Packaged supply chain management software can be a godsend to a company that is having trouble managing the work flow of their products. Raw materials, information and finances all need to be managed from the beginning. Everything a consumer owns has gone through a supply chain. The chain of a product consists of many steps along the way: suppliers of raw materials, manufacturers that put the materials together into a product, wholesalers and distributors who get the products in stores, catalogs and websites, the retailers who make the point-of-purchase sales and of course the consumers who buy the product.

That’s a lot of people and things to look after and take care of. A supply chain management software solution may be the answer in keeping it all organized and having people held accountable in their role of getting your product from the materials shelf to the store shelf. When considering supply chain management packaged solutions, or supply chain management software solutions, the following should be noted:

1. There are two kinds of packaged SCM software applications–planning and execution.

2. In order for any packaged SCM solution to be effective, you have to be willing to share info with both your suppliers and end consumers, and act on the info they give you.

3. The goal of a supply chain management packaged solution is to improve communication within your company and the companies you work with, in order to reduce unnecessary inventory, yet have an adequate supply of the inventory you do need.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider a packaged SCM solution that includes a planning application

If your company needs help in filling orders more efficiently, this is the software for you. For companies that produce a limited range of products, this might be all that is needed.

I recommend: For packaged SCM software suppliers that focus on planning applications, download the trial version of Supply Chain Guru. In addition, Oracle lets you shop right online for database solutions.

Buy SCM packaged software that includes an execution application

If you deal with many products, or have a number of suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, customers or some combination thereof, you'll want to think about adding an execution application to your SCM software package. Execution applications can help you manage communications, finances, materials and finished products across all of your associates.

I recommend: A packaged SCM software manufacturer that really concentrates on execution applications is RedPrairie, a company especially good at warehouse management solutions. Sterling Commerce offers what they call Sterling Multi-Channel Fulfillment. Simply click “Request Information” at the bottom of the page to get started.

Purchase an entire supply chain management turnkey solution

There are companies out there that provide more than just the software. Supply chain management turnkey solutions consist of the planning and execution software mentioned above, and they also help you through consulting services. These kind of solutions can be expensive but offer a great return on investment.

I recommend: Contact RR Donnelly to discuss your supply chain management turnkey solution needs. Just fill out the form with description of your needs and they will get back with you to discuss them further and provide suggestions for solutions. Finding a company that does turnkey solutions for your specific industry can be time saving as they already know the business. For instance, if your company produces media, JVC Disc America provides a media industry-specific SCM turnkey solution. Contact them directly for information.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Buying packaged supply chain management solutions and software is a huge investment of time and money. Make sure you take your time looking at options so you know your resources are well-spent.