A company’s journey towards the optimal IT solution takes them past various supply chain software vendors.

The Supply Chain Media subway map presents a clear (and interactive) overview of the complex (under) world of IT.

Different types of software

Each line on the map represents a different type of (supply chain) software.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
Cross-functional enterprise system driven by an integrated suite of software modules that supports the basic internal business processes of a company.
Warehouse Management System (WMS)
Primarily aims to control the movement and storage of materials within a warehouse and process the associated transactions, including shipping, receiving, put-away and picking.
Transport Management System (incl. route scheduling & optimization)
Designed to manage and optimize inbound and/or outbound transportation operations through automated routing and rating, shipment consolidation and load building and transportation cost visibility and allocation.
Freight Procurement / Management Platform
Software platform to select carriers and manage shipments of packages, pallets and containers by using booking, tracking, accounting and reporting capabilities (also called Freight Management).
Global Trade Management (incl. customs & duty regulations)
Software that automates key import, export, global logistics and trade agreement management processes customs clearing and duty regulations

The IT Subway Map explained

News

Consafe Logistics launches Astrid, a generative AI-powered assistant to make Astro WMS® setup and support simpler, faster and smarter

Consafe Logistics launches Astrid, a generative AI-powered assistant to make Astro WMS® setup and support simpler, faster and smarter

4 November 2025

Consafe Logistics is proud to announce the launch of Astrid, a new Generative AI-powered Assistant designed to make working with Astro WMS® easier, faster, and more efficient. Astrid helps users set up, configure, and troubleshoot their warehouse management system with confidence, at any time and from anywhere. Efficiency through guidance and automation Powered by advanced … Read More

Givaudan automates compliance with Descartes’ Denied Party Screening Solution

Givaudan automates compliance with Descartes’ Denied Party Screening Solution

30 October 2025

Descartes Systems Group announced that Givaudan is using Descartes’ denied party screening solution to automate compliance with international trade regulations and mitigate risk through real-time screening of its business partners against denied and sanctioned party lists. With operations in over 163 locations in 52 countries, the Descartes solution has helped Givaudan to enhance its global … Read More

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Select your "software line" and see which vendors provide this type of software