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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Aldata wins top supply chain award

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Aldata has won 'Best ROI Supply Chain Management Software Award 2007,' awarded by the Institute of Transport Management

Ritchey has productivity tagged with Access Supply Chain

2 Ritchey has productivity tagged with Access Supply Chain

Agricultural manufacturer Ritchey plc has introduced major productivity gains by integrating its Access Supply Chain solution with an online ordering system.

IBS reveals results of publishing industry survey at London Book Fair

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IBS ran a survey at the London Book Fair to establish the real business trends and concerns for the publishing industry (see results below).

IFS Applications selected by Heerema Fabrication Group

4 IFS Applications selected by Heerema Fabrication Group

HFG, which specialises in the engineering and fabrication of large and complex structures for the global offshore oil and gas industry, has selected IFS Applications as its new enterprise applications system

Catalyst International Brings Visual Practices to Labour Reporting and Engineered Standards

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Catalyst International, Inc. has released its CatalystCommand Labour Management software product, encompassing workforce performance reporting for the lean enterprise.

Hallmark play their cards right

6 Hallmark play their cards right

SAVOYE, a leading European supplier of warehouse solutions and systems, develop the whole operation from Goods-In to Despatch to improve order picking and fulfilment processes.

Paragon and Isotrak Announce New Solution Integrating Transport Optimisation And Execution For Large Delivery Fleets

7 Paragon and Isotrak Announce New Solution Integrating Transport Optimisation And Execution For Large Delivery Fleets

Paragon and Isotrak, two market leaders in transport management, have partnered to launch the Total Transport System (TTS) - an intelligent, fully integrated, real-time transport planning, optimisation, execution and management solution.

Stylo Barratt Cuts Cost and Complexity with Integrated Systems

8 Stylo Barratt Cuts Cost and Complexity with Integrated Systems

Stylo Barratt to Make Accuracy and Efficiency Savings with RedPrairie's Warehouse and Duty Management Solutions

Manhattan Associates, IBM take partnership to new strategic level

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Collaborative Effort Will Deliver Solutions to Supply Chain Leaders in Key Vertical Markets, New Geographies

Maginus drives growth at Formula 4

10 Maginus drives growth at Formula 4

Formula 4 is a leading supplier of car, van, MPV and 4x4 styling accessories, from alloy wheels and lamps to high performance parts from its Carnoisseur subsidiary.

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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