Categories   >   Supply Chain Planning Software
Last Reviewed: November 15th, 2024

Best Supply Chain Planning Software Of 2024

What is Supply Chain Planning Software?

Supply Chain Planning Software (SCPS) is an insightful tool engineered to navigate and optimize supply chain processes. By integrating and coordinating all supply chain activities, it efficiently addresses complications like demand-supply imbalance, logistical inefficiencies, and cost overruns. The central goal of SCPS is to balance supply and demand, minimize costs, and streamline operations. Key functionalities often include demand planning and forecasting, inventory management, and logistics planning. With an eye on the future, SCPS is inclined towards AI-driven predictive analytics and IoT for real-time monitoring. Industries with complex supply chains such as retail, manufacturing, logistics, and electronics significantly benefit from SCPS. However, for SCPS to reach its full potential, accurate data input and proper user adoption are critical. Despite these challenges, the value proposition remains clear: SCPS enhances operational efficiency, reduces costs, and improves supply chain visibility, making it an indispensable tool for supply chain professionals.

What Are The Key Benefits of Supply Chain Planning Software?

  • Optimizes supply chain processes
  • Balances supply and demand
  • Reduces operational costs
  • Improves supply chain visibility
  • Streamlines logistics planning
  • Enhances inventory management
  • Facilitates precise forecasting
  • Manages supply chain risk
  • Boosts customer service performance
  • Promotes smart decision-making
Read more

Overall

Based on the latest available data collected by SelectHub for 92 solutions, we determined the following solutions are the best Supply Chain Planning Software overall:

NetSuite
NetSuite
Start Price
$999
Per User, Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked NetSuite

User reviews for NetSuite ERP paint a mixed picture, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. Many users praise its comprehensive features and real-time data visibility, reporting improvements in efficiency and collaboration. One user commented, "NetSuite has transformed our business by automating tedious tasks and providing us with a single source of truth for all our data." Another added, "The collaboration features are fantastic – we can now work together seamlessly across different departments, which has boosted productivity significantly." However, users also raise concerns about the complexity of the platform and its high cost. Some find the learning curve steep and the customization options limited compared to competitors like SAP Business One and Microsoft Dynamics 365. One user noted, "NetSuite was initially overwhelming for our team due to its complexity. We had to invest heavily in training just to get started." Another commented, "The cost was a major barrier for us. We found other ERP solutions that offered similar features at a fraction of the price." The issue of vendor lock-in is another recurring concern among users. Switching to a different ERP system can be challenging due to data migration issues and dependence on NetSuite's proprietary features. One user expressed their apprehension, "We're worried about getting locked into NetSuite's ecosystem. Switching to another provider seems like a huge headache." Overall, user reviews suggest that NetSuite ERP is a powerful and feature-rich solution but comes with a steep learning curve and high cost. While it may be the perfect fit for large organizations with complex needs and significant resources, smaller businesses might find it overwhelming and expensive. When evaluating NetSuite, it's crucial to carefully consider your specific needs, budget, and technical expertise before making a decision.

Pros & Cons

  • Real-time data and visibility: Gain immediate insights into your business performance with real-time access to all your data.
  • Improved efficiency and automation: Automate routine tasks and streamline workflows to boost productivity across your organization.
  • Enhanced collaboration: Break down departmental silos and foster better communication across teams.
  • Scalability and flexibility: Adapt NetSuite to your unique needs and accommodate your business growth.
  • Comprehensive features: Manage all aspects of your business operations with a single platform.
  • Improved decision-making: Get data-driven insights to make informed and strategic decisions.
  • Strong customer support: Reliable support is available through multiple channels to ensure your success.
  • High security and compliance: Secure your data and meet industry regulations with robust security features.
  • High cost: NetSuite's initial implementation and ongoing maintenance fees can be significant, especially for small businesses.
  • Steep learning curve: The platform's extensive features require significant training and user adoption efforts.
  • Limited customization options: While customizable, NetSuite requires technical expertise and can be costly compared to competitors.
  • Vendor lock-in concerns: Switching to a different ERP provider can be challenging due to potential data migration issues and dependence on NetSuite's proprietary features.
  • Integration challenges with certain applications: While NetSuite offers pre-built integrations, connecting with niche or less popular applications might require complex manual data entry or third-party solutions.

Key Features

  • Sales Order Management: The sales order management tool provides automation that works to reduce manual errors and to speed up the billing and order management process. It is also integrated with other business functions such as finance and fulfillment. 
  • Source Management: This tool helps ensure compliance during the purchasing process through its centralized supply portal. It also has forecasting abilities that are able to recalculate predictions based on actual fluctuations. 
  • Warehouse Management: The warehouse management feature streamlines warehouse operations by decreasing overhead and cycle times. It can also improve rates of on-time delivery, therefore improving customer retention and ultimately boosting revenue. 
  • Production Management: The production management tool is integrated with CAD and PLM functionality. This feature assists in the development of quotes, tracking of contract renewals and cost estimation. 
  • Manufacturing Accounting: All of the basic features of accounting are present in this tool, from invoicing to forecasting. It can also help your company determine the amount of taxes you need to pay based on factors such as location and revenue. 
  • Transportation and Logistics: This tool is well-integrated with IoT functionality, as it lets you see in real-time where your transportation units are located. The logistic side of this tool provides inventory estimation based on historical data to help you decide what to order more of and what to order less of. 

Pricing

Maintenance Cost The NetSuite ERP maintenance cost is included in the price of your subscription. If you purchase a license directly with NetSuite, you will also get NetSuite Support. There are silver, gold and platinum packages that are priced based on your annual contract value. This tool includes FAQs, tips and online user guides.
Installation/Implementation Cost Installation and/or implementation is an additional cost with NetSuite ERP. NetSuite requires that you use a third-party for implementation support. Therefore, price varies depending on which consulting firm you decide to go with.
Customization Cost Customization is an extra cost when purchasing NetSuite ERP. This is associated with the introduction of tools or programs that go above and beyond the “out of the box” software capabilities.
Data Migration Cost/Change Management/Upfront Switching Cost This is another cost that goes above and beyond that of the basic software package. The price of this is dependent on factors such as complexity and the amount of data that you need to move over to the new system.
Recurring/Renewal Costs Your recurring costs are dependent on the elements listed above, such as the number of users needed for your software solution, implementation, support and training services.
E2open
E2open
Start Price
$549
Annually, Freemium
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Why We Picked E2open

Are you ready to "e2open" the door to a more efficient supply chain? E2open has been making waves in the industry, with users consistently praising its ease of use and comprehensive features. Reviewers frequently highlight the platform's intuitive interface, making it accessible even for those without extensive supply chain experience. This user-friendliness is a significant advantage, as it allows companies to quickly onboard and start reaping the benefits of the software without a steep learning curve.

E2open's ability to streamline operations and boost efficiency is another recurring theme in user feedback. The platform's robust suite of tools, including order management, inventory management, and transportation management, enables businesses to optimize their supply chain processes from end to end. Users report significant reductions in inventory levels, improved order fulfillment times, and overall cost savings. These tangible results demonstrate E2open's effectiveness in addressing critical supply chain challenges.

While E2open receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, some users note that the platform's extensive functionality can initially feel overwhelming. However, the company's responsive customer support team is often commended for its ability to provide guidance and assistance, ensuring users can fully leverage the software's capabilities. E2open is particularly well-suited for medium to large enterprises with complex supply chains due to its scalability and comprehensive features. Its ability to handle large volumes of data and transactions makes it an ideal choice for businesses with intricate logistical needs.

Pros & Cons

  • Visibility Across the Supply Chain: E2open provides real-time visibility into inventory levels, order status, and shipment tracking, allowing businesses to proactively identify and address potential disruptions.
  • Improved Collaboration: The platform facilitates collaboration between different departments within a company, as well as with external partners such as suppliers and logistics providers.
  • Enhanced Efficiency: E2open automates many manual tasks, such as order processing and inventory management, freeing up employees to focus on more strategic initiatives.
  • Reduced Costs: By optimizing supply chain operations, E2open can help businesses reduce costs associated with inventory, transportation, and logistics.
  • Increased Customer Satisfaction: By improving on-time delivery and reducing stockouts, E2open can help businesses improve customer satisfaction.
  • Steep Learning Curve: E2open's comprehensive functionality can be overwhelming for new users due to its intricate interface and complex workflows, often requiring extensive training and onboarding.
  • Customization Challenges: Adapting E2open to specific business needs can be difficult and time-consuming, as it often necessitates significant configuration and development efforts to align with unique supply chain processes.
  • Integration Complexity: Integrating E2open with existing enterprise systems and external partners can pose challenges due to data mapping complexities and potential compatibility issues, requiring careful planning and technical expertise.
  • Cost Considerations: E2open's pricing structure can be a concern for some organizations, particularly smaller businesses, as it typically involves subscription fees, implementation costs, and ongoing maintenance expenses.

Key Features

  • Logistics Visibility Network Application: Enhance visibility and reduce delays to streamline shipment creation. Enable users to choose lots based on availability in selective warehouses and factories. Validate lot additions with hard and soft copies to mitigate errors caused by shipment lots. 
  • Custom Warehouse Management: Automate and optimize administering tasks involving payment duties to reduce taxes and tariffs. Manufacture, store and distribute products in a streamlined manner. 
  • Purchase Order Collaboration: Automate purchase-to-pay processes and streamline time-consuming, laborious workflows to improve productivity and delivery schedules without the hassle of manual work. 
  • Collaborative Manufacturing: Improve quality, accuracy and agility by enabling inventory lot visibility to manufacture and serialize traceable products. Establish end-to-end visibility to enhance communication in a single unified space. 
  • Transportation Forecasting: Proactively collaborate with suppliers in advance and offer visibility to secure low costs and improve supply assurance and productivity while minimizing risks. 
  • Inventory Collaboration: Access multi-level inventory visibility to manage products in multiple locations and proactively manage discrepancies in quantity of materials. 
  • Drop-Ship Management: Cut back on costs and lead times while providing fast shipping by streamlining workflows. Create a uniform shipping experience that facilitates direct contact with customers and warehouses. 
  • Supply Management: Automate and collaborate processes for unlimited access across all supply tiers. Manage and streamline real-time updates for an agile and responsive network. 
  • Channel Shaping: Optimize channels to gain increased returns using the data management tool. Simplify audit and reporting processes while improving status tracking using serial numbers. 
  • Demand Sensing: With the help of user data and channel partners, access and manage real-time data for metrics based on AI-driven algorithms. 
Blue Yonder
Blue Yonder
Start Price
$100,000
Annually
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked Blue Yonder

Blue Yonder helps businesses plan their supply chains. It's suitable for medium and large companies. This tool uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to help companies spot problems quickly. It boosts collaboration, offers scenario testing and predicts results.

Users like Blue Yonder because it helps manage stock levels and plan for future needs. It also gives a clear view of supplier networks and tracks orders, shipments and inventory in real time.

However, some users say that it takes a long time to set up and needs constant support. They also wish it was easier to customize and more user-friendly. Overall, the tool is known for its wide range of features, which help companies manage their supply chains more efficiently.

Pros & Cons

  • Inventory Optimization: All users appreciated the inventory management module, which reduced stock-outs and prescribed optimal inventory.
  • Planning and Forecasting: All users agreed that Blue Yonder offers multi-level forecasting and guided supply planning.
  • Visibility: All users commended the product for its end-to-end visibility.
  • Implementation: All users reported that implementation time is lengthy and needs constant support.
  • Customization: 80% of users said the product should offer more customization options.
  • User Interface: 67% of users struggled to navigate the product’s intuitive interface.

Key Features

  • Demand Planning: Blue Yonder weighs different factors that drive demand and predicts business impacts and risks. This ability helps enhance inventory, plan productivity and understand buyers' needs. Demand-driving variables provide exact projections that enable informed decisions.
  • Network Design: Synchronize planning and execution plans to improve financial performance and meet high service expectations. A better network boosts sustainability and lowers operating risks and costs.
  • Control Tower: The Luminate Tower helps firms accurately read data from various sources. It uses machine learning to identify and solve supply chain issues. It also boosts teamwork and improves visibility across the whole network.
  • Production Planning: It has a decision support module for production scheduling. Use it to balance demand with proper capacity, material and due-date rules. It blends production control, manufacturing and procurement planning to meet demands at the right costs.
  • Transportation Management: Blue Yonder handles inbound and outbound processes and merges carrier supplier partnership tools. It manages business assets to improve profitability and stay ahead of competitors.
  • Space and Floor Planning: Retailers can assign products correctly, use buyer insights to drive income, calculate KPIs using strong analytics and expand selling space. Associates can contact customers to deliver brand promises with its mobile store execution module.
Oracle SCM Cloud
Oracle SCM Cloud
Start Price
$350
Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Why We Picked Oracle SCM Cloud

Users of Oracle SCM Cloud express overall satisfaction with its comprehensive capabilities and robust features. Many praise its ability to provide end-to-end visibility and control over their supply chain operations, citing improved efficiency and cost savings. One user commented, "Oracle SCM Cloud has revolutionized our supply chain management, streamlining processes and increasing visibility into critical data. We've seen a significant reduction in lead times and inventory levels, leading to substantial cost savings." However, some users noted the platform's complexity, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses with limited resources. "The initial learning curve can be steep, and customization requires specialized expertise," remarked one user. "However, the long-term benefits outweigh the initial challenges." One of Oracle SCM Cloud's key strengths compared to competitors like SAP S/4HANA and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management is its scalability and global reach. "Oracle SCM Cloud seamlessly scales with our business, accommodating our growth and expansion into new markets," stated another user. "The multi-language and currency support is invaluable for our international operations." While competitors offer similar features, Oracle SCM Cloud stands out with its advanced analytics and machine learning capabilities. "The platform's ability to predict future demand and optimize inventory levels has been a game-changer for our business," commented one user. "We are now able to anticipate customer needs and react quickly to market changes, ensuring on-time deliveries and improved customer satisfaction." Overall, user reviews paint a positive picture of Oracle SCM Cloud as a powerful and comprehensive solution for optimizing supply chain operations. While its complexity might require additional support for smaller businesses, its scalability, global reach, and advanced analytics capabilities make it a compelling choice for large enterprises seeking to gain a competitive edge in today's dynamic business environment.

Pros & Cons

  • User-Friendly Interface: It offers an easy to use, intuitive and configurable user-interface, as noted by around 92% of reviewers who mention UI.
  • Navigation: It is easy to navigate throughout the application, as stated by 100% of the users.
  • Latest Upgrades: It keeps the cloud updated through seamless upgrades, as observed by more than 71% of the users specifying upgrades.
  • Security: All users who refer to security report that it offers an enhanced security architecture.
  • Integration: The integration process is cumbersome, as stated by more than 55% of reviewers who specify integration.
  • Reporting: Over 57% of reviewers who refer to reporting note that it lacks flexible reporting capabilities.
  • Speed: Its slow speed is unable to handle large volumes of data, as noted by 80% of the users mentioning speed.
  • Customization: It has limited scope for customization, as specified by around 87% of reviewers who refer to customization.

Key Features

  • Collaboration and Visibility: Increased data visibility allows managers to plan and forecast efficiently. Maintain contact with clients and partners with a messaging system that links businesses. Better collaboration between employees enforces better collaborative planning for the entire supply chain. 
  • Distribution Planning: Gain access to world-class planning tools and quickly respond to demand changes. Plan ahead to reduce inventory and prevent detrimental issues with manufacturing. 
  • Manage Demand: Enables users to forecast the products needed using its demand management toolset, helping companies stay ahead of market changes and become driven by it. 
  • Promotion Management: Its data-mining capabilities can help discover successful promotion tactics for various operations to maximize ROI. Data from sales points can be measured and used to predict strong promotion strategies. 
  • Transportation Management: Optimize shipments across all methods, regardless of the transport mode through its transportation management. Reduces the complexity of fleet management while boosting carrier sourcing. 
  • Warehouse Management: Real-time visibility into warehousing processes strengthens accuracy and reduces daily costs. Automates several time-intensive operations and helps task employees with more essential duties. 
Fishbowl Inventory
Fishbowl Inventory
Start Price
$329
Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Why We Picked Fishbowl Inventory

Fishbowl Inventory brings numerous modules to the table, including inventory and warehouse management, to fulfill a wide range of daily tasks. The support teams provide in-depth training and responsive support, especially from those working in Fishbowl’s Plug-In support. The system supports numerous integrations, but sometimes the integration process isn’t the most stable. Some users noted that being required to host their data on site was cumbersome and expensive. The mobile apps give users the ability to follow and interact with daily tasks while they are out of the office. The implementation process for the system can be time consuming, but overall, users felt that it satisfied their needs. Users felt that it could use more customization options and that the reporting features was a bit unpolished and basic.

Pros & Cons

  • Ease of Use: Nearly 83% of users who mentioned ease of use noted that the system is intuitive, accessible and easy to learn.
  • Support: Approximately 75% of reviewers said that support teams, especially those working on plug-ins, were helpful, knowledgeable and quick to respond.
  • Functionality: About 62% of reviewers who talked about the overall functionality of the system said that overall, the features of the system were suitable for daily warehousing and inventory management processes.
  • Customization: Out-of-the-box customization options were limited and hard to implement, as noted by nearly 75% of users who referred to customization.
  • Cost: All users who mentioned cost said that the price associated with customization, integration and the overall system was too high.
  • Reports: Almost 80% of users who mentioned reports said that they were too basic, exporting was difficult and that they had to pay to customize them.

Key Features

  • Reporting Features: Gathers data created by processes such as delivery and ordering and converts it into an accessible format. This collected data can be studied to find trends and plan for the future of business operations. 
  • Shipping Support: Allows users to print their own shipping labels. Mobile devices can be used to track products. It also integrates with FedEx and UPS. 
  • Inventory Management: Automate reordering along with streamlining pick, pack and shipping to optimize the supply chain. Users can track inventory with barcoding printing and scanning. 
  • Multi-Location Support: Get an overhead view of a multi-location operation with robust management tools. Monitor stock levels in multiple facilities, gain trend data across all operations and transfer products from one location to another to avoid shortages. 
  • Multiple Currencies:  Allows operations that span the globe to convert currencies. This module also enables the creation of purchase orders in the user’s currency of choice. Managers can set default currencies for vendors to keep things organized. 
  • Part Tracking Capabilities: Alerts users to the location of their needed manufacturing parts and where they are coming from. Set alerts for part replacement and track ordered parts by location. Tracks parts and labor costs so users can keep track of preferred vendors. 
  • Manufacturing Tools: The manufacturing module contains industry favorite features, including advanced work orders, bills of materials, work order automation, lot tracking and more. 

Pricing

License/Subscription Cost
  • This cost is based on how many licenses are purchased as well as the support package. Licenses include updates, online training video access and unlimited phone support.
Maintenance Cost
  • One year of maintenance and support costs are included in the license cost.
Installation/Implementation Cost
  • Installation is included in the license fee.
Customization Cost
  • Customization cost is dependent on the modules that are selected and the level of customization needed.
Data Migration Cost/Change Management/Upfront Switching Cost
  • This cost depends on the amount and complexity of data being transferred. Gaps between the new and old systems are also considered.
Infor Supply Chain Management
Infor Supply Chain Management
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked Infor Supply Chain Management

User reviews of Infor Supply Chain Management (SCM) reveal a mixed bag of experiences, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. Overall, users praise its improved visibility, enhanced collaboration, and increased efficiency. One user noted, "Infor SCM gives us real-time insights into our entire supply chain, which has helped us identify and address potential problems before they impact our customers." Another user appreciated the collaborative platform, stating, "Infor Nexus makes it easy to communicate and share information with our suppliers and partners, which has improved our overall supply chain performance." However, some users also point out challenges with the initial setup, cost, and limited reporting capabilities. One user commented, "Implementing Infor SCM was a complex and time-consuming process." Another user expressed concerns about the price, saying, "Infor SCM is a great product, but it can be expensive for small businesses." Additionally, some users noted that the reporting capabilities are not as robust as those offered by some competitors, such as SAP S/4HANA and Oracle NetSuite. Despite these weaknesses, many users believe that Infor SCM offers a powerful and comprehensive solution for managing their supply chains. They appreciate its scalability and flexibility, which allows them to adapt to changing business needs. One user remarked, "Infor SCM has helped us grow our business and expand into new markets." Another user highlighted the product's unique features, saying, "Infor SCM has features that I haven't seen in other products, such as the ability to manage multi-modal transportation." Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use Infor SCM depends on the specific needs and requirements of your business. However, based on the user reviews, it is a powerful and comprehensive solution with the potential to significantly improve your supply chain efficiency and performance.

Pros & Cons

  • Improved Visibility: Gain real-time insights into inventory levels, order status, and logistics across the entire supply chain.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Connect all supply chain partners through Infor Nexus for seamless information sharing and optimized execution.
  • Increased Efficiency: Automate workflows, streamline processes, and reduce manual tasks to optimize operations and boost productivity.
  • Reduced Costs: Minimize inventory levels, optimize transportation routes, and improve demand forecasting to significantly reduce supply chain costs.
  • Improved Customer Satisfaction: Deliver orders on time, reduce errors, and enhance responsiveness to customer inquiries.
  • Scalability and Flexibility: Adapt to changing market conditions, accommodate growth, and customize the solution to meet individual business requirements.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Navigate the software easily with an intuitive and user-friendly interface.
  • Complex Initial Setup: Requires significant time and resources for initial configuration and data migration, potentially impacting business operations.
  • Expensive for Small Businesses: Subscription fees and implementation costs can be prohibitive for smaller companies with limited budgets.
  • Limited Reporting Capabilities: Out-of-the-box reporting may not meet specific needs, requiring customization or third-party solutions.
  • Integration Challenges: Integrating Infor SCM with existing systems can be complex and require specialized expertise.
  • Steep Learning Curve: The user interface and features can be complex, requiring extensive training for users to become proficient.

Key Features

  • Integrated Business Planning: Streamline tradeoff analysis, improve decision making and market response with the use of a shared platform, common KPIs and planning data repositories. Provides visibility, core analytics, execution and collaboration capabilities to help organizations maintain control of costs and services. 
  • Demand Management: Predict and fulfill demand based on real-time market data using machine learning and AI. Provide retailers with an advanced approach to financial planning, demand forecasting, assortment planning, lifecycle pricing, replenishment optimization and more. 
  • Supply Planning: Simplify tactical, strategic and operational planning processes through configurable supply planning solutions. Organizations can meet business requirements like balancing product mix, multiple site planning, considering shelf-life constraints in build-ahead strategies or selecting the best formula according to the availability of demand and materials. 
  • Warehouse Management: Warehouse fulfillment is combined with 3D visual analysis and embedded labor management to support enhanced operational execution and reduce complexity. Offers advanced features, labor management, B2B and B2C fulfillment support to improve productivity, order accuracy and flexibility. 
  • Production Scheduling: Constraint-based production scheduling can optimize resources, minimize downtime and maximize capacity. Manufacturers can respond to multiple changes, maintain demand and supply with modeling capabilities and adjust schedules with automated optimization and graphical planning boards. 
  • Transportation Management: Orchestrate multi-leg, multi-mode transportation across various parties through Infor Nexus transportation management. Manage global complexity and increase service levels with end-to-end shipping control and freight spend visibility. It connects worldwide service providers, spanning business silos, geographies and modes for transportation activities to gain better reliability, control and customer delivery. 
  • Infor Nexus: Connect companies to suppliers, manufacturers, banks and 3PLs through Infor Nexus. This single-instance network can fuse financial and physical supply chain processes in a cloud-based platform. Businesses can sense and respond to numerous changes through applications that combine advanced planning, finance and execution abilities. 
Epicor SCM
Epicor SCM
Start Price
$50
Per User, Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked Epicor SCM

Epicor SCM offers extensive modules to manage everything from forecasting to the fulfillment processes of a complete supply chain. This user-friendly solution is highly customizable to meet the changing requirements of customers. It provides comprehensive reporting and navigation capabilities to elevate user experiences. However, many reviewers note that its customer support is not responsive, making it difficult to resolve complicated issues. Also, a complex implementation process and slow system can affect overall business performance.

Pros & Cons

  • User-Friendly: Its interface is easy to use and manage, as noted by more than 78% of reviewers who mention ease of use.
  • Reporting: It offers comprehensive reporting capabilities, as observed by around 67% of the users who refer to reports.
  • Navigation: All the reviewers who specify navigation state that it is easy to navigate throughout the application.
  • Customization: It is highly customizable to fit the customer’s needs, as stated by over 86% of the users specifying customization.
  • Slow Performance: All the users mentioning performance report that the system runs slow, affecting overall performance.
  • Customer Support: It lacks support on complex issues, as observed by 87% of the users who refer to customer support.
  • Implementation: Around 70% of reviewers who specified that the process of installation, implementation and upgrading is cumbersome.
  • Bugs: It has many bugs that can disturb users, as stated by all reviewers mentioning bugs.

Key Features

  • Warehouse Management: Offers complete visibility, control and management of SCM and logistics operations through warehouse management software. Connect the warehouse with order processing and manufacturing services to optimize pick, pack, ship and receiving operations. Provides various features that include finite bin and package definitions, activities and consumption management, task and load management, multi-channel order processing and more. 
  • Inventory Planning: Statistical forecasting can select an accurate forecast model for items accounting for seasonality, trend and event-driven/promotion demand through the demand planner. Inventory optimization offers policy decision support and helps share, collaborate and track the impact of inventory planning policy. Identify stocking trends, value, understocks, overstocks and potential order cancellations through operational analytics. 
  • Barcoding: Epicor BarTender improves security, safety and efficiency by automating barcodes, printing and controlling labels, plastic cards, RFID tags and more. Lets organizations consolidate designs with intelligent templates, maintain regulatory compliance and apply secure document control. 
  • Electronic Data Integration: Offers B2B integration solutions that provide organizations with electronic data interchange functionality, flexible data integration and database translation engines to reduce costs and increase productivity. EDI managed service on demand uses fully supported and commercially available software tools to connect customers with their business partners as a service. 
  • Purchase Management: Handle purchase order writing and track supplier performance through purchase management. It helps reduce inventory levels, enhance cash flows, improve on-time deliveries and increase profit levels. Provides various capabilities that include automated purchasing tools, approving suppliers, order and supplier tracker, mass purchase order and multiple location receipts, requisition management and cross-referencing. 
  • Shipping and Receiving: Monitor incoming and outgoing items with a central application. Improve efficiency, ease of use and accuracy through online transaction and editing. Enables container and receipt tracking, customer and miscellaneous shipment tracking, manifesting and freight management, bill of lading printing and more. 
  • Handheld Application: Track inventory moving throughout the enterprise with the Epicor Handheld application. Provides event-based directing and routing of managed tasks and helps maintain complete transaction history for reporting and analyzing. 
Odoo
Odoo
Start Price
$24.90
Per User, Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked Odoo

Odoo is an affordable, flexible and scalable platform that provides a wide range of integrated applications. Reviewers were predominantly happy with the system and its capabilities, but there were complaints relating to unresponsive and unhelpful customer support, lack of documentation for developers and subpar performance. Otherwise, the system was reviewed as easy to use and powerful.

Pros & Cons

  • Functionality: All reviewers that mentioned functionality in their review said that Odoo provides robust features to manage the entire business.
  • Navigation: With 91% of reviews mentioning navigation being positive, Odoo offers an intuitive, simple and modular user interface and experience.
  • Customization: Though some reviewers mentioned that web-development knowledge or Python-coders are needed to complete system customization, almost 90% of reviewers applauded the customization capabilities of Odoo ERP.
  • Cost: With a free version of Odoo available and a subscription-based per-user pricing system, 88% of reviewers said the solution is affordable and of good value.
  • Integration: The suite of integrated applications and opportunities for third-party integrations yielded 100% positive feedback.
  • Implementation: Amongst mixed reviews and some mentionings of difficult, lengthy implementations, 55% of reviewers said their implementation process was positive.
  • Support: Almost 90% of reviewers mentioning support cautioned long wait times and unsatisfactory responses from the Odoo customer support team.
  • Documentation: All reviews that mention documentation were complaints concerned with a lack of proper guidance to complete customizations.
  • Bugs and Performance: Slow performance and frequent bugs resulted in almost 90% of reviewers portraying the system in a negative light.

Key Features

  • Accounting: The accounting application includes bank synchronization features that automatically sync bank statements. The invoicing tool enables users to manage recurring billings and to track payments. About 95% of the reconciliation process can be automated through this feature. 
  • Project Management: Odoo lets users look at available labor resources when scheduling projects. It can also develop forecasts using historical data from relevant projects and estimate deadlines. Files and notes can be easily attached to tasks so that information is centralized and easily accessed. 
  • Human Resources: The HR function allows employers to receive alerts when leave requests, applications, appraisals and allocation requests are put into the system. Users can track employee hours and sort them by task, client or project. This tool also connects to accounting functionality so that reports can be posted automatically based on actual project duration. 
  • Inventory: Odoo enables users to automate RFQs and use order points to increase supply chain efficiency. The program includes drop-shipping, cross-docking and multi-warehouse functionality. Stock movements can be tracked and traced through lots and serials, both upstream and downstream. 
  • Purchase Management: Using stock levels, Odoo can automatically send RFQs to suppliers. Users can develop procurement rules that are triggered by factors such as sales orders, stock levels and logistic rules. The program maintains supplier price lists. It also assists in making better purchases through the use of data on current promotions and special contract conditions. 
  • Manufacturing: This feature contains the Workcenter Control Panel, which includes quality checks, in process alerts, worksheet display, time tracking and serial/lot number recording. Procurements can be automated by setting up make-to-order or minimum stock rules. The system also supports barcoding, whether a company uses lots or serial numbers. 
  • CRM: Odoo allows users to develop custom dashboards to glean actionable insights and relevant information such as how current performance stacks up to monthly targets. The program enables the scheduling of activities based on sales scripts. By clicking on an opportunity, information such as mail received and website pages viewed can be gathered and can assist in the tailoring of a sales strategy. 
Manhattan Supply Chain
Manhattan Supply Chain
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Why We Picked Manhattan Supply Chain

Manhattan Supply Chain has established itself as a reputable supply chain management software solution, known for its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface. The software provides a suite of tools designed to optimize warehouse operations, transportation management, and inventory control. Users consistently praise the platform's ease of use, highlighting its intuitive design and straightforward navigation, which allows for efficient onboarding and training of new personnel. Additionally, Manhattan Supply Chain's robust analytics and reporting capabilities empower businesses with valuable insights into their supply chain performance, enabling data-driven decision-making and process optimization.

However, some users have expressed concerns regarding the software's cost, which can be a significant investment, particularly for smaller businesses. Furthermore, while Manhattan Supply Chain offers a wide range of features, it may lack seamless integration with certain third-party systems, potentially requiring additional customization or workarounds. Despite these drawbacks, Manhattan Supply Chain remains a compelling choice for businesses seeking a comprehensive and user-friendly supply chain management solution. Its strengths in ease of use, analytics, and inventory optimization make it particularly well-suited for mid-sized to large enterprises with complex supply chain operations. The software's ability to streamline processes, improve visibility, and enhance decision-making can significantly benefit businesses looking to optimize their supply chain efficiency and gain a competitive edge.

Pros & Cons

  • Inventory Management: Manhattan Supply Chain offers robust tools to track inventory levels, manage stock movements, and optimize warehouse operations, leading to improved efficiency and reduced carrying costs.
  • Order Fulfillment: The system streamlines order processing, from receiving orders to picking, packing, and shipping, ensuring timely and accurate deliveries to customers.
  • Transportation Management: Manhattan Supply Chain helps plan and execute transportation routes, select carriers, and track shipments in real-time, optimizing transportation costs and improving delivery performance.
  • Demand Planning and Forecasting: The software provides advanced analytics and forecasting capabilities to predict future demand, enabling businesses to make informed decisions about inventory levels and production planning.
  • Limited Customization: Manhattan's software may not be the best fit for companies with unique or complex supply chain needs due to limited options for customization.
  • Implementation Challenges: The implementation process can be lengthy and complex, requiring significant time and resources, which may disrupt ongoing operations.
  • Cost: Manhattan's products can be expensive, especially for smaller businesses or those with limited budgets. This cost can include licensing fees, implementation costs, and ongoing maintenance fees.
  • User Interface: Some users find the software's interface to be outdated and not user-friendly, leading to a steeper learning curve and potential challenges for new users.

Key Features

  • Warehouse Management: This solution from Manhattan Software provides unique functions dedicated to optimizing warehousing tasks. Streamline inventory placement and increase accuracy throughout critical warehouse processes. 
  • Transportation Management: Cut costs related to shipping and transport with a suite of management tools focused on optimizing delivery processes. This platform provides features that work in the global transport market such as multiple language and currency support.;
  • Value-Added Services: Operations that provide kitting and other value-added services can access functions based on these processes and continue providing them to their clients. 
  • Inventory Management: Manhattan Associates Supply Chain also includes valuable inventory optimization tools. With these, clients can reduce inventory numbers while also discovering stagnant product taking up valuable space. 
  • Integrations: This platform contains numerous integrations that make the exchange of information between partners and clients easier. There are also inclusions that give 3PL providers everything they need to keep their operations running. 
Logility
Logility
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Why We Picked Logility

Logility provides effective features for supply change and transportation management, with users calling out its planning, forecasting and modeling tools as notable strengths. Reviews unanimously indicate that the initial setup is challenging and cumbersome. There’s also a steep learning curve and the software is difficult to customize. However, prompt and effective customer support is offered to help resolve any issues. It has a simple user interface, and users also appreciate how easy it is to manipulate and manage data. Overall, it’s a good choice for companies looking to get extensive supply chain and transportation capabilities.

Pros & Cons

  • Easy to Use: The software is extremely easy to use and navigate through, as reflected by 80% of reviews on the UI.
  • Responsive Support: A team of dedicated consultants with good business acumen offer prompt and effective customer support, according to 100% of reviews on support.
  • Planning and Forecasting: All reviews on this feature indicate that powerful tools for planning, forecasting and modeling, which are accessible anytime and anywhere, are a major benefit.
  • Data Actions: Users can easily upload data, download into Excel and perform mass changes in a few clicks, as suggested by all reviews on data actions.
  • Initial Setup: The initial setup is challenging, as suggested by all reviews on this feature.
  • Learning Curve: According to 65% of reviews on this element, using technical tools involves a steep learning curve.
  • Difficult Customization: Customizing features isn’t simple, as indicated by 100% of reviews on customization.

Key Features

  • Analytics: Leverages complex machine learning, AI and other simulations to automate planning and give insight into supply chain data and functions. Supports planning across large multi-enterprise networks and other complex operations. 
  • Inventory Optimization: Accelerates inventory turns, reduces carrying costs, and reveals the best stocking locations and sizes of inventory buffers. Algorithms and machine learning help create strong inventory policies. 
  • Demand Optimization: Helps deploy optimal inventory based on changes occurring in daily demand while lowering the amount of inventory needed to meet customer service requirements. Attribute demand to specific customers and eliminate non-essential inventory to reduce carrying costs. 
  • Lifecycle Management: Gaining full visibility into projects allows end-to-end control over the lifecycle of an operation. Put financial plans into place so that projects meet their revenue goals and plan to source by vendor and region. 
  • Sourcing Management: Supports RFQ’s (requests for quotes) to aid choosing participating vendors based on the set criterias. Compares suppliers on the global market to each other and issued RFQs. Also optimizes vendor onboarding to aid in vetting factories to mitigate risks. 
  • Supply Optimization: Leverage it to optimize sourcing and production. Automate replenishment as well as set and view a realistic, similar model of a supply chain for a beneficial bird’s eye view. 
  • Integrated Business Planning: Accelerates operational and financial business planning with tools to visualize all merits across multiple scenarios. Helps plan and showcase diverse currencies, and synchronize tactical and strategic plans over a variety of time horizons. 
  • Quality Compliance: Facilitates quality management audits, global logistics and regulatory document management to deliver the right items at the desired place and time. 
  • Retail Optimization: Includes tools for allocation, merchandising and assortment planning, which streamline processes, balance plans across levels, boost overall sales and cut inventory expenses. 

COMPARE THE BEST Supply Chain Planning Software

Select up to 2 Products from the list below to compare

 
Product
Score
i
SelectHub’s Analyst Rating is based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Supply Chain Planning Software, user reviews, and our own crowd-sourced data from our free software selection platform. Scores are periodically updated via ongoing selection projects and user activity within our platform.
Start Price
Free Trial
Company Size
Deployment
Platform
Logo
NetSuite
$999
Per User, Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
NetSuite
E2open
$549
Annually, Freemium
No
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
E2open
Blue Yonder
$100,000
Annually
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Blue Yonder
Oracle SCM Cloud
$350
Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Oracle SCM Cloud
Fishbowl Inventory
$329
Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Fishbowl Inventory
Infor Supply Chain Management
Undisclosed
No
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Infor Supply Chain Management
Epicor SCM
$50
Per User, Monthly
No
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Epicor SCM
Odoo
$24.90
Per User, Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Odoo
Manhattan Supply Chain
Undisclosed
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Manhattan Supply Chain
Logility
Undisclosed
No
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Logility

All Supply Chain Planning Software (92 found)

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Ultriva

by Upland Software
Ultriva
Ultriva is a cloud-based SaaS software system that offers multiple functionalities for vendor managed inventory, procurement, supplier management and more. It provides a single-source platform that helps users collaborate with suppliers, component manufacturers, distributors, sister plants and customers in real-time. It can manage demand, manufacturing processes and supply chain analytics. Users can gain visibility throughout the value chain network, increase productivity across material replenishment operations and minimize inventory at buffer locations. It delivers various modules, including an electronic Kanban closed-loop module, collaborative supply and demand portal, lean factory management and supplier quality management system.
Cost Breakdown
$500 - $1,000
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Uber Freight

by Uber Freight
Uber Freight
Uber Freight, a software solution developed by Uber Freight Holdings Corporation, is designed to streamline transportation management systems (TMS) for businesses of all sizes. It is particularly beneficial for companies looking to optimize their logistics and supply chain operations through technology. Uber Freight offers a range of features including real-time tracking, pricing transparency, and automated booking that help businesses improve efficiency and reduce costs. Users often highlight the platform's user-friendly interface and the ease of connecting with a vast network of carriers as key benefits. Compared to similar products in the market, Uber Freight is praised for its innovative approach to freight logistics, leveraging Uber's extensive experience in the mobility sector. Pricing for Uber Freight varies based on the specific services and features a business requires, with options typically including per-shipment pricing and subscription models to accommodate different usage levels and budgetary needs.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: excellent
Cost Breakdown
$500 - $1,000
Company Size
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Platform
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Board

by Board International
Board
Board Intelligent Planning Platform is a business planning tool that gives companies of all sizes resources to empower themselves and develop better, future-proof practices. It’s especially useful to businesses that have financial, supply chain, sales and operations, and merchandise and retail planning needs. The software utilizes the Microsoft Azure cloud to give users access from any connected device and uses a low-code customization environment so even the least experienced programmer can optimize its workflow for whatever their company requires. Pros Easy to use interface Collaborative planning Data visualization tools Flexible reporting options Scalable for future growth Cons Limited free plan features Can be expensive for large teams Learning curve for advanced features May not integrate with all software Limited customization options
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$1,000 or more
Company Size
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Visibility ERP

by Visibility Corporation
Visibility ERP
Visibility ERP is a cloud-based manufacturing ERP solution suitable for to-order, mixed-mode and project-based manufacturing firms. The one-stop solution offers control over inventory, finances, customer interactions and shop floor activity. It offers control over inventory, finances, customer interactions and shop floor activity.Notable features include the drag-and-drop function, job cost tracking, barcoding, geographical scheduling and business intelligence. Visibility ERP offers a subscription model priced monthly per user. However, pricing varies based on business needs, add-on modules and customizations.Deployment options include on-site, cloud deployment or hybrid models with ongoing support tailored to specific needs.For a complete picture of Visibility Corporation's offerings, visit our Visibility Corporation company page.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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FASTER Fleet Management

by FASTER Asset Solutions
FASTER Fleet Management
FASTER Fleet Management is a web-based platform that handles all aspects of maintaining an efficient fleet while also providing robust integration options. It helps organizations optimize inventory management and accounting tasks, as well as keep fleets repaired and in line with compliance standards.It gives users a helpful overview of their supply chain activities with analytics that provide actionable insights into daily processes. Small- to large-sized businesses can benefit from included labor management capabilities as well.
Cost Breakdown
$100 - $500
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Thrive Technologies

by Thrive Technologies
Thrive Technologies
Thrive Technologies is an up-and-coming software platform that ranks 199 among all Inventory Management Software according to our research analysts. Starting from $0, Thrive Technologies is priced at no cost when starting and is most fitting for small-to-mid-sized companies with less than 1000 employees. Thrive Technologies can be deployed in the cloud. Similar alternatives to Thrive Technologies include FacturaScripts, Process2Wine and Zobaze POS.
Cost Breakdown
$10 or less
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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iM3 SCM

by PeoplePlus Software, Inc.
iM3 SCM
IM3 SCM is a cloud-based solution that provides its users with automated inventory, warehouse, order and repair management. It delivers various functionalities such as fleet management, inventory updates, e-commerce integration, automated contracts, asset management and more. It helps businesses of all sizes manage the day-to-day transactions required to run their value chains. It offers real-time sales orders, work orders and invoices, increases invoicing accuracy and timeliness and reduces inventory costs.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Comarch EDI

by Comarch
Comarch EDI
Comarch is a cloud-based platform providing supply chain services in the form of electronic messaging and transactions. It facilitates data exchange with different business partners with GDSN certified catalogs. Used across a range of industries like banking and telecommunications, it integrates with many ERP systems, be it web EDI or internal IT infrastructure. It can convert dozens of electronic messages in different formats with this infrastructure.
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Unison Planning

by OMP
Unison Planning
OMP’s Unison Planning is a full-scope integrated solution that helps users with strategic, tactical and operational level processes. It combines generic functionalities with industry-specific templates and expertise to perform seamless operations, increase productivity and reduce costs. Its cloud infrastructure provides organizations with various techniques and hardware to ensure regular SaaS availability. It provides a comprehensive and unified approach to complex planning challenges through multiple technologies, including network design, demand management, S OP, operational planning, data management and integration.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: poor
Cost Breakdown
$1,000 or more
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Luminate Commerce

by Blue Yonder
Luminate Commerce
Luminate Commerce is a sophisticated software solution designed to streamline supply chain planning and execution. It is particularly well-suited for industries such as retail, manufacturing, and logistics, where efficient supply chain management is crucial. The platform offers unique benefits, including real-time visibility, predictive analytics, and seamless integration with existing systems, which enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. Users appreciate its powerful features like demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and order management, which collectively improve supply chain responsiveness and agility. Compared to similar products, Luminate Commerce is praised for its user-friendly interface and robust analytical capabilities. While specific pricing details are not readily available, potential users are encouraged to contact SelectHub for a personalized pricing quote tailored to their specific requirements. This ensures that businesses can make informed decisions based on their unique needs and budget constraints.
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Royal 4 ERP

by Royal 4 Systems
Royal 4 ERP
Royal 4 ERP is a cloud-based or on-premise integrated solution that offers various capabilities, including planning, manufacturing, distribution, financials, inventory management and reporting. Users can handle routine tasks and improve processes with changing business conditions using advanced process automation technology. It allows businesses to add products, users, warehouses or production sites through built-in scalability. Companies can determine performance variation sources to transform product designs, manufacturing processes and more. It also helps reduce inventory and improve the cost of goods by managing key performance indicators.
Cost Breakdown
$100 - $500
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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ProMan ERP

by Proman-ERP, Inc.
ProMan ERP
Proman is a discrete manufacturing ERP system that consists of integrated, graphical applications. The organization offers consulting services for any type of business, no matter the size of the company or current business needs. It offers both cloud-based and on-premises deployment options and pricing is based on how many users you have.
Cost Breakdown
$100 - $500
Company Size
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Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Buyer's Guide

Supply Chain Planning Software Is All About Streamlining Supply Chain Processes

By Urnesha Bhattacherjee, Technical Writer at SelectHub

Supply Chain Planning BG Intro

Navigating the labyrinth of supply chain management without the right tools can feel like solving a Rubik's Cube in the dark. But with the right supply chain planning software, you can illuminate your path, bringing efficiency and clarity to every link in your logistical chain.

This buyer’s guide will help shine some light on helpful technology-based support like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), key features, benefits, and software selection tips.

Executive Summary

  • Supply chain planning software minimizes risks by predicting upcoming problems.
  • It supports demand forecasting to achieve end-to-end visibility and improve performance.
  • SCP software monitors, identifies and plans throughout the supply chain, including back-to-back fulfillment and dropshipping.
  • It enhances overall planning cycles and forecasting accuracy while reducing planning time.
  • When choosing software vendors, you may need a list of questions to ask to avoid last-minute concerns.
What This Guide Covers:

What Is Supply Chain Planning Software?

Supply chain planning software is a digital toolkit that helps firms strategize and manage the movement of goods along the supply chain. It operates from product creation to final delivery to the customer.

SCP software eliminates overproduction or stockouts by ensuring the proper commodities are produced at the right time, boosting the overall efficiency of the supply chain. SCP software employs forecasting algorithms, advanced analytics and scenario planning tools to maximize supply chain efficiency.

Supply Chain Planning Processes

Related Categories

The workflow involves selecting raw materials, optimizing end-to-end supply chain operations and delivering products to consumers. These operations include the following phases:

Supply Chain Planning Process

1. Supply

Supply planning lays out the best route to fulfill requirements generated from the demand plan. This arm of SCP keeps a hawk's eye on inventory levels, manages supplier relationships and takes all necessary steps to ensure an uninterrupted supply for production needs.

It answers the most common questions.

  • How can organizations create a balance between supply and demand?
  • Will current supplies meet the company’s financial objectives?

2. Production

Production planning addresses multiple functions such as resource planning, production and material capacity to ensure necessary materials are available in the right quantities. It addresses questions related to actual production and manufacturing processes.

  • How can companies go about allocating employees?
  • Will they be able to schedule materials along with the relevant resources?

3. Demand

Demand planning involves forecasting demand to ensure timely delivery. Accurate forecasting boosts revenue and increases ROI by capitalizing on shifting demand trends. This procedure creates precise demand estimates and enables improved production and inventory planning. It answers questions like:

  • Are we prepared to meet volatile demand fluctuations?
  • Will inventory stock match demand trends?

4. Sales and Operations (S&OP)

S&OP is a business management process that integrates the marketing, sales and production departments to create a single plan based on production capacities and sales projections. It answers questions like:

  • Can we meet the anticipated demand with our current operational capacity?
  • What's the optimal inventory level we need to maintain to balance demand and supply effectively?
  • How do changes in the sales forecast impact our manufacturing and distribution operations?

The Most Popular Supply Chain Planning Software

Checking out some buzzworthy supply chain planning solutions is a great way to simplify your selection. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular systems on the market.

Blue Yonder

What It Does

Blue Yonder's Luminate Planning module addresses silos and planning time gaps. It closes the loop between demand and supply planning, downstream and upstream supply chain processes, sales and operations planning, and sales and operations execution (S&OE).

Luminate Planning's strength lies in its integrated planning and execution capabilities, which foster collaboration and connectivity throughout the supply chain. This collaborative platform provides complete exception visualization, prioritization and machine learning-based resolutions.

Blue Yonder

The Luminate dashboard demonstrates real-time visibility across delivery networks.

Product Overview
User Sentiment Score 83%
Analyst Rating 98
Company Size M | L
Free Trial Info Available for 30 days
Starting Price $5,000/month for up to 20 users for the standard version
What It's Best For
Capability SelectHub Analyst Score
AI-Based Disruption Mitigations Recommendation 100
Demand Planning 100
Generate Forecasts 100
Lifecycle Planning 100
Multi-Location Supply Planning 100
Pros and Cons From User Reviews
Pros Cons
Over 75% of reviewers reported that it provides extensive integration capabilities with multiple systems. More than 86% of reviewers stated that completing the implementation process is time-consuming.
All users affirmed that it offers customizable options for enhancing flexibility. More than 78% of reviewers highlight slow customer support response times.
83% of reviewers said operational teams find it easy to use and understand. 67% of users noted that beginners find it challenging due to its steep learning curve.

SAP Supply Chain

What It Does

SAP SCM goes beyond traditional approaches by incorporating predictive analytics and artificial intelligence, elevating supply chain responsiveness.

This supply chain planning software’s Demand Forecast Simulation is a standout feature, allowing users to make accurate predictions of product demand.

It provides end-to-end supply chain visualizations, which provide real-time insights into inventory levels and demand fluctuations. SAP SCM fosters Supply Chain Network Design, allowing businesses to cut costs and adapt to market shifts.

SAP Supply Chain

Demand forecasting and management on SAP SCM.

Product Overview
User Sentiment Score 85%
Analyst Rating 95
Company Size M | L
Free Trial Info Available for up to 30 days
What It's Best For
Capability SelectHub Analyst Score
Demand Planning 100
Demand Sensing 100
What-If Analysis for Network Design 100
Lifecycle Planning 100
Multi-Location Supply Planning 100

Oracle SCM Cloud

What It Does

The supply chain planning software ensures accurate and informed forecasting by processing historical sales data, improving inventory management and optimizing production schedules.

This comprehensive solution excels at managing the entire product life cycle, maintaining optimal inventory levels and balancing demand and supply.

Oracle SCM Cloud seamlessly integrates supply chain operations with overall business strategy, fostering stakeholder collaboration and promoting a culture of data-driven decision-making.

Oracle SCM Cloud

Inventory analytics dashboard on Oracle SCM Cloud.

Product Overview
User Sentiment Score 79%
Analyst Rating 98
Company Size M | L
Free Trial Info $300 of free cloud credits available for up to 30 days
Starting Price $300 per user per month
What It's Best For
Capability SelectHub Analyst Score
Build Plan, Resources and Capacity Utilization Matrix 100
Demand Sensing 100
What-if Analysis for Network Design 100
Lifecycle Planning 100
Multi-Location Supply Planning 100
Pros and Cons From User Reviews
Pros Cons
All users reported that it offers an enhanced security architecture. More than 55% of reviewers stated that the integration process is cumbersome.
All users affirmed that it's easy to navigate throughout the application. Over 57% of reviewers highlighted a lack of flexible reporting capabilities.
71% of reviewers said it keeps the cloud updated through seamless upgrades. 80% of the users noted that its slow speed can’t handle large volumes of data.

Implementation Goals

Accomplish the following goals to ensure a successful implementation:

Goal 1

Clear Strategy

Center your strategy on defined goals, creating a transparent roadmap that aligns with these objectives.

This idea requires putting different parts of the solution in order of priority, understanding the various challenges and risks, and devising a plan to mitigate those risks.

Goal 2

Optimized Costs

Drive growth and reduce costs to align strategically with larger business goals.

Accurate demand forecasts guide businesses in product development, inventory management and go-to-market strategies, optimizing resources and contributing to business growth.

Strategically place manufacturing units and distribution centers for maximum efficiency, reducing costs associated with transportation and sourcing.

Goal 3

Continual Improvement

Apply ongoing effort to adapt the system to changing business needs through regular iterations, modifications, constant tracking and feedback loops.

Primary Benefits

Here are some more benefits supply chain planning software brings to the table:

Supply Chain Planning Benefits

Improve Business Performance

When businesses have an entire picture of every component of the supply chain, they can predict bottlenecks, optimize procedures, and boost productivity and efficiency. 

SCP tools help businesses tackle these vital planning steps:

  • Assessing performance
  • Setting objectives
  • Forecasting
  • Managing inventory
  • Streamlining production
  • Managing suppliers
  • Distributing products

End-to-end supply chain planning increases forecast accuracy and accelerates growth to further boost overall performance.

Reduce Costs

Supply chains influence 50% to 75% of the cost of doing business. Supply chain planning software saves money by lowering costs connected with various processes such as purchasing, production, inventory management and logistics. 

Businesses use the solution to keep inventory levels ideal, lower carrying costs (storage, insurance, obsolescence) and eliminate the risk of stockouts and lost sales, resulting in significant cost savings.

Accurate planning results in less waste in the form of unmet orders, unsold items and wasteful movement of commodities, lowering expenses associated with these pitfalls.

Minimize Risks

These tools adopt a holistic approach to hazards like demand issues, business risks, environmental considerations, cyber threats and more. Predictive analysis, advanced analytics and machine learning allow businesses to identify and mitigate these problems proactively.

The software's supplier management feature monitors performance and assesses specific factors to reduce reliability risks, ensuring businesses can maintain dependable and resilient supplier relationships.

The scenario planning features support running "what-if" scenarios to test mitigation strategies and prepare for the impact of disruptions.

Key Features & Functionality

Supply chain planning systems usually include order entry, shipping and receiving, supplier relationship management software, and more. Let’s look at some standard features to expect in a new platform.

Demand Forecasting

Forecasting demand is critical for informing core operational processes like demand-driven material resource planning (DDMRP), inbound logistics, manufacturing, financial planning and risk assessment.

DDMRP is demand-driven, so it’s more sensitive and responsive to fluctuations that can cause shortages, manufacturing disruptions and chaos within production facilities.

Supply chain planning software predicts what, how much and when customers will buy. It works with response and supply planning within an integrated business planning system.
Projected Inventory Levels

The primary purpose of projecting inventory levels is to estimate demand and supply, providing a clear picture of future stock positions.

SCP software accomplishes this through advanced algorithms, historical data analysis, and real-time data from various supply chain nodes.
Inventory Optimization

It precisely determines required inventory quantities by analyzing historical data, demand patterns, and market trends while considering service level targets and budget constraints.

This dynamic approach ensures constant monitoring and adjustment, allowing businesses to adapt to changing conditions.

Supply chain planning systems contribute to the overall efficiency and resilience of the supply chain by maintaining the delicate balance required for optimal inventory management.
Order Planning

Automatically generate replenishment suggestions to create accurate order plans. Analyze when, which and how many items to order.

Use a purchasing system to calculate orders with order proposal data.
Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP)

The software ensures a harmonious accord between demand projections and the resources required by seamlessly integrating sales forecasts with operational plans.

This integrated approach promotes collaboration across departments, breaking down silos and cultivating a holistic understanding of company needs.

SCP software acts as a digital bridge, allowing cross-functional teams to share insights, align goals and work together to develop a comprehensive S&OP strategy.
Logistics Management

The software's real-time tracking capabilities provide granular comprehension of the shipment's journey, allowing businesses to address any disruptions ahead of time.

SCP software improves delivery times by streamlining shipping documentation and evaluating carrier performance.

Coordinate logistics activities across multiple organizations, including warehouse and fleet management, order fulfillment and materials handling.

Software Comparison Strategy

What works for you probably won’t for others. Comparing features between multiple vendors is an excellent way to understand how a product can support your needs. However, before you enter the software market, you must define your software requirements.

Our free, interactive requirements template can help you get your ducks in a row and define key features you may have overlooked.

Consider these factors when comparing vendors:

  • Features and Functionality: Compare features such as demand forecasting, inventory optimization and supply chain visibility tools to ensure that the software meets the organization's needs.
  • Pricing and Deployment Alternatives: Base your choice on the organization's size, industry and budget constraints. Consider scalability and flexibility to ensure pricing plans and deployment options meet your needs.
  • Integration and Customization: Examine the software's compatibility with ERP, vendor portals, CRM and inventory management systems.
  • Security and Support: Evaluate security measures and the level of vendor support for data protection and smooth implementation. Ensure the software complies with security standards and provides dependable support for successful implementation and ongoing use.
  • Ratings and Reviews: Consider user reviews and ratings on platforms to learn about other businesses' experiences with the software. Gather valuable information about the software's usability, performance and overall user satisfaction.

Cost & Pricing Considerations

Different software vendors offer varied pricing plans based on deployment methods, must-have features, annual upgrades and more. Below are a few crucial points to consider when selecting:

  • Solution Complexity: Development costs can vary from $200,000 to $400,000 or more, depending on complexity. Enhanced functionality raises development costs, particularly for ERP.
  • Integrations: Integrations with ERP, CRM, inventory, procurement and logistics impact the total cost.
  • Time: Time is money, and a long implementation or training process can cost valuable working hours.
  • Implementation Choices: Consideration should be given to organization size, industry, and financial constraints when evaluating pricing and deployment options.

Successful Supply Chain Planning Use Cases

The best way to determine whether an SCP platform will benefit you is to look at businesses that got supply chain planning right and gained significant returns on investment. Here's the story of two firms:

Intel

Intel's supply chain strategy is critical to its success as a global technology manufacturing company. The firm focuses on market needs and supply-demand dynamics, using real-time analytics to make instant decisions and predictive analysis to simplify supply chains. 

Intel uses a sense and respond manufacturing approach that has yielded a $208 million return on investment in five years.

Unilever

The success of Unilever's supply chain planning demonstrates the company's strategic initiatives and innovative approach to supply chain management.

The company saved $14.24 billion by focusing on governance, global procurement, supply chain managers, supplier cooperation and technology. This strategy helped them become a consumer goods industry leader in technology adoption.

Unilever's focus on logistics activities as a critical area for streamlining the supply chain and meeting growth targets resulted in the consolidation of nearly 30 warehouses into five large distribution hubs, supporting more daily order fulfillment.

Questions To Ask

Use the following questions as a starting point for internal conversations.

Yourself

  • What’s wrong with my current system, and how can supply chain planning software solve those issues?
  • What are the direct and indirect costs, including lost sales, excess inventory and productivity?
  • Does the software align with my strategic goals for the next five years?
  • Which features do my stakeholders prioritize?
  • What business risks arise if my supply chain goals aren't met?

Supply Chain Planning Key Questions To Ask

About the Software and Vendor

  • What’s your supply chain planning expertise?
  • How scalable is the software?
  • How many updates do you provide annually?
  • What is your product roadmap?
  • Do you offer global support?

Next Steps

Unraveling the complex processes of a successful supply chain is a titanic task, but the right supply chain planning software is the silver bullet you need. Now that you’re armed with some general knowledge about how these tools work, it’s time to get selecting.

If you’re in need of more guidance, our free software comparison matrix is a comprehensive tool that can help identify needs, prioritize features and effectively evaluate different software options.

Product Comparisons

Additional Resources

About The Contributors

The following expert team members are responsible for creating, reviewing, and fact checking the accuracy of this content.

Urnesha
By Urnesha Bhattacharjee
Technical Content Writer
Urnesha is a Technical Content Writer at SelectHub, covering supply chain management, TMS, and compensation management. She has worked in content writing, editorship, and translation for the last 7 years. Her dream is to be a lifelong learner and venture out of her comfort zone as she does so. She's passionate about access to quality education, animal rights, and sustainability, among other things. She holds a Master's degree in English literature from the University of Hyderabad. Outside of work, you can find her listening to The Beatles, making memes, or volunteering at an animal NGO.
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Hunter
Edited By Hunter Lowe
Content Editor
Hunter Lowe is a Content Editor, Writer and Market Analyst at SelectHub. His team covers categories that range from ERP and business intelligence to transportation and supply chain management. Hunter is an avid reader and Dungeons and Dragons addict who studied English and Creative Writing through college. In his free time, you'll likely find him devising new dungeons for his players to explore, checking out the latest video games, writing his next horror story or running around with his daughter.
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