Research three OSCM software packages from different companies. For each package, write -500 words explaining the capabilities and limitations of that package. Additionally, include a short introduction paragraph and conclusion with your overall impressions and recommendations for OSCM software.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated the fragility and sensitivity of supply chains due to unexpected market shocks. Around the world, supply chains are reeling from the result of a litany of factors coalescing together to interrupt global supply chains. These factors include abrupt business closures and shutdowns, travel restrictions, hybrid work environments, and government intervention. Each of these elements impacted supply chains in varying degrees and in varying manners. By virtue of their disruption to supply chains, OSCM packages became a much more vital element to the international operations of firms with complex supply chains. Here, not only did businesses need to reactivate supply chains, but they needed to do so in a manner that would ultimately help benefit unprecedented demand for goods and services from consumers (Albertson, 2007). As of this writing, countries around the world are still grappling with large delays and disruptions to supply chains. In particular, technology firms are dealing with a large reduction in computer chip demand as the ability to manufacture these products requires substantial lead times. The disruption in computer chips has led to cascading impacts to other industries such as gaming consoles, auto manufacturing, smart appliances, laptops, and other electronics. Although one node in the supply chain, this example illustrates how one critical component can have a severely adverse impact on other nodes within the supply chain. As a result it is critical to have strong OSCM packages to help mitigate the lower the adverse impacts associated with abrupt and protracted disruptions to supply chains. Software helps to better anticipate demand, while also lower the probability...

It also has the potential to be engrained with other emerging technologies such as data analytics and even artificial intelligence to provide businesses with even more information to make better informed decisions (Ammer, 1989). Companies such as Alibaba and Amazon are already using artificial intelligence as a means to predict consumer behavior and adjust supply chains according. Artificial intelligence has also been known to better predict consumer purchasing behavior prior to the actual purchase, thereby adequately keeping inventory levels during peak demand periods. Once these innovations and methodologies become common place with the overall supply chain network of the world, the issues society is currently facing as it relates to the current COVID-19 pandemic will diminish (Abdinnour-Helm,...…and subsequent supply of their products goods and services. This ultimately, enables companies to lower inventory costs while also ensuring that orders are managed effectively throughout the supply chain.

The third OSCM software product is created from SAP. Of the three software products reviewed, this offering received the lowest score from users with an aggregate rating of 6.3. However it did receive an editor rating of 8.8. As it relates to the other two offerings, the software offers many of the same features. It looks to help streamline transportation management processes, work with multiple vendors in the supply chain, and combine sales forecasts into one coherent product offering. Here, the product is limited as it is catered to small and medium sized businesses. As a result its limitation are related to a lack of customization that the Oracle product has. Likewise, it also lacks many of the more sophisticated features that the Oracle product has as well (Alvarado, 2001).

In conclusion, the three OSCM products reviewed above each has their distinct advantages and limitations. Some cater to specific markets while also cater to much larger more sophisticated clientele. Each however is designed to help alleviated and mitigate many of the supply chain pain points that businesses around the world are feeling as they grapple with the challenges presented…