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Introduction
We
recently visited with Yantra (www.yantra.com) and found that their
reputation as the leader in Distributed Order Management is deserved.
But we also found that they have other tools that shine.
Distributed
Order Management
When
a complex, distributed distribution system is in place, managing the complexity
can be daunting and that is the environment where Yantra has built its
reputation. Yantra is known for its core product, a Distributed Order
Management application that coordinates the lifecycle of an order
across an extended supply chain. It works with companies' existing systems
to aggregate and manage orders across multiple channels, divisions, distribution
centers and fulfillment partners. It enables companies to incorporate
new sales channels with their existing systems, providing them an integrated
view of customer purchases across divisions and channels.
The
system uses configurable business rules and workflow to automate the manual
activities often associated with managing orders in a complex, distributed
environment. Each order line can follow a unique set of processes driven
by any order related information. The system also automatically creates
and tracks orders that result from, or depend on, the original customer
order. Key attributes of the Distributed Order Management system are:
- Sourcing of orders across divisions & partners
- Granular management of complex order processes
- Aggregation of orders across multiple channels
Companies
like Target, Best Buy, Eastman Chemicals, DHL/Allogis,
APL Logistics and UK based Argos are all customers using
Yantra's Distributed Order Management. For example, Target had a different
order management system to support each of its six direct-to-customer
sales channels. Now Yantra's product manages orders across all six channels.
The orders range from standard pick-pack-ship fulfillment to complex,
multi-step fulfillment and delivery processes.
Other
Tools for Other Needs
In
addition to Distributed Order Management, Yantra provides other applications
specifically designed to manage business processes across an extended
supply chain.
Each
is based on the premise that companies must more flexibly manage supply
chain activity and require real-time visibility and control of operations
both inside and outside of their enterprise.
Yantra's
complete product suite includes:
| Logistics Management |
Logistics Management is an Internet based application
that manages multi-modal inbound and outbound shipments. It integrates
relevant shipment information from suppliers, carriers and ship nodes
into a single transportation execution system, providing real-time
visibility and control of the entire process. Configurable business
rules and transportation workflow enable companies to executive complex
transportation plans. |
|
| Reverse Logistics |
Yantra provides reverse logistics capability that manages
returns from the moment the Return Material (or Merchandize) Authorization
(RMA) is created or a replacement order is submitted, throughout the
reverse logistics and repair cycle until the item is returned to stock
or discarded. A key differentiator for this product is its ability
to automate the processing of different types of returns, giving companies
the flexibility to modify the reverse logistics cycle to meet specific
needs. |
|
| Warehouse Management |
WMS was Yantra's original product offering and they
continue to add clients in this area. WMS is integrated with its core
platform (see below) so customers can more effectively manage warehouse
operations based on activities that take place across the supply chain.
|
|
| Supply Collaboration |
Yantra offers supply collaboration capability forecasts
and schedules, negotiating orders and monitoring inventory levels.
Companies can then execute and manage purchase orders. Companies can
effectively work with large vendors using EDI connections, as well
as small and medium size suppliers by collaborating over the web.
|
|
| Supply Chain Event Management |
Yantra provides an infrastructure for managing critical
events across the extended supply chain. Using this capability companies
can receive advanced notification and proactively resolve problems
with orders, inventory and shipments. Alerts can be sent via wireless
device, email, fax or through a web-based alert management console.
|
|
| Inventory Synchronization |
Yantra manages and coordinates inventory stored at multiple
internal and external locations, consolidating inventory data from
multiple systems and providing global inventory visibility. It includes
the ability to manage products stored by suppliers and outsourced
logistics providers and offers global ATP capability. |
The
Power of the Platform
A
key component of Yantra's applications is the technology platform upon
which they are deployed. A critical component of the platform is a business
process-modeling tool that enables companies to flexibly define supply
chain processes within their organization and across the extended supply
chain. This is how Yantra manages and monitors external transactions and
identifies potential problems. It also includes a participant model that
provides the flexibility to define the roles and responsibilities of supply
chain participants. Yantra's Platform is a standards' based, J2EE compliant
product that leverages open, web services technologies such as XML and
SOAP.
Recommendations
User
Recommendations Retail, High Tech, Distribution and Third Party
Logistics companies with complex, distributed order management and execution
needs should place Yantra on their short list. Those companies with existing
ERP or Supply Chain vendors in-house should evaluate Yantra in addition
to their incumbent vendors due to Yantra's success in co-existing situation
where customers have found that Yantra often complements and improves
upon the solutions offered by the existing vendors. Existing Yantra customers
should evaluate the remaining portions of their product suite in search
for additional value.
Yantra
Recommendations Yantra appears to be ahead of the pack in applications
for distributed order processing and related needs. In many markets, it
is far from a household name. In most markets, it is known only as a distributed
order management solutions. These two marketing gaps must be addressed
for Yantra to progress to the position in the market justified by its
product offerings.
About
the Authors
Olin
Thompson is a principal of Process ERP Partners, LLC. He has over
25 years experience as an executive in the software industry with the
last 17 focused on the process industries including the ERP, SCP, and
e-business related segments. Olin has been called "the Father of Process
ERP." He is a frequent author and an award-winning speaker on topics of
gaining value from ERP, SCP, e-commerce and the impact of technology on
industry.
He
can be reached at Olin@processerp.com.
Predrag
Jakovljevic is a TEC research director with a focus on the enterprise
applications market. He has over 14 years of manufacturing industry experience,
including several years as a power user of IT/ERP, as well as being a
consultant/implementer and market analyst. He has been certified in production
and inventory management (CPIM) and in integrated resources management
(CIRM) by APICS.