Supply chain management and transportation management systems run the gamut from1980s-era systems to modern cloud platforms. Chain.io was built to integrate your TMS to any platform, regardless of the era it was built in, with ease.
Supply Chain Integration Software
Today, more and more businesses are realizing the importance of optimizing their supply chains. This is most often achieved through supply chain integration. But what is supply chain integration, and why is it important?
Supply chain integration is the process by which supply chain and logistics systems are connected so that stakeholders can easily exchange information related to all aspects of their operations. This plays a critical role in supply chain management, especially for companies transitioning to digital supply chains. In essence, it allows supply chain managers to communicate more effectively with others in the chain, which can promote business growth.
Supply chain integration software and supply chain optimization software can help simplify this process. Rather than having to integrate each system manually, you can turn this task over to the software, which can automate the process in no time. Global supply chain software may be particularly helpful for those working on a global level; however, there are other types of software that are specifically designed for smaller supply chains. These are a great option for businesses that are looking for simple, straightforward solutions to supply chain management. With supply chain integration software you can automate manual tasks and keep better track of all communication items, whether you manage a large enterprise or small company.
While there are many ways to achieve supply chain modernization, integration software can help get you on the right track. It allows key stakeholders from across the supply chain to collaborate on common initiatives, share items, and stay up to date on what’s happening in the supply chain. Instead of having to constantly switch between disparate systems, you can centralize critical data and items directly in a transportation management system (TMS) like CargoWise, warehouse management system (WMS), or other software. This can make it easier for everyone on your team to find what they need when they need it without having to move between systems.
Supply Chain Integration Software Examples
Supply chain integrations are a core component of digital transformation in supply chains. As such, there are many different types of digital supply chain tools to help with the modernization process. Different digital supply chain companies offer different solutions and software, so it’s important to consider what’s going to be most helpful for your specific business purposes and choose the software that’s best for you.
Chain.io provides a number of pre-mapped integrations, including API integration capabilities. The platform also offers EDI integrations and TMS integration. Chain.io's Cargowise integration allows users to perform complex transactions and manage all of their freight operations from a single, centralized platform that is easy to use. With this integration, you can exchange bookings through:
- BlueJay Customs USA
- DHL
- DrayNow
- Flexport
- ItsMyCargo
- Shipamax
- and many more
With other integrations, logistics service providers can also exchange shipments with partners such as EcoTransIT for better CO2 data or a supply chain visibility provider for better insights into the status of your shipments. Integrations like these make it easier for companies to combine tools and get access to the solutions they need with minimal effort. By bringing tools together this way, you can also ensure greater accuracy and continuity across systems. Manual supply chain management leaves room for plenty of errors, but integration software is specifically built to catch discrepancies before they spiral out of control. This can help promote better alignment so that you can achieve your desired business outcomes. Supply chain management is no walk in the park, but with the right integration tools, you can be well on your way to achieving greater efficiency in your workflow, thereby increasing revenue.
Explore Supply Chain VisibilitySupply Chain Management Tools
Supply chain management tools are extremely helpful when used alone, but can prove even more beneficial when used alongside supply chain integration or management software to eliminate data silos. But what is supply chain management software? Put simply, supply chain management software combines tools and allows for seamless integration with other chain systems, making it easy for users to manage all components of their supply chains from a single, centralized location. In the past, businesses had to either manage their supply chains by hand or try to pull and make sense of data from a bunch of disconnected systems. Supply chain management software removes this burden and simplifies management at a holistic level.
There are multiple types of supply chain management software, so it’s important to do your research to find the solution that’s the best match for your business. Becoming familiar with some of the top supply chain management software companies on the market today is critical to finding the best SCM software.
With the growing emphasis on supply chain management throughout the business world, the supply chain management and logistics automation software industry continues to grow. Utilizing various techniques of supply chain management, this software has transformed the way companies manage supply chains, making it easier for them to collaborate on common goals and access the tools they need for success. Today, there’s no need to waste time pulling different tools from disparate systems—you can instead find them in a centralized location. Using management tools and integration software, you can simplify supply chain management across the board and more easily achieve your most pressing business objectives.
Benefits of Supply Chain Integrations
The benefits of supply chain integrations range from enhanced tools to better communicate with key stakeholders across the chain to automated processes with the latest supply chain technology. One major advantage is being able to serve customers more effectively. Freight forwarders, shippers, and other logistics service providers are undergoing a digital transformation in supply chain management. Their customers expect better supply chain visibility and understanding of shipping activities so they can better communicate and plan with internal resources and their end customers. In this way, supply chain integration benefits everyone in the supply chain network—the manufacturers, their customers, their end customers, and all those in between.
Shippers can use integration software, like Chain.io, to connect their existing shipping tools to new ones and communicate with partners in the supply chain to determine inventory and decide what should go where. Automated supply chain tools are especially useful, as they automate manual tasks and prevent users from having to constantly stay on top of things. With automation tools, you can take a step back from the supply chain management process and focus on other aspects of business operations. This is yet another benefit of using supply chain integration software, especially alongside your existing tools.
Understanding the benefits of supply chain integrations can put you in a better position to leverage your solutions most effectively. You need to know how to integrate with other tools and software and how to get your team on board. While learning to use supply chain integrations can be tricky, it will be worth it, in the long run, to be able to manage your tools from a centralized location. This can speed up your workflow and ultimately allow you to serve customers quicker and easier. By doing so, you can increase business growth and boost revenue.
Top Supply Chain Integration Software
The importance of supply chain integration software cannot be overstated. Not only do supply chain specific integrations from experts like Chain.io allow users to connect and manage their tools more effectively, but they also enable them to communicate with customers and stakeholders to align on key objectives. When managing supply chains by hand or with old, outdated software, it can be difficult to keep track of critical items. However, supply chain integration software helps take the complexity out of this process so that users can focus on actually running their businesses instead of mulling over logistics around the clock.
There are many types of integrations for logistics service providers. For example, pre-mapped supply chain solutions are ideal for businesses that are looking for a predefined supply chain roadmap. This kind of software allows users to visualize where their products are produced and who is buying them. They can then decide how to leverage their tools to achieve greater efficiency in their workflows and promote greater alignment between stakeholders. This is crucial to both improving business operations and ensuring customer satisfaction. Rather than trying to scramble to gather tools from disparate systems, you can manage everything in one place. By doing so, you can save time and ensure continuity across the board.
As the top supply chain integration software, Chain.io is well-positioned to deliver an interconnected network that powers smarter supply chains. Chain.io's product allows companies from around the world to connect and speak the same language so that they align on common business goals and objectives. It offers a universal adapter that enables seamless integration with your TMS, ERP, and related platforms that exist in your ecosystem. Chain.io's pre-mapped integration solutions let users access data from internal systems, providing services that are quicker than internal IT and smarter than more generic systems. The platform has dozens of use cases, so no matter your specific supply chain needs, you can get the job done with ease.