Written by Marijn Overvest | Reviewed by Sjoerd Goedhart | Fact Checked by Ruud Emonds | Our editorial policy
Logistics Management Software — 7 Best Logistics Software
Key takeaways
- Logistics management software are programs made to streamline and optimize shipping and inventory operations for businesses.
- Logistics management software gives you more control over operations and can boost collaboration.
- Logistics management software offers automation and better visibility in the supply chain.
Logistics management software can transform your supply chain with just one click. However, what is it?
In this article, we will discuss what logistics management software is. We are going to tell you the 7 best logistics management software that you can integrate into your supply chain. We are also going to tackle the factors you need to consider and the reason why you need to integrate logistics management software into your supply chain.
Once you are done reading this article, you will be able to determine the best logistics management software for your organization. Let’s start!
Logistics Management Software: What is it?
Logistics management software programs are solutions made to streamline and optimize shipping and inventory operations for businesses. By automating manual processes, it enhances customer satisfaction, cuts down costs, and boosts overall productivity.
Logistics management software also enhances supply-chain visibility and offers accurate data to maintain efficient operations.
Some of its features include order and inventory management, transportation management, warehouse operations, and shipping logistics management, all easily manageable with just a few clicks, giving your organization a technological advantage in handling different aspects of the logistics process.
The 7 BestLogistics Management Software
Here are the seven best logistics management software that are currently available in the market:
1. Descartes
Descartes offers a diverse range of software solutions tailored for retail, transportation & logistics, manufacturing & distribution, and field service & sales.
For retail businesses, their software facilitates warehouse management, store distribution, and home delivery. In the shipping industry, Descartes provides accounting tools with integrated, multi-divisional financial management features.
2. Magaya
Magaya is another software program specializing in supply-chain management, rate management, customs compliance, CRM, and warehouse visibility.
Their Digital Freight Platform streamlines and optimizes courier and small package operations, along with offering customs filing solutions to ensure efficient import and export processes while complying with regulations.
3. Oracle Netsuite
Oracle Netsuite stands out as a powerful logistics solution and inventory management software, employing a one-system approach to reduce IT and maintenance expenses. However, it’s worth noting that Oracle subscriptions can be costly in the long run.
4. Cargowise
Cargowise, a cloud-based logistics software, enables customers to efficiently handle complex logistics operations and transactions on a single database.
Their services include international freight forwarding, custom clearances, transportation, warehouse solutions, and e-commerce supply-chain management.
Additionally, Cargowise offers enterprise solutions to automate and streamline core business processes.
5. Brightpearl
Brightpearl excels in market-leading order management, handling both offline and online orders with automated fulfillment processes, shipping, ordering, and invoicing workflows.
This highly customizable software with inventory control capabilities offers transparent pricing and consolidates management features in one package.
6. Zoho Inventory
Zoho Inventory is a robust inventory management software specially designed for retailers selling products on multiple online platforms.
With advanced systems, Zoho automatically updates inventory across platforms, ensuring accurate tracking regardless of the sale’s origin.
7. Container Xchange
Container Xchange stands as a unique online platform catering to shipping and container needs. They provide digital solutions for container logistics, facilitating container trading and leasing, container tracking, real-time container price access, industry insights, insurance options, container surveyor services, and secure transactions through the xChange wallet.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Logistics Management Software
Selecting a logistics management software that suits your organization is difficult. That is why we list down the factors that you need to consider if you are going to integrate one into your operations:
1. Versatile and Expandable
Look for logistics software that covers all your needs in retail, transportation, manufacturing, and field service. It should smoothly grow with your business as you attract more customers, avoiding the need for multiple software purchases.
2. Cloud-Based Option
Choose logistics software that operates in the cloud for top-notch data security, automatic updates, and easy access from any location or device. Your team can work seamlessly, no matter where they are.
3. Security Features
When selecting logistics software, data security is of utmost importance. Your business deals with sensitive information, such as customer data, financial records, and proprietary data, which need to be protected from potential cyber threats and unauthorized access.
Make sure the software provider implements industry-standard security protocols, including encryption, firewalls, and secure data transmission, to safeguard your data from breaches.
Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments should be part of their routine practices to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.
4. Responsive Customer Support
Ensure the software provider offers reliable customer support. If any issues arise, helpful assistance will guide you through challenges and unleash the software’s full potential for your business.
5. Data-Driven Insights
Seek a software program that utilizes big data to analyze vast amounts of information, identify trends, make forecasts, and optimize processes.
With valuable data-driven insights, you can reduce costs and further monetize various areas of your business.
5 Reasons Why You Need Logistics Management Software
We know that integrating these kinds of platforms costs a lot. However, it can bring lots of benefits to your business in the long run. Here are the five reasons why you need logistics management software:
1. Enhanced Operational Control
Adopting logistics software provides you with meticulous control over your existing operations. Setting up and learning to use a logistics management system is relatively easy, allowing for a smooth transition from manual methods.
2. Process Improvement and Collaboration
Logistics software begins by enhancing internal processes and then extends its benefits outward. Certain management software even enables vendors and suppliers to access the interface, streamlining invoicing and communication with external stakeholders, thus fostering better collaboration.
3. Customizable to Your Needs
When choosing logistics software, ensure it meets all your requirements and remains flexible enough to accommodate your existing procedures. The right software should ultimately lead to decreased turnaround times and improved circular economy practices.
4. Customer-Focused Features
Effective logistics software should also incorporate customer-facing features, such as providing delivery ETA updates, enhancing customer communication, and optimizing overall satisfaction.
5. Real-Time Tracking and Visibility
A valuable feature of logistics software is real-time tracking and visibility. The software should provide comprehensive insights into the movement of goods and shipments throughout the supply chain.
With real-time tracking, you can monitor the status of deliveries, identify potential delays, and promptly address any issues that arise. This level of visibility enhances efficiency, customer service, and overall operational performance.
Conclusion
This article illuminates the world of logistics management software, elucidating its transformative impact on supply chains.
Readers gain insights into the definition of logistics management software, discover seven top-notch solutions in the market, and explore essential factors for selecting the right software for their organization.
Furthermore, the article delves into the reasons why integrating logistics management software is crucial for businesses, emphasizing enhanced control, process improvement, customization, customer-focused features, and real-time tracking and visibility.
Frequentlyasked questions
What is logistics management software?
Logistics management software programs are solutions made to streamline and optimize shipping and inventory operations for businesses.
What does logistics management do?
It helps businesses manage inventory, track shipments, plan routes, optimize warehouse operations, and improve overall logistics efficiency.
Is logistics management software suitable for businesses of all sizes?
Yes, logistics management software is available in various configurations to cater to businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.
About the author
My name is Marijn Overvest, I’m the founder of Procurement Tactics. I have a deep passion for procurement, and I’ve upskilled over 200 procurement teams from all over the world. When I’m not working, I love running and cycling.
