[FR] 6 essential types of logistics software

Digitalising your logistics has many advantages. But you still need to find the right logistics software for your warehouse, your processes and your objectives.

Take a look at the different types of logistics software available to you, and the criteria for selecting them, to help you make the right choice and lead your business towards growth.

6 types of logistics software you might need

What logistics software do you need to control and manage your company’s logistics? Here are six types to consider, depending on your situation.

Warehouse Management System (WMS)

The Warehouse Management System is a key piece of software for your supply chain management.

It enables real-time stock control in your warehouses, and reduces the risk of errors during order picking. What’s more, a WMS improves storage space and physical flows in your warehouse.

Note that a WMS can include additional functionalities such as voice pickingto help you optimise the scheduling of your orders in the warehouse.

Some examples of WMS software

• Reflex WMS
• Easy Mecalux WMS
• SAP Extended Warehouse Management (SAP EWM)
• Akanea WMS Xtent
• Monstock
• Odoo Inventory
• ShipStation

To find out more, read our article on logistics WMS.

Transport Management System (TMS)

A Transport Management System is software for managing transport flows.

It ensures optimum traceability of your parcels, thanks to real-time tracking of the routing of a parcel, or the path of a logistics vehicle. It also enables you to check your proofs of delivery.

Most TMSs also include functions for optimising delivery rounds, to reduce shipping time and transport costs, and also to limit the carbon footprint of goods transport.

Some examples of TMS software

• Shiptify
• Oracle Transportation Management Cloud
• ShippingEasy
• ShipStation
• Logitude World
• Motive (formerly KeepTruckin)
• Route4Me

To find out more, read our article on logistics TMS.

The Warehouse Control System (WCS)

A Warehouse Control System is software used to manage all the automated equipment in the warehouse.

It can be used to simplify the management of :

• Conveyors
• Automated guided vehicles
• Mobile robots
• stacker cranes for pallets

Note that some software packages are presented as WMSs, but also include WCS functionalities. This is the case, for example, with Reflex WMS, which can be integrated into anylogistics automation system.

Some examples of WCS software

• Mecalux WCS
• WAMAS WCS
• ORTEC WCS
• Acteos WCS
• Element Logic WCS
• BEXT CS (WCS)

Advanced Planning Scheduling (APS)

Advanced Planning Scheduling software helps you forecast your company’s sales. It enables you to adapt your stock levels in line with consumption, i.e. supply and demand.

APS enables you to optimise your costs by preventing overstocking, and to reduce waste by avoiding unsold stock and perishable products that have reached their use-by date.

Some examples of APS software

• Epsilon3
• Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform
• L2L Connected Workforce Platform

Supply Chain Event Manager (SCEM)

Supply Chain Event Management software enables you to detect trends and malfunctions throughout your supply chain.

With this type of logistics software, you can anticipate needs and adapt your supply and warehousing strategy to ultimately improve your customer experience.

Some examples of SCEM software

• GMDH Streamline
• Coupa
• StockIQ
• Magaya Supply Chain
• Logility Solutions

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is not strictly speaking logistics software, but rather a platform for managing all a company’s processes.

An ERP can, however, incorporate logistics functions (such as order management, stock management or e-commerce management).

Some examples of ERP software

• SAP S/4HANA Cloud
• Oracle Netsuite
• Sage 300
• Cegid
• Divalto
• Microsoft Dynamics

What criteria should you use to choose your logistics and transport software?

Your business sector

Some business sectors require specific functionalities in their logistics and transport software.

For example, in the agri-food or pharmaceutical sector, you may need a WMS and a TMS that enable you to track compliance with the cold chain throughout the supply chain.

The size of your business

Whatever the size of your company, a WMS is essential logistics software.

However, others are not necessarily necessary. For example, if you are just starting up in e-commerce and you use outsourced logistics providers for your transport who have their own fleet of vehicles, a TMS is not necessarily necessary.

The organisation of your logistics and transport operations

Depending on how your warehouse and processes are organised, you won’t need the same logistics solutions.

For example, if you haven’t set up automation in your warehouse, a WCS won’t do you any good. A WMS that includes a function that prepares picking lists for your logistics operators will be more than sufficient for your needs.

Another example: make sure that your TMS can track all the types of transport you use (road, sea, air, freight, etc.).

Software scalability

If your business grows, your logistics software must be ready to support you, without you needing to change it.

So check out all the more advanced functions, especially if your logistics strategy is expanding rapidly.

Tool training

It’s essential that you get to grips with your logistics tool, even if it’s easy to use.

You’ll also probably need reliable assistance when setting up your tool, so that it adapts perfectly to your existing processes.

Availability of support

Even if your logistics and transport software is easy to use, problems can quickly arise.

So make sure your supplier’s support is available and easy to contact, with a direct contact if possible to ensure successful deployment in your warehouse.

Integration with your existing information system

If you have an ERP system, all your logistics software must be able to integrate with it. The idea is to be able to track the performance of your supply chain using this central platform for your company.

Another example: synchronisation between WCS and WMS is crucial for managing automated logistics flows in the warehouse in an efficient and relevant way.

Your budget

There is a plethora of logistics and transport software on the market, and the budgets you need to allocate to it vary according to the functionalities offered, or the number of users you need to integrate.

Best practice: draw up a set of specifications and invite tenders from several suppliers to find the offer best suited to your needs and your logistics budget.

With these software examples in hand, you now have all the information you need to choose the one or ones that will help you manage your company’s supply chain. Now it’s up to you!