Supply chain simulation, network planning and transport optimisation in one integrated solution

Introduction to the tool

The Supply Chain Suite SCS is a modular software solution for the end-to-end management of complex supply chains. Developed by Siemens Digital Industries Software, it helps companies bring transparency to their supply chains, understand interdependencies and make informed decisions based on reliable data.
For many companies, SCS is a useful introduction to topics such as supply chain simulation, digital twins and data-based optimisation. Existing ERP systems are not replaced, but rather supplemented in a targeted manner. SCS uses existing data, processes it and makes it usable for analysis, simulation and optimisation.

The software offers structured access, especially for beginners, as real processes can be mapped and evaluated step by step without having to delve deeply into mathematical models right away.

Areas of application and typical uses

The Supply Chain Suite is used across a range of industries, including manufacturing, retail, logistics services and consumer goods production. Typical application scenarios are:

• Network planning and location evaluation
• Transport and route planning
• Inventory analysis and delivery frequency optimisation
• Evaluation of suppliers and customer assignments
• Greenfield and brownfield analyses for existing or new networks
• Creation of a digital twin of the supply chain

Companies use SCS for strategic issues such as location decisions as well as for tactical and operational optimisation in transport, warehousing and scheduling.

Key features and strengths

One of the greatest strengths of the Supply Chain Suite is its holistic, data-driven approach. The software brings together structured and unstructured data from various sources, including ERP systems, TMS and manual data sources.

Key features include:

• Uniform data model for the entire supply chain
• Simulation and scenario management based on real data
• Key figure-based evaluation of costs, service levels and CO2 emissions
• Visualisation of complex networks and material flows
• Support for decision-making processes through what-if analyses

Simulations allow interactions within the supply chain to be identified at an early stage, before decisions are implemented.

Structure and available modules

The Supply Chain Suite has a modular structure and can be expanded step by step. It is based on the SCS Core Package, which can be supplemented with specialised optimisation packages.

Important modules include:

• Network Optimisation for location planning and network design
• Transportation Optimisation for routes, tours and fleet planning
• Intralogistics Optimisation for warehouses and material flows
• Rate Optimisation for freight rates and cost structures

These modules access a common data model and can be combined with each other.

Versions and licence models

SCS is provided as a Software as a Service solution. Companies only use the functions and cloud services they actually need. This makes it easier to get started and allows for flexible scaling depending on the scope of the project and the maturity of the supply chain analysis.

Licence models are modular in design and are based on the packages and functions used.

Integration and interfaces

The Supply Chain Suite can be integrated into existing IT landscapes via standardised APIs. Typical interfaces exist to ERP systems, transport management systems, CRM solutions and other planning tools.

This makes SCS particularly well suited as an analytical and simulative addition to existing systems without replacing existing processes.

Frequently asked questions about the Supply Chain Suite

Who is the SCS suitable for?
The software is suitable for both beginners and experienced users. Companies working with simulation or digital twins for the first time will particularly benefit from its structured design.

Do you need programming skills?
No. Most analyses and simulations are model-based and carried out using graphical interfaces and predefined functions.

Is the software only suitable for large companies?
No. Thanks to its modular structure, medium-sized companies can also address specific issues.