What is Supply Chain Planning Software?
Supply Chain Planning Software (SCPS) is a comprehensive digital solution that streamlines and optimizes various aspects of the supply chain process within an organization, from raw materials procurement to distribution. The platform’s numerous features help top management and frontline workers effectively manage the flow of goods and information, enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, improving customer satisfaction, and ultimately driving business growth.
Importance
Managing the supply chain is incredibly challenging because of its inherent complexity. Fluctuating demands, global sourcing, and logistical challenges are just a few factors that companies should consider during the planning phase. Utilizing a software solution is a must-have for the following reasons:
Improves Forecasting Accuracy – Merely speculating demand results in inventory imbalance and lost sales opportunities. With the help of automated data gathering and robust analytics, the finance team can optimize their inventory and prevent problems like stockouts, excess reserves, and additional storage costs. Procurement is also made easier, ensuring timely replenishment of raw materials and minimizing supplier delays.
Enhances Production Planning – To efficiently meet demands, managers should master production scheduling. Traditional timetabling methods often lead to bottlenecks, delays, and resource underutilization. By automating scheduling workflows, the company can determine customer needs, the entire production timeline, manufacturing capacity, supplier lead times, and many more.
Improves Collaboration and Visibility – With the help of monitoring tools and advanced analytics, managers gain real-time insights into various activities and vital metrics (e.g., inventory levels, shipment statuses, and production schedules) and help them identify bottlenecks. Communication tools and centralized repositories also help all parties in the supply chain network collaborate better, preventing disruptions or handling them more efficiently.
Key Features
Comprehensive platforms for supply chain management and optimization are sure to have all the features companies may need to help them plan various activities across the network. Stand-alone solutions, like some in the list above, would be a better option for those who do not have the budget for a full-featured suite. Make sure it has the following essential features:
Supply Chain Checklists (e.g., due diligence for vendors, GMP site walkthroughs, inventory audits, etc.)
Centralized Hub with Access Controls
Demand Forecasting and Scenario Planning
Inventory Optimization and Asset Management
Production Planning and Scheduling
Supplier Relationship Management
Procurement Management
Transportation Management
Warehouse Management
Supply Chain Risk Management
Performance Analytics and Reporting
Collaborative Tools for Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment
Integration with other enterprise systems (e.g., ERP, CRM)
Mobile Accessibility with Offline Capabilities
Selecting the Right Supply Chain Planning Software
Any of the solutions detailed can help supply chain managers, demand planners, inventory analysts, procurement professionals, logistics supervisors, and production teams streamline crucial tasks across the network.
Before making your final choice, take another look at the top supply chain planning software in the summary below.
Supply Chain Planning Software | Free Version | Paid Plan | Mobile App |
SafetyCulture | Yes | $24/user/month* | Yes |
Acumatica | No | Contact for pricing | Yes |
Logility | No | Contact for pricing | Yes |
Anaplan | No | Custom quote | Yes |
Netstock | No | Contact for pricing | Yes |
Precoro | No | $39/user/month* (for teams of 20 or less) | No |
LeanDNA | No | Contact for pricing | No |
FreightPOP | No | Custom quote | No |
Shippabo | No | Contact for pricing | No |
D&B Supplier Intelligence | No | Contact for pricing | No |
* billed annually
