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
Statistical Forecasting, Demand & Inventory Planning
a process of creating reliable forecasts of future demand to improve forecast accuracy, align inventory levels with peaks and troughs in demand, and enhance profitability for a given channel or product through statistical analysis and the use of causal models.
Supply Chain Network Design & Digital Supply Chain Twin
Software tool to review historical operational and sales data, to optimize cost and service, to develop multiple “what if” scenarios; and to model and optimize the supply chain carbon footprint with use of mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) solvers.
Production Planning & Scheduling
Management and allocation of resources, events and processes to manufacture goods based finite capacity and with the usage of heuristic solvers for optimization.
Sales & Operations Planning / Integrated Business Planning
 
Formal process consisting of series of meetings where decisions are made based on data from various business functions to reach agreement on the best course of action to achieve the optimal balance between supply and demand and to meet profitability goals.
Manufacturing Execution System
 
Automated system that provides real time tracking and documenting information about the supply chain.
Real-time Transport Visibility
 
incl. dynamic Expected Time of Arrival (ETA).
Supply Chain Risk Management
 
Continuous process of analysing all types of risks to minimize supply chain vulnerability and create continuity.
Order Management System
 
Software that calculates the most efficient and cost effective manner to execute and manage orders.
E-Procurement
 
Software or online platform for business-to-business purchase and sale of supplies, work, and services to manage the purchase-to-pay cycle (logistics tendering not included).
Yard Management (incl. real-time vehicle visibility)
Software system designed to oversee the movement of trucks and trailers in the yard of a manufacturing facility, warehouse, or distribution center.
Sustainability Reporting (carbon footprint & product traceability)

Sustainability is rapidly changing from optional to compulsory.

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requires listed companies with more than 500 employees to report on issues such as environmental pollution, human rights and diversity. From 2024 onwards, such companies will have to report on numerous issues, including carbon emissions both upstream and downstream in their supply chain.

Scope 3 emissions account for the vast majority, often up to 80% of the total. Unfortunately, these emissions are also the hardest to measure. Companies rely on the data provided by their suppliers, logistics providers and customers, who are likewise under increasing pressure to provide insights into their own carbon emissions.

When selecting the needed supply chain software for sustainability reporting, simply follow the Sustainability Reporting track on the IT Subway Map EU and reach Jaggaer, TrusTrace, Pledge, Tracks (now part of Transporeon), Searoutes and BigMile.