In recent years, supply chain management (SCM) has become increasingly crucial for businesses of all sizes.
As a business owner, you have set your business goals correctly, but you’re caught between running efficiently and achieving success at every set goal and getting the right people, tools, and management it takes to achieve that success.
An efficient supply chain can mean the difference between profitability and failure, so it’s no wonder that organizations are constantly on the lookout for ways to optimize their supply chains. One way to do this is by using supply chain management software.
There are several different supply chain management software solutions on the market, so you need to find the perfect fit for your business. This post will help you achieve just that.
What Is Supply Chain Management Software?
Supply chain management software is a computer program that helps businesses manage their supply chains more efficiently. Streamlining supply chain operations can help companies to reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction.
These programs offer a variety of features that can help businesses manage their supply chains more effectively. These include supply chain planning, inventory management, and order fulfillment.
In addition, supply chain management software can help businesses track and monitor supplier performance, ensuring that only the highest-quality suppliers are used. By using supply chain management software, companies can improve their bottom lines while providing their customers with the best possible service.
Why Do You Need Supply Chain Management Software?
When choosing supply chain software, there are some functions you will expect them to do, such as:
- Warehouse management: A good supply chain software will offer features that help companies manage their warehouses more efficiently.
- Transportation management: Another important function of supply chain software is transportation management. This includes managing the movement of goods from one location to another and tracking transportation costs.
- Purchasing management: Good supply chain software should also help businesses manage their purchasing processes.
- Production planning: This is another essential function of good supply chain software. This includes forecasting future production needs, creating production schedules, and organizing resources.
- Inventory management: Good supply chain software should also offer features that help businesses manage their inventory more effectively. This includes tracking inventory levels, setting reorder points, and managing stock levels.
- Product data management: Good supply chain software should also offer features that help businesses manage their product data. This includes managing product information, tracking product changes, and managing product life cycles.
- Customer relationship management: Good supply chain software should also offer features that help businesses manage customer relationships. This includes managing customer orders, tracking customer satisfaction, and resolving customer issues.
- Supply and demand planning: Finally, good supply chain software should also offer features that help businesses plan for future changes in supply and demand.
Our Top Picks for the Best Supply Chain Software
- Best Overall: SAP SCM
- Best Cloud Based Supply Chain Software: Oracle SCM
- Best Supply Chain Software for Global finance: Infor SCM
- Best Supply Chain Software forTransportation: Manhattan SCM
- Best Supply Chain Software for Maritime Terminal Service: Korber
- Best Supply Chain Software for B2B: Epicor SCM
- Best Supply Chain Software for Broker and Forward Systems: Descartes SCM
Reviews of the Best Supply Chain Management Software
SAP SCM
Best Overall
SAP Supply Chain Management software is a program that offers world-class services in supply chain planning, logistics, manufacturing, product lifecycle management, enterprise asset management, and much more.
With SAP Supply Chain Management, you can easily collaborate with your supply chain network partners, plan and procure efficiently, and use predictive analytics to stay ahead of the curve.
The integrated Manufacturing Execution System (MES) in SAP SCM ensures smooth production. The product costing and engineering features allow you to cost products accurately and optimize your project portfolio.
Features
SAP SCM includes several features that make it an effective tool for managing the supply chain, such as:
- Warehouse management: SAP SCM provides tools for warehouse operations, including stock replenishment, order picking, and shipping.
- Transportation management: SAP SCM includes features for optimizing transportation routes and schedules and tracking real-time shipments.
- Supplier management: SAP SCM provides tools for managing supplier relationships, including contract management and performance evaluation.
- Demand planning: SAP SCM includes features for forecasting demand and creating plans that optimize inventory levels.
Pricing
Not included in the website information. But you can get it on command.
Oracle SCM
Best Cloud Based Supply Chain Software
Oracle Supply Chain Management (SCM) is a complete, integrated software solution that helps organizations manage the flow of goods and information across the extended enterprise.
This SCM provides the foundation for Oracle’s industry-leading applications, such as Oracle E-Business Suite, Oracle PeopleSoft, Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, and Oracle Siebel CRM.
Oracle SCM includes various applications and capabilities, including manufacturing, order, transportation, warehouse, and more. Oracle SCM also provides powerful tools for managing supplier relationships and collaboratively planning supply and demand.
It also offers robust forecasting and reporting capabilities to help businesses optimize their supply chain performance. In addition, Oracle SCM software is highly scalable and can be customized to meet the specific needs of each company.
Features
- Inventory management: Inventory management is a critical component of any supply chain, and Oracle Inventory provides a comprehensive solution for managing inventory levels, tracking goods movement, and optimizing stock levels.
- Warehouse management: Oracle Warehouse Management provides a complete set of tools for managing warehouse operations, including receiving, putaway, picking, and shipping.
- Maintenance: Oracle Maintenance provides a complete solution for managing maintenance operations, including asset tracking, and preventive maintenance.
- Order management: Oracle Order Management provides a complete set of tools for managing customer orders, including order capture, order management, order fulfillment, and customer service.
Pricing
Available on request
Infor SCM
Best Supply Chain Software for Global finance
Infor is a supply chain management software solution that helps businesses optimize their supply chains from end to end. It offers comprehensive features, including order management, inventory management, transportation management, and more.
In addition, Infor SCM software is highly scalable and can be customized to meet the specific needs of each business. As a result, it is an essential tool for any business that wants to optimize its supply chain management.
Features of Infor SCM
- Visibility and control: Infor SCM allows users to see every aspect of the supply chain in real time. This includes multi-party connectivity, real-time signals, predictive alerts, tracking shipments, and managing supplier performance.
- Global trade and finance: Infor SCM also helps to improve supplier compliance and free-up working capital. They also help deliver value to customers across industries through Infor nexus supply chain finance and nexus procure-to-pay automation.
- Planning and demand management: Infor SCM allows users to develop production plans that align with customer demand. As a result, Infor SCM can help users optimize inventory and performance and integrate business planning, demand planning, supply planning, and production scheduling.
- Warehousing and transportation: Infor helps in warehouse and transportation management through agile supply chains, efficient warehouse operations, warehouse management solutions, and Infor nexus global freight management.
- Product life cycle management: Infor SCM helps users manage the entire product life cycle for discrete, process, and fashion industries. They help to track product data throughout the entire supply chain. As a result, Infor SCM can help users improve product quality while reducing time to market.
Pricing
Available on request
Manhattan SCM
Best Supply Chain Software forTransportation
Manhattan SCM (Supply Chain Management) solutions suite is a complete set of tools for managing your transportation, warehouse, point of sale, and customer engagement needs. With Manhattan SCM, you’ll have everything you need to streamline your operations, improve your customer experience, and increase your bottom line.
Manhattan SCM is trusted by some of the world’s leading companies in various industries, including grocery, food and beverage, manufacturing, medical and pharmaceuticals, retail, trucking, and wholesale.
Manhattan SCM is very detailed with its fast-paced delivery of transportation and logistic services. They have, over time, developed their unique qualities in transportation through faster and smarter plans that keep them ahead at all times.
Features
- Transport Management: Manhattan Active Transport Management provides detailed reports on your shipping activity, allowing you to optimize your routes and improve efficiency.
- Point of Sale: With Manhattan Point of Sale, you can track your sales data in real-time, process payments quickly and efficiently, and manage returns seamlessly. Additionally, Manhattan Point of Sale provides advanced reporting features that give you insights into your sales trends.
- Order Management: With Manhattan Order Management, you can manage your orders from start to finish, including order routing and backorder management.
Pricing
Available on request
Korber
Korber, formerly known as Highjump, is one of the world’s leading supply chain management companies with over 30 years of experience. They have clients in over 78 countries and 4,400 customers, making them a trusted name in the industry.
Korber offers a variety of solutions for industries such as automotives, aerospace, consumer packaged goods, health and wellness, food distribution, retail, apparel, and e-commerce.
Their warehouse, store delivery, transportation, omnichannel retail solutions, and more are top-of-the-line and provide a comprehensive solution for businesses of all sizes.
Features
- Korber Transport Management is a comprehensive solution that helps businesses optimize their transportation operations. It includes features for carrier management, route optimization, shipment tracking, and more.
- Korber Warehouse Control is a powerful warehouse management system that enables businesses to manage inventory, orders, and shipments. It includes features for order management, stock control, picking and packing, and more.
- Korber Cloud Solutions is a suite of cloud-based tools that help businesses manage their supply chains. They include features for order management, transportation management, warehouse management, and more.
- Korber Marine Terminal Designs are a complete package of designs and engineering services that help businesses maximize the efficiency of their marine terminals. They include features for terminal layout, operations planning, and more.
Pricing
Available on request.
Epicor SCM
Best Supply Chain Software for B2B
Epicor software is designed to provide end-to-end solutions that cover the entire commerce spectrum—from order management and shipping to warehouse management and supplier collaboration.
Many manufacturers and distributors are implementing Epicor solutions to streamline their operations, improve customer service, and drive growth.
Features.
- Epicor’s B2B eCommerce software is a complete solution for online businesses, providing everything from B2B channel support and special pricing to real-time stock levels and global eCommerce capabilities.
- Kinetic warehouse management: organizations can take full advantage of supply-chain execution, total warehouse management, and inventory control in one integrated system.
- Epicor Quick Ship is a tool used to streamline the shipping process, drive customer loyalty through rate shopping, and reduce risk and HazMat shipping.
Pricing
Available on request
Descartes SCM
Best Supply Chain Software for Broker and Forward Systems
Descartes is a world-renowned supply chain management solutions company that offers an array of services to clients across many industries, such as retail, transportation and logistics, manufacturing and distribution, and field services and sales.
Descartes has an extensive range of solutions that include B2B connectivity and messaging, customer and regulatory compliance, eCommerce shipment and fulfillment, global trade intelligence, routing mobile and telematics, and transportation management.
Our team of experts is on hand to provide efficient customer service and training, ensuring you get the most out of our software.
Features
- B2B Connectivity and Messaging: This is a software platform that allows users access to tools such as logistics messaging, commercial and B2B messaging, custom messaging, and API connectivity.
- Broker and Forwarding Enterprise System: This system enables customers to use digital tools that promise good customer experience, such as digital customer experience, customs compliance, shipment management, and many more.
- Customs and Regulatory Compliance: This platform automates filling and keeps pace with evolving mandates and capabilities such as customs declaration, security filings, export compliance, and many more.
- E-Commerce Shipping and Fulfillment: This platform helps to grow profitability and generate more revenue through eCommerce connectivity, warehouse management, shipping, home delivery, and data analytic.
Pricing
Available on request
How to Choose the Right Supply Chain Management Software
There are a lot of supply chain management software programs out there. So, how do you choose the right one? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Services
What kind of supply chain management services does the software offer? Does it provide order management? Inventory management? Transportation management? Make sure the software you choose provides all or most of the services you need.
Support
Is there 24/7 customer support available? You don’t want to be stuck with a software program that doesn’t work and has no way to fix it.
Scalability
Can the software scale as your business grows? You don’t want to switch to a new program down the road because your current one can’t handle your growth.
Reviews
What do other users say about the software? Make sure to read reviews before making your decision. Supply chain management software is a significant investment, so you want to make sure you choose the right one.
By following these tips, you’re sure to find the perfect supply chain management software for your business needs.
Frequently Asked Questions on Best Supply Chain Management Software
Supply chain management (SCM) coordinates and manages all the activities involved in sourcing, procurement, conversion, and logistics management. The ultimate goal of SCM is to create a seamless supply chain that delivers the right products to the right place at the right time and at the lowest possible cost.
Supply chain management aims to achieve several objectives. Some of these include improving efficiency and quality through communication and software provisions, making the best use of transportation and logistics, reducing costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Some significant issues confronting a supply chain management company are increased costs throughout the supply chain, supply chain complexity due to multiple channels to market; consumer demands driving the need for improved speed, quality, and service; and risk in the supply chain creating pressure.
Some of the core solutions provided by a supply chain company include enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), and transportation management systems (TMS).
Epicor SMC, Descartes SCM, and Oracle SCM are some of the best supply chain management companies. Oracle has the best fusion cloud service in the industry, Epicor has the most outstanding B2B solutions, and Descartes delivers the best broker and forwarding solutions.
Final Thoughts
As the world economy continues to globalize, the need for efficient and reliable supply chain management services has never been greater. A well-run supply chain is essential for companies that rely on timely and accurate goods shipments.
To meet the challenges of the modern marketplace, it is necessary to partner with a supply chain management company with a proven track record of success.
With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, Epicor SMC has the best ERP solutions, Descartes SCM provides some of the best eCommerce solutions, and Oracle SCM offers one of the best fusion cloud solutions. These are some of the best choices for all your supply chain needs.
From transportation and warehousing to order fulfillment and customer service, supply chain management software ensures your business runs smoothly.
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