Best 3PL Software

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, third-party logistics (3PL) companies play a critical role in providing warehousing, transportation, and fulfillment services to businesses across various industries. To keep pace with the increasing demands of the marketplace, 3PLs require powerful software solutions that can streamline their operations, enhance visibility and control, and optimize their supply chain management processes.

In this article, the search for the best 3PL software has become a top priority for logistics providers who aim to stay competitive and offer superior service to their clients. Let’s take a closer look at some of the leading 3PL software solutions available in the market today.

What is 3PL software ?

what 3PL software is and what it’s used for. 3PL stands for “third-party logistics”, which refers to outsourcing logistics and supply chain management operations to a third-party provider. 3PL software, then, is software that helps manage and optimize these operations for both the 3PL provider and their clients.

What is the use of 3PL software in business ?

Small businesses

For small businesses, a turnkey 3PL software solution can provide full logistics capabilities right out of the box. This can be a great choice for businesses that are just starting out and may not have the resources to invest in extensive customization or integration with other logistics systems. With a turnkey solution, small businesses can easily manage their inventory, orders, and shipping operations in one centralized system. This can help improve efficiency and accuracy while reducing errors and delays.

Medium-sized businesses:

Medium-sized businesses may require more advanced features like RFID tracking to improve their logistics operations. RFID tracking enables products, tools, and vehicles to be tracked automatically through wireless RFID tags and scanners. This can help businesses keep track of their inventory in real-time, optimize their supply chain processes, and reduce the risk of lost or stolen goods. Additionally, medium-sized businesses may benefit from a more comprehensive 3PL software package that includes advanced features like automated order processing, advanced analytics and reporting, and multi-channel fulfillment capabilities.

Large enterprises:

Large enterprises typically have complex supply chain operations and may require more specialized 3PL software solutions that can integrate seamlessly with existing or legacy software systems. These solutions may include advanced features like supply chain visibility, real-time analytics and reporting, and multi-modal transportation management. Large businesses may also require customized workflows and integration with other systems, such as ERP or CRM software. By implementing a 3PL software solution that can meet these complex needs, large businesses can optimize their logistics operations and ensure a steady flow of business with minimal disruption to existing fulfillment operations or processes.

There are many 3PL software options on the market, but some stand out as the best. Here are three of the best 3PL software options available today

Here’s an example of how you can structure the List of best 3PL companies

Best 3PL software

1. Da Vinci Supply Chain Business Suite

Da Vinci Supply Chain Business Suite is a software designed for businesses that need to manage their supply chain, including warehouse management, transportation management, and more. It’s cloud-based, which means it’s accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.

Da Vinci also offers integration with other systems like EDI and ERP, making it easier to manage different aspects of the business in one place. The software is commonly used in industries such as apparel, electronics, and food and beverage. Da Vinci comes with a range of features such as barcode scanning, parcel tracking, and reporting to help businesses streamline their operations.

Pros

1. Well-designed screens and processes make the software easy to use.
2. Excellent support is available, including tutorials and speedy project completion with follow-up.
3. The ability to add locations and customize features for specific customers is a valuable feature.
4. EDI integration with customers is important and has been well-supported.
5. Easy setup and outstanding customer and tech support have helped the company grow.

Cons

1. Although the software is good, there are other warehouse management systems that may be better.
2. There are occasional glitches that are hard to pinpoint and resolve.
3. There is a lack of understanding about the depth of each upgrade.

Best Alternatives for da Vinci supply chain

NetSuite
TrySuite
Route4me
Unicommerce

Also checkout which software you should select with the help of 3PL guide

2 NetSuite

NetSuite is an all-in-one cloud business management solution used by over 32,000 customers across 200+ countries. It helps businesses operate more effectively by automating core processes and providing real-time visibility into operational and financial performance.

The software includes ERP, financials, commerce, inventory management, HR, supply chain management, CRM, and more. NetSuite is accessed through an internet connection and is ideal for rapidly growing businesses of any size in any industry.

The software has role-based dashboards that provide real-time information to help run the business. Users subscribe to NetSuite for an annual license fee, which includes the core platform, optional modules, and number of users. As the business grows, new modules and users can easily be added. NetSuite also has a mobile app available for IOS and Android to streamline work on the go.

Pros

1. NetSuite has great inventory management, which is better than its competitors.
2. The program is easier to navigate than its competitor, SalesForce.
3. NetSuite allows all company information to be stored in one place, making it easy to find and access customer information.

Cons

1. NetSuite has high prices and poor business practices with an unprofessional support team.
2. There are occasional defects that impact business processes and users.
3. When NetSuite has errors, they can be severe and take a while to fix, which affects daily business operations.

Best Alternatives for NetSuite

GoFrugal
Megaventory
Rout4me

User review

NetSuite is a powerful all-in-one business management software that integrates all business functions, providing real-time visibility into all business operations. The software is easy to use and customizable, and offers excellent customer support. However, NetSuite’s cost and complexity can be a drawback for small businesses, which may find it difficult to implement and costly. Also, customization limitations and difficulties with integrating with other software can be an issue. In addition, NetSuite’s response time can be slow. Overall, NetSuite is a great solution for businesses that need a complete solution for business management, but careful assessment of needs and budget is important before adoption.

3 Fishbowl

Fishbowl’s manufacturing and inventory software is highly valued by customers for its inventory control, material requirements planning, job shop floor control, work order management, barcoding, raw materials management, manufacturer orders and bills of materials, and ability to predict inventory requirements based on sales trends. With Fishbowl’s software, businesses can simplify their processes, improve efficiency, and save money with real-time inventory updates.

Pros

1. Fishbowl’s software is easy to use and understand, with simplicity being its most appealing feature.
2. The support staff is not only helpful, but also a pleasure to talk to.
3. The customer service representative is commended for their outstanding talents and dedication to providing excellent service.

Cons

1. Customizing Fishbowl’s products can be difficult, especially for businesses that are used to their old processes.
2. The complexity of inventory management can be a challenge and is often the root of complaints.
3. Fixing problems with Fishbowl’s software can be difficult without contacting their support team, but they are usually responsive and helpful.

Best Alternatives for Fishbowl’s

NetSuite
TYASuite
Route4Me
Unicommerce
WISE

4 Unicommerce

Unicommerce is a provider of technologically advanced and highly accurate eCommerce supply chain solutions. Their software is used by over 10,000 global marketplaces and brands, including well-known names like SUGAR Cosmetics, Hamilton Housewares, Enamor, Xtep, Iconic, and more.

Unicommerce helps businesses automate and streamline their eCommerce operations across both online and offline sales channels, resulting in exponential business growth, improved unit economics, and amplified ROI.

Pros

1. Unicommerce provides a single-window view for multiple warehouses, optimizing logistics costs and saving on ROI.
2. The software handles inventory levels effectively and can handle specific orders with ease.
3. Unicommerce offers a great value proposition, with exclusive tags that are comparable to those offered by bigger players like Amazon and Flipkart.

Cons

1. Unicommerce has been criticized for having broken features across multiple areas, including order management, inventory management, and returns management.
2. The self-help documentation for learning and usage of the software is limited.
3. Processed orders may remain in the pending list of Unicommerce, making it difficult to attain correct reporting.

Best Alternatives for Unicommerce

Coupa
RapidResponse
JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
Wireless Warehouse In A Box
Contract Logix

5 Excalibur

Excalibur WMS by Camelot 3PL is a warehouse management solution (WMS) designed specifically for third-party logistics (3PL) warehouses and fulfillment operations. This cloud-based or on-premise solution is customizable for a variety of business types including dry storage, hazmat, retail fulfillment, cold storage, bulk materials, or e-commerce.

Excalibur WMS is built within Microsoft Dynamics NAV and gives businesses complete control over their inventory management, shipping, receiving, billing, invoicing, and reporting functions. The software is fully functional out-of-the-box and also offers detailed configuration flexibility.

The solution provides a wide range of data collection and integration options such as EDI, shopping cart and shipping carrier integration, barcode scanning, and Quickbook/ERP integrations. With WebLink View, clients can have 24/7 visibility of inventory and order information from any device with a browser.

Overall, Excalibur WMS provides a comprehensive and customizable solution for logistics and shipping businesses, with advanced features such as data collection and integration options, complete inventory management, and detailed reporting functions.

Pros

1. The Excalibur WMS system is user-friendly due to being based on Microsoft and can keep up with the ever-evolving world of logistics. Additionally, it offers robust reporting and EDI/API integration capabilities.
2. Some of the modules in the software, such as Data Interface, Communication Manager, TMS, and Billing, are well-developed and work effectively.
3. The Item Table in Excalibur WMS is comprehensive and provides extensive control over various parameters, allowing for effective management of a wide range of different products.

Cons

1. Some of the training material for Excalibur WMS is outdated, causing confusion for users.
2. The out-of-the-box version of the software has limited features and poor documentation.

Best Alternatives for Excalibur

NetSuite
TYASuite
Route4Me
Unicommerce
WISE

6 WISE

WISE by Royal 4 Systems is a warehouse management system (WMS) designed to support various industries, including 3PL, automotive, food and beverage, and industrial machinery. It offers features such as receiving, directed putaway, picking and slotting, cross-docking, ERP integration, and more.

WISE also provides advanced shipping notices, purchase order organization, warehouse transfers, and work order processing. The software supports both RF and paper-based solutions and is compatible with RFID for warehouses that require it. Transportation features, including yard management, are also available for companies in need of extended transportation capabilities.

WISE is offered in multiple languages and customer service is available via email, online, and phone. Companies requiring hardware can purchase directly from Royal 4.

Pros

• The software’s functionality can be easily customized to meet specific operational objectives, allowing for agility in operations.
• The user interface is clean and user-friendly, providing easy access to key features.
• Inventory can be tracked accurately, and orders can be shipped out on time.
• The system is intuitive and easy to learn, operate, manage and train.
• The ability to customize the software makes it highly responsive to specific needs.

Cons

• There are occasional small system errors, particularly with SSCC and certain EAN codes.
• The fee for receiving US dollars is an unpleasant surprise, especially when other currencies are received without a fee.
• The system’s rigidity can leave no room for interpretations or misunderstandings, which could lead to project delays.

Best Alternatives for Wise

NetSuite
TYASuite
GoFrugal
Megaventory
Route4Me