Digital transformation in companies relies on management systems tailored to their needs. From small retailers to large industrial groups, Supply Chain Management software provides solutions to plan activities, manage inventory, and assess business performance. These applications, equipped with a comprehensive management system, support decision-making by providing access to resource planning at every level.
Selection support: choosing the solution that suits you
Since 2005, Althéa has made its Operations IS selection support offering a core pillar of the value it delivers to clients. Selecting an information system solution is a critical step, as it enables:
- A fit-for-purpose, scalable choice: Organizations evolve rapidly, as do operating models, regulations, and needs. It is crucial to build requirements that address short- and mid-term challenges while ensuring long-term scalability.
- Preparation and commitment: Proper preparation and team commitment are essential to avoid project drift during implementation. The selection phase is crucial to ensure all stakeholders understand their responsibilities and the associated workload.
- Cost optimization: Comparing and negotiating offers helps ensure procurement at the right price, thereby supporting the market’s long-term viability.
Make an informed choice for your management software!
We are here to support you.
To address this critical phase, we have structured our offering around four key elements:
- Taking your DNA and environment into account: choosing your Operations IS
We are committed to gaining a deep understanding of your organization and challenges in order to propose a solution that reflects your identity. Our advice is objective and tailored, ensuring a solution aligned with your specific needs. - Leveraging benchmarks: a knowledge foundation
We build on our Project Management Assistance (AMOA) engagements to create detailed benchmarks of the various solutions on the market. This expertise enables us to recommend solutions that are not only effective today but also viable in the long term. We track emerging players and conduct ongoing market monitoring to anticipate developments. - A proven methodology structured in four key phases
- Scoping: Mission planning with immersion in the client’s culture, alignment with strategic priorities.
- Requirements specification: Gathering technical needs and user expectations to maximize system value.
- Sourcing strategy: Developing a strategy based on targeted benchmarks, selecting relevant vendors, and creating analysis tools.
- Final selection: Thorough evaluation of proposals, organizing vendor presentations, preparing for contracting, and drafting a detailed final report.
- Accelerators and independence: proof of our effectiveness
- We use rigorous selection matrices, requirements specification templates, and pre-packaged workshop formats to ensure the efficiency of our engagements. Our complete independence ensures that our recommendations are solely in our clients’ best interests.
Althéa expertise for your Operations IS decisions
Althéa helps organizations of all sizes make informed, optimized decisions for their operational information systems, while meeting controlled timelines.
For more information on how we can help you select and implement an Operations IS, contact Althéa today.
Key Figures
solution selection support assignments per year
One of the leading consulting firms for Operations solution selection support
International
We support international Core Model ERP selection projects in 30% of cases
solution selection support assignments completed over the past 10 years
A guarantee of our accumulated expertise, the effectiveness of our continuously enriched methodology, and the strength of our benchmarks
References
For one of the leaders in French cultural goods retail
€2B in revenue, 4,500 employees
Following a very strong acceleration in our client’s growth and a desire to continue expanding nationally, Althéa was selected to support the sourcing process for the choice of a new ERP that needed to cover the company’s entire scope: Finance, Procurement, Supply Chain, etc. Althéa took part in the entire tender process:
- RFP preparation and bid analysis
- Vendor presentations and analysis workshops
- Summary and recommendations report
- Support for final selection and negotiation
Project dates: January to September 2022
Team: 1 Senior Manager and 1 Senior Consultant
For a subsidiary of one of the leaders in road infrastructure construction
€4.7B in revenue, 65,000 employees
Due to the obsolescence of the existing information system, which was impacting the efficiency of the company’s processes, our client launched a major transformation program requiring process redesign and the selection of a modern ERP across an expanded scope: Finance, Procurement, Production, Logistics, Sales and Commercial, etc. Althéa was selected to support the sourcing process for the choice of the new ERP and the process redesign. Althéa took part in the entire tender process:
- RFP preparation and bid analysis
- Business process redesign
- Vendor presentations and analysis workshops
- Summary and recommendations report
- Support for final selection and negotiation
Subsequently, Althéa supported its client in AMOA and Change throughout the project
Project dates: January to June 2023
Team for selection support and process redesign: 1 Partner, 1 Senior Manager, 1 Consultant
Effort: 65 person-days
Contacts
Supply chain management software selection support: frequently asked questions
How can you choose supply chain software?
Selecting an SCM software solution should follow a rigorous four-step methodology.
- First, an analysis of current and future needs, involving all stakeholders (operations, IT, finance). This phase helps identify critical processes and pain points to address.
- Next, qualify market solutions based on objective criteria: functional coverage, industry references, the vendor’s financial strength, etc. Particular attention should be paid to ergonomics and ease of use, which are key adoption factors.
- The detailed evaluation phase should include demonstrations based on your own data and processes, visits to reference sites, and an in-depth cost analysis (licensing, implementation, maintenance).
- Final contract negotiation should secure the vendor’s commitments regarding future enhancements and support.
How can supply chain management software be implemented?
Deploying supply chain management (SCM) software requires a structured approach to optimize the end-to-end supply chain. The initial preparation phase is crucial for implementation: building an experienced project team, defining clear governance, and developing a detailed plan. Particular attention should be paid to data quality (items, inventory, demand forecasting) and to training key users on procurement management and planning features.
The implementation of supply chain management software should then follow a phased approach, starting with a pilot scope (for example: inventory management and the order lifecycle) before a broader rollout.
This strategy makes it possible to validate the software’s technical and functional choices, optimize operational flows, and adjust change management.
Business processes (procurement, production, logistics, shipping) must be optimized before digitization to ensure higher customer satisfaction.
What are the key roles and responsibilities of the project team when implementing an SCM solution?
When deploying supply chain management (SCM) software, the project team plays a central role.
- The project manager coordinates all activities, manages resources, and ensures collaboration among the various contributors.
- Functional analysts are responsible for translating operational needs into requirements to configure the solution and train key users on its order, inventory, and delivery management features.
- Technical experts ensure the proper functioning of the IT tool, from infrastructure through to integration with existing systems.
- Business representatives validate process compliance and the SCM software’s ability to meet specific needs (MRP, raw materials management, etc.).
Finally, “change champions” should support teams to facilitate adoption and highlight tangible benefits, such as better demand visibility and reduced inventory levels.
How can you choose between a best-of-breed solution and an integrated ERP suite?
The decision should be based on three fundamental criteria: business needs, available resources, and the company’s digital strategy.
An integrated ERP-type solution is particularly suitable for organizations seeking to standardize their supply chain processes and with limited IT resources. Suites such as SAP or Oracle offer broad functional coverage with native data integration.
Specialized (best-of-breed) solutions are relevant for companies with specific needs in areas such as advanced planning or warehouse management. However, this approach requires an IT team capable of managing multiple systems and their interfaces. The choice must also take into account the total cost of ownership over 5 years, including licenses, maintenance, and training. Note: the current trend shows that a hybrid approach is often adopted: an ERP for standard processes, complemented by specialized solutions for critical functions requiring greater sophistication.
What are the technical prerequisites for implementing a modern TMS or WMS?
Implementing a modern transport management system (TMS) or warehouse management system (WMS) requires robust technical infrastructure. The first prerequisite is a reliable network with sufficient bandwidth to support real-time data exchanges, which is particularly crucial for goods traceability and communication with carriers.
Data quality is fundamental: you need clean, maintained product and partner master data. Automating logistics processes also requires standardized interfaces to communicate with the ecosystem (suppliers, customers, carriers).
Finally, security and performance aspects must be anticipated, particularly for cloud solutions. Setting up backup and disaster recovery is essential to ensure service continuity.
How can the benefits and ROI of an SCM solution be measured and quantified after implementation?
To assess the return on investment (ROI) of supply chain management software, it is essential to define key performance indicators from the assessment phase. These metrics will make it possible to compare the before/after situation and to measure the operational gains delivered by the platform in concrete terms.
For example, customer service level, delivery lead times, or inventory levels are relevant indicators for quantifying improvements in logistics efficiency. Cost reductions (transport, warehousing, penalties) and optimizing raw material purchasing also provide levers for tangible financial gains. Other benefits such as flexibility, demand transparency, or collaboration with partners are more qualitative but contribute to overall performance. Ultimately, cumulative ROI over several years should be compared with the initial investment to measure the true profitability of the SCM project.
