What is Supply Chain Collaboration Software?
Supply chain collaboration software is a digital solution designed to enhance communication to facilitate smooth coordination among stakeholders (e.g., suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and end users) involved in the supply chain network. Apart from communication tools, this centralizes data from different sources, ensuring procurement, scheduling, delivery, and relevant tasks are accomplished on time and within the allocated resources.
Importance
Collaboration is essential in the supply chain to achieve operational excellence and meet customer expectations. It’s quite challenging to optimize the flow of goods and information in this industry as the network involves numerous players, from internal departments to external partners. A management software made specifically for coordinating all teams in the system can help in the following ways:
Centralizes information – The platform serves as the single source of truth for all stakeholders, from raw material suppliers to end product distributors. By making vital information accessible in real time, users can make sound decisions and expect better outcomes. This unified data hub is also a repository of supply chain checklists and documents that may be used for resource planning, inventory checks, equipment maintenance, supplier procurement, and audits, to name a few.
Improves communication – Real-time information exchange is crucial, especially for companies operating on a global scale. The software offers instant messaging, video conferencing, document sharing, and emergency notifications, breaking down regional barriers and ensuring prompt problem-solving if required.
Increases supply chain visibility – Digital tools like driver telematics, geo-tagging, and IoT sensors help track the location and condition of goods and monitor employees and partners. When managers have a clear view of the entire supply chain from end to end, they can optimize all activities and prevent possible disruptions.
Key Features
Supply chain collaboration solutions are meant for companies that want to manage their relationships, processes, and data within the supply chain. For all these to come to fruition, the platform should have the following essentials:
Centralized data hub and portals
Communication tools with customizable alerts and notifications
Real-time visibility (geo-tagging, environmental sensors, driver telematics)
Order management and tracking
Report generation and advanced analytics
Integration with other enterprise software
How to Choose the Right Supply Chain Collaboration Software
Supply chain managers, procurement officers, logistics coordinators, and other supply chain teams can benefit from any of the options in the list. Before making your final selection, take another look at the best software for supply chain collaboration in the summary below:
Supply Chain Collaboration Software | Free Version | Paid Plan | Mobile App |
SafetyCulture | Yes | $24/user/month* | Yes |
Shippabo | No | Custom quote | No |
Magaya | No | Contact for pricing | Yes |
FreightPOP | No | Custom quote | No |
Netstock | No | Contact for pricing | No |
Anaplan | No | Contact for pricing | Yes |
Tada | No | Contact for pricing | No |
Kinaxis | No | Contact for pricing | No |
Ivalua | No | Contact for pricing | No |
Elemica | No | Contact for pricing | Yes |
* billed annually
