Optimising Supply Chain Management with Leading Technology Solutions

March 3, 2025

At Trace Consultants, we excel in optimising supply chain and procurement operations by applying a structured, data-driven methodology that transforms complex processes into streamlined, efficient systems. Our Supply Chain Management (SCM) framework is divided into two core phases—Supply Chain Planning and Supply Chain Execution—each encompassing distinct functions that drive operational success. To showcase the power of this framework, we’ve integrated examples of leading technology solutions, as identified by Gartner’s Magic Quadrant reports, a trusted industry benchmark for evaluating software providers based on their ability to execute and completeness of vision. These systems—covering Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Procure-to-Pay (P2P), and Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS)—provide practical tools to enhance each function. Our system-agnostic expertise ensures you choose the best solution for your unique needs.

The SCM Framework: A Strategic Blueprint

Our SCM framework serves as a strategic blueprint, organising supply chain processes into clear, interconnected functions with defined data inputs and key activities. Below, we outline these functions and demonstrate how leading technology solutions can boost performance in each area, supported by examples from Gartner’s evaluations.

Phase 1: Supply Chain Planning – Precision Through Advanced Technology

The planning phase lays the groundwork for effective supply chain operations by using data to forecast demand, optimise inventory, and plan supply. Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) systems are essential here, offering sophisticated tools for forecasting, optimisation, and decision-making. Gartner highlights the following as leading APS solutions:

  • SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP)
  • Blue Yonder Planning Solutions
  • O9 Solutions
  • Kinaxis RapidResponse

These systems leverage advanced analytics and real-time data to align planning with business objectives. Here’s how they support each planning function:

Master Data Management

  • Key Data Inputs: Product Master, Pack/Kit Details, Lead Time Details, Location Master, Transactions
  • Key Activities: Add new records, Manage data attributes
    This function ensures data consistency across the supply chain, a critical foundation for effective planning. APS systems like SAP IBP integrate master data to deliver a unified view, enabling precise downstream forecasting and procurement decisions.

Demand Planning

  • Key Data Inputs: Usage History, Forecast Models, Event Details, Demand Drivers
  • Key Activities: Review, adjust and approve forecasts, Manage event demand, Manage demand constraints
    Accurate demand forecasting is crucial, and APS systems shine in this area. For instance, Blue Yonder Planning Solutions employs machine learning to analyse historical usage and external demand drivers, producing accurate forecasts that minimise overstocking or shortages.

Inventory Planning

  • Key Data Inputs: Stocking Parameters, Inventory, Segmentation, Capacity Constraints
  • Key Activities: Stock on-stock decisions, Safety stock, Manage inventory constraints
    Optimising inventory levels is a key strength of APS systems. O9 Solutions, for example, provides advanced segmentation and constraint management, helping businesses maintain optimal stock across multiple locations while cutting carrying costs.

Supply Planning

  • Key Data Inputs: Current On Hand, Forecast Demand, Pack/Kit Demand, Existing Orders
  • Key Activities: Calculate order suggestions, Review, adjust and approve order suggestions
    This function links planning to execution by generating supply orders. Kinaxis RapidResponse excels here, offering real-time scenario analysis to dynamically adjust order suggestions, ensuring supply efficiently meets demand.

The outputs from these functions—Master Data, Forecasts, Stock Requirements, and Order Suggestions—flow seamlessly into the execution phase, bolstered by APS systems’ ability to provide actionable insights.

Phase 2: Supply Chain Execution – Efficiency Through Specialised Systems

The execution phase turns plans into action, managing procurement, warehousing, distribution, and returns. This phase relies on Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and Procure-to-Pay (P2P) systems, each tailored to specific functions. Here are leading examples from Gartner’s Magic Quadrant reports:

WMS:

  • Manhattan Associates’ Manhattan Active WM
  • Blue Yonder Warehouse Management
  • Infor SCM Warehouse Management
  • Körber Supply Chain Software

TMS:

  • Manhattan Associates’ Manhattan Active Transportation Management
  • Oracle Transportation Management
  • Blue Yonder Transportation Management
  • SAP Transportation Management

P2P:

  • SAP Ariba
  • Oracle Procure to Pay
  • Coupa Procurement
  • Ivalua P2P

Here’s how these systems enhance execution functions:

Procurement

  • Key Data Inputs: Supplier Master, Supply Contracts
  • Key Activities: Manage POs, Manage supplier contracts
    P2P systems streamline procurement from requisition to payment. SAP Ariba, for instance, automates purchase order management and supplier collaboration, ensuring compliance and cost savings, while Coupa Procurement improves spend visibility with user-friendly workflows.

Warehousing

  • Key Data Inputs: Warehouse Layout, Stock Take Parameters
  • Key Activities: Receive away orders, Prepare & pack, Pick & pack, Transfer, Perform stock takes
    WMS solutions optimise warehouse operations. Manhattan Active WM integrates automation and real-time inventory tracking to enhance picking and packing efficiency, while Blue Yonder Warehouse Management supports complex fulfilment with scalable features.

Distribution

  • Key Data Inputs: Fleet Details, Transport Routes, Transport Contracts
  • Key Activities: Ship products, Track deliveries
    TMS systems manage transportation logistics effectively. Oracle Transportation Management optimises routes and carrier selection to lower costs, while SAP Transportation Management offers real-time tracking, boosting delivery reliability and customer satisfaction.

Return

  • Key Data Inputs: Return Rules
  • Key Activities: Return products
    Returns management benefits from WMS and TMS integration. Infor SCM Warehouse Management handles reverse logistics within the warehouse, while Blue Yonder Transportation Management ensures efficient return shipping, maintaining a smooth reverse supply chain.

Execution outputs such as Purchase Orders, Stock Transfers, and Returns are carried out with precision, supported by these specialised systems’ advanced capabilities.

Partnering with Trace Consultants for Tailored Solutions

The systems highlighted—drawn from Gartner’s evaluations—are industry leaders, but the best choice depends on your business’s specific needs, scale, and technology ecosystem. At Trace Consultants, we specialise in guiding you to select and implement the right WMS, TMS, P2P, or APS solution. Our system-agnostic approach prioritises your requirements over vendor affiliations, ensuring recommendations align with your strategic goals. Whether it’s rolling out Manhattan Active WM for warehouse optimisation or Kinaxis RapidResponse for agile supply planning, we support you through selection, implementation, and ongoing success.

By embedding leading technology solutions into our SCM framework, we enable businesses to achieve exceptional efficiency, visibility, and agility. Contact us at www.traceconsultants.com.au to explore how we can optimise your supply chain with the ideal mix of structure, expertise, and cutting-edge systems tailored to your objectives.