Supply Chain Execution (SCE) software plays a vital role in managing operations, from order fulfillment to final delivery. There are countless reasons to invest in the technology, including rising consumer expectations, labor challenges, demand volatility, and the need for greater efficiency. As logistics providers seek ways to offer the best in class service, we thought it would be helpful to provide a deep dive into all things SCE software. In this post, we’ll cover the latest trends, top solutions, and critical factors to consider when implementing SCE software.
What is Supply Chain Execution Software?
Keeping track of supply chain operations in real-time is essential for smooth operations, it’s what supply chain execution is all about. Successful SCE is powered by reliable communication, proper systems and equipment, and the right software. This combination works together to track the movement of goods throughout the supply chain so that issues can be identified and solved quickly. The core functions of SCE software are managing warehousing, transportation, fulfillment, and inventory control.
SCE focuses on the real-time management of supply chain activities, ensuring that goods and materials flow efficiently from suppliers to customers. It is responsible for executing the strategies determined by supply chain planning. To gain better control over operations, organizations are opting to use various kinds of SCE software to track warehouse activities, including transportation, labor, slotting, and more.
Core Components of SCE Software
Every business will have a different set of needs for managing its operations, but there are a handful of SCE software solutions that rise to the top as the most commonly implemented within the supply chain space.
- Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Manages freight, carrier selection, and route optimization.
- Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Oversees inventory, order fulfillment, and warehouse operations.
- Order Management Systems (OMS): Tracks orders from placement to delivery, ensuring accurate fulfillment.
- Warehouse Control Systems (WCS): Directs automation and material handling equipment within a warehouse.
- Labor Management Systems (LMS): Monitors workforce productivity and optimizes labor allocation.
- Yard Management Systems (YMS): Manages trailer movements, dock scheduling, and yard visibility.
- Slotting Software: Optimizes product placement in a warehouse for efficiency and faster picking.
- Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES): Tracks production processes, materials, and quality control on the shop floor.
Understanding which solution, or mix of solutions is right for your operation is no easy task. Cornerstone Edge has vetted over 80 solutions, so we know how to find the right fit for your needs. Don’t go at it alone. Let us uncover what solutions you need to work smarter, not harder.
Key Benefits of Supply Chain Execution Software
SCE software ensures that logistics, fulfillment, and distribution operations run smoothly and efficiently. By integrating key functions such as warehouse management, transportation coordination, and order fulfillment, SCE software helps businesses reduce errors and meet growing customer expectations.
One of the main reasons and benefits for implementing SCE software is its ability to improve operational efficiency. With the automation of key processes, such as inventory tracking, picking, packing, and shipping, operations minimize manual intervention, reducing errors and speeding up fulfillment, all by using SCE software.
Other key advantages include:
- Cost reduction: By streamlining warehouse operations companies can cut unnecessary costs.
- Enhanced inventory visibility: Real-time insight into stock levels allows businesses to reduce stockouts and prevent overstocking.
- Improved customer service: With improved order tracking, faster processing, and real-time communication, businesses can meet delivery promises more consistently.
SCE software acts as the backbone of modern supply chain operations, empowering businesses to scale with confidence and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly complex logistics landscape.
Key Trends in Supply Chain Execution Software
As SCE software evolves, key trends are emerging—shaping how logistics operators worldwide optimize efficiency, visibility, and performance. The trend most often spoken about today is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation. The AI-driven supply chain market is on a steep upward trajectory, expected to skyrocket from $4.5 billion in 2023 to an estimated $157.6 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by the rising demand for smarter, more automated supply chain solutions across industries. The growing adoption of AI isn’t the only trend to track.
- Cloud-Based and SaaS Adoption: More operations are shifting from on-premise solutions to cloud-based platforms for greater scalability, flexibility, and accessibility.
- Labor Optimization and Workforce Management: As labor shortages persist, logistics operations are turning to SCE software to enhance workforce planning, boost productivity, and reduce costs.
- IoT and Real-Time Visibility: The rise of IoT sensors, RFID tracking, and real-time dashboards is transforming supply chain operations, providing end-to-end visibility and smarter decision-making.
- Sustainability and Green Logistics: With growing consumer expectations for sustainability, companies are leveraging SCE software to reduce waste, optimize transportation routes, and achieve environmental goals.
- Automation and Robotics: Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), drones, and robotic picking are being used more and more, empowering operations to automate low-skilled tasks so that employees may focus on high-skilled labor. Many operations are also realizing benefits by implementing automation to supplement employee tasks, leading to more efficiency, fewer errors, and less burnout.
Key Considerations When Choosing and Implementing SCE Software
Regardless of the solution you choose, there are critical steps to take to ensure the implementation progresses smoothly. To begin with, businesses need to fully understand their operational needs before selecting a solution. To gain this insight, stakeholders must collaborate and meet with representatives from multiple departments to ensure the software selected aligns with business goals. Operations will also want to ensure:
- Data Integration and System Compatibility: When implementing large-scale enterprise solutions, you must ensure there will be seamless integration with existing ERP, WMS, TMS, and other supply chain tools.
- Scalability and Flexibility: Investing in SCE software can be a large undertaking. As such, it’s important to select software you know will grow with your business and adapt to changing demands. You want to avoid having to replace the system a few years down the line because it can’t keep up with your growth or evolving technology.
- User Adoption and Training: No matter how sophisticated the SCE software selected, without the proper training and continuing education, it will only hold you back. Be sure to invest in robust training sessions and periodic recaps to ensure you’re making the most out of your system while supporting employee success.
- Measuring ROI and Performance: During the selection process, you’ll uncover what problems you’re trying to solve with the SCE software. During that phase, determine what KPIs you want to track to measure success. Common KPIs include efficiency, accuracy, and cost savings post-implementation.
Our Experience with Supply Chain Execution Software Selection
At Cornerstone Edge, we don’t just understand SCE software—we help businesses harness it for real, measurable impact. When Do it Best, a hardware, lumber and building materials buying cooperative, faced aging technology and the need for a new WMS, they leveraged Cornerstone Edge’s Trusted Advisor approach to provide guidance and assistance with their decision. They needed a leading edge WMS across their entire DC network that could leverage effective voice technology as well.
Cornerstone Edge supported them through a comprehensive selection process, ensuring they reviewed the right suite of SCE solutions and followed a scripted demonstration for an effective comparison. Since their selection, they have been focused on successfully rolling out their WMS solution across 9 regional distribution centers to unlock stronger processes, improve operations, and build a foundation for continued growth.
Growing with SCE Software
Today’s market requires supply chain operations that are agile and capable. SCE software empowers these operations to foster efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and keep up with demand. However, choosing the right SCE software requires careful planning, purposeful integration, and concrete plans for user adoption. That’s where we come in. Whether you’re contemplating an upgrade, selecting a new system, or are mid-implementation, we can help. Reach out, and let’s turn your SCE software into your competitive advantage.
Read more about our customers and their success with SCE here.