Supply Chain Management, Optimisation, Software, Execution

Supply chain management software (SCM) is a term that embraces a wide range of software functionality. The joint purpose of these different modules and tools is to better execute supply chain transactions, manage supplier relationships and control all main business processes related to supply and delivery. The discipline of SCM covers everything from the storage and movement of parts and raw materials, to work in progress (WIP) and the management of goods and materials from source to the point of delivery to the customer. The APICS Dictionary describes SCM as the \"design, planning, execution, control, and monitoring of supply chain activities with the objective of creating net value, building a competitive infrastructure, leveraging worldwide logistics, synchronizing supply with demand and measuring performance globally.

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Foursoft bags new deal from Flyjac

1 Foursoft bags new deal from Flyjac

Four Soft (4S) has signed a contract with Flyjac Logistics Private Limited (Flyjac), Mumbai, for implementation of its purchase order management software.

Companies are confusing supplier performance with supplier relationships

2 Companies are confusing supplier performance with supplier relationships

Many organisations see supplier relationship management (SRM) as a process focused on monitoring the performance of their suppliers, rather than as a collaborative, two-way relationship.

Catalyst XPS: Parcel Shipping

3

Catalyst has extended their current parcel shipping solution from SAP ERP Central Component (ECC) to the SCM EWM environment...

What IT Customers Can Learn from Charles Darwin

4 What IT Customers Can Learn from Charles Darwin

Customers tend to view IT systems as a cost rather than an investment according to Sami Saoudi operations director of software developer MMCC consultants.

Beyond the Storm: Managing Risk in the Supply Chain

5 Beyond the Storm: Managing Risk in the Supply Chain

Even without the recent turbulence in the capital markets, executive minds were already spinning with the relentless onslaught of events in the past year that have threatened to disrupt their continuity of supply.

SNS boosts Ali Bin Ali customer service level

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SNS, a leading provider of supply chain solutions in the Gulf and Middle-East, has implemented Infor Event Management

Drilling and well service company selects IFS Applications

7

Seawell Ltd has selected IFS Applications as its enterprise applications to support the growth of the companys global project-based operations.

Green and Lean

8

Kimberly-Clark drives sustainability through the heart of its supply chain

General Motors' bankruptcy implies big changes in auto logistics

9 General Motors' bankruptcy implies big changes in auto logistics

General Motors has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. That one of the world's largest purchasers of logistics services is slowly going broke will inevitably have major long term effects on the logistics industry throughout the world.

Fashion retailer s.Oliver boosts productivity

10 Fashion retailer s.Oliver boosts productivity

Computer Associates streamlined IT management services and ITIL best practices.

Supply Chain Management Software (SCM)

Supply chain management software (SCMS) is a business term which refers to a whole range of software tools or modules used in executing supply chain transactions, managing supplier relationships and controlling associated business processes. Supply chain management spans all movement and storage of raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and finished goods from point of origin to point of consumption.

Supply Chain Management (SCM) includes all the activities that must take place to get the right product into the right consumer’s hands in the right quantity and at the right time. The supply chain manager supervises all the related logistical processes for the organisation. Effective supply chain management involves the coordination of all of the various elements of the chain as quickly as possible by harmonizing the contributions at each stage, including use of vendor partners and third-party service providers. This must be done as cost-effectively as possible and the priority is to be customer-driven.

Being more attentive to the stages throughout the length of the chain helps companies to stay competitive, reduces overall costs, increases efficiency and ultimately, keeps the customers happy. Supply chains are becoming increasingly integrated and complex, and as such now require dedicated and well-trained managers

Supply chain management (SCM) is sometimes broken down into the stages of planning, execution and shipping. Supply chain planning (SCP) and supply chain execution are the two main categories of SCM software. SCP software applications apply algorithms to predict future requirements and balance supply and demand.

Another definition is provided by the APICS Dictionary when it defines SCM as the "design, planning, execution, control, and monitoring of supply chain activities with the objective of creating net value, building a competitive infrastructure, leveraging worldwide logistics, synchronizing supply with demand and measuring performance globally."

Supply chain execution (SCE) is the flow of tasks involved in the supply chain, such as order fulfilment, procurement, warehousing and transporting. SCE software applications track the physical status of goods, the management of materials, and financial information involving all parties.

Supply chain planning software helps organizations manage and replenish their inventory through sales and demand forecasting. As part of a supply chain management system, supply chain planning solutions like sales & operations planning (S&OP) serve an important function in the on-going effort to reduce waste and increase profitability.

Supply chain optimization software handles capacity planning as well as sequencing and scheduling. Beyond simply providing demand estimation data, it allows organizations to act immediately on any pertinent information gathered from the data by altering delivery schedules, shifting stored inventory loads, and adjusting revenue and expense projections.

Supply Chain standards and models: 

There are a variety of supply chain models. The Supply-Chain Operations Reference model (SCOR) , developed by the management consulting firm PRTM, now part of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) has been endorsed by the Supply-Chain Council (SCC) and has become the industry standard diagnostic tool for supply chain management. SCOR measures total supply chain performance in terms of production flexibility, fulfillment performance, order delivery, reverse logistics efficiency/returns processing, warranty and general service levels.

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