The News: Supply chain software provider Manhattan Associates recently announced enhancements to its product line that provide third-party logistics providers (3PLs) an improved set of tools for managing extended supply chain processes.

SCDigest Says:

The core of the improvements to Manhattan's Extended Enterprise Management (EEM) solution set are around web-based visibilIty and logistics "hubs" that enable 3PLs to support various fulfillment processes end to end. What Do You Say? Click Here to Send Us Your Comments

Why It's Worth Noting: (1) Users continue in general to not view 3PL techonology capabilities highly (See Annual 3PL Study Again Finds Plans for Increased Outsourcing not Being Realized), and these are the types of capabilities that could change that perception. (2) Both 3PLs and clients are looking for relationships to broaden and become more strategic. These types of supply chain-wide capabilities provide a platform for doing that, versus more narrow basic DC or Transportation Management relationships.

The Story: The core of the improvements to Manhattan's Extended Enterprise Management (EEM) solution set are around web-based visibility tools and logistics "hubs" that enable 3PLs to support various fulfillment processes end-to-end.

That includes a web-based visibility system for seeing orders, shipments and inventory in real time, which also then provides a platform for what Manhattan calls "pop-up" supply chains, meaning more dynamic and flexible logistics flows that respond rapidly to supply and demand changes.

The platform can also support cross dock operations as part of these logistics flows.

The solutions adds or extends several other features, such as a web-based order management and client communication/collaboration application, enhanced "event management" capabilities, and support for "DC Bypass" operations where product is shipped from import warehouses directly to end customers, rather than first going to the importer's own DC.

Manhattan says these capabilities can also help improve a 3PL's utilization of assets such as containers and trucks.

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