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

Descartes expands AI innovation on global logistics network with AI agents for freight visibility

Descartes expands AI innovation on global logistics network with AI agents for freight visibility

6 March 2026

Descartes Systems Group announced expanded artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities on its multimodal Global Logistics Network (GLN) with the introduction of Descartes MacroPoint™ OpsForce, a suite of AI agents designed to automate freight visibility workflows, maintain tracking continuity and improve execution across complex, inter-enterprise supply chains. Built on the scale and real-time data of the GLN, … Read More

IFS completes acquisition of Softeon, creating a powerhouse in end-to-end supply chain intelligence

IFS completes acquisition of Softeon, creating a powerhouse in end-to-end supply chain intelligence

3 March 2026

IFS announced the completion of its acquisition of Softeon, providing enterprises across manufacturing, logistics and retail access to a new category of supply chain technology. Operating as IFS Softeon, the move brings together IFS’s powerful Industrial AI capabilities with Softeon’s 20+ years of tier-1 warehouse management software (WMS) expertise. The launch of IFS Softeon marks … Read More

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