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Which applications to use for support of your SC Control Tower?

Overview and selection of SC Control Tower systems and tools

The core SC Control Tower system needs to support the basic orchestration services/processes in a certain area like transport management, order management, inventory management or will have an end-to-end set-up. Making the right choice for the core system depends first of all on Control Tower characteristics like this SC scope, but also the specific industry, Control Tower services/processes and organisation set-up.

 

From solution perspective, the current application landscape and core capabilities of the system play an important role. Core capabilities are related to the level of visibility that is needed, varying from real-time visibility, forecasting, scenario analysis up till decision making support.

 

Based on these considerations a decision can be made whether to use functionality from the current or a new RTTV platform, TMS, OMS, Business Network, Sourcing, Planning and/or BI tool or to select and implement a dedicated CT system.

 

The overview below provides a categorization and summary of core systems being used to support SC Control Towers. For questions or comments on this overview, please contact Rob van Doesburg 

Overview of Supply Chain Control Tower applications

Probably the outcome of the evaluation of the core SC Control Tower system is that as part of a best-of-breed set-up dedicated tools are needed in one or more of the following areas:

  • Network design and Digital Twins: tools to analyze, evaluate and optimize different network scenarios from providers like AIMMS, 4flow, Blue Yonder, Coupa and Oracle

  • Procurement: package-based tools and platforms to support the preparation, exchange and evaluation of tenders or spot quotes

  • Purchase Order Management: package-based, more often tailor-made solutions for exchange of purchase order and shipment info with material suppliers

  • Real-time transportation visibility (RTTV): platforms to collect and provide in-transit tracking information and ETA predictions 

  • Web portals: solutions for order entry, capturing and providing status info, document exchange and/or performance dashboards

  • Middleware: solutions provided by various vendors to support integration with other internal systems and direct connections  with SC partners and customers

  • Workflow and document management: package-based tools from various providers to streamline communication between  internal and external stakeholders  

  • Business intelligence: package-based tools  to store, analyse and present data from the core SC Control Tower system and other sources

  • Risk management: tools to provide visibility into the structure of an organisation’s end-to-end supply chain and support the process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks  

  • AI/RPA/ML: use of Artificial Intelligence, Robotic Process Automation and Machine Learning technology to improve efficiency and data quality

Picture

US, Shelton, Connecticut

3G

TMS software provider

Global (focus on NA)

Transportation Management

TMS with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

Shippers, 3PLs and freight brokers.

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

UK, Leicester

3T Logistics & Technology Group

Independent 4PL and TMS provider

Europe

3T Event

TMS with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

Manufacturing, automotive and food distribution

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

DE, Berlin

4flow

Provider of consulting, software and services for logistics and supply chain management

Global

4flow iTMS

TMS with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

Automotive, Machinery, Consumer goods and retail, Hi-tech, Pharma, Energy, LSPs

3. +Forecasting (predictive)

Picture

DE, Stuttgart

AEB

Trade and logistics software provider

Global

Transport Management / Monitoring & Alerting

TMS with CT add-on/module

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

Manufacturing and retail

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

NL, Sliedrecht

Adaption

Logistics software provider

Europe

TMS / Supply Chain Control Tower

TMS with CT add-on/module

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

Manufacturing and logistic service providers

3. +Forecasting (predictive)

Picture

US, San Francisco, California

Alloy

Provider of a demand and inventory control tower purpose-built solution

North America and Europe

Alloy.ai

Planning software with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Plan

4. Plan (and execute) on product level

Consumer goods, food and beverage

4. +Scenario analysis (prescriptive)

Picture

BE, Zaventem

Alpega group

Transportation software provider

Global

TMS / Freight Exchange

TMS with CT functionality (and integrated business network)

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

Manufacturers, FMCG and retailers

3. +Forecasting (predictive)

Picture

US, Scottsdale, Arizona

Blue Yonder

Supply Chain technology solutions provider

Global

Transportation Management / Luminate Logistics

TMS with CT add-on/module

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

Consumer products, manufacturing, retail and 3PL

4. +Scenario analysis (prescriptive)

Picture

US, Scottsdale, Arizona

Blue Yonder

Supply Chain technology solutions provider

Global

Luminate Platform

Dedicated Control Tower solution

Main characteristics

End-to-end

5. Orchestrate end-to-end on all levels

Consumer products, manufacturing, retail and 3PL

4. +Scenario analysis (prescriptive)

Picture

NL, 's-Hertogenbosch

BlueRock Logistics

Transportation software provider

Global

Transport Management System

TMS with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

Logistics service providers, pharmaceuticals, industrial manufacturing and fashion.

3. +Forecasting (predictive)

Picture

US, Pleasanton, California

Blume Global

Supply Chain technology solutions provider

Global

Logistics / Visibility / SC orchestration

TMS with CT functionality (and integrated business network)

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

Logistic service providers

5. +Automated decision making

Picture

CH, Chiasso and US, Boston

Board

Planning and BI software provider

Global

Supply Chain Control Tower

Planning software with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Plan

4. Plan (and execute) on product level

Manufacturing, consumer products and retail

4. +Scenario analysis (prescriptive)

Picture

US, Eden Prairie, Minnesota

C.H. Robinson (TMC)

3PL/4PL

Global

Navisphere Global TMS / Vision

TMS with CT functionality (and proprietary integrated RTTV solution)

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

Industrial manufacturing, consumer product and automotive

4. +Scenario analysis (prescriptive)

Picture

US, Eden Prairie, Minnesota

C.H. Robinson (TMC)

3PL/4PL

Global

Navisphere Vision

Real-Time Transport Visibility platform

Main characteristics

Transport in general

1. Manage on shipment level

CPG, retail, high tech and consumer electronics

4. +Scenario analysis (prescriptive)

Picture

NL, Venlo

Caroz

4PL and TMS provider

Europe

THE TMS

TMS with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

Manufacturing, consumer products, retail, wholesale and chemicals

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

SE, Borås

Centiro

Delivery and service networks software provider

Global

Centiro Perspective

Supply chain business network with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Transport in general

1. Manage on shipment level

Commerce companies

3. +Forecasting (predictive)

Picture

SE, Borås

Centiro

Delivery and service networks software provider

Global

Delivery Options / Event Hub

TMS with CT functionality (and integrated business network)

Main characteristics

End-to-end

1. Manage on shipment level

Commerce companies

3. +Forecasting (predictive)

Picture

PL, Poznań

Comp-Win

TMS provider

Europe

TMS Optilo

TMS with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

Logistics operators, distribution and producers

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

US, San Mateo, California

Coupa

Cloud platform for business spend management

Global

Platform

Sourcing software with CT functionality

Main characteristics

End-to-end (inbound/outbound)

4. Plan (and execute) on product level

Manufacturing, retail

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

NL, Zoetermeer

DILX

Logistics IT solutions provider

Global

Orbit TMS / Orbit Control

TMS with CT add-on/module

Main characteristics

End-to-end

1. Manage on shipment level

Shippers and logistic service providers

4. +Scenario analysis (prescriptive)

Picture

CA, Waterloo

Descartes

Logistics IT solutions provider

Global

Transportation Management

TMS with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

Manufacturing, retail, service and 3PL

3. +Forecasting (predictive)

Picture

US, Austin, Texas

E2Open

SCM software platform and network provider

Global

Control Tower Capabilities

Dedicated Control Tower solution

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

5. Orchestrate end-to-end on all levels

Any industry

3. +Forecasting (predictive)

Picture

US, Austin, Texas

E2Open

SCM software platform and network provider

Global

Transportation Management / Logistics Visibility / Global Logistics Orchestration

TMS (with CT add-on/module and proprietary integrated RTTV solution)

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

Food and beverages, manufacturing and logistic service providers

3. +Forecasting (predictive)

Picture

US, Austin, Texas

E2Open

SCM software platform and network provider

Global

E2net Open Partner Network

Supply chain business network with CT functionality

Main characteristics

End-to-end

2. +Manage on order level

Food and beverages, manufacturing and logistic service providers

4. +Scenario analysis (prescriptive)

Picture

US, Austin, Texas

E2Open

SCM software platform and network provider

Global

Logistics Visibility

Real-time transportation visibility platform with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Transport in general

1. Manage on shipment level

Any industry

3. +Forecasting (predictive)

Picture

US, Lehi, Utah

Elementum

Provider of a SaaS platform for data-driven workflows

Americas

Control Tower

Supply chain business network with CT functionality

Main characteristics

End-to-end

5. Orchestrate end-to-end on all levels

Pharmaceutical, Consumer Goods, Chemical, Food and Beverage and Technology

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

US, Wayne, Philadelphia

Elemica

Supply chain IT solutions provider

Global

Platform

Supply chain business network with CT functionality

Main characteristics

End-to-end

2. +Manage on order level

Chemicals, oil and gas, pharmaceutical and automotive

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

US, Chicago, Illinois

FourKites

Supply chain solutions provider

Global (mainly NA)

Real-Time Visibility Platform

Real-Time Transport Visibility platform

Main characteristics

Transport in general

1. Manage on shipment level

Food, CPG, chemicals, manufacturing, paper, pharma and retail

4. +Scenario analysis (prescriptive)

Picture

US, Clark, New Jersey

GEP

Supply chain solutions provider (software and services)

Global

GEP Nexxe Supply Chain Control Tower

Dedicated Control Tower solution

Main characteristics

End-to-end (plan/source)

5. Orchestrate end-to-end on all levels

Various industries (shippers)

4. +Scenario analysis (prescriptive)

Picture

US, Armonk, New York

IBM

Cloud platform and cognitive solutions provider

Global

Supply Chain Control Tower

Dedicated Control Tower solution

Main characteristics

End-to-end

5. Orchestrate end-to-end on all levels

Manufacturing, healthcare and retail

5. +Automated decision making

Picture

NL, Amsterdam

Incore

Cloud solution for procurement + logistics provider

Europe

Inbound and outbound Control Tower

TMS with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

Retail, consumer products and construction

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

US, New York, New York

Infor (Nexus)

Provider of business cloud software specialized by industry

Global

Transportation management

TMS with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

Manufacturing, retail and transportation

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

US, New York, New York

Infor (Nexus)

Provider of business cloud software specialized by industry

Global

Live Tracking

Real-time transportation visibility platform with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Transport in general

3. +Manage on product level (including inventories)

Manufacturing, retail and transportation

3. +Forecasting (predictive)

Picture

US, New York, New York

Infor (Nexus)

Provider of business cloud software specialized by industry

Global

Infor Nexus Control Center

Dedicated Control Tower solution

Main characteristics

End-to-end

5. Orchestrate end-to-end on all levels

Manufacturing, retail and transportation

5. +Automated decision making

Picture

US, Atlanta, Georgia

IntelliTrans

Global supply chain transparency solutions provider

North America (mainly) and Europe

Global Visibility Platform

Real-time transportation visibility platform with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Transport in general

1. Manage on shipment level

Chemicals, mining, LSP's and construction

3. +Forecasting (predictive)

Picture

CA, Ottawa

Kinaxis

Planning solutions provider

Global

Command & Control Centre

Planning software with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Plan

4. Plan (and execute) on product level

Manufacturing, consumer products, healthcare and retail

4. +Scenario analysis (prescriptive)

Picture

US, Maynard, Massachusetts

Kuebix (Trimble)

TMS provider

Americas

Kuebix TMS / Trimble Visibility

TMS with CT add-on/module

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

Manufacturing/distribution, chemical, food and beverage and e-commerce/retail

3. +Forecasting (predictive)

Picture

US, Rolling Meadows, Illinois

Logistyx (E2Open)

Provider of parcel shipping management solutions

Global

Multi-Carrier Parcel Shipping

TMS (with CT add-on/module and proprietary integrated RTTV solution)

Main characteristics

Transport of parcels

1. Manage on shipment level

Shippers, in particular in retail

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

NL, Rotterdam

MPO (Kinaxis)

Provider of platform for SC Orchestration of orders, inventory, and transport

Global

Order management

OMS with CT functionality

Main characteristics

End-to-end (inbound/outbound/service)

2. +Manage on order level

Brand owners, wholesalers, retailers and logistics service providers

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

NL, Rotterdam

MPO (Kinaxis)

Provider of platform for SC Orchestration of orders, inventory, and transport

Global

Transportation Management /Control Tower

TMS with CT add-on/module

Main characteristics

End-to-end (inbound/outbound/service)

1. Manage on shipment level

Brand owners, wholesalers, retailers and logistics service providers

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

NL, Rotterdam

MPO (Kinaxis)

Provider of platform for SC Orchestration of orders, inventory and transport

Europe

Supply Chain Visibility / Multi-Party Orchestration Platform

Dedicated Control Tower solution

Main characteristics

Transport in general

5. Orchestrate end-to-end on all levels

Brand owners, wholesalers, retailers and logistics service providers

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

US, Atlanta, Georgia

Manhattan Associates

Provider of supply chain, inventory and omnichannel IT solutions

Global

Manhattan Active Supply Chain

OMS with CT functionality

Main characteristics

End-to-end (inbound/outbound)

2. +Manage on order level

Manufacturing, retail and wholesale

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

US, Atlanta, Georgia

Manhattan Associates

Provider of supply chain, inventory and omnichannel IT solutions

Global

Manhattan Active Transportation Management

TMS with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

Manufacturing, retail and distribution

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

US, Cary, North Carolina

MercuryGate

Transportation management solutions provider

Global

Transportation management

TMS with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

3PL and retail, manufacturing, wholesale, food and grocery

3. +Forecasting (predictive)

Picture

US, Redmond, Washington

Microsoft

IT solutions and services provider

Global

Power BI

Business intelligence software

Main characteristics

End-to-end

5. Orchestrate end-to-end on all levels

Energy, healthcare, manufacturing and retail

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

US, Dallas, Texas

O9 Solutions

Provider of planning solutions

Global

Supply Chain Control Tower

Planning software with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Plan

4. Plan (and execute) on product level

Manufacturing, consumer products, retail and healthcare

5. +Automated decision making

Picture

US, Dallas, Texas

One Network Enterprises

Intelligent business platform for autonomous supply chain management

Global

Intelligent Control Tower

Dedicated Control Tower solution

Main characteristics

End-to-end (inbound/outbound)

5. Orchestrate end-to-end on all levels

Manufacturing, consumerproducts, retail, healthcare, government and logistic service providers

5. +Automated decision making

Picture

US, Dallas, Texas

One Network Enterprises

Intelligent business platform for autonomous supply chain management

Global

Transportation Management System

TMS with CT functionality

Main characteristics

End-to-end (inbound/outbound)

3. +Manage on product level (including inventories)

Manufacturing, consumer products, retail, healthcare, government and logistic service providers

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

US, Dallas, Texas

One Network Enterprises

Intelligent business platform for autonomous supply chain management

Global

Digital Supply Chain Network

Supply chain business network with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Transport in general

3. +Manage on product level (including inventories)

Manufacturing, consumer products, retail, healthcare, government and logistic service providers

3. +Forecasting (predictive)

Picture

US, Dallas, Texas

Oracle

ERP and related IT solutions provider

Global

Transportation Management

TMS with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

Manufacturing, consumer goods, high tech and logistics service providers

3. +Forecasting (predictive)

Picture

US, Dallas, Texas

Oracle Netsuite

ERP and related IT solutions provider

Global

Supply Chain Control Tower

Planning software with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Plan

4. Plan (and execute) on product level

Manufacturing, consumer products, retail, healthcare

4. +Scenario analysis (prescriptive)

Picture

UK, St Asaph

ProAct International

Supply Chain Software Solutions provider

Europe

Control Tower Supply Chain Management

TMS with CT functionality

Main characteristics

End-to-end (inbound/outbound)

3. +Manage on product level (including inventories)

3PL’s, LLP’s/4PL’s and manufacturers

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

US, Chicago, Illinois

Project44

Visibility platform provider

North America and Europe

Advanced Visibility Platform

Real-time transportation visibility platform with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Transport in general

1. Manage on shipment level

Retailers, manufacturers, distributors and LSP's

3. +Forecasting (predictive)

Picture

US, King of Prussia, Philadelphia

Qlik

Provider data integration and analytics cloud platform

Global

Supply Chain Data Analytics

Business intelligence software

Main characteristics

End-to-end

5. Orchestrate end-to-end on all levels

Various

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

US, Scottsdale, Arizona

Ratel.inx

Logistics data and service provider

Americas

ShipLinx TMS / Accelerated Analytics Tower / TracLinx

TMS with CT functionality (and proprietary integrated RTTV solution)

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

Retail, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and life sciences

4. +Scenario analysis (prescriptive)

Picture

DE, Walldorf

SAP

Producer of software for the management of business processes

Global

Transportation Management

TMS with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

Consumer products, agriculture/mining/construction, chemical and retail

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

DE, Walldorf

SAP

Producer of software for the management of business processes

Global

Business Network

Supply chain business network with CT functionality

Main characteristics

End-to-end

2. +Manage on order level

Consumer products, agriculture/mining/construction, chemical and retail

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

DE, Walldorf

SAP

Producer of software for the management of business processes

Global

Control Tower (IBP, Ariba, Leonardo)

Planning software with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Plan

4. Plan (and execute) on product level

Energy, consumer products and manufacturing

4. +Scenario analysis (prescriptive)

Picture

NL, Hilversum

ShipitSmarter

Provider of a shipment management platform

Europe

ShipitSmarter

TMS with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Transportation

1. Manage on shipment level

Medical, Technology and pharmaceutical

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

FR, Paris

Shippeo

Real-time transportation visibility solution provider

Europe

Platform

Real-time transportation visibility platform with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Transport in general

1. Manage on shipment level

Retail, CPG, high tech and logistics

3. +Forecasting (predictive)

Picture

US, Austin, Texas

Shipwell

Provider of TMS and managed services

Americas

Shipwell TMS

TMS with CT functionality (and proprietary integrated RTTV solution)

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

Food and beverages, manufacturing and retail

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

DE, Frankenthal

Siemens Digital Logistics

IT provider in global supply chain management

Europe

Supply Chain Control Tower / Collaboration Platform AX4 and SCS

TMS with CT functionality (and integrated business network)

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

Industrial manufacturing and transportation

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

DE, Hallbergmoos

SupplyOn

Shared supply chain collaboration platform 

Europe

Control Towers

Dedicated Control Tower solution

Main characteristics

End-to-end

5. Orchestrate end-to-end on all levels

Automotive, aerospace, rail, electronics and discrete manufacturing

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

DE, Hallbergmoos

SupplyOn

Shared supply chain collaboration platform 

Europe

Transport & Empties Management

TMS with CT add-on/module

Main characteristics

Transport in general

2. +Manage on order level

Automotive, aerospace, rail, electronics and discrete manufacturing

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

DE, Hallbergmoos

SupplyOn

Shared supply chain collaboration platform 

Europe

Supply Chain Collaboration

Supply chain business network with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Transport in general

2. +Manage on order level

Automotive, aerospace, rail, electronics and discrete manufacturing

3. +Forecasting (predictive)

Picture

US, Seatlle, Washington

Tableau

Self-service analytics platform provider

Global

Supply Chain Analytics

Business intelligence software

Main characteristics

End-to-end

5. Orchestrate end-to-end on all levels

Manufacturing, consumer products and retail

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

US, Peoria, Illinois

TadaNow

Cognitive Supply Chain Platform

Americas

Control Tower

Dedicated Control Tower solution

Main characteristics

End-to-end (inbound/outbound)

5. Orchestrate end-to-end on all levels

Manufacturing, CPG, retail, and healthcare

5. +Automated decision making

Picture

IT, Roreto

Tesisquare

Providing platforms to manage multienterprise supply chain business networks.

Global

E2e control tower / Platform

Dedicated Control Tower solution

Main characteristics

End-to-end (inbound/outbound)

5. Orchestrate end-to-end on all levels

CPG, retail, fashion and manufacturing

4. +Scenario analysis (prescriptive)

Picture

IT, Roreto

Tesisquare

Providing platforms to manage multi-enterprise supply chain business networks

Europe (mainly)

Transportation management

TMS with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Transport in general

1. Manage on shipment level

CPG, retail, fashion and manufacturing

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

US, San Diego, California

TradeBeyond

SCM/PLM provider of multi-enterprise platforms

Global

CBX Source / Ship

Sourcing software with CT functionality

Main characteristics

End-to-end

3. +Manage on product level (including inventories)

Retailers

2. +Real-time visibility

Picture

DE, Ulm

Transporeon

Logistics platforms and logistics software provider

Europe

Visibility Hub

Real-time transportation visibility platform with CT functionality

Main characteristics

Transport in general

1. Manage on shipment level

CPG, Retail, construction and paper

3. +Forecasting (predictive)

Picture

DE, Ulm

Transporeon

Logistics platforms and logistics software provider

Europe

Transport Execution Hub / Visibility Hub

TMS with CT add-on/module

Main characteristics

Transport in general

1. Manage on shipment level

CPG, Retail, construction and paper

3. +Forecasting (predictive)

Picture

US, Chicago, Illinois

Uber Freight

Provider transparency and visibility technology and services shippers and carriers

Americas

Transport Management System / Digital freight network

TMS with CT functionality (and proprietary integrated RTTV solution)

Main characteristics

Transport (source/deliver)

1. Manage on shipment level

Consumer products, chemical and industrial manufacturing

3. +Forecasting (predictive)

Picture

US, Dallas, Texas

Viewlocity (Constellation Software Inc.)

Provider of supply chain management and performance optimization solutions

Global

Supply Chain Management / Control Tower Platform

Dedicated Control Tower solution

Main characteristics

End-to-end (inbound/outbound)

5. Orchestrate end-to-end on all levels

Defense, manufacturing, consumer products, retail and 3PL

2. +Real-time visibility

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