# Best Supply Chain Management Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing

> Find the best Supply Chain Management Software for your organization. Compare top Supply Chain Management Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos.

Source: https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm

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# Best Supply Chain Management Software of 2026

Updated June 11, 2026

On this page

1.  FrontRunners
2.  Popular Comparisons
3.  Buyers Guide
4.  Related Software

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553 results

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Showing 1 - 25 of 553 products

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**Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals.  
  
**Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least.  
  
**Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest.  
  
**Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z.

[NetSuite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/)

NetSuite is an AI-powered cloud-based business management suite that incorporates ERP, financial management, CRM and eCommerce f...[Read more about NetSuite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/)

**4.2**

([2044 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/reviews/))

**63**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Salesforce Sales Cloud

Docusign

+18 more

+17 more

+16 more

NetSuite's Best Rated Features

4.75Check Writing

See All

NetSuite's Worst Rated Features

2.71Dashboard

See All

[AWS Supply Chain](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/521690-AWS-Supply-Chain/)

AWS Supply Chain is a cloud-based application designed for supply chain management. It unifies data and provides machine learnin...[Read more about AWS Supply Chain](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/521690-AWS-Supply-Chain/)

**5.0**

([1 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/521690-AWS-Supply-Chain/#reviews))

**39**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

[Focus X](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/3600-focus/)

Focus X is an all-inclusive enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that helps you connect every aspect of your business opera...[Read more about Focus X](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/3600-focus/)

**3.8**

([119 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/3600-focus/reviews/))

**36**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Focus X's Best Rated Features

4.50Approval Process Control

See All

Focus X's Worst Rated Features

3.17Purchase Order Management

See All

[SAP S/4HANA Cloud](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/)

SAP S/4HANA Cloud is a cloud-based and on-premise enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. It is suitable for small, midsize...[Read more about SAP S/4HANA Cloud](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/)

**4.3**

([358 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/reviews/))

**27**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

SAP Concur

SAP SuccessFactors HCM

+15 more

+14 more

+13 more

SAP S/4HANA Cloud's Best Rated Features

4.75Supply Chain Management

See All

SAP S/4HANA Cloud's Worst Rated Features

4.14Audit Trail

See All

[Cin7 Omni](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/cin7-profile/)

Cin7 Omni is a highly configurable inventory management and order management solution with built-in EDI and integrations to all ...[Read more about Cin7 Omni](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/cin7-profile/)

**4.3**

([601 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/cin7-profile/reviews/))

**23**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Google Drive

PayPal

+60 more

+59 more

+58 more

Cin7 Omni's Best Rated Features

4.83Order Tracking

See All

Cin7 Omni's Worst Rated Features

2.67Mobile Access

See All

[SAP Business One](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/)

SAP Business One is a modular and integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. This platform integrates financials, C...[Read more about SAP Business One](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/)

**4.3**

([344 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/reviews/))

**23**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Microsoft Excel

Mailchimp

+7 more

+6 more

+5 more

SAP Business One's Best Rated Features

4.86Scheduling

See All

SAP Business One's Worst Rated Features

3.33Purchasing & Receiving

See All

[Item](https://www.softwareadvice.com/fleet-management/item-profile/)

Item is a cloud-based solution that streamlines supply chain, order, and warehouse management. Real-time visibility is at the co...[Read more about Item](https://www.softwareadvice.com/fleet-management/item-profile/)

**4.6**

([16 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/fleet-management/item-profile/reviews/))

**21**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

PayPal

Trello

+27 more

+26 more

+25 more

Item's Best Rated Features

4.75Order Entry

See All

Item's Worst Rated Features

4.14Receiving

See All

[ShipHawk](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/shiphawk-profile/)

At ShipHawk, we’re dedicated to improving and automating the world behind the buy button for growing companies. The reality toda...[Read more about ShipHawk](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/shiphawk-profile/)

**4.8**

([37 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/shiphawk-profile/reviews/))

**17**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Shopify

NetSuite

+3 more

+2 more

+1 more

ShipHawk's Best Rated Features

5.0Shipment Price Calculation

See All

ShipHawk's Worst Rated Features

4.0Quotes/Estimates

See All

[FreightPOP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/freightpop-profile/)

FreightPOP is a cloud-based AI supply chain software platform that unifies Order Management (OMS), Warehouse Management (WMS), a...[Read more about FreightPOP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/freightpop-profile/)

**4.7**

([47 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/freightpop-profile/reviews/))

**16**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Shopify

Dynamics 365

+45 more

+44 more

+43 more

FreightPOP's Best Rated Features

5.0Shipment Price Calculation

See All

FreightPOP's Worst Rated Features

4.67Shipment Tracking

See All

[MyCarrierTMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/mycarrier-profile/)

MyCarrier connects shippers and carriers in one simple, connected platform — automating every step of LTL shipping from order to...[Read more about MyCarrierTMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/mycarrier-profile/)

**4.7**

([108 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/mycarrier-profile/reviews/))

**14**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Shopify

NetSuite

+5 more

+4 more

+3 more

MyCarrierTMS's Best Rated Features

4.91Activity Dashboard

See All

MyCarrierTMS's Worst Rated Features

3.81Order Management

See All

[Kuebix TMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/kuebix-tms-profile/)

Kuebix is a cloud-based transportation management system (TMS) designed for shippers and carriers involved in both inbound and o...[Read more about Kuebix TMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/kuebix-tms-profile/)

**4.6**

([109 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/kuebix-tms-profile/reviews/))

**13**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

NetSuite

QuickBooks Online Advanced

+8 more

+7 more

+6 more

[Latitude WMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/latitude-wms-profile/)

Latitude WMS is a warehouse management solution for retail and wholesale distributors of all sizes. Key features include cycle c...[Read more about Latitude WMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/latitude-wms-profile/)

**4.8**

([33 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/latitude-wms-profile/reviews/))

**13**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

[DigitBridge](https://www.softwareadvice.com/distribution/digitbridge-profile/)

DigitBridge is a digital commerce operations system designed specifically for small-to-medium sized businesses (SMBs). DigitBr...[Read more about DigitBridge](https://www.softwareadvice.com/distribution/digitbridge-profile/)

**5.0**

([2 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/distribution/digitbridge-profile/#reviews))

**13**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Instagram

Squarespace

+12 more

+11 more

+10 more

[3PL Warehouse Manager](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/3pl-warehouse-manager-profile/)

Extensiv 3PL Warehouse Manager is a cloud-based warehouse management system designed for third-party logistics companies to mana...[Read more about 3PL Warehouse Manager](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/3pl-warehouse-manager-profile/)

**4.1**

([131 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/3pl-warehouse-manager-profile/reviews/))

**13**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

PayPal

Shopify

+19 more

+18 more

+17 more

3PL Warehouse Manager's Best Rated Features

4.71Order Management

See All

3PL Warehouse Manager's Worst Rated Features

4.0Status Tracking

See All

[Procurify](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/procurify-profile/)

Procurify is a procurement and spend management software designed to automate the intake-to-pay process for organizations. It co...[Read more about Procurify](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/procurify-profile/)

**4.6**

([202 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/procurify-profile/reviews/))

**12**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Slack

QuickBooks Online

+16 more

+15 more

+14 more

Procurify's Best Rated Features

5.0Duplicate Payment Alert

See All

Procurify's Worst Rated Features

4.10Budgeting/Forecasting

See All

[Shipedge](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/shipedge-profile/)

Shipedge is a cloud-based platform designed to manage orders, inventory, shipping, and logistics through a centralized system. I...[Read more about Shipedge](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/shipedge-profile/)

**4.6**

([11 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/shipedge-profile/reviews/))

**11**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

PayPal

QuickBooks Online

+40 more

+39 more

+38 more

Shipedge's Best Rated Features

4.14Order Management

See All

Shipedge's Worst Rated Features

3.83Inventory Management

See All

[CoreIMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/coreims-profile/)

The CoreIMS Inventory Management System (CoreIMS&trade;) is a cost-effective inventory management system that provides flexibili...[Read more about CoreIMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/coreims-profile/)

**4.4**

([14 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/coreims-profile/#reviews))

**11**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Microsoft Excel

QuickBooks Online Advanced

+4 more

+3 more

+2 more

[PCS TMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/tms-express-profile/)

PCS TMS is a transportation management system that enhances operations, efficiency and profitability for carriers, brokerages an...[Read more about PCS TMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/tms-express-profile/)

**4.2**

([242 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/tms-express-profile/reviews/))

**11**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

QuickBooks Online

Dynamics 365

+20 more

+19 more

+18 more

PCS TMS's Best Rated Features

4.86Contact Database

See All

PCS TMS's Worst Rated Features

3.25Customizable Reports

See All

[Epicor Prophet 21](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/521541-Epicor-Prophet-21/)

Prophet 21 gives distributors real-time inventory insights to always know what's in stock and available to promise customers. Th...[Read more about Epicor Prophet 21](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/521541-Epicor-Prophet-21/)

**3.9**

([87 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/521541-Epicor-Prophet-21/reviews/))

**11**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

monday.com

Squarespace

+12 more

+11 more

+10 more

Epicor Prophet 21's Best Rated Features

4.14Inventory Management

See All

Epicor Prophet 21's Worst Rated Features

4.14Inventory Management

See All

[Kechie](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/kechie-profile/)

Kechie Distribution Management efficiently manages internal and external resources. Suited for growing businesses, the managemen...[Read more about Kechie](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/kechie-profile/)

**4.7**

([48 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/kechie-profile/reviews/))

**10**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Salesforce Sales Cloud

Shopify

+12 more

+11 more

+10 more

Kechie's Best Rated Features

5.0Receiving

See All

Kechie's Worst Rated Features

4.17Point of Sale (POS)

See All

[Easy WMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/easy-wms-profile/)

Mecalux Easy WMS is a warehouse management solution that helps e-commerce manufacturers, distributors, and third-party logistics...[Read more about Easy WMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/easy-wms-profile/)

**4.6**

([30 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/easy-wms-profile/reviews/))

**10**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Easy WMS's Best Rated Features

4.86Order Fulfillment

See All

Easy WMS's Worst Rated Features

4.0Order Tracking

See All

[SOLOCHAIN WMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/generix-group-profile/)

SOLOCHAIN WMS is a highly flexible and adaptive warehouse management system built for companies that need their supply chains to...[Read more about SOLOCHAIN WMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/generix-group-profile/)

**4.5**

([22 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/generix-group-profile/reviews/))

**10**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

NetSuite

SAP Business One

+1 more

+0 more

+0 more

SOLOCHAIN WMS's Best Rated Features

4.75Inventory Management

See All

SOLOCHAIN WMS's Worst Rated Features

4.38Purchasing & Receiving

See All

[Trimble TMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/trimble-tms-fleet-profile/)

Trimble TMS solutions help carrier companies keep their costs and services competitive, while delivering significant value every...[Read more about Trimble TMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/trimble-tms-fleet-profile/)

**3.7**

([38 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/trimble-tms-fleet-profile/reviews/))

**11**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Paycor

QuickBooks Desktop

+7 more

+6 more

+5 more

Trimble TMS's Best Rated Features

3.71Billing & Invoicing

See All

Trimble TMS's Worst Rated Features

3.57Order Management

See All

[Tai TMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/teknowlogi-tms-profile/)

Tai TMS is an all-in-one platform for quoting, booking, and tracking shipments. Tai TMS focuses on helping freight brokers grow ...[Read more about Tai TMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/teknowlogi-tms-profile/)

**4.4**

([77 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/teknowlogi-tms-profile/reviews/))

**9**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

QuickBooks Online

authorize.net

+7 more

+6 more

+5 more

Tai TMS's Best Rated Features

4.29Shipment Tracking

See All

Tai TMS's Worst Rated Features

3.50Carrier Management

See All

[CobbleStone Contract Insight](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/contract-insight-profile/)

CobbleStone Contract Insight is an enterprise contract management system designed to automate and centralize contracts, agreemen...[Read more about CobbleStone Contract Insight](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/contract-insight-profile/)

**4.7**

([54 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/contract-insight-profile/reviews/))

**8**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Google Docs

Google Drive

+27 more

+26 more

+25 more

CobbleStone Contract Insight's Best Rated Features

4.86Access Controls/Permissions

See All

CobbleStone Contract Insight's Worst Rated Features

4.33Version Control

See All

1

[2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/?page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/?page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/?page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/?page=5)

...

[23](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/?page=23)

## Popular Comparisons

[

NetSuite vs Dynamics 365

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/25483-netsuite-financials-accounting-software/vs/106335-Dynamics-365/)[

Fishbowl vs Odoo

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/fishbowl-inventory-manufacturing-profile/vs/odoo/)[

AscendTMS vs Freightview

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/ascendtms-profile/vs/freightview/)[

Cin7 Core vs Zoho Inventory

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/dear-systems-profile/vs/zoho-inventory/)[

SAP Business One vs SAP S/4HANA Cloud

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/vs/sap-s-4hana-cloud/)[

Craftybase vs ERPAG

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/craftybase-profile/vs/erpag/)[

Acumatica Cloud ERP vs DELMIAWorks

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/acumatica-manufacturing-profile/vs/iqms-enterpriseiq/)

## Your Guide to Top Supply Chain Management Software, August 2025

Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated Supply Chain Management products in North America.

[Learn how products are chosen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal-page/frontrunners-methodology/)

#### Explore FrontRunners

-   [Acumatica Cloud ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/acumatica-manufacturing-profile/)
-   [anyLogistix](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/anylogistix-profile/)
-   [Dynamics 365](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/106335-Dynamics-365/)
-   [Finale Inventory](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/finale-inventory-profile/)
-   [Fishbowl](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/fishbowl-inventory-manufacturing-profile/)
-   [MRPeasy](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/mrpeasy-profile/)
-   [NetSuite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/)
-   [Precoro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/precoro-profile/)
-   [Quickbase](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/quick-base-profile/)
-   [Sage X3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/)
-   [SAP Ariba](https://www.softwareadvice.com/ecommerce/sap-ariba-profile/)
-   [SAP S/4HANA Cloud](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/)
-   [SKULabs](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/sku-labs-profile/)
-   [SkuVault Core](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/skuvault-profile/)
-   [Tradogram](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/tradogram-profile/)
-   [Zoho Inventory](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/zoho-inventory-profile/)

“Usability” includes user ratings for Functionality and Ease of Use.

“Customer Satisfaction” includes user ratings for Customer Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Value for Money.

Reviews analysis period: The reviews analysis period spans two years and ends the 15th of the month prior to publication.

## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox

### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you.

While the supply chain management software market is relatively small (compared to many other markets), the vast disparity in functionality between different SCM programs makes buying decisions much more complicated. Some programs concentrate on business intelligence, others focus on inventory control or transportation management and there are full-suite systems that do all of the above and more. This buyer’s guide is designed to identify the features associated with supply chain management systems to help navigate the selection process.

Here's what we'll cover:

[What Is SCM Software?](#WhatIsSCMSoftware)

[Common Features of SCM Software](#CommonFeaturesofSCMSoftware)

[What Type of Buyer Are You?](#WhatTypeofBuyerAreYou)

[Market Trends to Understand](#MarketTrendstoUnderstand)

[Benefits of SCM Software](#BenefitsofSCMSoftware)

## What Is SCM Supply Chain Management Software?

Supply chain software is a software program or module designed to control end-to-end business processes across the supply chain, perform demand planning and forecasting, and manage supplier relationships. While functionality in these systems varies tremendously, common features include:

-   [Purchase order fulfillment](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/purchase-order-comparison/)
    
-   [Shipping](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/shipping-comparison/)
    
-   [Inventory management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/)
    
-   [Supplier sourcing](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/supplier-relationship-management-software-comparison/)
    
-   Execution-focused applications (e.g., [warehouse](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/warehouse-management-system-comparison/) and [transportation management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/transportation-management-software-comparison/)) 
    

Many supply chain management systems include forecasting, which helps companies manage the fluctuations in supply and demand by using sophisticated algorithms and consumption analysis to evaluate buyer histories. Supply chain optimization software can be an invaluable tool in maximizing production efficiency and planning for the future.

_Screenshot of Freightview shipment overview dashboard_

## Common Features of SCM Software

Supply chain planning

Planning systems are used to forecast customer demand and adjust the speed and flow of production accordingly. Simulated demand estimates are run using historical trend data _and_ planned promotion schedules to determine how changes in market awareness will affect your organization's inventory requirements in the future. Example vendors include InStyle ERP, SCP 4.0, VISION SCM and Clever.

[Demand planning](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/demand-planning-software-comparison/)

Demand planning software improves the accuracy of potential demand forecasts by reducing biases in the data and providing that data to your organization in real-time. Multi-dimensional forecasting allows users to view information through a variety of different filters—by market, time or customer—and run a series of "what if" simulations to project future demand. Example vendors include Microsoft Dynamics, Geneva BMS, Fishbowl Inventory and SAP.

Vendor managed inventory

Vendor managed inventory (VMI) systems give suppliers the ability to monitor and replenish the buyer's inventory themselves. Various communication options—such as XML, Web portals and email—help multiple business partners increase visibility. Buyers can automate sold inventory reports, and suppliers respond with new shipment notifications and invoices. Example vendors include Datalliance VMI, RedPrairie, SAP and Aravo.

[Supplier management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/supplier-relationship-management-software-comparison/)

Buyers use supplier relationship solutions to monitor the performance of their suppliers. Users can assess supplier risk through user-defined risk categories. Performance analyses utilize key performance indicators (KPI) and audit trails to monitor spend and supplier performance. The software also helps users keep track of their suppliers' regulatory compliance. Example vendors include R.Portal, Geneva BMS, Fishbowl Inventory and S2K.  Businesses likely to scale might also be looking for a system with more complexity such as [vendor management systems](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/vendor-management-system-comparison/).

[Procurement](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/procurement-software-comparison/)

Procurement software carries out purchase orders and maintains the financial side of supplier/customer relationships. Purchasing terms are distributed electronically throughout the organization for instant approval, and expenses are logged for future reference in the next sourcing cycle. As the accounting segment of SCM systems, procurement also handles reporting and compliance issues. Example vendors include Coupa, SphereWMS, Microsoft Dynamics and WISE.

[Strategic sourcing](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/strategic-sourcing-software-comparison/)

Sourcing software is used before the procurement process to establish cost-cutting goals and to pre-screen potential vendors. Spend analysis pinpoints unnecessary costly supplier relationships by comparing current spend to other market options. Buyers can submit e-RFx, electronic requests for x (quotes, proposals and other information), to potential vendors to gather data for making informed purchases. Example vendors include ShippersEdge, Aravo, Epicor and Lawson.

[Warehouse management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/warehouse-management-system-comparison/)

WMS systems monitor and control the movement of materials within the warehouse. Shipping and receiving events are controlled with advanced shipment notifications, and picking and putaway are tracked using tools like auto ID data capture (AIDC) and radio-frequency identification (RFID). WMS software also assists with the design of warehouse infrastructure. Third party logistics companies should review our 3PL software guide for a list of systems tailored for 3PL. Example vendors include SphereWMS, WISE, HighJump Warehouse Advantage, Manhattan Associates and RedPrairie.

[Transportation management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/transportation-management-software-comparison/)

TMS software guides the movement of materials to and from the warehouse. [Logistics software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/logistics-comparison/) can suggest the most efficient delivery modalities (air, land, sea) and manages multiple delivery variations like heterogenous vehicle fleets and load splitting constraints. Deliveries are monitored using satcomm and other communication devices. Land-based fleets should review our [fleet management software guide](https://www.softwareadvice.com/fleet-management/) for the top trucking, dispatch and routing software as well as systems to manage overall operations.

[Order fulfillment](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/order-fulfillment-software-comparison/)

This software helps supply chain managers decrease lead times on production orders, resulting in smooth quote to cash processes. The system can determine whether build-to-order (BTO) or engineer-to-order (ETO) is the best solution for each product. After order completion, order fulfillment software keeps track of unpaid orders through revenue recognition processes.Order fulfillment applications are often bundled in to [broader order management systems](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/order-management-system-comparison/). Example vendors include SphereWMS, ShipppersEdge and ShipSoft. 

## What Type of Buyer Are You?

**Third party logistics.** Companies that manage the ordering, warehousing and transportation of supplies for another business need a robust solution that can handle the data and processes for lots of different companies. These supply chain management tools will include lot tracking, customer profiling, supply management and order fulfillment.

**Manufacturing.** Manufacturing software needs to be able to track suppliers, costs and customers. This is where features like collaboration, demand planning and strategic sourcing are most likely to be used.

**Distribution.** Distributors sit in the middle, connecting manufacturers to retailers and/or consumers. Distributors need to track products and terms for multiple suppliers and customers, and have robust inventory and transportation capabilities in order to ensure the products get to the right person at the right time. Freight brokers and forwarders also fit into this category, and they typically rely on [specialized software that facilitates daily freight operations](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/freight-broker-software-comparison/).

**Retailers.** Brick and mortar retailers will want to consider [dedicated retail software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/), but phone—and Internet—order retailers function more like distributors. These buyers will need warehouse and transportation solutions, inventory control and possibly additional strategic/planning modules, particularly for the larger/volume-based retailers.

## Market Trends to Understand

**Online purchases.** Over the last decade, online retail sales have exploded, and with them the need for effective warehousing, inventory and transportation control. Suppliers, more often than not, are taking a product from manufacturing not to a store, but to a warehouse where it is stored and ultimately sent directly to the consumer. Ensuring an effective inventory control path is absolutely critical throughout this process.

**Software as a service (SaaS).** Cloud-based software—that is, software that’s hosted by the vendor and accessed through a Web browser rather than being installed on a local computer—has been adopted by most industries to a large extent. SCM technology has been a little slower to adopt this trend, with major players like Microsoft, Geneva Systems, WISE and Fishbowl yet to develop Web-based systems. But as the technology improves, more and more supply chain management software providers will offer Web-based applications, with its benefits of collaborative networks and online purchasing integration. Currently, S2K and SAP are the biggest SaaS contenders.

**Eco-friendly logistics.** With environmental consciousness at an all-time high, consumers are beginning to think about logistics when it comes to purchasing their products. This trend is most noticeable in the food industry, where grocery stores and restaurants are beginning to brand and market products under a banner of being “locally sourced.” As transportation from suppliers is the easiest place for a manufacturer to cut its carbon footprint, buyers may want to look out for a program’s ability to identify suppliers based on proximity or other green factors.

**Improving business intelligence.** More and more companies want to know how their business spends money, so sophistication of planning, demand planning and strategic sourcing capabilities will only grow in an effort to meet the demand.

**Increased demand for labor management.** Companies using SCM software to track their inventory are now turning their attention toward labor optimization and the ability to manage each worker more efficiently. These systems can create a list of tasks for a worker so he can complete multiple types of work in one trip.

## Benefits of SCM Software

The benefits of supply management software are considerable:

**Increased efficiency.** First and foremost, SCM software is designed to improve the efficiency of your operation, from inventory check-in and storage to distribution and transportation. By making the processes electronic and/or automated, the time spent on these tasks drops considerably, which allows you to send more products out faster.

**Reduced costs.** The resulting efficiency reduces labor costs. In addition, many of the intelligence features are specifically designed to identify cost waste and eliminate it—for example, where commodities can be procured at lower rates, how to combine shipping to reduce to transportation costs or where to reduce inventory to maximize storage capacity.

**Trend analysis and business intelligence.** The intelligence features, in addition to helping control costs, can help improve revenues by identifying strongly performing products and guiding the user toward meeting market demand.

While these supply chain solutions do come at a price, proper implementation will usually lead to a calculable return on investment within a year.

### Related Supply Chain Management Software

-   [Barcoding Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/barcode-comparison/)
-   [Dock Scheduling Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/dock-scheduling/)
-   [Food Traceability Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/distribution/food-traceability-comparison/)
-   [Inventory Control Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/stock-control-comparison/)
-   [Inventory Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/)
-   [Label Printing Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/label-printing/)
-   [Packaging Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/4780-packaging/)
-   [Warehouse Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/warehouse-management-system-comparison/)
-   [Yard Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/fleet-management/yard-management-systems-comparison/)