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Studies (Figure 1) show that modern supply chains are more complex than traditional ones and require a different management approach.
Figure 1. Studies show that modern supply chains require a different approach.
Taking a holistic view of your supply chain is critical to achieving resiliency, agility and sustainability, which is why it has become one of the top priorities of supply chain leaders (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Top priorities of executives according to a survey
By taking advantage of sophisticated supply chain visibility software, companies can overcome challenges, streamline operations, and ultimately achieve success.
To help supply chain leaders gain a clear view of their value chain, this article covers:
- Importance of supply chain visibility,
- How modern software can help
- 6 Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Vendor
- A comparison of the top supply chain visibility solutions on the market.
What is Supply Chain Visibility?
Supply chain visibility is the ability to track and monitor every aspect of your supply chain from raw materials to finished products in real time. This level of monitoring allows businesses to identify potential issues, optimize processes, and make informed decisions. In an increasingly globalized market, a clear understanding of your supply chain is more important than ever.
Click here to learn more about how to improve your supply chain visibility.
How can modern software help address the challenges of supply chain visibility?
Supply chain visibility tools provide a variety of features that help businesses overcome common challenges, such as:
- limited access to information
- silent data
- manual procedures
By centralizing and analyzing data, these solutions provide actionable insights that enable organizations to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. Here’s how advanced supply chain visibility software can transform your operations:
- Real-time Tracking: Monitor every aspect of your supply chain, from inventory levels to shipment status, and make informed decisions on the go.
- Advanced Analysis: Identify trends, uncover hidden opportunities, and forecast future demand using sophisticated algorithms and machine learning.
- Collaboration Tools: Streamline communication and coordination between suppliers, manufacturers and logistics providers.
Studies show that companies using software that offered dashboards for end-to-end supply chain visibility were twice as likely to overcome supply chain challenges in 2022 (Figure 3). The study also reveals that nearly 74% of respondents have established supply chain visibility technologies and are focusing digital efforts on demand planning.
Figure 3. Supply chain visibility dashboards help achieve supply chain resilience.
sponsored
Read how UCBOS, a no-code platform provider, helped a leading consumer goods company improve supply chain visibility through configurable assets.
To maximize the benefits of supply chain visibility software, it’s essential to choose a solution tailored to the specific needs of your business. Here are the top five factors to consider:
1. Customization and User-friendliness
Customization and ease of use are important factors when selecting supply chain visibility software. A solution that is intuitive and easy to navigate, for example, will enable a more seamless transition and reduce the time required for your team to become familiar with it.
You can consider no-code or low-code solutions depending on your needs and level of digital dexterity.
Example
For example, a retailer may not have a team with coding capabilities and still require a high degree of customization to integrate its systems with those of its suppliers. In this case, it can benefit from a no-code platform.
2. Integration with Supply Chain Management (SCM) Platforms
The effectiveness of your supply chain visibility software depends heavily on its ability to integrate with your existing supply chain management (SCM) platform. Seamless integration enables the software to access and analyze data from multiple sources, providing a comprehensive view of your supply chain. Look for solutions that offer low or no-code capabilities such as pre-built integrations with popular SCM platforms or custom integration options.
Example
Let’s say a clothing manufacturer uses an ERP system to manage its purchasing and production processes. To ensure a smooth transition, they should choose a supply chain visibility software that integrates with their existing ERP system.
3. Number of Employees of the Seller
Bigger is not always better. some study1 Suggest that small, medium-sized businesses or SMBs can provide more personalized and customized service because they prioritize customer service.
Therefore, make sure the seller has a credible minimum company size (ideally 25+ employees) and test their customer service capabilities before making any commitments.
4. Type of proposed solution
There are different types of supply chain visibility software, each offering different features and capabilities. Some solutions focus on specific aspects of the supply chain, such as inventory management, while others provide end-to-end visibility across all processes. Consider your organization’s specific pain points and objectives when evaluating vendors.
Example
A global manufacturer wants to optimize its inventory levels and reduce carrying costs. It should prioritize solutions that offer robust inventory management features such as demand forecasting and automated replenishment.
5. Industry-Specific Requirements
Different industries have unique supply chain challenges and needs. For example, the pharmaceutical industry must adhere to strict regulations regarding product traceability, while the automotive industry requires seamless coordination between multiple suppliers and manufacturers. Choose a platform that understands the intricacies of your industry and provides tailored solutions to meet its specific needs.
Example
Consider that a pharmaceutical manufacturer needs a solution that helps them comply with regulations such as the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA). It should prefer software that provides features such as serial number tracking and electronic pedigree documentation.
6. Customer Support and Training
Implementing a new supply chain visibility software can be a complex process that requires extensive training and ongoing support. Evaluate the quality of customer service provided by the software provider, including their responsiveness, expertise, and availability. Additionally, consider the training resources available, such as webinars, tutorials and dedicated account managers, to ensure a smooth onboarding process for your team.
Example
A logistics service provider or LSP wants to train its employees on a new AI-powered real-time shipment tracking system. It should choose a provider that offers comprehensive training materials and responsive customer support to help the team adapt quickly to the new solution.
Comparison of the Top Supply Chain Visibility Software Vendors in the Market
chosen criteria
The criteria chosen for this comparison include customization based on low/no-code capabilities, integration on SCM platforms, and workforce. These criteria were selected based on data availability.
The other 3 criteria (type of solution offered, industry-specific requirements, and customer support and training) should be evaluated by users as they approach vendors. Since these 3 criteria are specific to business requirements, they may differ from company to company.
Table 1. Vendor Comparison
| vendors | customization | Integration to SCM Platform*, ** | # Number of employees on Linkedin by April 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ucbos | no code | – SAP – Oracle SCM – mercury gate tms – Manhattan – Blueyonder – coupe |
53 |
| Appian | short code | – SAP – Oracle |
2,271 |
| Mendix | short code | – SAP – Siemens Teamcenter |
1,284 |
| outsystem | short code | – SAP – MongoDB – PostgreSQL |
1,960 |
| Pegasystems | short code | – SAP – Oracle – Microsoft SQL Server – PostgreSQL |
5,803 |
| regrelo | no code | – Oracle – SAP |
38 |
Comments (Table 1):
- Based on the seller’s claims: *
- Not Comprehensive: **
- The vendors compared in this table were selected based on the relevance of their offerings and 25+ employees.
transparency statement
AIMultiple serves several emerging tech companies including UCBOS.
conclusion
Selecting the ideal supply chain visibility solution is an important step in optimizing your business’s supply chain operations. By considering the factors outlined in this article and vendor comparison table, you can make an informed decision that sets your organization on the path to success.
Further reading
If you need help finding a seller or have any questions, feel free to contact us at:
Find the Right Vendors
Reference
- Mitto (November 16, 2022). Two-thirds of SMBs say omnichannel messaging is critical to a positive customer experience. Accessed: 05/May/2023
Studies (Figure 1) show that modern supply chains are more complex than traditional ones and require a different management approach.
Figure 1. Studies show that modern supply chains require a different approach.
Taking a holistic view of your supply chain is critical to achieving resiliency, agility and sustainability, which is why it has become one of the top priorities of supply chain leaders (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Top priorities of executives according to a survey
By taking advantage of sophisticated supply chain visibility software, companies can overcome challenges, streamline operations, and ultimately achieve success.
To help supply chain leaders gain a clear view of their value chain, this article covers:
- Importance of supply chain visibility,
- How modern software can help
- 6 Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Vendor
- A comparison of the top supply chain visibility solutions on the market.
What is Supply Chain Visibility?
Supply chain visibility is the ability to track and monitor every aspect of your supply chain from raw materials to finished products in real time. This level of monitoring allows businesses to identify potential issues, optimize processes, and make informed decisions. In an increasingly globalized market, a clear understanding of your supply chain is more important than ever.
Click here to learn more about how to improve your supply chain visibility.
How can modern software help address the challenges of supply chain visibility?
Supply chain visibility tools provide a variety of features that help businesses overcome common challenges, such as:
- limited access to information
- silent data
- manual procedures
By centralizing and analyzing data, these solutions provide actionable insights that enable organizations to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. Here’s how advanced supply chain visibility software can transform your operations:
- Real-time Tracking: Monitor every aspect of your supply chain, from inventory levels to shipment status, and make informed decisions on the go.
- Advanced Analysis: Identify trends, uncover hidden opportunities, and forecast future demand using sophisticated algorithms and machine learning.
- Collaboration Tools: Streamline communication and coordination between suppliers, manufacturers and logistics providers.
Studies show that companies using software that offered dashboards for end-to-end supply chain visibility were twice as likely to overcome supply chain challenges in 2022 (Figure 3). The study also reveals that nearly 74% of respondents have established supply chain visibility technologies and are focusing digital efforts on demand planning.
Figure 3. Supply chain visibility dashboards help achieve supply chain resilience.
sponsored
Read how UCBOS, a no-code platform provider, helped a leading consumer goods company improve supply chain visibility through configurable assets.
To maximize the benefits of supply chain visibility software, it’s essential to choose a solution tailored to the specific needs of your business. Here are the top five factors to consider:
1. Customization and User-friendliness
Customization and ease of use are important factors when selecting supply chain visibility software. A solution that is intuitive and easy to navigate, for example, will enable a more seamless transition and reduce the time required for your team to become familiar with it.
You can consider no-code or low-code solutions depending on your needs and level of digital dexterity.
Example
For example, a retailer may not have a team with coding capabilities and still require a high degree of customization to integrate its systems with those of its suppliers. In this case, it can benefit from a no-code platform.
2. Integration with Supply Chain Management (SCM) Platforms
The effectiveness of your supply chain visibility software depends heavily on its ability to integrate with your existing supply chain management (SCM) platform. Seamless integration enables the software to access and analyze data from multiple sources, providing a comprehensive view of your supply chain. Look for solutions that offer low or no-code capabilities such as pre-built integrations with popular SCM platforms or custom integration options.
Example
Let’s say a clothing manufacturer uses an ERP system to manage its purchasing and production processes. To ensure a smooth transition, they should choose a supply chain visibility software that integrates with their existing ERP system.
3. Number of Employees of the Seller
Bigger is not always better. some study1 Suggest that small, medium-sized businesses or SMBs can provide more personalized and customized service because they prioritize customer service.
Therefore, make sure the seller has a credible minimum company size (ideally 25+ employees) and test their customer service capabilities before making any commitments.
4. Type of proposed solution
There are different types of supply chain visibility software, each offering different features and capabilities. Some solutions focus on specific aspects of the supply chain, such as inventory management, while others provide end-to-end visibility across all processes. Consider your organization’s specific pain points and objectives when evaluating vendors.
Example
A global manufacturer wants to optimize its inventory levels and reduce carrying costs. It should prioritize solutions that offer robust inventory management features such as demand forecasting and automated replenishment.
5. Industry-Specific Requirements
Different industries have unique supply chain challenges and needs. For example, the pharmaceutical industry must adhere to strict regulations regarding product traceability, while the automotive industry requires seamless coordination between multiple suppliers and manufacturers. Choose a platform that understands the intricacies of your industry and provides tailored solutions to meet its specific needs.
Example
Consider that a pharmaceutical manufacturer needs a solution that helps them comply with regulations such as the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA). It should prefer software that provides features such as serial number tracking and electronic pedigree documentation.
6. Customer Support and Training
Implementing a new supply chain visibility software can be a complex process that requires extensive training and ongoing support. Evaluate the quality of customer service provided by the software provider, including their responsiveness, expertise, and availability. Additionally, consider the training resources available, such as webinars, tutorials and dedicated account managers, to ensure a smooth onboarding process for your team.
Example
A logistics service provider or LSP wants to train its employees on a new AI-powered real-time shipment tracking system. It should choose a provider that offers comprehensive training materials and responsive customer support to help the team adapt quickly to the new solution.
Comparison of the Top Supply Chain Visibility Software Vendors in the Market
chosen criteria
The criteria chosen for this comparison include customization based on low/no-code capabilities, integration on SCM platforms, and workforce. These criteria were selected based on data availability.
The other 3 criteria (type of solution offered, industry-specific requirements, and customer support and training) should be evaluated by users as they approach vendors. Since these 3 criteria are specific to business requirements, they may differ from company to company.
Table 1. Vendor Comparison
| vendors | customization | Integration to SCM Platform*, ** | # Number of employees on Linkedin by April 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ucbos | no code | – SAP – Oracle SCM – mercury gate tms – Manhattan – Blueyonder – coupe |
53 |
| Appian | short code | – SAP – Oracle |
2,271 |
| Mendix | short code | – SAP – Siemens Teamcenter |
1,284 |
| outsystem | short code | – SAP – MongoDB – PostgreSQL |
1,960 |
| Pegasystems | short code | – SAP – Oracle – Microsoft SQL Server – PostgreSQL |
5,803 |
| regrelo | no code | – Oracle – SAP |
38 |
Comments (Table 1):
- Based on the seller’s claims: *
- Not Comprehensive: **
- The vendors compared in this table were selected based on the relevance of their offerings and 25+ employees.
transparency statement
AIMultiple serves several emerging tech companies including UCBOS.
conclusion
Selecting the ideal supply chain visibility solution is an important step in optimizing your business’s supply chain operations. By considering the factors outlined in this article and vendor comparison table, you can make an informed decision that sets your organization on the path to success.
Further reading
If you need help finding a seller or have any questions, feel free to contact us at:
Find the Right Vendors
Reference
- Mitto (November 16, 2022). Two-thirds of SMBs say omnichannel messaging is critical to a positive customer experience. Accessed: 05/May/2023
