Supply chain management (SCM) software tracks products as they move through the manufacturing and fulfillment process. It allows businesses to:
- Monitor and manage needs in manufacturing plants and factories
- Handle supplier relationships for both manufacturing and shipping
- Centralize their product management
- Track missing or damaged items
- Handle inventory
- Log dates and times for more accurate records
- Manage product transportation
Supply chain management software manages inventory tracking, vendor management, fleet management, logistics, and analytics. Because it focuses on managing parts and products end-to-end, supply chain management software is particularly useful for the following businesses that handle physical assembly and shipping processes:
- Industrial sector businesses
- Manufacturing plants
- Retail corporations and smaller retail enterprises
- Healthcare and pharmaceutical companies
How is supply chain management software used?
SCM platforms play different roles depending on the size of the company, the scope of the individual software, and what other applications an organization uses to manage goods and shipping. In general, supply chain management processes follow this basic pattern:
| 1. | Demand forecasting based on sales and customer data |
| 2. | Data analytics and logistics |
| 3. | Ordering raw materials |
| 4. | Assembly of raw materials at a manufacturing plant or factory |
| 5. | Product inventory and barcode services done at plant or warehouse |
| 6. | Order fulfillment and shipping |
| 7. | Continued customer relationship and returns |
Features of supply chain management software
Important SCM software capabilities include:
- Warehouse management
- Inventory tracking
- Order fulfillment and returns
- Data analytics and logistics
- Supplier and/or third-party vendor management
- Demand forecasting based on sales and customer data
- Barcode services
What are the benefits of using SCM software?
SCM platforms centralize processes that would otherwise be time-consuming and manual. Software performs tasks that take humans much longer, such as analyzing customer data, managing suppliers, and tracking inventory. SCM software manages product information, so that items are easier to find when they’ve been lost. It also allows enterprises to better control customer relationships by fulfilling orders and handling returns and complaints. Data analytics provided by SCM software also shows companies ways that they can improve processes.
SCM software vs. ERP software
SCM features are also contained within enterprise resource planning systems. ERP systems don’t only include SCM but also encompasses HR, accounting software, or CRM features. ERP software is the most comprehensive iteration of enterprise management software; it manages overall enterprise processes, not just supply chains. In contrast, supply chain management platforms largely focuses on product assembly, management, and fulfillment.
Also Read: Facts about ERP Software & Systems
Popular supply chain management software
The top SCM software vendors include:
- NetSuite (ERP)
- Oracle SCM Cloud
- Epicor
- Microsoft Dynamics GP ERP
- Logility
- Syspro
- Fishbowl
- SAP SCM
