Network Optimization: Which Software Solution is Best for Your Business?

Designing an optimal supply chain network today requires the use of sophisticated software to ensure success. Finding the right solution for your unique needs will depend on a variety of factors, including size, complexity and objectives, among others. From our proprietary modeling software to advanced algorithmic tools, Tompkins Solutions works closely with each client to understand the attributes of their specific requirements and select the best solution available to meet their unique needs.

Supply Chain Management Software

Created in-house with 40+ years of combined modeling experience, Tompkins’ proprietary network modeling tool is a database background which uses transportation optimization to compare the client’s current network to potential future networks and determine the best solution to fit the client’s requirements. Since it is an in-house tool, it can be customized to consider the business needs, network limitations and customer requirements of each client’s network. This is a cost-effective option that is well suited for companies with simple networks of parcel, full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services. Key highlights of Tompkins’ proprietary model include:

• Highly customizable to fit each client’s network and requirements
• Takes less time to prepare model data than other tools
• A low-cost option for simple network solutions

Supply Chain Network Optimization

As supply chain networks become larger and more complex, advanced network optimization software provides a robust analysis of end-to-end supply chain solutions. Advanced algorithms consider additional factors such as facility capacities, demand patterns and service levels. Large supply chains with sophisticated processes or complex policies like hub and spoke, off-site kitting or co-manufacturers that then re-route back to a central distribution point are well suited for these advanced tools. Likewise, even simple supply chains with numerous facilities might require more powerful tools due to the time constraints of analyzing 20+ facilities. While up front model-building can be more complex, the cloud-based platforms offer faster processing speeds and the ability to run multiple scenarios simultaneously. Examples of these tools include Sophus, GAINS (formerly 3 Tenets Optimization) and Optilogic’s Cosmic Frog, to name a few. Often, these software providers include add-on modules for further supply chain optimization beyond the network footprint, focusing on areas such as inventory, transportation, vehicle route optimization and even sustainability and carbon footprint analysis. Key highlights of these modeling tools include:

• Full optimization capabilities including facility cost, facility capacity, inventory optimization and manufacturing optimization
• Cloud-based solutions allow modeling of extremely large and complex networks with many facilities, lanes, modes and product types, and operate much faster than desktop or even server applications
• Platform licensure allows users to refresh a model with updated data or criteria and easy transfer to a new user

With decades of experience helping companies optimize their supply chain networks, Tompkins Solutions is highly skilled in creating and analyzing sensitivities and custom criteria for our clients. Utilizing a wide variety of different tools, our network modeling team can compare supply chain scenarios, perform “what-if” analyses, evaluate implementation strategies and identify potential risks to make informed decisions. Contact us today to learn how we can help you design the optimal network strategy to achieve your business objectives and goals.