In a business whose existence depends on the goods it purchases and the products it ships, supply chain management software is the vital link that ensures that a well-oiled machine is well-oiled. Whether you need to keep an assembly line rolling or a chain of retail stores humming, supply chain management software controls the complete process, from the sourcing, requisition, and request for quotation (RFQ) stages, all the way through purchasing, receiving, inventory, and distribution.

The goals for supply chain management solution often include quicker turns and a more efficient use of inventory, as well as lower administrative costs. Slashing the time needed and cost of each purchase order, as well as integration with ERP systems are frequently stated goals, as well.

Supply chain management software isn’t an off-the shelf solution. It typically needs to be custom-fitted to suit the specific needs of the enterprise, with integration and synchronization being crucial steps in the process. Consequently, the successful implementation of a supply chain management software solution takes a good bit of time. It’s not something that can be accomplished in a month or two. The Logility website quotes an AMR Research report that states that 44% of supply chain planning implementations take more than 12 months. Logility states that 56% of its system implementations took just 3 months to less than 6 months (over an 18 month period ending in 2003).

There’s no shortage of developers in the field. Supply chain management software providers include AspenTech, Bellwether, Global eXchange Services, i2, IBS, Infor, Logility, Palmas, PeopleSoft, Preactor, Provia, and TECSYS.