dependency on Internet connectivity
  • Cost consideration for small to medium-sized companies


10. Logitility

Logility is a leading provider of supply chain planning and optimisation software solutions. Their software assists companies in efficiently managing and optimising their supply chain operations, allowing them to increase forecast accuracy, save inventory costs, improve customer service, and increase overall operational effectiveness.

Why we chose Logitility


  • Recognised as an Industry expert
  • Comprehensive functionality
  • Collaboration and integration
  • Scalability and flexibility
  • Advanced analytics and insights
  • Proven track record
  • Excellent customer reviews
  • Excellent customer service

Cons of Logitility


  • Cost Considerations for Small to medium-sized Companies
  • Customisation limitations
  • Dependency on data accuracy


How to Use Supply Chain Management Software to Manage Your Operations

Here is a simple step guide to simplify your process of using Supply Chain Management Software to improve your business operations:

1. Determine your objectives and needs: Determine the specific problems you want to solve or the objectives you want supply chain management software to help you reach. For example, this could involve streamlining order fulfilment procedures, cutting lead times, or optimising inventory management.

2. Do your homework and pick the best software: Compare several supply chain management alternatives' features, costs, and user reviews. Then, pick a software program that fits your needs and budget. Also, remember to consider elements such as usability, adaptability, and compatibility with your current systems.

We have made it easier for you by doing this step. Simply check the above list and choose the software that best aligns with your objectives and needs. 

3. Implement the software: As soon as you have decided on a software solution, collaborate with the vendor or implementation team to set up and configure the program to meet your needs. This can entail importing data, modifying settings, and integrating the program with your current systems.

4. Data input and management: Begin by inputting accurate and current information about products, suppliers, and inventory levels into the software. Ensure you maintain and update this data frequently so that the system can deliver accurate insights and recommendations.

5. Plan and predict demand: Apply the software'ssoftware's demand planning and forecasting features to predict consumer demand effectively. Also, ensure you analyse historical data, market trends, and other relevant factors to generate demand forecasts that guide your procurement and production activities.

6. Optimise inventory management: Leverage the software'ssoftware's inventory management features to monitor stock levels, track inventory movements, and automate replenishment processes. 

7. Streamline supplier management: Use the program to manage relationships with suppliers to simplify supplier management. Maintain open lines of communication, monitor supplier performance, and work together to fulfil orders to ensure the supply chain runs smoothly.

8. Regularly monitor and track operations: Use the software'ssoftware's monitoring and tracking features to acquire real-time visibility into your supply chain processes. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as order fulfilment rates, lead times, and transportation costs to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions.

9. Analyse and improve: Use the software'ssoftware's analytics and reporting features to analyse data, produce reports, and learn more about the effectiveness of your supply chain.

10. Improve and adjust: Supply chain management is a never-ending process; therefore, continually improve and adjust. Your supply chain management software should also be regularly evaluated for efficacy. 


Conclusion

Supply chain management software is a formidable tool that aids companies in streamlining processes, optimising inventories, improving relationships with suppliers, and increasing overall effectiveness. Furthermore, organisations can obtain real-time visibility, make data-driven choices, and adjust to shifting market demands by utilising supply chain management software features. Use the tips above to guide you in selecting the best supply chain management software for your business today. 

Related post

Recent Posts

Need help with a project?

Let's solve it together.