Getting unified for greater business growth

As supply chain technology continues to evolve, Manhattan Associates is embracing the growing trend of businesses seeking unified, single-source solutions for their software and technology needs. Instead of relying on multiple providers to manage various aspects of supply chain operations, companies are increasingly looking for more cohesive and integrated systems that streamline their processes and improve efficiency.

That is a trend that Blake Corum, a project manager at Manhattan Associates, says is accelerating as companies move away from siloed solutions and into cloud systems. But, he notes, customers need to be aware of the difference between solutions built for the cloud and those “moved” to the cloud.

“The devil’s in the details where they’ve [moved] their legacy solution to the cloud. It’s not a cloud-native architecture. It’s a monolithic application, but you can deploy it in Google Cloud or AWS,” he told Supply Chain Management Review at the recent ProMat Conference in Chicago. “Whereas our journey to the cloud was intentional … [and] we rewrote every line of code. We intentionally said we want to be cloud-native. We want to be composable. We want to be scalable.”

The demand for unification

Corum explains that the trend toward unification is driven by the desire for a more seamless experience. With supply chains becoming increasingly complex, many companies are turning to technology providers who can offer integrated solutions rather than patchwork systems, he notes. By consolidating functions like warehouse management (WMS), transportation management (TMS) and labor management (LMS) under a single unified platform, businesses can avoid the silos that typically come with using multiple different systems. This approach allows for better communication, more effective decision-making, and ultimately a more agile supply chain, he says.

Corum notes that this unification extends beyond just the software layers, though. It’s about having a system where the components can “talk to each other” effortlessly, whether it’s tracking inventory, managing labor, or optimizing transportation routes. Having these systems integrated into one cohesive ecosystem offers companies a significant advantage in terms of efficiency, scalability, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing market conditions.

The benefits of a unified platform

One key advantage of using a unified platform, according to Corum, is the ability to innovate faster. For example, when new technologies like Generative AI emerge, companies can more easily adopt and integrate these advancements into their existing systems without worrying about compatibility or siloed data. He sees Generative AI as an opportunity to enhance areas such as configuration review, documentation assistance, and real-time decision-making. By leveraging a unified platform, customers can tap into these innovations more seamlessly and quickly.

This is especially important as companies add automation to facilities. Many of these solutions still operate on local edge servers, so accessing the data in real-time and coordinating it with additional data streams can be challenging.

Addressing common concerns

Despite the clear advantages, companies still face some concerns about transitioning to a unified platform. Many businesses have already invested in systems like WMS or TMS from other providers and may be hesitant to completely overhaul their technology stack. Corum emphasizes that while a full transition to a unified system may be ideal for maximum benefits, companies can still take incremental steps. For instance, they can integrate Manhattan Associates’ labor management solution with their existing WMS and start enjoying the advantages of a unified labor experience, such as gamification features that boost employee engagement and performance.

However, the true power of a unified system becomes apparent when all components work together seamlessly. For example, integrating labor management with warehouse productivity systems allow workers to view their performance, track progress toward goals, and engage with the system on a more personal level. This level of integration helps businesses unlock efficiencies that would be challenging to achieve with disparate systems, Corum notes.

The road ahead: Focusing on growth and innovation

Looking to the future, Manhattan Associates plans to continue expanding its unified solutions and exploring new opportunities. Corum envisions a future where businesses can not only manage their supply chains more efficiently but also innovate at a faster pace thanks to the flexibility and scalability of a unified platform. As supply chains become increasingly global and data-driven, having a comprehensive and adaptable system in place will be crucial for success.

For companies currently using multiple systems or operating with legacy technologies, Manhattan Associates encourages taking a closer look at unified solutions. The company advises potential customers to carefully evaluate how solutions will scale, deliver innovation, and improve overall performance. The shift to a unified platform may seem like a big step, but for businesses looking to stay competitive in an increasingly complex market, it may very well be the key to future growth.

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