Shipping Systems Shortcomings

Do you see shipping execution/automation as a substantial problem today? Seems to me that many SCM solutions do not fully incorporate the last step in the process, shipping orders?

Shipping is handled in some number of SCE applications, particularly warehousing and transportation systems. As for shipping directly from the plant, this is often the realm of plant floor systems or specialized shipping systems. Another area where shipping is being built in are International Trade Logistics systems -- where exporting requirements are considered as well as the basics. (Oracle bought G-Log, and there are a whole host of other independent companies offering this.) A separate system for shipping is not all that awkward, since the shipping system generally focuses on creating the labels, paperwork, etc. and the planning systems have some theoretical shipping times built in that tend to work reasonably well as long as everything goes according to plan. With tracking and visibility through the carriers, exceptions are visible too. Even some prominent ERP and SCM vendors have their own capabilities or have partnerships with shipping and ITL software companies. Kewill has its own; IFS teams with Precision software. We cannot provide an entire list, but shipping needs vary greatly by company. (Click here to see in the MA.com Supply Chain Execution products directory). Some companies can find it from their SCM vendor, others their ERP or MES vendor. The integration can be reasonably straightforward for add-on point solutions.