Supply chain management is critical for businesses to ensure effective stock flow and acceptable supplier conditions. It ensures that your products/services travel smoothly from the warehouse to the clients. Supply chain management software does not have to replace your logistics software or inventory management system, but it can complement them. I’ve gathered a list of the best free and paid supply chain management software packages for your small business in this post. I’ve discussed what each software is best for, as well as its features, cost, and other details.
Which Supply Chain Management Software Is the Best?
Here are my top selections for the best supply chain management software for your business.
#1. SAP SCM.
Best for Customer-Centered Manufacturing
SAP supply chain management software encourages digital maturity in business by utilizing IoT (Internet of Things) and AI for more effective and speedier supply management. Companies that use this software can keep up with technological changes thanks to its nimble end-to-end digital thread.
It is one of the few supply chain management tools that allow you to design recyclable products and services and distribute them using environmentally friendly methods.
Features:
The following are some of SAP SCM’s major features:
- Collaboration between partners and suppliers
- Planning for sales and operations (S and OP)
- Business planning that is integrated
- Predictive analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning
- Transportation management
- Transport tracking and tracing
- Management of warehouses and yards
- Dashboards for monitoring status
- Solutions for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
- Portfolio management for projects
- Asset management, cooperation, forecasting, and optimization
- Product pricing
- Production management and optimization
- Ethical sourcing, production, and transportation
- Product quality assurance
Pricing:
SAP SCM does not provide pricing information for its supply chain management products. SAP product demos and free trials of SAP Innovation Management, SAP Enterprise Product Development, and other business optimization tools are available on their “Try and Buy” page.
#2. Blue Yonder (JDA).
Best for Warehouse Management
Blue Yonder (previously known as JDA SCM) provides its leading customer-driven supply chain management software for scaling your business. It enables users to forecast and plan demand, funds, products, and everything in between to improve visibility and control.
BlueYonder offers boundary-less planning as well as cognitive planning to improve predictions and prescriptions. As a result, businesses may overcome disparities in scheduling, organizational silos, supply and demand, and the dynamic supply chain.
Features:
Blue Yonder provides the following remarkable features:
- Execution of sales and operations
- Supply planning is cognitive
- Luminate user experience is workflow-driven.
- Prediction of service disruption
- Common resolutions should be automated.
- Transparent planning method
- Master planning that is dynamic
- What-if and root cause analysis
- Inventory management
- Network design and modeling from start to finish
- KPI reporting that is dynamic
- Smooth demand and supply chain adaptation
- Reduced changeover
- Optimization at multiple levels
Pricing:
BlueYonder does not provide its consumers with upfront pricing plans. You must enter your contact information on their website in order to speak with one of their agents and discuss the rates.
#3. Oracle SCM.
Best for Cloud Management and Planning
Oracle SCM makes advantage of cloud-based apps to boost resilience and sales success, even in the face of constantly changing consumer needs. This supply chain management software safeguards users from deviations assess appropriate alternatives and re-plans projects in real-time.
Oracle SCM improves and automates the company supply chain with blockchain and IoT technologies for efficient maintenance and management. I also enjoy advanced analytics technologies that leverage AI and machine learning to produce superior predictions for error-free planning and decision-making.
Features:
Here are some of the features that distinguish Oracle SCM as a top SaaS platform:
- Demand management
- Planning for sales, supply, and operations
- Transportation management
- Warehouse management
- Material and cost management
- Financial and supply chain management
- Logistics of service
- Global trade management
- Product creation
- Quality management
- Management of suppliers
- Networking for business
- Oracle Self-Service Warehouse
- Asset management
- Costing of work orders
- Inventory management and procurement of spare parts
- Intelligent machine integration
- Fusion Analytics by Oracle
- Maintenance that is proactive and predictive
- Order management across all channels
- Revenue management via channels
- Pricing management
- Global order looks attractive.
- Manufacturing methods include discrete, process, contract, project-driven, and mixed-mode manufacturing.
Pricing:
Oracle SCM products are offered through subscription. The fee, however, is not stated upfront. You can watch tour videos on the official website or request a live demo from a supply chain planning professional.
#4. Infor SCM.
Best for Supply Chain Insights in Real Time
By combining the best of supply chain planning, real-time visibility, and finance, Infor SCM provides end-to-end supply chain solutions. Its supply chain orchestration fosters data-driven decisions, which leads to better customer service.
According to their website data, employing Infor SCM has enabled businesses to reduce wastage costs and warehouse operations expenses by 40% and 8-12%, respectively. This is followed by an 8-15% rise in the company’s total productivity.
Features:
The following is a list of some of the most important features provided by Infor SCM:
- Visibility and control of the supply chain
- Business networking with many parties
- Tracking demand and supply in real-time
- Intelligent alert for actual and potential deviations, opportunities, and so forth.
- Intelligent decision-making assistance
- Labor management
- Visualization in 3D
- Voice-enablement
- Supplier adherence
- Optimization of liquidity
- Digitization of payments
- Automation of processes
- Billing by 3PL
- Scalability of the cloud
- Data series modeling and analytics are included in.
- Shipping via many modes
- Optimization of global shipments
- Tracking of freight
- Product lifecycle management (PLM) for product planning, design, and supplier collaboration
- Integrations of ERP, CRM, and LIMS
Pricing:
Fill out the “Contact Us” form on the official website to learn more about its supply chain management products and rates. The brand also provides a free trial, so take advantage of it before purchasing the subscription plan.
#5. Manhattan Partners.
Best for Carrier Management
Manhattan Associates uses real-time data forecasting to streamline complicated and siloed corporate processes. The software’s nearly ten thousand APIs enable scaling without the need for updates. It should be noted that this SCM software solution upgrades itself at 90-day intervals.
This micro-service software includes warehouse management, labor management, transportation management, and other features.
Features:
The following are some important characteristics to look for in Manhattan Associates:
- Labor management
- Warehouse management software (WMS)
- System of transportation management
- Optimization of slotting
- Inventory that is interactive
- Promotions for businesses
- Fulfillment of adaptive networks
- Commercially available
- POS (Point of Sale)
- Self-service via the internet
- Insights on client engagement in real time
- Forecasting demand
- Inventory optimization based on customers (CCIO)
- Financial and marketing planning
- Clustering and planning of stores
Pricing:
Manhattan Associates, like all of the supply chain management systems described above, offers exclusive pricing plans. For further information, you can phone their customer service representatives or leave your information on the “Contact Us” page.
#6. SCM Descartes
Best for Transportation management
Descartes SCM improves functionality and productivity by including capabilities such as B2B networking, customs compliance, global trade information, and so on. It employs artificial intelligence (AI) and business intelligence to transform your company into a “smarter,” digital version of itself.
It’s worth noting that its e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions integrate and transform the time-consuming warehousing, shipping, and delivery processes. The acquired data can also be used to visualize logistics without relying entirely on the IT staff and data scientists.
Features:
Let’s have a look at some of Descartes SCM’s interesting features:
- Logistics communication
- Commercial and business-to-business messaging
- Messages from Customs
- Filings for securities
- Industry initiatives
- Analytical data
- Portal for shipping
- Tariff and duty information
- Yard management and dock scheduling
- Product categorization
- Commercial investigation
- Proof-of-Delivery (POD)
- Warehousing and purchase order management
- generating leads
- Connectivity for e-commerce
- TMS is a freight broker.
- Distribution at retail
- Party screening has been denied, sanctioned, and restricted.
Pricing:
If you want to improve efficiency and customer service by incorporating supply chain logistics, I recommend investing in the Descartes SCM subscription package; for pricing information, contact the brand by phone, email, or chat.
#7. Logility.
Best for Inventory Management
Logility is yet another supply chain management software that provides a long-term supply chain for improved business functioning and profitability. This software has supported some of the world’s largest brands, like Starbucks and Pandora, for 45 years of successful supply chain processes.
This AI-powered tool combines insights from various sources to meet business requirements and effectively plan for current and foreseeable difficulties. Its SPO solution enables companies to optimize raw materials, review SCM sourcing, and exploit automation, among other things.
Features:
Here are some key features of Logility:
- Planning and optimization of supply
- Automation of replenishment strategies
- Inventory management
- Utilize order policies
- Planning and optimization of production
- Increased Return on Investment
- Management of consumption forecasts
- Collaboration in real-time
- Cost management
- Vendor management made simple
- On-site quality management
- Cloud-based precision and transparency
- Offline and multilingual assistance
- Audit controls and in-line inspections
- Complete vendor profiles
- New vendor onboarding should be transparent.
- Optimization of product sourcing and scheduling
- Increase the rate of order fulfillment.
Pricing:
Subscription pricing for Logility must also be obtained from the company. Before purchasing SCM products, I recommend that small and medium-sized businesses take advantage of the free trial period.
What Is Supply Chain Management (SCM) Software?
Supply chain management software is a software program or module designed to control end-to-end business activities across the supply chain, perform demand planning and forecasting, and manage supplier relationships.
Many supply chain management systems incorporate forecasting, which assists companies in managing swings in supply and demand by evaluating buyer histories using complex algorithms and consumption analyses. Supply chain optimization software can be a significant tool for increasing production efficiency and planning for the future.
What are the Common Features of SCM Software
#1. Supply chain management
Planning systems are used to estimate consumer demand and modify production pace and flow accordingly. To predict how changes in market awareness will affect your organization’s inventory requirements in the future, simulated demand estimations are generated utilizing past trend data and projected promotion plans. InStyle ERP, SCP 4.0, VISION SCM, and Clever are some examples of vendors.
#2. Demand forecasting
Demand planning software increases the accuracy of possible demand projections by eliminating data biases and giving real-time data to your organization. Multi-dimensional forecasting allows users to filter information by market, period, or consumer and perform a series of “what if” simulations to anticipate future demand. Microsoft Dynamics, Geneva BMS, Fishbowl Inventory, and SAP are some examples of vendors.
#3. Vendor inventory management
Vendor-managed inventory (VMI) solutions enable suppliers to monitor and replenish the buyer’s inventories. Multiple communication channels, such as XML, Web portals, and email, assist multiple business partners in increasing visibility. Buyers can automate sold inventory reports, and suppliers can respond with notifications of new shipments and invoicing. Datalliance VMI, RedPrairie, SAP, and Aravo are a few examples of vendors.
#4. Suppliers Management
Supplier relationship solutions are used by buyers to monitor the performance of their suppliers. Users can analyze supplier risk using risk categories that they create. Key performance indicators (KPI) and audit trails are used in performance evaluations to monitor spending and supplier performance. Users can also use the software to keep track of their suppliers’ regulatory compliance. R.Portal, Geneva BMS, Fishbowl Inventory, and S2K are a few examples of vendors. Businesses that are projected to grow may also be seeking a more comprehensive solution, such as vendor management systems.
#5. Procurement
Purchase orders are carried out by procurement software, and the financial aspect of supplier/customer interactions is maintained. Purchasing terms are electronically circulated throughout the firm for immediate approval, and expenses are noted for future reference in the next sourcing cycle. Procurement, as the accounting component of SCM systems, is also in charge of reporting and compliance. Coupa, SphereWMS, Microsoft Dynamics, and WISE are some examples of vendors.
#6. Strategic procurement
Prior to the procurement process, sourcing software is used to set cost-cutting goals and pre-screen possible vendors. By comparing current spending to different market options, spend analysis identifies unneeded costly supplier agreements. Buyers can send e-RFx, or electronic requests for x (quotes, proposals, and other information), to potential vendors in order to gather data for informed purchasing. ShippersEdge, Aravo, Epicor, and Lawson are a few examples of vendors.
#7. Warehouse management
WMS systems monitor and control material movement throughout the warehouse. Advanced shipment alerts are used to control shipping and receiving events, and tools like auto ID data capture (AIDC) and radio-frequency identification (RFID) are used to track picking and putaway (RFID). WMS software can also help with warehouse infrastructure planning. Third-party logistics companies should study our 3PL software guide for a list of 3PL-specific systems. SphereWMS, WISE, HighJump Warehouse Advantage, Manhattan Associates, and RedPrairie are some examples of vendors.
#8. Transportation management
TMS software directs material transportation to and from the warehouse. Logistics software can recommend the most efficient delivery modes (air, land, and sea) as well as manage different delivery variations such as heterogeneous vehicle fleets and load splitting limits. Satcomm and other communication devices are used to monitor deliveries. Land-based fleets should consult our fleet management software guide to learn about the best trucking, dispatch, and routing software, as well as solutions for managing overall operations.
#9. Order completion
This software assists supply chain managers in reducing production order lead times, resulting in smooth quotation to cash procedures. For each product, the system can assess whether build-to-order (BTO) or engineer-to-order (ETO) is the best approach. Order fulfillment software, after order completion, keeps track of unpaid orders through revenue recognition processes. Order fulfillment programs are frequently integrated into larger order management systems. SphereWMS, ShipppersEdge, and ShipSoft are a few examples of vendors.
What are the Benefits of SCM Software?
The advantages of supply management software for your business are numerous:
- Enhanced efficiency. SCM software, first and foremost, is intended to increase the efficiency of your operation, from inventory check-in and storage to distribution and transportation. Making the processes electronic and/or automated reduces the time spent on these duties significantly, allowing you to send out more products faster.
- Cost savings. The increased efficiency lowers labor costs. Furthermore, many of the intelligence elements are explicitly meant to find and eliminate costly waste, such as where commodities can be obtained at reduced rates, how to combine shipping to save transportation costs, or where to reduce inventory to maximize storage space.
- Business intelligence and trend analysis The intelligence features, in addition to assisting in cost reduction, can assist in revenue growth by recognizing high-performing products and guiding the user toward satisfying market demand.
While these supply chain solutions are not cheap, proper implementation usually results in a measurable return on investment within a year.
ERP Software vs. Supply Chain Software
Data about incoming raw materials from external vendors is managed by supply chain management software. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software, on the other hand, is more inwardly focused. It manages administrative chores by connecting front and back office processes. This includes assistance with product planning and final goods manufacture.
However, supply chain features are frequently included as part of ERP systems.
ERP suites typically provide more generic features than supply chain point solutions or industry-specific software. SCMS point solutions may concentrate on certain modules like operations planning or inventory management.
Pricing Specifics
Supply chain management software is frequently marketed as a component of big company ERP or SCM packages. Although standalone supply chain software systems are less expensive, pricing varies widely depending on overall sophistication and feature set. The majority of suppliers provide free trial copies of their software and pricing details upon request.
Open source supply chain management software is another possibility. SCMS is available in a variety of free open source versions. However, they are usually divided into modules or industry-specific solutions. Odoo, for instance, provides free versions of its manufacturing and inventory management software. One disadvantage of open source software is that it may not have as many features as premium versions.
Supply Chain Management Software FAQs
Is SCM same as ERP?
ERP focuses on the internal work operations of a company. SCM focuses on the supply chain activities of all parties involved.
What are the key differences between SCM and CRM?
CRM solutions track contacts with customers, whereas SCM platforms track materials and product shipments. Before making a purchase, tech purchasers should understand how different platforms differ.
What are the 5 basic steps of supply chain management?
Supply planning, production planning, inventory planning, capacity planning, and distribution planning.
Related Articles
- Supply Chain Management: What is SCM and Why is it Important?
- What is Supply Chain Planning? Detailed Guide
- WHAT IS VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS? Definition, Importance, and Examples
- INVENTORY WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE: Top 10 Picks
- Value Chain Analysis: Steps to Value Chain Analysis
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