Custom software for end-to-end supply chains, from sourcing and demand planning through warehousing, transport, last-mile and returns. We build orchestration platforms that connect your ERP, WMS, TMS and sustainability data, so planners, buyers and operations can manage from one workable view.
Supply chain software is the umbrella term for all the systems that direct your flow of goods and information from supplier to end customer. Think demand planning, sourcing, production planning, warehouse management (WMS), transport management (TMS), order management (OMS), last-mile and reverse logistics. For most organisations this isn't a single-system problem but an orchestration problem: how do you bring your ERP, WMS, TMS, planning engine and sustainability tools together into one workable whole?
We build that orchestration layer to your requirements, often around existing packages such as SAP S/4HANA, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Oracle NetSuite or AFAS. And where the standard package doesn't fit, whether because of industry specifics, multiple systems, white-labelling or AI augmentation, we build the layer beneath or alongside it as custom software. We regularly work with clients who are building transport software or their own WMS as part of such a supply chain challenge.
The difference from standalone logistics packages: a supply chain platform steers the whole, from sourcing, inventory, production and distribution to returns and sustainability, rather than a single link. The result is that planners, buyers and operations work from the same picture instead of six separate screens. A well-designed chain removes waiting time from the process, prevents duplicate data entry, gives buyers current stock signals, and ensures sales knows what can be delivered tomorrow, not what was in stock two days ago.
In practice we see three common starting points. One: organisations with a strong ERP but a weak execution layer (WMS, TMS, OMS) that loses orders in manual handovers. Two: organisations with good operational systems but no overall control — no S&OP cycle, no scope 3 overview, no risk signalling. And three: fast-growing organisations finding that their spreadsheets, emails and standalone tools can no longer keep up with the chain. The approach differs for each starting point, but the thinking is the same: first the data layer, then orchestration, then the user experience.
Cold chain (HACCP, GDP), just-in-time deliveries, batch traceability or ADR substances require logic that a generic package doesn't include. Custom development fills that gap without disrupting the core package.
Organisations that can no longer run their supply chain in Excel or a simple WMS, but for whom an enterprise suite licence isn't realistic. Custom development delivers enterprise functionality at an appropriate scale.
An orchestrator layer on top keeps data in sync, prevents duplicate entry and provides a single source of truth for planning, inventory and sustainability reporting. This is the most common custom development challenge.
Logistics service providers have separate processes, KPIs and tariffs for each client. A white-label custom platform with client tenants is usually cheaper and faster than forcing a standard package.
If you are already looking at demand forecasting, route optimisation or disruption detection as part of your AI programme for logistics, we integrate those models directly into the planning layer rather than as a separate tool alongside it.
The new EU rules (CSRD scope 3, due diligence, digital consignment, critical chains) require data flows across the entire chain. We build that data layer alongside, so compliance becomes a by-product of operations rather than a separate project.
Demand planning, sales and operations planning (S&OP), production planning and inventory optimisation. Models that combine historical sales, market data and open orders into a rolling forecast on which your operations can buy and produce.
Order management, warehousing, transport, yard management and last mile. The execution layer where every step of an order — pick, pack, ship, deliver, return — is recorded in real time and visible to customers and partners.
End-to-end visibility, supplier collaboration, risk and disruption management and sustainability tracking. The layer that gives management the KPIs to adjust course — service level, OTIF, inventory costs, scope 3 emissions, supplier risk. Without this layer every disruption becomes a crisis; with it, it becomes a signal the system picks up before the customer calls.
A supply chain platform is a collection of links. We build individual links to measure, or an orchestrator that connects existing packages — depending on your situation.
Supplier onboarding, RFQ flows, contract management. Often integrated with a supplier management platform.
Forecasting based on historical data, market signals and promotions. AI models optional.
Sales and operations planning across commercial, supply and finance. Monthly or rolling cycle.
Production orders, capacity planning, JIT sequencing for manufacturers.
Custom WMS, or an orchestration layer on top of an existing package. See building a warehouse management system.
TMS, route planning, carrier selection, freight audit. See transport software development.
Distributed order management, allocation, split shipments, customer communication.
Dock scheduling, on-site trailer tracking, slot booking for inbound loads.
Driver app, photo/signature proof of delivery, customer tracking, ETA.
Safety stock, ABC-XYZ classification, multi-echelon optimisation.
Returns management, refurbishment flows, warranty and RMA processes.
Real-time status across the entire chain, often fed by FourKites, project44 or Shippeo.
Supplier portals: order confirmations, EDI, document exchange, KPI feedback.
CMR, eCMR (mandatory from 2026), customs, e-AWB, packing lists. Automated wherever possible.
Early warning, scenario planning, contingency flows. Lessons from COVID-19 and the Suez blockage.
CSRD scope 3, carbon footprint per shipment, EU Battery Regulation digital product passport.
We have no vendor preference. The best combination depends on your starting point, scale, sector and existing systems. A typical project combines packaged software with custom development.
The accounting source of truth. We mainly integrate via API or EDI with:
Standard WMS or custom WMS, depending on complexity and sector:
Transport management for your own fleet or multi-carrier operations:
Advanced planning and scheduling, S&OP engines for mid-market and enterprise:
Real-time chain visibility, often via third-party data platforms or your own track and trace:
Source-to-pay platforms, often combined with a custom supplier portal:
Automotive (JIT sequencing), food (HACCP and cold chain), pharma (GDP and serialisation), electronics (component volatility). The custom work typically lies in production planning, quality data and batch traceability.
E-commerce, physical stores and wholesale, with shared inventory and order allocation. OMS, distributed order management and click-and-collect flows are typical custom components.
Broad catalogue, customer-specific pricing and terms, EDI integrations with buyers. Often a mix of a proprietary ordering portal and integrations with Peppol and marketplaces.
White-label platform with multi-tenancy, with each client's own processes, rates and reporting. Often combined with a driver app, customer portal and EDI integrations.
Customs flows, eCMR, e-AWB, ADR for dangerous goods. E-commerce fulfilment with cross-border challenges (VAT, returns, local carriers).
Building materials suppliers (site deliveries, project orders, pallet return flows), energy and utility supply chains (critical stock, NIS2 requirements) and FMCG with high turnover and short shelf life. Sector-specific logic that standard packages lack or that requires heavy custom configuration.
We map out your current data flows, systems, pain points and KPIs, including conversations with procurement, planning, operations and finance. The output is a factual picture of where the chain is leaking.
Which parts do we tackle first? S&OP, OMS, visibility, supplier portal: it depends on where the greatest pain and the quickest wins lie. We work to a phased roadmap with concrete sprints.
First one product line, one business unit or one customer on the 3PL platform. The pilot proves that data, flows and user adoption work before we roll out more broadly.
Rollout across all business units, locations or customers. This includes training, change management and running the old and new processes in parallel until the new system is stable.
A supply chain is never "finished". We stay involved on a continuous improvement basis: new integrations, fine-tuning AI models, compliance updates and sector-specific extensions.
We work in two-week sprints with a fixed multidisciplinary team of product, engineering and supply chain domain experts. A demo after every sprint, with priorities agreed with your product owner. No black-box projects, no mystery billing: you see each sprint what has been built and what the next sprint will tackle.
EU regulation surrounding supply chains is evolving. From sprint one, we build in the rules that apply to you, rather than leaving compliance to a separate project afterwards.
Sustainability reporting (scope 3 emissions across the chain) and due diligence on your suppliers. We build the data layer alongside everything else so that reporting flows out of operations, rather than becoming an annual exercise.
The digital consignment note becomes mandatory across the EU. We implement eCMR as part of your transport flow, with a fallback for partners not yet working digitally.
Critical supply chains (energy, food, pharma, transport) are subject to stricter cybersecurity requirements. We build logging, monitoring and incident response in as standard.
If your planning or risk management uses AI models, these may fall under the AI Act. We ensure explainability, an audit trail and human oversight wherever the law requires it.
For pharma (Good Distribution Practice) and food (Hazard Analysis), we build in cold chain tracking, batch traceability and deviation alerts at the level your sector requires.
Dangerous goods flows (road and air) and procurement onboarding with anti-money laundering checks. For those shipping or purchasing under special regimes, we build in the right controls, including logging and an audit trail for the regulator.
The European Battery Regulation introduces the digital product passport for batteries, covering origin, materials and reuse. For producers, importers and distributors in this chain, we build the data flows and integrations that populate the product passport.
Customer and driver data, supplier data, end-user data: personal data processing runs through the entire chain. We build in roles, authorisations and retention periods from sprint one, so GDPR does not become a separate project.
A 30-minute introductory call in which we go through which links in your chain are causing problems today, which packages you already have, and whether a custom orchestrator or a specific component (WMS, TMS, OMS, supplier portal) is the right first step. No obligation, and no pitch deck.
On applatenmaken.com we cover the same subject from the development perspective: Building supply chain and logistics software.
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