Introduction
Operation and supply chain management (OSCM) helps to simplify business processes significantly. Given the speed of technology development and globalization, increasing the efficiency and productivity of companies allows them to gain a competitive advantage. There are different OSCM software packages, but the most popular today are Oracle SCM, E2Open SCM, and SAP SCM. Therefore, this paper will analyze these systems’ main advantages and disadvantages.
Oracle SCM
Capabilities
Oracle OSCM software offers its customers a wide range of services and tools for business management. One of the main capabilities of this system is the ability to monitor market processes in real-time (Oracle, 2023). Consequently, the company can respond more quickly to price changes from suppliers or customer needs. Moreover, this software contributes to the maximum automation of the company’s work (Oracle, 2023). This will allow the business to reduce personnel costs, speed up work, and reduce the number of errors.
In addition, Oracle SCM allows the company to contact all key stakeholders directly. Simplified communication with suppliers and partners helps accelerate the organization’s work, increase productivity, and find solutions for emerging issues faster. Furthermore, Oracle creates opportunities for business expansion and adapts to the company’s changing needs (Oracle, 2023). This ensures the stable and continuous operation of the company without the need to change the software.
Limitations
However, Oracle has some weaknesses that may limit the company’s options. The system does not have the possibility of intuitive control due to the complex interface. Therefore, the adaptation and training of employees and management to work with the system can be time-consuming. In addition, the data transfer to the system may need to be transferred manually since this software does not support all types of files. This can significantly slow down the company’s work during the introduction of Oracle in work. In addition, like other OSCM software packages, it is a fairly large investment, which creates a limitation for small and medium businesses.
E2Open Software
Capabilities
E2Open is another software package that helps optimize business performance. One of the main capabilities of E2Open is end-to-end transparency of the supply chain (E2Open, 2023). The organization can monitor the production process at all stages and quickly identify and correct shortcomings in work. Moreover, the system has advanced analytics capabilities based on the available information (E2Open, 2023). Thanks to this guide, it becomes easier to change company management strategies based on market conditions and the target audience’s behavior.
Unlike Oracle, E2Open integrates better with other business systems and helps to combine information from different sources for analytics. For example, by combining work in E2Open SCM and Enterprise resource planning (ERP), one can analyze the organization’s current state of affairs and the availability of resources needed for improvements. This provides opportunities for strategic planning and expansion of the company in accordance with its capabilities.
Limitations
Compared to other OSCM software packages, E2Open may look somewhat dated due to the interface design and services offered. Despite this, the cost of the system remains relatively high, resulting in a price/quality mismatch for customers (E2Open, 2023). In addition, companies may experience some difficulties in configuring and maintaining this software, as it may require additional resources. Therefore, it is crucial for companies to carefully evaluate their needs and capabilities before investing in E2open OSCM software.
SAP SCM
Capabilities
SAP OSCM has more functionality than other software packages. For example, this system allows the collection and analysis of existing data and offers various statistical forecasting methods (SAP, n.d.). The software offers the client several options for resolving emerging issues based on the available information. Moreover, the basic package includes various services depending on the company’s needs, including planning activities for different periods (SAP, n.d.). These features allow management to see not only the current state of affairs in the organization but also to model strategies for future development and growth.
In addition, this software is easily integrated into other business systems, such as enterprise resource planning systems. This facilitates data storage and increases the possibility of strategic planning based on existing resources. Furthermore, SAP OSCM has a simplified start-up and maintenance model tailored to the client’s specific needs (SAP, n.d). That helps ensure seamless integration into existing workflows without requiring additional resources or disrupting the organization.
Limitations
While the base software package has most of the resources needed to complete the job, some features and tools must be purchased separately. In addition, the extended functionality of the system is significantly different from other OSCMs (SAP, n.d). In this regard, for companies and employees who have not previously worked with SAP, additional time may be required for training and adaptation to work in this system. SAP OCSM is best suited for medium and large businesses to maintain the stability of performance and further development. This system can be complex and expensive for small companies, and many functions will not be of practical use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, operation and supply chain management software packages are powerful tools for optimizing business operations and increasing efficiency. They offer many features and tools to automate business processes and help grow business. Each of the three software packages analyzed has both advantages and disadvantages. While optimizing the company’s work and increasing efficiency, OSCM software packages are a major investment. Therefore, companies should analyze their capabilities and resources before choosing OCSM software.
References
E2Open. (2023). Platform and Solutions. Web.
Oracle. (2023). Oracle supply chain planning. Web.
SAP. (n.d.). Supply chain planning. Web.