Mayank Patel
Jun 21, 2024
5 min read
Last updated Jun 21, 2024
Supply chain management is the process of planning, coordinating, and executing the flow of goods and services from the point of origin to the point of consumption. It involves various activities such as sourcing, procurement, production, distribution, logistics, inventory, and customer service.
Supply chain software development is the process of creating, maintaining, and improving software applications that support and enhance the supply chain management functions. It involves various technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, blockchain, internet of things, and low-code platforms.
SCM software development is a crucial aspect of any business that wants to achieve operational efficiency, cost reduction, customer satisfaction, and competitive advantage in today’s dynamic market. However, supply chain software development also poses challenges like security, scalability, integration, compliance, and innovation.
In this blog post, we will delve into the best practices for supply chain software development in 2024. As a seasoned software development firm serving startups and enterprises alike, we'll showcase how we've tackled complex challenges to drive business success with real-world examples and case studies.
Supply chain management software is a type of software application that helps businesses manage their supply chain operations. It can carry out various functions, such as:
Supply chain management software can be classified into two categories: enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and best-of-breed software.
ERP software is a comprehensive software solution that integrates all the core functions of a business, including supply chain management, finance, accounting, human resources, and customer relationship management.
Best-of-breed software is a specialized software solution that focuses on a specific function or aspect of supply chain management, such as order management, warehouse management, or transportation management.
Also read: How to Select a Reliable Software Development Partner 2024?
The cost of supply chain management software depends on various factors, such as:
Therefore, before choosing a supply chain management software solution, it is important for businesses to conduct a thorough analysis of their supply chain requirements, objectives, and budget, and compare the features, benefits, and drawbacks of different software options available in the market.
Supply chain management software can help businesses improve their supply chain performance and outcomes in various ways, such as:
Supply chain management software can provide businesses with real-time and accurate data and insights into their supply chain operations, such as inventory levels, order status, shipment tracking, supplier performance, and customer feedback. As a result, businesses can monitor and optimize their supply chain processes, identify and resolve issues, and make informed and timely decisions.
Supply chain management software can automate and streamline various supply chain tasks and workflows, such as order processing, inventory management, transportation planning, and supplier management. This can help businesses reduce manual errors, save time and resources, and increase productivity and quality.
Supply chain management software can help businesses optimize their supply chain costs, such as material, labor, transportation, and storage costs. This can be achieved by improving demand forecasting, reducing inventory waste, minimizing transportation delays, and negotiating better deals with suppliers.
Supply chain management software can help businesses deliver better customer service and experience, by ensuring that their products and services are available, accessible, and affordable to their customers. This can be achieved by improving order fulfillment, reducing delivery times, offering flexible and convenient delivery options, and providing proactive and responsive customer support.
Also read: Dedicated development team tailored to your project needs
As a software development company, we have helped many clients develop and implement supply chain management software solutions that meet their specific needs and goals. Based on our experience, we have identified some of the best practices for supply chain management software development, which are:
Cloud computing is the dominant technology trend in 2024, as it offers many advantages for supply chain software development, such as scalability, flexibility, security, and innovation.
By adopting a cloud-native approach, businesses can leverage the power of the cloud to develop, deploy, and run their supply chain software applications, using cloud-based tools, platforms, and services.
This can help businesses reduce their infrastructure and operational costs, improve their performance and reliability, and access the latest features and functionalities.
Artificial intelligence is the key technology driver in 2024, as it offers many opportunities for supply chain software development, such as automation, optimization, prediction, and personalization.
By embracing artificial intelligence, businesses can use machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and other AI techniques to enhance their supply chain software applications, using data, algorithms, and models. This can help businesses improve their efficiency and accuracy, reduce their risks and errors, and provide better customer service and experience.
Blockchain technology is the emerging technology disruptor in 2024. It offers many benefits for supply chain software development, such as transparency, traceability, security, and trust.
By leveraging blockchain technology, businesses can use distributed ledger systems, smart contracts, and digital tokens to improve their supply chain software applications, using transactions, records, and verification.
This can help businesses increase their visibility and accountability, reduce their fraud and corruption, and enhance their collaboration and cooperation.
Low-code platforms are the innovative technology enabler in 2024. They offer many advantages for supply chain software development, such as simplicity, speed, and agility.
By utilizing low-code platforms, businesses can use graphical user interfaces, drag-and-drop components, and pre-built templates to develop their supply chain software applications, using minimal coding and programming.
This can help businesses reduce their development time and cost, improve their flexibility and adaptability, and enable their innovation and creativity.
Also read: How to Understand Your Target Audience
To illustrate how we have applied these best practices for supply chain software development in 2024, we will share some examples and case studies of our previous projects and clients, such as:
We developed a cloud-native, AI-powered, and blockchain-enabled order management system for a leading e-commerce company, that helps them manage their online orders, payments, and deliveries, across multiple channels, markets, and partners.
The system uses cloud services such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, to host and run the application, as well as provide scalability, security, and innovation. The system uses AI techniques such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision, to automate and optimize the order processing, payment verification, and delivery tracking, as well as provide personalized recommendations and support.
The system uses blockchain technology such as Ethereum, Hyperledger, and Corda, to record and verify the transactions, records, and contracts, as well as provide transparency, traceability, and trust.
We developed a low-code, cloud-based, and AI-enhanced warehouse management system for a global logistics company, that helps them manage their warehouse operations, inventory, and distribution, across multiple locations, regions, and modes.
The system uses a low-code platform such as Mendix, OutSystems, or Appian, to develop and deploy the application, using minimal coding and programming, as well as provide simplicity, speed, and agility. The system uses cloud computing such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, to host and run the application, as well as provide scalability, flexibility, and security.
The system uses AI techniques such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision, to automate and streamline the warehouse tasks and workflows, such as inventory management, picking and packing, and shipping and delivery, as well as provide predictive analytics and insights.
We developed a blockchain-based, cloud-native, and low-code transportation management system for a regional transportation company, that helps them manage their transportation operations, fleet, and drivers, across multiple routes, vehicles, and regulations.
The system utilizes blockchain technologies like Ethereum, Hyperledger, and Corda for recording and verifying transactions and contracts, ensuring transparency, traceability, and trust. Additionally, it leverages cloud computing platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud to host and operate applications, ensuring scalability, flexibility, and security.
The system uses a low-code platform such as Mendix, OutSystems, or Appian, to develop and deploy the application, using minimal coding and programming, as well as provide simplicity, speed, and agility.
Developing supply chain software is crucial for businesses aiming to thrive in today’s competitive market. By adhering to 2024’s best practices, like embracing cloud-native solutions, integrating artificial intelligence, adopting blockchain technology, and utilizing low-code platforms, businesses can craft and deploy effective supply chain software. This approach enhances supply chain performance, drives better outcomes, and enables achievement of strategic business objectives.
If you are looking for a software development company that can help you with your supply chain software development needs, look no further.
Get in touch with us today! We would love to hear from you and work with you on your supply chain software development project. 😊