Custom supply chain management software
Custom supply chain management software that connects your entire chain. From demand forecasting and purchasing to inventory management, transport and fulfilment. Real-time insight into every link, built for your specific supply chain.
Why custom supply chain management software?
Every supply chain is unique. The combination of suppliers, warehouses, transport routes and customer channels differs from one organisation to another. Off-the-shelf SCM packages force you to adapt your processes to the software. Custom SCM software turns that around: the software adapts to your chain.
Software that connects your chain
With custom supply chain software, you bring every link in your chain together on one central platform, from supplier management and purchase orders to stock control, order picking and last-mile delivery. No more disconnected systems, but an integrated solution that gives you real-time visibility of your entire flow of goods.
At Appfront, we build custom software that you fully own. You don't depend on a SaaS vendor's roadmap and can extend the system as your supply chain grows or changes.
Modules we build
Custom supply chain software consists of modules that you assemble based on your chain. Start with the core modules and expand as your organisation grows or new supply chain challenges emerge.
Demand forecasting & planning
Forecast demand based on historical data, seasonal patterns and market trends. Automate your purchase planning and prevent both overstocking and stockouts, with AI models that become more accurate as more data becomes available.
- SKU-level demand forecasting
- Seasonal and trend analysis
- Automatic purchase suggestions
- What-if scenario planning
Inventory management & replenishment
Central inventory management across multiple warehouses and locations. Automatic replenishment rules based on minimum stock levels, lead times and forecast data. Real-time visibility of availability by location, batch and serial number.
- Multi-location inventory management
- Automatic replenishment rules
- Batch and serial number tracking
- Safety stock and reorder points
Supplier management & procurement
Manage your suppliers, contracts and purchase orders centrally. Compare supplier performance on delivery times, quality and price. Automate the procurement process from request to receipt and link purchasing data directly to your accounting.
- Supplier scorecards and evaluation
- Purchase order and contract management
- Approval workflows
- Automatic ordering at reorder point
Transport & logistics
Plan and optimise your transport flows. From route planning and trip optimisation to track and trace and consignment note generation. Integrate with carriers for automatic shipping labels and real-time status updates to your customers.
- Route planning and optimisation
- Carrier management and selection
- Track-and-trace integration
- Freight cost calculation
Order management & fulfilment
Centralise orders from all channels: webshop, marketplaces, EDI and manual entry. Automate order processing from receipt to dispatch, with rules for prioritisation, splitting and allocation across warehouses.
- Omnichannel order processing
- Order allocation across locations
- Backorder and split management
- Returns processing and credit
Analytics & reporting
Real-time dashboards for your entire supply chain. Monitor KPIs such as stock turnover, delivery reliability, lead times and chain costs. Automated reports for management, operations and compliance.
- Supply chain KPI dashboards
- Supply chain cost analysis
- Supplier performance reports
- Automated alerts and notifications
Every module can be built as part of your SCM platform or as a standalone web application. We are happy to advise you on the best approach for your supply chain.
Custom SCM vs off-the-shelf SCM packages
Choosing between a standard SCM package and custom software depends on the complexity of your supply chain, the number of systems you want to integrate and how unique your logistics processes are. Both options have their place.
Off-the-shelf SCM packages
Solutions such as SAP SCM, Oracle SCM Cloud or Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain offer extensive functionality for common supply chain processes. They suit organisations with standard supply chain workflows. However, with complex multi-channel operations, specific integration requirements or unique logistics needs, you quickly reach the limits of standard configuration.
- Broad range of standard features
- Large user community and documentation
- Limited customisability beyond configuration
- Per-user licence costs that add up quickly
- Dependence on the vendor's roadmap
Custom SCM by Appfront
Custom supply chain software is built precisely around your supply chain processes, supplier network and distribution model. Your specific forecasting logic, allocation rules and integrations are built in as core functionality. You decide which modules are included, how they work together and when to expand.
- 100% tailored to your supply chain
- Ownership of source code and data
- Unlimited integration possibilities
- No per-user licence fees
- Proprietary AI models for forecasting and optimisation
Not sure which approach suits you best? Our IT modernisation consultants are happy to help you think through the right strategy for your supply chain.
Technologies we use
Supply chain software requires high availability, fast data processing and the ability to combine large volumes of data from multiple sources. We choose technologies that have proven themselves for this purpose.
Backend & databases
The core of your SCM platform runs on a high-performance backend that handles large data volumes. We work with Node.js and Python for application logic, PostgreSQL as the database, Redis for caching, and message queues for asynchronous processing of EDI messages and batch jobs.
- Node.js and Python
- PostgreSQL and Redis
- GraphQL and REST APIs
- Message queues (RabbitMQ, Kafka)
Frontend & dashboards
Supply chain software is used daily by operations, planning and management. The interface must be fast, clear and information-rich. We build with React and TypeScript for interactive dashboards and data visualisations.
- React and TypeScript
- Next.js for server-side rendering
- Interactive data visualisations
- Responsive for desktop and tablet
Cloud & infrastructure
Your SCM platform runs on reliable cloud infrastructure with high availability. AWS or Google Cloud for hosting, Docker and Kubernetes for scalability under peak load, and CI/CD pipelines for automated updates without downtime.
- AWS and Google Cloud
- Docker and Kubernetes
- Zero-downtime deployments
- 24/7 monitoring and alerting
Test your idea first: a working prototype in 1 day
With OneDayBuild, we turn your idea into something tangible in one day for €1,150, so you can see whether further development is worth the investment. Decide to go ahead with the full build? Then we credit the full cost.
Explore OneDayBuild →Integrations with your existing systems
Supply chain software never operates in isolation. It must communicate seamlessly with your ERP, WMS, webshops, carriers and suppliers. We have extensive experience building API integrations for complex logistics environments.
ERP & warehouse
Synchronise stock, purchase orders and financial data with your ERP system and WMS. We build integrations with Exact Online, SAP, AFAS, Microsoft Dynamics and custom systems.
Webshops & marketplaces
Integrate your SCM platform with Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, Lightspeed, bol.com and Amazon. Orders flow in automatically, stock is synchronised in real time and return status is fed back to the sales channel.
EDI and supplier integrations
Automate communication with suppliers via EDI (EDIFACT, XML, API). From purchase orders and order confirmations to invoices and despatch advices. We also build custom middleware for integrations with legacy systems.
Why choose Appfront for your SCM software?
Building supply chain management software calls for a partner who can not only build software but also understands how supply chains work. Complex data flows, multiple stakeholders and high availability requirements demand experience and a solid approach.
Our approach
Every SCM project begins with a thorough analysis of your supply chain: suppliers, warehouses, distribution channels, data flows and bottlenecks. We map out your chain before writing a single line of code. We then build in sprints, with short feedback loops and regular demos.
- Supply chain analysis and process optimisation
- Agile development in two-weekly sprints
- Phased rollout per module
- Data migration from existing systems
- Comprehensive documentation and training
Take a look at our full range of services for an overview of our expertise.
What you can expect from us
We build SCM platforms that handle high data volumes and complex integration landscapes. Clean code, automated testing, monitoring and an architecture that grows with your supply chain. After handover, we remain available for maintenance, optimisation and new modules.
- Ownership of all source code
- High performance under heavy transaction volumes
- Management and support after handover
- Scalable to new markets and channels
- Experience with logistics and supply chain processes
Curious about how we work? See our work for examples of projects.
Security and compliance
Your SCM platform holds business-critical data: supplier pricing, stock values, customer orders, contract terms and logistics patterns. Security, data integrity and compliance are therefore a core part of every system we build.
- Full GDPR compliance in data processing
- Role-based access control by department and role
- Audit trails for all transactions and changes
- Encrypted data in transit and at rest (TLS/AES-256)
- Automated backups with recovery procedures
- EDI message validation and error handling
Read more about our information security policy and vulnerability disclosure policy.
Frequently asked questions about supply chain management software
Ready to digitise your supply chain?
Discover how custom supply chain management software makes your chain faster, more transparent and more scalable. From initial analysis through to full delivery and management. View our services, read more about us, or get in touch directly for a no-obligation conversation.
If you want to explore this topic further, you will find a page on applatenmaken.com about building supply chain and logistics software.