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.
Having a complete view of your supply chain is critical to achieving flexibility, agility and sustainability, which is why it has become one of the top priorities for supply chain managers Figure 2.
Figure 2: Managers’ priorities by survey
By using sophisticated supply chain visibility software, companies can overcome challenges, streamline operations, and ultimately achieve success.
To help supply chain managers gain a clear understanding of their value chain, this article includes:
- The importance of supply chain visibility,
- How modern software can help
- 6 Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Vendor
- A comparison of the best supply chain visibility solutions on the market.
What is supply chain visibility?
Supply chain visibility is the ability to track and control all aspects of your supply chain in real time, from raw materials to finished products. This level of control allows businesses to identify potential problems, 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 overcome supply chain visibility challenges?
Supply chain visibility tools offer a number of features that help businesses overcome common challenges such as:
- Limited access to information
- Collapsed data
- manual processes
By centralizing and analyzing data, these solutions provide actionable insights that allow organizations to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction. Here’s how advanced supply chain visibility software can transform your operations:
- Real time tracking. Monitor all aspects of your supply chain, from inventory levels to shipment status, and make informed decisions instantly.
- Advanced analysis. Identify trends, uncover hidden opportunities and predict future demand using sophisticated algorithms and machine learning.
- Cooperation tools. Facilitate communication and coordination between suppliers, manufacturers and logistics providers.
Studies show that companies that use software that offers dashboards for end-to-end supply chain visibility are twice as likely to overcome supply chain challenges by 2022 (Figure 3). The study also shows that 74% of respondents have adopted supply chain visibility technologies and are focusing digital efforts on demand planning.
Figure 3: Supply chain visibility dashboards help achieve supply chain agility.
Sponsored
Read how UCBOS, a no-code platform provider, helped a leading consumer goods company improve supply chain visibility through contained assets.
To maximize the benefits of supply chain visibility software, it’s important to choose a solution tailored to the unique 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 choosing supply chain visibility software. For example, a solution that is intuitive and easy to navigate will allow for a more seamless transition and reduce the time it takes your team to familiarize themselves with it.
You can consider no-code or low-code solutions based on your needs and level of digital dexterity.
for example
For example, a retailer may not have a team with coding capabilities and still require a high level of customization to integrate its system with its suppliers. In this case, it can use a no-code platform.
2. Integration with supply chain management (SCM) platforms
The effectiveness of your supply chain visibility software relies heavily on its ability to integrate with your existing supply chain management (SCM) platforms. 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 pre-built integrations with popular SCM platforms or custom integration options such as low- or no-code capabilities.
for example
Suppose a clothing manufacturer uses an ERP system to manage its purchasing and production processes. To ensure a smooth transition, they should choose supply chain visibility software that integrates with their existing ERP system.
3. The number of employees of the seller
Bigger is not always better. Some studies1: suggest that small, medium-sized businesses or SMEs can offer a more personal and tailored service as they prioritize customer service.
Therefore, make sure the vendor has a credible minimum company size (ideally 25+ employees) and check 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 into all processes. Consider your organization’s specific pain points and goals when evaluating vendors.
for example
A global manufacturer wants to optimize its inventory levels and reduce transportation costs. It should prioritize solutions that offer robust inventory management features such as demand forecasting and automated replenishment.
5. Specific Industry Requirements
Different industries have unique supply chain challenges and requirements. For example, the pharmaceutical industry must follow strict regulations regarding product traceability, while the automotive industry requires seamless coordination between multiple suppliers and manufacturers. Choose a platform that understands the complexities of your industry and offers customized solutions to meet its specific needs.
for example
Keep in mind that a pharmaceutical manufacturer needs a solution that helps them comply with regulations such as the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA). It should prioritize software that offers features such as serial number tracking and electronic pedigree documentation.
6. Customer Support and Training
Implementing new supply chain visibility software can be a complex process that requires thorough training and ongoing support. Evaluate the quality of customer service offered by the software provider, including their responsiveness, expertise, and availability. Additionally, consider available training resources such as webinars, tutorials, and account managers to ensure a smooth onboarding process for your team.
for example
A logistics service provider, or LSP, wants to train its staff 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 quickly adapt to the new solution.
A comparison of the best supply chain visibility software vendors on the market
Selected criteria
Criteria selected for this comparison include customization based on low/no-code capabilities, integration into SCM platforms, and headcount. These criteria were selected based on data availability.
The remaining 3 criteria (type of solution offered, industry-specific requirements, and customer support and training) should be evaluated by users when they contact vendors. Since these 3 criteria are specific to business needs, they may vary from company to company.
Table 1: Vendor Comparison
| Sellers: | adaptation | Integrations with SCM platforms*, ** | Number of employees on Linkedin as of April 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| UCBOS: | no code | – HOLE – Oracle SCM – Mercury Gate TMS – Manhattan – Blueyonder – Kupa |
53: |
| Appian | low code | – HOLE – Oracle |
2.271 |
| Mendix | low code | – HOLE – Siemens Team Center |
1.284 |
| OutSystems: | low code | – HOLE – MongoDB – PostgreSQL |
1960 |
| Pegasystems | low code | – HOLE – Oracle – Microsoft SQL Server – PostgreSQL |
5803 |
| regrello: | no code | – Oracle – HOLE |
38: |
Notes (Table 1).
- Based on the seller’s requirements: *
- Not comprehensive. **
- The vendors compared in this chart were selected based on the relevance of their offerings and have 25+ employees.
Transparency Statement
AIMultiple serves many emerging technology companies, including UCBOS.
Conclusion
Choosing 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 the vendor comparison chart, you can make an informed decision that puts 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.
Find the right vendors
Links:
- Mitto (November 16, 2022). Omnichannel messaging is critical to a positive customer experience, say two-thirds of SMBs. Accessed: 05/May/2023
