The Top Retail Supply Chain Tools for Streamlining Logistics and Cutting Costs

Are Supply Chain Inefficiencies Costing Your Retail Business?

Managing a retail supply chain is more complex than ever. With rising costs, unpredictable demand, and logistical bottlenecks, finding the right tools to streamline operations and cut expenses is crucial.

The right supply chain management solution can optimise inventory, improve delivery times, and enhance overall efficiency.

In this Zeus article, we review the top retail supply chain management tools that help businesses streamline logistics, reduce costs, and stay competitive. 

But first…

Why Listen to Us

At Zeus, we specialise in AI-driven logistics solutions that optimise retail supply chains. Our platforms; Zeus Command AI, and Zeus Connect, enhance visibility, automate freight operations, and streamline carrier selection. Managing over 300 million kilos of cargo annually for industry leaders like AB InBev, Kellogg’s, and P&G, we know what it takes to cut costs, improve efficiency, and keep retail logistics running smoothly.

What Are Retail Supply Chain Management Tools?

Retail supply chain management tools are software solutions designed to optimize the movement of goods from suppliers to customers. They help businesses streamline logistics, reduce costs, and improve efficiency by automating key processes like inventory management, freight operations, and carrier selection.

These tools provide real-time visibility into shipments, predict demand fluctuations, and integrate seamlessly with existing enterprise systems.

Why Are Retail Supply Chain Management Tools Important?

• Cost Reduction: Automating freight operations and optimising carrier selection lower transportation and storage costs. With Zeus Command AI, businesses can automate carrier selection and freight management, driving down costs through optimised routes and real-time performance data.
• Real-Time Visibility: Advanced dashboards provide live tracking of shipments, helping businesses prevent delays and disruptions.
• Demand Forecasting: AI-driven analytics predict demand shifts, ensuring better inventory management and reducing stockouts or overstocking.
• Sustainability: Multimodal transport solutions and emissions calculators help retailers reduce carbon footprints and meet sustainability goals.
• Seamless Integration: These tools connect with existing ERP, TMS, and WMS systems, ensuring smooth operations without major disruptions.

Our Top Retail Supply Chain Management Tools 

Below are the platforms we will cover in this review:

1. Zeus
2. Blue Yonder
3. Manhattan Active: Supply Chain Execution
4. Oracle Supply Chain Management (SCM)
5. SAP Integrated Business Planning (SAP IBP)
6. Infor Supply Chain Management (SCM)

1. Zeus

At Zeus, we offer a comprehensive suite of AI-powered tools tailored to optimize retail supply chain management. Our platform, combining Zeus Command AI and Zeus Connect, transforms logistics efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. By leveraging real-time data and intelligent automation, we enable smarter decision-making, streamline operations, and drive significant savings.

Key Features

• AI-powered Freight Operations: Automates complex logistics processes, reducing manual effort and improving overall operational efficiency.
• Real-Time Dashboards: Provides live tracking of shipments, giving you full visibility of your supply chain and helping you prevent delays and disruptions.
• Predictive Demand Forecasting: Uses machine learning to predict demand shifts, ensuring optimal inventory management and reducing the risk of stockouts or overstocking.
• Automated Carrier Selection: Leverages data to automatically choose the best carrier based on performance metrics, helping cut costs and improve customer satisfaction.
• Continuous Improvement: Machine learning tools continuously analyse past performance to identify inefficiencies and recommend optimisation strategies for better results.
• Seamless Integration with Existing Systems: Zeus integrates effortlessly with your current ERP, TMS, and WMS, enabling smooth operations and minimal disruption during implementation.
• Multimodal Transport Solutions: Supports efficient, eco-friendly transportation by enabling seamless integration of different transport modes, helping to cut carbon emissions by up to 80%.
• Emissions Calculator: Helps you measure, track, and reduce your environmental impact, assisting in meeting sustainability goals with ease.

Pricing

• To get started, book a meeting with us. After discussing your specific needs, we will provide a custom pricing plan tailored to your scale, integration requirements, and the modules you need.

Pros

• Easy integration with existing ERP and TMS systems, saving setup time
• AI-driven efficiency cuts administrative tasks and streamlines freight operations
• Real-time visibility into shipment status and performance for better decision-making
• AI-powered route optimisation, dynamic load consolidation, & multi-modal transport selection
• Sustainability focus, with tools to track and reduce carbon emissions.

Cons

• Zeus’ comprehensive features might require significant training for full utilization

2. Blue Yonder

Blue Yonder offers a comprehensive suite of supply chain management solutions designed to enhance operational efficiency across various industries. Its AI-driven platform integrates planning, execution, and delivery, providing real-time visibility and control over supply chain processes. ​

Key Features

• Dynamic Master Planning: Enables real-time adjustments to supply chain plans, improving responsiveness to market changes.​
• Inventory Optimisation: Utilises advanced analytics to balance inventory levels, reducing stockouts and overstock situations.​
• Scenario Planning: Allows users to simulate various supply chain scenarios to prepare for potential disruptions.​
• Warehouse Management: Streamlines warehouse operations through task automation and real-time processing.​
• Transportation Management: Optimises transportation planning and execution, enhancing delivery performance and reducing costs. ​

Pricing

• Blue Yonder’s pricing is customized based on the features, support, and level of personalization required for each customer. For full details, it's best to contact Blue Yonder directly.

Pros

• Integrates demand, supply, and business planning for better decision-making
• Uses AI and machine learning to optimise operations and provide real-time insights
• Manages inventory across online and physical channels to improve customer experience
• Offers scenario planning and risk management to prepare for disruptions
• Streamlines warehouse operations with automation to improve efficiency

Cons

• Implementation can be complex and expensive, requiring significant investment
• Customization options may be limited by pre-built modules
• Pricing is generally high for smaller businesses

3. ​Manhattan Active: Supply Chain Execution

Manhattan Active provides a cloud-native platform designed to optimize supply chain operations. It unifies demand forecasting, replenishment, and allocation, providing real-time visibility and control across the entire supply chain. 

Key Features

• Unified Supply Chain Planning: Integrates demand forecasting, replenishment, and allocation within a single platform.
• Real-Time Optimization: Continuously adapts to changes, eliminating the need for nightly batch processing.​
• Cloud-Native Architecture: Offers scalability and resilience with automatic, disruption-free upgrades.​
• Advanced Technology Integration: Leverages AI and machine learning to enhance operational efficiency and decision-making
• Extensibility: Allows for easy personalisation with no-code and low-code options.​

Pricing

• Pricing details are not publicly disclosed. You’ll need to contact Manhattan Associates directly for a customised quote.​

Pros

• Integrates demand forecasting, replenishment, and allocation for efficient supply chain operations
• Continuously adapts to changes in real time, ensuring timely market responses
• Uses cloud-native architecture for scalability and automatic upgrades
• Enhances demand prediction accuracy with AI-powered forecasting
• Allows easy customization with no-code and low-code options

Cons

• Some users report vendor support does not meet expectations
• Requires significant training, making onboarding time-consuming and costly
• Customization options may be limited by pre-built modules

4. Oracle Supply Chain Management (SCM)

Oracle Supply Chain Management (SCM) is a supply chain management solution designed to help businesses navigate the complexities of modern supply chains. It offers a suite of applications that integrate various supply chain processes, enhancing visibility and operational efficiency.​

Key Features

• Supply Chain Planning: Enables intelligent demand and supply planning, allowing businesses to respond swiftly to changing market conditions.​
• Inventory Management: Provides real-time visibility into inventory levels across multiple locations, optimizing stock levels and reducing carrying costs.​
• Manufacturing: Supports various manufacturing processes with integrated execution systems, improving production efficiency and quality control.​
• Order Management: Streamlines order processing with omnichannel capabilities, ensuring accurate and timely fulfillment.​
• Logistics: Enhances transportation and global trade management, optimizing logistics operations and compliance.

Pricing

Oracle SCM Cloud pricing varies by edition and user count:

• Standard Edition: Around $300/user/month, ideal for small to mid-sized businesses with basic inventory and order management.
• Enterprise Edition: About $600/user/month, suited for larger businesses needing demand planning and logistics management.
• Premium Edition: Includes supply chain collaboration and predictive analytics;
• Implementation costs range from $10,000 to $500,000, with additional costs for customization and training. 

Contact Oracle for a tailored, updated quote.

Pros

• Streamlined planning across multiple business units and regions
• Advanced ML algorithms enhance forecasting and inventory precision
• Scalable to support complex, enterprise-level operations
• Deep industry support, including pharma and retail supply chains
• Outstanding vendor collaboration during implementation and upgrades
• Flexible configuration tailored to unique business processes

Cons

• Initial learning curve due to feature depth
• Some teams needed extended support to adopt new workflows
• Customization may require specialized Oracle expertise
• Integration with legacy tools can be complex depending on setup

5. SAP Integrated Business Planning (SAP IBP)

SAP Integrated Business Planning (SAP IBP) is a cloud-based solution that integrates sales and operations planning, demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and supply chain analytics. It enables businesses to respond swiftly to market changes and customer demands.​

Key Features

• Sales and Operations Planning: Aligns strategic goals with operational plans, balancing product mix, inventory, service levels, and profitability.​
• Demand Forecasting: Utilizes advanced algorithms and machine learning to predict future demand accurately.​
• Inventory Optimization: Balances carrying costs, stockouts, and service levels to maintain optimal inventory.
• Response and Supply Planning: Generates feasible supply plans based on prioritized demands and constraints.​
• Supply Chain Control Tower: Provides real-time visibility and analytics for quick response to market changes.​

Pricing

• Pricing details are not publicly disclosed. You’ll need to request a demo to get a customized quote.​

Pros

• Pre-configured templates accelerate setup and reduce time to value
• Strong real-time analytics enhance decision-making at scale
• Excel-based planning views improve usability for business teams
• Well-integrated modules support smooth planning and execution
• Reliable support during deployment phases and beyond
• Ideal for end-to-end strategic and tactical supply chain planning

Cons

• Some documentation gaps noted during early-stage implementations
• Difficult to find trained professionals in certain regions
• Implementation can be complex without experienced consultants

6. Infor Supply Chain Management (SCM)

Infor SCM is designed to streamline supply chain operations, offering solutions for demand planning, inventory optimization, and supplier collaboration. It enables organizations to enhance efficiency and responsiveness in a dynamic market environment.​

Key Features

• Demand Planning: Utilizes historical data and market trends to forecast demand accurately, aiding in inventory optimization.​
• Inventory Management: Provides real-time visibility into inventory levels, reducing stockouts and overstock situations.​
• Supplier Collaboration: Facilitates communication with suppliers, improving coordination and reducing lead times.​
• Supply Chain Visibility: Offers end-to-end tracking of goods, enhancing transparency and enabling proactive issue resolution.​
• Analytics and Reporting: Delivers insights through advanced analytics, supporting data-driven decision-making.​
• Mobile Supply Chain Management (MSCM): Extends supply chain capabilities to mobile devices, enhancing operational efficiency and real-time visibility

Pricing

• Monthly Subscription: $50–$200 per user, based on selected features.
• Small Business (10 users): $500–$2,000 per month.
• Large Enterprise (1,000 users): $50,000–$200,000 per month.
• Implementation Costs: $10,000–$50,000 for small businesses, $100,000–$500,000 for large enterprises.
• Customization Costs: $5,000–$50,000.

For a tailored quote, contact Infor directly. 

Pros

• Affordable and easy to use for first-time ERP/MRP users
• Supports asset management, supply chain, warranty, and maintenance
• Mobile compatibility for on-the-go access
• Excellent reporting and report scheduling capabilities
• Deep functionality covering a wide range of supply chain needs

Cons

• Limited customization and scripting options
• Debugging is difficult due to restricted user control
• Heavy reliance on Infor support for database-related issues
• Steep learning curve with minimal training documentation

Streamline Retail Supply Chains with Zeus

Streamlining retail supply chains has become more crucial than ever, with businesses seeking efficient solutions that can reduce costs, enhance delivery accuracy, and improve customer satisfaction.

Zeus stands out in the industry as an AI-powered platform that offers real-time visibility, automated freight operations, and seamless integration, all while drastically cutting carbon emissions. These features not only streamline logistics processes but also optimize cost savings, making it a powerful ally for retail supply chains aiming for efficiency and sustainability.

Ready to take control of your retail supply chain? Schedule a demo with us today.