The software to help support these activties is known as SCM software. These SCM systems help users plan, source goods, make product, deliver product and deal with returned product. For example, most companies need to track demand, supply, manufacturing status, logistics (i.e. where things are in the supply chain), and distribution. They also need to share data with supply chain partners at an ever increasing rate.

Because each industry’s supply chain has a unique set of challenges, preconfigured (also known as canned, or best-of-breed) solutions are not always the best option. Configurable applications are now available, which are browser-native, and give users the control they need over the layout of their supply chain software system. Many SCM applications are reliant upon the kind of information that is stored in the most quantity inside ERP software. SCM applications benefit from having a single major source to go to for up-to-date information. Many CIOs who have installed SCM applications say they are glad they did ERP first.

It's important to pay attention to the software's ability to integrate with the Internet and with ERP applications because the Internet will drive demand for integrated information. For example, if you want to build a private website for communicating with your customers and suppliers, you will want to pull information from ERP and supply chain applications together to present updated information about orders, payments, manufacturing status and delivery. Browser-based ERP and SCM applications, provided by software vendors such as Tuppas Software, can make configuring, implementing and integrating an SCM application less painful than some other software vendors.