Sam Gupta

Top 10 Make-to-Order Manufacturing ERP Systems In 2024

Leave a Comment / Blog, Enterprise Architecture, ERP, Industrial Manufacturing / By Sam Gupta / March 27, 2024 March 26, 2024

Make-to-order Companies: In the vast realm of manufacturing, make-to-order companies stand out with their distinct operations. Often grouped alongside make-to-stock, engineer-to-order, and project manufacturing, make-to-order firms operate uniquely. Unlike make-to-stock businesses, they craft products upon order placement, necessitating specialized supply chain processes. While similar to engineer-to-order setups, make-to-order companies typically require less customer interaction and tackle less intricate engineering challenges.

Make-to-order Manufacturing Business Processes: To grasp the dynamics of make-to-order processes, consider the distinction between one-off and planned needs. One-off needs, such as unique machine parts, often drive this approach, catering to specialized requirements. Additionally, factors like product cost and lead time urgency influence whether a product falls under make-to-order or make-to-stock categories. Typically, expensive products favor make-to-order to preserve cash reserves, while urgent customer demands may prompt some make-to-order items to transition to make-to-stock for enhanced service delivery.

Make-to-order Manufacturing ERP Needs. Make-to-order businesses require unique SKU strategies, often tailored to their specific processes. Unlike engineer-to-order enterprises, where make-to-order processes might also be required for their parts business, standalone make-to-order firms operate with simpler structures, fewer long-term projects, and reduced planning needs, simplifying the need for mixed-mode manufacturing. Their billing and financial planning requirements are also less complex. Additionally, managing the ecommerce component poses challenges, as it involves configurator processes due to less formalized SKUs, although not as ad-hoc as engineer-to-order setups. Now, let’s explore the top make-to-order manufacturing ERP systems for 2024.

The 2025 Digital Transformation Report

Thinking of embarking on a ERP journey and looking for a digital transformation report? Want to learn the best practices of digital transformation? Then, you have come to the right place.

Download Now

Criteria

Definition of a make-to-order manufacturing company. These companies in the make-to-order ecosystem include manufacturers primarily following make-to-order business mode in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, plastics, and building materials etc. The list considers companies of all sizes in this ecosystem.
Overall market share/# of customers. The higher marketshare among make-to-order companies drives higher rankings on this list.
Ownership/funding. The superior financial position of the ERP vendor leads to higher rankings on this list.
Quality of development. How modern is the tech stack? How aggressively is the ERP vendor pushing cloud-native functionality for this product? Is the roadmap officially announced? Or uncertain?
Community/Ecosystem. How vibrant is the community? Social media groups? In-person user groups? Forums?
Depth of native functionality. Last-mile functionality for specific industries natively built into the product?
Quality of publicly available product documentation. How well-documented is the product? Is the documentation available publicly? How updated is the demo content available on YouTube?
Product share and documented commitment. Is the product share reported separately in financial statements if the ERP vendor is public?
Ability to natively support diversified business models. How diverse is the product in supporting multiple business models in the same product?
Acquisition strategy aligned with the product: Any recent acquisitions to fill a specific hole for make-to-order industries? Any official announcements to integrate recently acquired capabilities?
User Reviews: How specific are the reviews about this product’s capabilities? How recent and frequent are the reviews?
Must be an ERP product: Edge products such as HCM, CRM, eCommerce, MES, or accounting solutions that are not fully integrated to support enterprise-wide capabilities are not qualified for this list.

10. Plex

Adopting an MES-first strategy, Plex targets companies in the Toyota and Ford automotive ecosystems. Despite superior technology compared to other solutions on this list, Plex has fewer installs, primarily focusing on the automotive industry. The automotive industry, especially the large OEMs, where Plex is especially known, are generally made-to-stock, requiring joint collaboration with their suppliers, which might be overkill for simpler made-to-order businesses. Plex secures its rank at #10 among the top make-to-order manufacturing ERP systems by emphasizing more operational capabilities than the core ERP needs, thus making it an ideal fit for MES-heavy make-to-order manufacturers, especially in the automotive ecosystem.

Strengths

Last-mile functionality for Toyota and Ford ecosystems. Tailored for manufacturers in the Toyota ecosystem (i.e., Toyota suppliers), Plex offers distinctive features, especially the compliance requirements that would require substantial consulting efforts on vanilla ERP systems.
MES-first approach. Originating as an integrated MES solution, Plex boasts extensive MES capabilities. This appeals to make-to-order companies handling processes traditionally within ERP, like quality, scheduling, and asset maintenance, providing a valuable shop floor perspective.
Cloud-native UI and architecture. Similar to cloud-native alternatives like Acumatica or NetSuite, Plex features a cloud-native and mobile-friendly user interface.

Weaknesses

Limited core ERP capabilities. While Plex lacks extensive finance and accounting capabilities for global organizations, it could be a great two-tier solution used at the plant level on top of Oracle and SAP as a corporate system.
Limited make-to-order manufacturing capabilities. While it might have some make-to-order capabilities, it might not be the best fit for make-to-order manufacturing companies requiring mixed-mode manufacturing capabilities.
Limited ecosystem and consulting base. Plex has fewer installations and a minimal marketplace and consulting base compared to other manufacturing ERP systems on this list.

9. IQMS/DELMIAWorks

IQMS, tailored for plastics-centric operations, would be uniquely suitable for plastic extrusion make-to-order manufacturing companies working for large OEMs in the automotive and aerospace verticals. These companies generally have unique workflows, such as maintaining SDS for each client and meeting their quality requirements. Enabling these capabilities on top of vanilla ERP systems might require substantial consulting efforts. IQMS would be an ideal fit for smaller make-to-order companies or for larger companies as a subsidiary-level system, thus contributing to its placement at #9 among make-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths

Great for plastic-extrusion make-to-order manufacturers. While limited in its suite, capabilities for plastic-centric make-to-order industries outshine when it comes to unique scheduling requirements.
Best for make-to-order companies on SolidWorks. With the same company as SolidWorks owning it, tighter and seamless integration of both products, which are built and maintained by the same vendor, is a huge plus.
Technology – This is probably the most legacy solution of all on this list, with no announcement if they plan to modernize the technology.

Weaknesses

Limited focus. The limited focus might be a challenge for make-to-order companies diversifying their operations and being active with M&A cycles.
Limited ecosystem. The consulting base is extremely limited with most resellers being CAD resellers, with limited experience in ERP implementation and cross-functional processes.
It is not the right fit for holding and private equity companies as a corporate ledger. While a great subsidiary solution and a solution for pure-play make-to-order plastic-centric manufacturers, it’s not the best fit for companies requiring diverse mixed-mode manufacturing companies or companies with complex business models.

8. QAD

With QAD’s focus being primarily on mid-to-large automotive, electronics manufacturing, and life sciences companies, its scope for make-to-order companies is limited, meaning it might not be the best fit for every make-to-order business model, requiring careful evaluation. It might also not be the best fit for companies requiring mixed-mode manufacturing capabilities along with make-to-order. While they have announced plans to advance their technology stack, the new version might take a while to be fully rolled out and available, securing its rank at #8 on our list among the top make-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths

Global capabilities. While not as globalized and localized as other larger solutions, such as SAP S/4 HANA or Oracle, QAD is as limited as smaller solutions and can accommodate several countries with global synergies in one product/database.
Supply chain suite + ERP. Combining capabilities that traditionally resided in a Supply Chain Suite, QAD includes trade compliance, TMS capabilities, and S&OP planning in its core solution. These capabilities are not generally as applicable for make-to-order business models but might be a great fit for companies that may have other layers in their business model along with make-to-order.
Integrated best-of-breed capabilities. QAD offers best-of-breed integration, such as PLM and TMS, which would require substantial consulting efforts on top of other vanilla ERP systems.

Weaknesses

Diverse business models. QAD’s limited focus poses challenges for holding and private equity companies with aggressive M&A cycles trying to keep all of their entities on one solution.
Global corporate solution. While operationally strong, QAD may not be the best fit for companies seeking a global corporate financial solution.
Weak ecosystem. QAD lacks a robust ecosystem, including limited partners and coverage for third-party add-ons and marketplaces.

7. Oracle Cloud ERP

Geared toward large global manufacturing firms, Oracle Cloud ERP excels with high transaction volumes, especially when Oracle Cloud ERP might be used only as a corporate financial ledger while using other specialized solutions such as Infor LN or Epicor Kinetic at the subsidiary level. Oracle Cloud ERP might have limited last-mile capabilities and integrations required for make-to-order businesses such as CAD, PLM, configurators, or MES. Oracle Cloud ERP would rely on third-party add-ons for such capabilities. Being primarily relevant for larger make-to-order companies. Thus, Oracle Cloud ERP ranks at #7 on our list of top make-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths

Robust finance capabilities for large, global make-to-order manufacturers. Capabilities include having five layers of GL restrictions, multiple layers of sub-ledgers, and book closing requirements across divisions, especially relevant for larger make-to-order businesses primarily interested in using Oracle Cloud ERP as a corporate financial ledger.
Proven solution with large workloads. Large companies may process millions of GL entries per hour. These workloads may be even higher for manufacturing companies. They might need to decouple transactions as a single system might struggle to support, requiring best-of-breed architecture for such companies, an ideal fit for Oracle Cloud ERP.
Ecosystem. Oracle Cloud ERP has an ecosystem of experienced consultants who have the capabilities to handle the design and architecture of such complex enterprises.

Weaknesses

Limited last-mile capabilities and make-to-order integrations. The last-mile capabilities and specialized integrations relevant for make-to-order businesses might require third-party add-ons.
Not necessarily a manufacturing solution. Oracle Cloud ERP’s concentration in make-to-order businesses is limited, making it a lower priority for make-to-order businesses.
Overwhelming for SMB make-to-order manufacturers. The enterprise data model and financial layers might be overwhelming for SMB make-to-order manufacturers.

6. Acumatica

Tailored for manufacturing companies in the $10-100 million range, Acumatica suits make-to-order manufacturers with simpler operations. While Acumatica has BOMs and manufacturing layers required for make-to-order operations, mature ERP layers such as Kanban or allocation might be limiting compared to other richer manufacturing solutions such as Epicor Kinetic or Infor LN. However, Acumatica might be a better fit for companies with diverse make-to-order business models when they might have flavors of other business models such as eCommerce, field service, or construction. Thus, given its relevance for smaller make-to-order manufacturers, it ranks at #6 on our list of make-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths

Rich BOMs and scalable costing layers. Acumatica BOMs are highly organized and follow logical structure across the screens, making them highly scalable for companies with complex product models.
Diverse capabilities to support the needs of multiple business models. The product can accommodate multiple business models in the same database, making it easier to explore synergies across different business models without requiring isolated operations for heterogeneous operations.
Cloud-native UI and flexible pricing options. Superior experience for teams using ERP primarily on mobile devices. Consumption-based pricing options reduce costs substantially for certain business models, such as seasonal businesses with labor spikes.

Weaknesses

Limited global capabilities. The current multi-entity functionality might be limiting for make-to-order companies with operationally connected offshore locations.
Limited mobile reporting capabilities. The mobile capabilities are leaner for complex reporting scenarios such as parallel processing or reporting labor or machines separately from the same work center. These capabilities are highly critical for make-to-order operations.
Multiple add-ons may be required for make-to-order manufacturing. Requires several third-party add-ons, such as MES, PLM, and quality, posing integration and communication challenges.

5. SAP S/4 HANA

Targeting large global make-to-order manufacturing companies, SAP S/4 HANA excels in handling millions of transactions per hour, a requirement for companies of Fortune 500 scale. Ideal for large publicly traded companies heavy on financial compliance and governance, it may not suit SMB manufacturing companies without internal IT maturity. SAP S/4 HANA enjoys a unique advantage for MRP-driven companies requiring enterprise-grade workloads intending to keep all of their entities in one database. Thus, ranking at #5 on our list of top make-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths

Enterprise product designed for make-to-order centric companies. The item master, product model, and warehouse architecture are especially friendly for make-to-order businesses because of scalable and modular BOM and costing layers.
The power of HANA to run global operations end-to-end in one system. Our simple test of HANA’s capabilities with 100K serialized goods receipt found it to be faster than most systems out there. SAP S/4 HANA could process it in under 22 seconds, while Oracle cloud ERP took more than 18 mins for the same test. This is especially friendly for large make-to-order businesses aiming to run their consolidated global MRP runs in one system.
Financial governance and best-of-breed architecture. Financial traceability is built with each transaction, which makes the transactions and SOX governance flows highly traceable, especially friendly for publicly-traded make-to-order companies.

Weaknesses

Behind in cloud capabilities. While SAP has made tremendous advancements, the cloud version is still behind its on-prem variant.
Too big for smaller make-to-order companies. Companies looking for a fully baked suite without internal IT capabilities will find it overwhelming.
Limited last mile Capabilities and third-party pre-integrated options. The last-mile capabilities relevant for make-to-order businesses, such as CAD and PLM integration, would require third-party add-ons.

4. Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O

Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O excels in localizations where other focused solutions might not be available, providing only a few options for make-to-order companies. While Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O has a very rich product model to support complex make-to-order operations, it might not have a complete suite and integrated options as focused solutions, such as Epicor Kinetic or Infor LN, requiring third-party add-ons for these capabilities. Despite being limited with suite capabilities, it will be more suitable for diverse make-to-order operations or companies with uncertain business models because of M&A activity, securing the #4 spot among the top make-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths

Richer core ERP capabilities for make-to-order companies in the cloud. Compared to other solutions that might have superior layers for other service-centric verticals, such as Oracle Cloud ERP, Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O has a mature cloud version for make-to-order companies.
Best-of-breed products integrated at the database level. While Microsoft has best-of-breed integration such as CRM or field service, they might not be as directly relevant for make-to-order companies but will be useful for make-to-order companies with diverse business models.
Powerful ecosystem and marketplace add-ons. Microsoft has a talent and consulting base in countries where finding talent may be a challenge.

Weaknesses

Limited pre-baked integrations for make-to-order companies. The integration relevant for make-to-order companies such as PLM, CAD, MES, and configurator would require third-party add-ons, increasing communication and integration risks.
Too big for smaller companies. The smaller companies would find it overwhelming with the configuration and approval flows built for large enterprises.
Limited last mile capabilities. The last-mile functionality relevant to specific industry verticals, such as PPAP compliance or AS9100, might require substantial consulting efforts.

3. Infor CloudSuite Industrial (Syteline)

Geared towards SMB make-to-order companies with extensive SKUs and complex subassemblies, Infor CloudSuite Industrial (Syteline) excels with its flexible BOM structure, accommodating both formal and informal manufacturing processes. While it has great capabilities for make-to-order operations, a complex business model requiring other mixed-mode manufacturing capabilities, such as WBS or project-centric manufacturing, might not be as detailed, securing its rank at #3 on our list of make-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths

Support for both informal and formal BOMs and engineering processes. Infor CSI BOMs don’t mandate a revision number, making it easier for companies with relatively unsophisticated data models and engineering processes to use without going through the painful formalization of SKUs and BOMs.
Detailed and scalable costing layers. Compared to other products with patchy experience, the costing layers are well-designed and scale well, especially for verticals where material pricing may fluctuate, requiring frequent readjustments, such as industries dependent upon steel.
Field service integration with the core manufacturing processes. Deep composable serviceable units are built as part of the core solution with complex assemblies and back-and-forth interactions of channels to service units in the field.

Weaknesses

Disconnected financial reporting experience. Unlike other products, financial reports are not embedded with the product. This would require an external Excel interface, creating a patchy experience for users.
Poor user experience and steep learning curve. While marketed as a cloud product, the cloud capabilities, such as enterprise search and opening multiple tabs, are limited. This makes the experience non-intuitive.
Weak ecosystem and third-party options. Similar to Epicor, Infor CSI takes the suite approach. So it might be harder to find integration with best-of-breed third-party apps.

2. Epicor Kinetic

Epicor Kinetic particularly targets small-to-mid-size make-to-order manufacturers. They particularly specialize in industries with formal manufacturing processes and complex inventory needs, such as automotive, aerospace, metal, fabrication, and medical devices. Epicor is also equally deep with project-centric operations and distribution processes, making it ideal for diverse make-to-order operations. Despite recent developments, Epicor Kinetic might not be the best fit for companies with global financial operations and deep field service operations. Thus, securing its ranks at #2 on our list among make-to-order manufacturing ERP systems.

Strengths

Strong for comapnies with formal manufacturing processes. Mandatory revision numbers and the BOMs driven by revision numbers would be especially appealing for formal engineering organizations familiar with similar formal structures.
Strong with complex inventory needs. Companies that require multiple attributes that need to be part of the planning and MRP, such as metal, fastener, automotive, and aerospace, would find Epicor to be appealing.
Microsoft look-and-feel. Epicor has a very similar look and feel to Microsoft ERP products. Thus, providing you with the same experience but with much deeper last-mile capabilities where other products might struggle.

Weaknesses

Global financial operations. Unlike larger products that might support more than three layers of financial hierarchies, such as corp, subsidiary, entity, and business units, the limited number of layers would operationally inefficient workarounds, such as using sub-accounts for such traceability.
Embedded experience with field service and quality. Despite recent acquisitions, the field service capabilities are not as embedded and proven as some of the other products on this list.
Weak ecosystem and marketplace. Epicor takes a suite approach to its products while selling directly to its customers. This limits the overall consulting and marketplace penetration.

1. Infor CloudSuite LN

Infor CloudSuite LN is a comprehensive manufacturing solution that particularly combines the best of the most focused manufacturing solutions. While there are several solutions on this list that could be a great fit for make-to-order manufacturing, they might struggle with diverse manufacturing operations with flavors of configure-to-order, field service, and project-centric manufacturing. Besides being comprehensive, it also has make-to-order-specific last-mile capabilities and pre-baked integrations such as PLM, CAD, CPQ, and more. Thus, securing its rank at #1 position on our list of the top make-to-order manufacturing ERP solutions.

Strengths

Global operations. Infor LN is the only solution in the market that has sufficient layers of financial hierarchies and global trade compliance functionality pre-baked with products. It supports make-to-order manufacturers exploring global financial and operational synergies.
Last-mile capabilities along with breadth of capabilities for diversified manufacturing business models. Make-to-order verticals require deeper core capabilities that are tightly embedded as part of product and data models such as PPAP, as well as handling units, several layers of allocation management, and international trade compliance.
Best-of-breed integrations offered out-of-the-box. Most tools that make-to manufacturer would require, such as HCM, PLM, data lake, ERP, WMS, TMS, and advanced supply chain planning, are all pre-integrated with LN.

Weaknesses

Might not be the best fit as a corporate solution for holding and private equity companies. Holding companies as diverse as make-to-order manufacturing, construction, and professional services may not be able to keep all of their entities on one solution and database.
Legacy UI and Experience. Infor LN is a legacy solution with limited cloud-native capabilities such as universal search, mobile experience, etc.
Weak Ecosystem and Marketplace. The consulting base and marketplaces are virtually non-existent for Infor LN.

+

ERP Implementation Failure Recovery

Learn how Frederick Wildman struggled with Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementation failure even after spending over $5M and what options they had for recovery.

Download Now

Conclusion

Make-to-order manufacturing stands out among other business models like make-to-stock or engineer-to-order. While key capabilities such as SKUs and BOMs are crucial, they aren’t as standardized or commercialized as in make-to-stock. However, financial processes are typically less complex compared to project manufacturing. This involves intricate revenue recognition and milestone billing for longer-term projects, unlike the relatively shorter runs in make-to-order. Thus, choosing the right ERP system for make-to-order manufacturing demands a thorough examination of transactions and processes. Also, opting for a system unsuited to this model risks implementation setbacks. While this list offers valuable insights, seeking guidance from an independent ERP consultant can greatly enhance your chances of success.

FAQs

How do ERP systems for make-to-order differ from other market segments?

The make-to-order systems are designed for supply chain and quoting processes relevant to business models where inventory may not be stored and inventory may not be produced until an order is booked.

What if a business may have make-to-order operations along with other business models?

Make-to-order businesses generally overlap with other business models, such as engineer-to-order or distribution. The simpler business models might not have the requirements for these processes, but more complex business models require systems to be deep in all of these processes, requiring more comprehensive systems such as Infor LN.

Which specific capabilities do make-to-order ERP systems generally include?

The make-to-order ERP systems have complex BOMs with several sub-assemblies and complex inventory and costing layers. However, it might not be as complex as engineer-to-order to require milestone billing and WBS-centric project manufacturing capabilities.

Top 10 ERP Systems For Service-centric Industries In 2024

Leave a Comment / Blog, Distribution, Enterprise Architecture, ERP, Food and Beverage, Retail, Service Companies / By Sam Gupta / March 6, 2024 March 5, 2024

Service-Centric Businesses: Typically devoid of inventory-centric operations, ERP systems for service-centric industries demand distinctive features and architecture. Unlike their product-centric counterparts, which heavily rely on inventory-costing layers and MRP strategies, service-centric industries exhibit even more operational diversity. In some cases, ERP functions confine themselves to managing corporate financial ledgers, while custom software handles the bulk of operational tasks. This diverse industry segment ranges from non-profit organizations to the public sector, and the list goes on with particularly construction, real estate, mining, utilities, energy, consulting, and financial services.

Service-Centric Business Processes: Even within sectors like non-profit organizations, diverse needs demand extensive customizations, also raising questions about the role of ERP in such markets. Despite process variations, aspects like project management, indirect procurement, and scheduling specialized resources remain consistent. For industries like professional services and architectural firms, resource scheduling is paramount, while industries such as construction or real estate may find it less relevant. The nuances and complexities of service-centric industries necessitate an entirely unique ERP strategy for this market segment.

Service-Centric ERP Needs: PSA (Professional Services Automation) takes center stage in service-centric industries, particularly highlighting skill-based scheduling as a distinctive feature. Its integration with Human Capital Management (HCM) workflows also sets it apart. In contrast, product-centric industries prioritize embeddedness with CAD/PLM or TMS/WMS, crucial for their inventory-centric operations. Despite some inventory presence in service-centric industries, their layers are less complex, leading to occasional confusion with product-centric ERP systems. While project management and project manufacturing may resemble PSA, product-centric systems avoid skill-based resource identification to curb unnecessary overhead. Identifying ERP systems tailored for service-centric industries? This list is an excellent starting point.

The 2025 Digital Transformation Report

Thinking of embarking on a ERP journey and looking for a digital transformation report? Want to learn the best practices of digital transformation? Then, you have come to the right place.

Download Now

10. Acumatica

Acumatica, primarily a product-centric ERP solution, has recently announced that they are launching an edition tailored for professional services companies. While Acumatica has capabilities relevant for other service-centric verticals, such as subscription billing, its coverage is fairly limited, primarily confined to the corporate financial ledger. Also, as of today, it has very limited global financial capabilities, making it less relevant for globally operated organizations requiring localizations in multiple countries aiming to explore synergies among those entities. Its limitations also substantially extend to non-profit-specific capabilities, but it would be a great fit for construction and mining-centric verticals due to its embedded field service and asset management capabilities. Thus, given its limited relevance to service-centric verticals, it ranks at #10 on our list.

Strengths

Multiple business models in one database. Service companies such as architectural firms and mining companies might find Acumatica attractive if their operations have flavors of product-centric companies such as manufacturing or eCommerce.
Cloud-native, with the experience being very similar to other SaaS products, such as Salesforce or Quickbooks.
Great as the first ERP system. While it would require consulting effort for implementation, the data layers are not as complex as larger ERP systems, making it a great first ERP system for service-centric smaller companies.

Weaknesses

PSA capabilities just released. The PSA module has just been released and may take some time to stabilize, even though it contains a project management module for construction-centric verticals.
Limited global application. Acumatica is relevant only in certain countries where they might have localization supported.
HCM module not embedded. One key requirement for service-centric verticals is particularly embedded HCM and indirect procurement processes, which are substantially limited with Acumatica.

9. Sage Intacct

Service-centric companies seeking their first ERP system find Sage Intacct an ideal fit. While exclusively focusing on service-centric verticals such as non-profit, SaaS, construction, and many more, it highly limits the core ERP capabilities. They would require several add-ons in most of these sectors. Although limited to operational capabilities, it can act as the global financial ledger for global operations with enterprise-grade finance capabilities, such as partner accounting and revenue recognition. Thus, with the limited scope as an ERP requiring add-ons for operational capabilities, it ranks at #9 on our list.

Strengths

Deep service-centric last-mile capabilities. It has one of the strongest service-centric finance and accounting capabilities, also including fund and grants accounting, pre-populated KPIs, and reports.
Globalized and Localized in over 120 countries. It can natively support multi-entity collaboration features of over 120 countries.
Salesforce, HR, and Marketplace Integrations for service-centric industries. Sage owns and maintains Salesforce and payroll integrations, particularly ensuring the quality of development.

Weaknesses

May Require Subscriptions for Best-of-breed CRMs. Primarily an accounting solution. So the solution doesn’t have any CRM capabilities at all, as well as limited supply chain capabilities, even for indirect procurement.
Will Require Consulting Expertise Compared to Other Smaller Systems. While Sage Intacct maximizes audibility and compliance through its design, successfully utilizing the product would require consulting expertise and internal IT maturity to navigate the added layers.
Not a complete ERP. Would require several bolt-ons, even in verticals where they might have a tailored version. The tailored version would provide best-of-breed finance and accounting capabilities while using add-ons for everything else.

8. Unit4

Unit4 is a purpose-built enterprise-grade ERP for non-profit, public sector, and consulting companies. While ideal for some, tailored workflows would be limiting for other diverse service-centric business models such as healthcare, construction, or mining. Given its limited scope in certain industry verticals, it does not provide the best fit for service companies aiming to streamline several subsidiaries in one solution or for private equity firms streamlining their entire portfolio. Thus, with its limited relevance to certain service-centric industries, it ranks at #8 on our list.

Strengths

Strong HCM and Indirect Procurement Capabilities Pre-integrated and Pre-baked. Tailored to educational institutes and non-profits.
Non-profit Accounting and PSA Capabilities Offered Out of the Box. The non-profit package includes native capabilities for the fund and grant capabilities with a strong PSA module to manage resources and projects.
Designed to Handle Global Enterprise Workloads. While two versions exist for large enterprises and another for the mid-market, the large one has proven successful with large non-profit institutes seeking alternatives to SAP S/4 HANA or Oracle Cloud ERP.

Weaknesses

Legacy Solution. While rearchitected for the cloud, it’s a legacy solution. So, the user and mobile experience might not be as great as other options born in the cloud.
Limited Install Base in North America. Primarily a European solution with a very limited presence and ecosystem in North America. So, you might struggle to find consulting companies and marketplace add-ons focused on the North American market.
Fit for a limited number of service-centric industries. Because of its tighter alignment with non-profit and public-sector verticals, other industries might find non-profit-specific capabilities overwhelming. It might also not be a fit for diverse organizations seeking capabilities outside of their comfort zone.

7. Deltek

Deltek targets upper-mid and lower-enterprise service-centric industries in construction, government contracting, architecture, and engineering verticals. Companies seeking proprietary integration and embeddedness with government contracting workflows find it an ideal fit. However, these proprietary capabilities might be overwhelming for other diverse industries. Just like Unit4, Deltek serves as a great solution for certain service-centric verticals but might not suit other verticals or companies with diverse business models as effectively. Thus, given its limited relevance for service-centric verticals, it ranks at #7 on our list.

Strengths

Last-mile capabilities for GovCon and construction-centric verticals. Deltek has last-mile capabilities in the construction and GovCon space, requiring substantial development atop vanilla solutions.
Access to the databases and networks relevant to these industries. Deltek has several products in its portfolio with industry databases and networks, providing it a unique advantage over other vendors.
Multi-entity capabilities. Their multi-entity capabilities are rich, making them suitable for upper mid-market companies seeking one solution to host all of their entities in one database.

Weaknesses

Limited focus. The limited focus of the solution might be a challenge for service-centric verticals active with M&A cycles, especially for business models outside of Deltek’s expertise.
Limited ecosystem and consulting base. As of today, their ecosystem and consulting base significantly limit their capabilities.
Limited best-of-breed capabilities. Service-centric industries opting to build best-of-breed architecture might not find as many pre-baked integration options, requiring substantial consulting efforts.

6. IFS

IFS enjoys a unique position for most service-centric verticals with its depth in project-centric organizations. It also particularly excels in workflows tailored for asset-heavy industries, along with possessing depth in field service capabilities. While IFS would suit many service-centric verticals such as construction, energy, and utilities, it might lack operational depth for verticals such as non-profit or the public sector. Since the solution targets larger mid-market and lower enterprise companies, it might be overwhelming for smaller companies. Thus, given its broader application than other focused solutions, it ranks at #6 on our list.

Strengths

Enterprise-grade field service and asset management capabilities. While limited in its suite and focus, their last-mile capabilities are the strongest, particularly relevant for service-centric industries.
The data model is aligned with companies with large programs. Industries such as MRO, Oil, and Gas follow very different project structures and BOMs. And IFS’s data model allows them to manage complex programs without any ad-hoc arrangements.
Technology. While a legacy solution, IFS technology has rearchitected and modernized itself using cloud-native SaaS technologies.

Weaknesses

Limited focus. The limited focus might be a challenge for other service-centric verticals active with M&A cycles.
Limited ecosystem. Its presence and install base still lag behind other solutions on this list in North America.
It is not the right fit for holding and private equity companies as a corporate ledger. While IFS can provide best-of-breed capabilities in a tier-two architecture or act as the main ERP hosting most enterprise processes, using IFS solely as the corporate financial ledger might not be the best fit.

5. SAP S/4 HANA

SAP S/4 HANA fits well for large globally operated companies with the scale of Fortune 1000 companies. Its data model allows hosting most business models in one solution, but that infinite scalability might also be overwhelming for smaller companies, requiring higher IT maturity and implementation budgets. While capable of hosting most business processes, operations teams at service-centric organizations might not prefer to host their workflows inside ERP systems. Thus, the preference for decentralized architecture at service-centric companies gets it the rank of #5 on this list.

Strengths

Non-profit accounting and PSA capabilities are provided out of the box. Expect a non-profit accounting package including grant and fund reporting with a PSA and skill-based scheduling.
Best-of-breed capabilities pre-integrated. The best-of-breed software, such as Concur, SuccessFactors, and CRM, are pre-integrated with SAP S/4 HANA, a pre-baked integration with the potential to save millions of dollars.
HANA and financial traceability for large, global organizations. Because of the power of HANA, SAP S/4 HANA can process very complex transactions with visual traceability across entities, along with end-to-end traceability, auditability, and approvals of SOX compliance workflows.

Weaknesses

CRM and membership capabilities. CRM workflows might not be fluid enough to meet the unique needs of service-centric companies.
Adoption issues for service-centric verticals. Unlike product-centric organizations, service-centric verticals don’t have as financially embedded transactions, causing efficiency issues with teams if their workflows were to be managed inside complex ERP systems such as SAP S/4 HANA.
Overwhelming for smaller organizations. The data model is designed for large, complex organizations, overwhelming for smaller, service-centric organizations.

4. Oracle Cloud ERP

Oracle Cloud ERP, similar to SAP S/4 HANA, is a great fit for very large globally operated organizations, especially publicly traded companies. It can accommodate most service-centric business models as part of its solution and has tailored capabilities for non-profits along with a PSA solution that is tightly embedded with the standalone HCM solution. Compared to SAP S/4 HANA, Oracle Cloud ERP fluid architecture allows flexibility that service-centric companies need for a decentralized architecture along with an ability to create custom forms and workflows easily. Thus, with the solution aligned with the needs of service-centric companies, Oracle Cloud ERP ranks at #4 on our list.

Strengths

Designed for large service-centric organizations. The embedded HCM and CRM processes are suitable for large service-centric organizations. The P2P workflows are friendlier for the indirect procurement needs of such organizations.
Native capabilities for grant and fund accounting. Expect native capabilities for grant and fund accounting provided as part of the package with very robust budget planning tools pre-integrated and pre-populated, easily merged with external datasets.
Embedded HCM and PSA processes. Expect HCM and PSA to be fully immersed with the ERP, as well as grant and fund compliance processes.

Weaknesses

Custom CRM workflows. While Oracle Cloud ERP might support the needs of membership from the perspective of finance and ASC606, the operational capabilities would require translation of data and process model, requiring expensive consulting and internal IT expertise.
Best-of-breed pre-built integrated options may be limited. Expect substantial efforts in integrating sector-specific CRMs and tools, as options may be limited for specific service-centric organizations.
Overwhelming for smaller organizations. The data model and translations required to be successful with the product may be too overwhelming for companies outgrowing QuickBooks or other smaller ERP systems.

3. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a great fit for service-centric SMB companies with diversified business models operating globally. Its project management module is uniquely tailored to the needs of professional services organizations with each resource identified. It also has non-profit-centric accounting packages provided out of the box and a best-of-breed CRM that is highly customizable. The MS ecosystem also has very highly talented developers capable of customizing the CRM data model to the most unique service-centric workflows. Thus, given its broader focus on service-centric industries, it ranks at #3 on this list.

Strengths

Designed for global companies. Natively supports global regions and localizations. Ideal fit for countries where the other suite-centric solutions, Deltek or Unit4, might not be present.
Non-profit accounting and PSA capabilities are provided out of the box. Expect a non-profit accounting package including grant and fund reporting with a PSA tailored for service-centric organizations and skill-based scheduling.
Marketplace and ecosystem. Augments core capabilities with a very vibrant marketplace, supporting diverse business models such as oil and gas, energy, and non-profit.

Weaknesses

Financial traceability and SOX compliance. It might not be the most Intuitive for finance leaders. The financial traceability may not be as intuitive as SAP for global, publicly traded service-centric companies.
Technical focus and limited business consulting expertise in the Microsoft ecosystem. The ecosystem has technical companies but with limited business consulting experience, which might drive over-customization and overengineering of Microsoft products, ultimately leading to implementation failure.
Limited Microsoft support for smaller partners. Unlike other ERP companies, Microsoft doesn’t offer any support or control to its smaller partners, leading to implementation issues because of the limited control over its channel.

2. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations is a great fit for upper-mid-market and lower-enterprise companies operating globally. It can host a variety of business models in one solution, along with the flexibility of customized workflows for service-centric organizations. MS Dynamics 365 F&O includes an out-of-the-box non-profit accounting package along with best-of-breed capabilities supported through its marketplace. It also has a CRM and field service solution that can be used in conjunction with the ERP solution, making it especially relevant for certain service-centric verticals. Thus, due to its wider applicability for many different business models, it ranks at #2 on our list.

Strengths

Designed for large organizations. Ideal for large, global companies with complex service-centric business models operating in multiple countries.
Non-profit accounting package capabilities are offered out of the box. Embedded non-profit accounting capabilities are offered out of the box.
Data center options and data locations of choice might be available in most countries. With the backing of Azure, complying with regulations such as the Patriots Act may be easier, an issue especially crucial with service-centric companies.

Weaknesses

It may not be the best fit for publicly traded companies. The traceability requirements for publicly traded companies might not be as intuitive.
The CRM data model might not be as fluid for certain service-centric verticals. The CRM data model is not as fluid as other solutions in the market, making it less friendly for business users with a need for customized workflows.
Overwhelming for smaller organizations. The data model and infinite scalability might be overwhelming for smaller organizations seeking simpler solutions easier to configure.

1. NetSuite

NetSuite is a great fit for several service-centric verticals, including non-profit, media, energy, utilities, construction, and oil and gas. It can support not only the lighter commerce processes of service-centric businesses but also complex workflows such as subscription-based business models. NetSuite HCM and PSA provide the unique embeddedness service-based organizations need to support their skill-based operations. The FP&A and indirect procurement processes are uniquely tailored for these industries. Thus, with the introduction of field service and its CPQ being tailored, it is one of the most adopted solutions in service-centric verticals, securing its rank at #1 on this list.

Strengths

An in-built package with fund and grant accounting capabilities is offered out of the box. Expect native capabilities for grant and fund accounting provided as part of the package with very robust budget planning tools for SMB non-profit companies pre-integrated and pre-populated, easily merged with external datasets.
Marketplace and ecosystem. Vibrant marketplaces and ecosystems, with tons of pre-baked integrations and add-ons available for diverse business models.
Ideal for global companies growing through M&A. Supports several diverse and global business models out of the box, making it ideal for companies part of the private equity portfolio and growing through M&A.

Weaknesses

Limited operational depth for some verticals. The operational depth with solutions such as Unit4 or Deltek for certain verticals might require add-ons or custom development.
Embeddedness with best-of-breed solutions. Service-centric verticals that enjoy using their favorite tools, such as Salesforce or JIRA, might not like to use NetSuite for their operational workflows.
Not a fit for very large service-centric organizations. While NetSuite can support very large multi-entity operations, companies that might be acquiring hundreds of companies each year might find NetSuite to be limiting.

+

ERP Implementation Failure Recovery

Learn how Frederick Wildman struggled with Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementation failure even after spending over $5M and what options they had for recovery.

Download Now

Conclusion

In contrast to product-centric counterparts, service-centric organizations demand ERP systems with flexibility, given their ad-hoc workflows with limited financial control needs. The limited benefits of ERP processes in service-centric settings can result in adoption challenges, especially in verticals where employee experience matters more than operational efficiency. If you’re choosing an ERP system for service-centric industries, scrutinizing nuances is crucial. When ERP systems seem indistinguishable, the guidance of an independent ERP consultant can be invaluable.

FAQs

How do ERP systems for service-centric industries differ from product-centric industries?

Service-centric ERP systems require PSA capabilities, which are uniquely different from the project management or project manufacturing module of a product-centric ERP system. They might also be tightly embedded with HCM processes, which is generally not a requirement for product-centric industries.

What if a business may have both product- and service-centric operations?

In such cases, a determination needs to be made whether an organization is primarily product-centric or service-oriented. If more than 80% of the business model centers around service-centric operations, service-centric ERP systems might be a more appropriate choice.

Which specific capabilities do service-centric ERP systems generally include?

The service-centric ERP systems are lighter on inventory-centric capabilities such as cost accounting, MRP, and inventory layers. They are heavier on indirect procurement processes, skill-based scheduling, and budgeting processes.

Top 10 ERP Systems for Product-centric Industries In 2024

Leave a Comment / Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Blog, Chemicals, Consumer Goods, Enterprise Architecture, ERP, Food and Beverage, High Tech & Electronics, Industrial Manufacturing, Life Sciences / By Sam Gupta / March 4, 2024 March 5, 2024

Defining Product-centric Industries. Unlike service-centric counterparts, product-centric industries heavily invest in inventory-centric operations rather than human resources and employee experience. This distinction necessitates uniquely tailored ERP systems. For manufacturers, distributors, and the entire manufacturing value chain focused on building and commercializing products, the major differentiator lies in the products they sell. Service-centric providers offering consulting services to these companies form the exception.

Business Models and Processes of Product-centric Industries. Within the product-centric industries segment, diverse business models abound, spanning discrete products to process-centric industries. Differences extend to manufacturing approaches, encompassing make-to-stock, make-to-order, configure-to-order, or project manufacturing. Additional variations arise in industrial or FMCG distribution, introducing nuances between B2B and B2C transactions. While a predominant focus on product-centric processes is common, some industries may intertwine service-centric processes, particularly if offering consulting services alongside products, adding complexity to the overall business model.

The ERP needs of product-centric industries. Tailoring ERP systems to product-centric industries hinges on their product development and commercialization processes. Varied stakeholders, including customers and suppliers, play crucial roles during the engineering phase, particularly for high-cost products. Retail and distribution models necessitate warehouse-level planning and allocation, while manufacturing-centric models involve joint forecasting and planning with suppliers and retailers. These diverse needs collectively shape the ERP requirements for product-centric industries. If you’re on the lookout for ERP systems tailored to these industries, kickstart your search with this curated list.

The 2025 Digital Transformation Report

Thinking of embarking on a ERP journey and looking for a digital transformation report? Want to learn the best practices of digital transformation? Then, you have come to the right place.

Download Now

Criteria

Overall market share/# of customers. The higher marketshare with product-centric industries drives higher rankings on this list.
Ownership/funding. The superior financial position of the ERP vendor leads to higher rankings on this list.
Quality of development. How modern is the tech stack? How aggressively is the ERP vendor pushing cloud-native functionality for this product? Is the roadmap officially announced? Or uncertain?
Community/Ecosystem. How vibrant is the community? Social media groups? In-person user groups? Forums?
Depth of native functionality. Last-mile functionality for specific industries natively built into the product?
Quality of publicly available product documentation. How well-documented is the product? Is the documentation available publicly? How updated is the demo content available on YouTube?
Product share and documented commitment. Is the product share reported separately in financial statements if the ERP vendor is public?
Ability to natively support diversified business models. How diverse is the product to support multiple business models in the same product?
Acquisition strategy aligned with the product: Any recent acquisitions to fill a specific hole for product-centric industries? Any official announcements to integrate recently acquired capabilities?
User Reviews: How specific are the reviews about this product’s capabilities? How recent and frequent are the reviews?
Must be an ERP product: Edge products such as HCM, CRM, eCommerce, MES, or accounting solutions that are not fully integrated to support enterprise-wide capabilities are not qualified for this list.

10. Odoo

Odoo is a great choice for product-centric startups outgrowing QuickBooks or other smaller accounting or CRM packages seeking to integrate their processes, minimizing data siloes. While Odoo is a great ERP system for companies starting on their ERP journey, its data model is leaner and designed to provide basic transactional capabilities. Among product-centric industries, Odoo could be a great fit for retail and commerce-centric startups with diverse business models operating in multiple countries. Odoo is also a superior fit in geographies where other operationally rich solutions might not be available. While great for consumerized products, Odoo might not be the best fit for complex products requiring complicated engineering and product models with deep layers of costing and MRP workloads. Well-adopted among product-centric companies, Odoo ranks at #10 for product-centric industries.

Strengths

Easier for companies outgrowing QuickBooks. The lean data model and workflows make it easier for product-centric startups transitioning from QuickBooks-like solutions.
Ecosystem and Development Help. The availability of cheaper technical talent globally helps product-centric startups extend or augment core capabilities.
Ideal for diverse product-centric startups. The data and process model supports diverse industries, especially suitable for product-centric companies selling consulting services requiring project management capabilities.

Weaknesses

Mature capabilities are not as pre-baked as larger peers. Mature capabilities such as MRP, allocation, and batch are not as detailed as with other richer ERP systems.
An open-source ecosystem might lead to inexperienced developers promoting untested and unsecured code, causing cybersecurity issues or operational disruptions.
Requires business consulting help to avoid overengineering by developers. Without access to seasoned ERP consultants, Odoo implementation is likely to run into implementation or adoption challenges.

9. Oracle Cloud ERP

Oracle Cloud ERP is a great choice for global product-centric enterprises. While major penetration of Oracle Cloud ERP is among service-centric verticals, it might be a fit for some product-centric verticals where the operational processes might not be as complex or hosted inside ERP. An example of such verticals would be retail, where the scope of ERP might limited to a corporate financial ledger. Oracle Cloud ERP is also a great choice for product-centric enterprises with evolving business models due to active acquisition cycles. An example of such companies would be either the holding companies or companies part of the PE portfolio requiring streamlining processes on one ERP system across the enterprise globally. Given its relevance and adoption among some verticals for product-centric industries, it ranks at #9 on our list.

Strengths

WMS and TMS Capabilities Bundled with the ERP. Oracle Cloud ERP has WMS and TMS processes tightly embedded as part of the ERP transactions, and it is especially friendly for retail and 3PL-centric operations.
Proven Solution with Large Workloads. Large product-centric companies may process millions of GL entries per hour. The workload Oracle Cloud ERP is designed to handle.
Ecosystem. It has an ecosystem of experienced consultants who have the capabilities to handle the design and architecture of such complex enterprises.

Weaknesses

Limited Last-mile Capabilities. The last-mile capabilities for specific product-centric verticals, such as industrial distribution or complex manufacturing, might be expensive to configure and implement.
Not necessarily a Product-centric Solution. While installed with some large enterprises, it’s major focus is on service-centric verticals.
Overwhelming for SMB product-centric companies. Not a fit for SMB product-centric companies looking for a turn-key solution tailored to the processes of the specific micro-vertical.

8. Epicor Prophet 21

Epicor Prophet 21 is a great choice for industrial distributors seeking deeper operational capabilities with the flexibility of replacing most components offered as part of the Epicor Prophet 21 suite. The requirements for specialized tools or integration with third-party best-of-breed systems might lead to expensive and uncontrollable implementation costs. While Epicor Prophet 21 might be a great choice for smaller pure-play industrial distributors, it might not be the best choice for diverse product-centric companies operating globally. Given its relevance and adoption among industrial distribution companies but with limited application for other diversified product-centric industries, it ranks at #8 on our list.

Strengths

Rich Industrial ERP Distribution Systems Capabilities Provided Out-of-the-box. The system natively supports complex relationships between vendors and suppliers (and buying groups), along with capabilities such as branch accounting, retail-centric material flow, and warehouse architecture.
Best for Prescriptive Architecture. Epicor Prophet 21 is a good fit when you can replace/use the systems provided in the Epicor ecosystem, such as payment providers, POS systems, shipping add-ons, and marketplace integrations.
Pre-integrated with Other Best-of-breed Industrial B2B Systems. Integration with other best-of-breed industrial eCommerce systems, such as Optimizely or Unilog, is pre-baked.

Weaknesses

Limited Capabilities to Support Diverse Distributors. Only fit for businesses with traditional business models with a limited number of channels. Not fit for modern distributors and DTC-centric businesses.
Legacy Technology. While the new Kinetic experience can offer mature cloud capabilities such as enterprise search, the underlying data model and other cloud capabilities, such as mobile, are still legacy and patchy.
Ecosystem. Limited number of consultants and partners available to support the product. The marketplace is extremely limited to create the best-of-breed architecture.

7. Acumatica

Acumatica is a great choice for diverse product-centric companies from $10-$100M in revenue operating in a handful of developed countries. It is especially friendly for companies with diverse product-centric business models ranging from manufacturing, retail, and distribution, aiming to explore synergies among these operations. While great for diverse product-centric companies, it might not be the best for companies over $100M seeking mature ERP capabilities, such as complex MRP runs or allocation cycles. But it’s a great fit for smaller companies with limited implementation budgets. Given its relevance for smaller product-centric companies, it ranks at #7 on our list.

Strengths

B2B and B2C Products. Its data model is friendly for B2B businesses, with support for complex customer hierarchies and pricing (and discounting layers). It also supports divisional/branch accounting with warehouse-level pricing and replenishment strategies.
Diverse Capabilities to Support the Needs of Multiple Business Models. Support for hybrid business models in the same product/database, such as manufacturing and distribution (or manufacturing combined with construction, DTC, or field service).
Cloud-native UI and Flexible Pricing Options. Consumption-based pricing options reduce costs substantially for certain business models, such as seasonal businesses with labor spikes.

Weaknesses

Limited Global Capabilities. The current multi-entity functionality might be limiting for companies with operationally connected offshore locations.
Limited Mobile Reporting Capabilities. The mobile capabilities are leaner for complex reporting scenarios such as parallel processing.
Multiple Add-ons may be Required for Regulated Industries and Complex Manufacturing. Requires several add-ons, such as MES, PLM, and quality, posing integration and communication challenges.

6. Epicor Kinetic

Epicor Kinetic is a great choice for companies with complex manufacturing and distribution operations in the industrial verticals. Its product data model is especially friendlier for complex, regulated industries with formal engineering processes. It can also support project-centric manufacturing and distribution-centric operations with the same product. While great for manufacturing, it’s not as great for diverse operations, especially for FMCG or retail-centric product companies. Given its relevance among manufacturing companies but limited applicability for other business models globally, it ranks at #6 on our list.

Strengths

Strong for Companies with Formal Manufacturing Processes. Mandatory revision numbers and the BOMs driven by revision numbers would be especially appealing for formal engineering organizations with their BOMs aligned to Epicor Kinetic’s data model.
Strong with Complex Inventory Needs. Companies requiring multiple attributes that need to be part of the planning and MRP, such as metal, fastener, automotive, and aerospace, would find Epicor Kinetic appealing.
Microsoft Look-and-feel. Epicor has a very similar look and feel to Microsoft ERP products, providing you with the same experience but with much deeper last-mile capabilities where other products might struggle.

Weaknesses

Global Financial Operations. Unlike larger products that might support more than three layers of financial hierarchies, such as corp, subsidiary, entity, and business units, the limited number of layers would require operationally inefficient workarounds, such as using sub-accounts for such traceability.
Embedded Experience with Field Service and Quality. Despite recent acquisitions, the field service capabilities are not as embedded, making it challenging for some product-centric verticals, such as aftermarket, where such capabilities are essential.
Weak Ecosystem and Marketplace. Epicor takes a suite approach to its products while selling directly to its customers, limiting the overall consulting and marketplace penetration.

5. Infor CloudSuite LN/M3

Infor CloudSuite LN and M3 are two completely different products, targeting large manufacturing companies in the upper mid-market and lower enterprise segments. LN targets complex manufacturing products such as rocketships, satellites, or construction machinery. Meanwhile, Infor M3 suits apparel, F&B, and chemical manufacturing. They might be great for pure-play manufacturing capabilities, but they might not be the best fit for other product-centric verticals such as pure-play retail or distribution. Given their relevance for manufacturing companies with limited applicability for other verticals, it ranks at #5 on our list.

Strengths

Global Operations. Only solutions in the market with sufficient financial hierarchies and global trade compliance functionality pre-baked with products to support manufacturers exploring global financial and operational synergies.
Last-mile Capabilities Along With Breadth of Capabilities for Diversified Manufacturing Business Models. Verticals such as apparel manufacturing require the deeper integration of PLM, vendor portals, and merchandising solutions. Complex manufacturing requires handling units, several layers of allocation management, and international trade compliance.
Best-of-breed Integrations Offered Out-of-the-box. Most tools that a manufacturer would require, such as HCM, PLM, data lake, ERP, WMS, TMS, and advanced supply chain planning, are all pre-integrated with LN and M3.

Weaknesses

Might Not be the Best Fit as a Corporate Solution for Holding and Private Equity Companies. Holding companies as diverse as manufacturing, construction, and professional services may not be able to keep all of their entities on one solution.
Legacy UI and Experience. Infor LN and M3 are both legacy solutions with technical limitations to provide the cloud-native experience with universal search, mobile experience, etc.
Weak Ecosystem and Marketplace. The consulting base and marketplaces are virtually non-existent for both Infor LN and M3.

4. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a great fit for globally diverse SMB companies seeking to host multiple product-centric business models in one solution. Its data model is especially friendly for FMCG and pharma-centric companies, with an ecosystem containing add-ons to support most business models. With the limited operational depth, it might require several add-ons and might not be the best fit for companies seeking depth with industrial distribution or manufacturing. Given its wider application and broader relevance for several product-centric business models, it ranks at #4 on our list.

Strengths

Rich Distribution ERP Systems Capabilities Natively Supported. Replenishment strategies such as warehouse-level transfers, license plate construction, and bin-level capabilities are supported out-of-the-box for complex distribution businesses.
Cloud-native Architecture. The product has been completely rearchitected using the cloud-native architecture.
Global Capabilities and Ecosystem. Unlike several products such as Acumatica, which is primarily a North American product, it has support for several European, Asian, and African countries where most products might struggle.

Weaknesses

Limited Capabilities to Support Diverse Product-centric Companies. Only fit for FMCG-centric distributors. The industrial distribution would require add-ons to support capabilities such as buying groups, HVAC code integration, and vendor catalogs.
Unproven Add-ons and Unqualified Consulting Networks. Microsoft partner processes are not as streamlined as other vendors. So it may require the help of an independent ERP consultant to vet the add-ons and architecture in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Ecosystem. While the ecosystem may have options for distribution industries where BC specializes in, it might not have integrations with the best-of-breed eCommerce systems in the industrial distribution space.

3. NetSuite

Like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, NetSuite is a great fit for globally operating SMB companies requiring multiple business models hosted in one solution. With the capabilities built to support operations for both publicly and privately owned companies, its application is much broader compared to other solutions. While great for diverse business models, it might not be the best fit for complex industrial distribution or manufacturing requiring a much thicker add-on. Given its broader application for various business models among product-centric companies, it ranks at #3 on our list.

Strengths

B2C Data Model and Processes. NetSuite’s data model is especially attractive for B2C companies with integration requirements with several B2C channels, such as marketplaces.
Global Capabilities. NetSuite can natively support the localization requirements of more than 100 countries. As well as consolidating and supporting intercompany transactions.
Ecosystem. NetSuite has one of the largest ecosystems with pre-baked integration available to support the integration with multiple digital and physical channels.

Weaknesses

Limited B2B Capabilities. The data model and pricing are not friendly for B2B companies. The pricing layers are not as scalable as other systems, such as Acumatica. NetSuite may struggle with the complex product catalog for industrial distributors.
Limited Capabilities for Diverse Distributors. Distributors with diverse business models with manufacturing, construction, or field service might require several add-ons.
Not Designed for Large Companies. NetSuite may struggle with transactional workload requirements of companies over $1B, especially for transactional businesses aiming to process their end-to-end transactions inside NetSuite.

2. SAP S/4 HANA

SAP S/4 HANA is a great fit for large, global enterprises operating globally, publicly or privately owned. Its product model can support MRP runs of very complex product-centric organizations aiming to find synergies globally, whether in a shared services model or in two-tier settings. While great for larger organizations, it might not be the best fit for smaller companies with limited IT budgets. With one of the strongest capabilities for product-centric companies seeking mature ERP capabilities after outgrowing smaller ERP packages such as Acumatica or NetSuite, it ranks at #2 on our list.

Strengths

Large Workloads. SAP S/4 HANA could process more than 100K serialized goods receipts within 22 secs while Oracle Cloud ERP took more than 18 mins for the same test. SAP S/4 HANA’s design allows companies to process the workload requirements of Fortune 500 when every other system might struggle.
Best-of-breed Architecture for Distributors. SAP’s best-of-breed architecture can support the business model of large distributors, irrespective of whether they are a traditional distributor or a combination of 3PL, which typically has a different warehouse and TMS architecture than traditional distributors.
Financial Traceability and Control. Fortune 500 organizations with shared service models spread in multiple countries would appreciate the financial traceability built at the document level.

Weaknesses

Weak Operational Capabilities for the Cloud. The last-mile capabilities available with some of the mid-market products may require substantial development with SAP S/4 HANA.
Limited Pre-baked Integration. The third-party integration options such as integration with eCommerce platforms, POS systems, channel connectivity, etc may require substantial development efforts.
Overwhelming for Smaller Organizations. The complex workflows built to support the processes of large, complex organizations may overwhelm organizations seeking simpler solutions without unnecessary processes and approval flows.

1. Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O

Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O is a great fit for global companies in the upper mid-market or lower enterprise segment seeking mature cloud ERP capabilities. Unlike smaller ERP systems such as NetSuite or MS Dynamics 365 Business Central F&O would not require as many add-ons, simplifying the implementation and limiting implementation risks. While great for larger global companies, it might not be the best fit for smaller product-centric companies. With its equal depth for both discrete and process-centric verticals, it’s one of the most diverse solutions on this list. Given its wider adoption for several business models among product-centric companies, it ranks at #1 on our list.

Strengths

Operationally Richest Cloud Product for Large Complex Businesses. Businesses that have multiple global entities with complex business models such as discrete and process manufacturing, distribution, and project-based business models would find Microsoft Dynamics F&O attractive.
Cloud-native Architecture. The product has been completely rearchitected using the cloud-native architecture. Cloud capabilities are stronger than competing products for distributors such as SAP S/4 HANA and Oracle ERP Cloud.
Common Data Model and Database-level Integration for Best-of-breed Architecture. Large, complex systems could be frightening to use for sales and field service crews. Microsoft provides pre-baked integration with the best-of-breed CRM and field service products.

Weaknesses

Financial Traceability and Audit Support. Complex global organizations may struggle with financial traceability and SOX compliance capabilities.
Large Workloads. Compared to SAP S/4 HANA, it might not be able to match the performance expectations of large complex organizations where companies may need to process millions of journal entries per hr.
Overwhelming for Smaller Organizations. The complex workflows built to support the processes of large, complex organizations may overwhelm organizations seeking simpler solutions without unnecessary processes and approval flows.

+

ERP Implementation Failure Recovery

Learn how Frederick Wildman struggled with Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementation failure even after spending over $5M and what options they had for recovery.

Download Now

Conclusion

Despite apparent similarities, ERP systems for product and service industries are distinctly different, creating potential confusion due to shared terminology. Crucially, the inventory requirements diverge significantly between service-centric and product-centric organizations. If you are selecting an ERP System for Product-Centric Industries, be sure to scrutinize the intricacies of inventory layer structures, focusing on alignment with the specific needs of product-centric industries. Opting for an independent ERP consultant is a wise choice, especially if navigating these nuances isn’t part of your daily routine.

FAQs

How do ERP systems for product-centric industries differ from service-centric industries?

Product-centric ERP systems are designed for inventory-centric operations, while service-centric ERP emphasizes human resources operations and indirect procurement processes, which might not be as relevant for product-centric operations.

What if a business may have both product- and service-centric operations?

In such cases, a determination needs to be made whether an organization is primarily product-centric or service-oriented. If more than 80% of the business model centers around product-centric operations, product-centric ERP systems might be a more appropriate choice.

Which specific capabilities do product-centric ERP systems generally include?

The product-centric ERP systems are likely to have very strong capabilities for inventory management, with unit costing modules heavily integrated. Depending upon the business model and transactions, it might also include complex layers for SKUs and BOMs, with workflows supported for many different inventory types.

Top 10 Real-Time Transportation Visibility Platforms 2024

Leave a Comment / Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Blog, Chemicals, Construction, Consumer Goods, Distribution, Food and Beverage, High Tech & Electronics, Industrial Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Retail / By Sam Gupta / February 28, 2024 December 13, 2024

In the realm of real-time transportation visibility platforms, apparent similarities abound, with each touting comparable capabilities. Yet, distinctions emerge; some specialize in specific modes, while others offer multi-modal prowess. Geographic coverage further diverges, with prevalence in North America for some and exclusive focus on Europe for others. While some function as standalone applications, their primary role lies in empowering supply chain control tower applications—integral solutions seeking to finalize the supply chain equation through carrier-centric data.

Though widely embraced, real-time transportation visibility platforms represent a relatively recent phenomenon. Previously, such capabilities were unattainable due to the absence of industry-wide traceability. Although, the advent of carrier networks and ELD regulations has now unlocked these datasets. These newly accessible datasets wield substantial power independently and, when correlated, amplify the insights furnished by these platforms. Real-time visibility platforms extend beyond supply chain traceability, delving particularly into advanced scenarios like transportation risk management across geopolitical boundaries facilitated by technologies like blockchain.

Top 10 Real-time Transportation Visibility Platforms In 2024

The deployment of RFID chips on containers facilitates detailed traceability, particularly encompassing international multi-party BOM tracking. Platforms enhanced with AI and ML showcase impressive KPIs, achieving a 99.99% accuracy in delivery ETA. Notwithstanding pre-established networks and datasets, challenges arise in onboarding current carriers, potentially leading to misleading insights and incomplete traceability. Thus, platforms offering a superior user experience and streamlined onboarding processes are likely to provide enhanced insights. While the suitability of these platforms varies, some are tailored for SMB customers, and others are designed as enterprise-grade solutions. Now, let’s delve into the top 10 real-time transportation visibility platforms in 2024.

The 2025 Digital Transformation Report

Thinking of embarking on a ERP journey and looking for a digital transformation report? Want to learn the best practices of digital transformation? Then, you have come to the right place.

Download Now

10. TruckerTools

TruckerTools is perhaps the smallest solution on this list, targeting freight brokers to see load visibility. The number of modes is substantially limited, without the coverage for modes such as air or ocean. With the limitation of its network, it might not be the best fit for companies seeking a platform with international multi-modal traceability.

Pros

ELD integration. While the platform is relatively smaller, ELD integration allows data to be acquired in an autonomous fashion without relying on manual acquisition.
SMB friendly. The simplicity of the solution and the costs would be friendlier for SMB companies.
Detailed visibility. While not as comprehensive with the coverage, the visibility use cases are detailed.

Cons

Does not cover other modes of transportation, such as air or ocean. The visibility is primarily limited to trucking data, making it not a right fit for multi-modal traceability.
Clunky UI. The clunky UI might lead to poor adoption among carriers, making data collection harder and insights misleading.
Integrating with TMS requires consulting help. While cheaper with licensing, the consulting help required for integration TMS might be expensive for smaller companies.

9. IntelliTrans

IntelliTrans, compared to TruckerTools, is slightly richer with its capabilities, especially for multi-modal scenarios. While it covers several models, the network coverage is limited compared to other advanced tools such as Project44 or FourKites. It is a great option for SMBs looking for multi-modal capabilities with some level of TMS integration provided, but may not the best fit for large enterprises seeking comprehensive network coverage and end-to-end supply chain traceability.

Pros

SMB-friendly. While not as comprehensive a network for exhaustive multi-modal traceability, the costs and leaner layers of the software make it SMB-friendly.
Multimodal features. Compared to TruckerTools, it covers more modes such as road, rail, and ocean than being just limited to trucking data.
Integrated TMS. Integrated TMS would reduce consulting costs, but further vetting may be required to ensure the use cases supported by pre-integrated workflows would work for the datasets and the use cases that need to be supported.

Cons

Limited to road, rail, and ocean. Limited coverage might lead to misleading and incomplete insights but may be OK for companies on a budget.
Not designed for large enterprises. Large enterprises requiring mature capabilities such as AI and ML, with comprehensive coverage for networks, might find it limiting.
Ecosystem limited. The companies consulting on the tool might be limiting, making it harder to find talent relying on vendor-provided professional services.

8. Blume Global

Blume Global is another option for SMB companies needing global visibility with multimodal features. Post-acquisition with WiseTech, it can now offer broader capabilities, including pre-integrated TMS offerings, just like Trimble. Due to the limited AI and ML workflows and network coverage, it might not be the best fit for companies seeking mature capabilities.

Pros

Multimodal features. This is especially helpful for companies seeking global traceability across most modes.
Integrated TMS. The integrated TMS would reduce consulting costs, but further vetting is required to ensure the usability of pre-integrated workflows.
Now part of WiseTech Global group. Due to the integration with WiseTech Global Group, its financial sustainability would not be an issue.

Cons

Ecosystem limited. The limited ecosystem makes it challenging to find talent and a consulting base compared to larger peers.
Not as well adopted or funded as other options. While it is part of the WiseTech group, it’s not as adopted as other options such as Project44 or FourKites.
Not as comprehensive as other options on this list. The network is limiting, making the datasets potentially biased and misleading for companies seeking multi-modal traceability.

7. Overhaul

Overhaul is an enterprise-grade option for companies seeking global trade traceability and transparency. It has some unique capabilities, such as integrated RiskGPT, helping companies manage their risks. However, the platform might not be built as other solutions on this list, with limited options to mine relevant insights.

Pros

Great transportation visibility tool. This is especially useful for companies seeking global traceability, especially in areas such as insurance, theft, etc.
GSOC feed integrated along with visibility. The integration of GSOC data makes it unique for risks and security-centric workflows.
AI and RiskGPT capabilities integrated. Compared to smaller options limited with AI capabilities, it features richer AI and RiskGPT capabilities for risk forecasting and prevention.

Cons

Communication errors between the carrier and the platform. The communication between the carrier and the platform might not be as seamless, causing issues with communication and leaving datasets unreliable.
The limited network may require carriers to participate. Because of the limited network, companies would be required to invite their carriers that might not already be on the platform, making the adoption harder and insights potentially biased and misleading.
Not as well as designed and might be cluttered with GPS pings. While the system has tons of data, navigating through data might be a challenge because of the missing scalable layers to customize insights relevant to each user in the company.

6. Trimble Transporeon

Trimble Transporeon is a comprehensive solution, particularly strong with the carrier and trucking side of data, making it ideal for transportation companies or companies with internal fleets, such as agriculture or construction. It might not be the best fit for enterprises seeking mature capabilities with AI and ML workflows and multimodal traceability through the international supply chain.

Pros

Over 150K carriers are part of the network. One of the largest sample sizes of carriers, making carrier adoption easier.
Integrates with over 3000 ERP and TMS systems. The pre-integrated workflows help mine data and with integration without expensive consulting costs.
Power of Trimble’s powerful maps and telematics technology, timeslot, and retail timeslot management. Trimble’s unique offering includes powerful maps and telematics technology, augmenting ELD and carrier-centric data and providing more accurate metrics.

Cons

Mainly an European solution. While a comprehensive network, its geo exposure is limited, with Europe being the main focus, struggling in other geographies such as North America.
Relies on some datasets on other players, such as Roambee. Due to the limited datasets, they rely on other providers for some datasets, such as Roambee.
Not as comprehensive as other solutions on this list. While a great solution for several industries, it’s not as comprehensive as some of the other solutions on this list.

5. Shippeo

Shippeo is great for companies looking for road transportation visibility, mainly focused on Europe. It’s network is not as comprehensive as other solutions such as Project44 or FourKites, especially covering different geographies. While a great solution for Europe, it might not be the best fit for companies seeking global traceability across all modes.

Pros

Carbon emission tracking. One of the unique advantages of Shippeo is that it provides carbon emission data, especially useful for geographies such as Europe where carbon emissions tracking may be used as an input for planning and reporting.
Accurate truck positioning. Due to the rich datasets, it can provide far superior positioning of trucks, making ETAs far more reliable and helping with planning, generally difficult with other tools that might not be as accurate with truck positioning.
Machine learning to calculate ETA. Shippeo is packaged with machine-learning capabilities to complete the missing datasets.

Cons

Network not as strong as other platforms. The current network is not as strong as other solutions, such as Project44 or FourKites.
Mainly a European solution as well. Since it is focused on Europe, companies in other geographies might find it challenging.
Not integrated suite as other platforms. The other platforms on this list have more integrated capabilities, augmenting limited datasets and providing richer insights.

4. Descartes (MacroPoint)

Descartes MacroPoint is the best for global freight visibility and carrier capacity for logistics-intensive businesses such as freight brokers or logistics service providers. Unlike other solutions on this list with limited data and security models, Descartes MacroPoint offers enterprise layers that accommodate the needs of different personas, ensuring the right insights for the right user profiles. Descartes MacroPoint would not be a great fit for SMB companies seeking a simpler solution with a limited budget.

Pros

The ability to fine-tune alerts and accurately track the driver’s location all the time. The systems with limited data and security layers make gleaning insights overwhelming, impacting product adoption.
Global coverage. It’s not as limited as other SMB solutions on this list, with its coverage for various geographies.
Focus on logistics-centric businesses. Logistics-centric businesses have a very unique need, with a primary focus on international BOM data, where Descartes is extremely strong.

Cons

Expensive. While great from a coverage perspective, smaller companies might struggle to justify the price tag.
Carrier performance might not be as strong. Compared to other options on this list, carrier performance data might not be as strong, leaving a critical dataset for end-to-end traceability.
Designed from the perspective of logistics providers, limited carrier network. While great for logistics service providers as they have unique needs, it might be limiting for diverse business models.

3. e2open

e2open is the best for global companies looking for a complete suite, including network, planning, and execution. While it relies on other solutions, such as FourKites and Project44, for carrier-centric data, it could be a powerful for companies seeking real-time transportation visibility platforms because of other datasets, enriching the transportation data and completing the supply chain equation. It might not be the best fit for companies seeking simpler solutions.

Pros

Complete suite. The biggest advantage of e2open is that it’s a complete suite, combining all modes and geographies, making it one of the strongest platforms for end-to-end supply chain traceability.
Combined network channel and carrier. e2open has its own network, making the adoption far easier for companies onboarding their existing carriers.
Richer data and analytics. The AI and ML capabilities and the power of the network, along with the security and data layer, offer decision-grade data that might not be available through any other platforms.

Cons

Relies on Shippeo for transport visibility data. While e2open has some carriers and data, it relies on Shippeo for the datasets, posing sustainability issues if it loses its relationship with Shippeo or if Shippeo gets acquired by a competitor.
Expensive. With the amount of capabilities packed as part of the solution, it might be cost-prohibitive for SMBs.
It is not the best fit for companies looking for a standalone RTV platform. e2open is a suite and not necessarily an RTV platform if the cross-functional alignment might be a challenge, and this platform needs to be purchased at the departmental level.

2. FourKites

FourKites is perhaps the best platform for enterprises seeking standalone real-time transportation visibility platforms. It has global coverage across all modes. But might not be the best for companies seeking suite capabilities across the supply chain and not just transportation. Also, it might not be the best fit for SMBs seeking an affordable solution.

Pros

490K Carriers, ETAs 6x more accurate, 98% of global ocean traffic, and 17K airports. Compared to other solutions on this list, FourKites has one of the most comprehensive coverage and is more accurate because of its data coverage.
1.5M monthly parcel and last mile load. The inclusion of parcel and last mile load is an added advantage and a critical component for end-to-end transportation traceability.
Visibility past transportation to include yards, warehouses, and stores. While the purpose is to include just the transportation visibility, including yards, warehouses, and stores, it helps with end-to-end visibility of the entire transportation value chain.

Cons

Expensive. The comprehensive datasets and AI and ML capabilities to forecast decision-grade data make it expensive for SMBs.
Not as strong with service parts. The intent of the platform is not to provide the supplier-side of traceability. So it would not be a great fit for the supply chain visibility needed for supplier collaboration in business units such as spare parts businesses.
Limited integration with other TMS systems. Some of the TMS systems might not be as integrated, requiring companies to spend on consulting efforts.

1. Project44

Project44 is the best for SMBs seeking standalone real-time transportation visibility platforms. Compared to FourKites, Project44 is relatively friendlier for SMBs. It also provides a guarantee for carrier compliance, a huge risk for companies struggling to get their carriers on the platform, leading to misleading insights and unreliable data. Project44 is also GDPR-compliant, making it friendlier for geographies such as Europe.

Pros

Carrier compliance guarantee. One of the biggest challenges in being successful with real-time transportation visibility platforms is carrier onboarding. Project44 not only has one of the largest carrier onboarding, minimizing the need to onboard as many carriers. But they also offer a guarantee because of how streamlined the process is.
230K+ carriers, 760 ELD providers over more than 48 countries, 4.33 million drivers, 3.55 M trucks, 800K fleets. These data points make them one of the largest global networks.
GDPR compliant. Project44 is perhaps one of the few systems that are GDPR-compliant, highly relevant for companies with a presence in the European market.

Cons

Steep learning curve. The enterprise and scalable layers might require change management and training budget, which also might be out of reach for some SMBs.
Not an open platform. The open platform makes it easier and creates trust for carriers to join. While they are not open, they are one of the largest networks. Not being open might lead to mistrust among carriers and, as a result, their resistance to joining the network.
Requires carriers to agree on connecting. Carriers might not agree to join the network, thus leading to misleading insights and incomplete data, which is where their guarantee might be helpful.

+

ERP Implementation Failure Recovery

Learn how Frederick Wildman struggled with Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementation failure even after spending over $5M and what options they had for recovery.

Download Now

Conclusion

Choosing real-time transportation visibility platforms necessitates insight into the underlying network, particularly data sources. Without this awareness, platforms may seem indistinguishable, potentially resulting in misguided choices. While some aspects, like platform vetting, maybe within your control, poor user experience could hinder adoption within your carrier network, impacting desired outcomes. If you’re exploring the top 10 real-time visibility platforms, consider leveraging the expertise of independent supply chain consultants for a successful selection.

FAQs

What are real-time transportation visibility platforms?

Real-time transportation visibility platforms are advanced software solutions for tracking shipments and vehicles in real time. They use GPS, RFID, and carrier networks to optimize logistics and enhance supply chain visibility.

How do real-time transportation visibility platforms differ?

These platforms vary in capabilities, coverage, and target users. Some specialize in specific modes or regions, while others offer global multi-modal solutions. Differences also exist in integration, user interface, and pricing structures.

What should I consider when selecting a platform?

Consider coverage, integration with existing systems, user experience, cost, and support reliability. Choose a platform that meets your needs in terms of functionalities, usability, and overall value for your budget.

Top 10 Supply Chain Business Network Platforms In 2024

Leave a Comment / Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Blog, Chemicals, Consumer Goods, Distribution, Food and Beverage, High Tech & Electronics, Industrial Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Retail / By Sam Gupta / February 26, 2024 March 3, 2024

Before the advent of supply chain business networks, industries depended on research and survey-based approaches for supply chain planning. Companies in the data business often erred significantly, leading to inefficiencies throughout the supply chain. Establishing networks was challenging due to communication standard disparities and the difficulty of persuading the entire industry to converge on a single platform. While business-to-business communication relied on standards like XML or EDI, they offered limited connectivity and acknowledgment without centralized repositories to drive industry-wide supply chains.

As EDI networks expanded, they evolved to extract valuable data, especially for carriers. However, the supply chain equation still lacked traceability. Mode-specific networks emerged, effectively connecting stakeholders within each mode. Yet, achieving end-to-end supply chain traceability and control tower capabilities remained elusive due to industry-wide data silos. Recognizing this challenge, private equity firms saw the necessity of consolidating these silos into comprehensive networks that encompass various supply chain elements.

Top 10 Supply Chain Business Network Platforms In 2024

Unlocking the full potential of technology, achieving supply chain traceability requires strategic approaches. Managing domestic communication networks is feasible, yet crossing geopolitical boundaries introduces unique challenges. Global traceability remains elusive, given national security and data privacy concerns. Blockchain technology emerges as a solution, seamlessly connecting datasets while upholding security interests. The landscape expands with ESG and e-invoicing initiatives, broadening the equation. While the origin of each network varies, each serves a distinct purpose. These networks not only ensure end-to-end traceability globally but also supply essential data for AI algorithms, transforming demand forecasting. Intrigued about the top 10 supply chain business network platforms in 2024? Let’s delve into the exploration.

The 2025 Digital Transformation Report

Thinking of embarking on a ERP journey and looking for a digital transformation report? Want to learn the best practices of digital transformation? Then, you have come to the right place.

Download Now

10. Pagero

Just like the role OpenText played for enterprise e-invoicing and document exchange for the stakeholders across the supply chain, Pagero’s cloud-native platform filled the same gap for SMBs, offering them a network very similar to OpenText. Pagero would be relevant if you are looking for a good document exchange solution, including e-invoicing support with trading partners for various markets. While Pagero’s network fills the gap with critical supply chains, they are not the best fit if you are looking for a vendor that could provide end-to-end supply chain visibility and traceability data, ranking at #10 on this list.

Pros

Cloud-native interface. Pagero technologies are cloud-native, making vendor onboarding super easy, allowing you to not only use the vendors and carriers already on the network but invite your trading partners to the platforms as well, expanding the network even further.
Easy connecting with trading partners. Connecting and onboarding new vendors could be done with a few clicks, reducing the friction and resistance of those who might not be willing to join the network because of friction in the process.
E-invoicing compliance capabilities. Not many technologies in the market can allow true eInvoicing capabilities, which are critical to comply with processes in several countries, even for custom compliance requirements.

Cons

Limited to document exchange. The scope of the network is limited to document exchange related to eInvoicing and communication with trading partners.
Limited suite capabilities. Companies looking for an entire suite that could utilize the data generated by the network might not be the best fit.
Not a real supply chain business network. It’s not necessarily a supply chain business network, but it does provide critical capabilities to communicate with supply chain stakeholders.

9. TESISQUARE

TESISQUARE presents a unique network origin, initially focusing on supplier collaboration within manufacturing and engineering value chains. Unlike carrier or eInvoicing networks, its strength lies predominantly in the European market, offering specific capabilities within the supply chain. While not comprehensive for the entire supply chain, it excels as a supplier collaboration network with strength within the SAP ecosystem. TESISQUARE secures a spot at #9 on our list, providing control tower features geared toward tracking supplier collaboration.

Pros

Strong competence with SAP. They started with SAP partners to provide collaboration capabilities for SAP customers, leading to superior integration with SAP technologies.
Sending drawings etc to suppliers. Not many companies can help with the engineering collaboration where drawings need to be collaborated with suppliers, providing them a unique value prop.
Control tower capabilities. While limited capabilities, they have control tower capabilities, offering a centralized view of your supply chain.

Cons

Limited to European network. Their network is primarily limited to European carriers, which might be limiting for companies seeking to track global supply chains.
Fairly small network limited to European countries. The small network can lead to a biased view of the network, leading to partially completed data that is not as superior as other platforms on this list.
Limited suite and data. The suite capabilities are very limited to a very specific use case, and not a complete suite similar to technologies such as e2open.

8. Elemica

Elemica originated as a carrier and document exchange network, similar to EDI vendors or shipping platforms, with a primary focus on process manufacturers. Since process manufacturers require unique capabilities with document exchange and shipping needs, their network is focused on specific geography, use cases, and industries, limiting their applicability as a true supply chain business network. But they could be a great platform if you are looking to communicate and collaborate with industry-focused trading partners. Given their pros and cons, they rank at #8 on our list.

Pros

SMB friendly. Their platform is very SMB-centric for companies looking for basic communication capabilities within a TMS, especially ideal for companies for which supply chain footprint might be limited because of outsourced supply chains to 3PL and carrier companies.
Connect with carriers, including rate shopping. Allows companies looking for basic carrier communication capabilities, including rate shopping.
Chemical and process industry-specific capabilities. The chemical and process industry is very unique because of its complex inventory and quality requirements, requiring specific capabilities in a network platform.

Cons

Not a real supply chain business network. While a great connectivity platform, it’s not really a real supply chain business network for companies seeking end-to-end traceability and true control tower capabilities.
Really a document exchange and small shipping software. It’s really a very small package for document exchange and shipping needs.
Smaller network footprint concentrated on certain industries. The size of the network is small, limiting its scope as a supply chain business network.

7. True Commerce

True Commerce is primarily an EDI network connecting trading partners in the automotive ecosystem, serving as a visibility platform for the automotive industry. While it could be a great value add for SMBs that might have access to a more robust supply chain platform, it’s not necessarily a true supply chain business network. But it could be a great network if your goal is to primarily connect with trading partners through EDI, ranking at #7 on our list.

Pros

Easy connectivity with trading partners. The main benefit of True Commerce is trading partner communication, with a very lean network for visibility needs.
SMB-friendly. It’s not as cost-prohibitive as other platforms on this list, making it friendlier for SMBs.

Cons

Not a real supply chain business network. While great for connectivity, it’s not a real supply chain platform for companies seeking end-to-end traceability of their supply chain, along with control tower capabilities.
Visibility is limited to Automotive. While great for the automotive value chain, it’s not the best fit for other industries.
Limited insights and network size. The limited network size would provide biased insights and incomplete data that might not be as valuable for supply chain planning as with other platforms.

6. OpenText

OpenText provides enterprise-grade content exchange and trade document networks primarily for enterprise ERP ecosystems such as SAP or Oracle to provide connectivity with trading partners. With ESG and eInvoicing capabilities housed with these networks as well, their network has been expanded to these workflows, expanding their network further. While it’s a great platform for connectivity and collaboration, it’s not necessarily a true supply chain business network, ranking it as #6 on our rank for this year.

Pros

Best-of-breed content management platform for enterprise workloads. It is one of the leading products for centralized management and distribution of physical document exchange.
A business network for trading partner collaboration. One of the largest networks for trading partner collaboration.
Global compliance. Global compliance capabilities require unique processes for each country and supply chain lanes, providing enterprise-grade compliance capabilities.

Cons

Not a true supply chain visibility platform. While great for execution-centric capabilities with an external network, it’s not a true supply chain platform.
Not friendly for SMBs. The enterprise compliance layers and business rules might be overwhelming for SMBs.
Expensive. SMBs limited on budget and not caring for enterprise capabilities might find it overly expensive.

5. Kinaxis/MPO

Kinaxis, just like e2open, takes a very different approach to its suite and has a true supply chain business network that it owns, enabling the AI and ML workflows crucial for decision-grade data. Their network will provide end-to-end supply chain traceability for all global modes and control tower capabilities. While it might be a great planning suite for manufacturing-centric verticals, as in these industries, planning processes do not need to be tightly integrated with operational workflows, it might not be a great fit for retail-centric verticals as they require planning processes to be tightly integrated with order management, store and floor planning, warehouse, and procurement.

Pros

Planning solutions integrated with the network. Integrated network with the planning solution provides unique capabilities for manufacturing-centric industries.
Complementary capabilities for SAP and Oracle customers. Perhaps one of the best networks along with S&OP platforms for companies already on SAP and Oracle for their ERP.
Decision-grade intelligence. The network provides proprietary data, and because of that, they are able to offer decision-grade data for their planning cycles.

Cons

Not a strong execution component. Their biggest drawback is that they don’t have a strong execution component bundled as part of the suite, but for their industries, the suite might not be as relevant as it is for retail industries.
The network is not as strong as its competitors. The strength of their network might not be as strong as other networks, such as e2open, limiting the quality of decision-grade data.

4. One Network Enterprises

One Network is one of the strongest networks for industry-wide collaboration and control tower capabilities. The network features a strong partner network, providing traceability across geopolitical boundaries using its unique technology capabilities, allowing it to have such traceability. The network is also uniquely positioned for complex scenarios such as counterfeit tracking or global pharma supply chain, making the network more relevant for the execution function than for planning, ranking it at #4 on our list.

Pros

More than 75 companies in the partner network. Their strong partner network provides them with data to provide global supply chain capabilities combining all modes and regions.
Telematics-Enabled Control Tower. The telematics data gathered from across the world help them provide end-to-end traceability that other networks might not have.
Multi-party BOM tracking. This tracking is especially useful for tracking across all stakeholders, providing traceability for pharma or counterfeit.

Cons

Not SMB-friendly. Global traceability might not be as relevant for SMB companies and might be expensive.
Weak planning and execution capabilities. While great with network and global TMS-centric capabilities, other execution components might not be missing for non-transportation or 3PL companies, which might require traceability among trading partners and suppliers, along with an external supply chain.
Limited network. While one of the strongest, the network is not as comprehensive as e2open, making it less reliable for decision-grade data.

3. SupplyOn

Much like OneNetwork and TESISQUARE, SupplyOn centers around procurement and supplier collaboration. While OneNetwork emphasizes global collaboration and industry-wide BOM tracking, SupplyOn, akin to TESISQUARE and Infor Nexus, specializes in procurement and supplier collaboration. It may not delve as deeply into the carrier aspect of the network. Although possessing data from a broader array of companies and countries than OneNetwork, its dataset might not match the completeness of networks like e2open. However, for those focused on procurement and supplier collaboration needs, SupplyOn stands out, earning the #3 spot on our list.

Pros

140 companies from 100 countries. The company and country set is much larger than OneNetwork but might not be as comprehensive as e2open.
Primarily focused on the procurement network and e-invoicing. The focus on the procurement network and e-invoicing would provide much stronger capabilities for this area, although weaker on the carrier side of the network.

Cons

Not SMB-friendly. The platform is not meant to be for SMBs so they will find it expensive.
Weak planning and execution capabilities. While great for the network, it does not have embedded planning or execution capabilities for companies looking for embedded workflows utilizing this data and network, increasing the consulting and implementation budget in using it as part of the architecture, but at the same providing flexibility for the best-of-breed architecture or depart level purchase.
Not as comprehensive as other platforms. The network coverage is not as comprehensive as other platforms on this list due to its primary focus on the supplier collaboration and procurement side of data.

2. Infor Nexus

Infor Nexus primarily serves as a visibility platform, focusing on the procurement and supplier collaboration aspects of the network. It relies on external datasets, such as those from partners like Project44 and FourKites, for carrier-side information. While it excels in meeting the supplier and procurement collaboration needs of verticals like automotive and aerospace, it falls short of providing a comprehensive supply chain business network. Nevertheless, its strength lies in fostering tight collaboration with other architectural layers, such as WMS and ERP, in industries where this collaboration is crucial. As a result, Infor Nexus secures the #2 spot on our list.

Pros

Integrated with Infor solutions such as WMS and ERP. For industries where embedded experience with internal solutions such as WMS or ERP matters, it would provide a tighter experience because of pre-baked integration.
Planning integrated with a network similar to Kinexis. Integrated planning would utilize a proprietary network, a similar strategy as Kinexis for decision-grade data, an architecture strategy relevant for these verticals.
Collaboration and orchestration with global suppliers. Collaboration and orchestration with global suppliers would help with scenarios such as joint planning and forecasting, which are much more relevant for these industries.

Cons

Leaner execution component compared to E2 Open. The execution, especially pertaining to external and global supply chains, would be weaker, requiring external components.
Not SMB friendly. SMBs might find it overwhelming and expensive if they don’t care for global collaboration or joint planning with their suppliers.
Limited ecosystem. The consulting base and ecosystem might be limited as compared to other options on this list.

1. e2open

e2open stands out as one of the most comprehensive platforms, encompassing a wide range of capabilities within a suite, including planning and execution, coupled with a robust network. In contrast to other solutions that may focus on specific datasets and networks in particular regions, e2open’s network spans suppliers, carriers, and ELD data, covering all modes and geographies. Its versatility shines when managing diverse operations, seamlessly supporting combined business models such as retail and manufacturing under the same portfolio. As a market leader, e2open secures the top spot at #1 on our list.

Pros

The most comprehensive suite combines the power of planning. The most comprehensive suite can work for global and comprehensive business models as complex as retail and manufacturing, especially for business models such as Aftermarket, which are highly complex and combine elements of many industries.
Execution and networks, are adopted by large enterprises. e2open has one of the largest logos on this list and is installed very commonly alongside SAP and Oracle.
Cloud-native UI. Compared to other platforms on this list, e2open has relatively modern technology.

Cons

Expensive. SMBs not caring for external supply chain traceability or decision-grade data might find it expensive.
Not SMB friendly. The enterprise business rules and layers might be overwhelming for SMBs.

+

ERP Implementation Failure Recovery

Learn how Frederick Wildman struggled with Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementation failure even after spending over $5M and what options they had for recovery.

Download Now

Conclusion

Revolutionizing supply chain planning, industry networks have reshaped the landscape. While you may not directly engage with these networks, comprehending their dynamics is key to evaluating supply chain visibility and platforms touting AI or control tower features. The robustness of their network shapes decision-grade data quality, influencing critical metrics like ETA and demand forecasting, pivotal for operational efficiency and supply chain planning. When evaluating a supply chain platform, delve into the underlying network to gauge the data quality it offers. If navigating this terrain seems daunting, seek guidance from independent supply chain consulting firms to make informed decisions.

FAQs

What are the primary advantages of utilizing supply chain business network platforms in modern industries?

Supply chain business network platforms offer several advantages, including enhanced communication and collaboration among stakeholders, streamlined document exchange processes, improved visibility into supply chain operations, and better compliance with regulatory requirements. These platforms facilitate seamless integration with trading partners, leading to increased efficiency, reduced errors, and ultimately, improved operational performance across the supply chain.

How do supply chain business network platforms contribute to end-to-end traceability and control tower capabilities within supply chain operations?

Supply chain business network platforms play a crucial role in enabling end-to-end traceability and control tower capabilities by consolidating data silos, providing real-time insights into inventory movements, transportation activities, and supplier interactions. Through centralized repositories and advanced analytics, these platforms empower businesses to track products from their origin to destination, identify bottlenecks, mitigate risks, and optimize supply chain processes for better decision-making and operational efficiency.

What factors should companies consider when selecting a supply chain business network platform to suit their specific needs?

When choosing a supply chain business network platform, companies should consider factors such as scalability, flexibility, compatibility with existing systems, geographical coverage, industry-specific functionalities, data security measures, ease of integration, and vendor support services. Additionally, evaluating the platform’s ability to provide end-to-end visibility, support for diverse supply chain processes, and compliance with regulatory standards is essential. By aligning platform capabilities with business objectives and operational requirements, companies can maximize the value derived from their investment in supply chain technology.

Top 10 Supply Chain Suites In 2024

Suite roles in architecture hinge on cross-functional embeddedness. Supply chain suites restrict ERP suites to financial reporting, while retail-focused suites demand collaboration with WMS, TMS, and OMS for mature capabilities like inventory management and allocation. These were traditionally considered to naturally reside particularly inside the ERP, sparking debates if hosted elsewhere. In retail, procurement aligns closely with merchandising and planning engines. Conversely, in manufacturing and industrial settings, procurement collaborates more directly with production and accounting, illustrating the diverse nature of suite roles.

In the past, distinctions were blurred, and organizations either didn’t prioritize external supply chain tracking or built custom ERP-based systems for traceability. The evolving landscape of supply chain suites, particularly driven by private equity, has changed this dynamic. Today, previously unattainable possibilities are realized through marketplaces and networks, fostering global insights and collaboration. Technologies like blockchain facilitate seamless global data exchange, transcending international interests. While ESG and e-invoicing are in their infancy, their impact on future architecture remains uncertain. However, it’s likely that a portion of these models will be embedded within the supply chain suite, leveraging networks for collaborative documentation exchange.

As supply chain suites continue to broaden their scope, determining the optimal placement particularly for specific processes within an architecture becomes increasingly complex. While straightforward for pure-play retail or manufacturing models, challenges intensify for businesses with overlapping models, like aftermarket operations blending aspects of both retail and manufacturing. This scenario is particularly applicable to softline and hardline retailers with significant manufacturing exposure. If you’re navigating supply chain suite choices, this list can assist in streamlining your options.

The 2025 Digital Transformation Report

Thinking of embarking on a ERP journey and looking for a digital transformation report? Want to learn the best practices of digital transformation? Then, you have come to the right place.

Download Now

10. Dassault Systèmes SCM

Dassault Systèmes employs a distinctive approach in its suite, positioned at the crossroads of ERP, CAD, and S&OP. Although tailored for supply chain industries overlapping with process manufacturing and retail, it caters to automotive- and aerospace-centric sectors, necessitating robust supplier collaboration. The suite’s roots lie in plastics, offering integrated tools for plastic-like operations across diverse industries. In contrast, other suites like Blue Yonder may face challenges in these specialized sectors, making Dassault stand out and securing its spot at #10 on our list.

Pros

Integrated with the ERP solution. The biggest plus with Dassault systems is its close alignment with ERP and CAD-centric systems,thus making it ideal for industries heavier on cost tracking, requiring ERP-centric processes, and limiting the role of S&OP to just planning.
Comprehensive suite with PLM/PDM, SCM, and ERP. Integration with PLM and PDM would be friendlier for companies particularly heavier with S&OP processes in their NPD and R&D phases, a critical requirement for process-centric manufacturers.
Compliance pre-baked for automotive and plastic verticals. Compliance processes heavily embedded with supply chain workflows, such as supplier collaboration, would require tight embeddedness of Dassault SCM.

Cons

Technology is not modern. The technology might not be as modern as some of the newer options on this list, such as e2open.
Limited ecosystem. The consulting ecosystem is highly limited, with their reseller channel being heavily crowded with CAD resellers without deeper supply chain expertise.
The network is not part of the suite. They don’t have access to the proprietary network, a critical limitation for demand forecasting, primarily relying on customers’ internal and industry data sources, which are generally substantially off because of inadequacies of their source channels.

9. Trimble

Navigating supply chain planning, particularly in sectors like transportation, construction, and agriculture brings unique hurdles. Transportation prioritizes dispatch and preventive maintenance, influenced by distinctive driver-side compliance processes. Also, agriculture adds seasonal and crop quality factors to the planning mix. In construction, quoting processes wield substantial influence over supply chain planning. Thus, securing the 9th spot on our list, its suite’s specialized approach caters to the demands of these industries.

Pros

A most comprehensive suite containing telematics and fleet management. Most other manufacturing-focused suites might struggle with business models particularly with internal fleets and transportation operations, positioning Trimble uniquely.
Strong in transportation visibility. Their traceability and supply chain equation would be limited to transportation visibility, a strength for transportation-centric industries but a huge limitation for other industries.
3PL-specific planning and data. 3PL-specific planning and data are unique, a limitation with other solutions on this list.

Cons

Not ideal for manufacturing or retail-centric industries. It is not an ideal fit for manufacturing and retail-centric industries, even if they might be using it for the transportation side of the processes.
Limited network. The limited nature of the network would not complete the supply chain equation, thus limiting companies seeking end-to-end supply chain planning.
Primarily focused on transportation execution and compliance. The other execution processes, such as retail, manufacturing, and production, would be highly limiting.

8. QAD

QAD adopts a strategy similar to Dassault’s by integrating CAD/PLM, S&OP, WMS, TMS, and ERP capabilities. Tailored for retail and supply chain-centric industries, it leans towards particularly discrete manufacturing and is less focused on process manufacturing for several industries like automotive and life sciences. QAD’s suite is structured around unique product categories, thus influencing supply chain and production processes across diverse industries. It mirrors the strategies of many supply chain suites, which exclusively focus on the supply chain function, omitting the ERP aspect, therefore making the QAD suite unique. Thus with its distinct attributes, QAD secures the 8th spot on our list.

Pros

Integrated with the ERP solution. The biggest advantage of QAD’s suite is its alignment with ERP-centric processes for cost-focused industries where processes such as cost accounting and production scheduling are critical.
Comprehensive suite with SCM and ERP. It combines the best of both worlds, including most components from the SCM suite, such as WMS and TMS, embedded with ERP processes, as well as CAD and PLM.
Compliance pre-baked for automotive and F&B industries. Compliance processes that require tighter embeddedness with the S&OP processes would find QAD’s suite extremely compelling.

Cons

Backend technology is not modern. The backend technology is not as modern as some of the newer platforms on this list.
Limited ecosystem. QAD ecosystem is highly limited, with very few consulting companies maintaining expertise on the product set, making finding talent challenging.
Network not part of the suite. QAD would rely on internal and customer-provided external data for its analysis, a substantial limitation compared to other systems owning and maintaining their networks as part of the suite.

7. Manhattan Associates

Manhattan specializes in retail and warehouse execution, tailored for industries tightly integrating physical store planning with warehousing and merchandising processes. These industries, less cost-focused with stable pricing models, don’t demand meticulous cost tracking, as seen in complex industrial sectors. The industries that Manhattan targets adopt a distinctive approach to intricate functions like inventory management, allocation, and omnichannel fulfillment. Its specific applicability to certain industries positions it at the 7th spot on our list.

Pros

Tailored flow for retail merchandisers and planners. Retail merchandising and planning are foundational processes for retailers, collaborating tightly with procurement, new product development, and design teams, requiring unique suites like Manhattan.
Warehouse and store visualization and planning. The critical success factors for industries that Manhattan targets are warehouse and store visualization, influencing planning and allocation cycles substantially, requiring a unique architecture.
Integrated suite, including POS and distributed order management. The POS and DSD-centric business processes require unique architecture, only possible through suites like Manhattan.

Cons

External supply chain planning is limited. The limited focus of Manhattan on retail execution leaves the external supply chain planning outside of the scope of Manhattan.
Network not included. Without a network, the planning components would be dependent upon internal and customer-provided external data, a huge limitation for companies seeking decision-grade data for the entire supply chain.
Not SMB friendly. The enterprise data and process layers would be overwhelming and unnecessarily expensive for SMBs.

6. Körber/HighJump

Körber, akin to Manhattan, adopts a distinct approach with a focus on warehouse and execution components. It caters to 3PL-centric business models, crucial for distribution-focused companies often incorporating 3PL elements. Unlike Manhattan, Körber targets the mid and upper-mid markets, integrating processes like WMS, TMS, and freight claims management. While comprehensive, it lacks certain critical components found in other suites. Its unique approach and more limited applicability position it at the 6th spot on this list.

Pros

Strong warehouse management capabilities. It is one of the strongest cloud-native WMS systems for mid-market companies, covering most aspects of warehouse management relevant to mid-market companies.
TMS capabilities integrated. Industries where the embeddedness of TMS and WMS processes matter, especially for supply chain companies, would find Korber highly attractive.
Strong last mile and parcel capabilities. The last-mile capabilities are uniquely complex because of the scheduling and compliance processes of various industries, making Korber unique for DSD-centric operations.

Cons

External supply chain limited. While great for the internal supply chain, external supply chain capabilities are highly limited.
Network not included. The missing network would not provide the decision-grade data included with other supply chain suites.
No supply chain planning or collaboration. The missing planning or collaboration component might not be the best fit for companies requiring tighter embeddedness of WMS and TMS processes with S&OP.

5. Infor CloudSuite SCM

Similar to Dassault and QAD, Infor CloudSuite SCM adopts a distinctive approach, integrating diverse processes like CAD/PLM, WMS, ERM, and HCM with S&OP processes. It proves ideal for companies with manufacturing-heavy business models where supply chain processes tightly intertwine with new product development and ERP. Pure-play retailers might find other suites more suitable, as S&OP processes may not align with their needs. Given its unique market position, Infor CloudSuite SCM secures the 5th spot on this list.

Pros

A comprehensive suite for supply chain management. Infor CloudSuite is uniquely comprehensive, most components pre-integrated, needed for manufacturers.
Great visibility platform with planning. Includes a visibility platform for supplier collaboration and procurement without carrier-focused visibility, generally included in 3PL and retail-centric suites.
Global trade workflows and compliance capabilities. Global trade compliance requires country and geopolitical restrictions that need to be integrated with business processes.

Cons

Weak transportation execution component. Due to the nature of industries Infor CloudSuite SCM targets, the transportation execution component is not as critical for the suite but might be a limitation for diverse operations.
Not proven with enterprise workloads. The enterprises requiring millions of transactions per hour for planning cycles might struggle with it.
Not fit for smaller businesses. The overbloated data and process layers might be overwhelming for smaller businesses.

4. Oracle

Oracle Supply Chain Suite proves ideal for global enterprises with diverse operations and various business models, effectively accommodating the planning cycles of multiple industries. In comparison, industry-specific suites like Infor, QAD, or Trimble may face challenges in handling such diverse operations. Mid-market-focused suites may struggle with the high workload of enterprise-level planning cycles, especially those involving millions of transactions per hour. While limited by its proprietary network, Oracle Supply Chain Suite excels in providing operational capabilities for global enterprises that demand seamless integration across systems such as HCM, ERP, WMS, and TMS with S&OP. Its unique position for large enterprises secures its rank at #4 on our list.

Pros

Comprehensive supply management suite, including global trade management capabilities. The supply chain suite would cover the need for the most diverse operations for global enterprises.
Strong planning platform integrated with execution suite. The planning platform is not industry- or function-specific, providing end-to-end traceability of all planning datasets, including S&OP, human resources, and FP&A.
Pre-integrated with ERP. Embedded processes with ERP, along with a disconnected supply chain suite, can cover both architectures equally well, covering the needs of diverse operations.

Cons

Network not part of the suite. Missing a network would require additional components, and the processes that need to be tightly embedded with the network might struggle.
Not SMB friendly. The enterprise data and process model might be overwhelming for SMBs leaner on their process overhead.
Expensive. Ultra expensive for SMBs looking for cheaper options with learner process and data models.

3. SAP

Like Oracle, SAP Supply Chain Suite is tailored for global enterprises with diverse operations, accommodating planning cycles across various business models. Unlike Oracle, SAP offers friendliness for product-centric industries deeply involved in cost accounting and MRP-driven processes. Mid-market-focused suites may struggle with the high workload of enterprise-level planning cycles, dealing with millions of transactions per hour. Despite its proprietary network limitations, SAP Supply Chain Suite excels in providing operational capabilities for global enterprises, seamlessly integrating systems such as ERP, WMS, HCM, and TMS with S&OP. This unique position earns it the #3 rank on our list.

Pros

Comprehensive supply management suite, including global trade management capabilities. The supply chain suite is comprehensive for highly regulated organizations requiring process tightness and control across systems such as ERP, WMS, TMS, and S&OP.
Strong planning platform integrated with execution suite. The tight integration of the planning suite with execution components allows cross-pollination of business rules, which is highly critical for publicly traded organizations.
Pre-integrated with ERP. The pre-integration with ERP allows exploring diverse warehouse architectures – decoupled or embedded, catering to different business models, being especially friendly for 3PL-centric operations.

Cons

Network not part of the suite. The missing network would struggle with the cross-pollination of business rules, requiring a network.
Not SMB friendly. The overbloated enterprise data and process layers would be overwhelming for SMB companies.
Expensive. SMBs might find the SAP’s price tag cost-prohibitive and overly expensive.

2. Blue Yonder

Blue Yonder stands out as a unique suite, akin to Manhattan, offering retail-centric capabilities enriched with robust external supply chain processes and control tower capabilities. In contrast to industry-specific suites like QAD, Infor Nexus, and Dassault, Blue Yonder may not excel in industries requiring seamless integration of business rules from WMS, TMS, and OMS with ERP, particularly those emphasizing cost accounting and MRP-centric processes. Unlike SAP and Oracle, which may lack depth in external supply chain capabilities, Blue Yonder proves more suitable for industries necessitating the decoupling of cost-centric overhead. Differing from e2open, Blue Yonder lacks its proprietary network. Its versatile application across various industries earns it the #2 spot on our list.

Pros

Strongest supply chain suite with planning and execution components. One of the strongest pure-play supply chain suites for retail-centric industries.
Ability to handle a large number of SKUs for enterprise retailers. Enterprise retail workloads require processing millions of transactions per hour for planning loads containing millions of SKUs and location planning.
External supply chain capabilities. One of the strongest supply chain suites for end-to-end supply chain traceability, internal or external.

Cons

ERP is not included as part of the suite. In the processes and business models where cross-pollinations of business rules with ERP is critical, Blue Yonder might not be the best fit.
Network is not part of the suite. With Blue Yonder not owning its own network, it might not have as much control over the third parties providing them network.
Not SMB friendly. The enterprise process and data layers might be overwhelming for SMBs.

1. e2open

e2open takes a unique approach to its suite, straddling the realms of retail and manufacturing and integrating transactional CRM processes. Diverging from Blue Yonder, e2open prides itself on its proprietary network, ensuring precise decision-grade data, a valuable asset for companies contending with demand forecasting challenges and data dependencies on external factors. While exhibiting similarities with QAD or Infor Nexus in various capacities, e2open encounters constraints in architectures necessitating ERP cross-pollination for specific industries. In such contexts, e2open may not be the optimal choice. Nonetheless, its robust enterprise-grade capabilities and deep supply chain processes catapult it to the forefront, securing the coveted #1 rank on our list.

Pros

Most comprehensive supply chain suite with planning, network, and execution. One of the most comprehensive options with all aspects of the supply chain suite that other solutions on this list might not have.
Channel marketing planning and collaboration. One of the unique aspects of e2open is that it has a process for channel-driven organizations with trade rebate planning and several other processes that are relevant for collaborative channels.
Global compliance and e-invoicing support. Along with the capabilities that most suites offer, it also has capabilities for global compliance and e-invoicing support, requiring only one platform for all collaboration and joint planning needs.

Cons

ERP is not included as part of the suite. For industries where planning processes might require cross-pollination with ERP processes, e2open might not be the best fit.
Not SMB friendly. The enterprise data and process layers might be overwhelming for SMB companies.
Limited ecosystem. The consulting ecosystem is not as prevalent as some of the other solutions on this list, so finding talent might be harder with e2open.

+

ERP Implementation Failure Recovery

Learn how Frederick Wildman struggled with Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementation failure even after spending over $5M and what options they had for recovery.

Download Now

Conclusion

Supply chain suites have diverse origins, evolving from various perspectives—some rooted in execution systems, others in planning. Over time, they’ve developed significant overlaps with each other and other enterprise software categories, intensifying architectural challenges. In your quest for a supply chain suite, delineate your business process boundaries and determine their natural placement based on required process embeddedness. This list aims to streamline your options, yet identifying the right suite demands expertise, often provided by independent ERP consultants.

FAQs

What distinguishes supply chain suites from traditional ERP suites?

Supply chain suites are tailored to manage complex supply chain operations, including procurement, production planning, inventory management, logistics, and distribution. Unlike traditional ERP suites, supply chain suites focus on cross-functional embeddedness, restricting ERP suites primarily to financial reporting. Additionally, supply chain suites often demand collaboration with various systems like WMS, TMS, and OMS for mature capabilities such as inventory management and allocation.

How do supply chain suites cater to different industries?

The roles of supply chain suites vary across industries. For example, in retail, procurement closely aligns with merchandising and planning engines, while in manufacturing and industrial settings, procurement collaborates more directly with production and accounting. These differences illustrate the diverse nature of suite roles, highlighting the need for tailored solutions to meet industry-specific requirements.

How do supply chain suites incorporate emerging technologies like blockchain and ESG considerations?

Supply chain suites are evolving to incorporate emerging technologies like blockchain for seamless global data exchange and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations. While the impact of these technologies on future architecture remains uncertain, it’s likely that a portion of these models will be embedded within the supply chain suite, leveraging networks for collaborative documentation exchange. As the landscape continues to evolve, supply chain suites will adapt to integrate these technologies to meet industry demands and regulatory requirements.

Top 10 S&OP Systems In 2024

Running inventory-centric operations without an S&OP system is nearly impractical. Traditionally, businesses managed operations through complex spreadsheets, merging data from various sources. Despite ERP systems claiming S&OP capabilities, their rigid data structures for transactions hinder analytical workflows. An alternative system with a more flexible structure is needed, one that allows easy manipulation without disrupting core operations.

Tailoring data layers to analytical needs involves flattening and augmenting data based on organizational requirements and speed of insights. Analytical systems, unlike core operational data systems, have a lower impact from changes, such as SKU and BOM structure modifications. External changes may still necessitate adjustments to the data model for accurate correlation and association, ensuring the generation of necessary KPIs and insights for the organization.

The design of S&OP systems is influenced by various factors, with some systems integrating other suites like WMS, TMS, or OMS based on tight analytical workflows and operational requirements. Retail industries, for instance, may require collaboration between merchandising, planning, procurement, and R&D teams, prompting the inclusion of these processes within the S&OP system suite. Corporate strategy and transactional alignment play a crucial role in determining the suitable architecture, emphasizing the need for an S&OP system tailored to unique workflows. Ready to explore the top S&OP systems in 2024? Let’s delve in.

The 2025 Digital Transformation Report

Thinking of embarking on a ERP journey and looking for a digital transformation report? Want to learn the best practices of digital transformation? Then, you have come to the right place.

Download Now

10. Relex Solutions

While various systems cater to different industries, S&OP systems necessitate industry-specific capabilities. In retail, planning varies even between softline and hardline operations. Relex excels in mid-market retail, providing pre-configured workflows for streamlined implementation. Unique features like retail floor planning and planogram optimization, common in larger supply chain suites, make Relex a robust choice for retail operations without displacing existing operational systems like WMS or TMS. Despite requiring closer integration with operational processes, Relex secures its position at #10 on our list.

Pros

Integrated workforce planning. While smaller systems might require an external system for workforce planning, Relex can combine workforce planning as well, making a comprehensive planning engineer combining floor space planning or workforce.
Great for teams needing standalone planning solutions. For teams that can’t afford to replace their existing transactional system, this could be a great best-of-breed system that can be installed without impacting the core operational infrastructure.
Strong retail planning solutions such as pricing and promotions. The other solutions on this list might not have retail-specific capabilities such as pricing and promotions, requiring substantial efforts to implement them.

Cons

Limited focus. The limited focus on retail might be irrelevant for companies centralizing their analytical processes and data siloes. Equally limited for diverse operations.
Not an integrated suite. Unlike other supply chain suites that are likely to be pre-integrated, Relex might require substantial master data and consulting expertise if the analytical processes need to be tightly embedded with operational processes.
Not meant to be for enterprise workloads. While a great mid-market solution, it’s not ideal for enterprise-level workloads with millions of SKU and location planning requirements.

9. Oracle Demantra

Much like SAP IBP, Oracle Demantra suits companies already using Oracle for various technologies like TMS, WMS, or ERP. Offering seamless integration for analytical processes closely tied to operational workflows, it proves beneficial for diverse businesses seeking robust S&OP capabilities. Particularly suitable for those with substantial implementation budgets to customize industry-specific processes, Oracle Demantra stands out as an excellent choice for large enterprises already integrated with Oracle retail solutions or ERP, securing its position at #9 on our list.

Pros

Designed for enterprise planning workloads. Oracle Demanta is proven for large enterprise workloads where companies may have millions of SKU and location permutations and combinations.
Comprehensive demand forecasting capabilities. While other products may not have as robust demand forecasting capabilities, especially containing enterprise-grade strategies and formulas built, Oracle Demantra has deep capabilities.
Pre-integrated with other Oracle products. The pre-integrated workflows would reduce the consulting and integration time. But don’t forget to vet if the existing integration is good enough for your use case.

Cons

User interface might be clunky. The user interface is not as modern as other modern options, leading to adoption issues among users.
Steep learning curve. The enterprise-grade layers and data model would require substantial learning without prior experience with the product.
Expensive. It might be too expensive for SMBs with simpler needs.

8. SAP IBP

Much like Oracle Demantra, SAP IBP caters well to businesses already utilizing SAP for various technologies like TMS, WMS, or ERP. Offering seamless integration for analytical processes closely tied to operational workflows, it proves beneficial for diverse enterprises seeking robust S&OP capabilities. Particularly suitable for those with substantial implementation budgets to customize industry-specific processes, SAP IBP stands out as an excellent choice for large enterprises already integrated with SAP S/4 HANA, earning it the #8 spot on our list.

Pros

Pre-integrated with other SAP products. The pre-integrated nature of SAP IBP will help companies with embedded workflows if the planning workflows need to be tightly embedded with operational ones.
Comprehensive supply chain planning capabilities. While other solutions might be limited in their capabilities, SAP IBP covers broad capabilities for a variety of industries.
Designed for enterprise workloads. Proven for very large workloads with millions of SKU and location combinations and parallel workflows for enterprise-wide planning workloads.

Cons

Dated user interface. The user interface might not be as modern as some of the other cloud-native platforms.
May not be as visual as other platforms. The limited visual appeal might lead to adoption challenges and building consensus among different stakeholders.
Expensive. SMBs not caring for enterprise capabilities might find it expensive.

7. e2open

e2open stands out as a holistic suite encompassing supply chain aspects like network, planning, and execution. Its strength lies in the robustness of its network, setting it apart from other platforms. Beyond technical capabilities, e2open excels in delivering vital industrial data, enhancing essential KPIs such as demand forecasting and arrival times. Ideal for businesses seeking a comprehensive suite with S&OP capabilities, e2open secures its position at #7 on our list.

Pros

End-to-end Supply chain capabilities are part of the suite. e2open is perhaps the most comprehensive supply chain suite capable of building industry-wide supply chain planning workloads because of its network and access to industry data.
Richest decision-grade data through its network. The quality of decision-grade data is completely dependent upon the amount and the quality of data available, making it one of the highest quality data crucial for S&OP planning.
Collaboration planning is easy if customers and supplies are already part of the network. The biggest advantage of e2open is the network effect that you have, especially if both suppliers and customers are likely to be part of the same network.

Cons

Expensive. SMBs not caring for enterprise-grade capabilities or networks might find its hefty price tag unnecessarily expensive.
Learning curve. Due to the connected datasets with other execution capabilities, substantial consulting help with data modeling and implementation will be required.
Not designed for SMBs. e2open’s target market is large enterprises, and SMBs are likely to find it overwhelming for their simpler needs.

6. Logility

Operating primarily in the prescriptive category, much like Relex, Logility caters to mid-market companies in specific industries. As a standalone S&OP system, Logility doesn’t necessitate the replacement of other transactional or operational components, allowing department-level implementation. The simplicity of data modeling and implementation is an advantage, given its independence from other suite components. However, incorporating Logility into the architecture may demand extensive enterprise architecture expertise for master data governance and integration workflows. Positioned at #6, Logility stands as a compelling prescriptive standalone solution for the mid-market.

Pros

Standalone planning solutions. The standalone nature makes it easier to implement and use at the departmental level without requiring as much consensus with the other departments.
Planning scenarios built up. The planning scenarios are built up, reducing consulting in building workflows from scratch but increasing training and adoption in learning the proprietary knowledge of the platform.
Detailed inventory planning. Comprehensive inventory planning pre-built, requiring substantial consulting expertise to enable the same capabilities on the other platforms.

Cons

Not designed for enterprises. Logility is not proven for enterprise-grade workloads, requiring planning for millions of SKUs and location combinations.
Not a complete suite. Since it is not a complete suite, integrating it with other best-of-breed solutions would require substantial master data governance and enterprise architecture expertise.
Limiting flexibility. Prescriptive workflows and proprietary knowledge may lack the flexibility analysts enjoy with spreadsheets or other technical platforms.

5. OMP

OMP follows a prescriptive approach similar to Relex or Logility, offering a distinctive solution tailored for industries with intricate inventories like chemicals, life sciences, and metal. Due to the unique planning cycles and data models necessary for these industries, OMP stands out, rendering other industry-agnostic solutions less relevant. However, its industry-specific focus may pose a challenge for businesses spanning diverse sectors. Positioned at #5, OMP emerges as a robust solution for mid-market companies with budget constraints seeking a prescriptive solution.

Pros

Strong in life sciences and metal-oriented inventory planning. These industries have unique requirements to support complex attributes and lot and serial numbers, making them slightly difficult in vanilla platforms if they are not designed for those industries.
Standalone planning solution. The standalone nature would not require building consensus with other departments or aligning data models, making it easier to implement at the department level.
Friendlier for Mid-market because of pre-baked functionality. The pre-baked functionality and prescriptive workflows would reduce the consulting costs but increase training time to learn proprietary knowledge.

Cons

Highly technical and would require significant consulting support. The prescriptive nature would require substantial consulting efforts in learning proprietary knowledge and translating current data models to platform data models.
Not designed for enterprise workloads. It might not be the best fit for enterprises planning for millions of SKUs and location combinations, which might be even harder for these industries as the planning may need to be done at the lot or serial number level.
Not the best fit for diverse operations. The focused nature may not be the best fit for companies seeking to manage diverse planning models on the same platform.

4. O9 Solutions

In the competitive landscape alongside enterprise-grade platforms like Blue Yonder and Anaplan, O9 emerges as a top choice for upper mid-market to enterprise companies. It caters to those seeking extensive technical capabilities for enterprise-wide planning, particularly within retail-centric industries. Many mid-market or outdated enterprise solutions may lag in technology investment, lacking advancements in AI and ML crucial for effective S&OP systems. Despite offering enterprise-level capabilities, o9 is not an exhaustive supply chain suite, enhancing ease of implementation at the department level. This position is o9 at #8 on our list.

Pros

Advanced AI and ML capabilities. The enterprise-grade AI and ML are likely to be similar to Blue Yonder or e2open, with the only exception being the included network.
Pre-built planning workflows tailored to specific industries, such as retail. The pre-built and prescriptive workflows would not require as much consulting effort as it would with other vanilla solutions such as Anaplan.
The well-adopted solution in various in large enterprises. The O9 solution is well-proven with very large enterprise logos, which are very similar to Blue Yonder or e2open.

Cons

Not the best fit for smaller businesses. The enterprise layers and consulting expertise required to implement and learn o9 might be overwhelming for SMB companies.
Expensive. The SMB companies limited on budget might not appreciate its expensive price tag.
Ecosystem. The ecosystem does not have as many consulting companies as it might be available for other leading platforms such as Anaplan.

3. Anaplan

Anaplan stands out as a highly sophisticated platform catering to enterprise-wide connected planning across FP&A, S&OP, and more. Unlike some prescriptive solutions, Anaplan minimizes the need for industry-specific proprietary knowledge. While its planning models may not match the scalability of Anaplan, it appeals to skilled planners accustomed to extensive spreadsheet use due to its flexible platform. However, leveraging Anaplan may entail a substantial consulting budget for workflows that could be pre-configured in other solutions. Positioned at #3 on our list, Anaplan is a prime choice for enterprises seeking scalable, connected planning without additional platforms.

Pros

Highly customizable for sophisticated planning scenarios. The planning models can accommodate diverse planning models across industries rather than being limited to just one function or industry.
Connected planning, including all planning datasets. Most other focused solutions, such as Relex, Logility, and o9, are likely to require another planning solution. Even the enterprise-grade supply chain suite would crate disconnected planning experience as FP&A and human resources planning are likely to be disconnected with them, making it one of the best candidate planning use cases despite missing the supply chain suite.
Ecosystem. Anaplan has one of the most mature consulting bases compared to all other solutions on this list.

Cons

Steep learning curve. Expect a very long implementation time for users to be proficient with planning models, leading to adoption issues.
Requires consulting support. The technical platform would require building the business workflows and reports that might already be pre-built with several solutions on this list.
Limited pre-baked industry-specific workflows. Limited pre-baked industry-specific workflows would require substantial help from consulting companies with expertise in building industry-specific planning models.

2. Blue Yonder

Similar to e2open, Blue Yonder offers a comprehensive suite encompassing various supply chain components such as WMS, TMS, and S&OP. Contrasting with e2open, Blue Yonder relies on partners for its network needs instead of having its proprietary network. Although it lacks a proprietary network, Blue Yonder excels in handling enterprise workloads, particularly in the retail sector. Comparing it with a few others, Blue Yonder and Anaplan take divergent approaches to their suites. Anaplan prioritizes connectivity and traceability in planning, whereas Blue Yonder excels when S&OP processes demand tighter embeddedness with operational processes. Positioned at #2 on our list, Blue Yonder proves to be an excellent S&OP system for enterprises seeking a comprehensive suite.

Pros

Complete suite integrated for retail-centric industries. The complete suite would provide pre-baked integration, which is much harder to build where planning workflows are tightly embedded with operational processes such as merchandising and planning.
Most tools are part of the suite for retail planners and merchandisers. Retail industries would find Blue Yonder most relatable as most tools related to retail planning are part of the suite, allowing everyone to operate seamlessly on the same data.
Ecosystem. Blue Yonder is widely popular among large consulting firms, allowing customers to find talent easily.

Cons

Expensive. SMB companies not caring for enterprise-grade capabilities might find Blue Yonder unnecessarily expensive.
Not SMB friendly. The enterprise layers and tightness of the data model might be overwhelming for SMB companies looking for simpler platforms.
Not the best fit for 3PL companies. Designed from the perspective of retail companies, it’s not as suitable for companies with 3PL as part of their business model as their planning cycles are uniquely different from retailers.

1. Kinaxis

Compared to other prescriptive options such as Logility or O9, Kinaxis is perhaps the ideal solution, covering many different market segments. Although it doesn’t have the same suite capabilities as Blue Yonder, it also makes it slightly friendlier for companies looking for a standalone S&OP system without requiring alignment with other departments. Like e2open, Kinaxis is perhaps the only other solution that owns a network, providing superior decision-grade data than other platforms. Contrasting with Anaplan, it would not require as much consulting help, especially for manufacturing companies, for which supply chain planning is far more detailed and different. Kinaxis is one of the most versatile options catering to many companies, making it the #1 option on this list.

Pros

Richest pre-baked planning platform with enterprise-grade capabilities for manufacturers and retailers. Manufacturing planning requires traceability and planning at the BOM level, which are very similar capabilities to MRP, requiring far more firepower than for industries planning at the SKU and location level.
Advanced capabilities such as returns and spare parts management. Pre-built return and spare parts management capabilities would not require as much consulting help as building these capabilities on a vanilla platform would.
Proprietary Network. Kinaxis is perhaps one of the few platforms on this list that owns its own network, providing superior decision-grade data than other platforms.

Cons

It may not be the most customizable platform. The prescriptive nature of the platform for analysts seeking a flexible platform to build capabilities atop the vanilla platform.
Expensive. SMBs looking for simpler solutions without enterprise-grade capabilities and layers might find it expensive.
Not SMB friendly. The enterprise layers might be overwhelming for companies, increasing the implementation budget and adoption risks.

+

ERP Implementation Failure Recovery

Learn how Frederick Wildman struggled with Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementation failure even after spending over $5M and what options they had for recovery.

Download Now

Conclusion

Navigating the myriad S&OP systems can feel like solving a puzzle, with each platform adopting a unique approach tailored to traceability and connectivity goals. Industry considerations, including planning cycle nuances, further influence the suitability of each solution. As you contemplate an S&OP system, articulate its scope and collaboration with enterprise data. This clarity aids in selecting the optimal option from the provided list. If this task exceeds your expertise, seeking guidance from independent ERP consultants can be invaluable.

FAQs

Why is running inventory-centric operations without an S&OP system nearly impractical?

Managing inventory effectively requires aligning sales forecasts with production plans, a task nearly impossible without an S&OP system. Traditional methods using complex spreadsheets lack the flexibility and efficiency needed in today’s dynamic business environment.

What factors influence the design of S&OP systems?

Several factors influence the design of S&OP systems, including industry-specific requirements, integration with other operational suites like WMS or ERP, and the need for collaborative planning among various departments such as merchandising, procurement, and R&D.

How can businesses tailor data layers to their analytical needs in S&OP systems?

Tailoring data layers involves flattening and augmenting data based on organizational requirements and the speed of insights needed. This process allows for easier manipulation without disrupting core operations and ensures accurate correlation and association for generating necessary KPIs and insights.

Top 10 Project Management Systems In 2024

Leave a Comment / Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Blog, Chemicals, Construction, Consumer Goods, Distribution, Food and Beverage, High Tech & Electronics, Industrial Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Retail, Service Companies / By Sam Gupta / February 14, 2024 April 25, 2024

Enterprises undertake a myriad of projects, each presenting distinctive characteristics—internal or external, short or long-term, billable or cost-centric, and varying across industries with specific scheduling and reporting needs. Construction projects diverge substantially from software development endeavors. Each falls under the umbrella of project management, necessitating diverse processes and unique capabilities from project management systems. How do you navigate this complexity effectively?

The architecture of project management systems is also intricately shaped by their capabilities overlapping with other adjacent systems. Being part of an ERP system requires alignment with accounting and procurement, driven by workflow needs and the balance of front-end and back-end processes. Additionally, potential overlaps with CRM processes may arise, particularly when sales and project management are closely linked, necessitating smooth data exchange. In certain industries, where project management systems integrate billing, scheduling, invoicing, and finance extensively, it is termed a PSA, prevalent in professional services. PSA shares design principles similar to project management but encompass broader capabilities than standard project management systems.

Project management systems exhibit diversity, yet common elements prevail, reflecting the fundamental components of any project. Projects inherently involve start and end dates, tasks, activities, and the allocation of resources and materials. Correspondingly, project management systems incorporate these essentials, providing features like task scheduling for designated resources to facilitate capacity planning and service delivery. Analyzing your project scope and conducting a gap analysis with a project management software data model will guide you to a fitting solution. Ready to discover the top 10 project management software options for 2024? Let’s explore the details.

The 2025 Digital Transformation Report

Thinking of embarking on a ERP journey and looking for a digital transformation report? Want to learn the best practices of digital transformation? Then, you have come to the right place.

Download Now

Criteria

Definition of a project management system. A siloed system that can be acquired and implemented without dependencies on cross-functional workflows.
Overall market share/# of customers. The higher the market share, the higher it ranks on our list.
Ownership/funding. Superior financial standing and funding by private equity or corporate investors rank higher on our list.
Quality of development. The more cloud-native capabilities, the higher it ranks on our list.
Community/Ecosystem. The larger the community, the higher it ranks on our list.
Depth of native functionality for specific industries. The deeper the publisher-owned out-of-the-box functionality, the higher it ranks on our list.
Quality of publicly available product documentation. The poorer the product documentation, the lower it ranks on our list.
Project management system market share. The higher the marketshare as a project management solution, the higher it ranks on our list.
Ability to natively support diversified business models. The more diverse the product, the higher it ranks on our list.
Acquisition strategy aligned with this product. The more aligned the acquisitions are with the product, the higher it ranks on our list.
User Reviews. The deeper the reviews with pros and cons, the higher the score for a specific product.
It must be a project management system: it can’t be a project management module of an ERP. It must be a standalone project management software that can be acquired by the line of business or department without aligning with other departments.

10. Workzone

Initially crafted with ad agencies and marketing firms in mind, Workzone shares similarities with software designed for software development companies. Primarily adept at handling internal projects and workflow components, it encompasses technical and operational features but may lack robust financial capabilities for aspects like invoicing, billing, resource budget planning, and project finance. Another potential drawback is its technology, which may not be as modern as the alternatives on the list. Despite these limitations, Workzone holds a significant market share in its industry verticals, earning it a spot as the 10th choice on our list of project management options.

Pros

Displaying the portfolio view of all projects. Unlike smaller packages designed for industries with leaner requirements for portfolio capabilities, these capabilities are robust with Workzone.
Set permission levels by project and document. The permission level could be another area, generally leaner in smaller packages, relatively detailed with Workzone.
Project templates. Most project management software might have template capabilities but fewer pre-built, which is not a limitation with Workzone.

Cons

UX is not as modern as other options on this list, such as Wrike. Their technology might not be as modern as other leading options, making the UX slightly inferior to other products.
Batch features such as editing multiple tasks at once might be limiting. Limited batch features might require additional clicks, driving operational inefficiencies.
Limited workflow capabilities for each individual user. The limited workflow capabilities may lead to overbloated screens and features for users, causing adoption issues.

9. ClickUp

Much like Workzone, ClickUp was initially tailored for remote work and agile development teams. While there are some similarities, the unique requirements of Agile and remote teams set them apart significantly from traditional project management, making ClickUp less suitable for other industries. While an excellent choice for software development or marketing firms, it may not be the ideal fit for professional services or construction-centric companies. Considering its strengths and limitations, ClickUp secures the 9th position on our list.

Pros

Designed for software development and agile teams and primarily for internal projects. Companies caring for agile-centric capabilities might struggle to relate to the product.
Responsive customer support. The other products in this segment will have limited support from external consulting firms, and because of their missing channel, having good support from the provider is a huge advantage.
Automation of administrative tasks. Automation of tasks will help maintain data integrity, offering analytical workflows without manual inputs.

Cons

Billing and project costing could be a challenge. Companies seeking PSA capabilities or client-centric workflows might struggle with the product, requiring manual overhead for billing and invoicing.
Using nested formulas may be a challenge. The flexibility offered by other project management tools, through their formula capabilities, to track dependencies for complex projects, such as Microsoft projects, might not be as detailed.
Batch tasks such as bulk user management and CSV capabilities. The limited bulk user management and CSV capabilities might be operationally inefficient for larger teams and complex projects.

8. Jira

Jira stands out as a popular choice among software development firms, largely due to its parent company’s suite offering bug tracking and integration with version management software. However, these capabilities may not be as relevant for other professional companies that prioritize critical functions like billing and invoicing. Despite its widespread use, Jira’s strengths lie primarily in the software development and technology sectors, supported by a dynamic marketplace. Its applicability beyond these domains is limited, leading it to secure the 8th position on our list.

Pros

Requirements management and bug tracking are integrated in one place. The tight integration of project management with requirements management and the intertwined nature of bug tracking with Kanban processes is a huge plus for software development companies.
Perhaps the best tool for Agile software development and internal project tracking. Due to the unique process of agile development, even the tools designed for marketing agencies might fall short.
Requirements, QA, and project management teams can all work together with complete traceability from release, sprint, epics, and user stories. This traceability is a unique requirement for software development because of the unique requirements of diverse teams.

Cons

Time tracking may require an add-on. Time tracking is not out-of-the-box, a key input for companies caring for project costing and financials.
Might not be the best fit for client-focused project management where the hours need to be billed, and the costs of the projects need to be measured. Industries such as professional services such as accounting legal practices.
Software development boilerplate might feel overwhelming for other industries. Jira is likely to have the most software development boilerplate, irrelevant and unrelatable for other companies.

7. Airtable

Airtable belongs to the emerging category of project management tools alongside Monday.com and SmartSheet. These tools, essentially workflow management software, serve diverse needs and function as technical frameworks for various use cases, including project management and CRM. Their flexibility proves advantageous for industries with custom and evolving workflows, like financial services, non-profit organizations, or membership-based entities. However, deploying these tools may necessitate extensive consulting and custom development, potentially leading to over-engineering processes. Tight business rules and data integrity, common in more mature software, may be lacking. Despite their adaptability, these tools secure the 7th position on our list.

Pros

Graphic design, integration with 3D models, etc for engineering teams. Airtable’s unique capabilities and integration with graphic design and 3D engineering software make them uniquely suitable for marketing agencies, event management, and architectural and engineering firms.
Integration and ecosystem. The biggest advantage of Airtable is the number of integrations available and companies consulting in its ecosystem, augmenting core capabilities.
Designed for custom workflows. Companies with custom workflows require substantial flexibility with the data model and the ability to create data-gathering forms for ongoing needs.

Cons

Workflow and notifications might not be as advanced as Monday.com. The workflows and notifications are far more developed with other options, such as Monday.com.
The interface is not as intuitive as Monday.com. The richer layers providing advanced capabilities might require consulting and training help for users to effectively use the software.
Project costing and billing may require consulting hours to get it right. Mature capabilities such as project costing and billing might require expert consulting help, driving implementation budget, and cheaper with other pre-baked platforms.

6. Monday.com

Monday.com presents a comparable alternative to Airtable, differing subtly in its pricing model and industry alignment. Like Airtable, Monday.com is exceptionally well-suited for industries relying on custom workflows, particularly in workflow management scenarios where external collaboration holds equal importance to internal collaboration, resembling use cases found in surveys or customer experience software. However, similar to Airtable, the main drawback of Monday.com lies in its need for consulting assistance to implement more advanced business capabilities, which are pre-built in other options on this list. Despite this limitation, it secures the 6th position on our list.

Pros

Best for industries with custom workflows. The industries with custom workflows would find other smaller packages, flavored for specific business models and industries, constraining.
Industry-specific variations and templates. While the core packages might not provide core capabilities, the marketplace offers industry-specific templates and variations, augmenting core capabilities.
Clean user interface. The user interface is one of the cleanest, providing a nice balance of spreadsheet-like views and forms, along with the flexibility to switch to different perspectives.

Cons

Project costing and billing might require significant expertise and consulting efforts. Companies needing critical financial capabilities embedded with projects would struggle the most, requiring consulting help to be successful.
Gantt charts are exported as PDFs, which may be difficult to use in other applications. Complex projects are likely to require compatibility with external software, especially if external teams might collaborate on the projects, making PDF-centric exports restricting.
Tasks cannot be linked across boards. The data model is not as linked, creating issues while linking different boards where dependencies might be across the projects among projects or across portfolios.

5. SmartSheet

SmartSheet, similar to Monday.com and Airtable, despite UX not being as compelling as its rivals, is likely to have friendlier capabilities for traditional project managers, similar to Microsoft Project. It combines features similar to Monday.com and Airtable with the ability to create quick boards and Kanban queues along with the calendar view for easy scheduling. It also allows features such as easier workflow management for users, enabling them to enter their time, which will be recorded and accounted for on projects without much operational overhead. However, mature capabilities such as billing and invoicing, etc., would require substantial consulting help or an add-on on top of SmartSheet.

Pros

Spreadsheet look, loved by project managers. The biggest plus of SmartSheet is the familiar spreadsheet and MS project look, providing an easier transition for users.
Customizable automation is easy to use. Customizable automation does not require as much technical expertise, making it easier for business users to easily customize the workflows for their use.
Users can instantly toggle between various project views. The ability to switch between different views increases adoption among users with different preferences.

Cons

Billing. Implementing mature features available with a PSA, such as billing, would require substantial consulting help while still causing scalability issues.
Project cost tracking. Project cost tracking would require substantial consulting expertise to drive the implementation budget.
Performance with larger sheets. Complex projects with larger sheets might experience performance bottlenecks, slowing them down.

4. Asana

Asana stands out as the market leader, boasting a data and process model that is particularly accommodating for marketing agencies. While it delivers fundamental project management capabilities, especially for non-billable operations, it may not offer the same seamless experience found in workflow management platforms like Monday.com or Airtable, which are designed for companies with customized project management workflows. Despite its rich ecosystem, professional services firms in areas such as accounting or legal may find it less relatable. Nevertheless, its market strength earns it the 4th position on our list.

Pros

Designed from the perspective of marketers and creative agencies. Due to its alignment with marketing-centric agencies, marketing, and creative agencies are likely to relate with it more.
Integrations and ecosystem. The integration and ecosystem are likely to be friendly for marketing and creative agencies, with the possibility of pre-baked integrations working as is without increasing the consulting budget with custom integration.
Track bugs, manage sprints, and plan and run campaigns, events, and product launches. Similar to Jira, it has several features that are uniquely applicable to software development firms and marketing agencies, which is where it is predominantly used.

Cons

Primarily for internal project management. Without the PSA capabilities pre-built, it’s meant to be for internal project management, primarily focusing on the operational aspect of project management and not financial.
Other industries that are not software or marketing might not be able to relate to it. The industries with substantial divergence from software development or marketing agencies might not be able to relate to it.
Project costing and client invoicing. Project costing and invoicing would require substantial consulting help or add-ons, struggling with end-to-end traceability and financial control.

3. Kantata

Kantata, a market leader, caters to companies requiring mature PSA capabilities. Its offerings include workflows like skill-based scheduling, capacity planning, and intricate milestones and billing processes. Kantata boasts two products—one tailored for a native Salesforce experience and the other for an external cloud-native experience akin to Wrike. However, it’s worth noting that Kantata may not be the best fit for smaller companies due to user limits and its higher cost. Nevertheless, for Salesforce users seeking comprehensive capabilities, it secures the 3rd position on our list.

Pros

Milestone tracking, billing, and skill-based resource scheduling. Companies with complex project milestones, especially contingent on client billing, would find Kantata especially friendly.
Native Salesforce and non-native experience are available through SX and OX platforms. Different options for native salesforce experience or non-native makes provide flexibility with users’ preferences for the right interface.
Enterprise-grade PSA functionality for companies that don’t prefer integrated accounting and GL bloatedness of ERP systems. The integrated features of ERP would require corporate alignment with accounting and procurement functions.

Cons

Minimum 30 users requirement. The user requirement makes it unfriendly for companies with smaller teams with fewer billable resources.
Might be difficult to use for smaller companies. Smaller companies with resources that are not as digitally savvy and not versed in business transactions with milestone billing might find it overwhelming.
It would require expensive consulting services to set it up. The complex data model and workflows would require substantial consulting help to be successful with the product.

2. Wrike

Wrike, positioned in the prescriptive cloud-native category and primarily crafted for internal project management, stands out as an ideal choice for companies seeking versatile project management capabilities. In contrast to Jira and Asana which might have better integration for requirement management or bug tracking, Wrike exhibits superior integration and ecosystem, particularly in time management. Its robust data model surpasses that of smaller project management software, offering detailed capabilities for project portfolio management and sub-projects. Drawing the closest comparison to Asana in terms of strategy and design, Wrike secures the 2nd position on our list.

Pros

Comprehensive project management with a focus on transparency and tracking. Ideal for companies seeking pre-baked project management capabilities without much consulting help.
Project and team organization can be easily customized to meet teams’ needs. The project structure is fluid enough to accommodate the needs of most projects.
Security and granular permission needs. Unlike smaller packages, which might not have as detailed security and workflow capabilities such as enabling task administration for specific users or having multiple moderators, Wrike’s security architecture is not as limited.

Cons

Designed for internal project management. The external project management capabilities often found in a fully-baked PSA would be limited, making it less relevant for professional services companies.
Client billing and invoicing would be a disconnected experience. The layers required for client billing and invoicing would require ad-hoc arrangements or manual processes.
Limited pre-baked reports. The pre-baked reports are highly limited, requiring consulting support for advanced reports such as capacity planning.

1. Teamwork

Positioned as the most balanced choice, Teamwork caters to client-centric professional services seamlessly integrating project delivery capabilities. Diverging from slightly flexible alternatives like Monday.com or Airtable, Teamwork adopts a prescriptive strategy akin to Wrike. Its advantageous alignment with the HubSpot ecosystem enhances its appeal. Notably, Teamwork excels in PSA capabilities, mirroring those of Kantana, and remains accessible for smaller businesses, earning it the top spot on our list.

Pros

Client invoicing, project, and timesheet management in one place. This is highly beneficial for companies with billable processes and projects, with operational workflows intertwined with financial such as billing and invoicing.
Easier to track project costs and track utilization. Very few options on this list combine both operational and financial aspects of project management. Teamwork is one of them.
Unlimited client collaboration users with paid plans. While the data and process model is not as flexible, it would allow client collaboration just as with Monday.com or Airtable.

Cons

It might have a steeper learning curve for teams not familiar with the setup. The prescriptive data and process model might have a steep learning curve for skillsets not familiar with the upkeep of relational data models.
The integration options and ecosystem might not be as developed as some other options on this list. The integration and ecosystem might not be as developed as other options on this list, such as Asana or Monday.com etc.
It might be more expensive per user than the other options. The pre-baked functionality provided as part of the software would require a higher licensing fee compared to other options on this list.

+

ERP Implementation Failure Recovery

Learn how Frederick Wildman struggled with Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementation failure even after spending over $5M and what options they had for recovery.

Download Now

Conclusion

The project management category may appear entwined with ERP or CRM, yet companies emphasizing internal project management workflows may find integrated solutions overly complex. The inclusion of accounting and procurement workflows could prove cumbersome, especially for companies not caring for cross-functional processes like cost accounting.

Deciding between standalone project management systems and integrated solutions hinges on corporate strategy and enterprise alignment. If you’re seeking standalone options, this list offers potential choices. However, extracting maximum business value from project management software demands expertise—an area where an independent ERP consultant can provide invaluable guidance.

FAQs

How can project management systems enhance collaboration within teams?

Project management systems enhance collaboration by providing centralized communication, task assignment, and tracking, file sharing with version control, calendar integration, and visibility into project progress.

How do I determine which project management system is best suited for my industry?

Determining the best project management system for your industry involves analyzing the specific requirements and workflows prevalent in your sector. Consider factors such as whether the system offers industry-specific functionalities, integrates seamlessly with other tools commonly used in your industry, and has a track record of successful implementations in similar organizations. Additionally, look for user reviews and case studies from companies within your industry to gauge the system’s effectiveness.

What are the main differences between standalone project management software and integrated solutions like ERP or CRM systems?

Standalone project management software is designed solely to manage projects and typically offers a more focused set of features tailored to project planning, execution, and monitoring. On the other hand, integrated solutions like ERP or CRM systems combine project management functionalities with other business processes such as accounting, procurement, customer relationship management, and resource planning. While integrated solutions offer a comprehensive approach to managing various aspects of business operations, standalone project management software provides greater flexibility and simplicity for organizations primarily focused on project management workflows.

Top 10 TMS Systems In 2024

Leave a Comment / Blog, Distribution, Enterprise Architecture, Food and Beverage, Retail / By Sam Gupta / December 27, 2023 December 24, 2023

What exactly is a TMS system? The interpretation can vary depending on who you ask. In the transportation and 3PL sectors, a TMS essentially functions as their ERP, overseeing up to 90% of their processes. Historically, TMS packages excluded accounting, relying on external accounting software like Sage or Microsoft GP. With the advent of cloud-based TMS systems, a comprehensive solution, including accounting, is now possible. This complexity adds an extra layer of challenge to the process of selecting a TMS system.

Similar to WMS, TMS systems come in various forms. At times, they function as tools for supply chain consulting firms to oversee their transportation clients. Given that certain TMS vendors may not exclusively be technology-focused, political considerations influence carrier participation in their network. These factors play a role in determining the quality of the rating algorithm and the insights derived from AI and ML.

Additionally, the scale of TMS systems can differ depending on their size. For example, smaller TMS systems may serve as basic shipping add-ons, offering streamlined features like rate shopping. In contrast, larger TMS systems not only encompass all transportation modes but may also include a carrier network and other integrated supply chain capabilities. So for those seeking a TMS solution, grasping the impact of these layers on TMS scope is crucial. Now, let’s explore the top 10 TMS systems in 2024.

The 2025 Digital Transformation Report

Thinking of embarking on a ERP journey and looking for a digital transformation report? Want to learn the best practices of digital transformation? Then, you have come to the right place.

Download Now

Criteria

Overall market share/# of customers: How large is the market share of this TMS product? TMS vendors‘ overall market share is irrelevant for this list if they have multiple TMS products in their portfolio.
Ownership/funding: Who owns the TMS vendor? Is it a private equity company, a family or a group of families, or a wealthy corporate investor?
Quality of development (legacy vs. legacy dressed as modern vs. modern UX/cloud-native): How modern is the tech stack? Not clunky! How aggressively is the TMS vendor pushing cloud-native functionality for this product? No fake clouds! Is the roadmap officially announced? Or uncertain?
Community/Ecosystem: How vibrant is the community? Social media groups? In-person user groups? Forums?
Depth of native functionality (for specific industries): Last-mile functionality for specific industries natively built into the product?
Quality of publicly available product documentation: How well-documented is the product? Is the documentation available publicly? How updated is the demo content available on YouTube?
Product share and documented commitment (of the publisher through financial statements): Is the product share reported separately in financial statements if the TMS vendor is public?
Acquisition strategy aligned with the product: Are there any recent acquisitions to fill a specific hole with this product? Are there any official announcements to integrate recently acquired capabilities?
Maturity of the Supply Chain Suite: How mature are other capabilities that would augment TMS, such as WMS, S&OP, and the network?
User Reviews: How specific are the reviews about this product’s capabilities? How recent and frequent are the reviews?
Must be a TMS product: Must be a recognized TMS product by several analyst firms with a proven track record and market share.

10. CH Robinson/Navisphere TMS

Navisphere, a TMS solution provided by supply chain consulting firm CH Robinson, is tailored for companies seeking both supply chain subject matter expertise and a technical solution. However, it may not be the ideal choice for those solely seeking a TMS solution without managed services. So opt for CH Robinson if you require a TMS solution supporting multiple transportation modes, including managed services from a single vendor.

Pros

Network strength of CH Robinson. A notable advantage is the robustness of CH Robinson’s proprietary network, influencing rates and providing quality insights.
Supply chain industry expertise. CH Robinson brings extensive subject matter knowledge and holds licenses for various transportation modes, eliminating the need for third-party consulting firms.
Comprehensive supply chain services. CH Robinson serves as a one-stop shop for various supply chain needs, particularly excelling in the food and produce market.

Cons

Potential conflict of interest. Some may perceive CH Robinson’s pricing algorithm as biased, leading to concerns about carriers avoiding collaboration due to potential conflicts of interest.
Not a pure TMS solution. While smaller companies exclusively working with CH Robinson might find it suitable as a TMS solution, it may not be the best fit for those collaborating with multiple vendors.
Limited to the CH Robinson network. A significant limitation is that the solution is confined to the CH Robinson network

9. Trimble TMS

Trimble, a robust TMS solution tailored for transportation companies, stands out with its features for driver compliance, reporting, and monitoring. While an excellent fit for the trucking or 3PL industry managing internal fleets, Trimble TMS may not be suitable for businesses with non-transportation-centric models, such as retail or manufacturing.

Opting for Trimble is advisable if you operate in the trucking or 3PL sector, particularly with an internal fleet. However, for cloud-native solutions, especially in industries with different business models, exploring other options may be more appropriate. Choose Trimble if you are in the trucking or 3PL industry with an internal fleet, but look elsewhere for cloud-native solutions, especially in industries without transportation-like business models.

Pros

Maps and telematics. Trimble facilitates accurate data collection from drivers, minimizing errors and operational overhead.
Tailored for trucking companies. Designed with unique TMS capabilities essential for trucking operations, including dispatch, scheduling, and batch load planning.
Pre-built compliance for trucking. Compliance requirements are seamlessly integrated into operational workflows, reducing administrative efforts for trucking companies.

Cons

Legacy technology. While functionally strong, Trimble’s solution relies on legacy technology.
Limited industry focus. Due to its industry-specific focus, Trimble may not be the optimal choice for diverse companies.
Not fully independent. Similar to CH Robinson, Trimble provides managed services, making it less independent than some solutions on this list.

8. Descartes TMS

Descartes proves to be an excellent choice for companies seeking multi-modal capabilities within their international supply chain networks. It also has another TMS platform in its portfolio tailored for trucking companies and 3PL providers, providing options for multiple market segments.

Opt for Descartes if you require a best-of-breed TMS solution with multi-modal capabilities and operate within a large enterprise setting. Descartes might also have options for smaller trucking companies as well as 3PL with smaller operations.

Pros

Managed services available. Descartes TMS provides managed services, offering support for international regulatory and compliance requirements.
Comprehensive TMS with international data analytics. The solution is a comprehensive TMS featuring extensive capabilities, including a visibility platform for the international supply chain.
Options for multiple Market Segments. Descartes has specific solutions for different market segments, covering their unique needs without pushing them for solutions that are one-size-fits-all.

Cons

Not completely independent. Similar to CH Robinson, Descartes relies on managed services, which may limit its independence.
May not be SMB-friendly. SMB companies seeking a cost-effective solution might find Descartes to be relatively expensive.
Not a complete suite with WMS, etc. As a best-of-breed TMS solution, Descartes requires integration with external systems, such as WMS and S&OP, to achieve parity with other solutions on this list.

7. Mercury Gate

Mercury Gate, a cloud-native TMS solution, caters to SMB companies transitioning from smaller shipping add-ons like Pacejet or ShipStation. However, it may not be the optimal choice for large enterprises or businesses with international supply chains.

Consider Mercury Gate if you are an SMB DTC or CPG company seeking a cloud-native solution. On the contrary, if you are an enterprise or have an international supply chain, Mercury Gate may not align with your requirements.

Pros

Fleet management and last-mile capabilities. Particularly beneficial for companies in the CPG and DTC space.
Claims management capabilities. Aiding in freight audits for companies with 3PL components in their business model.
Cloud-native UI. Attractive for companies using cloud-native ERP solutions like NetSuite or Acumatica.

Cons

Limited to North America. Mercury Gate currently focuses solely on North America, which may be restrictive for companies with international supply chains.
Not integrated with other platforms such as WMS. As a standalone TMS solution, it lacks integration with a complete suite, including pre-integrated WMS or S&OP, posing a limitation for budget-conscious companies.
Limiting reporting capabilities. Users have reported that the reporting capabilities are not as pre-configured compared to some other platforms.

6. 3Gtms TMS (Pacejet)

3Gtms, tailored for SMB trucking companies and bolstered by the Pacejet acquisition, expands its capabilities to cover not just LTL and FTL but also parcel shipments. However, it’s not the ideal choice for large enterprises.

Consider 3Gtms if you seek a TMS solution encompassing all transportation modes—LTL, FTL, and parcels—for domestic shippers with some international presence. Nevertheless, if you are in pursuit of a cloud-native experience with a sophisticated supply chain suite, 3Gtms might not align with your requirements.

Pros

SMB-friendly. The solution offers advanced dispatch and load management capabilities, catering to the needs of SMBs.
Complete shipping solution. Encompassing all transportation modes for domestic shippers, 3Gtms provides a comprehensive shipping solution, albeit with a focus on SMBs.
Ideal for light TMS needs. Particularly useful for companies with light shipping requirements, especially those seeking a native or hybrid experience within SMB ERP ecosystems like Acumatica or Infor CloudSuite Industrial (Syteline).

Cons

Not enterprise and integrated suite. Lacking components found in larger supply chain suites, 3Gtms is not the best fit for large enterprises.
May require add-ons for advanced capabilities. Advanced features may necessitate third-party add-ons or customization, potentially limiting applicability to all business models.
Patchy User Experience. While the PaceJet solution is cloud-native, the older components remain legacy, potentially affecting the overall user experience.

5. e2open (BlueJays/Cloud Logistics)

e2open stands out as the most comprehensive suite, offering balanced capabilities in execution, planning, and network. It caters to enterprises seeking a pre-integrated suite with robust planning and forecasting, leveraging AI and ML. However, it may not be the ideal choice for smaller companies.

Consider e2open if you are a large enterprise utilizing SAP or Oracle, seeking an enterprise-grade supply chain suite to manage international supply chains, especially if collaborative planning and forecasting with suppliers are essential.

Pros

All Modes. The execution component covers road, rail, ocean, and air, boasting strong enterprise-grade capabilities.
Global Reach. e2open spans a broad geographic reach, encompassing most regions worldwide, providing an advantage over smaller solutions.
Ideal for Collaboration-Centric Businesses. With robust capabilities for channel-centric businesses and integrated TMS capabilities, e2open suits companies seeking a comprehensive, pre-integrated suite.

Cons

Not as Complete as Some Competitors. While highly comprehensive, e2open may not boast the strongest TMS solution compared to others on this list, especially in areas like in-house fleet and driver compliance.
Not SMB-Friendly. The solution’s complexity and cost may be overwhelming for SMBs.
Limited Ecosystem. Being relatively new in the market, e2open has a somewhat limited ecosystem compared to more established solutions.

4. Manhattan Associates

Manhattan is renowned for its WMS but also integrates TMS capabilities into its Supply Chain suite, which is particularly beneficial for industries with substantial retail store traffic like apparel, footwear, or grocery. Ideal for those already using Manhattan WMS, it provides integrated TMS functionality, though not recommended for SMBs.

Choose Manhattan TMS if you are currently utilizing or considering Manhattan as part of your architectural framework.

Pros

Pre-Integrated with WMS. Simplifies operations for companies with limited IT capabilities or a constrained budget, although pre-integrated workflows should be thoroughly assessed based on specific use cases.
Suited for Retail-Centric Industries. Manhattan’s focus on retail ensures robust TMS workflows for high-volume grocery, apparel, and shoe verticals.

Cons

TMS as an Add-On. TMS is not Manhattan’s primary offering, potentially lacking the mature capabilities found in best-of-breed TMS systems.
Not for SMBs. Tailored for upper-mid market and enterprise segments, it may overwhelm SMBs with its extensive features.
Expensive. Geared towards enterprises, Manhattan’s premium offering might be costly for SMBs not requiring advanced enterprise features.

3. SAP Transportation Management

SAP transportation management solutions cater primarily to companies already entrenched in SAP technologies, especially SAP EWM, seeking to build their entire tech stack on SAP. These solutions are well-suited for large enterprises with product-centric operations and distributors, especially with complex business models such as 3PL.

Smaller companies may find SAP’s offerings overwhelming. Opt for an SAP transportation management solution if you need an execution component pre-integrated with SAP technologies, compatible with other enterprise-grade solutions like e2open or Project44.

Pros

Pre-Integrated with SAP Suite. SAP TM seamlessly integrates with other SAP offerings within the SAP S/4 HANA suite, particularly EWM, though careful vetting is essential to ensure compatibility with unique use cases.
Ideal for Large Enterprises (> $10B). Companies exceeding $10 billion in size, requiring global compliance and transactional traceability, stand to gain the most value from SAP transportation management.
Ideal for Complex Business Models. Companies with intricate business models, such as distributors with 3PL operations or 3PL firms needing comprehensive billing functionality, will find SAP’s solution compelling.

Cons

Relies on Descartes for Carrier Communication. External communication and document management may not be as advanced as other solutions, necessitating additional expenses, such as Descartes, for carrier communication.
Requires Add-Ons for Comparison with Manhattan and Blue Yonder. Achieving parity with other components of a supply chain suite may demand several costly add-ons not readily available with SAP.
Not Suitable for SMBs. SMBs may find SAP’s capabilities not only overwhelming but also cost-prohibitive due to their alignment with more mature functionalities.

2. Blue Yonder

Blue Yonder boasts one of the most robust supply chain suites, encompassing various facets, including planning and execution, with a particularly robust execution component for transportation management.

Notably, Blue Yonder distinguishes itself from e2open by leveraging network and data from partners, while e2open operates on its proprietary network. Blue Yonder stands out with a significant number of enterprise-grade installations compared to other vendors. Opt for Blue Yonder if you need a fully integrated supply chain suite, specially tailored for retail-centric industries, covering diverse areas, from execution to planning.

Pros

Comprehensive Supply Chain Suite. Blue Yonder offers one of the most comprehensive supply chain suites, aligning particularly well with retailers due to its data model.
Ideal for Enterprises. Enterprises aiming for supply chain process maturity will find Blue Yonder’s capabilities valuable, designed to seamlessly integrate global supply chain processes.
Global Supply Chain Capabilities with Control Tower. Blue Yonder’s supply chain spans all modes and geographies, providing end-to-end traceability for global supply chain operations.

Cons

Not for SMBs. SMBs seeking simpler solutions may find Blue Yonder overwhelming.
Not Ideal for Standalone TMS Needs. The integrated suite might be excessive for companies seeking straightforward capabilities to manage transportation and logistics processes independently.
Expensive. Companies seeking simpler solutions might perceive Blue Yonder’s mature capabilities as costly.

1. Oracle TMS

Much like SAP, Oracle excels in providing enterprise-grade execution components for transportation management, particularly in industries where tight collaboration with other Oracle solutions like ERP or RMS is essential.

This is especially beneficial for sectors with stringent compliance and regulatory requirements, such as international trade compliance and reporting. So opt for Oracle TMS if you require enterprise-grade transportation solutions with a dynamic ecosystem integrating best-of-breed capabilities for other components of the supply chain suite.

Pros

Pre-Integrated with Oracle ERP. Oracle TMS offers a seamlessly embedded experience with WMS, RMS, and ERP, a feature not available in standalone systems.
Ideal for Retail and Transportation-Centric Industries. With a strong presence in retail and transportation verticals, Oracle’s R&D focus caters to the unique needs of these sectors.
Global Supply Chain Capabilities with Control Tower. Oracle TMS spans all transportation modes globally, ensuring end-to-end traceability of the execution component and featuring control tower capabilities.

Cons

Not for SMBs. SMBs seeking simpler solutions may find Oracle’s enterprise capabilities overwhelming and unnecessary.
Not Ideal for Standalone TMS Needs. Companies desiring straightforward standalone TMS solutions without impacting other departments or processes might find Oracle to be too comprehensive.
Expensive. Enterprises seeking simpler solutions may perceive Oracle’s enterprise-grade features as overwhelming and unnecessarily costly.

+

ERP Implementation Failure Recovery

Learn how Frederick Wildman struggled with Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementation failure even after spending over $5M and what options they had for recovery.

Download Now

Conclusion

Much like other enterprise software categories, TMS systems come in various configurations. The suitability of a TMS system for a business largely depends on how it aligns with the enterprise architecture and business model.

If you’re considering a TMS system, it’s crucial to distinguish between systems provided by consulting firms and those by pure-play technology firms. Delve into your business model and enterprise architecture to evaluate which system aligns best with your needs. This list aims to offer potential options for your further evaluation with Independent TMS consultants.

FAQs

Which is the best TMS system?

Every TMS solution is crafted for a distinct purpose, industry, and transaction volume. What suits one company may not be the ideal fit for another. The key to finding the right TMS solution is conducting a comprehensive analysis of your specific needs and selecting a system tailored to your industry and transaction volume.

If a TMS system is not included in this list, should companies consider that as a potential solution?

Absolutely. The absence of a solution from this list doesn’t imply it wouldn’t suit your needs. Every solution has its place in the market. Our list is curated based on factors like market share and maturity, potentially omitting newer solutions with unique capabilities.

Should I select a TMS system based on this list?

No, absolutely not. We strongly advise engaging with a seasoned independent selection consultant to conduct a comprehensive analysis of your requirements, formulate criteria, and customize rankings aligned with your specific needs. While our list may offer a starting point, the rankings based on your unique needs may diverge significantly.

Top 10 WMS Systems In 2024

Leave a Comment / Blog, Enterprise Architecture, ERP / By Sam Gupta / October 2, 2023 March 9, 2024

Traditionally, ERP systems lacked WMS capabilities due to technological and architectural differences. However, with the advent of cloud technology, modern systems now include basic WMS features for mid-market users, eliminating concerns about complex integration or the need for a separate WMS package. Nevertheless, companies, even with simpler operations, often outgrow these basic capabilities and find the need for best-of-breed WMS software.

Once you reach this stage, the next step is to identify the most suitable best-of-breed WMS software. A crucial consideration emerges for companies with a 3PL focus, even if it constitutes a minor component of their business model. As distributors seek diversification, many explore 3PL offerings, leading to a warehouse architecture distinct from the traditional approach closely tied to inventory accounting. Moreover, the requirements for accelerated transactions and round-the-clock operations highlight the essential need for a dedicated warehouse management system.

With technological advancements, warehouse architecture has undergone significant evolution, comprising three key components: the warehouse management system (WMS), warehouse execution system (WES), and warehouse control system (WCS). The control system’s role is to transmit commands, facilitate integration with hardware, and ensure smooth coordination. The warehouse management system primarily handles data and inventory management, while the execution component unifies these functions. WMS solutions may offer some or all of these capabilities, often bundled with additional systems in their suite. Now, let’s explore the top 10 WMS systems in 2024.

The 2025 Digital Transformation Report

Thinking of embarking on a ERP journey and looking for a digital transformation report? Want to learn the best practices of digital transformation? Then, you have come to the right place.

Download Now

Criteria

Overall market share/# of customers. How large is the market share of this WMS product? WMS vendors‘ overall market share is irrelevant for this list if they have multiple WMS products in their portfolio.
Ownership/funding. Who owns the WMS vendor? Is it a private equity company, a family or a group of families, or a wealthy corporate investor?
Quality of development (legacy vs. legacy dressed as modern vs. modern UX/cloud-native). How modern is the tech stack? Not clunky! How aggressively is the WMS vendor pushing cloud-native functionality for this product? No fake clouds! Is the roadmap officially announced? Or uncertain?
Community/Ecosystem. How vibrant is the community? Social media groups? In-person user groups? Forums?
Depth of native functionality (for specific industries). Last-mile functionality for specific industries natively built into the product?
Quality of publicly available product documentation. How well-documented is the product? Is the documentation available publicly? How updated is the demo content available on YouTube?
Product share and documented commitment (of the publisher through financial statements). Is the product share reported separately in financial statements if the WMS vendor is public?
Acquisition strategy aligned with the product. Are there any recent acquisitions to fill a specific hole with this product? Are there any official announcements to integrate recently acquired capabilities?
Maturity of the Supply Chain Suite. How mature are other capabilities that would augment WMS, such as TMS, WMS, S&OP, and the network?
User Reviews. How specific are the reviews about this product’s capabilities? How recent and frequent are the reviews?
Must be a WMS product. Must be a recognized WMS product by several analyst firms with a proven track record and market share.

10. Tecsys

Tecsys specializes in serving healthcare and retail sectors, offering unique capabilities tailored to specific verticals, particularly in point-of-use inventory management. While many WMS vendors may include hardware or have partnerships for devices and ASRS systems, Tecsys stands out with its focus on specialized hardware and interfaces crucial for point-of-use systems, which could be costly to develop on generic WMS platforms.

These sectors also benefit from Tecsys’ robust multi-location inventory features, facilitating seamless goods transfer across various locations. Opt for Tecsys if you’re a mid-market healthcare or retail organization, especially if you have distinct needs they uniquely address.

Pros

Point-of-use inventory management, with specialized hardware and interfaces, is crucial for traceability.
Multi-location Capabilities are suitable for facilities with diverse locations, such as hospitals or retail businesses.
eCommerce and retail-friendly with an integrated Order Management System (OMS), catering to budget-conscious mid-market Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) and e-commerce-centric companies.

Cons

Outdated technology compared to some modern cloud-native options.
Not a comprehensive suite like larger players such as Blue Yonder and Manhattan, lacking a full supply chain suite.
Limited ecosystem and consulting options compared to other alternatives on the list.

9. Mobe3 WMS

Mobe3 WMS is among the more compact solutions featured on this list, commonly integrated into smaller ERP ecosystems. Despite its size, it boasts rich features tailored to support the specific requirements of smaller warehouses, particularly in process and batch-centric industries.

These industries demand specialized capabilities, such as pallet and lot attributes, integrated into the solution. Opt for Mobe3 WMS if you are a small organization seeking a cost-effective and easily implementable WMS tool.

Pros

iOS-friendly and cloud-native, uniquely designed for iOS interfaces, making it one of the few cloud-native WMS systems.
Advanced capabilities for SMBs, including features like measuring picking metrics, surpassing expectations for its size.
Advanced capabilities for process and batch manufacturing, offering support for lot attributes, bin attributes, and pallet attributes crucial for advanced slotting and cross-docking.

Cons

Technology and compatibility issues with some devices require careful consideration of device compatibility.
Reports of software bugs from some users, indicating potential stability concerns compared to larger vendors.
Not suitable for enterprises, lacking the transaction processing capabilities required by larger organizations.

8. Logiwa WMS

Logiwa WMS is tailored for eCommerce and parcel-centric operations, excelling in various aspects of warehouse management, including WMS, WCS, and WES. While its capabilities are robust, they may not be as comprehensive as those offered by some other enterprise solutions featured on this list. Opt for Logiwa if you require a cloud-native, feature-rich WMS designed for mid-size warehouses with a focus on parcel-centric operations.

Pros

Ideal for eCommerce and parcel-centric operations, making it particularly well-suited for businesses in these sectors.
Feature-rich, offering advanced capabilities typically found in mid-size WMS systems, although not as advanced as some enterprise solutions.
Cloud-native UI/UX, providing an intuitive interface and user experience. Encompasses capabilities across WMS, WCS, and WES, including integration with ASRS systems and AGVs.

Cons

Learning curve, requiring users to adapt to the system, especially if they lack prior experience with WMS solutions.
Not as user-friendly as simpler WMS systems like Mobe3, necessitating training and implementation efforts.
Limited coverage for complex enterprise modes, primarily designed for parcel-centric operations, makes it less suitable for warehouses with diverse modes.

7. Softeon

Softeon caters to a customer base similar to Infor WMS, focusing on the upper mid-market segment. However, it lacks proven experience with enterprise customers compared to some other solutions on this list, and it might be too robust for smaller companies.

Consider Softeon if you are a mid-sized organization in search of an advanced WMS that not only offers additional capabilities like distributed order management but also supports crucial batch processing required for larger warehouse operations.

Pros

Robust batch capabilities, addressing the needs of mid-sized companies that have outgrown basic barcoding solutions.
Seamless integration with other solutions included in the suite, streamlining the connectivity between different components like distributed order management.
Distributed order management capabilities are beneficial for high-volume retail and distribution organizations managing complex transactions, including micro-fulfillment operations.

Cons

Not tailored for enterprise-scale operations. lacking a proven track record with larger companies.
Requires third-party add-ons for enterprises needing additional supply chain capabilities, making the suite less comprehensive than larger solutions like Blue Yonder or Manhattan.
May be too intricate for very small operations, with layers supporting batch processing potentially overwhelming for companies with minimal scale.

+

ECommerce Supply Chain Transformation

Learn how LockNLube transformed its inventory and supply chain challenges by consolidating over 20 systems.

Download Now

6. Infor WMS

Infor WMS is tailored for distributors in the upper mid-market segment, particularly prevalent in manufacturing industries, with a notable focus on verticals where solutions like Infor LN and M3 hold prominence. This is particularly applicable to sectors such as Automotive, Aerospace, Fashion, and Industrial distribution. If you are a mid-market manufacturer, especially considering or already utilizing Infor LN or M3 ERP systems, Infor WMS might be a suitable choice.

Pros

Seamless integration with other Infor ERPs. Infor WMS offers pre-integrated solutions with Infor LN and M3, addressing the inherent challenges of ERP-WMS integration, especially for manufacturers already leveraging these ERP systems.
Comprehensive supply chain capabilities. In addition to WMS, Infor WMS incorporates various supply chain offerings, including S&OP and visibility platforms, making it comparable to larger supply chain suites like Blue Yonder or Manhattan.
3D warehouse functionality. The unique 3D warehouse capability is particularly advantageous for larger warehouses, enhancing operational efficiencies through a virtual 3D layout.

Cons

Limited suitability for large enterprises. While excelling in upper mid-market warehouses, Infor WMS might not be the optimal choice for high-volume warehouses with smaller dollar transactions.
Weakness in TMS execution. The Transportation Management System (TMS) component is not as robust, necessitating the adoption of a best-of-breed TMS execution product to align with more robust suites like Blue Yonder.
Suboptimal for 3PL. While possessing capabilities similar to SAP EWM, Infor WMS is not tailored for 3PL perspectives, lacking in-depth compliance, freight audit features, and dispatch and rate shopping functionalities typically essential for 3PL operations.

5. Oracle WMS

Oracle WMS is well-suited for expansive transactional warehouses seeking a dedicated supply chain layer to manage high transaction volumes, 24/7 operations, or the warehouse architecture of a 3PL business model. It is particularly advantageous for enterprises desiring comprehensive supply chain capabilities within a unified suite, especially if already integrated with Oracle Cloud ERP. If you are a large enterprise, particularly leveraging other Oracle products like ERP or RMS, Oracle WMS may be a suitable choice.

Pros

Complete suite for a comprehensive tech stack. Oracle WMS integrates various supply chain capabilities, including RMS, S&OP, TMS, etc., offering a comparable feature set to other expansive suites like Blue Yonder and Manhattan.
Pre-integration with other Oracle apps. Oracle WMS seamlessly integrates with other Oracle applications such as ERP and TMS, eliminating the need for expensive custom integration efforts, making it suitable for large enterprises.
Proven for high transaction volumes. Oracle WMS has demonstrated its effectiveness in managing millions of transactions and large, busy warehouses and operations.

Cons

Overwhelming for smaller companies. The data model and product design may pose challenges for smaller organizations, introducing additional steps and operational overhead.
Dependency on add-ons for specific capabilities. Oracle lacks native capabilities for network, data, and maps, relying on partners to provide these features, limiting its execution capabilities.
Expensive customization for compliance workflows. Implementing compliance workflows not pre-built into the core requires substantial development and consulting efforts, contributing to higher customization costs compared to other solutions.

+

ERP Implementation Failure Recovery

Learn how Frederick Wildman struggled with Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementation failure even after spending over $5M and what options they had for recovery.

Download Now

4. SAP EWM

SAP EWM caters to enterprise-grade warehouses and distribution companies, especially those with a 3PL business model, particularly when integrated with other SAP solutions like SAP S/4 HANA. However, it may not be the best fit for smaller warehouses operating on a limited consulting budget. Opt for SAP EWM if you are a large distribution company with a global presence, particularly leveraging other SAP products such as SAP S/4 HANA or SAP Hybris.

Pros

Support for both decoupled and embedded architecture. This flexibility enables companies to facilitate 24/7 warehouse operations and accommodate the unique warehouse architecture demands of a 3PL business model, distinct from the financial representation in the ERP system.
Power of HANA. Leveraging the robust capabilities of HANA, SAP EWM can efficiently handle the demanding workloads of Fortune 500 organizations, providing a competitive edge compared to solutions that might struggle with such volumes.
Advanced capabilities for 3PL. SAP EWM offers features tailored for 3PL operations, including support for value-added services integral to the 3PL business model, and enhancing capabilities for billing and service offerings.

Cons

Too big for smaller companies. The complex data model of SAP EWM may pose challenges for smaller organizations seeking streamlined systems without the overhead crucial for larger enterprises.
Learning curve and expensive implementation. Implementing SAP EWM involves a significant learning curve and substantial implementation costs due to the system’s complexity.
Expensive. In comparison to other solutions on this list, SAP EWM’s pricing may not be as accommodating for smaller organizations.

3. Korber/HighJump

Korber/HighJump serves mid- to upper-mid-sized companies seeking an integrated suite, including last-mile capabilities. Although Korber/HighJump features various integrated components like TMS, DSD, and freight audit capabilities, it may not offer the same level of comprehensiveness as some other solutions on this list. Opt for Korber if you have graduated from standalone, smaller WMS systems and require a suite with advanced WMS capabilities tailored for mid-market companies.

Pros

Fairly comprehensive suite for both WMS and TMS. Korber’s suite encompasses several pre-integrated components, providing advantages not found in smaller solutions like mobe3.
Pre-integrated WMS and TMS. The pre-integrated WMS and TMS offered by Korber are particularly beneficial for mid-market companies, eliminating the need for extensive integration efforts required by standalone WMS and TMS systems.
DSD capabilities. Korber addresses the needs of companies in the DSD space, offering specialized capabilities such as proof of delivery, in-house fleet management, and unique dispatch and scheduling features based on routing or priority.

Cons

Issues with pre-baked integration. While Korber provides pre-baked integration, thorough vetting of integration flows based on specific requirements may be necessary. Custom integration might be required if existing flows prove insufficient for particular use cases.
Not a complete Supply Chain suite. Compared to other suites on this list, Korber may lack some comprehensive capabilities, such as integrated S&OP and control tower features that are more expansive in other solutions.
Not for enterprises. Unlike proven solutions such as Blue Yonder and Manhattan, Korber may not have as extensive experience with large accounts.

2. Blue Yonder

Blue Yonder boasts the strongest supply chain suite, coupled with advanced WMS capabilities, well-established in enterprises, particularly within high-volume retail companies. However, Blue Yonder may not be suitable for smaller businesses. Opt for Blue Yonder if you are a large enterprise, especially in the retail sector, seeking a comprehensive supply chain suite seamlessly integrated with a WMS.

Pros

Enterprise-grade WMS with pre-built components. Blue Yonder stands out as a leading supply chain suite, validated through successful collaborations with Fortune 500 accounts.
Ideal for retail-centric industries. Offering advanced capabilities tailored for retailers managing extensive SKU portfolios and multiple locations, Blue Yonder excels in location-level planning.
Pre-integrated support for all supply chain modes. Blue Yonder provides comprehensive assistance across all supply chain modes, inclusive of a supply chain control tower with advanced AI and ML capabilities, enhancing the existing WMS features.

Cons

Too large for SMBs. Blue Yonder’s extensive capabilities may be overwhelming for small and medium-sized businesses seeking simpler WMS solutions.
Cost-prohibitive for SMBs. The expense associated with Blue Yonder may be deemed excessive by SMBs without enterprise-scale requirements.
Lack of a network component in the supply chain suite. A notable drawback is Blue Yonder’s absence of an owned network. Solutions with an integrated network possess enhanced data control, enabling richer insights to augment WMS capabilities.

1. Manhattan Associates

Manhattan WMS stands as one of the most robust solutions in the market, particularly excelling in high-volume retail scenarios. While Manhattan may not offer the same comprehensiveness in its Supply Chain suite, it is exceptionally well-suited for large enterprises in the food, grocery, shoe, and apparel industries. However, it may not be the optimal choice for smaller businesses. Opt for Manhattan if you are a sizable company, particularly in the food, grocery, shoe, and apparel sectors, seeking a top-tier WMS solution.

Pros

The suite includes a pre-integrated point of sale. Manhattan’s suite incorporates a pre-integrated point of sale, offering significant advantages for companies lacking internal IT capabilities for integration or unwilling to invest in costly integration processes.
Capable of handling enterprise workloads. Proven with enterprise retailers dealing with extensive transaction volumes and SKU portfolios, Manhattan demonstrates proficiency in deep planning and merchandising capabilities.
Effective management of complex verticals. Manhattan excels in handling unique requirements associated with inventory planning in verticals like grocery, shoes, and apparel, showcasing specialized WMS capabilities.

Cons

Incomplete supply chain suite. Although Manhattan’s suite covers essential execution components such as WMS, TMS, OMS, and POS, it falls short in other supply chain pillars such as S&OP and network.
Requires add-ons for comprehensive supply chain capabilities. Companies seeking a holistic suite experience may need multiple add-ons to match the capabilities of other Supply Chain suites like Blue Yonder.
Not designed for SMBs. Tailored for enterprise companies, Manhattan’s design may not be as accommodating for smaller businesses seeking simpler solutions.

Conclusion

Selecting a WMS system can be challenging, given its intersection with various software categories and evolving packaging strategies. As technology progresses, the distinctions are becoming less clear, adding to the complexity.

For those seeking a new WMS system, a crucial step is understanding your business model and transactions and aligning them with suitable software with the help of independent WMS consultants. This list aims to offer a concise starting point for further evaluation.

FAQs

Which is the best WMS system?

Every WMS solution is tailored for specific purposes, industries, and transaction volumes. What works best for one company may not necessarily suit your requirements. To identify the optimal WMS solution, conduct a comprehensive analysis of your needs, ensuring alignment with a system designed for your industry and transaction volume.

If a WMS system is not included in this list, should companies consider that as a potential solution?

Absolutely. The absence of a solution from this list doesn’t necessarily imply it won’t suit your needs. Every solution has its place in the market. Our list is curated based on factors like market share and solution maturity, which may exclude newer solutions with limited capabilities.

Should I select a WMS system based on this list?

No, definitely not. We strongly advise engaging a professional independent selection consultant to conduct a comprehensive analysis of your requirements, establish criteria, and create customized rankings based on your specific needs. While this list offers a preliminary shortlist for your review, the ranking of these solutions may differ based on your unique requirements.

	LinkedIn Sam Gupta
	LinkedIn ElevatIQ
	LinkedIn WBSRocks

Featured Case Study

Featured Resource

Featured Video

Featured Resource

Featured Case Study

Featured Resource

Featured Video

Featured Resource

Featured Case Study

Featured Resource

Featured Video

Featured Resource

Author name: Sam Gupta

The 2025 Digital Transformation Report

Criteria

10. Plex

Strengths

Weaknesses

9. IQMS/DELMIAWorks

Strengths

Weaknesses

8. QAD

Strengths

Weaknesses

7. Oracle Cloud ERP

Strengths

Weaknesses

6. Acumatica

Strengths

Weaknesses

5. SAP S/4 HANA

Strengths

Weaknesses

4. Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O

Strengths

Weaknesses

3. Infor CloudSuite Industrial (Syteline)

Strengths

Weaknesses

2. Epicor Kinetic

Strengths

Weaknesses

1. Infor CloudSuite LN

Strengths

Weaknesses

+ ERP Implementation Failure Recovery

Conclusion

FAQs

The 2025 Digital Transformation Report

10. Acumatica

Strengths

Weaknesses

9. Sage Intacct

Strengths

Weaknesses

8. Unit4

Strengths

Weaknesses

7. Deltek

Strengths

Weaknesses

6. IFS

Strengths

Weaknesses

5. SAP S/4 HANA

Strengths

Weaknesses

4. Oracle Cloud ERP

Strengths

Weaknesses

3. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Strengths

Weaknesses

2. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations

Strengths

Weaknesses

1. NetSuite

Strengths

Weaknesses

+ ERP Implementation Failure Recovery

+

ERP Implementation Failure Recovery

+

ERP Implementation Failure Recovery

+

ERP Implementation Failure Recovery