- Free Version: Available for teams of up to 10
- Pricing: Premium plan $24/month (with a free 30-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Available on mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
SafetyCulture (iAuditor)
Why use SafetyCulture?
Comprehensive planning is integral in the supply chain because risks can significantly impact the entire network, causing costly delays and disruptions. With the help of SafetyCulture, organizations can carefully organize, allowing managers to pinpoint threats, monitor them in real time, and effectively manage problems in the entire supply chain. Its centralized dashboard acts as a single source of truth, helping workers forecast demand, check inventory, and create production schedules, to name a few. It is also incredibly scalable, accommodating the needs of diverse industries. Best of all, its mobile functionality empowers teams to collaborate seamlessly, on-site or remotely, enhancing agility and resilience in the face of supply chain challenges.
Features:
- Improve accuracy and consistency while accomplishing various workflows (e.g., capacity planning, logistical inspections, risk assessments) with digital supply chain checklists.
- Gain 360-degree visibility into various operational activities with the help of GPS-powered sensors and effectively track and secure assets used in production and logistics.
- Heighten collaboration among teams, including external suppliers and service providers, with the help of a centralized repository and built-in communication tools.
- Prevent escalations and downtimes by raising supply chain issues that facilitate quick response and issue resolution.
- Optimize supply chain processes by identifying trends, analyzing performance metrics, and strategizing initiatives for continuous improvement.
Why use Acumatica?
Primarily a cloud-based ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software, Acumatica is also considered one of the most effective supply chain planning software solutions for its extensive capabilities. Because of its user-friendly interface, robust feature set, and mobile accessibility, the platform has garnered awards from Gartner, Forrester, and other industry analysts.
Features:
- Real-Time Insights
- Workflow Management (e.g., Sourcing, Warehousing, Transportation, etc.)
- Data Integration with CSM and CRM
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Contact the Acumatica sales team for more information (demo provided upon registration)
- Platforms supported: Web, iOS, Android
Why use Logility?
Founded in 1996, Logility is a leading provider of supply chain optimization solutions with advanced retail planning tools. Their AI-powered supply chain planning module has gained recognition among top retailers, manufacturers, and distributors worldwide for its innovative approach to demand planning, forecasting, and collaboration.
Features:
- Integrated Business Planning
- Product Lifecycle Management
- Supply Chain Network Optimization
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Contact the Logility sales team for more information
- Platforms supported: Web, On-Premise, iOS, Android
Why use Anaplan?
One of the most comprehensive business planning and performance management platforms, Anaplan now offers a module for supply chain management that allows companies to synchronize data, people, and developed plans in real time so they can create better decisions. With numerous awards from various industry analysts, it is no wonder they are the top pick of businesses across industries.
Features:
- Workforce Planning
- Budgeting and Forecasting
- Real-Time Collaboration
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Customized quote provided upon registration (personal demo may also be requested)
- Platforms supported: Web, iOS, Android
Why use Netstock?
Initially created as a cloud-based inventory management and demand planning solution, Netstock has been serving various clients working in the supply chain globally. Aside from its full-featured suite that enterprises favor, small and medium-sized businesses prefer it due to its simplicity, scalability, and affordability.
Features:
- Demand and Capacity Planning
- Predictor IA and IBP
- Supplier Performance
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Contact the Netstock sales team for more information (demo also available upon registration)
- Platforms supported: Web, Mobile
Why use Precoro?
Primarily a cloud-based procurement software provider, Precoro serves as effective supply chain planning software because it streamlines order creation, approval, and tracking. But what small businesses, mid-sized enterprises, and multinational corporations love about it is its spend management tools that reduce overall operational costs.
Features:
- Procurement Management
- Corporate Spend Controls
- Direct Integrations (Xero and QuickBooks)
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Starts at $39 per user per month for small teams with up to 20 members, billed annually (14-day free trial and demo available)
- Platforms supported: Web
Why use LeanDNA?
Designed mainly for inventory optimization, LeanDNA has become the best supply chain planning software for many manufacturers and distributors as it helps them analyze their inventory levels and identify areas for improvement to reduce excess, stockouts, and slow-moving items. Its focus on lean principles makes it the best tool for businesses that want to achieve significant cost savings.
Features:
- Inventory and Production Management
- Data Synchronization
- Centralized Platform for Collaboration
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Contact the LeanDNA sales team for more information (15-minute demo also available upon request)
- Platforms supported: Web
Why use FreightPOP?
Designed specifically as a transportation management system, FreightPOP is used to streamline transportation and logistics workflows. However, its advanced features that provide manufacturers, distributors, and retailers extensive visibility into various activities enable users to proactively plan other processes, improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Features:
- Advanced Logistics Planning
- Automated Workflows
- Descriptive, Diagnostic, Predictive, and Prescriptive Analytics
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Customized quote may be requested (demo also available upon registration)
- Platforms supported: Web
Why use Shippabo?
A relatively new player in the freight management solutions domain, Shippabo also offers supply chain planning solutions. By helping companies gain end-to-end visibility into their operations and providing a centralized platform for collaboration, companies can maximize market opportunities, reduce operational costs, and ensure customer satisfaction.
Features:
- Unified Supply Chain Platform
- Real-Time Tracking Capabilities
- Predictive Analytics System
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Contact the Shippabo sales team for more information (demo provided upon registration)
- Platforms supported: Web
Why use D&B Supplier Intelligence?
Established as a credit rating company in 1841, Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) now provides business intelligence and risk management solutions to companies across industries worldwide. Their comprehensive features also support companies in their supply chain planning activities, enabling them to identify vulnerabilities, optimize sourcing strategies, and improve overall efficiency.
Features:
- Risk Assessment and Management
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Compliance and Due Diligence
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Contact the D&B Supplier Intelligence sales team for more information (with a 30-day free trial)
- Platforms supported: Web
What is Supply Chain Planning Software?
Supply Chain Planning Software (SCPS) is a comprehensive digital solution that streamlines and optimizes various aspects of the supply chain process within an organization, from raw materials procurement to distribution. The platform’s numerous features help top management and frontline workers effectively manage the flow of goods and information, enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, improving customer satisfaction, and ultimately driving business growth.
Importance
Managing the supply chain is incredibly challenging because of its inherent complexity. Fluctuating demands, global sourcing, and logistical challenges are just a few factors that companies should consider during the planning phase. Utilizing a software solution is a must-have for the following reasons:
- Improves Forecasting Accuracy – Merely speculating demand results in inventory imbalance and lost sales opportunities. With the help of automated data gathering and robust analytics, the finance team can optimize their inventory and prevent problems like stockouts, excess reserves, and additional storage costs. Procurement is also made easier, ensuring timely replenishment of raw materials and minimizing supplier delays.
- Enhances Production Planning – To efficiently meet demands, managers should master production scheduling. Traditional timetabling methods often lead to bottlenecks, delays, and resource underutilization. By automating scheduling workflows, the company can determine customer needs, the entire production timeline, manufacturing capacity, supplier lead times, and many more.
- Improves Collaboration and Visibility – With the help of monitoring tools and advanced analytics, managers gain real-time insights into various activities and vital metrics (e.g., inventory levels, shipment statuses, and production schedules) and help them identify bottlenecks. Communication tools and centralized repositories also help all parties in the supply chain network collaborate better, preventing disruptions or handling them more efficiently.
Key Features
Comprehensive platforms for supply chain management and optimization are sure to have all the features companies may need to help them plan various activities across the network. Stand-alone solutions, like some in the list above, would be a better option for those who do not have the budget for a full-featured suite. Make sure it has the following essential features:
- Supply Chain Checklists (e.g., due diligence for vendors, GMP site walkthroughs, inventory audits, etc.)
- Centralized Hub with Access Controls
- Demand Forecasting and Scenario Planning
- Inventory Optimization and Asset Management
- Production Planning and Scheduling
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Procurement Management
- Transportation Management
- Warehouse Management
- Supply Chain Risk Management
- Performance Analytics and Reporting
- Collaborative Tools for Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment
- Integration with other enterprise systems (e.g., ERP, CRM)
- Mobile Accessibility with Offline Capabilities
Selecting the Right Supply Chain Planning Software
Any of the solutions detailed can help supply chain managers, demand planners, inventory analysts, procurement professionals, logistics supervisors, and production teams streamline crucial tasks across the network.
Before making your final choice, take another look at the top supply chain planning software in the summary below.
| Supply Chain Planning Software | Free Version | Paid Plan | Mobile App |
| SafetyCulture | Yes | $24/user/month* | Yes |
| Acumatica | No | Contact for pricing | Yes |
| Logility | No | Contact for pricing | Yes |
| Anaplan | No | Custom quote | Yes |
| Netstock | No | Contact for pricing | Yes |
| Precoro | No | $39/user/month* (for teams of 20 or less) | No |
| LeanDNA | No | Contact for pricing | No |
| FreightPOP | No | Custom quote | No |
| Shippabo | No | Contact for pricing | No |
| D&B Supplier Intelligence | No | Contact for pricing | No |
* billed annually
