Supply Chain Control Towers
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
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:
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Network design and Digital Twins: tools to analyze, evaluate and optimize different network scenarios from providers like AIMMS, 4flow, Blue Yonder, Coupa and Oracle
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Procurement: package-based tools and platforms to support the preparation, exchange and evaluation of tenders or spot quotes
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Purchase Order Management: package-based, more often tailor-made solutions for exchange of purchase order and shipment info with material suppliers
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Real-time transportation visibility (RTTV): platforms to collect and provide in-transit tracking information and ETA predictions
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Web portals: solutions for order entry, capturing and providing status info, document exchange and/or performance dashboards
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Middleware: solutions provided by various vendors to support integration with other internal systems and direct connections with SC partners and customers
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Workflow and document management: package-based tools from various providers to streamline communication between internal and external stakeholders
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Business intelligence: package-based tools to store, analyse and present data from the core SC Control Tower system and other sources
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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
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AI/RPA/ML: use of Artificial Intelligence, Robotic Process Automation and Machine Learning technology to improve efficiency and data quality
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
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
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)
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
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
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)
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)
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)
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
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)
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)
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
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
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
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
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)
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)
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
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
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
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)
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
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)
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)
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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)
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)
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)
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
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)
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
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)
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
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
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)
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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)
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
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
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)
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)
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)
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
