From clunky to connected: Supply chain planning without workarounds
Author
Discover what end-to-end supply chain orchestration really looks like and who delivers it best — in one connected platform.
The promise of a single, unified system that seamlessly manages end-to-end supply chain planning and execution — from strategic network design to order execution — is an overhyped sales pitch. While many platforms claim to cover the entire supply chain spectrum, the reality is often a patchwork of loosely integrated tools cobbled together through years of acquisitions.
This is particularly evident with Blue Yonder, which built much of its comprehensive offering by acquiring industry giants like JDA Software (which later rebranded as Blue Yonder itself in 2020), and before that JDA had acquired i2 Technologies (in 2010) and Manugistics (in 2006).
What you should pursue is a solution that instead delivers end-to-end orchestration. It’s time you set your sights on a comprehensive platform for the different layers of supply chain planning while also achieving operational transparency and seamless handoffs through data ingestion, integration, and harmonization across your broader system ecosystem.
When integration fails, workarounds take over
Modern supply chain planning systems should make planning easier, not more difficult. Research the planning system you’re looking to purchase and ask pointed questions.
- Are the modules built on the same code base?
- Even in cloud deployments, are legacy components still powering core planning logic?
- Is there an over emphasis on spreadsheets?
- Does data processing occur in batches?
If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” you could find yourself and your planning team trapped in a world of workarounds, working through multiple screens and systems to execute a single workflow or relying on a spreadsheet. Reverting to spreadsheets as a workaround not only defeats the purpose of investing in an advanced planning system but also guarantees you will not gain the performance, accuracy, nor efficiency gains to justify the ROI.
Two platforms, two different planning experiences
Purchasing a supply chain planning system is like buying a car. You will want to look under the hood and get a better look at the engine to ensure it delivers the performance, speed, and reliability you expect. Make sure to ask critical questions and ask to see demonstrations to avoid buyer’s remorse down the road.
Blue Yonder often leads with aspirations, but beneath the surface, its clunky, acquisition-heavy architecture can lead to rigid workflows, delayed insights, and costly workarounds. This approach often prioritizes the story over consistent, proven execution.
Anaplan takes a fundamentally different approach — one built for agility, seamless integration, and rapid time to value.
| Feature | Blue Yonder | Anaplan | Demonstration question |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Unified cloud platform |
Patchwork of solutions with technical debt |
Cloud-native and unified |
Can you walk me through an end-to-end supply chain process in your platform? |
|
Real-time planning |
Batch-job reliant |
Real-time updates |
Can you show me the technical process of pushing plan changes through the system, and how long does that take? |
|
Seamless integration |
Acquired, disparate code |
Single code base |
Can you demonstrate how a change in demand forecasting automatically impacts supply planning in real time within the same interface? |
|
Business user flexibility |
IT-heavy customization |
Low code/no-code |
How easily can your platform adapt to our unique business structures and custom planning hierarchies? Can you demonstrate that without custom development? |
|
Demand forecasting |
Blackbox AI forecasting models |
Transparent, flexible, explainable forecasts |
Can we run an accuracy test to see how your model outperforms a naïve forecast? |
|
Scenario modeling |
Supports two per planning run |
Unlimited scenarios per planning run |
Can you showcase how you model multiple scenarios to optimize decision-making? |
|
Predictable TCO |
High consulting and upgrade costs |
Business owned, lower costs |
Show me how a platform update is deployed and what resources are required? |
|
Time-to-value |
Lengthy deployments |
Accelerated ROI |
Can you connect me with a reference customer to share their implementation experience? |
The Anaplan difference: Orchestration, not overlays
So, what does true "end-to-end supply chain orchestration" look like? It's not about a collection of disparate tools, no matter how many logos are on a single slide. It's about a natively integrated platform where every planning layer, from strategic design to granular execution, speaks the same language, shares the same real-time data, and contributes to a unified understanding of your business.
Anaplan's approach is fundamentally unique. We've built a platform designed from the ground up to eliminate those frustrating workarounds and the reliance on spreadsheets that erode your ROI. Our modules aren't just "integrated," they are part of a singular, cohesive architecture. This means:
- No more batch processing delays: Data flows in real-time, ensuring your plans are always based on the freshest information.
- Harmonize data across your enterprise: Automate data ingestion, transformation, and distribution with a no-code interface that connects seamlessly to create a single source of truth, turning data chaos into actionable insights.
- A unified code base: Say goodbye to the complexities and inconsistencies of managing mixed on-prem and cloud infrastructures.
- Empowered business users: Your planning teams can directly interact with the system, build models, and run scenarios without constant IT intervention. The power is in your hands, not locked behind a technical gate.
Beyond grand promises: Delivering real-world results
The ambitious claims and constantly evolving approach might sound innovative on paper, but in the critical world of supply chain, it introduces unacceptable levels of risk and uncertainty. You need a technology partner who delivers on promises, not just paints a compelling picture.
Anaplan offers a stable, proven platform that brings predictability and reliability to your most complex planning challenges. Companies like Del Monte and Michelin have experienced tangible benefits, from cutting inventory carrying costs by 20% to reducing reaction time to demand changes from days to mere minutes. These aren't just stories, they're examples of proven execution that translate into real margin optimization, inventory reduction, and significant improvements in forecast accuracy.
Your path to a resilient, agile supply chain
In a world where volatility is the new normal, your supply chain planning system needs to be a source of strength, not another point of risk. It's time to move beyond the patchwork and the promises that don't materialize.
Choose a platform that offers true end-to-end orchestration, empowers your teams with agility, and consistently delivers the performance, accuracy, and efficiency gains you need to thrive.