Published 25 Aug 2023

Top 7 Supply Chain Management Software of 2023

a supply chain manager checking warehouse inventory using a supply chain management software on a tablet

What is Supply Chain Management Software?

Supply chain management software is a comprehensive digital tool composed of various modules that help companies plan and manage their entire supply chain. It improves every single process in the operations, creates a network for all stakeholders (e.g., suppliers, manufacturers, transporters, and clients) to communicate seamlessly, and ensures products and services are delivered at the right quantities, at a specific time, to the designated location.

Importance

Overseeing the entire supply chain is a challenge because it is a complex process involving multiple stakeholders, processes, and systems. Supply chain software solutions play a critical role in simplifying various workflows required to efficiently run your business.

  • Comprehensive visibility – Using sensors in warehouses, GPS in delivery trucks, and QR codes for merchandise inventory allow businesses to monitor the different activities of their employees and track their products in real time. This level of visibility lets managers identify potential issues and bottlenecks in their supply chain, allowing them to take corrective actions before they cause disruptions in the operation.
  • Enhanced collaboration – End-to-end supply chain process requires different workforces, from raw materials suppliers to the distribution of the packaged product to the end user. With this digital solution, stakeholders can easily share salient information with each other, resulting in better decision-making and outcomes.
  • Better risk management – Businesses have more agility in managing risks, from identifying potential risks to assessing their impact and implementing mitigation measures. This is accomplished through instant reporting with media documentation, providing the full context of the issue to assigning the best corrective action to trained personnel.
  • Reduced cost and higher profitability – Automating inventories, inspection scheduling, and transportation activities improve lead times and overall production efficiency. It also minimizes delays, backlogs, and errors that cost businesses a lot of money. Instead of spending on reworks, business leaders could allocate funds to system improvements.
  • Increased regulatory complianceQuality control is crucial in the supply chain, not only because customers expect this but also because there are regulations that must be adhered to. With functions like tracking, traceability, reporting, and documentation in every component of the supply chain, businesses can comply with mandates and prevent paying hefty fines or reputational damage.

Key Features

Whether you go for low-cost supply chain management software for small businesses or a more comprehensive one that can handle a massive corporation, this digital solution can only be effective if it has the following essentials:

  • Supplier sourcing and management
  • Procurement management
  • Inventory management
  • Warehouse management
  • Logistics
  • Purchase-order processing
  • Customer requirement processing
  • Sales and distribution
  • Returns management
  • Goods receipt
  • Scheduling
  • Risk management
  • Comprehensive workplace communication
  • Corrective and preventive action
  • Reporting with media documentation
  • Analytics
  • Mobile accessibility with offline capability

Selecting the Right Supply Chain Management Software

Businesses can improve their profitability and stay competitive in the market with the right digital solution. Any of the options mentioned above are effective in improving your company’s supply chain processes. Take another look at all of them below:

Supply Chain Management Software Free Version Paid Plan Mobile App
SafetyCulture Yes $24/user/month* Yes
Oracle Fusion Cloud SCM No Custom quote Yes
Luminate Platform No Contact for pricing Yes
Manhattan Associates No Custom quote Yes
BluJay No Contact for pricing Yes
Logility No Contact for pricing Yes
RapidResponse No Custom quote No

* billed annually

Eunice

SafetyCulture staff writer

Eunice Arcilla Caburao

Eunice is a content contributor for SafetyCulture. A registered nurse, theater stage manager, Ultimate Frisbee athlete, and mother, Eunice has written a multitude of topics for over a decade now.

Eunice is a content contributor for SafetyCulture. A registered nurse, theater stage manager, Ultimate Frisbee athlete, and mother, Eunice has written a multitude of topics for over a decade now.