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

FourKites launches Outcome-as-a-Service for supply chain

FourKites launches Outcome-as-a-Service for supply chain

14 October 2026

FourKites announced Outcome-as-a-Service for Supply Chain™, a go-to-market model that centers on the business results its customers are measured on. A new company mission puts a number on the model, committing FourKites to use AI agents to complete one billion hours of operational work for its customers over the next decade. The shift reflects the … Read More

Descartes expands AI innovation with agent that helps reduce global trade data research and analysis time by up to 90%

Descartes expands AI innovation with agent that helps reduce global trade data research and analysis time by up to 90%

13 October 2026

Descartes Systems Group announced the Descartes Datamyne™ AI Agent, a new conversational AI capability that helps sourcing, sales, supply chain and market intelligence teams reduce global trade data research and analysis time by up to 90%, depending on the user’s experience and query complexity. Embedded in the Descartes Datamyne global trade intelligence solution, the AI … Read More

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