Which are the best supply chain management (SCM) solutions for inventory managers and consulting firms in 2011? How to integrate a supply chain program into a CRM or an ERP system? Can we find a free or open source SCM system? Which are the top Web-based online supply chain solutions available on the Internet? This article will provide simple answers and an easy to use guide for choosing a good supply chain solution.
Supply chain execution software can help a business easily process purchase transactions and manage supplier relationship. Today it has extended to the fields of customer relationship management (CRM), enterprise resources planning (ERP), inventory management, and supply chain outsourcing management.
Integrate SCM into CRM and ERP: Free Open Source Supply Chain Management Software
SCM and CRM have different directions. SCM manages supplier relationship, while CRM deals with customer relationship. A connection between SCM and CRM can make both ends more efficient. On the other hand, ERP can provide an integrated solution for corporate management, including supply chain management.
There are a few kinds of CRM and ERP systems that include SCM modules available for downloading online. For example, Compiere is an ERP program that integrates the functional modules of SCM, inventory, and sales orders. As Compiere is an open source application, users can download and use its community edition for free – but the implementation, integration, and customer supports could be costly too.
On the other hand, some of the open source inventory solutions also provide free functional modules of SCM.
Top Desktop or Web-based Online Supply Chain Management Software: Download Comparison
There are a lot of kinds of desktop SCM application available for downloading online. They include SAP SCM System, Logility Collaborative Supply Chain, JDA Supply Chain, and many others.
SAP is a giant in the software industry. Its SCM software solutions are fully-featured but expensive. Logility is supply chain optimization software that helps managers easily optimize complex sourcing and production decisions. JDA provides comprehensive SCM supports for customers in different fields, including automotive, transportation, chemical, food, manufacturing, retail, and wholesale industries.
A user can also choose a Web-based online supply chain management solution, which will allow him or her to access a SCM system through any computer from any place. This kind of software services includes Supply Chain Online and Supply Chain Online UK.
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Chen Nanyang - Chen Nanyang's journalist career began in 2002 when he started writing for China's Nanfang City News, Singapore's United Morning Post and ...
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